Edge dimming control device and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an edge dimming control device and an edge dimming control method, which are used for performing dimming control on a screen area with little or no change of image information. The apparatus includes a source module for providing a dimming command for an image frame and a sink module for controlling dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming command. When a dimming command is input, the sink module may obtain an updated area and a non-updated area in an image frame based on the dimming command, identify whether to distinguish the non-updated area, calculate a dimming weight for the non-updated area if the non-updated area is distinguished, and control dimming of the display device based on the calculated dimming weight, the edge dimming is applied to the non-updated region of the image frame.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to a dimming control apparatus, and more particularly, to an edge dimming control apparatus and method for controlling dimming in a screen region in which image information changes little or not at all. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, display apparatuses consume a large amount of power due to displaying various image information.

[0003] Display apparatuses are continuously turned on while providing image information to a user. However, since the display apparatuses must continuously output light during the turned-on period, their power consumption is higher than that of other components in an electronic apparatus.

[0004] Accordingly, the display apparatus can reduce power consumption by reducing the brightness of certain screen regions in which image information does not change.

[0005] However, reducing the brightness in regions in which the image remains unchanged still causes unnecessary power consumption and visual unnaturalness perceived by the user, since the screen brightness of the current frame remains the same as that of the previous frame or gradually decreases from the center to the edge of the image.

[0006] Alternatively, the display apparatus can reduce power consumption by reducing the brightness of the entire screen region.

[0007] However, this method also reduces the brightness of both the visible region and the invisible region in the entire screen region, thereby causing visual unnaturalness perceived by the user.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need to develop an edge dimming control apparatus that can actively or passively control dimming of regions in which image information does not change or relatively does not change based on image information, thereby reducing power consumption and providing an image that looks natural. SUMMARY

[0009] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0010] The disclosure aims to solve the above and other problems.

[0011] The disclosure aims to provide an edge dimming control apparatus and method that can actively or passively control edge dimming for non-updated regions of an image frame based on image information, thereby reducing power consumption and providing a natural image to a user.

[0012] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0013] An edge dimming control apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure is an edge dimming control apparatus that controls dimming of a display apparatus, and can include a source module configured to provide a dimming command for an image frame, and a sink module configured to control dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming command, wherein the sink module is configured to, when the dimming command is input, obtain an updated region and an un-updated region of the image frame based on the dimming command, determine whether to differentiate the un-updated region, when the un-updated region is differentiated, calculate a dimming weight of the un-updated region, and control dimming of the display apparatus based on the calculated dimming weight so that edge dimming is applied to the un-updated region of the image frame.

[0014] A display apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure can include a display configured to display an image, and an edge dimming control apparatus configured to control dimming of the display, wherein the edge dimming control apparatus includes a source module configured to provide a dimming command for an image frame, and a sink module configured to control dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming command, wherein the sink module is configured to, when the dimming command is input, obtain an updated region and an un-updated region of the image frame based on the dimming command, determine whether to differentiate the un-updated region, when the un-updated region is differentiated, calculate a dimming weight of the un-updated region, and control dimming of the display based on the calculated dimming weight so that edge dimming is applied to the un-updated region of the image frame.

[0015] An edge dimming control method of an edge dimming control apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure can include receiving an image frame and a dimming command, analyzing the dimming command, obtaining an updated region and an un-updated region of the image frame based on the dimming command, and determining whether the un-updated region is divided and differentiated into a plurality of divided regions, when the un-updated region is divided into the plurality of divided regions, determining a divided region to be dimmed among the plurality of divided regions, calculating a dimming weight to be applied to the divided region to be dimmed, applying edge dimming to the un-updated region of the image frame based on the calculated dimming weight, and controlling dimming of the display apparatus so that the applied edge dimming is output.

[0016] Technical Effects

[0017] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, by actively or passively controlling edge dimming for an un-updated region of an image frame based on image information, power consumption can be reduced and a natural image can be provided to a user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a dimming control system according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an edge dimming control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a sink unit of an edge dimming control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figures 5 to 7 is a diagram illustrating edge dimming control for an un-updated area of an image frame.

[0022] Figure 8 and Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating edge dimming control according to a panel type of a display device.

[0023] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating edge dimming control processing based on first coordinate information for an updated area of an image frame.

[0024] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating edge dimming control processing based on dimming area division information for an un-updated area of an image frame.

[0025] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating active edge dimming control processing for an updated area of an image frame.

[0026] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating edge dimming control processing based on second coordinate information for an updated area of an image frame.

[0027] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating edge dimming control processing based on second coordinate information of Figure 13 and a passive dimming rate.

[0028] Figures 15 to 17 is a diagram illustrating edge dimming control processing based on second coordinate information of Figure 13 and an active dimming rate.

[0029] Figure 18 is a flowchart for explaining an edge dimming control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 19 is a diagram of a display device for performing edge dimming control according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification are explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the figure number, the same or similar components are marked with the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" for components used in the following description are designated or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have a distinct meaning or role by themselves. Also, when describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, if it is considered that the relevant known technology obscures the gist of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also, the accompanying drawings are merely intended to facilitate the understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical concepts disclosed in the present specification are not limited by the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] Various components can be described using terms such as "first," "second," and the like including ordinal numbers, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another component.

[0033] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or coupled to the other component, but other components can exist therebetween. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that no other components exist therebetween.

[0034] The edge dimming of the present disclosure can refer to dimming adjusting the brightness of an un-updated area, which is a screen area in which image information is changed little or not changed in an edge area of an updated area in which image information is greatly changed in an image frame.

[0035] That is, the edge dimming of the present disclosure can refer to reducing the brightness in an un-updated area located around an updated area within an image frame.

[0036] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a dimming control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] As Figure 1 illustrated, the dimming control system of the present disclosure can include a display apparatus 100 for displaying an image and a dimming control apparatus 200 for controlling dimming of the display apparatus 100.

[0038] The display apparatus 100 can include a fixed apparatus such as a personal computer (PC), a network TV, a hybrid broadcast broadband TV (HBBTV), a smart TV, and an Internet protocol TV (IPTV), and a mobile apparatus (or a handheld apparatus) such as a smart phone, a tablet PC, a notebook, and a personal digital assistant (PDA).

[0039] Here, the display module of the display apparatus 100 can include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a three-dimensional (3D) display, etc.

[0040] Some of the display modules can be configured as a transparent or light-transmitting type, thereby allowing an external view to pass through the display module.

[0041] Such a display module can be referred to as a transparent display module, and a representative example is a transparent OLED (TOLED).

[0042] Next, the dimming control apparatus 200 can be designed to be integrated with the display apparatus 100 or alternatively designed to be separated from the display apparatus 100.

[0043] Here, the dimming control apparatus 200 can include a source module for providing a dimming command for an image frame and a sink module for controlling dimming of the display apparatus 100 based on the dimming command.

[0044] In one example, the source module of the dimming control apparatus 200 can be configured with one or more cores and can include a processor for analyzing image data, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a system on chip (SoC), or an application processor (AP) of a computing device.

[0045] In addition, the sink module of the dimming control apparatus 200 can include a controller for dimming control of the display apparatus, such as a timing controller (TCON), a driver integrated circuit (D-IC), and a scaler.

[0046] When the dimming command is input from the source module, the sink module can obtain an updated region and an un-updated region from the image frame based on the dimming command, determine whether to distinguish the un-updated region, calculate a dimming weight for the un-updated region when the un-updated region is distinguished, and control dimming of the display apparatus 100 based on the calculated dimming weight, such that edge dimming is applied to the un-updated region of the image frame.

[0047] Accordingly, the present disclosure can reduce power consumption and provide a natural image to a user by actively or passively controlling edge dimming of an un-updated region in an image frame based on image information.

[0048] Figure 2 and Figure 3 are diagrams illustrating an edge dimming control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] As Figure 2 and Figure 3As illustrated, the edge dimming control apparatus of the disclosure can include a source module 210 for providing a dimming command for an image frame and a sink module 220 for controlling dimming of a display apparatus based on the dimming command.

[0050] Here, the source module 210 can be configured with one or more cores, and can include a processor for analyzing image data, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a system on chip (SoC), or an application processor (AP) of a computing device.

[0051] In one embodiment, as Figure 2 As illustrated, the source module 210 can determine whether there is updated image content in which the amount of change in image data is greater than or equal to a reference value in an image frame, and when there is no updated image content in the image frame, the source module 210 can identify the image frame as a still image and provide only a dimming command without including image frame data.

[0052] Here, the source module 210 can provide a dimming command including dimming position information.

[0053] In one embodiment, the dimming position information can include an entire region in which there is no updated image content in the image frame.

[0054] That is, when a PSR (Panel Self Refresh) function is supported, the source module 210 can provide a dimming command including a PSR (Panel Self Refresh) mode switching control signal for controlling the frame buffer of the sink module 220 to output a pre-stored image frame to the display apparatus.

[0055] In some cases, the source module 210 can provide a dimming command further including at least one of dimming weight information and dimming time information.

[0056] Here, the dimming weight information and the dimming time information can be set to at least one of a pre-set default value and an input value provided by a user.

[0057] In one embodiment, the dimming weight information can include a single dimming weight value in which the weight remains the same during the dimming time included in the dimming time information, or can include a plurality of dimming weight values in which the dimming weight changes during the dimming time.

[0058] Further, the dimming time information can include the number of image frames in which dimming is continuously performed.

[0059] When checking whether there is updated image content, the source module 210 can use at least one method selected from a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) checking method, a frame buffer address checking method, and a full data checking method, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0060] Here, the CRC check method can determine whether there is updated image content by calculating a CRC of image data to be displayed and using the calculated CRC. The frame buffer address check method can determine whether there is updated image content according to whether a write operation of a frame buffer is performed. The full data check method can determine whether there is updated image content by comparing image data to be displayed pixel by pixel.

[0061] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the sink module 220 can include an edge dimming controller 230 for controlling dimming of the display apparatus based on a dimming command. Figure 2

[0062] The sink module 220 can include a controller for dimming control of the display apparatus, such as a timing controller (TCON), a driver integrated circuit (D-IC), or a scaler.

[0063] When only a dimming command is input without including image frame data, the sink module 220 can extract dimming position information from the dimming command, determine an entire region in which there is no updated image content in an image frame as a dimming application region based on the dimming position information, output pre-stored image frame data from a frame buffer to the display apparatus, and control dimming of the display apparatus such that dimming is applied to the entire region of the image frame displayed on the display apparatus.

[0064] Here, when a PSR (Panel Self Refresh) function is supported, the sink module 220 can perform a PSR mode according to a PSR mode switching control signal included in the dimming command to output pre-stored image frame data in the frame buffer to the display apparatus.

[0065] In addition, when dimming weight information is extracted from the dimming command, the sink module 220 can control dimming of the display apparatus such that dimming having a dimming weight value corresponding to the dimming weight information is applied to the entire region of the image frame displayed on the display apparatus with the same weight.

[0066] In addition, when dimming time information is extracted from the dimming command, the sink module 220 can control dimming of the display apparatus such that dimming is applied to the entire region of the image frame displayed on the display apparatus during a dimming time corresponding to the dimming time information.

[0067] In addition, when dimming weight information and dimming time information are extracted from the dimming command, the sink module 220 can control dimming of the display apparatus such that dimming is applied to the entire region of the image frame displayed on the display apparatus with a dimming weight value corresponding to the dimming weight information during a dimming time corresponding to the dimming time information.

[0068] ​Here, when the dimming weight information includes a single dimming weight value for maintaining the same dimming weight during the dimming time included in the dimming time information, the sink module 220 can control dimming of the display apparatus such that the same weight dimming is applied to the entire area of the image frame displayed on the display apparatus during the dimming time.

[0069] In some cases, when the dimming weight information includes a plurality of dimming weight values in which the dimming weight varies for each dimming time, the sink module 220 can control dimming of the display apparatus such that dimming with varying dimming weight is applied to the entire area of the image frame displayed on the display apparatus during the dimming time.

[0070] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 The source module 210 can further determine whether the updated image content exists in a partial area of the image frame when the updated image content exists in the image frame. When the updated image content exists in the partial area of the image frame, the source module 210 can provide the image frame data including the updated image content and a dimming command.

[0071] Here, the source module 210 can provide the dimming command including update area information in which the updated image content is located in the image frame.

[0072] In one embodiment, the update area information can include at least one of a vertical coordinate and a horizontal coordinate of an area in which the updated image content is located.

[0073] That is, when the PSR2 (Panel Self Refresh 2) function is supported, the source module 210 can provide a dimming command including a PSR2 (Panel Self Refresh 2) mode switching control signal for controlling to selectively update only an update area in which the updated image content is located among the image frame and output the updated area to the display apparatus.

[0074] Further, the source module 210 can provide the dimming command further including at least one of dimming weight information, dimming time information, and dimming area differentiation information.

[0075] Here, the dimming weight information, the dimming time information, and the dimming area differentiation information can be set to at least one of a preset default value and an input value input by a user.

[0076] In one embodiment, the dimming weight information can include a single dimming weight value for maintaining the same dimming weight during the dimming time included in the dimming time information.

[0077] In another embodiment, the dimming weight information can include a plurality of dimming weight values in which a dimming weight varies during a dimming time included in the dimming time information.

[0078] Further, the dimming time information can include a number of image frames in which dimming is continuously performed.

[0079] Subsequently, the dimming area division information can include information of a division number for the non-updated area other than the updated area in which the updated image content is located, and information for determining whether to apply dimming to each of the non-updated areas divided according to the division number.

[0080] In one embodiment, when the dimming area division information includes information for determining dimming of the plurality of divided non-updated areas, the source module 210 can provide dimming weight information including a single dimming weight value so that the plurality of non-updated areas have the same dimming weight.

[0081] In another embodiment, when the dimming area division information includes information for determining dimming of the plurality of divided non-updated areas, the source module 210 can provide dimming weight information including a plurality of dimming weight values so that each of the non-updated areas has a different dimming weight.

[0082] Further, when checking whether the updated image content exists in the partial area of the image frame, if the updated image content exists in the entire area of the image frame, the source module 210 cannot provide the dimming command.

[0083] And, as Figure 3 shown, when the dimming command is input, the sink module 220 can extract updated area information in which the updated image content is located from the dimming command, and obtain the updated area and the non-updated area among the image frames based on the extracted updated area information.

[0084] Here, when the PSR2 (Panel Self Refresh 2) function is supported, the sink module 220 can perform a PSR2 mode that selectively updates only the updated area in which the updated image content is located among the image frames according to a PSR2 mode switching control signal included in the dimming command, and outputs the updated area to the display device.

[0085] In one embodiment, when the update area information includes both the vertical coordinate and the horizontal coordinate of the area in which the updated image content is located, the sink module 220 calculates an upper length of an un-updated area located above the update area and a lower length of an un-updated area located below the update area based on the vertical coordinate to distinguish between an upper un-updated area and a lower un-updated area, and calculates a right length of an un-updated area located to the right of the update area and a left length of an un-updated area located to the left of the update area based on the horizontal coordinate to distinguish between a right un-updated area and a left un-updated area.

[0086] Here, the sink module 220 can control dimming of the display apparatus such that, when dimming weight information including a dimming weight value corresponding to the un-updated area is extracted from the dimming command, dimming is simultaneously applied to the upper un-updated area, the lower un-updated area, the right un-updated area, and the left un-updated area among the image frames displayed on the display apparatus based on the dimming weight value.

[0087] At this time, in applying dimming to the un-updated area, the sink module 220 can apply dimming to the un-updated area such that a dimming weight gradually increases toward an edge of the image frames.

[0088] Further, when dimming time information is extracted from the dimming command, the sink module 220 can control dimming of the display apparatus such that, during a dimming time corresponding to the dimming time information, dimming is applied to the upper un-updated area, the lower un-updated area, the right un-updated area, and the left un-updated area among the image frames displayed on the display apparatus.

[0089] In another embodiment, when dimming area division information is extracted from the dimming command, the sink module 220 can obtain, from the dimming area division information, a division number of remaining un-updated areas other than an update area in which updated image content is located and information for determining dimming on / off of each un-updated area divided according to the division number, divide the un-updated areas into a plurality of division areas based on the division number of the un-updated areas, and determine dimming on / off of each division area based on the information for determining dimming on / off.

[0090] Here, the sink module 220 can control dimming of the display apparatus such that, after dimming on / off is determined for each division area among the un-updated areas, dimming weight information including a dimming weight value corresponding to each division area is extracted from the dimming command, and dimming is simultaneously applied to the division areas determined to be dimming on among the image frames displayed on the display apparatus based on the dimming weight value.

[0091] At this time, the sink module 220 can apply dimming to the division areas such that, when dimming is applied to the division areas, a dimming weight gradually increases toward an edge of the image frames.

[0092] Further, the sink module 220 can control dimming of the display apparatus such that, after determining dimming on / off for each of the divided regions in the non-updated region, dimming is applied to the divided regions determined as dimming on among the image frames displayed on the display apparatus during a dimming time corresponding to dimming time information.

[0093] In another embodiment, when dimming region division information is not extracted from the dimming command, the sink module 220 can obtain coordinates of a region in which updated image content is located to confirm a location of the updated region, and can autonomously divide and distinguish the non-updated region into a plurality of divided regions based on the location of the updated region.

[0094] In another embodiment, when the updated region information includes only a vertical coordinate of a region in which updated image content is located, the sink module 220 can calculate an upper length of the non-updated region located above the updated region and a lower length of the non-updated region located below the updated region based on the vertical coordinate to distinguish an upper non-updated region and a lower non-updated region.

[0095] Here, the sink module 220 can generate new dimming weight values applied to the upper non-updated region and the lower non-updated region based on a luminance value of the updated region when dimming weight information is not extracted from the dimming command, and can control dimming of the display apparatus based on the new dimming weight values such that dimming is simultaneously applied to the upper non-updated region and the lower non-updated region among the image frames displayed on the display apparatus.

[0096] At this time, the sink module 220 can apply dimming to the non-updated region such that, when dimming is applied to the non-updated region, a dimming weight gradually increases toward an edge of the image frame.

[0097] In some cases, the sink module 220 can control dimming of the display apparatus such that, when dimming weight information including dimming weight values corresponding to the upper non-updated region and the lower non-updated region is extracted from the dimming command, dimming is simultaneously applied to the upper non-updated region and the lower non-updated region among the image frames displayed on the display apparatus based on the dimming weight values.

[0098] At this time, the sink module 220 can apply dimming to the non-updated region such that, when dimming is applied to the non-updated region, a dimming weight gradually increases toward an edge of the image frame.

[0099] As another embodiment, when it is extracted from the dimming command that the dimming weight information including the dimming weight values corresponding to the upper and lower non-updated regions is included, the sink module 220 calculates the amount of change between the current frame and the previous frame, checks whether the calculated amount of change is less than a threshold value, and when the amount of change is less than the threshold value, selects the left non-updated region located on the left side of the updated region and the right non-updated region located on the right side of the updated region as the dimming regions, and determines the dimming weight values for the left and right non-updated regions based on the calculated amount of change.

[0100] Here, the sink module 220 controls the dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming weight values included in the dimming weight information such that the dimming is simultaneously applied to the upper and lower non-updated regions among the image frames displayed on the display apparatus, and controls the dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming weight values determined corresponding to the calculated amount of change such that the dimming is simultaneously applied to the left and right non-updated regions among the image frames displayed on the display apparatus.

[0101] In this way, through the various embodiments, the disclosure can reduce power consumption and provide a natural image to a user by actively or passively controlling the edge dimming of the non-updated regions among the image frames based on the image information.

[0102] Figure 4 A sink module of an edge dimming control apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0103] As Figure 4 illustrated, the sink module of the disclosure can include an edge dimming controller 230 that controls the dimming of the display apparatus based on a dimming command.

[0104] The edge dimming controller 230 can include a command analyzer 232, a region divider 234, a region determiner 236, a weight calculator 237, and a dimming applier 238.

[0105] When the dimming command is input, the command analyzer 232 can analyze the dimming command.

[0106] Here, the dimming command can include updated region information in which updated image content within an image frame is located.

[0107] For example, the updated region information can include at least one of a vertical coordinate and a horizontal coordinate of a region in which the updated image content is located.

[0108] In addition, the dimming command can further include at least one of dimming weight information, dimming time information, and dimming region distinction information.

[0109] For example, the dimming weight information can include a single dimming weight value that maintains a dimming weight constant during a dimming time included in the dimming time information.

[0110] For another example, the dimming weight information can include a plurality of dimming weight values that change a dimming weight during a dimming time included in the dimming time information.

[0111] The dimming time information can include the number of image frames during which dimming is continuously performed.

[0112] The dimming area division information can include the number of divisions of the non-updated area other than the updated area in which the updated image content is located, and information for determining whether to dim each non-updated area corresponding to the number of divisions.

[0113] Further, the area divider 234 can obtain the updated area and the non-updated area from the image frame based on the analyzed dimming command, and can divide and divide the non-updated area into a plurality of division areas.

[0114] Here, the area divider 234 can autonomously divide and divide the non-updated area into a plurality of division areas based on the location of the updated area.

[0115] In some cases, the area divider 234 can passively divide and divide the non-updated area into a plurality of division areas based on the dimming area division information included in the dimming command.

[0116] Then, the area determiner 236 can determine a division area to be dimmed among the plurality of division areas.

[0117] Here, the area determiner 236 can select a division area in which the change in image information is small or a division area in which there is no change in image information among the non-updated area as a division area to be dimmed.

[0118] Subsequently, the weight calculator 237 can calculate a dimming weight applied to the division area to be dimmed.

[0119] Here, the weight calculator 237 can calculate a dimming weight applied to the division area to be dimmed based on the current power consumption.

[0120] Further, the dimming applier 238 can control dimming of the display apparatus such that edge dimming is applied to the non-updated area of the image frame based on the calculated dimming weight.

[0121] Here, the dimming applier 238 can simultaneously apply dimming to the division areas of the non-updated area with the same weight value.

[0122] In this case, when dimming is applied to the division areas of the non-updated area with the same weight value, the dimming applier 238 can apply dimming to the non-updated area such that the dimming weight gradually increases toward the edge direction of the image frame.

[0123] In addition, the dimming applier 238 can simultaneously apply dimming having different weight values to the divided regions of the non-updated region.

[0124] At this time, when dimming having different weight values is applied to the divided regions of the non-updated region, the dimming applier 238 can apply dimming to the non-updated region such that the dimming weight gradually increases toward the edge of the image frame.

[0125] Figures 5 to 7 is a diagram for explaining edge dimming control with respect to a non-updated region of an image frame.

[0126] As Figure 5 indicated, the present disclosure checks whether there is an updated region 312 in which the amount of change in image data is greater than or equal to a reference value and a non-updated region 314 in which the amount of change in image data is less than the reference value, checks whether the updated region 312 exists in a part of the image frame 310, and when the updated region 312 exists in a part of the image frame 310, generates and provides a dimming command including updated region information.

[0127] Next, as Figure 6 indicated, the present disclosure can extract updated region information in which updated image content is located from the dimming command, and perform dimming control based on the extracted updated region information to maintain the brightness of an updated region 322 in a display region 320 of a display image and reduce the brightness of a non-updated region 324.

[0128] Next, as Figure 7 indicated, the present disclosure can control dimming of the display device 100 to maintain the brightness of an updated region 332 in a display screen 330 of the display device 100 and reduce the brightness of a non-updated region 334 in which the amount of change in image data is less than a reference value.

[0129] Here, the present disclosure can control dimming of the display device 100 by adjusting at least one of pixel data of a display panel and brightness data of a backlight based on a panel type of the display device 100.

[0130] That is, the present disclosure can control dimming of the display device 100 by checking a panel type of the display device 100 and adjusting brightness data of a backlight when the backlight exists, such that edge dimming is applied to a non-updated region of an image frame.

[0131] In addition, the present disclosure can control dimming of the display device 100 by checking a panel type of the display device 100 and adjusting pixel data of a display panel when the backlight does not exist, such that edge dimming is applied to a non-updated region of an image frame.

[0132] In some cases, this disclosure can control the first dimming of the display device 100 by obtaining the current power consumption from the display device 100, checking whether the display device 100 has a backlight when the obtained current power consumption is equal to or greater than a first preset reference power consumption, and adjusting the backlight brightness data so that the first edge dimming is applied to the unupdated area of ​​the image frame when the backlight is present, thereby controlling the first dimming of the display device 100, and by obtaining the current power consumption from the display device 100 after the first dimming of the display device 100, and adjusting the pixel data of the display panel so that the second edge dimming is applied to the unupdated area of ​​the image frame when the obtained current power consumption is equal to or greater than a second preset reference power consumption, thereby controlling the second dimming of the display device 100.

[0133] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a diagram used to illustrate edge dimming control based on the panel type of the display device.

[0134] like Figure 8 As shown in (a) and (b), this disclosure can control edge dimming of unupdated areas of an image frame by checking the panel type of the display device and adjusting the pixel data of the display panel when there is no backlight.

[0135] For example, when the display device's panel type is OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), such as Figure 8 As shown in (a), this disclosure examines whether there exists an updated region 312 containing updated image content in which the change in image data of image frame 310 is greater than a reference value, and an unupdated region 314 where the change in image data is less than a reference value, and as... Figure 8 As shown in (b), by adjusting the pixel data of the display panel, dimming can be controlled to maintain the brightness of the updated area 412 in the display screen 410 where the updated image content is located, and to reduce the brightness of the unupdated area 414 where the change in image data is less than the reference value.

[0136] like Figure 9 As shown in (a) and (b), this disclosure can control edge dimming of unupdated areas of an image frame by checking the panel type of the display device and adjusting the brightness data of the backlight 420 of the display panel when the backlight 420 is present.

[0137] For example, when the display device's panel type is LED (light-emitting diode) backlight, such as Figure 9 As shown in (a), this disclosure can check whether there is an updated region 312 containing updated image content in which the change in image data of image frame 310 is greater than a reference value, and an unupdated region 314 in which the change in image data is less than a reference value, and as shown in (a). Figure 9As shown in (b) of FIG. 4, the edge dimming control process based on the first coordinate information of the update area for the image frame can be performed by adjusting the brightness data of the backlight 420 to control the dimming to maintain the brightness of the update area 322 in which the updated image content of the image frame is located, and to reduce the brightness of the non-update area 324 in which the amount of change in the image data is less than the reference value.

[0138] Figure 10 FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an edge dimming control process based on first coordinate information of an update area for an image frame.

[0139] As shown in (a) of FIG. 6, the source module 210 of the present disclosure can determine whether updated image content in which the amount of change in the image data is greater than or equal to a reference value exists in the image frame. When the updated image content exists in the image frame, the source module 210 can determine whether the updated image content exists in a portion of the image frame. When the updated image content exists in the portion of the image frame, the source module 210 can provide image frame data including the updated image content and a dimming command. Figure 10 Here, the source module 210 can provide the dimming command including update area information in which the updated image content within the image frame is located.

[0140] For example, as shown in (b) of FIG. 6, the update area information can include at least one of a vertical coordinate and a horizontal coordinate of an area in which the updated image content is located.

[0141] Figure 10 That is, when the PSR2 (Panel Self Refresh 2) function is supported, the source module 210 can provide the dimming command including a PSR2 (Panel Self Refresh 2) mode switching control signal that controls the display apparatus to selectively update only an update area in which the updated image content in the image frame is located.

[0142] In addition, the source module 210 can provide the dimming command further including at least one of dimming weight information and dimming time information.

[0143] Here, the dimming weight information and the dimming time information can be set to at least one of a preset default value and an input value input by a user.

[0144] For example, as shown in (c) of FIG. 6, the dimming weight information can include a single dimming weight value in which the dimming weight is maintained to be the same during the dimming time included in the dimming time information.

[0145] As another example, as shown in (c) of FIG. 6, the dimming weight information can include a plurality of dimming weight values in which the dimming weight is changed during the dimming time included in the dimming time information. Figure 10

[0146] As another example, as shown in (c) of FIG. 6, the dimming weight information can include a plurality of dimming weight values in which the dimming weight is changed during the dimming time included in the dimming time information. Figure 10 ​​​

[0147] In addition, the dimming time information can include the number of image frames during which dimming is continuously performed.

[0148] Next, the dimming area division information can include the division number of the non-updated area other than the updated area in which the updated image content is located, and information for determining whether to dim each non-updated area divided according to the division number.

[0149] In one embodiment, when the dimming area division information includes information for determining dimming of the plurality of divided non-updated areas, the source module 210 can provide dimming weight information including a single dimming weight value so that the plurality of non-updated areas have the same dimming weight.

[0150] In another embodiment, when the dimming area division information includes information for determining dimming of the plurality of divided non-updated areas, the source module 210 can provide dimming weight information including a plurality of dimming weight values so that each non-updated area has a different dimming weight.

[0151] In addition, when it is checked whether the updated image content exists in a part of the image frame, if the updated image content exists in the entire image frame, the source module 210 cannot provide the dimming command.

[0152] In addition, when the dimming command is input, the sink module 220 can extract updated area information in which the updated image content is located from the dimming command, and obtain the updated area and the non-updated area within the image frame based on the extracted updated area information.

[0153] Here, the sink module 220 can perform a PSR2 mode in which, when a PSR2 (Panel Self Refresh 2) function is supported, only the updated area in which the updated image content is located in the image frame is selectively updated and output to the display device according to a PSR2 mode switching control signal included in the dimming command.

[0154] In one embodiment, when the updated area information includes both the vertical coordinate and the horizontal coordinate of the area in which the updated image content is located, the sink module 220 calculates the upper length LEN_U of the non-updated area located above the updated area and the lower length LEN_D of the non-updated area located below the updated area based on the vertical coordinate to distinguish the upper non-updated area and the lower non-updated area, and calculates the right length LEN-R of the non-updated area located to the right of the updated area and the left length LEN_L of the non-updated area located to the left of the updated area based on the horizontal coordinate to distinguish the right non-updated area and the left non-updated area.

[0155] Here, the sink module 220 can control dimming of the display apparatus such that, when dimming weight information including a dimming weight value corresponding to the non-updated area is extracted from the dimming command, dimming is simultaneously applied to the upper non-updated area, the lower non-updated area, the right non-updated area, and the left non-updated area in the image frame displayed on the display apparatus based on the dimming weight value.

[0156] For example, as shown in (c) of FIG. 13, in a case where the right non-updated area has a right length LEN-R, any one of dimming weight values 0, 1, 2, and 3 can be applied. Figure 10

[0157] When applying dimming to the non-updated area, the sink module 220 can apply dimming to the non-updated area such that the dimming weight gradually increases toward the edges of the image frame.

[0158] Further, the sink module 220 can control dimming of the display apparatus such that, when dimming time information is extracted from the dimming command, dimming is applied to the upper non-updated area, the lower non-updated area, the right non-updated area, and the left non-updated area in the image frame displayed on the display apparatus during a dimming time corresponding to the dimming time information.

[0159] Figure 11 is a diagram for explaining an edge dimming control process based on dimming area division information of a non-updated area of an image frame.

[0160] The source module of the disclosure can provide a dimming command including update area information in which updated image content within an image frame is located.

[0161] In one embodiment, the update area information can include at least one of a vertical coordinate and a horizontal coordinate of an area in which updated image content is located.

[0162] Further, the source module can provide a dimming command further including at least one of dimming weight information, dimming time information, and dimming area division information.

[0163] Here, the dimming weight information, the dimming time information, and the dimming area division information can be set to at least one of a preset default value and an input value input by a user.

[0164] The dimming area division information can include a division number of a non-updated area other than an update area in which updated image content is located, and information for determining whether to apply dimming to each non-updated area divided according to the division number.

[0165] ​In one embodiment, when the source module includes information for determining dimming of a plurality of non-updated regions divided into a plurality of parts in the dimming region differentiation information, the source module can provide dimming weight information including a single dimming weight value so that the plurality of non-updated regions have the same dimming weight.

[0166] In another embodiment, when the dimming region differentiation information includes information for determining dimming of a plurality of non-updated regions divided into a plurality of parts, the source module can provide dimming weight information including a plurality of dimming weight values so that each non-updated region has a different dimming weight.

[0167] As Figure 11 As shown in (a) of FIG. 10, when the dimming region differentiation information is extracted from the dimming command, the sink module of the present disclosure can obtain information for determining the number of divisions of non-updated regions other than the updated region where the updated image content is located and dimming on / off of each non-updated region divided according to the number of divisions from the dimming region differentiation information, divide the non-updated regions into a plurality of division regions based on the number of divisions of the non-updated regions, and determine dimming on / off of each division region based on the information for determining dimming on / off.

[0168] When the number of divisions of the remaining non-updated regions other than the updated region in the image frame is 8, the sink module can divide the entire region of the image frame into a first division region REGION1_EN located in the upper left diagonal direction of the updated region, a second division region REGION2_EN located above the updated region, a third division region REGION3_EN located in the upper right diagonal direction of the updated region, a fourth division region REGION4_EN located to the left of the updated region, a fifth division region REGION5_EN located to the right of the updated region, a seventh division region REGION7_EN located in the lower left diagonal direction of the updated region, an eighth division region REGION8_EN located below the updated region, and a ninth division region REGION9_EN located in the lower right diagonal direction of the updated region.

[0169] As Figure 11 As shown in (b) of FIG. 10, after determining dimming on / off for each division region in the non-updated region, the sink module can extract dimming weight information including a dimming weight value corresponding to each division region from the dimming command, and then control dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming weight value so that the same weight dimming is simultaneously applied to the division regions determined to be dimmed on among the image frames displayed on the display apparatus.

[0170] Here, when the same weight dimming is applied to the division regions, the sink module can apply dimming to the division regions so that the dimming weight gradually increases toward the edges of the image frame.

[0171] In some cases, the host module can control the dimming of the display device, such that when dimming is turned on / off for each segment in the unupdated area and dimming weight information including dimming weight values ​​corresponding to each segment is extracted from the dimming command, dimming with different weights is simultaneously applied to the segment in the image frame displayed on the display device that is determined to be dimmed.

[0172] Here, when different weights of dimming are applied to the segmented region, the host module can apply dimming to the segmented region, so that the dimming weight gradually increases towards the edge of the image frame.

[0173] In addition, the receiver module can control the dimming of the display device, such that when dimming is turned on / off for each segment in the unupdated area, dimming is applied to the segment in the image frame displayed on the display device that is determined to be dimming-on during the dimming time period corresponding to the dimming time information when dimming time information is extracted from the dimming command.

[0174] Figure 12 The active edge dimming control process for updating regions of an image frame is shown.

[0175] like Figure 12 As shown in (a), when dimming region differentiation information is not extracted from the dimming command, the sink module of this disclosure can obtain the coordinates of the region where the updated image content is located, verify the position of the updated region, and independently divide the unupdated region into multiple subdivision regions based on the position of the updated region, thereby distinguishing multiple subdivision regions.

[0176] Here, when the unupdated area is divided into multiple sub-regions, the destination module can distinguish the second sub-region above the updated area, the fourth sub-region to the left of the updated area, the sixth sub-region to the right of the updated area, and the eighth sub-region below the updated area based on the coordinate information of the updated area. Furthermore, it can distinguish the first sub-region located in the upper left diagonal direction of the updated area, the third sub-region located in the upper right diagonal direction of the updated area, the seventh sub-region located in the lower left diagonal direction of the updated area, and the ninth sub-region located in the lower right diagonal direction of the updated area based on the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth sub-regions.

[0177] like Figure 11As shown in (b) of FIG. 10, when the dimming weight information including the dimming weight values corresponding to the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth divided areas is extracted from the dimming command, the sink module can control the dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming weight values so that the same-weight dimming is simultaneously applied to the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth divided areas in the image frame displayed on the display apparatus.

[0178] Also, as shown in (c) of FIG. 10, the sink module can generate new dimming weight values to be applied to the first, third, seventh, and ninth divided areas based on the dimming weight values corresponding to the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth divided areas, and can control the dimming of the display apparatus based on the new dimming weight values so that the same-weight dimming is simultaneously applied to the first, third, seventh, and ninth divided areas in the image frame displayed on the display apparatus. Figure 11

[0179] In one embodiment, the sink module can generate a new dimming weight value (WGT_UL) applied to the first divided area based on the dimming weight values (WGT_L, WGT_U) corresponding to the second and fourth divided areas, generate a new dimming weight value (WGT_UR) applied to the third divided area based on the dimming weight values (WGT_R, WGT_U) corresponding to the second and sixth divided areas, generate a new dimming weight value (WGT_DL) applied to the seventh divided area based on the dimming weight values (WGT_L, WGT_D) corresponding to the fourth and eighth divided areas, and generate a new dimming weight value (WGT_DR) applied to the ninth divided area based on the dimming weight values (WGT_R, WGT_D) corresponding to the sixth and eighth divided areas.

[0180] Here, the sink module can apply the dimming to the divided areas so that the dimming weight gradually increases toward the edges of the image frame when the dimming having the same weight is applied to the divided areas.

[0181] ​In some cases, the receiver module can control the dimming of the display device, such that when dimming weight information, including dimming weight values ​​corresponding to the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth partitioned regions, is extracted from the dimming command, dimming with different weights is simultaneously applied to the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth partitioned regions of the image frame displayed on the display device based on the dimming weight values. Furthermore, based on the dimming weight values ​​corresponding to the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth partitioned regions, new dimming weight values ​​to be applied to the first, third, seventh, and ninth partitioned regions can be generated. And based on the new dimming weight values, the dimming of the display device can be controlled so that dimming with different weights is simultaneously applied to the first, third, seventh, and ninth partitioned regions of the image frame displayed on the display device.

[0182] Here, the host module can apply dimming to the segmented region, so that when dimming with different weights is applied to the segmented region, the dimming weight gradually increases toward the edge of the image frame.

[0183] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating edge dimming control processing based on the second coordinate information of the updated region for the image frame.

[0184] like Figure 13 As shown in (a), the source module 210 of this disclosure can provide dimming commands including information on the updated region where the updated image content is located within the image frame.

[0185] Here, the updated region information can include only the vertical coordinates of the region where the updated image content is located.

[0186] like Figure 13 As shown in (b), when the updated region information only includes the vertical coordinates of the region where the updated image content is located, the sink module 220 of this disclosure can distinguish between the upper unupdated region and the lower unupdated region by calculating the upper length LEN_U of the unupdated region above the updated region and the lower length LEN_D of the unupdated region below the updated region based on the vertical coordinates.

[0187] like Figure 13 As shown in (c), when dimming weight information is not extracted from the dimming command, the sink module 220 of this disclosure can generate a new dimming weight value based on the brightness value of the updated area to apply to the upper un-updated area and the lower un-updated area, and control the dimming of the display device based on the new dimming weight value, so that dimming with the same weight is simultaneously applied to the upper un-updated area and the lower un-updated area in the image frame displayed on the display device.

[0188] Here, when applying the same weight dimming to the non-updated area, the sink module 220 can apply the dimming to the non-updated area such that the dimming weight gradually increases toward the edge of the image frame.

[0189] In some cases, when the dimming weight information is not extracted from the dimming command, the sink module 220 can generate new dimming weight values to be applied to the upper non-updated area and the lower non-updated area based on the luminance values of the updated area, and can control the dimming of the display apparatus based on the new dimming weight values such that dimming of different weights is simultaneously applied to the upper non-updated area and the lower non-updated area among the image frame displayed on the display apparatus.

[0190] Here, when applying dimming of different weights to the non-updated area, the sink module 220 can apply the dimming to the non-updated area such that the dimming weight gradually increases toward the edge of the image frame.

[0191] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating an edge dimming control process based on second coordinate information of Figure 13 .

[0192] As shown in (a) of FIG. 10, Figure 14 The source module 210 of the disclosure can provide a dimming command including updated area information of an updated image content within an image frame.

[0193] Here, the updated area information can include only a vertical coordinate of an area where the updated image content is located.

[0194] As shown in (b) of FIG. 10, Figure 14 When the updated area information includes only the vertical coordinate of the area where the updated image content is located, the sink module 220 of the disclosure can distinguish the upper non-updated area and the lower non-updated area by calculating an upper length LEN_U of the non-updated area located above the updated area and a lower length LEN_D of the non-updated area located below the updated area based on the vertical coordinate.

[0195] As shown in (c) of FIG. 10, Figure 14 When the dimming weight information including the dimming weight values corresponding to the upper non-updated area and the lower non-updated area is extracted from the dimming command, the sink module 220 of the disclosure can control the dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming weight values such that dimming of the same weight is simultaneously applied to the upper non-updated area and the lower non-updated area among the image frame displayed on the display apparatus.

[0196] Here, when applying dimming of the same weight to the non-updated area, the sink module 220 can apply the dimming to the non-updated area such that the dimming weight gradually increases toward the edge of the image frame.

[0197] In some cases, when the sink module 220 of the present disclosure extracts dimming weight information including dimming weight values corresponding to the upper non-updated area and the lower non-updated area from the dimming command, the sink module 220 can control dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming weight values such that dimming of different weights is simultaneously applied to the upper non-updated area and the lower non-updated area in the image frame displayed on the display apparatus.

[0198] Here, when dimming of different weights is applied to the non-updated area, the sink module 220 can apply dimming to the non-updated area such that the dimming weight gradually increases toward the edge of the image frame.

[0199] Further, when dimming time information is extracted from the dimming command, the sink module 220 of the present disclosure can control dimming of the display apparatus such that dimming is applied to the upper non-updated area and the lower non-updated area in the image frame displayed on the display apparatus during a dimming time corresponding to the dimming time information.

[0200] Figures 15 to 17 is a diagram illustrating edge dimming control processing based on second coordinate information and an active dimming rate of Figure 13 .

[0201] As shown in Figures 15 to 17 , the present disclosure can select an edge dimming area by calculating a change amount between a current frame and a previous frame and confirming whether the calculated change amount is less than a threshold value.

[0202] As shown in Figure 15 , in the present disclosure, when an updated area 312 in which updated image content having a change amount of image data in an image frame 10 is greater than or equal to a reference value and a non-updated area 314 in which the change amount of image data is less than or equal to the reference value are included, a change amount between an n-th image frame and an n-1-th image frame can be calculated, and an area in which the calculated change amount (difference) in a display area 320 is less than a threshold value can be selected as a non-updated area 324, and an area in which the calculated change amount (difference) in the display area 320 is greater than or equal to the threshold value can be selected as an updated area 322.

[0203] As shown in Figure 17 , the present disclosure can obtain an n-th image frame and an n-1-th image frame (S10, S20), and calculate a change amount between the n-th image frame and the n-1-th image frame (S30).

[0204] In addition, the present disclosure can determine whether the calculated change amount is less than a threshold value (S40).

[0205] Next, when the change amount is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the present disclosure can maintain the brightness of the image (S50), and can select an updated area in which the change amount is less than the threshold value as an edge dimming area (S60).

[0206] As Figure 16 indicated, when the dimming weight information including the dimming weight values corresponding to the upper and lower non-updated regions is extracted from the dimming command, the present disclosure can passively apply dimming to the non-updated regions 324b located above and below the updated region 322 among the image frames displayed on the display device based on the dimming weight values included in the dimming weight information, and can actively apply dimming to the non-updated regions 324a located left and right of the updated region 322 among the image frames displayed on the display device based on the dimming weight values determined corresponding to the calculated variation.

[0207] In this way, when the dimming weight information including the dimming weight values corresponding to the upper and lower non-updated regions is extracted from the dimming command, the present disclosure can calculate a variation between the current frame and the previous frame, check whether the calculated variation is less than a threshold, and when the variation is less than the threshold, select the left non-updated region located left of the updated region and the right non-updated region located right of the updated region as dimming regions, and determine the dimming weight values for the left and right non-updated regions based on the calculated variation.

[0208] That is, the present disclosure can control dimming of the display device based on the dimming weight values included in the dimming weight information such that dimming of the same weight is simultaneously applied to the upper and lower non-updated regions in the image frames displayed on the display device, and control dimming of the display device based on the dimming weight values determined corresponding to the calculated variation such that dimming of different weights is simultaneously applied to the left and right non-updated regions in the image frames displayed on the display device.

[0209] Here, when dimming of the same weight is applied to the non-updated regions, the present disclosure can apply dimming to the non-updated regions such that the dimming weight gradually increases toward the edges of the image frames.

[0210] In some cases, the present disclosure can control dimming of the display device based on the dimming weight values included in the dimming weight information such that dimming of different weights is simultaneously applied to the upper and lower non-updated regions in the image frames displayed on the display device, and can control dimming of the display device based on the dimming weight values determined corresponding to the calculated variation such that dimming of different weights is simultaneously applied to the left and right non-updated regions in the image frames displayed on the display device.

[0211] Here, when dimming of different weights is applied to the non-updated regions, the present disclosure can apply dimming to the non-updated regions such that the dimming weight gradually increases toward the edges of the image frames.

[0212] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating an edge dimming control method according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0213] As shown in Figure 18 The disclosure can receive an image frame and a dimming command (S110).

[0214] In addition, the disclosure can analyze the input dimming command (S120).

[0215] Here, the dimming command can include update area information in which updated image content is located within the image frame.

[0216] As an example, the update area information can include at least one of a vertical coordinate and a horizontal coordinate of an area in which the updated image content is located.

[0217] In addition, the dimming command can further include at least one of dimming weight information, dimming time information, and dimming area division information.

[0218] In one embodiment, the dimming weight information can include a single dimming weight value in which a dimming weight is maintained constant during a dimming time included in the dimming time information.

[0219] In another embodiment, the dimming weight information can include a plurality of dimming weight values in which a dimming weight is changed during a dimming time included in the dimming time information.

[0220] The dimming time information can include a number of image frames in which dimming is continuously performed.

[0221] The dimming area division information can include a division number of non-updated areas other than an updated area in which the updated image content is located, and information for determining whether each non-updated area is dimmed corresponding to the division number.

[0222] Then, the disclosure can obtain the updated area and the non-updated area in the image frame based on the dimming command, and determine whether the non-updated area is divided and divided into a plurality of division areas (S130).

[0223] Here, the disclosure can actively divide and divide the non-updated area into a plurality of division areas based on the location of the updated area.

[0224] In some cases, the disclosure can manually divide the area into a plurality of division areas based on the dimming area division information included in the dimming command.

[0225] Then, once the non-updated area has been divided into a plurality of division areas, the disclosure can determine a division area to be dimmed among the plurality of division areas (S140).

[0226] Here, the present disclosure can select a divided region in which image information changes little or does not change as a divided region to be dimmed in the non-updated region.

[0227] Further, the present disclosure can calculate a dimming weight applied to the divided region to be dimmed (S150).

[0228] Here, the present disclosure can calculate a dimming weight applied to the divided region to be dimmed based on current power consumption.

[0229] Then, the present disclosure can apply edge dimming to the non-updated region of the image frame based on the calculated dimming weight (S160).

[0230] Here, the present disclosure can simultaneously apply dimming with the same weight value to the divided regions of the non-updated region.

[0231] At this time, when dimming with the same weight value is applied to the divided regions of the non-updated region, the present disclosure can apply dimming to the non-updated region such that the dimming weight gradually increases toward the edge of the image frame.

[0232] Further, the present disclosure can simultaneously apply dimming with different weight values to the divided regions of the non-updated region.

[0233] At this time, when dimming with different weight values is applied to the divided regions of the non-updated region, the present disclosure can apply dimming to the non-updated region such that the dimming weight gradually increases toward the edge of the image frame.

[0234] Subsequently, the present disclosure can control dimming of the display apparatus such that the applied edge dimming is output (S170).

[0235] In this way, the present disclosure can reduce power consumption and provide a natural image to a user by actively or passively controlling edge dimming for a non-updated region of an image frame based on image information.

[0236] Figure 19 A display apparatus performing edge dimming control according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0237] As Figure 19 illustrated, the display apparatus 100 can include a host 140, an image data processing apparatus 110, a data driving apparatus 150, a gate driving apparatus 160, a display panel 130, a backlight driving apparatus 120, etc.

[0238] Here, the host 140 can include a source apparatus that provides a dimming command for an image frame.

[0239] The source device can determine whether there is updated image content in which the amount of change in image data with respect to an image frame is greater than a reference value, and when there is no updated image content in the image frame, the source device can identify the image frame as a still image and provide only a dimming command that does not include image frame data.

[0240] The source device can provide a dimming command including dimming position information, in which the dimming position information can include an entire region of the image frame in which there is no updated image content.

[0241] That is, when a PSR (Panel Self Refresh) function is supported, the source device can provide a dimming command including a PSR (Panel Self Refresh) mode switching control signal that controls output of image frame data pre-stored in a frame buffer to the display device.

[0242] In some cases, the source device can provide a dimming command further including at least one of dimming weight information and dimming time information.

[0243] In addition, the image data processing device 110 can be a sink device that controls dimming of the display device 100 based on a dimming command.

[0244] Here, when a dimming command is input, the sink device obtains an updated region and an un-updated region in an image frame based on the dimming command, checks whether the un-updated region is distinguished, when the un-updated region is distinguished, calculates a dimming weight for the un-updated region, and controls dimming of the display device 100 based on the calculated dimming weight so that edge dimming is applied to the un-updated region of the image frame.

[0245] Image data (RGB) generated by the host 140 is converted by the image data processing device 110, and the converted image data (RGB') is transmitted to the data driving device 150.

[0246] The dimming control signal generated by the image data processing device 110 is transmitted to the backlight driving device 120 to adjust the brightness data of the backlight 132.

[0247] Here, when there is no backlight 132, the image data processing device 110 can transmit a dimming control signal to the data driving device 150 to adjust pixel data of the display panel 130.

[0248] The display panel 130 can have a plurality of pixels (P) arranged, and a data line and a gate line connected to the plurality of pixels can be arranged.

[0249] The gate driving apparatus 160 can transmit a scan signal (SS) to a gate line to connect each pixel to a data line, and the data driving apparatus 150 can supply a data voltage (Vdata) corresponding to image data to the data line to drive each pixel (P).

[0250] The image data processing apparatus 110 can control the driving timing of each pixel (P) by transmitting a gate control signal (GCS) to the gate driving apparatus 160 and a data control signal (DCS) to the data driving apparatus 150.

[0251] The gate driving apparatus 160 can be referred to as a gate driver (GDIC), the data driving apparatus 150 can be referred to as a source driver (SDIC), and the image data processing apparatus 110 can be referred to as a timing controller (TCON).

[0252] The display panel 130 can have a backlight 132 disposed thereon, and the backlight 132 can be driven by the backlight driving apparatus 120.

[0253] The backlight driving apparatus 120 can control the brightness of light sources constituting the backlight 132.

[0254] Here, the backlight driving apparatus 120 can control dimming of the backlight 132 based on a received dimming control signal.

[0255] Further, when a dimming command is input, the image data processing apparatus 110 extracts update region information in which updated image content is located from the dimming command, obtains an updated region and an un-updated region in an image frame based on the extracted update region information, and applies a dimming weight to the un-updated region in the image frame displayed on the display apparatus based on dimming weight information.

[0256] In one embodiment, when the update region information includes both a vertical coordinate and a horizontal coordinate of a region in which updated image content is located, the image data processing apparatus 110 calculates an upper length of an un-updated region located above the update region and a lower length of an un-updated region located below the update region based on the vertical coordinate to distinguish between an upper un-updated region and a lower un-updated region, and calculates a right length of an un-updated region located to the right of the update region and a left length of an un-updated region located to the left of the update region based on the horizontal coordinate to distinguish between a right un-updated region and a left un-updated region.

[0257] Here, the image data processing apparatus 110 can control dimming of the display apparatus such that, when dimming weight information including a dimming weight value corresponding to the un-updated region is extracted from the dimming command, the dimming weight value is simultaneously applied to the upper un-updated region, the lower un-updated region, the right un-updated region, and the left un-updated region in the image frame displayed on the display apparatus.

[0258] In another embodiment, when the dimming area division information is extracted from the dimming command, the image data processing apparatus 110 can obtain, from the dimming area division information, information for determining the number of divisions of the non-updated area other than the updated area where the updated image content is located and dimming on / off for each non-updated area divided according to the number of divisions, divide the non-updated area into a plurality of division areas based on the number of divisions of the non-updated area, and determine the dimming on / off for each division area based on the information for determining the dimming on / off.

[0259] Here, when the dimming on / off is determined for each division area in the non-updated area after the dimming weight information including the dimming weight values corresponding to each division area is extracted from the dimming command, the image data processing apparatus 110 can control the dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming weight values so that the dimming is simultaneously applied to the division areas determined as dimming on in the image frame displayed on the display apparatus.

[0260] In another embodiment, the image data processing apparatus 110 can obtain coordinates of the area where the updated image content is located, confirm the location of the updated area, and independently divide and divide the non-updated area into a plurality of division areas based on the location of the updated area.

[0261] As another embodiment, when the updated area information includes only the vertical coordinates of the area where the updated image content is located, the image data processing apparatus 110 can calculate the upper length of the non-updated area located above the updated area and the lower length of the non-updated area located below the updated area based on the vertical coordinates to distinguish the upper non-updated area and the lower non-updated area.

[0262] Here, when the dimming weight information is not extracted from the dimming command, the image data processing apparatus 110 can generate new dimming weight values to be applied to the upper non-updated area and the lower non-updated area based on the luminance values of the updated area, and control the dimming of the display apparatus based on the new dimming weight values so that the dimming is simultaneously applied to the upper non-updated area and the lower non-updated area in the image frame displayed on the display apparatus.

[0263] In some cases, when the dimming weight information including dimming weight values corresponding to the upper non-updated area and the lower non-updated area is extracted from the dimming command, the image data processing apparatus 110 can control the dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming weight values so that the dimming is simultaneously applied to the upper non-updated area and the lower non-updated area in the image frame displayed on the display apparatus.

[0264] In another embodiment, when the dimming weight information including the dimming weight values corresponding to the upper and lower non-updated regions is extracted from the dimming command, the image data processing apparatus 110 calculates the amount of change between the current frame and the previous frame, checks whether the calculated amount of change is less than a threshold value, and when the amount of change is less than the threshold value, selects a left non-updated region located on the left side of the updated region and a right non-updated region located on the right side of the updated region as the dimming regions, and determines the dimming weight values for the left and right non-updated regions based on the calculated amount of change.

[0265] Here, the image data processing apparatus 110 controls the dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming weight values included in the dimming weight information such that the dimming is simultaneously applied to the upper and lower non-updated regions in the image frame displayed on the display apparatus, and controls the dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming weight values determined corresponding to the calculated amount of change such that the dimming is simultaneously applied to the left and right non-updated regions in the image frame displayed on the display apparatus.

[0266] In this way, through the various embodiments, the present disclosure can reduce power consumption and provide a natural image to a user by actively or passively controlling the edge dimming of the non-updated region in the image frame based on image information.

[0267] The above disclosure can be implemented as computer-readable codes on a program recording medium. The computer-readable medium includes all types of recording devices storing data readable by a computer system. Examples of the computer-readable medium include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state disk (SSD), a silicon disk drive (SDD), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, and an optical data storage device. Also, the computer can include a processor of an artificial intelligence device.

[0268] [Industrial applicability]

[0269] The edge dimming control apparatus according to the present disclosure has significant industrial applicability because it actively or passively controls the edge dimming of the non-updated region for an image frame based on image information, thereby reducing power consumption and providing a natural image to a user.

Claims

1. An edge dimming control apparatus for controlling dimming of a display apparatus, the edge dimming control apparatus comprising: a source module configured to provide a dimming command for an image frame; and a sink module configured to control dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming command, wherein the sink module is configured to, when the dimming command is input, obtain an updated region and an un-updated region of the image frame based on the dimming command, determine whether to differentiate the un-updated region, when the un-updated region is differentiated, calculate dimming weights of the un-updated region, and control dimming of the display apparatus based on the calculated dimming weights so that edge dimming is applied to the un-updated region of the image frame. The source module is configured to provide the dimming command including updated region information indicating an updated region in which updated image content is located in the image frame.

2. The edge dimming control device of claim 1, wherein, The source module is configured to provide the dimming command further including at least one of dimming weight information, dimming time information, and dimming region differentiation information.

3. The edge dimming control device of claim 2, wherein, The sink module is configured to, when the dimming command is input, extract updated region information indicating an updated region in which updated image content is located from the dimming command, and obtain the updated region and the un-updated region of the image frame based on the extracted updated region information.

4. The edge dimming control device of claim 1, wherein, The sink module is configured to, when both a vertical coordinate and a horizontal coordinate of a region in which the updated image content is located are included in the updated region information, differentiate an upper un-updated region and a lower un-updated region by calculating an upper length of an un-updated region located above the updated region and a lower length of an un-updated region located below the updated region based on the vertical coordinate, and differentiate a right un-updated region and a left un-updated region by calculating a right length of an un-updated region located right of the updated region and a left length of an un-updated region located left of the updated region based on the horizontal coordinate.

5. The edge dimming control device of claim 4, wherein, The sink module is configured to, when dimming weight information including dimming weight values corresponding to the un-updated region is extracted from the dimming command, control dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming weight values so that dimming is simultaneously applied to the upper un-updated region, the lower un-updated region, the right un-updated region, and the left un-updated region of the image frame displayed on the display apparatus.

6. The edge dimming control device of claim 5, wherein, The sink module is configured to, when dimming region differentiation information is extracted from the dimming command, obtain a division number for the un-updated region other than the updated region in which the updated image content is located and information for determining dimming on / off of each un-updated region divided in correspondence with the division number from the dimming region differentiation information, divide the un-updated region into a plurality of division regions based on the division number for the un-updated region, and determine dimming on / off of each of the division regions based on the information for determining dimming on / off.

7. The edge dimming control device of claim 4, wherein, ​ 8. The edge dimming control device of claim 7, wherein, The sink module is configured to, after determining the dimming on / off of each of the divided regions among the non-updated regions, when dimming weight information including a dimming weight value corresponding to each of the divided regions is extracted from the dimming command, control dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming weight value so that dimming is simultaneously applied to the divided regions determined to be dimming on among the image frames displayed on the display apparatus.

9. The edge dimming control device of claim 4, wherein, The sink module is configured to, when dimming region division information is not extracted from the dimming command, identify the location of the updated region by obtaining the coordinates of the region where the updated image content is located, and autonomously divide the non-updated region into a plurality of divided regions based on the location of the updated region.

10. The edge dimming control device of claim 9, wherein, The sink module is configured to, when autonomously dividing the non-updated region into the plurality of divided regions, based on the coordinate information of the updated region, divide the non-updated region into a second divided region located above the updated region, a fourth divided region located to the left of the updated region, a sixth divided region located to the right of the updated region, and an eighth divided region located below the updated region, and further divide the second divided region, the fourth divided region, the sixth divided region, and the eighth divided region into a first divided region located diagonally above left of the updated region, a third divided region located diagonally above right of the updated region, a seventh divided region located diagonally below left of the updated region, and a ninth divided region located diagonally below right of the updated region.

11. The edge dimming control device of claim 10, wherein, The sink module is configured to, when dimming weight information including dimming weight values corresponding to the second divided region, the fourth divided region, the sixth divided region, and the eighth divided region is extracted from the dimming command, control dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming weight values so that dimming is simultaneously applied to the second divided region, the fourth divided region, the sixth divided region, and the eighth divided region of the image frames displayed on the display apparatus, generate new dimming weight values to be applied to the first divided region, the third divided region, the seventh divided region, and the ninth divided region based on the dimming weight values corresponding to the second divided region, the fourth divided region, the sixth divided region, and the eighth divided region, and control dimming of the display apparatus based on the new dimming weight values so that dimming is simultaneously applied to the first divided region, the third divided region, the seventh divided region, and the ninth divided region.

12. The edge dimming control device of claim 4, wherein, The sink module is configured to, when only the vertical coordinates of the region where the updated image content is located are included in the updated region information, distinguish a lower non-updated region and an upper non-updated region by calculating the upper length of the non-updated region located above the updated region and the lower length of the non-updated region located below the updated region based on the vertical coordinates.

13. The edge dimming control device of claim 12, wherein, The sink module is configured to, when no dimming weight information is extracted from the dimming command, generate new dimming weight values to be applied to the upper and lower non-updated regions of the image frame based on the brightness value of the updated region, and control dimming of the display device based on the new dimming weight values such that dimming is simultaneously applied to the upper and lower non-updated regions of the image frame displayed on the display device.

14. The edge dimming control device of claim 12, wherein, The sink module is configured to, when dimming weight information including dimming weight values corresponding to the upper and lower non-updated regions is extracted from the dimming command, control dimming of the display device based on the dimming weight values such that dimming is simultaneously applied to the upper and lower non-updated regions of the image frame displayed on the display device.

15. The edge dimming control device of claim 12, wherein, The sink module is configured to, when dimming weight information including dimming weight values corresponding to the upper and lower non-updated regions is extracted from the dimming command, calculate a change between a current frame and a previous frame, determine whether the calculated change is less than a threshold value, select a left non-updated region located on a left side of the updated region and a right non-updated region located on a right side of the updated region as dimming regions when the calculated change is less than the threshold value, and determine dimming weight values for the left and right non-updated regions based on the calculated change. The sink module is configured to, when dimming weight information including dimming weight values corresponding to the upper and lower non-updated regions is extracted from the dimming command, calculate a change between a current frame and a previous frame, determine whether the calculated change is less than a threshold value, select a left non-updated region located on a left side of the updated region and a right non-updated region located on a right side of the updated region as dimming regions when the calculated change is less than the threshold value, and determine dimming weight values for the left and right non-updated regions based on the calculated change.

16. The edge dimming control device of claim 15, wherein, The sink module is configured to, when controlling dimming of the display device, control dimming of the display device by adjusting at least one of pixel data of a display panel and brightness data of a backlight based on a panel type of the display device.

17. The edge dimming control device of claim 1, wherein, The sink module includes:

18. The edge dimming control device of claim 1, wherein, an analyzer configured to analyze the dimming command when the dimming command is input; a region divider configured to obtain an updated region and a non-updated region of the image frame based on the analyzed dimming command, and divide the non-updated region into a plurality of divided regions; a region determiner configured to determine a divided region to be dimmed among the plurality of divided regions; a weight calculator configured to calculate a dimming weight to be applied to the divided region to be dimmed; and a dimming applier configured to control dimming of the display device based on the calculated dimming weight such that edge dimming is applied to the non-updated region of the image frame.

19. An edge dimming control method of an edge dimming control device, the edge dimming control method comprising: receiving an image frame and a dimming command; ​ analyzing the dimming command; obtaining an updated region and an un-updated region of the image frame based on the dimming command, and determining whether the un-updated region is divided and distinguished into a plurality of divided regions; when the un-updated region is divided into the plurality of divided regions, determining a divided region to be dimmed among the plurality of divided regions; calculating a dimming weight to be applied to the divided region to be dimmed; applying edge dimming to the un-updated region of the image frame based on the calculated dimming weight; and controlling dimming of the display apparatus such that the applied edge dimming is output.

20. A display apparatus comprising: a display configured to display an image; and an edge dimming control apparatus configured to control dimming of the display, wherein the edge dimming control apparatus comprises: a source module configured to provide a dimming command for an image frame; and a sink module configured to control dimming of the display apparatus based on the dimming command, wherein the sink module is configured to, when the dimming command is input, obtain an updated region and an un-updated region of the image frame based on the dimming command, determine whether the un-updated region is distinguished, when the un-updated region is distinguished, calculate a dimming weight for the un-updated region, and control dimming of the display based on the calculated dimming weight such that edge dimming is applied to the un-updated region of the image frame. ​ ​

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