Display device

Abstract

A display device may include: a display panel including a plurality of pixels; a data driver configured to apply a data voltage to the plurality of pixels based on a data signal; a sensing driver configured to receive a sensing current from at least one of the plurality of pixels and output sensing data based on the sensing current; a non-volatile memory circuit configured to store the sensing data as stored sensing data; and a driving controller configured to output a data signal to a data driver and store sensing data received from the sensing driver. The drive controller may determine a difference between the stored sensing data and the sensing data by comparing the stored sensing data with the sensing data. The non-volatile memory circuit may store the same storage sense data as the sense data as storage compensation data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the inventive concept relate to a display device and a method of driving the display device. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a display device includes a display panel and a panel driver. The display panel includes a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines, a plurality of sensing lines, and a plurality of pixels. The panel driver includes a gate driver that provides a gate signal to the gate lines, a data driver that provides a data voltage to the data lines, a sensing driver that receives sensing data through the sensing lines, and a driving controller that controls the gate driver, the data driver, and the sensing driver.

[0003] Generally, in a display device, a difference (or discrepancy) may occur between sensing data stored in a non-volatile memory and sensing data applied to the driving controller, such that dark spots (or dark spots) and dark lines are displayed on the display panel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some embodiments provide a display device that reduces a difference between sensing data stored in a non-volatile memory and sensing data applied to a driving controller.

[0005] Some embodiments provide a method of driving a display device.

[0006] According to an embodiment, a display device may include: a display panel including a plurality of pixels; a data driver configured to apply a data voltage to the plurality of pixels based on a data signal; a sensing driver configured to receive a sensing current from at least one of the plurality of pixels, and the sensing driver outputs sensing data based on the sensing current; a non-volatile memory circuit configured to store the sensing data as stored sensing data; and a driving controller configured to output a data signal to the data driver and store the sensing data received from the sensing driver. The driving controller may determine a difference between the stored sensing data and the sensing data by comparing the stored sensing data with the sensing data. The non-volatile memory circuit may store the stored sensing data identical to the sensing data as stored compensation data.

[0007] In an embodiment, the driving controller may compare the stored sensing data with the sensing data by determining whether a value obtained by subtracting the sensing data from the stored sensing data is 0.

[0008] In an embodiment, a drive controller may include a sensing storage circuit configured to store sensing data, a dummy storage circuit configured to store the stored sensing data received from a non-volatile memory circuit as dummy sensing data, a comparison circuit configured to compare the dummy sensing data with the sensing data, and a header circuit configured to store a success signal and a failure signal from the comparison circuit.

[0009] In an embodiment, when the difference between the dummy sensing data and the sensing data is 0, the comparison circuit may output a success signal to the header circuit, and the non-volatile memory circuit may store the stored sensing data as stored compensation data.

[0010] In an embodiment, a plurality of pixels may include a first pixel and a second pixel. The sensing data may include first sensing data corresponding to the first pixel and second sensing data corresponding to the second pixel. The stored sensing data may include first stored sensing data corresponding to the first sensing data and second stored sensing data corresponding to the second sensing data. The dummy sensing data may include first dummy sensing data corresponding to the first stored sensing data and second dummy sensing data corresponding to the second stored sensing data. The drive controller may compare the stored sensing data with the sensing data by determining whether values obtained by subtracting the first sensing data from the first stored sensing data and values obtained by subtracting the second sensing data from the second stored sensing data are both 0.

[0011] In an embodiment, when the difference between the dummy sensing data and the sensing data is not 0, the comparison circuit may output a failure signal to the header circuit, and the dummy storage circuit may receive the stored sensing data again.

[0012] In an embodiment, when the difference between the stored sensing data received again by the dummy storage circuit and the sensing data is 0, the comparison circuit may output a success signal to the header circuit, and the non-volatile memory circuit may store the stored sensing data as stored compensation data.

[0013] In an embodiment, when the number of times the dummy storage circuit receives the stored sensing data is greater than or equal to a reference sensing number, the drive controller may output an error signal.

[0014] In an embodiment, the non-volatile memory circuit may include a first non-volatile memory circuit and a second non-volatile memory circuit. The stored sensing data may be applied from the first non-volatile memory circuit to the dummy storage circuit. When the number of times the dummy storage circuit can receive the stored sensing data is greater than or equal to the reference sensing number, the stored sensing data stored in the first non-volatile memory circuit may be deleted.

[0015] In an embodiment, the drive controller may further include a compensation storage circuit configured to receive stored compensation data from a non-volatile memory circuit, and a data signal output circuit configured to output a data signal. The dummy storage circuit may store dummy compensation data by receiving the stored compensation data from the non-volatile memory circuit. The comparison circuit may compare the dummy compensation data with the stored compensation data stored in the compensation storage circuit. When the dummy compensation data is consistent with the stored compensation data stored in the compensation storage circuit, the data signal output circuit may output a data signal based on the stored compensation data.

[0016] In an embodiment, when the dummy compensation data is consistent with the stored compensation data stored in the compensation storage circuit, the comparison circuit may output a success signal to the header circuit.

[0017] In an embodiment, the drive controller may further include a compensation storage circuit configured to receive stored compensation data from a non-volatile memory circuit, and a data signal output circuit configured to output a data signal. The non-volatile memory circuit may include a first non-volatile memory circuit and a second non-volatile memory circuit. The compensation storage circuit may receive the stored compensation data from the first non-volatile memory circuit. The dummy storage circuit may receive the stored compensation data from the first non-volatile memory circuit, and the dummy storage circuit stores the stored compensation data as dummy compensation data. The comparison circuit may compare the dummy compensation data with the stored compensation data stored in the compensation storage circuit. When the dummy compensation data is inconsistent with the stored compensation data stored in the compensation storage circuit, the dummy storage circuit and the compensation storage circuit may receive the stored compensation data again.

[0018] In an embodiment, when the dummy compensation data is inconsistent with the stored compensation data stored in the compensation storage circuit, the comparison circuit may output a failure signal to the header circuit.

[0019] In an embodiment, when the number of times the dummy storage circuit receives stored sensing data is greater than or equal to a reference sensing number, the data signal output circuit may output a data signal based on second stored compensation data stored in the second non-volatile memory circuit.

[0020] According to an embodiment, a display device may include: a display panel including a plurality of pixels; a data driver configured to apply a data voltage to the plurality of pixels based on a data signal; a sensing driver configured to receive a sensing current from at least one of the plurality of pixels, and the sensing driver outputs sensing data based on the sensing current; a non-volatile memory circuit configured to store the sensing data as stored sensing data; and a driving controller configured to output a data signal to the data driver and store the sensing data received from the sensing driver. The driving controller may include: a dummy storage circuit configured to store the stored compensation data received from the non-volatile memory circuit as dummy compensation data; a compensation storage circuit configured to receive the stored compensation data from the non-volatile memory circuit; and a data signal output circuit configured to output a data signal. When the stored compensation data and the dummy compensation data are the same, the driving controller may output a data signal based on the stored compensation data.

[0021] In an embodiment, the driving controller may compare the stored sensing data with the sensing data by determining whether a value obtained by subtracting the sensing data from the stored sensing data is 0.

[0022] In an embodiment, when the dummy compensation data and the stored compensation data stored in the compensation storage circuit are different, the dummy storage circuit and the compensation storage circuit may receive the stored compensation data again.

[0023] In an embodiment, the non-volatile memory circuit may include a first non-volatile memory circuit and a second non-volatile memory circuit. The compensation storage circuit may receive the stored compensation data from the first non-volatile memory circuit. The dummy storage circuit may store the dummy compensation data, which is the stored compensation data received from the first non-volatile memory circuit. When the number of times the dummy storage circuit re-receives the stored sensing data is greater than or equal to a reference sensing number of times, the data signal output circuit may output a data signal based on second stored compensation data stored in the second non-volatile memory circuit.

[0024] According to an embodiment, a method of driving a display device may include: receiving sensing data; storing the sensing data as stored sensing data in a non-volatile memory circuit; storing the sensing data as dummy sensing data in a dummy storage circuit; comparing the dummy sensing data with the stored sensing data; when the dummy sensing data and the stored sensing data do not match, performing a deletion operation of the stored sensing data, a storage operation of a failure signal, and an output operation of an error signal; and when the dummy sensing data and the stored sensing data are the same, storing the stored sensing data as stored compensation data in the non-volatile memory circuit. The comparison between the stored sensing data and the dummy sensing data is performed by determining whether a value obtained by subtracting the sensing data from the stored sensing data is 0.

[0025] In an embodiment, the method may further include: storing stored compensation data as dummy compensation data in a dummy storage circuit; comparing the stored compensation data with the dummy compensation data; outputting a data signal based on the previously stored compensation data; storing a failure signal and outputting an error signal when the dummy compensation data does not match the stored compensation data; and outputting a data signal based on the stored compensation data when the dummy compensation data matches the stored compensation data.

[0026] As described above, the display device may include a dummy storage circuit. Through the dummy storage circuit, when sensing data is stored in the non-volatile memory circuit, the difference between the sensing data received from the driving controller and the stored sensing data stored in the non-volatile memory circuit can be determined. Therefore, the difference between the stored sensing data and the sensing data can be reduced. Therefore, the visibility of dark spots and dark lines can be reduced. In addition, the method of determining an error may be performed by determining that the value obtained by subtracting the sensing data from the dummy sensing data is 0. Therefore, the calculation speed can be improved, and the reliability of the calculation can be improved.

[0027] When the driving controller generates a data signal based on the stored compensation data stored in the non-volatile memory through the dummy storage circuit, errors in the stored compensation data can be reduced. Therefore, the visibility of dark spots and dark lines can be further reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Exemplary, non-limiting embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0030] Figure 2 is a diagram showing Figure 1 the circuit diagram of a pixel.

[0031] Figure 3 is a diagram showing included in Figure 1 the block diagram of the driving controller and the non-volatile memory circuit in the display device.

[0032] Figure 4 is a diagram showing Figure 1 the flowchart of the operation of the display device storing the stored compensation data.

[0033] Figure 5 is a diagram showing included in Figure 1 the block diagram of the driving controller and the non-volatile memory circuit in the display device.

[0034] Figure 6 is a diagram showing from Figure 1Flowchart of an operation of a display device for generating a data signal.

[0035] Figure 7 It is a block diagram showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0036] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A diagram of an example in which the electronic device is implemented as a smartphone. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0037] Hereinafter, the inventive concept will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1 , the display device may include a display panel 100 and a panel driver. The panel driver may include a driving controller 200, a gate driver 300, a gamma reference voltage generator 400, a data driver 500, a sensing driver 600, and a non-volatile memory circuit 700.

[0040] The display panel 100 may have a display area in which an image is displayed and a peripheral area disposed adjacent to the display area.

[0041] The display panel 100 may include a plurality of gate lines GL, a plurality of data lines DL, a plurality of sensing lines SL, and a plurality of pixels PX connected to the plurality of gate lines GL, the plurality of data lines DL, and the plurality of sensing lines SL. The plurality of gate lines GL may extend in a first direction D1. The plurality of data lines DL may extend in a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1. The plurality of sensing lines SL may extend in the second direction D2.

[0042] For example, the display panel 100 may be an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel or a quantum dot (QD) display panel, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto.

[0043] The driving controller 200 may receive input image data IMG and an input control signal CONT. For example, the input image data IMG may include red image data, green image data, and blue image data. For example, the input image data IMG may include white image data. For example, the input image data IMG may include magenta image data, yellow image data, and cyan image data. The input control signal CONT may include a main clock signal and a data enable signal. The input control signal CONT may further include a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal.

[0044] The driving controller 200 can generate a first control signal CONT1, a second control signal CONT2, a third control signal CONT3, a fourth control signal CONT4, and a data signal DATA based on a power-on signal ONS, a power-off signal OFFS, input image data IMG, and an input control signal CONT. The panel driver can be enabled in response to the power-on signal ONS. The panel driver can be turned off in response to the power-off signal OFFS. For example, the display panel 100 can emit light in response to the power-on signal ONS. For example, in response to the power-off signal OFFS, a sensing operation can be performed on the display panel 100.

[0045] The driving controller 200 can generate a first control signal CONT1 for controlling the operation of the gate driver 300 based on the input control signal CONT, and output the first control signal CONT1 to the gate driver 300. The first control signal CONT1 can include a vertical start signal and a scan clock signal.

[0046] The driving controller 200 can generate a second control signal CONT2 for controlling the operation of the data driver 500 based on the input control signal CONT, and output the second control signal CONT2 to the data driver 500. The second control signal CONT2 can include a horizontal start signal and a load signal.

[0047] The driving controller 200 can generate a data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG and the input control signal CONT. The driving controller 200 can output the data signal DATA to the data driver 500.

[0048] The driving controller 200 can generate a third control signal CONT3 for controlling the operation of the gamma reference voltage generator 400 based on the input control signal CONT, and output the third control signal CONT3 to the gamma reference voltage generator 400.

[0049] The driving controller 200 can generate a fourth control signal CONT4 for controlling the operation of the sensing driver 600 based on the input control signal CONT. The driving controller 200 can output the fourth control signal CONT4 to the sensing driver 600.

[0050] The gate driver 300 can generate a gate signal for driving a plurality of gate lines GL in response to the first control signal CONT1 received from the driving controller 200. The gate driver 300 can output the gate signal to the plurality of gate lines GL.

[0051] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the gate driver 300 may be integrated in a peripheral area of the display panel 100. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the gate driver 300 may be mounted on a peripheral area of the display panel 100.

[0052] The gamma reference voltage generator 400 may generate a plurality of gamma reference voltages VGREF in response to a third control signal CONT3 received from the driving controller 200. The gamma reference voltage generator 400 may provide the plurality of gamma reference voltages VGREF to the data driver 500. The plurality of gamma reference voltages VGREF have values corresponding to the data signal DATA.

[0053] For example, the gamma reference voltage generator 400 may be disposed in the driving controller 200 or in the data driver 500.

[0054] The data driver 500 may receive a second control signal CONT2 and a data signal DATA from the driving controller 200, and receive the plurality of gamma reference voltages VGREF from the gamma reference voltage generator 400. The data driver 500 may convert the data signal DATA into a data voltage VDATA having an analog type using the gamma reference voltage VGREF. The data driver 500 may output the data voltage VDATA to a plurality of data lines DL.

[0055] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the data driver 500 may be integrated in a peripheral area of the display panel 100. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the data driver 500 may be mounted on a peripheral area of the display panel 100.

[0056] The sensing driver 600 may control the sensing line SL in response to a fourth control signal CONT4 received from the driving controller 200.

[0057] The sensing driver 600 may generate sensing data SD by sensing the pixels PX via the sensing line SL. For example, the sensing driver 600 may sense the first to Nth pixels in response to a power-off signal OFFS, where N is a positive integer. For example, during a blanking period, the sensing driver 600 may sense at least one of the plurality of pixels PX. For example, the sensing driver 600 may sense the driving characteristics (e.g., mobility and / or threshold voltage) of a driving transistor of the pixel PX by measuring a sensing current (or sensing voltage) of the driving transistor via the sensing line SL. For example, an operation of sensing the driving characteristics (e.g., mobility and / or threshold voltage) of a sensing driving transistor may be referred to as a sensing operation. For example, the sensing data SD may include first to Nth sensing data corresponding to the first to Nth pixels.

[0058] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the sensing driver 600 may be implemented with one or more integrated circuits. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the sensing driver 600 may be included in the data driver 500 or the driving controller 200.

[0059] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the sensing driver 600 may be integrated in the peripheral area of the display panel 100. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the sensing driver 600 may be mounted on the peripheral area of the display panel 100.

[0060] The non-volatile memory circuit 700 may store the sensed data as stored compensation data. For example, the non-volatile memory circuit 700 may be formed as a flash memory. However, the inventive concept is not limited to the type of the non-volatile memory circuit 700.

[0061] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of Figure 1 the pixel PX.

[0062] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the pixel PX may include a driving transistor TDR, a writing transistor TGW, a sensing transistor TSS, a storage capacitor CST, and a light-emitting element EE. For example, the pixel PX may have a 3T1C structure. Additionally, although Figure 2 it is shown that Figure 2 the transistors of the pixel PX are N-type transistors, the inventive concept is not limited to the type of transistors included in the pixel PX. For example, the transistors of the pixel PX may be P-type transistors.

[0063] The driving transistor TDR may include a control electrode connected to the first node N1, a first electrode receiving the first power supply voltage ELVDD, and a second electrode connected to the second node N2. In this embodiment, the driving transistor TDR may supply a sensing current to the second node N2 in response to the voltage of the first node N1.

[0064] The writing transistor TGW may include a control electrode receiving the writing gate signal GW, a first electrode receiving the data voltage VDATA, and a second electrode connected to the first node N1. The writing transistor TGW may supply the data voltage VDATA to the first node N1 in response to the writing gate signal GW.

[0065] The sensing transistor TSS may include a control electrode receiving the sensing signal SS, a first electrode connected to the sensing line SL, and a second electrode connected to the second node N2. The sensing transistor TSS may supply a sensing current to the sensing line SL in response to the sensing signal SS.

[0066] The storage capacitor CST may include a first electrode connected to the first node N1 and a second electrode connected to the second node N2.

[0067] The light-emitting element EE may include an anode connected to the second node N2 and a cathode receiving the second power supply voltage ELVSS.

[0068] In this embodiment, the sensing operation may be performed in response to the power-off signal OFFS. In an embodiment, the sensing operation may be performed on at least one of the plurality of pixels PX.

[0069] In addition, although Figure 2 is shown Figure 2 the transistor of the pixel PX is an N-type transistor, the inventive concept is not limited to the type of transistor included in the pixel PX. For example, the transistor of the pixel PX may be a P-type transistor.

[0070] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the driving controller 200 and the non-volatile memory circuit 700 included in Figure 1 the display device. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing Figure 1 the operation of the display device storing the storage compensation data SVD.

[0071] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , in this embodiment, the driving controller 200 may include a temporary storage circuit 210, a comparison circuit 220, and a header circuit 230. The non-volatile memory circuit 700 may include a first non-volatile memory circuit 710 and a second non-volatile memory circuit 720. The temporary storage circuit 210 may include a sensing storage circuit 212 and a dummy storage circuit 214.

[0072] In this embodiment, the sensing storage circuit 212 may receive and store the sensing data SD. The sensing storage circuit 212 may be a volatile memory. For example, the volatile memory may be a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), etc. However, the inventive concept does not limit the type of memory. The sensing storage circuit 212 may temporarily store the sensing data SD received from the sensing driver 600. The sensing data SD stored in the sensing storage circuit 212 may be the stored sensing data SSD. For example, the non-volatile memory circuit 700 may store the first to Nth stored sensing data corresponding to the first to Nth sensing data.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the dummy storage circuit 214 may receive the storage sensing data SSD from the non-volatile memory circuit 700. The dummy storage circuit 214 may store the storage sensing data SSD received from the non-volatile memory circuit 700 as dummy sensing data DSD. The dummy storage circuit 214 may be a volatile memory. For example, the volatile memory may be a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), or the like. However, the inventive concept does not limit the type of the memory. The dummy storage circuit 214 may temporarily store the storage sensing data SSD received from the non-volatile memory circuit 700 as dummy sensing data DSD. For example, the dummy storage circuit 214 may store first to Nth dummy sensing data corresponding to first to Nth storage sensing data.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the comparison circuit 220 may compare the sensing data SD received from the sensing storage circuit 212 with the dummy sensing data DSD received from the dummy storage circuit 214. The comparison circuit 220 may determine a difference between the sensing data SD and the dummy sensing data DSD. In an embodiment, the comparison circuit 220 may compare the storage sensing data SSD with the sensing data SD. Comparing the storage sensing data SSD with the sensing data SD may be performed by determining whether a value obtained by subtracting the sensing data SD from the storage sensing data SSD is 0.

[0075] For example, when the sensing data SD and the dummy sensing data DSD have 8-bit binary codes, the process of comparing the storage sensing data SSD with the sensing data SD may be performed by determining whether a value obtained by subtracting each bit of the sensing data SD from each bit of the storage sensing data SSD is 0. In an embodiment, the process of comparing the storage sensing data SSD with the sensing data SD is performed by determining whether values obtained by subtracting the first sensing data from the first storage sensing data and by subtracting the Nth sensing data from the Nth storage sensing data are both 0.

[0076] In a conventional display device, an error occurring in a memory of the conventional display device may be determined by using a check-sum method. The check-sum method may refer to a method of determining an error by accumulating values stored in a memory and performing an exclusive OR (XOR) operation.

[0077] The process of determining an error of the display device according to the inventive concept may be performed by determining whether a value obtained by subtracting each bit of the sensing data SD from each bit of the storage sensing data SSD is 0. Therefore, compared with the check-sum method, the calculation speed of the process of determining an error of the display device according to the inventive concept may be improved. In addition, the reliability of the calculation may be improved.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the sensed data SD and the dummy sensed data DSD are different (i.e., at least one value obtained by subtracting each bit of the sensed data SD from each bit of the stored sensed data SSD is not 0), the comparison circuit 220 may output a failure signal to the header circuit 230.

[0079] In this embodiment, when the sensed data SD and the dummy sensed data DSD are the same (i.e., all values obtained by subtracting each bit of the sensed data SD from each bit of the stored sensed data SSD are 0), the comparison circuit 220 may output a success signal to the header circuit 230. For example, when the sensed data SD and the dummy sensed data DSD are the same, the stored sensed data SSD may have no error. For example, when the sensed data SD and the dummy sensed data DSD are different, the stored sensed data SSD may have an error.

[0080] In this embodiment, the header circuit 230 may receive a failure signal or a success signal from the comparison circuit 220. The header circuit 230 may store the failure signal and the success signal.

[0081] The success signal may indicate that the stored sensed data SSD of the display device may have no error. The failure signal may indicate that the stored sensed data SSD of the display device may have an error. The driving controller 200 may determine an error of the stored sensed data SSD through the success signal and the failure signal.

[0082] In this embodiment, the non-volatile memory circuit 700 may include a first non-volatile memory circuit 710 and a second non-volatile memory circuit 720. For example, the first non-volatile memory circuit 710 and the second non-volatile memory circuit 720 may be flash memories. However, the inventive concept does not limit the type of the flash memory.

[0083] In this embodiment, the sensed data SD may be alternately applied to the first non-volatile memory circuit 710 and the second non-volatile memory circuit 720. A sensing operation may be performed in response to a first power-off signal. Accordingly, first stored compensation data corresponding to the first power-off signal may be stored in the first non-volatile memory circuit 710. For example, the first stored compensation data may be referred to as previous stored compensation data. For example, a sensing operation may be performed in response to a second power-off signal after the first power-off signal. Accordingly, second stored compensation data corresponding to the second power-off signal may be stored in the second non-volatile memory circuit 720. For example, a sensing operation may be performed in response to a third power-off signal after the second power-off signal. Accordingly, third stored compensation data corresponding to the third power-off signal may be stored in the first non-volatile memory circuit 710.

[0084] In this embodiment, when the sensed data SD and the dummy sensed data DSD are the same (i.e., the value obtained by subtracting the sensed data SD from the dummy sensed data DSD is 0), the non-volatile memory circuit 700 may store the stored sensed data SSD as the stored compensation data SVD. In this embodiment, the dummy sensed data DSD may be synchronized with the sensed data SD. In this embodiment, the stored sensed data SSD may be synchronized with the sensed data SD. For example, the stored sensed data SSD may be the same as the sensed data SD.

[0085] In this embodiment, when the sensed data SD and the dummy sensed data DSD are different (i.e., the value obtained by subtracting the sensed data SD from the dummy sensed data DSD is not 0), the non-volatile memory circuit 700 may re-receive the sensed data SD from the sense storage circuit 212. For example, the operation of the non-volatile memory circuit 700 re-receiving the sensed data SD from the sense storage circuit 212 may be referred to as a sense re-receiving operation. Additionally, the number of times the sense re-receiving operation is performed may be referred to as the sense re-receiving count. The non-volatile memory circuit 700 may store the re-received sensed data as the re-received sensed data. Additionally, the dummy storage circuit 214 may receive the re-received sensed data from the non-volatile memory circuit 700. The dummy storage circuit 214 may store the re-received sensed data received from the non-volatile memory circuit 700 as the re-received dummy sensed data. The comparison circuit 220 may compare the sensed data SD with the re-received dummy sensed data.

[0086] When the sensed data SD and the re-received dummy sensed data are the same, the non-volatile memory circuit 700 may store the re-received dummy sensed data as the stored compensation data SVD.

[0087] When the sensed data SD and the re-received dummy sensed data are different and the sense re-receiving count is greater than or equal to the reference sense count K, where K is a positive integer, the stored sensed data SSD may be deleted. For example, the stored sensed data SSD may be deleted in response to a delete signal DS. For example, when the stored sensed data SSD is deleted, it is determined that the stored sensed data SSD may be in error. The reference sense count K may be set by the user. For example, the user may change the reference sense count K. Additionally, a failure signal may be stored in the header circuit 230. Furthermore, the panel driver may output an error signal. For example, the error signal may be applied to an external device. For example, the external device may be a host processor (e.g., an application processor) and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU). However, the inventive concept is not limited to the type of external device.

[0088] In a conventional display device, compensation data may be unevenly stored in a non-volatile memory. For example, in a conventional display device, some compensation data may be lost. In addition, the compensation data may be erroneously stored in the non-volatile memory. Therefore, dark spots and dark lines may be visible in the display panel of the conventional display device.

[0089] A display device according to an inventive concept may include a dummy storage circuit 214 that stores dummy sensing data DSD. In addition, the display device may determine a difference between sensing data SD and the dummy sensing data DSD, and store stored compensation data SVD in a non-volatile memory circuit 700. Accordingly, errors in the stored compensation data SVD stored in the non-volatile memory circuit 700 may be reduced. In addition, by reducing the errors, visibility of dark spots and dark lines may be reduced.

[0090] A power-off signal OFFS may be applied to a panel driver. A sensing operation may be performed in response to the power-off signal OFFS. Sensing data SD may be received in response to the sensing operation (S110). The sensing data SD may be stored as stored sensing data SSD in the non-volatile memory circuit 700 (S120). The stored sensing data SSD may be stored as the dummy sensing data DSD in the dummy storage circuit 214 (S130). A difference between the stored sensing data SSD and the dummy sensing data DSD may be determined (S140). When the dummy sensing data DSD and the stored sensing data SSD are the same, the stored sensing data SSD may be stored as the stored compensation data SVD (S150-1), and a success signal may be stored in a header circuit 230 (S150-2). When the dummy sensing data DSD and the stored sensing data SSD are different, a sensing re-reception count may be determined (S150-3). When the sensing re-reception count is less than a reference sensing count K, a sensing re-reception operation may be performed. When the sensing re-reception count is greater than or equal to the reference sensing count K, the stored sensing data SSD may be deleted (S160). In addition, a failure signal may be stored in the header circuit 230 (S170-1), and the panel driver may output an error signal (S170-2).

[0091] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a driving controller 200A and a non-volatile memory circuit 700 included in Figure 1 the display device.

[0092] Referring to Figure 5 , in the present embodiment, the driving controller 200A may include a temporary storage circuit 210A, a comparison circuit 220, a header circuit 230, and a data signal output circuit 240. The temporary storage circuit 210A may include a sensing storage circuit 212, a dummy storage circuit 214, and a compensation storage circuit 216.

[0093] In this embodiment, the dummy storage circuit 214 may receive the storage compensation data SVD from the non-volatile memory circuit 700. The dummy storage circuit 214 may temporarily store the storage compensation data SVD. The dummy storage circuit 214 may store the storage compensation data SVD as the dummy compensation data DVD. The compensation storage circuit 216 may receive the storage compensation data SVD from the non-volatile memory circuit 700. The comparison circuit 220 may receive the dummy compensation data DVD from the dummy storage circuit 214. The comparison circuit 220 may receive the storage compensation data SVD from the compensation storage circuit 216. The comparison circuit 220 may compare the dummy compensation data DVD with the storage compensation data SVD. The comparison circuit 220 may determine the difference between the dummy compensation data DVD and the storage compensation data SVD. In an embodiment, the process of comparing the dummy compensation data DVD and the storage compensation data SVD may be performed by determining that the value obtained by subtracting the dummy compensation data DVD from the storage compensation data SVD is 0.

[0094] For example, when the storage compensation data SVD and the dummy compensation data DVD have 8-bit binary codes, the process of comparing the dummy compensation data DVD with the storage compensation data SVD may be performed by determining whether the value obtained by subtracting each bit of the dummy compensation data DVD from each bit of the storage compensation data SVD is 0. In an embodiment, the process of comparing the storage compensation data SVD with the dummy compensation data DVD is performed by determining whether the value obtained by subtracting the first dummy compensation data from the first storage compensation data and the value obtained by subtracting the Nth dummy compensation data from the Nth storage compensation data are both 0.

[0095] In this embodiment, when the dummy compensation data DVD and the storage compensation data SVD are the same, the compensation storage circuit 216 may output the storage compensation data SVD as the final compensation data FVD to the data signal output circuit 240. The data signal output circuit 240 may output the data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG and the final compensation data FVD. The header circuit 230 may store the success signal.

[0096] In this embodiment, when the dummy compensation data DVD and the stored compensation data SVD are different, the compensation storage circuit 216 and the dummy storage circuit 214 can receive the stored compensation data SVD again from the non-volatile memory circuit 700. For example, the operation of the compensation storage circuit 216 and the dummy storage circuit 214 receiving the stored compensation data SVD again from the non-volatile memory circuit 700 can be referred to as a compensation re-reception operation. Additionally, the number of times the compensation re-reception operation is executed can be referred to as the compensation re-reception count. The dummy storage circuit 214 can store the re-received stored compensation data as re-received dummy compensation data. Additionally, the compensation storage circuit 216 can store the re-received stored compensation data received from the non-volatile memory circuit 700 as re-received stored compensation data. The comparison circuit 220 can compare the re-received stored compensation data with the re-received dummy compensation data.

[0097] When the re-received stored compensation data and the re-received dummy compensation data are the same, the compensation storage circuit 216 can output the re-received compensation data as the final compensation data FVD to the data signal output circuit 240. The header circuit 230 can store a success signal.

[0098] When the re-received stored compensation data and the re-received dummy compensation data are different and the compensation re-reception count is greater than or equal to a reference compensation count M, where M is a positive integer, the panel driver can output an error signal to an external device. The reference compensation count M can be set by a user. For example, the user can change the reference compensation count M. Additionally, a failure signal can be stored in the header circuit 230. Additionally, when the re-received stored compensation data and the re-received dummy compensation data are different, the data signal output circuit 240 can output a data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG and the previously stored compensation data.

[0099] In this embodiment, the stored compensation data SVD can be synchronized with the dummy compensation data DVD.

[0100] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of generating the data signal DATA from Figure 1 the display device.

[0101] Referring to Figure 1 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the operation of generating the data signal DATA can be executed in the following order.

[0102] A power-on signal ONS can be applied to the panel driver. Stored compensation data SVD can be stored in the compensation storage circuit 216 (S210). The stored compensation data SVD can be stored as dummy compensation data DVD in the dummy storage circuit 214 (S220). A difference between the dummy compensation data DVD and the stored compensation data SVD can be determined (S230). When the dummy compensation data DVD and the stored compensation data SVD are the same, a data signal DATA can be output based on the stored compensation data SVD (S240-1), and a success signal can be stored in the header circuit 230 (S240-2).

[0103] When the dummy compensation data DVD and the stored compensation data SVD are different, a compensation re-reception count can be determined (S240-3). When the compensation re-reception count is less than a reference compensation count M, a compensation re-reception operation can be performed. When the compensation re-reception count is greater than or equal to the reference compensation count M, the panel driver can output an error signal (S250). Additionally, the panel driver can be turned off (powered off (S260)), and then enabled. Thus, the panel driver can generate the data signal DATA based on the previously stored compensation data.

[0104] In an embodiment, when the compensation re-reception count is greater than or equal to the reference compensation count M, a sensing operation can be performed. For example, when the compensation re-reception count in the first non-volatile memory circuit 710 is greater than or equal to the reference compensation count M, in response to a power-off operation, stored sensing data SSD can be stored in the second non-volatile memory circuit 720. Thereafter, in response to a power-on operation, the data signal DATA can be generated based on the stored compensation data SVD of the second non-volatile memory circuit 720.

[0105] The drive controller 200A can include a dummy storage circuit 214 that stores the dummy compensation data DVD. Thus, the drive controller 200A can determine final compensation data FVD by comparing the stored compensation data SVD with the dummy compensation data DVD. The drive controller 200A can output the data signal DATA based on the final compensation data FVD. Thus, an error between the stored compensation data SVD stored in the non-volatile memory circuit 700 and the final compensation data FVD can be reduced. In addition, an error between the stored compensation data SVD and the final compensation data FVD can be reduced, thereby reducing the visibility of dark lines and dark spots.

[0106] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 8 is a diagram showing Figure 7 an example in which the electronic device is implemented as a smart phone.

[0107] Referring toFigure 7 and Figure 8 ,the electronic device 1000 may include a processor 1010, a memory device 1020, a storage device 1030, an input / output (I / O) device 1040, a power supply 1050, and a display device 1060. Here, the display device 1060 may be a Figure 1 display device. In addition, the electronic device 1000 may further include a plurality of ports for communicating with a video card, a sound card, a memory card, a universal serial bus (USB) device, other electronic devices, etc.

[0108] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 8 , the electronic device 1000 may be implemented as a smart phone. However, the electronic device 1000 is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device 1000 may be implemented as a cellular phone, a video phone, a smart tablet, a smart watch, a tablet personal computer (PC), a car navigation system, a computer monitor, a laptop computer, and a head-mounted display (HMD) device, etc.

[0109] The processor 1010 may perform various computing functions or various tasks. The processor 1010 may be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), etc. The processor 1010 may be coupled to other components via an address bus, a control bus, a data bus, etc. In addition, the processor 1010 may be coupled to an expansion bus such as a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0110] The processor 1010 may output input image data IMG, an application start signal, and an input control signal CONT to a Figure 1 driver controller 200.

[0111] The memory device 1020 may store data for the operation of the electronic device 1000. For example, the memory device 1020 may include at least one non-volatile memory device (such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) device, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) device, a flash memory device, a phase change random access memory (PRAM) device, a resistive random access memory (RRAM) device, a nano floating gate memory (NFGM) device, a polymer random access memory (PoRAM) device, a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device, and a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) device, etc.) and / or at least one volatile memory device (such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device, a static random access memory (SRAM) device, and a mobile DRAM device, etc.).

[0112] The storage device 1030 may include a solid state drive (SSD) device, a hard disk drive (HDD) device, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) device, and the like. The I / O device 1040 may include input devices such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse device, a touchpad, and a touch screen, and output devices such as a printer and a speaker. In some embodiments, the display device 1060 may be included in the I / O device 1040. The power supply 1050 may supply power for the operation of the electronic device 1000. The display device 1060 may be coupled to other components via a bus or other communication link.

[0113] The display device according to an embodiment may be applied to a display device included in a computer, a notebook computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a smart board, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a Moving Picture Experts Group Audio Layer 3 (MP3) player, and the like.

[0114] The foregoing is a description of the inventive concept and should not be construed as a limitation thereof. Although several embodiments of the inventive concept have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications may be made to the embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the inventive concept. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the inventive concept as defined in the claims. In the claims, the means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures that perform the recited function herein, and cover not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing is a description of the inventive concept and should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments as well as other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The inventive concept is defined by the appended claims and equivalents of the claims are included therein.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein, The display device includes: a display panel including a plurality of pixels; a data driver configured to apply a data voltage to the plurality of pixels based on a data signal; a sensing driver configured to receive a sensing current from at least one of the plurality of pixels, and the sensing driver outputs sensing data based on the sensing current; a non-volatile memory circuit configured to store the sensing data as stored sensing data; and a driving controller configured to output the data signal to the data driver and store the sensing data received from the sensing driver, wherein the driving controller is configured to determine a difference between the stored sensing data and the sensing data by comparing the stored sensing data with the sensing data, and wherein the non-volatile memory circuit is configured to store the stored sensing data identical to the sensing data as stored compensation data.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The driving controller compares the stored sensing data with the sensing data by determining whether a value obtained by subtracting the sensing data from the stored sensing data is 0.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The driving controller includes: a sensing storage circuit configured to store the sensing data; a dummy storage circuit configured to store the stored sensing data received from the non-volatile memory circuit as dummy sensing data; a comparison circuit configured to compare the dummy sensing data with the sensing data; and a header circuit configured to store a success signal and a failure signal from the comparison circuit.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, When a difference between the dummy sensing data and the sensing data is 0, the comparison circuit outputs the success signal to the header circuit, and the non-volatile memory circuit stores the stored sensing data as the stored compensation data.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The plurality of pixels includes a first pixel and a second pixel, wherein the sensing data includes first sensing data corresponding to the first pixel and second sensing data corresponding to the second pixel, wherein the stored sensing data includes first stored sensing data corresponding to the first sensing data and second stored sensing data corresponding to the second sensing data, wherein the dummy sensing data includes first dummy sensing data corresponding to the first stored sensing data and second dummy sensing data corresponding to the second stored sensing data, and wherein the driving controller compares the stored sensing data with the sensing data by determining whether values obtained by subtracting the first sensing data from the first stored sensing data and by subtracting the second sensing data from the second stored sensing data are both 0.

6. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, When a difference between the dummy sensing data and the sensing data is not 0, the comparison circuit outputs the failure signal to the header circuit, and the dummy storage circuit receives the stored sensing data again.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, When the difference between the stored sensing data received again by the dummy storage circuit and the sensing data is 0, the comparison circuit outputs the success signal to the header circuit, and the non-volatile memory circuit stores the stored sensing data as the stored compensation data.

8. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, When the number of times the dummy storage circuit receives the stored sensing data is greater than or equal to a reference sensing number of times, the drive controller outputs an error signal.

9. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The non-volatile memory circuit includes a first non-volatile memory circuit and a second non-volatile memory circuit. Wherein, the stored sensing data is applied from the first non-volatile memory circuit to the dummy storage circuit, and wherein, when the number of times the dummy storage circuit receives the stored sensing data is greater than or equal to a reference sensing number of times, the stored sensing data stored in the first non-volatile memory circuit is deleted.

10. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The drive controller further includes: a compensation storage circuit configured to receive the stored compensation data from the non-volatile memory circuit; and a data signal output circuit configured to output the data signal, wherein, the dummy storage circuit is configured to store dummy compensation data by receiving the stored compensation data from the non-volatile memory circuit, wherein, the comparison circuit is configured to compare the dummy compensation data with the stored compensation data stored in the compensation storage circuit, and wherein, when the dummy compensation data is consistent with the stored compensation data stored in the compensation storage circuit, the data signal output circuit outputs the data signal based on the stored compensation data.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, When the dummy compensation data is consistent with the stored compensation data stored in the compensation storage circuit, the comparison circuit outputs the success signal to the header circuit.

12. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The drive controller further includes: a compensation storage circuit configured to receive the stored compensation data from the non-volatile memory circuit; and a data signal output circuit configured to output the data signal, wherein, the non-volatile memory circuit includes a first non-volatile memory circuit and a second non-volatile memory circuit, wherein, the compensation storage circuit receives the stored compensation data from the first non-volatile memory circuit, wherein, the dummy storage circuit receives the stored compensation data from the first non-volatile memory circuit, and the dummy storage circuit stores the stored compensation data as dummy compensation data, wherein, the comparison circuit is configured to compare the dummy compensation data with the stored compensation data stored in the compensation storage circuit, and wherein, when the dummy compensation data is inconsistent with the stored compensation data stored in the compensation storage circuit, the dummy storage circuit and the compensation storage circuit receive the stored compensation data again.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein, When the dummy compensation data is inconsistent with the stored compensation data stored in the compensation storage circuit, the comparison circuit outputs the failure signal to the header circuit.

14. The display device according to claim 12, wherein, When the number of times the dummy storage circuit receives the stored sense data is greater than or equal to a reference sensing number of times, the data signal output circuit outputs the data signal based on second storage compensation data stored in the second non-volatile memory circuit.

15. A display device, wherein, The display device includes: A display panel including a plurality of pixels; A data driver configured to apply a data voltage to the plurality of pixels based on a data signal; A sense driver configured to receive a sense current from at least one of the plurality of pixels, and the sense driver outputs sense data based on the sense current; A non-volatile memory circuit configured to store the sense data as stored sense data; and A driving controller configured to output the data signal to the data driver and store the sense data received from the sense driver, wherein the driving controller includes: A dummy storage circuit configured to store the storage compensation data received from the non-volatile memory circuit as dummy compensation data; A compensation storage circuit configured to receive the storage compensation data from the non-volatile memory circuit; and A data signal output circuit configured to output the data signal, and wherein the driving controller is configured to output the data signal based on the storage compensation data when the storage compensation data and the dummy compensation data are the same.

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