Display device

Abstract

A display device includes: a pixel unit including pixels connected to data lines and scan lines; and a timing controller configured to compare a number of inputs of a plurality of commands included in the command data with a threshold value corresponding to the number of inputs, and to switch or hold a frame corresponding to a result of the comparison.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority from and all benefits arising from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0037350 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on March 18, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device, a method of driving the display device, and an electronic device. Background Art

[0004] As information technology develops, the importance of display devices as a connection medium between users and information increases. Therefore, display devices such as liquid crystal display devices and organic light emitting display devices are widely used.

[0005] Such a display device can display images of various contents. For example, the display device can display various types of images such as static images, web pages, movies, and games. When the display device displays static images, frequent frame switching is not required. On the other hand, when the display device displays movies or games, frequent frame switching is required. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a display device, a method of driving the display device, and an electronic device that can minimize power consumption when driven at different image refresh rates (driving frequencies or screen refresh rates).

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display device is provided, which includes: a pixel unit including pixels connected to a data line and a scan line; and a timing controller configured to compare the number of inputs of multiple commands included in command data with a threshold value corresponding to the number of inputs, and the timing controller switches or maintains a frame corresponding to the comparison result.

[0008] In an embodiment, when the first command is input, the timing controller may not switch the frame when the number of input times of the first command is not equal to a first threshold value corresponding to the first command.

[0009] In an embodiment, the timing controller may switch frames corresponding to a predetermined planned driving frequency, and when the frames are switched, the timing controller reflects the first command.

[0010] In an embodiment, when the first command is input, when the number of input times of the first command is equal to a first threshold value corresponding to the first command, the timing controller may switch frames so that the first command is reflected.

[0011] In an embodiment, the multiple commands may include at least one of a dimming level change command corresponding to a maximum brightness change of a pixel unit, a frame variable command corresponding to a frame switching, a gamma change command corresponding to a gamma voltage change, and a sleep mode command corresponding to a low power mode.

[0012] In an embodiment, the timing controller may include: a command sensor configured to receive command data and input data, and the command sensor senses multiple commands included in the command data; and a frequency / brightness controller configured to switch or maintain a frame corresponding to a first command control signal or a second command control signal supplied from the command sensor.

[0013] In an embodiment, the command sensor may include: a storage unit configured to store a count value and a threshold value corresponding to the number of times a plurality of commands are input; a counter configured to increase a count value corresponding to each of the plurality of commands when the plurality of commands are input; and a controller configured to compare the count value corresponding to the corresponding plurality of commands with the corresponding threshold value, and the controller outputs a first command control signal or a second command control signal corresponding to the comparison result.

[0014] In an embodiment, when a first command is input, the controller may compare a first count value corresponding to the first command included in the plurality of commands with a first threshold value corresponding to the first command. When the first count value is less than the first threshold value, the controller may output a first command control signal, and when the first count value and the first threshold value are the same, the controller may output a second command control signal.

[0015] In an embodiment, when the first command control signal is input, the frequency / brightness controller may not switch frames.

[0016] In an embodiment, when a first command control signal is input, the frequency / brightness controller may switch a frame corresponding to a predetermined planned driving frequency, and when the frame is switched, the frequency / brightness controller reflects the first command.

[0017] In an embodiment, when the second command control signal is input, the frequency / brightness controller may reflect the first command while switching frames.

[0018] In an embodiment, when the second command control signal is output, the controller may initialize the first count value.

[0019] In an embodiment, the display device may further include: a data driver configured to drive the data lines under the control of the timing controller; and a scan driver configured to drive the scan lines under the control of the timing controller.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for driving a display device is provided, wherein the method includes: inputting a first command to a timing controller; comparing the number of times the first command is input with a first threshold value; and switching a frame of the display device when the number of times the first command is input is the same as the first threshold value, and not switching the frame in other cases.

[0021] In an embodiment, when the first command and the first threshold value are different, the timing controller may switch a frame corresponding to a predetermined planned driving frequency, and when the frame is switched, the timing controller reflects the first command.

[0022] In an embodiment, the method may further include: when the number of input times of the first command is the same as the first threshold value, initializing the number of input times of the first command.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first threshold value may be stored in a storage unit of the timing controller, and the first threshold value may be changed by an external processor.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided, which includes: a display module configured to display a predetermined image; an auxiliary processor configured to control the display module; and a processor configured to send command data to the auxiliary processor, wherein the auxiliary processor compares the number of inputs of multiple commands included in the command data with a threshold value corresponding to the number of inputs, and the auxiliary processor switches or maintains a frame of the display module corresponding to the comparison result.

[0025] In an embodiment, when a first command is input, when the number of input times of the first command and a first threshold value corresponding to the first command are different, the auxiliary processor may switch a frame corresponding to a predetermined planned driving frequency, and when switching the frame, the auxiliary processor reflects the first command.

[0026] In an embodiment, when the first command is input, when the number of input times of the first command is the same as a first threshold value corresponding to the first command, the auxiliary processor may reflect the first command while switching frames. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Hereinafter, example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and the scope of the example embodiments will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0028] In the accompanying drawings, dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "between" two elements, it can be the only element between the two elements, or one or more intervening elements may also be present. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Schematic circuit diagram of a pixel shown in .

[0031] Figure 3A is a diagram showing driving during a data write cycle according to an embodiment. Figure 2 The waveform diagram of the pixel method is shown in FIG.

[0032] Figure 3B is a diagram showing driving during the initialization period according to an embodiment Figure 2 The waveform diagram of the pixel method is shown in FIG.

[0033] Figure 4 is a frequency diagram illustrating an example of a blanking period corresponding to a refresh rate according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 5A is a timing diagram illustrating an initialization period corresponding to a refresh rate included in one frame period according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 5B is a timing diagram illustrating an initialization period corresponding to a refresh rate included in one frame period according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 6 is a timing diagram illustrating a method of driving a display device according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a timing controller according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 A block diagram of an embodiment of a command sensor is shown in .

[0039] Figure 9 is a timing diagram illustrating a method of driving a display device according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in various forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0042] In order to clearly describe the present invention, parts not related to the description will be omitted, and the same or similar constituent elements will be represented by the same reference numerals throughout the specification. Therefore, in different drawings, the same reference numerals can be used to identify the same or similar elements.

[0043] In the description, the expression "equal" may mean "substantially equal." That is, it may mean equal to an equal degree that can be understood by those skilled in the art. Other expressions may be expressions in which "substantially" is omitted.

[0044] Some embodiments are described in conjunction with functional blocks, units and / or modules in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that these blocks, units and / or modules are physically implemented by logic circuits, separate components, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits, memory elements, line connections and other electronic circuits. This can be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing techniques or other manufacturing techniques. In the case of blocks, units and / or modules implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware, the units and / or modules are programmed and controlled using software to perform the various functions discussed in this disclosure and can be selectively driven by firmware and / or software. In addition, each block, each unit and / or each module can be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a combination of dedicated hardware (performing some functions of blocks, units and / or modules) and processors (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuits, performing other functions of blocks, units and / or modules). In some embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present invention, blocks, units and / or modules can be physically separated into two or more separate blocks, two or more separate units and / or two or more separate modules. Additionally, in some embodiments, blocks, units and / or modules may be physically separated into more complex blocks, more complex units and / or more complex modules without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0045] The term "connection" between two components may include both electrical connection and physical connection, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the term "connection" used based on a circuit diagram may mean electrical connection, and the term "connection" used based on a cross-sectional view or a plan view may mean physical connection.

[0046] It will be understood that although terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a "first" element discussed below could also be referred to as a "second" element without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0047] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be implemented in various forms. Each embodiment disclosed below can be implemented independently, or combined with at least one other embodiment before implementation.

[0048] Throughout the specification, when describing an element "being connected" to another element, this includes not only an element "being directly connected" to another element, but also another device "being indirectly connected" between an element and another element. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing a specific embodiment, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Throughout the specification, unless explicitly described to the contrary, "including" and variants (such as "comprising" or "having") will be understood to imply the inclusion of the elements stated, but do not exclude any other elements. For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one (kind, person) of X, Y and Z" and "at least one (kind, person) selected from the group consisting of X, Y and Z" can be interpreted as any combination of only X, only Y, only Z or two (kind, person) or more (kind, person) of X, Y, Z (such as taking XYZ, XY, YZ and XZ as an example). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0049] Although terms such as "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the "first" component discussed below may also be referred to as the "second" component.

[0050] For descriptive purposes, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used herein and thereby describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the accompanying drawings, spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is flipped, an element described as "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and therefore, the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0051] Various embodiments may be described herein with reference to schematic cross-sectional illustrations of idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the illustrated shapes are to be expected due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the specific illustrated shapes of regions, but rather include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Therefore, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of regions of a device and are not intended to be limiting.

[0052] Throughout the text, the same numbers refer to the same elements. In the accompanying drawings, for the sake of clarity, the thickness of the determined lines, layers, components, elements or features may be exaggerated. It will be understood that although terms such as "first" and "second" can be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, the "first" element discussed below may also be referred to as the "second" element without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0053] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, “one”, “one (person / kind)”, “the (the)” and “at least one” do not represent a limitation on quantity and are intended to include both the singular and the plural. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, “an element” and “at least one element” have the same meaning. “At least one” is not to be interpreted as limiting “one” or “one (person / kind)”. “Or” means “and / or”. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0054] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1is a schematic block diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment.

[0056] In the examples and with reference to Figure 1 , the display device may include a display driver 200 and a display unit 300 .

[0057] The display driver 200 can control the display unit 300. To this end, the display driver 200 may include a timing controller 140 and a data driver 120. The display driver 200 may be configured as a single integrated circuit (IC) or as a plurality of ICs. The display unit 300 may display a predetermined image. To this end, the display unit 300 may include a pixel unit 110, a scan driver 130, and an emission driver 160.

[0058] In an embodiment, the timing controller 140 may receive input data Din, a control signal CS, and command data CMD (or a command signal) corresponding to a corresponding frame from the processor 150. The processor 150 may correspond to a graphics processing unit (GPU), a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or the like.

[0059] The control signal CS may include various signals required for driving the display device. The input data Din may correspond to an image displayed by the pixel unit 110, and the command data CMD may include various commands required for controlling the display device. In an example, the command data CMD may include a dimming level change command, a frame change command (or a refresh rate change command), a gamma change command, and a mode (e.g., sleep mode) change command.

[0060] In an embodiment, the dimming level change command may include a dimming level, where the dimming level may include the maximum display brightness at which the display device can emit light. For example, as the dimming level increases, the maximum display brightness of the image that can be displayed by the pixel unit 110 may increase. The maximum display brightness may be the brightness measured when the entire pixel unit 110 emits light at the maximum grayscale set in the display device.

[0061] In an embodiment, the frame variable command may correspond to a change in the refresh rate (or driving frequency) of the display device. When the input data Din is input together with the frame variable command, the refresh rate of the display device may be changed.

[0062] In an embodiment, the gamma change command may correspond to a change in the gamma voltage applied to the data driver 120. When the gamma voltage changes, the display brightness of the pixel unit 110 may change. The mode change command may correspond to a change in the driving mode of the display device. In an embodiment, when the mode change command is input, the display device may be driven in a sleep mode, where the sleep mode may refer to a low-power mode.

[0063] In an embodiment, the timing controller 140 may readjust the input data Din to be suitable for the specifications of the display device. In addition, the timing controller 140 may generate output data Dout by correcting the input data Din and supply the output data Dout to the data driver 120. In an example, the timing controller 140 may generate output data Dout by correcting the input data Din based on the optical measurement result.

[0064] In an embodiment, the timing controller 140 may generate a data drive signal DCS, a scan drive signal SCS, and an emission drive signal ECS corresponding to the control signal CS and the command data CMD. The timing controller 140 may generate the data drive control signal DCS, the scan drive signal SCS, and the emission drive signal ECS so that the display device can be controlled in accordance with the command included in the command data CMD. The data drive signal DCS may be supplied to the data driver 120, the scan drive signal SCS may be supplied to the scan driver 130, and the emission drive signal ECS may be supplied to the emission driver 160.

[0065] The pixel unit 110 may include pixels PX arranged to be connected to scan lines SL1, SL2, . . . and SLn (where n is a natural number of 3 or greater) and data lines DL1, DL2, . . . and DLm (where m is a natural number of 3 or greater).

[0066] The data lines DL1 to DLm may be arranged to extend in a first direction DR1. The first direction DR1 may be, for example, a direction in which the upper side and the lower side of the pixel unit 110 are connected to each other. In another embodiment, the first direction DR1 may be a direction in which the left side and the right side of the pixel unit 110 are connected to each other, or may be designated as a direction different from this direction.

[0067] In an embodiment, the scan lines SL1 to SLn may be arranged to extend in a second direction DR2, wherein the second direction DR2 may be a direction orthogonal to the first direction DR1. The second direction DR2 may point to a direction in which the left and right sides of the pixel unit 110 are connected to each other. In another embodiment, the second direction DR2 may be a direction in which the upper and lower sides of the pixel unit 110 are connected to each other, and may be designated as a direction different from this direction.

[0068] In an embodiment, a plurality of pixels PX may be provided in the pixel unit 110 to be electrically connected to the data lines DL1 to DLm and the scan lines SL1 to SLn. The pixels PX may be sub-pixels. In an example, the pixels PX may be provided in various manners known in the art.

[0069] When scan signals are supplied to the scan lines SL1 to SLn, pixels PX can be selected in units of horizontal lines (for example, pixels PX connected to the same scan line are grouped as one horizontal line (or pixel row)). The pixels PX selected by the scan signals can be supplied with data signals from the data lines (any one of the data lines DL1 to DLm) connected to the pixels PX. The pixels PX supplied with the data signals can generate light of a predetermined brightness corresponding to the voltage of the data signals.

[0070] In an embodiment, the data driver 120 may receive output data Dout and a data drive signal DCS from the timing controller 140. The data driver 120 may generate a data signal based on the data drive signal DCS and the output data Dout. In an example, the data driver 120 may generate an analog data signal based on the grayscale of the output data Dout. The data driver 120 may supply the data signal in units of one horizontal period. The data drive signal DCS may include a data enable signal necessary for driving the data driver 120.

[0071] In an embodiment, the data enable signal may include an active period in which a plurality of pulses are supplied and a blank period in which a certain voltage (e.g., a low voltage) is maintained. The data driver 120 may be synchronized with the pulses of the data enable signal to supply data signals to the data lines DL1 to DLm during the active period.

[0072] In an embodiment, the scan driver 130 may receive a scan driving signal SCS from the timing controller 140 and supply the scan signal to the scan lines SL1 to SLn, wherein the scan signal corresponds to the scan driving signal SCS. In an example, the scan driver 130 may sequentially supply the scan signal to the scan lines SL1 to SLn.

[0073] Each of the scan lines SL1 to SLn may include a plurality of scan lines. Figure 2 As shown in , the i-th scan line SLi may include a first scan line SL1i (also referred to as the i-th first scan line SL1i), a second scan line SL2i (also referred to as the i-th second scan line SL2i), a third scan line SL3i (also referred to as the i-th third scan line SL3i), and a fourth scan line SL4i (also referred to as the i-th fourth scan line SL4i). The scan driver 130 may supply a first scan signal GW to the first scan line SL1i, a second scan signal GC to the second scan line SL2i, a third scan signal GI to the third scan line SL3i, and a fourth scan signal GB to the fourth scan line SL4i.

[0074] To this end, the scan driver 130 may include a plurality of scan drivers for driving the corresponding scan lines SL1i, SL2i, SL3i, and SL4i. The plurality of scan drivers may be as follows: Figure 1 1. The scan driver 130 is shown as one scan driver 130, and may be formed as an independent driver. In an example, some of the plurality of scan drivers may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other with the pixel unit 110 interposed therebetween.

[0075] In an embodiment, the scan driver 130 may be provided in the display device as an independent integrated circuit (IC). In another embodiment, the scan driver 130 may be formed together with the pixel PX in the process of forming the pixel unit 110. For example, in an embodiment, the scan driver 130 may be formed in the pixel unit 110 as an oxide semiconductor thin film transistor gate driver circuit (OSG) type or an amorphous silicon thin film transistor gate driver circuit (ASG) type.

[0076] In an embodiment, the emission driver 160 may receive the emission driving signal ECS from the timing controller 140 and supply emission control signals to the emission control lines EL1 to ELn, wherein the emission control signals correspond to the emission driving signal ECS. In an example, the emission driver 160 may sequentially supply the emission control signals to the emission control lines EL1 to ELn.

[0077] In an embodiment, the emission driver 160 may be provided as an independent IC in the display device. In another embodiment, the emission driver 160 may be formed together with the pixel PX in the process of forming the pixel unit 110. For example, the emission driver 160 may be formed in the pixel unit 110 in an OSG type or an ASG type.

[0078] In an embodiment, the display device may include a flat display device, a curved display device in which a portion of the pixel unit 110 is bent, a flexible display device in which a portion of the pixel unit 110 is folded or bent, and a stretchable display device in which a portion of the pixel unit 110 can be extended / contracted.

[0079] In an embodiment, a display device is a device that displays a dynamic image or a static image, and may include a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a smart watch, a watch phone, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation system, and an ultra-mobile computer (UMPC). In an embodiment, a display device may include an electronic device such as a television, a notebook computer, a monitor, a billboard, and an Internet of Things (IoT) device.

[0080] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1For ease of description, Figure 2 Pixels PXij located on an i-th (where i is a natural number of 1 or greater and n or smaller) horizontal line and a j-th (where j is a natural number of 1 or greater and m or smaller) vertical line are shown in FIG.

[0081] In the examples and with reference to Figure 2 , the pixel PXij can be connected to the corresponding signal lines SL1i, SL2i, SL3i, SL4i, ELi and DLj. The signal lines SL1i, SL2i, SL3i, SL4i, ELi and DLj can include the i-th first scan line SL1i, the i-th second scan line SL2i, the i-th third scan line SL3i, the i-th fourth scan line SL4i, the i-th emission control line ELi and the j-th data line DLj. For example, the pixel PXij can be connected to the i-th first scan line SL1i, the i-th second scan line SL2i, the i-th third scan line SL3i, the i-th fourth scan line SL4i, the i-th emission control line ELi (also referred to as the emission control line ELi) and the j-th data line DLj (also referred to as the data line DLj). In an embodiment, the pixel PXij can also be connected to the first power line PL1, the second power line PL2, the third power line PL3, the fourth power line PL4 and the fifth power line PL5.

[0082] In an embodiment, the pixel PXij may include a light emitting element LD and a pixel circuit for controlling the amount of current supplied to the light emitting element LD.

[0083] The light-emitting element LD may be connected between a first power line PL1 and a second power line PL2. In an example, a first electrode (or anode electrode) of the light-emitting element LD may be electrically connected to the first power line PL1 via a seventh transistor M7, a third node N3, a first transistor M1, a second node N2, and a sixth transistor M6, and a second electrode (or cathode electrode) of the light-emitting element LD may be electrically connected to the second power line PL2. The light-emitting element LD may generate light having a predetermined brightness corresponding to the amount of current supplied from the first power line PL1 to the second power line PL2 via the pixel circuit.

[0084] In an embodiment, the light emitting element LD may be an organic light emitting diode. In another embodiment, the light emitting element LD may be an inorganic light emitting diode, such as a micro light emitting diode (LED) or a quantum dot light emitting diode. In another embodiment, the light emitting element LD may be an element configured with a combination of organic and inorganic materials. Figure 2 , it is shown that the pixel PXij includes a single light emitting element LD. However, in another embodiment, the pixel PXij may include a plurality of light emitting elements LD, wherein the plurality of light emitting elements LD may be connected to each other in series, in parallel, or in series / parallel.

[0085] In an embodiment, the pixel circuit may include a first transistor M1, a second transistor M2, a third transistor M3, a fourth transistor M4, a fifth transistor M5, a sixth transistor M6, a seventh transistor M7, an eighth transistor M8, and a storage capacitor Cst.

[0086] A first electrode of the first transistor M1 (or driving transistor) may be connected to the second node N2, and a second electrode of the first transistor M1 may be connected to the third node N3. Furthermore, a gate electrode of the first transistor M1 may be connected to the first node N1. The first transistor M1 may control the amount of current supplied from the first driving power source VDD to the second driving power source VSS via the light-emitting element LD in accordance with the voltage of the first node N1.

[0087] The second transistor M2 may be connected between the data line DLj and the second node N2. Furthermore, a gate electrode of the second transistor M2 may be electrically connected to the first scan line SL1i, such that when an enable first scan signal GW is supplied to the first scan line SL1i, the second transistor M2 may be turned on to electrically connect the data line DLj and the second node N2 to each other. The enable first scan signal GW may have a voltage at which the second transistor M2 can be turned on, such as a low voltage.

[0088] The third transistor M3 may be connected between the first node N1 and the third node N3. Furthermore, the gate electrode of the third transistor M3 may be electrically connected to the second scan line SL2i, such that when the enable second scan signal GC is supplied to the second scan line SL2i, the third transistor M3 may be turned on to electrically connect the first node N1 and the third node N3 to each other. That is, when the third transistor M3 is turned on, the first transistor M1 may be diode-connected. The enable second scan signal GC may have a voltage at which the third transistor M3 can be turned on, such as a low voltage.

[0089] A first electrode of the fourth transistor M4 may be coupled to the first node N1, and a second electrode of the fourth transistor M4 may be electrically coupled to the third power line PL3. Furthermore, a gate electrode of the fourth transistor M4 may be electrically coupled to the third scan line SL3i, such that when an enable third scan signal GI is supplied to the third scan line SL3i, the fourth transistor M4 may be turned on to supply the voltage of the first initialization power source Vint1 to the first node N1. The enable third scan signal GI may have a voltage at which the fourth transistor M4 can be turned on, such as a low voltage.

[0090] A first electrode of the fifth transistor M5 can be connected to the first electrode of the light-emitting element LD, and a second electrode of the fifth transistor M5 can be electrically connected to the fourth power line PL4. Furthermore, a gate electrode of the fifth transistor M5 can be electrically connected to the fourth scan line SL4i, so that when an enable fourth scan signal GB is supplied to the fourth scan line SL4i, the fifth transistor M5 can be turned on to supply the voltage of the second initialization power source Vint2 to the first electrode of the light-emitting element LD. The enable fourth scan signal GB can have a voltage at which the fifth transistor M5 can be turned on, such as a low voltage.

[0091] In this embodiment, when the voltage of the second initialization power source Vint2 is supplied to the first electrode of the light-emitting element LD, the parasitic capacitance of the light-emitting element LD can be discharged. Since the residual voltage charged in the parasitic capacitance of the light-emitting element LD is discharged (or eliminated), it is possible to prevent unintended micro-emissions. Therefore, the black rendering capability of the pixel PXij can be improved.

[0092] A first electrode of the sixth transistor M6 may be electrically connected to the first power line PL1, and a second electrode of the sixth transistor M6 may be connected to the second node N2. In an embodiment, a gate electrode of the sixth transistor M6 may be electrically connected to the emission control line ELi, so that when a disable emission control signal EM is supplied to the emission control line ELi, the sixth transistor M6 may be turned off, and when an enable emission control signal EM is supplied to the emission control line ELi, the sixth transistor M6 may be turned on. The disable emission control signal EM may have a voltage that enables the sixth transistor M6 to be turned off, such as a high voltage.

[0093] The seventh transistor M7 may be connected between the third node N3 and the first electrode of the light emitting element LD. In addition, the gate electrode of the seventh transistor M7 may be electrically connected to the emission control line ELi, so that when the disable emission control signal EM is supplied to the emission control line ELi, the seventh transistor M7 may be turned off, and when the enable emission control signal EM is supplied to the emission control line ELi, the seventh transistor M7 may be turned on.

[0094] A first electrode of the eighth transistor M8 (or the bias transistor) may be electrically connected to the fifth power line PL5, and a second electrode of the eighth transistor M8 may be connected to the second node N2. Furthermore, a gate electrode of the eighth transistor M8 may be electrically connected to the fourth scan line SL4i, such that when the fourth scan signal GB is enabled and supplied to the fourth scan line SL4i, the eighth transistor M8 may be turned on to electrically connect the fifth power line PL5 and the second node N2 to each other.

[0095] The storage capacitor Cst may be connected between the first power line PL1 and the first node N1 and may store a voltage applied to the first node N1.

[0096] exist Figure 2 , an embodiment in which transistors M1 to M8 are implemented using P-type transistors is shown. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, some of transistors M1 to M8 (e.g., transistors M3 and M4) may be implemented using N-type transistors.

[0097] In addition, the structure of the pixel PXij according to the embodiment is not limited to Figure 2 In another embodiment, when the pixel PXij is driven to include a reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B During the described data writing period WP and initialization period IP, the pixel PXij can be implemented using various types of circuits currently known in the art.

[0098] Figure 3A is a diagram showing driving during a data write cycle according to an embodiment. Figure 2 , wherein the data writing period WP may be included in the effective period of the frame.

[0099] In the examples, and with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3A The data write period WP may include a first period P1, a second period P2, a third period P3, and a fourth period P4, wherein the first to third periods P1 to P3 may be set as non-emission periods, and the fourth period P4 may be set as an emission period.

[0100] During the first period P1 to the third period P3, the emission control signal EM may be supplied to the emission control line ELi. When the emission control signal EM is supplied to the emission control line ELi, the sixth transistor M6 and the seventh transistor M7 may be turned off. When the sixth transistor M6 and the seventh transistor M7 are turned off, the electrical connection between the first power line PL1 and the light emitting element LD may be blocked, and thus, the light emitting element LD may be set to a non-emission state.

[0101] During the first period P1, the third scan signal GI is enabled and supplied to the third scan line SL3i. When the third scan signal GI is enabled and supplied to the third scan line SL3i, the fourth transistor M4 is turned on and the voltage of the first initialization power source Vint1 from the third power line PL3 is supplied to the first node N1. When the voltage of the first initialization power source Vint1 is supplied to the first node N1, the first transistor M1 is set to a strong on-bias state.

[0102] During the second period P2, the enabled second scan signal GC may be supplied to the second scan line SL2i, and thus, the third transistor M3 may be turned on. When the third transistor M3 is turned on, the first transistor M1 may be diode-connected.

[0103] In the write period P_W overlapping with the second period P2, the first scan signal GW is enabled and supplied to the first scan line SL1i. When the first scan signal GW is enabled and supplied to the first scan line SL1i, the second transistor M2 is turned on, and the data signal from the data line DLj is supplied to the second node N2. Since the diode connection of the first transistor M1 is maintained by the turned-on third transistor M3, the first node N1 can have a voltage obtained by compensating for the threshold voltage of the first transistor M1 in the data signal.

[0104] During the third period P3, the fourth scan signal GB is enabled and supplied to the fourth scan line SL4i. When the fourth scan signal GB is enabled and supplied to the fourth scan line SL4i, the fifth transistor M5 and the eighth transistor M8 are turned on. When the fifth transistor M5 is turned on, the voltage of the second initialization power source Vint2 is supplied to the first electrode of the light-emitting element LD, thereby initializing the light-emitting element LD. When the eighth transistor M8 is turned on, the voltage of the bias power source Vbias is supplied to the second node N2, and the first transistor M1 is set to be in an on-bias state.

[0105] In the fourth period P4, as the emission control signal EM (or a low-level emission control signal) is supplied to the emission control line ELi, the sixth transistor M6 and the seventh transistor M7 are turned on. When the sixth transistor M6 and the seventh transistor M7 are turned on, a current flow path from the first power line PL1 to the second power line PL2 is formed via the sixth transistor M6, the first transistor M1, the seventh transistor M7, and the light-emitting element LD. According to the operation of the first transistor M1, a drive current corresponding to the voltage of the first node N1 can flow through the light-emitting element LD, and the light-emitting element LD can emit light at a brightness corresponding to the drive current.

[0106] Figure 3B is a diagram showing driving during the initialization period according to an embodiment Figure 2 The initialization period IP is a period in which light is emitted while maintaining the voltage of the previously supplied data signal, and may be a period in which an image is displayed without switching any frame. In an embodiment, one frame may include one data writing period WP (see FIG. 1 ) in the effective period. Figure 3AIn an embodiment, one frame may include at least one initialization period IP corresponding to the image refresh rate. When a plurality of initialization periods IP are included in one frame, the plurality of initialization periods IP may be consecutively arranged after the data writing period WP.

[0107] In the examples, reference Figure 2 、 Figure 3A and Figure 3B Compared to the data writing period WP, ​​in the initialization period IP, the threshold voltage compensation operation and the data writing operation may be omitted, and the operation of applying the bias voltage to the first transistor M1 and the operation of initializing the light-emitting element LD may be performed. The initialization period IP may be set to have a length similar to that of the data writing period WP. The initialization period IP may include a first period P1a, a second period P2a, a third period P3a, and a fourth period P4a.

[0108] In the examples, and with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3B In the first to third periods P1a to P3a, the emission disable control signal EM may be supplied to the emission control line ELi so that the sixth and seventh transistors M6 and M7 may be turned off, and thus, the light emitting element LD may be set to a non-emission state.

[0109] In the first to third periods P1a to P3a, the first, second, and third scan signals GW, GC, and GI may not be supplied (or the disabled scan signals GW, GC, and GI may be supplied). Therefore, in the first to third periods P1a to P3a, the second, third, and fourth transistors M2, M3, and M4 may be set to be in an off state.

[0110] In the third period P3a, the enabled fourth scan signal GB may be supplied to the fourth scan line SL4i so that the fifth transistor M5 and the eighth transistor M8 may be turned on.

[0111] When the fifth transistor M5 is turned on, the voltage of the second initialization power source Vint2 can be supplied to the first electrode of the light emitting element LD, and thus the light emitting element LD can be initialized. When the eighth transistor M8 is turned on, the voltage of the bias power source Vbias can be supplied to the second node N2, so that the first transistor M1 can be set to be in an on-bias state.

[0112] As described above, since one frame includes the data writing period WP and the initialization period IP, the display device according to the embodiment can be driven at various driving frequencies (various frame frequencies).

[0113] Figure 4is a frequency diagram illustrating an example of a blanking period corresponding to a refresh rate according to an embodiment. Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a timing diagram showing an initialization period corresponding to a refresh rate included in one frame period according to an embodiment. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the embodiment, the data writing period WP and the initialization period IP are divided by using the first scanning signal GW and the fourth scanning signal GB.

[0114] In the examples, and with reference to Figure 4 , the active period Active included in one frame 1F can be set to have the same length regardless of the refresh rate (or driving frequency), and the blanking period Blank included in one frame 1F can be set to have different lengths corresponding to the refresh rate.

[0115] In an example, an effective period included in a refresh rate of 120 Hz and an effective period included in a refresh rate of 60 Hz may be set to the same length (ie, width or time). The effective period may indicate a period in which a data signal is supplied during one frame period, and the data write period WP may be included in the effective period.

[0116] In another example, Figure 5A As shown in , a blanking period included in a refresh rate of 120 Hz and a blanking period included in a refresh rate of 60 Hz may be set to have different lengths (ie, widths or times), and an initialization period IP may be included in the blanking period.

[0117] In another example, Figure 5A As shown in , an initialization period IP may be included in a blanking period corresponding to a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and as Figure 5B As shown in FIG, three initialization periods IP may be included in the blanking period corresponding to the refresh rate of 60 Hz ( Figure 5B compared to, Figure 5A Can be set to double refresh rate).

[0118] In an embodiment, Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown in , the number of initialization periods IP included in one frame period may vary corresponding to the length of the blanking period. In an example, as the length of the blanking period becomes longer, a larger number of initialization periods IP may be included.

[0119] Thus, when the number of initialization periods IP and the length of the blanking period are set differently corresponding to each other, the display device can be driven at various refresh rates. That is, the pixel PX can be turned off in a certain period regardless of the refresh rate (or regardless of the length of the blanking period), and thus the display device can be driven at various refresh rates while maintaining display quality.

[0120] Figure 6 is a timing diagram showing a method of driving a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 6 Also refer to Figure 5A , the GB signal represents a fourth scanning signal GB, which may be supplied in the data writing period WP and the initialization period IP, and may be supplied for each determination period. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the driving frequency corresponding to the Planned Vsync signal may represent the driving frequency (ie, driving frequency or refresh rate) planned in the display device. The planned driving frequency may be the driving frequency set by the timing controller 140 (see FIG. Figure 1 ) and corresponding to various driving conditions of the display device. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the driving frequency corresponding to the Finished Vsync signal may represent an actual driving frequency of the display device, wherein the actual driving frequency may be a frequency at which the display device is actually driven.

[0121] In the examples, and with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 6 When the command data CMD is not input, the timing controller 140 may drive the display device at a planned driving frequency. In an example, when the command data CMD is not input to the timing controller 140, the frame of the display device may be switched corresponding to the planned driving frequency.

[0122] When command data CMD is input to the timing controller 140, the frame of the display device may be switched. In an example, when command data CMD (e.g., a dimming level change command, a frame change command, a gamma change command, and a sleep mode command, etc.) is input to the timing controller 140, the timing controller 140 may switch the frame of the display device (i.e., the timing controller 140 may drive the display device at an actual driving frequency).

[0123] In an example, when a first command (e.g., a dimming level change command) is input at a first time t1, the timing controller 140 may change the maximum brightness of the pixel unit 110 while switching frames (or changing the driving frequency). In an example, when a second command (e.g., a gamma change command) is input at a second time t2, the timing controller 140 may change the gamma voltage while switching frames. In an example, when a third command (e.g., input data and a frame change command) is input at a third time t3, the timing controller 140 may display an image corresponding to the input data in the pixel unit 110 while switching frames.

[0124] As mentioned above, in Figure 6 In the embodiment shown in , frames may be switched (or driving frequency may be varied) whenever command data CMD is input into the timing controller 140. The driving frequency of the display device may vary frequently (or rapidly), and thus, may require a large amount of power consumption.

[0125] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a timing controller according to an embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 A block diagram of an embodiment of a command sensor is shown in FIG. Figure 7 , only components necessary for the description of the present invention among various components included in the timing controller are shown.

[0126] In the examples, and with reference to Figure 7 The timing controller 140 components include a command sensor 142 and a frequency / brightness controller 144 .

[0127] The command sensor 142 may receive command data CMD and input data Din input from the processor 150. The command sensor 142 may also receive a control signal CS input from the processor 150. The command sensor 142 may sense a command included in the command data CMD. In addition, the command sensor 142 may compare a threshold value corresponding to each of a plurality of commands with the number of times each of the plurality of commands is input (or a count value of each of the plurality of commands).

[0128] In an embodiment, when the command data CMD includes a first command, the command sensor 142 may compare a first threshold value corresponding to the first command with a first count value corresponding to the first command. In an example, when the command data CMD includes a second command, the command sensor 142 may compare a second threshold value corresponding to the second command with a second count value corresponding to the second command.

[0129] In an embodiment, the first threshold value and the second threshold value may be equal to or different from each other. In an example, at least some of the threshold values ​​corresponding to the corresponding commands may be set to the same value, while other threshold values ​​may be set to different values. In an example, the threshold values ​​corresponding to the corresponding commands may be equal to or different from each other.

[0130] In the embodiments, reference is also made to Figure 8 The command sensor 142 may compare the command included in the command data CMD with a threshold value corresponding to the command, and supply the first command control signal CCS1 or the second command control signal CCS2 to the frequency / brightness controller 144 in accordance with the comparison result. To this end, the command sensor 142 may include a controller 1422, a counter 1444, and a storage unit 1446.

[0131] In an embodiment, a threshold value corresponding to a corresponding command and a count value corresponding to the corresponding command may be stored in the storage unit 1446. In an example, a first threshold value corresponding to a first command and a second threshold value corresponding to a second command may be stored in the storage unit 1446. In addition, a first count value corresponding to the first command and a second count value corresponding to the second command may be stored in the storage unit 1446. The first count value may correspond to the number of times the first command is input, and the second count value may correspond to the number of times the second command is input.

[0132] In an embodiment, the counter 1444 may generate a count value corresponding to the input of a command. In an example, when a first command is included in the command data CMD input to the controller 1422, the counter 1444 may increase the first count value under the control of the controller 1422. In an example, when a second command is included in the command data CMD input to the controller 1422, the counter 1444 may increase the second count value under the control of the controller 1422.

[0133] In an embodiment, the controller 1422 may receive command data CMD and input data Din input from the processor 150. The controller 1422 (or the command sensor 142) may sense a command included in the command data CMD and compare a threshold value corresponding to the command with a count value corresponding to the command.

[0134] In an example, the controller 1422 (or the command sensor 142) may compare the first count value with a first threshold value corresponding to the first command included in the command data CMD. When the first count value is set to be less than the first threshold value, the controller 1422 (or the command sensor 142) may supply a first command control signal CCS1 to the frequency / brightness controller 144, wherein the first command control signal CCS1 may include the first command and / or the input data Din.

[0135] When the first count value is equal to the first threshold value, the controller 1422 (or the command sensor 142) may supply a second command control signal CCS2 to the frequency / brightness controller 144, wherein the second command control signal CCS2 may include the first command and / or input data Din. The controller 1422 may output the second command control signal CCS2 (or supply the second command control signal CCS2 to the frequency / brightness controller 144) and then initialize the first count value. In an example, the controller 1422 may initialize the first count value to a value of "0".

[0136] In an embodiment, the controller 1422 (or the command sensor 142) may compare the second count value with a second threshold value corresponding to the second command included in the command data CMD. When the second count value is set below the second threshold value, the controller 1422 (or the command sensor 142) may supply a first command control signal CCS1 to the frequency / brightness controller 144, wherein the first command control signal CCS1 may include the second command and / or the input data Din.

[0137] When the second count value is equal to the second threshold value, the controller 1422 (or the command sensor 142) may supply a second command control signal CCS2 to the frequency / brightness controller 144, wherein the second command control signal CCS2 may include a second command and / or input data Din. The controller 1422 may output the second command control signal CCS2 (or supply the second command control signal CCS2 to the frequency / brightness controller 144) and then initialize the second count value. In an example, the controller 1422 may initialize the second count value to a value of "0".

[0138] In an embodiment, the frequency / brightness controller 144 may receive a first command control signal CCS1 or a second command control signal CCS2 input from the command sensor 142. When the first command control signal CCS1 is input, the frequency / brightness controller 144 does not switch any frames, but may perform an operation corresponding to the command included in the first command control signal CCS1, corresponding to the planned driving frequency. In an example, when the first command is included in the first command control signal CCS1, the frequency / brightness controller 144 does not switch any frames, but may perform an operation corresponding to the first command, the operation corresponding to the planned driving frequency. In an example, the frequency / brightness controller 144 may change the maximum brightness of the display device, the maximum brightness corresponding to the first command.

[0139] In an embodiment, when the second command control signal CCS2 is input, the frequency / brightness controller 144 may perform an operation corresponding to the command included in the second command control signal CCS2 while changing the frame, regardless of the planned driving frequency. In an example, when the first command is included in the second command control signal CCS2, the frequency / brightness controller 144 may perform an operation corresponding to the first command while changing the frame. In an example, the frequency / brightness controller 144 may change the maximum brightness of the display device, the maximum brightness corresponding to the first command.

[0140] In the embodiment, and as Figure 8 As shown in FIG, the controller 1422, the counter 1444, and the storage unit 1446 are shown to be included in the command sensor 142. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In an example, at least some components (or functions) of the controller 1422, the counter 1444, and the storage unit 1446 may be included in the frequency / brightness controller 144.

[0141] Figure 9 is a timing diagram showing a method of driving a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 9 Also refer to Figure 5A , the GB signal represents a fourth scanning signal GB, which may be supplied in the data writing period WP and the initialization period IP, and is supplied for each determination period. Figure 9 In , the driving frequency corresponding to the Planned Vsync signal may represent the planned driving frequency of the display device. Figure 9 In the embodiment, the driving frequency corresponding to the Finished Vsync signal may represent an actual driving frequency of the display device, wherein the actual driving frequency may be a frequency at which the display device is actually driven.

[0142] In the examples, and with reference to Figures 7 to 9 When a first command (e.g., a dimming level command) is input at a first time t11, the counter 1444 may increase a first count value corresponding to the first command by "1." In an example, when the first count value stored in the storage unit 1446 is set to "0," the first count value may increase to a value of "1" at the first time t11.

[0143] The controller 1422 may compare the first count value and the first threshold value corresponding to the first command stored in the storage unit 1446. When the first threshold value is set to "3", the controller 1422 may supply the first command control signal CCS1 to the frequency / brightness controller 144.

[0144] The frequency / brightness controller 144 supplied with the first command control signal CCS1 does not switch frames immediately but may switch frames corresponding to the planned driving frequency at the second time t12. The maximum brightness of the display device may change corresponding to the first command at the second time t12.

[0145] When a first command (e.g., a dimming level command) is input at the third time t13, the counter 1444 may increase the first count value corresponding to the first command by "1." In an example, the first count value stored in the storage unit 1446 may increase to a value of "2" at the third time t13.

[0146] The controller 1422 may compare the first count value with a first threshold value corresponding to the first command stored in the storage unit 1446. Since the first threshold value is set to "3", the controller 1422 may supply the first command control signal CCS1 to the frequency / brightness controller 144.

[0147] The frequency / brightness controller 144 supplied with the first command control signal CCS1 does not switch frames immediately but may switch frames corresponding to the planned driving frequency at the fourth time t14. The maximum brightness of the display device may vary corresponding to the first command at the fourth time t14.

[0148] When a first command (eg, a dimming level command) is input at the fifth time t15, the counter 1444 may increase the first count value corresponding to the first command by "1." In an example, the first count value stored in the storage unit 1446 may increase to "3" at the fifth time t15.

[0149] In an embodiment, the controller 1422 may compare the first count value with a first threshold value corresponding to the first command stored in the storage unit 1446. Since the first threshold value is set to "3", the controller 1422 may supply the second command control signal CCS2 to the frequency / brightness controller 144. After the controller 1422 outputs the second command control signal CCS2, the controller 1422 may initialize the first count value to "0".

[0150] In an embodiment, the frequency / brightness controller 144 supplied with the second command control signal CCS2 may change the maximum brightness of the display device corresponding to the first command while switching frames at the fifth time t15 .

[0151] In an embodiment, a second command (e.g., a frame variable command) may be input at the fifth time t15. When the second command is input at the fifth time t15, the counter 1444 may increase the second count value corresponding to the second command by "1." In an example, when the second count value stored in the storage unit 1446 is set to "0," the second count value may be increased to a value of "1" at the fifth time t15.

[0152] In an embodiment, the controller 1422 may compare the second count value with a second threshold value corresponding to the first command stored in the storage unit 1446. When the second threshold value is set to "1", the controller 1422 may supply a second command control signal CCS2 to the frequency / brightness controller 144.

[0153] In an embodiment, the frequency / brightness controller 144 supplied with the second command signal CCS2 may switch frames at the fifth time t15. Since the frame of the display device is switched, an image corresponding to the new input data Din may be displayed in the pixel unit 110 at the fifth time t15.

[0154] As described above, in the embodiment, a threshold value corresponding to each of the plurality of commands included in the command data CMD is set, and the number of frame changes (the number of drive frequency changes or the number of refresh rate changes) of the display device changes in accordance with the threshold value. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the drive frequency (or refresh rate) of the display device from changing frequently, and thus, it is possible to reduce or minimize power consumption.

[0155] In addition, the threshold value of the display device can be stored in the storage unit 1446 and can be updated by the processor 150. In the example, when the threshold values ​​are all set to "1", as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown in , whenever command data is input, the driving frequency of the display device can be changed. That is, in the embodiment, the threshold value stored in the storage unit 1446 is controlled so that the number of frame changes of the display device can be controlled.

[0156] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0157] In the examples, and with reference to Figure 10 , the electronic device 1000 can output various information through the display module 1140, so that when the processor 1110 executes the application stored in the memory 1120, the display module 1140 can provide the application information to the user through the display panel 1141.

[0158] In an embodiment, the processor 1110 may obtain external input through the input module 1130 or the sensor module 1161 and execute an application corresponding to the external input. For example, when a user selects a camera icon (or a camera application icon) displayed on the display panel 1141, the processor 1110 may obtain user input through the input sensor 1161-2 and activate the camera module 1171. The processor 1110 may transmit image data corresponding to a captured image obtained by the camera module 1171 to the display module 1140. The display module 1140 may display an image corresponding to the captured image through the display panel 1141.

[0159] In another embodiment, when personal information authentication is performed on the display module 1140, the fingerprint sensor 1161-1 may obtain input fingerprint information as input data. The processor 1110 may compare the input data obtained by the fingerprint sensor 1161-1 with the authentication data stored in the memory 1120 and execute an application based on the comparison result. The display module 1140 may display information executed according to the logic of the application on the display panel 1141. The fingerprint sensor 1161-1 may be provided in the entire area of ​​the display panel 1141 to obtain fingerprint information.

[0160] In yet another embodiment, when a music streaming icon displayed on the display module 1140 is selected, the processor 1110 may obtain user input through the input sensor 1161-2 and activate a music streaming application stored in the memory 1120. When a music playback command is input in the music streaming application, the processor 1110 may activate the sound output module 1163 to provide the user with sound information consistent with the music playback command.

[0161] The operation of the electronic device 1000 has been briefly described above. The components of the electronic device 1000 will be described in detail below. Some of the components of the electronic device 1000 to be described later may be integrated to be provided as one component, and one component may be provided as two or more components.

[0162] In an embodiment, the electronic device 1000 can communicate with the external electronic device 2000 through a network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network or a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 1000 may include a processor 1110, a memory 1120, an input module 1130, a display module 1140, a power module 1150, an internal module 1160, and an external module 1170. According to an embodiment, in the electronic device 1000, at least one of the above components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. According to an embodiment, some of the above components (e.g., the sensor module 1161, the antenna module 1162, and / or the sound output module 1163) may be integrated into another component (e.g., the display module 1140).

[0163] In an embodiment, the processor 1110 may control at least another component (e.g., hardware or software component) in the electronic device 1000 connected to the processor 1110 by executing software, and perform various processes or calculations. According to an embodiment, as at least part of data processing and calculation, the processor 1110 may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the input module 1130, the sensor module 1161, or the communication module 1173) in the volatile memory 1121, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory 1121, and store the result data in the non-volatile memory 1122. The processor 1110 may be Figure 1 The processor 150 is shown in FIG.

[0164] The processor 1110 may include a main processor 1111 and an auxiliary processor 1112, wherein the main processor 1111 may include a central processing unit (CPU) 1111-1. The main processor 1111 may also include at least one of a graphics processing unit (GPU) 1111-2, a communication processor (CP), and an image signal processor (ISP). The main processor 1111 may also include a neural processing unit (NPU) 1111-3, wherein the NPU 1111-3 is a dedicated processor for processing an artificial intelligence (AI) model, and the AI ​​model may be generated by machine learning. The AI ​​model may include multiple artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q network, or one of two or more combinations thereof, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples. In addition to the hardware structure, the AI ​​model may additionally or alternatively include a software structure. At least two of the above-mentioned processing unit and the above-mentioned processor may be implemented into one integrated component (eg, a single chip), or implemented as components independent of each other (eg, a plurality of chips).

[0165] In an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 1112 may include a controller 1112-1. The controller 1112-1 may include an interface conversion circuit and a timing control circuit. In an example, the auxiliary processor 1112 may include Figure 1 In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 1112 may include a timing controller 140 as shown in FIG. Figure 7 In an example, the auxiliary processor 1112 may include a command sensor 142 and a frequency / brightness controller 144. Figure 8 14. At least some functions (or components) of the timing controller 140 may be included in the controller 1112-1, the data conversion circuit 1112-2, the gamma correction circuit 1112-3, the rendering circuit 1112-4, and the like.

[0166] The controller 1112-1 may receive an image signal from the main processor 1111 and convert the image signal data format into an interface specification suitable for the display module 1140, thereby outputting the image data. The controller 1112-1 may also output various control signals required for driving the display module 1140.

[0167] In an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 1112 may further include a data conversion circuit 1112-2, a gamma correction circuit 1112-3, a rendering circuit 1112-4, a touch control circuit 1112-5, etc. The data conversion circuit 1112-2 may receive image data from the controller 1112-1, and the data conversion circuit 1112-2 may compensate the image data according to the characteristics of the electronic device 1000 or the user's settings so that the image is displayed at a desired brightness, or the data conversion circuit 1112-2 may convert the image data for the purpose of reducing power consumption or compensating for afterimages, etc.

[0168] In an embodiment, the gamma correction circuit 1112-3 may convert image data or a gamma reference voltage, etc., so that an image displayed in the electronic device 1000 has a desired gamma characteristic. The rendering circuit 1112-4 may receive image data from the controller 1112-1 and render the image data by taking into account the pixel arrangement of the display panel 1141 applied to the electronic device 1000, etc.

[0169] In an embodiment, the touch control circuit 1112 - 5 may supply a touch signal to the input sensor 1161 - 2 , and the touch control circuit 1112 - 5 may be supplied with a sensing signal corresponding to the touch signal from the input sensor 1161 - 2 .

[0170] In an embodiment, at least one of the data conversion circuit 1112-2, the gamma correction circuit 1112-3, the rendering circuit 1112-4, and the touch control circuit 1112-5 may be integrated into another component (e.g., the main processor 1111 or the controller 1112-4). At least one of the data conversion circuit 1112-2, the gamma correction circuit 1112-3, and the rendering circuit 1112-4 may be integrated into the source driver 1143 to be described later.

[0171] In an embodiment, the memory 1120 may store various data used by at least one component in the electronic device 1000 (e.g., the processor 1110 or the sensor module 1161) and input or output data regarding commands related thereto. In addition, the memory 1120 stores various setting data corresponding to user settings. The memory 1120 may include at least one of a volatile memory 1121 and a non-volatile memory 1122.

[0172] In an embodiment, the input module 1130 may receive commands or data from outside the electronic device 1000 (e.g., a user or an external electronic device 2000) to be used in a component of the electronic device 1000 (e.g., the processor 1110, the sensor module 1161, or the sound output module 1163).

[0173] The input module 1130 may include a first input module 1131 to which a user inputs commands or data and a second input module 1132 to which an external electronic device 2000 inputs commands or data. The first input module 1131 may include a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button) or a pen (e.g., a passive pen or an active pen). The second input module 1132 may support a specified protocol that can connect the electronic device 1000 to the external electronic device 2000 via a wired or wireless interface. According to an embodiment, the second input module 1132 may include a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface or an audio interface. The second input module 1132 may include connectors, such as an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector), which can physically connect the electronic device 1000 to the external electronic device 2000.

[0174] In an embodiment, the display module 1140 can visually provide information to the user. The display module 1140 may include a display panel 1141, a gate driver 1142, a source driver 1143, and a voltage generating circuit 1144. The display module 1140 may also include a window, a chassis, and a bracket for protecting the display panel 1141. The display module 1140 may include Figure 1 At least some components of the display device shown in .

[0175] The display panel 1141 (or display) may include a liquid crystal display panel, an organic light emitting display panel, or an inorganic light emitting display panel, and the type of the display panel 1141 is not limited. The display panel 1141 may be a rigid type or a flexible type, wherein the display panel 1141 is rollable or foldable. The display module 1140 may further include a support, a bracket, or a heat dissipation member for supporting the display panel 1141. The display panel 1141 may include Figure 1 The pixel unit 110 is shown in FIG.

[0176] In an embodiment, the gate driver 1142 is a driver chip and may be mounted in the display panel 1141. In addition, the gate driver 1142 may be integrated in the display panel 1141. For example, the gate driver 1142 may include an amorphous silicon thin film transistor (TFT) gate (ASG) driver circuit, a low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) TFT gate driver circuit, or an oxide semiconductor TFT gate (OSG) driver circuit embedded in the display panel 1141. The gate driver 1142 may receive a control signal from the controller 1112-1 and output a scan signal to the display panel 1141 in response to the control signal. The gate driver 1142 may include Figure 1 The scan driver 130 shown in FIG.

[0177] In an embodiment, the display module 1140 may further include an emission driver. The emission driver may output an emission control signal to the display panel 1141 in response to a control signal received from the controller 1112-1. The emission driver may be formed separately from the gate driver 1142 or may be integrated into the gate driver 1142.

[0178] In an embodiment, the source driver 1143 may receive a control signal from the controller 1112-1 and convert the image data into an analog voltage (eg, a data voltage), and then output the data voltage to the display panel 1141 in response to the control signal. The source driver 1143 may include Figure 1 The data driver 120 is shown in FIG.

[0179] The source driver 1143 may be integrated with another component (eg, the controller 1112-1). The functions of the interface conversion circuit and the timing control circuit of the controller 1112-1 may be integrated into the source driver 1143. The voltage generating circuit 1144 may output various voltages required for driving the display panel 1141.

[0180] In an embodiment, the source driver 1143 may convert data corresponding to red (R), green (G), and blue (B) included in image data received from the processor 1110 into a red data signal (or data voltage), a green data signal, and a blue data signal, and provide the red data signal, the green data signal, and the blue data signal to a plurality of pixel columns included in the display panel 1141 during one horizontal period.

[0181] In an embodiment, the power module 1150 can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 1000, wherein the power module 1150 may include a battery for charging the power voltage. The battery may include a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. The power module 1150 may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The PMIC can supply an optimized power source to each of the above modules and modules to be described later. The power module 1150 may include a wireless power transmission / reception component electrically connected to the battery. The wireless power transmission / reception component may include a plurality of coil-shaped antenna radiators. In an embodiment, at least some components in the power module 1150 and the voltage generation circuit 1144 may be provided as an integrated component. For example, the voltage generation circuit 1144 may be included in the power module 1150.

[0182] In an embodiment, the electronic device 1000 may further include an internal module 1160 and an external module 1170. The internal module 1160 may include a sensor module 1161, an antenna module 1162, and a sound output module 1163. The external module 1170 may include a camera module 1171, an optical module 1172, and a communication module 1173.

[0183] The sensor module 1161 can sense input caused by the user's body or input caused by the pen in the first input module and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the input. The sensor module 1161 can include at least one of a fingerprint sensor 1161-1, an input sensor 1161-2, and a digitizer 1161-3.

[0184] Fingerprint sensor 1161 - 1 may generate a data value corresponding to the user's fingerprint.

[0185] The input sensor 1161-2 may generate a data value corresponding to the coordinate information of an input caused by the user's body or an input caused by a pen. The input sensor 1161-2 may generate a capacitance change caused by the input as a data value. The input sensor 1161-2 may sense an input caused by a passive pen or transmit / receive data to / from an active pen.

[0186] The input sensor 1161-2 can measure biosignals such as pressure, humidity, or body fat. For example, when a body part of the user is in contact with the sensor layer or sensing panel and the user does not move for a certain period of time, the input sensor 1161-2 can sense the biosignal based on the change in the electric field caused by the body part and output the user's desired information to the display module 1140.

[0187] The digitizer 1161-3 can generate a data value corresponding to the coordinate information of the input caused by the pen. The digitizer 1161-3 can generate an electromagnetic change caused by the input as a data value. The digitizer 1161-3 can sense the input caused by the passive pen, or send data to / receive data from the active pen.

[0188] At least one of the fingerprint sensor 1161-1, the input sensor 1161-2, and the digitizer 1161-3 may be implemented as a sensor layer formed on the display panel 1141 through continuous processing. At least one of the fingerprint sensor 1161-1, the input sensor 1161-2, and the digitizer 1161-3 may be provided at the upper side of the display panel 1141, and any one of the fingerprint sensor 1161-1, the input sensor 1161-2, and the digitizer 1161-3 (e.g., the digitizer 1161-3) may be provided at the lower side of the display panel 1141.

[0189] At least two of the fingerprint sensor 1161-1, the input sensor 1161-2, and the digitizer 1161-3 may be formed by the same process so as to be integrated into a single sensing panel. When at least two of the fingerprint sensor 1161-1, the input sensor 1161-2, and the digitizer 1161-3 are integrated into a single sensing panel, the sensing panel may be disposed between the display panel 1141 and a window disposed on an upper side of the display panel 1141. Depending on the embodiment, the sensing panel may be disposed on the window, and the position of the sensing panel is not particularly limited.

[0190] At least one of the fingerprint sensor 1161-1, the input sensor 1161-2, and the digitizer 1161-3 may be built into the display panel 1141. That is, at least one of the fingerprint sensor 1161-1, the input sensor 1161-2, and the digitizer 1161-3 may be simultaneously formed by a process of forming elements (e.g., a light emitting element and a transistor, etc.) included in the display panel 1141.

[0191] In an embodiment, the sensor module 1161 may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal state or an external state of the electronic device 1000. The sensor module 1161 may further include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a brightness sensor.

[0192] In an embodiment, the antenna module 1162 may include one or more antennas for transmitting signals or power to the outside or receiving signals or power from the outside. Depending on the embodiment, the communication module 1173 may transmit signals to or receive signals from an external electronic device via an antenna suitable for the communication scheme. The antenna pattern of the antenna module 1162 may be integrated into a component of the display module 1140 (e.g., the display panel 1141), or the input sensor 1161-2, etc.

[0193] In an embodiment, the sound output module 1163 is a device for outputting sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 1000, and may include, for example, a speaker for general purposes such as multimedia playback or transcription playback and a receiver for only answering calls. Depending on the embodiment, the receiver may be formed integrally with the speaker or separately from the speaker. The sound output pattern of the sound output module 1163 may be integrated into the display module 1140.

[0194] In an embodiment, the camera module 1171 can capture both still and moving images. Depending on the embodiment, the camera module 1171 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, or image signal processors. The camera module 1171 may also include an infrared camera capable of measuring the user's presence, the user's position, or the user's line of sight.

[0195] In an embodiment, the light module 1172 may provide light. The light module 1172 may include a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. The light module 1172 may operate in conjunction with the camera module 1171 or independently of the camera module 1171.

[0196] In an embodiment, the communication module 1173 can establish a wired or wireless communication channel between the electronic device 1000 and the external electronic device 2000, and support communication performance through the established communication channel. The communication module may include any one or all of a wireless communication module (such as a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) and a wired communication module (such as a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). The communication module 1173 can communicate with the external electronic device 2000 through a short-range communication network (such as a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module). The device communicates with the external electronic device 2000 via a wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct or infrared data association (IrDA) or a remote communication network such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN)). The aforementioned communication modules can be implemented into one chip or as separate chips.

[0197] In an embodiment, the input module 1130 , the sensor module 1161 , the camera module 1171 , etc. may be used to connect with the processor 1110 to control the operation of the display module 1140 .

[0198] In an embodiment, the processor 1110 may output commands or data to the display module 1140, the sound output module 1163, the camera module 1171, or the optical module 1172 based on input data received from the input module 1130. For example, the processor 1110 may generate image data corresponding to input data applied via a mouse or an active pen, etc., and output the image data to the display module 1140. In another embodiment, the processor 1110 may generate command data corresponding to the input data and output the command data to the camera module 1171 or the optical module 1172. When no input data is received from the input module 1130, the processor 1110 may change the operating mode of the electronic device 1000 to a low power mode or a sleep mode, thereby reducing the power consumed in the electronic device 1000.

[0199] The processor 1110 can output commands or data to the display module 1140, the sound output module 1163, the camera module 1171, or the optical module 1172 based on the sensing data received from the sensor module 1161. For example, the processor 1110 can compare the authentication data applied by the fingerprint sensor 1161-1 with the authentication data stored in the memory 1120 and then execute an application based on the comparison result. The processor 1110 can execute a command based on the sensing data sensed by the input sensor 1161-2 or the digitizer 1161-3 or output corresponding image data to the display module 1140. When the sensor module 1161 includes a temperature sensor, the processor 1110 can receive data about temperature measured from the sensor module 1161 and also perform brightness correction on the image data based on the temperature data.

[0200] The processor 1110 may receive measurement data regarding the user's presence, the user's position, or the user's line of sight from the camera module 1171. The processor 1110 may also perform brightness correction on the image data based on the measurement data. For example, the processor 1110, having determined the presence of the user based on the input from the camera module 1171, may output the brightness-corrected image data to the display module 1140 through the data conversion circuit 1112-2 or the gamma correction circuit 1112-3.

[0201] In an embodiment, at least some of the above components may be connected to each other, and signals (e.g., commands or data) may be transmitted therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input / output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), mobile industry processor interface (MIPI), or ultra-path interconnect (UPI) link). The processor 1110 may communicate with the display module 1140 via a designated interface, and any of the above communication schemes may be used. However, the present invention is not limited to the above communication schemes.

[0202] In the display device, the method for driving the display device, and the electronic device according to the embodiment, a threshold value corresponding to each of the plurality of commands is set, and when the number of inputs of the command equals the threshold value, the frame is immediately switched (or the driving frequency is changed). Therefore, the change in the driving frequency of the display device caused by the input of the command can be minimized, and thus, power consumption can be reduced.

[0203] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms are employed, they are used and interpreted in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. In some cases, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that, unless otherwise specifically indicated, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with other embodiments. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein: The display device includes: a pixel unit including pixels connected to a data line and a scan line; and The timing controller is configured to compare the number of times a plurality of commands included in the command data are input with a threshold value corresponding to the number of times of input, and the timing controller switches or maintains a frame corresponding to a comparison result.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein When a first command is input, the timing controller does not switch the frame when the number of inputs of the first command is not equal to a first threshold value corresponding to the first command.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The timing controller switches a frame corresponding to a predetermined scheduled driving frequency, and when the frame is switched, the timing controller reflects a first command.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein When a first command is input, the timing controller switches the frames so that the first command is reflected when the number of inputs of the first command is equal to a first threshold value corresponding to the first command.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of commands include at least one of a dimming level change command corresponding to a maximum brightness change of the pixel unit, a frame variable command corresponding to frame switching, a gamma change command corresponding to a gamma voltage change, and a sleep mode command corresponding to a low power mode. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein: The timing controller includes: a command sensor configured to receive the command data and input data, and the command sensor senses the plurality of commands included in the command data; and A frequency / brightness controller is configured to switch or maintain a frame corresponding to the first command control signal or the second command control signal supplied from the command sensor.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The command sensor comprises: a storage unit configured to store a count value corresponding to the number of input times of the plurality of commands and the threshold value; a counter configured to increase a count value corresponding to each of the plurality of commands when the plurality of commands are input; and The controller is configured to compare the count values ​​corresponding to the respective commands with the corresponding threshold values, and the controller outputs the first command control signal or the second command control signal corresponding to the comparison result.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The controller: when the first command is input, comparing a first count value corresponding to a first command included in the plurality of commands with a first threshold value corresponding to the first command; as well as The first command control signal is output when the first count value is less than the first threshold value, and the second command control signal is output when the first count value is the same as the first threshold value.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein When the first command control signal is input, the frequency / brightness controller does not switch the frame, and wherein, when the first command control signal is input, the frequency / brightness controller switches the frame corresponding to the predetermined planned driving frequency, and when the frame is switched, the frequency / brightness controller reflects the first command.

10. The display device according to claim 8, wherein When the second command control signal is input, the frequency / brightness controller reflects the first command while switching the frames.

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