Display device

Abstract

There is provided a display device including: a display panel including a plurality of pixels; a scan driver configured to provide a scan signal to the display panel; a data driver configured to provide data signals corresponding to the plurality of pixels to the display panel; a timing controller configured to control driving of the scan driver and the data driver; and a data converter configured to convert the image data output from the timing controller into conversion data corresponding to a first pixel of the plurality of pixels, based on whether the first pixel is defective, and configured to generate a data signal.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0080932, filed on June 21, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0093269, filed on July 15, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to display devices, methods for driving display devices, and electronic devices including display devices. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of the information society, display devices are becoming increasingly important as a connection medium between users and information. In response, the utilization rate of display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light-emitting diode (OLEDs) is rising.

[0005] Multiple transistors can be used to form (or provide) the pixel circuitry of a display device. During the manufacturing process of a display device, if some of the transistors are defective, the corresponding pixel may be identified as a bright spot. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a display device and a method for driving the display device that can mitigate the occurrence of defective pixels in a display panel being identified as bright spots.

[0007] One or more embodiments provide a display device, the display device comprising: a display panel including a plurality of pixels; a scan driver configured to provide scan signals to the display panel; a data driver configured to provide data signals corresponding to pixels to the display panel; a timing controller configured to control the driving of the scan driver and the data driver; and a data converter configured to convert image data output from the timing controller into converted data corresponding to a first pixel based on whether a first pixel among the plurality of pixels is defective, and configured to generate a data signal.

[0008] The data converter can be configured to generate converted data with a gray level lower than that of the image data when the first pixel is defective, and to generate converted data with the same gray level as the image data when the first pixel is not defective.

[0009] The data converter can be configured to generate converted data corresponding to grayscale values ​​of black when the first pixel is defective.

[0010] When the first pixel is defective, the data converter can be configured to multiply the image data with a correction coefficient greater than 0 and less than 1, and can be configured to produce the result of the multiplication as the converted data.

[0011] The correction factor can be based on the driving frequency of the display device and the grayscale of the image data.

[0012] The data converter can be configured to generate converted data with a gray level lower than that of the image data when the first pixel is defective and the driving frequency of the display device is lower than the reference frequency, and the data converter can be configured to generate converted data with the same gray level as the image data when the first pixel is not defective or when the driving frequency of the display device is not lower than the reference frequency.

[0013] The data converter may include: a defective pixel determiner configured to determine whether a first pixel is defective and configured to generate a control signal; and a data generator configured to selectively convert image data based on the control signal and configured to generate converted data.

[0014] The data converter may also include a digital-to-analog converter configured to convert the converted data into a data signal.

[0015] The data converter may also include a lookup table store configured to store a lookup table that includes multiple correction coefficients corresponding to the driving frequency of the display device and the grayscale of the image data.

[0016] The value of a corresponding one of the multiple correction coefficients can decrease as the grayscale of the image data increases.

[0017] The magnitude of a corresponding one of the multiple correction coefficients can decrease as the driving frequency decreases.

[0018] One or more other embodiments provide a method of operating a display device, the method comprising: receiving image data corresponding to a first pixel among a plurality of pixels in a display panel; determining that the first pixel is defective; and generating conversion data based on the image data.

[0019] The converted data can have a lower gray level than the image data.

[0020] The converted data can correspond to the grayscale of black.

[0021] Generating conversion data may include: providing correction coefficients corresponding to the grayscale of the image data and the driving frequency of the display device by referring to a lookup table; and applying the correction coefficients to the image data to generate conversion data.

[0022] The correction factor can be greater than 0 and less than 1.

[0023] Another method of operating a display device may include: receiving image data corresponding to a first pixel among a plurality of pixels in a display panel; determining that the first pixel is defective; determining that the driving frequency of the display panel (or display device) is less than a reference frequency; and generating conversion data based on the image data.

[0024] The converted data can correspond to the grayscale of black.

[0025] Generating conversion data may include: multiplying the image data with a correction coefficient greater than 0 and less than 1; and generating the result of the multiplication as conversion data.

[0026] Another embodiment provides an electronic device including: a processor that provides input image data; and a display device that displays an image based on the input image data. The display device includes: a display panel including a plurality of pixels; a scan driver configured to provide scan signals to the display panel; a data driver configured to provide data signals corresponding to the plurality of pixels to the display panel; a timing controller configured to control the driving of the scan driver and the data driver; and a data converter configured to convert image data output from the timing controller into converted data corresponding to a first pixel based on whether the first pixel among the plurality of pixels is defective, and configured to generate a data signal.

[0027] According to the display device and the method for driving the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to mitigate the occurrence of defective pixels included in the display panel being identified as bright spots.

[0028] However, the aspects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and various extensions may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of a pixel according to one or more embodiments.

[0031] Figure 3 It is a graph used to explain the changes in voltage-current characteristics when a transistor deteriorates.

[0032] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4CIt is a graph used to explain the brightness variation of defective pixels according to the driving frequency of the display device.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6 It is a diagram. Figure 5 A block diagram of one or more implementations of a data converter in [the context].

[0035] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a display device according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a display device according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 9 It is a diagram. Figure 5 Block diagram of one or more other embodiments of the data converter in the diagram.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a display device according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Some aspects of the embodiments and methods of implementation of this disclosure can be more readily understood by referring to the detailed description and accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey aspects of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Therefore, redundant processes, elements, and techniques that are irrelevant or unrelated to the description of the embodiments or unnecessary for a person skilled in the art to fully understand aspects of this disclosure may be omitted. Unless otherwise required, similar reference numerals, characters, or combinations thereof refer to similar elements throughout the drawings and written description, and therefore repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0041] The described embodiments may have various modifications and may be implemented in different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments illustrated herein. The terms "can," "may," or "may not" used in describing one or more embodiments correspond to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0042] In view of the whole of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that each suitable feature of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be combined in part or in whole or in combination with one another, and may be technically interlocked and operated in a variety of suitable ways, and each embodiment may be implemented independently or in combination with one another in any suitable way, unless otherwise stated or implied.

[0043] It will be understood that when a component, layer, area, or assembly (e.g., device, equipment, circuit, line, electrode, terminal, conductive film, etc.) is referred to as being "formed" on, "on," "connected" to, or "(operationally, functionally, or communicatively) coupled to" another component, layer, area, or assembly, it can be directly formed on, directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to other components, layers, areas, or assemblies, or indirectly formed on, indirectly on, indirectly connected to, or indirectly coupled to other components, layers, areas, or assemblies, such that one or more intervening components, layers, areas, or assemblies may exist. Furthermore, this can uniformly mean direct coupling or direct connection or indirect coupling or indirect connection, as well as integral coupling or integral connection or non-integral coupling or non-integral connection. For example, when a layer, zone, or component is referred to as "electrically connected" or "electrically coupled" to another layer, zone, or component, it can be directly electrically connected or directly coupled to other layers, zones, or components, or one or more intermediary layers, zones, or components may exist. One or more intermediary components may include switches, transistors, resistors, inductors, capacitors, diodes, and / or the like. Therefore, the connection is not limited to the connections shown in the drawings or detailed description, and may also include other types of connections. In describing embodiments, unless explicitly described as a direct connection, the expression for connection indicates an electrical connection, and "directly connected / directly coupled" or "directly on" means that one component is directly connected or directly coupled to another component, or directly on another component without an intermediate component. Meanwhile, other expressions describing the relationship between multiple components (such as "between," "immediately adjacent to," or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to") can be interpreted similarly. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as "between two elements or layers," it can be a single element or layer between two elements or layers, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may exist.

[0044] For the purposes of this disclosure, expressions such as “at least one of…”, “any one of…”, or “one or more of…” modify the entire list of elements when following a list of elements, and do not modify any individual element in that list. For example, “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” “at least one selected from a cluster of X, Y, and Z,” and “at least one selected from a cluster of X, Y, or Z” can be understood as any combination of two or more of X, Y, Z only (such as XYZ, XY, YZ, and XZ) or any variations thereof. Similarly, expressions “at least one of A and B” and “at least one of A or B” can include A, B, or A and B. As used herein, “or” generally means “and / or,” and the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the expression “A and / or B” can include A, B, or A and B. Similarly, expressions such as “at least one of…”, “multiple…”, “one of…”, and other prepositional phrases, when preceding / following an element in a column, modify the entire column of elements and not individual elements within that column. When “C to D” is stated, it means above C and below D, unless otherwise specified.

[0045] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, areas, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, areas, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms do not correspond to a particular order, orientation, or superiority, and are used only to distinguish one element, component, assembly, area, region, layer, section, or part from another element, component, assembly, area, region, layer, section, or part. Therefore, the first element, component, area, layer, or section described below can be referred to as a second element, component, area, layer, or section without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The description of an element as a “first” element does not require or imply the existence of a second element or other elements. The terms “first,” “second,” etc., may also be used herein to distinguish elements of different categories or groups. For simplicity, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may respectively represent “Class 1 (or Group 1),” “Class 2 (or Group 2),” etc.

[0046] The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are also intended to include the plural forms, and the plural forms are also intended to include the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “have,” “having,” “includes,” and “including,” when used in this specification, describe the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or clusters thereof.

[0047] When one or more implementations can be carried out differently, the specific process sequence may be executed differently than the order in which they are described. For example, two consecutively described processes may be executed substantially simultaneously, or in the reverse order of their description.

[0048] As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for inherent deviations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “substantially” can include a range of + / - 5% for the corresponding value. Taking into account the errors associated with the measurement and with a particular number of measurements (i.e., limitations of the measurement system), “about” or “approximately” as used herein includes the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the stated value. Furthermore, in describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of “may” refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.”

[0049] In some embodiments, well-known structures and devices may be described in the accompanying drawings associated with one or more functional blocks (e.g., block diagrams), units, and / or modules to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that such blocks, units, and / or modules are physically implemented by logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hardwired circuits, memory elements, wire connectors, and other electronic circuits. This can be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing techniques or other manufacturing techniques. Blocks, units, and / or modules implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware can be programmed and controlled using software to perform the various functions discussed herein, optionally driven by firmware and / or software. Furthermore, each block, unit, and / or module may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a combination of dedicated hardware performing some functions and processors (e.g., one or more programmable microprocessors and associated circuitry) performing functions different from those of the dedicated hardware. Additionally, in some embodiments, blocks, units, and / or modules may be physically separated into two or more interacting individual blocks, units, and / or modules without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, in some implementations, blocks, units, and / or modules may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units, and / or modules without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0050] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in common dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the relevant field and / or the context of this specification, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0051] In the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments are provided to enable those skilled in the art to readily practice this disclosure. This disclosure may be implemented in one or more suitable and different forms, and is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described in the specification.

[0052] For clarity in describing this disclosure, parts unrelated to the description may be omitted, and identical or similar constituent elements may be designated using the same reference numerals throughout the specification. Therefore, the same reference numerals may be used in different figures to identify identical or similar elements.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the expression "identical" in the description can mean "substantially identical." For example, it can mean identical to a degree that would be understandable to a person of ordinary knowledge. Other expressions may also be in which the expression "substantially" is not provided.

[0054] Figure 1This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Reference Figure 1 The display device 100 may include a display unit 110 (or display panel), a scan driver 120, a data driver 130, a timing controller 140, and a transmit driver 150.

[0055] The display unit 110 may include first scan lines SL1 to nth scan lines SLn (where n is a positive integer), first data lines DL1 to mth data lines DLm (where m is a positive integer), first transmission control lines EL1 to nth transmission control lines ELn, and pixels PX. The display unit 110 may include a plurality of pixels PX, and each pixel PX may be connected to one of the first scan lines SL1 to nth scan lines SLn, one of the first data lines DL1 to mth data lines DLm, and one of the first transmission control lines EL1 to nth transmission control lines ELn.

[0056] For example, a pixel PX located in the i-th row and j-th column can store or record a data signal (or data voltage) provided by the j-th data line DLj in response to a scan signal provided by the i-th scan line SLi, and can emit light with a brightness corresponding to the stored data signal in response to an emission control signal provided by the i-th emission control line ELi, where i is a positive integer between 1 and n, and j is a positive integer between 1 and m.

[0057] The scan driver 120 can generate scan signals based on the scan control signal SCS and provide the scan signals sequentially to the first scan line SL1 to the nth scan line SLn. Here, the scan control signal SCS includes a start signal, a clock signal, and / or similar signals, and can be provided by the timing controller 140. For example, the scan driver 120 may include a shift register that sequentially outputs scan signals corresponding to the pulse-type start signal using a clock signal.

[0058] The transmit driver 150 can generate transmit control signals based on the transmit drive control signal ECS, and can provide the transmit control signals sequentially or simultaneously (e.g., substantially simultaneously) to the first transmit control line EL1 through the nth transmit control line ELn. For example, the transmit driver 150 may include a shift register that sequentially outputs transmit control signals corresponding to pulse-type transmit start signals using a transmit clock signal.

[0059] The timing controller 140 can receive input image data IDATA from an external source and can generate a scan control signal SCS, a transmit drive control signal ECS, and a data control signal DCS. In one or more embodiments, the timing controller 140 can generate a data voltage Vdata based on the input image data IDATA.

[0060] For example, the timing controller 140 can convert RGB format input image data IDATA into image data in a format that matches the pixel arrangement in the display unit 110, and can generate a data voltage Vdata corresponding to the converted image data. At this time, the timing controller 140 can use a gamma lookup table to convert the input grayscale values ​​included in the converted image data into the data voltage Vdata.

[0061] The data driver 130 can generate a data signal based on the data control signal DCS and the data voltage Vdata, and can provide the data signal to the display unit 110. Here, the data control signal DCS can be a signal that controls the operation of the data driver 130, and can include a load signal (or data enable signal) that notifies the output of a valid data signal.

[0062] For example, the data driver 130 may be configured to include a shift register, a latch, a decoder, an output buffer, and / or the like, and the data driver 130 may sequentially provide or temporarily store the data voltage Vdata to the shift register and the latch based on the data control signal DCS, and may output a data signal corresponding to the data voltage Vdata to the first data line DL1 to the m-th data line DLm through the decoder.

[0063] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of a pixel according to one or more embodiments.

[0064] refer to Figure 2Pixel PX may include a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, a third transistor T3, a fourth transistor T4, a fifth transistor T5, a sixth transistor T6, a seventh transistor T7, a storage capacitor Cst, and a light-emitting element LD. The first transistor T1 (e.g., a driving transistor) includes a control electrode connected to a first node N1, a first electrode connected to a fourth node N4, and a second electrode connected to a second node N2. The second transistor T2 includes a control electrode for receiving a write gate signal GW, a first electrode for receiving a data voltage Vdata, and a second electrode connected to the fourth node N4. The third transistor T3 includes a control electrode for receiving a compensation gate signal GC, a first electrode connected to the second node N2, and a second electrode connected to the first node N1. The fourth transistor T4 includes a control electrode for receiving an initialization gate signal GI, a first electrode for receiving a first initialization voltage VINT1, and a second electrode connected to the first node N1. The fifth transistor T5 includes a control electrode for receiving a transmit control signal EM, a first electrode for receiving a first power supply voltage ELVDD (e.g., a high power supply voltage), and a second electrode connected to the fourth node N4. The sixth transistor T6 includes a control electrode for receiving a transmit control signal EM, a first electrode connected to the second node N2, and a second electrode connected to the third node N3. The seventh transistor T7 includes a control electrode for receiving a bias gate signal GB, a first electrode for receiving a second initialization voltage VINT2 (e.g., an anode initialization voltage), and a second electrode connected to the third node N3.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the storage capacitor Cst includes a first electrode for receiving a first power supply voltage ELVDD and a second electrode connected to a first node N1. The light-emitting element LD includes a first electrode (e.g., an anode electrode) connected to a third node N3 and a second electrode (e.g., a cathode electrode) for receiving a second power supply voltage ELVSS (e.g., a relatively low power supply voltage). The data voltage Vdata can be transmitted via the data line DL, and the transmit control signal EM can be transmitted via the transmit control line EL.

[0066] However, this disclosure is not limited to Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the structure of a pixel PX. For example, each of a plurality of pixels PX may have a structure such as a 3T1C structure comprising three transistors and one capacitor (e.g., composed of three transistors and one capacitor), a 5T2C structure comprising five transistors and two capacitors (e.g., composed of five transistors and two capacitors), an 8T1C structure comprising eight transistors and one capacitor (e.g., composed of eight transistors and one capacitor), a 9T1C structure comprising nine transistors and one capacitor (e.g., composed of nine transistors and one capacitor), and / or similar structures.

[0067] At least one of the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, the third transistor T3, the fourth transistor T4, the fifth transistor T5, the sixth transistor T6, and the seventh transistor T7 can be implemented as a p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor (PMOS) transistor. A relatively low voltage level can be an active level for a PMOS transistor, and a high voltage level can be an inactive level. For example, if a signal applied to the control electrode of a PMOS transistor has a relatively low voltage level, the PMOS transistor can be turned on. Conversely, if a signal applied to the control electrode of a PMOS transistor has a high voltage level, the PMOS transistor can be turned off.

[0068] At least one of the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, the third transistor T3, the fourth transistor T4, the fifth transistor T5, the sixth transistor T6, and the seventh transistor T7 can be implemented as an NMOS (n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor) transistor. A high voltage level in an NMOS transistor can be an active level, and a relatively low voltage level can be an inactive level. For example, if a signal applied to the control electrode of an NMOS transistor has a high voltage level, the NMOS transistor can be turned on. Similarly, if a signal applied to the control electrode of an NMOS transistor has a relatively low voltage level, the NMOS transistor can be turned off. The active and inactive levels can be determined based on the type or class of transistors.

[0069] exist Figure 2 In pixel PX, the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, the fifth transistor T5, the sixth transistor T6, and the seventh transistor T7 are PMOS transistors, and the third transistor T3 and the fourth transistor T4 are NMOS transistors. However, this is merely an example, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0070] For example, in the initialization section, the initialization gate signal GI can have an active level, and the fourth transistor T4 can be turned on. Therefore, the first initialization voltage VINT1 can be applied to the first node N1. For example, the control electrode of the first transistor T1 (e.g., the storage capacitor Cst) can be initialized.

[0071] For example, in the threshold voltage compensation section, the compensation gate signal GC can have an active level, and the third transistor T3 can be turned on. Therefore, the first transistor T1 can be diode-connected.

[0072] For example, in the data write section, the write gate signal GW can have an active level, and the second transistor T2 and the third transistor T3 can be turned on. Therefore, the voltage of the first node N1 can have a voltage that compensates for the threshold voltage of the first transistor T1 for the data signal. Therefore, the data voltage Vdata can be written to the storage capacitor Cst.

[0073] For example, in the anode initialization section, the bias gate signal GB can have an active level, and the seventh transistor T7 can be turned on. Therefore, the second initialization voltage VINT2 can be applied to the first electrode (e.g., the anode electrode) of the light-emitting element LD.

[0074] For example, in the transmission section, the transmission control signal EM can have an active level, and the fifth transistor T5 and the sixth transistor T6 can be turned on. Therefore, the first power supply voltage ELVDD can be applied to the first transistor T1 to generate a drive current, which can be applied to the light-emitting element LD. For example, the light-emitting element LD can emit light with a brightness corresponding to the drive current.

[0075] During the manufacturing process of display devices, defects may occur in some pixel PXs. For example, Figure 2 A defect may exist in the third transistor T3 or the fourth transistor T4 shown in the diagram. In this case, as... Figure 2 The dashed arrows indicate the potential for leakage current from the first node N1 through the third transistor T3 or the fourth transistor T4. If leakage current occurs through either transistor T3 or T4, the voltage at the first node N1 may change. The following description can be referenced. Figure 3 conduct.

[0076] Figure 3 It is a graph used to explain the changes in voltage-current characteristics as transistors deteriorate. Figure 3 In the diagram, the voltage-current characteristic of a normal transistor is represented by a solid line, while the voltage-current characteristic of a defective transistor is represented by a dashed line.

[0077] refer to Figure 3 Compared to the voltage-current curve of a normal transistor, the voltage-current curve of a defective transistor has a left-shifted shape. Therefore, if the same gate-source voltage Vgs is applied, the drain-source current Ids of the defective transistor is greater than that of the normal transistor. For example, in Figure 3 In a transistor, if the gate-source voltage Vgs is equal to the voltage Va, then the drain-source current Ids of a normal transistor has a current value Ia, while the drain-source current Ids of a defective transistor has a current value Ia'. The current value Ia' is greater than the current value Ia. Therefore, the current corresponding to the difference between the current values ​​Ia' and Ia can be considered as the leakage current for the defective transistor.

[0078] Let's refer to each other. Figures 4A to 4C and Figure 2If the third transistor T3 or the fourth transistor T4 is a defective transistor, the drain-source current Ids increases compared to a normal transistor. If leakage current occurs through the third transistor T3 or the fourth transistor T4, the voltage of the first node N1 decreases over time, which may also affect the intensity of the light generated by the light-emitting element LD included in the pixel PX. In one or more embodiments, if the pixel PX includes a defective transistor, the light generated by the light-emitting element LD can have different effects depending on the driving frequency of the display device. Reference will be made below to... Figures 4A to 4C This will be described.

[0079] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C It is a graph used to explain the brightness variation of defective pixels (e.g., bad pixels) according to the driving frequency of the display device. Figure 4A It is a graph used to explain the brightness change of defective pixels when the driving frequency of the display device is the first frequency. Figure 4B It is a graph used to explain the brightness change of defective pixels when the driving frequency of the display device is a second frequency greater than the first frequency.

[0080] Figure 4C This is a graph used to explain the brightness change of defective pixels when the driving frequency of a display device is a third frequency greater than the second frequency. For ease of understanding, please refer to [reference needed] below. Figures 4A to 4C The description provided can also be used as a reference. Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 .

[0081] Figures 4A to 4C The diagram illustrates the vertical synchronization signal Vsync and the voltage V of the first node N1 when the display device is driven at the first, second, and third frequencies, respectively. N1 And the intensity of the light produced by the light-emitting element LD (which can be simply referred to as light emission). Reference Figures 4A to 4C A frame can begin with the switching of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync. For example, the interval between the switching points of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync can define a frame time period 1F. For example, in Figures 4A to 4C The figure shows the voltage V of the first node N1 during a frame time period 1F. N1 And the intensity of the light generated by the light-emitting element LD.

[0082] exist Figures 4A to 4C In the middle, if in Figure 2 If the emission control signal EM mentioned above is a high voltage, then the light-emitting element (LD) of each pixel PX in the display panel may not emit light; conversely, if the emission control signal EM is a relatively low voltage, then the light-emitting element LD may emit light. Therefore, Figures 4A to 4CThe emission pattern of the display panel can have a phase opposite to the emission control signal EM.

[0083] exist Figures 4A to 4C In this process, the light-emitting element (LD) can generate light a certain number of times during a frame period 1F (e.g., a set or predetermined number of times). For example, the light-emitting element (LD) can generate light 16 times during a frame period 1F.

[0084] The emission control signal EM switches to a relatively low voltage four times according to a cycle. Therefore, the emission pattern of the display panel can also switch four times according to a cycle.

[0085] refer to Figure 4A The voltage V at the first node N1 N1 This refers to the intensity or amount of light emitted by the light-emitting element (LD) of pixel PX during a frame time period 1F, corresponding to a data voltage. If the length of a frame time period 1F is T seconds, then the voltage V of the first node N1 of pixel PX... N1 It has a value. This refers to the display device 100 displaying an image during a period of T seconds, and therefore, in Figure 4A In the example, the driving frequency of display device 100 is "1 / T(Hz)".

[0086] refer to Figure 4B The voltage V at the first node N1 N1 The voltage V changes during a frame period of 1F. As described above, it is assumed that the light-emitting element LD generates light 16 times during a frame period of 1F. In this case, the voltage V of the first node N1 changes every four times the light-emitting element LD generates light. N1 Therefore, change Figure 4B In the example, the driving frequency of display device 100 is "4 / T(Hz)".

[0087] refer to Figure 4C The voltage V at the first node N1 of the light-emitting element LD generates light each time. N1 That's how it changes. For example, in Figure 4C During a frame period 1F, the voltage V of the first node N1 N1 It was changed 16 times. In this case, the driving frequency of the display device 100 becomes "16 / T(Hz)".

[0088] exist Figures 4A to 4C In the process, if the transistors of pixel PX (e.g., the third transistor T3 and the fourth transistor T4) are normal transistors, then the voltage V of the first node N1 is... N1 As indicated by the solid line, and if the third transistor T3 and the fourth transistor T4 are defective transistors, then the voltage V at the first node N1 is... N1Indicated by a dashed line. In one or more embodiments, in Figures 4A to 4C In the diagram, if the transistors of pixel PX (e.g., the third transistor T3 and the fourth transistor T4) are normal transistors, the intensity of the light generated by the light-emitting element LD is indicated by a solid line, and if the third transistor T3 and the fourth transistor T4 are defective transistors, the intensity of the light generated by the light-emitting element LD is indicated by a dashed line.

[0089] refer to Figure 4A During a frame time period 1F, the voltage V of the first node N1 is N1 No change. This refers to setting the voltage V of the first node N1 according to the data voltage Vdata transmitted from the data line DL. N1 The write operation was performed only once. If the transistors included in pixel PX are normal transistors, then as by Figure 4A The solid line in the figure indicates the voltage V at the first node N1. N1 The intensity of light generated by the light-emitting element LD remains constant for multiple emission cycles within a frame period of 1F.

[0090] However, if leakage current flows through any of the multiple transistors included in pixel PX (e.g., the third transistor T3 or the fourth transistor T4), the voltage V of the first node N1 will be affected. N1 As indicated by the dashed line, the path descends.

[0091] If V is the voltage V of the first node N1, which is the gate voltage of the first transistor T1 of the PMOS transistor. N1 If the current decreases, the drain-source current of the first transistor T1 increases. Therefore, if the fifth transistor T5 and the sixth transistor T6 are turned on, the intensity of the light generated by the light-emitting element LD gradually increases. For example, in Figure 4A In the first half-cycle of multiple transmit cycles within a frame time period 1F, the voltage V of the first node N1, which is the gate voltage of the first transistor T1, is... N1 The intensity decreases slightly. Therefore, if the third transistor T3 and the fourth transistor T4 are normal transistors, the increase in the intensity of the light generated by the light-emitting element LD is relatively small compared to the intensity of the light generated by the light-emitting element LD when the transistors are defective transistors. In contrast, during the second half of a frame period 1F, the voltage V of the first node N1, which is the gate voltage of the first transistor T1, decreases slightly. N1The intensity of light emitted by the light-emitting element (LD) decreases significantly. Therefore, if the third transistor T3 and the fourth transistor T4 are normal transistors, the increase in light intensity emitted by the LD is relatively large compared to the intensity emitted by the LD when the transistors are defective. Consequently, a bright spot defect may occur where the LD of pixel PX emits light brighter than the corresponding input image data IDATA.

[0092] In one or more embodiments, reference Figure 4B The voltage V at the first node N1 N1 The voltage of the first node N1 can be changed four times during a frame period 1F. Each time the voltage of the first node N1 changes, the process performed during the write operation after the voltage of the first node N1 is initialized is repeated.

[0093] Compare Figure 4A and Figure 4B ,exist Figure 4A In the case of the voltage V at the first node N1 N1 The light emission decreases continuously throughout a frame period 1F. Therefore, in the latter half of a frame period 1F, the light emitted from the light-emitting element LD of the pixel PX, which includes the defective transistor, can increase relatively more. In contrast, in Figure 4B In the case of the voltage V at the first node N1 N1 It is refreshed four times during a frame period 1F. Therefore, the voltage V of the first node N1 is... N1 It is initialized four times so that the light emitted from the light-emitting element LD of the pixel PX, which includes the defective transistor, can be increased relatively more in the latter half.

[0094] In one or more embodiments, reference Figure 4C The voltage V at the first node N1 N1 It can change 16 times during a frame period 1F. In this case, the voltage V at the first node N1 is [value missing] for each emission cycle of pixel PX. N1 The process performed during write operations after initialization is repeated. For example, the voltage V of the first node N1... N1 The light is refreshed for each emission cycle. In this case, there can be almost no difference between the light generated from the light-emitting element LD when the third transistor T3 and the fourth transistor T4 are normal transistors and the light generated from the light-emitting element LD when the third transistor T3 and the fourth transistor T4 are defective transistors.

[0095] In summary, the lower the driving frequency of the display device 100, the greater the difference between the intensity of light generated by the light-emitting element LD of a pixel PX that includes a defective transistor and the intensity of light generated by the light-emitting element LD of a pixel PX that does not contain a defective transistor. This means that if the driving frequency is lower during the operation of the pixel PX that includes a defective transistor, the likelihood of identifying bright spot defects is higher.

[0096] In one or more embodiments, under fixed driving frequency operating conditions, if a pixel PX including a defective transistor operates with high grayscale input data, the likelihood of identifying a bright spot defect is higher compared to when it operates with low grayscale input data.

[0097] According to one or more other embodiments of the display device and its operation method, input image data is converted to generate a data signal based on pixel driving conditions, and the generated data signal is transmitted to the pixel. The driving conditions may include at least one of the driving frequency of the display device and the grayscale of the input image data. Therefore, even if the pixel includes defective transistors, the problem of excessive light generation by the light-emitting element and its being identified as a bright spot can be solved.

[0098] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0099] refer to Figure 5 The display device 101 may include a display unit 111 (or a display panel), a scan driver 121, a data driver 131, a timing controller 141, and a transmit driver 151. In one or more embodiments, Figure 5 The display device 101 may also include a data converter 160. Figure 5 The display unit 111 (or display panel), scan driver 121, data driver 131, and transmit driver 151 are each connected to... Figure 1 The corresponding one of the display unit 110 (or display panel), scan driver 120, data driver 130, and transmit driver 150 operates independently in substantially the same manner. Therefore, redundant descriptions of these components will not be provided.

[0100] Figure 5The timing controller 141 included in the display device 101 converts RGB format input image data IDATA into a format matching the pixel arrangement in the display unit 111 to generate second image data IDATA2, and transmits the generated second image data IDATA2 to the data converter 160. In one or more embodiments, the timing controller 141 may transmit position data ILOC, including information about the orientation of the second image data IDATA2, to the data converter 160. In one or more embodiments, the data converter 160 may determine, based on the position data ILOC, whether a pixel PX corresponding to the second image data IDATA2 is a pixel PX containing a defective transistor.

[0101] In one or more embodiments, the timing controller 141 may transmit the drive frequency information (DFR) of the display device 101 to the data converter 160. In one or more embodiments, the data converter 160 may convert the second image data IDATA2 based on the drive frequency information (DFR).

[0102] Data converter 160 converts second image data IDATA2 based on received position data ILOC and drive frequency information DFR. In one or more embodiments, data converter 160 may use a gamma lookup table to convert the input grayscale values ​​included in the converted image data into a data voltage Vdata, and transmit the data voltage Vdata to data driver 131.

[0103] In Figure 5 In one or more corresponding embodiments, the data converter 160 is illustrated as being configured separately from the timing controller 141. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the data converter 160 may be configured to be integrated into the timing controller 141. As another example, the data converter 160 may exist external to the display device 101, in which case the image data converted from the data converter 160 may be input to the timing controller 141 of the display device 101.

[0104] Figure 6 It is a diagram. Figure 5 A block diagram of one or more implementations of a data converter in [the context].

[0105] refer to Figure 6 The data converter 160 may include a defective pixel determiner 161, a data generator 163, and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 165.

[0106] The defective pixel determiner 161 receives position data ILOC from the timing controller 141. The position data ILOC can indicate the orientation of the pixel PX corresponding to the second image data IDATA2. The defective pixel determiner 161 can determine whether the pixel PX corresponding to the second image data IDATA2 is defective based on the position data ILOC. To this end, the defective pixel determiner 161 can store the position data of the defective pixel.

[0107] For example, during testing after the manufacturing process of display unit 111, each pixel PX included in display unit 111 can be inspected for defects. For instance, all pixels PX included in display unit 111 can be configured to generate light corresponding to the same image data, and then display unit 111 can be imaged using a camera to detect pixels PX that generate light different from the other pixels PX. In this process, position data ILOC of the defective pixels can be generated. The generated position data ILOC can be stored in defective pixel determiner 161. For example, information about the orientation of the defective pixels can be stored in defective pixel determiner 161 in list form.

[0108] During operation of the display device 101, the defective pixel determiner 161 compares the position data ILOC, which indicates the orientation of the pixel PX corresponding to the second image data IDATA2, with information about the orientation of the defective pixel to determine whether the pixel PX corresponding to the second image data IDATA2 is defective.

[0109] According to Figure 6 In one or more corresponding embodiments, the defective pixel determiner 161 can receive drive frequency information DFR. For example... Figures 4A to 4C As described above, if some transistors in pixel PX are defective, the lower the driving frequency, the higher the probability that the corresponding pixel PX can be identified as a bright spot. Therefore, if pixel PX is defective, the defective pixel determiner 161 generates a control signal CTRL for controlling the data generation operation of the data generator 163 based on the driving frequency information DFR.

[0110] Data generator 163 generates conversion data CDATA based on the control signal CTRL received from defect pixel determiner 161 and the second image data IDATA2. The generated conversion data CDATA is transmitted to digital-to-analog converter 165. Digital-to-analog converter 165 generates a digital data voltage Vdata based on the conversion data CDATA.

[0111] As an example, if the pixel PX corresponding to the second image data IDATA2 based on the location data ILOC is determined to be a normal pixel, the defective pixel determiner 161 generates a control signal CTRL to control the data generator 163 to output the second image data IDATA2 as the conversion data CDATA, without performing the conversion.

[0112] In one or more embodiments, if pixel PX corresponding to the second image data IDATA2 is determined to be a defective pixel, the defective pixel determiner 161 can generate a control signal CTRL to control the data generator 163 to convert the second image data IDATA2, and can output the converted second image data as conversion data CDATA. In this case, the data generator 163 can output data corresponding to a grayscale value (e.g., a set or predetermined grayscale value) as conversion data CDATA, instead of the second image data IDATA2. As an example, the data generator 163 can output grayscale data with black as conversion data CDATA, instead of the second image data IDATA2.

[0113] For example, suppose the second image data IDATA2 corresponds to gray level 30 in the gray level range of 0 to 255. If the pixel PX corresponding to the second image data IDATA2 is determined to be a normal pixel based on the position data ILOC, the data generator 163 can output the second image data IDATA2 with gray level 30 as conversion data CDATA based on the control signal CTRL.

[0114] In contrast, if pixel PX corresponding to the second image data IDATA2 based on the position data ILOC is determined to be a defective pixel, the data generator 163 can output grayscale data with a grayscale value of 0 corresponding to black as conversion data CDATA based on the control signal CTRL. The digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 165 can generate a data voltage Vdata corresponding to black. Therefore, pixel PX operates to emit light corresponding to black, instead of the second image data IDATA2. Therefore, if the third transistor T3 or the fourth transistor T4 in pixel PX is defective, the phenomenon of pixel PX being identified as a bright spot can be prevented or reduced. However, in this case, pixel PX can be identified as a dark spot. As far as the criteria used to determine the defect of display unit 111 are concerned, dark spots can be more suitable than bright spots. For example, if the number of pixels PX identified as bright spots is n or greater, display unit 111 can be determined to be defective, and if the number of pixels PX identified as dark spots is m or greater, display unit 111 can be determined to be defective. In this case, if m is greater than n, then when identifying defects, it may be more appropriate for pixel PX to be identified as a dark spot than as a bright spot. Therefore, by converting the data corresponding to a pixel PX that can be identified as a bright spot into 0-grayscale data corresponding to black, pixel PX can be configured to operate like a dark spot.

[0115] As another example, if pixel PX corresponding to second image data IDATA2 based on location data ILOC is determined to be a defective pixel, data generator 163 can multiply the second image data IDATA2 with a correction coefficient (e.g., a set or predetermined correction coefficient) based on control signal CTRL, and can output the resulting data as transformed data CDATA. In one or more embodiments, the correction coefficient can be a number greater than 0 and less than 1. By multiplying the second image data IDATA2 with the correction coefficient, the transformed data CDATA has a lower grayscale than the original second image data IDATA2. Therefore, the problem of pixel PX, including the defective transistor, being identified as a bright spot is alleviated. (Refer to...) Figure 7 The above implementation method will be described again.

[0116] In one or more other embodiments, if pixel PX corresponding to the second image data IDATA2 is determined to be a defective pixel, the defective pixel determiner 161 can generate a control signal CTRL based on the drive frequency information DFR. For example, even if pixel PX corresponding to the second image data IDATA2 is determined to be a defective pixel, the defective pixel determiner 161 can still generate a control signal CTRL to control the data generator 163 to convert the second image data IDATA2 only when the drive frequency is less than a preset reference frequency value.

[0117] For example, assume the reference frequency is approximately 30 Hz. If the driving frequency of the current display device 101 is lower than approximately 30 Hz (e.g., approximately 10 Hz), and the pixel PX corresponding to the second image data IDATA2 is determined to be a defective pixel, then the data generator 163 can output grayscale data with a grayscale of 0 corresponding to black as conversion data CDATA based on the control signal CTRL.

[0118] In one or more embodiments, if the driving frequency of the current display device 101 is about 30 Hz or higher (e.g., about 60 Hz), the data generator 163 can output second image data IDATA2 with a grayscale of 30 as conversion data CDATA based on the control signal CTRL. (Refer to...) Figure 8 To reiterate the above.

[0119] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a display device according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0120] refer to Figure 7 An operation method of a display device according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure includes: receiving image data corresponding to a first pixel (S110); determining whether the first pixel is defective (S130); and if the first pixel is defective (S150: yes), converting the image data corresponding to the first pixel to generate converted data (S170). Figure 7 The operation shown in the diagram can be performed by Figure 5 The data converter 160 in the middle is executed. Therefore, in the following text, refer to Figure 7 The description provided can also be used as a reference. Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 .

[0121] In operation S110, image data corresponding to the first pixel is received. At this time, the first pixel can be any one of the plurality of pixels PX included in the display unit 111. In one or more embodiments, the image data in operation S110 can be... Figure 5 The second image data IDATA2 is illustrated in the diagram. For example, in operation S110, the data converter 160 can receive the second image data IDATA2 from the timing controller 141.

[0122] In operation S130, it is determined whether the first pixel is a defective pixel. As described above, the defective pixel determiner 161 of the data converter 160 can store information about defective pixels among the plurality of pixels PX included in the display unit 111. The defective pixel determiner 161 can determine whether the first pixel is a defective pixel based on the position data ILOC.

[0123] If the first pixel is a defective pixel (S150: Yes), the defective pixel determiner 161 generates a control signal CTRL to control the data generator 163 to convert the received image data (e.g., the second image data IDATA2). In response to the control signal CTRL, the data generator 163 can generate converted data CDATA (S170). The grayscale of the converted data CDATA generated in operation S170 can be lower than the grayscale of the received image data (e.g., the second image data IDATA2).

[0124] As an example of operation S170, data generator 163 can output grayscale data with black as conversion data CDATA, without considering the second image data IDATA2. In this case, the first pixel can be identified as a dark spot.

[0125] As another example of operation S170, the data generator 163 can multiply the second image data IDATA2 with a correction coefficient greater than 0 and less than 1, and output the result as converted data CDATA. In this case, the converted data CDATA can have a lower grayscale than the original second image data IDATA2. Therefore, the problem of pixels PX, including defective transistors, being identified as bright spots is alleviated.

[0126] If the first pixel is not a defective pixel (S150: No), then the process can be terminated. Figure 7 The operation in the process. For example, if the first pixel is not a defective pixel (S150: No), the data generator 163 outputs the second image data IDATA2 as is without conversion. Therefore, the first pixel, which is a normal pixel, can generate light corresponding to the grayscale of the second image data IDATA2.

[0127] exist Figure 7 In the diagram, operations S110, S130, S150, and S170 are illustrated as being performed on image data corresponding to a first pixel among a plurality of pixels PX. In one or more embodiments, Figure 7 The operations illustrated in the diagram can be performed sequentially corresponding to each of the multiple pixels PX included in the display unit 111.

[0128] like Figure 7 The diagram illustrates an operation method of a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, generating conversion data having a grayscale lower than that of image data corresponding to defective pixels. Since the defective pixels generate light based on the conversion data, the problem of defective pixels generating excessive light and being identified as bright spots can be alleviated.

[0129] Figure 8This is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a display device according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure. Reference Figure 8 An operation method of a display device according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure includes: receiving image data corresponding to a first pixel (S110); determining whether the first pixel is defective (S130); if the first pixel is defective (S150: yes), determining whether the driving frequency is lower than a reference frequency (S155); determining whether the driving frequency is lower than or less than the reference frequency (S155); and if the driving frequency is lower than the reference frequency (S155: yes), converting the image data corresponding to the first pixel to generate converted data (S170).

[0130] refer to Figure 8 Operations S110, S130, S150, and S170 are related to... Figure 7 Operations S110, S130, S150, and S170 illustrated in the diagram are substantially the same. Therefore, redundant descriptions of these operations S110, S130, S150, and S170 will not be provided. In one or more embodiments, Figure 8 The operation shown in the diagram can be performed by Figure 5 The data converter 160 in the middle is executed. Therefore, in the following text, refer to Figure 8 The description provided can also be used as a reference. Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 .

[0131] If the first pixel is a defective pixel (S150: Yes), the defective pixel determiner 161 determines whether the current driving frequency of the display device 101 is lower than the reference frequency based on the driving frequency information DFR. Figures 4A to 4C As described above, if some transistors in pixel PX are defective, the lower the driving frequency, the higher the probability that the corresponding pixel PX can be identified as a bright spot. Therefore, the defective pixel determiner 161 can generate a control signal CTRL for controlling the data generation operation of the data generator 163 based on whether the driving frequency is lower than the reference frequency.

[0132] If the driving frequency of the display device 101 is lower than the reference frequency, the defective pixel determiner 161 generates a control signal CTRL to control the data generator 163 to convert the received image data (e.g., second image data IDATA2). In response to the control signal CTRL, the data generator 163 can generate converted data CDATA (S170). The grayscale of the converted data CDATA generated in operation S170 can be lower than the grayscale of the received image data (e.g., second image data IDATA2).

[0133] As an example of operation S170, data generator 163 can output grayscale data with black as conversion data CDATA, without considering the second image data IDATA2. In this case, the first pixel can be identified as a dark spot.

[0134] As another example of operation S170, the data generator 163 can multiply the second image data IDATA2 with a correction coefficient greater than 0 and less than 1, and output the result as converted data CDATA. In this case, the converted data CDATA has a lower grayscale than the original second image data IDATA2. Therefore, the problem of pixels PX, including defective transistors, being identified as bright spots is alleviated.

[0135] If the first pixel is not a defective pixel (S150: No), or if the driving frequency of the display device 101 is not lower than the reference frequency, the process can be terminated. Figure 8 The operation in the process is as follows. For example, if the first pixel is not a defective pixel (S150: No), or if the driving frequency of the display device 101 is not lower than the reference frequency, the data generator 163 outputs the second image data IDATA2 as is without conversion. Therefore, the first pixel can generate light corresponding to the grayscale of the second image data IDATA2.

[0136] like Figure 8 The diagram illustrates an operation method of a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. If a defective pixel operates at a driving frequency lower than a reference frequency, conversion data with a grayscale lower than the received image data is generated. Since the defective pixel generates light based on the conversion data, the problem of the defective pixel generating excessive light and being identified as a bright spot can be alleviated.

[0137] Figure 9 It is a diagram. Figure 5 Block diagrams of one or more other embodiments of the data converter in the diagram. Therefore, in the following, reference is made to... Figure 9 The description provided can also be used as a reference. Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 .

[0138] refer to Figure 9 The data converter 160' may include a defective pixel determiner 161, a data generator 163, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 165, and a lookup table memory 167. See also... Figure 9 and Figure 6 , Figure 9 Data converter 160' in Figure 6 The difference between the data converter 160 and the one in the text is that it also includes a lookup table store 167. In the following text, no further details will be provided regarding the use of... Figure 6The content described (e.g., quantity) overlaps. Figure 9 Any part of the description of each component in the document.

[0139] The defective pixel determiner 161 receives position data ILOC from the timing controller 141. The position data ILOC can indicate the orientation of the pixel PX corresponding to the second image data IDATA2. The defective pixel determiner 161 can determine whether the pixel PX corresponding to the second image data IDATA2 is defective based on the position data ILOC. To this end, the defective pixel determiner 161 can store the position data of the defective pixel.

[0140] The lookup table storage 167 can receive the drive frequency information DFR and the second image data IDATA2 from the display device 101. The lookup table storage 167 can transmit correction coefficients CF corresponding to the drive frequency of the display device 101 and the grayscale of the second image data IDATA2 to the data generator 163. For this purpose, the lookup table storage 167 can store a lookup table including multiple correction coefficients CF corresponding to the drive frequency of the display device 101 and the grayscale of the second image data IDATA2. For example, the lookup table storage 167 can store a lookup table as shown in Table 1.

[0141] Table 1

[0142]

[0143]

[0144] In Table 1, the driving frequency is divided into five ranges, and the grayscale of the second image data IDATA2 is divided into eight ranges. Therefore, the lookup table has a total of 40 correction coefficients k11~k15, k21~k25, k31~k35, k41~k45, k51~k55, k61~k65, k71~k75, and k81~k85.

[0145] In one or more embodiments, the correction coefficients k11~k15, k21~k25, k31~k35, k41~k45, k51~k55, k61~k65, k71~k75 and k81~k85 included in the lookup table can be numbers greater than 0 and less than 1, respectively.

[0146] If pixel PX includes a defective transistor, the leakage current value from the first node N1 can increase as the size of the second image data IDATA2 increases. In this case, as the size of the second image data IDATA2 increases, the intensity of light generated by the defective pixel can increase compared to a normal pixel. Therefore, in one or more embodiments, as the grayscale of the second image data IDATA2 increases under a constant driving frequency, the size of the corresponding correction coefficient CF can decrease.

[0147] If pixel PX contains defective transistors, the lower the driving frequency of display device 101, the higher the probability that pixel PX can be identified as a bright spot. Therefore, the lower the driving frequency of display device 101, the smaller the corresponding correction coefficient CF. Examples of actual correction coefficients reflecting this characteristic are shown in Table 2.

[0148] Table 2

[0149] Grey scale 1-32 Hz 33-64 Hz 65-96 Hz 97-120 Hz 121-180 Hz 0～31 0.55 0.66 0.77 0.88 0.99 32～63 0.53 0.64 0.75 0.86 0.97 64～95 0.51 0.62 0.73 0.84 0.95 96～127 0.49 0.60 0.71 0.82 0.93 128～159 0.47 0.58 0.69 0.80 0.91 160～191 0.45 0.56 0.67 0.78 0.89 192～223 0.43 0.54 0.65 0.76 0.87 224～256 0.41 0.52 0.63 0.74 0.85

[0150] The lookup table storage 167 may refer to the lookup table that transmits the correction coefficients CF corresponding to the driving frequency of the display device 101 and the grayscale of the second image data IDATA2 to the data generator 163.

[0151] Data generator 163 generates conversion data CDATA based on the control signal CTRL received from defect pixel determiner 161 and the correction coefficient CF received from lookup table memory 167, according to the second image data IDATA2. The generated conversion data CDATA is transmitted to digital-to-analog converter 165. Digital-to-analog converter 165 generates a digital data voltage Vdata based on the conversion data CDATA.

[0152] For example, if the pixel PX corresponding to the second image data IDATA2 is determined to be a normal pixel, the data generator 163 can output the second image data IDATA2 as conversion data CDATA in response to the control signal CTRL, without performing a conversion.

[0153] In one or more embodiments, if pixel PX corresponding to the second image data IDATA2 is determined to be a defective pixel, the data generator 163 can multiply the second image data IDATA2 with a correction coefficient CF and output the result as conversion data CDATA. Since the correction coefficient CF is greater than 0 and less than 1, the grayscale of the conversion data CDATA is lower than the grayscale of the second image data IDATA2. Therefore, the problem of defective pixels generating too much light and being identified as bright spots can be alleviated.

[0154] For example, assume that the second image data IDATA2 corresponds to gray level 145 in the grayscale range of 0 to 255, and the driving frequency is approximately 80 Hz. Referring to Table 2, the correction factor CF corresponding to gray level 145 and the driving frequency of approximately 80 Hz is 0.69. Multiplying the gray level 145 of the second image data IDATA2 by the correction factor CF of 0.69 yields a value of 100.05. Since the gray level of the converted data CDATA can be a natural number between 0 and 255, in this case, the gray level of the converted data CDATA can be 100, rounded to one decimal place after 100.05.

[0155] In this case, according to one or more embodiments of the display device of this disclosure, image data corresponding to defective pixels is multiplied by a correction coefficient greater than 0 and less than 1 to generate conversion data. Therefore, the problem of defective pixels generating excessive light and being identified as bright spots can be alleviated.

[0156] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a display device according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following text, for ease of understanding, reference is made to... Figure 10 The description provided can also be used as a reference. Figure 5 and / or Figure 9 .

[0157] refer to Figure 10 An operation method of a display device according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure includes: receiving image data corresponding to a first pixel (S210); determining whether the first pixel is defective (S230); if the first pixel is defective (S250: yes), providing correction coefficients corresponding to the grayscale and driving frequency of the image data by referring to a lookup table (S270); and applying the correction coefficients to the image data to generate conversion data (S290).

[0158] In operation S210, image data corresponding to the first pixel is received. In operation S210, the data converter 160 can receive second image data IDATA2 from the timing controller 141.

[0159] In operation S230, it is determined whether the first pixel is a defective pixel. As described above, the defective pixel determiner 161 of the data converter 160 can store information about defective pixels among the plurality of pixels PX included in the display unit 111. The defective pixel determiner 161 can determine whether the first pixel is a defective pixel based on the position data ILOC.

[0160] If the first pixel is a defective pixel (S250: Yes), the lookup table storage 167 can provide the data generator 163 with a correction coefficient CF corresponding to the grayscale of the image data (e.g., the second image data IDATA2) and the driving frequency of the display device 101 by referring to the stored lookup table.

[0161] In operation S290, the data generator 163 can multiply the second image data IDATA2 with the correction coefficient CF and produce the result as the conversion data CDATA.

[0162] If the first pixel is not a defective pixel (S250: No), then the process can be terminated. Figure 10 The operation in the data generator is as follows: For example, if the first pixel is not a defective pixel (S250: No), the data generator 163 outputs the second image data IDATA2 as is without conversion. Therefore, the first pixel, which is a normal pixel, can generate light corresponding to the grayscale of the second image data IDATA2.

[0163] Let's refer to each other. Figure 7 and Figure 10 , Figure 10 Operations S210, S230, and S250 can be respectively connected with... Figure 7 Operations S110, S130, and S150 are essentially the same. In one or more embodiments, Figure 10 Operations S270 and S290 can be included in Figure 7 In operation S170.

[0164] like Figure 10 The diagram illustrates an operation method of a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, in which conversion data with a gray level lower than that of the image data is generated using correction coefficients determined based on the driving frequency and the gray level of the image data. Since defective pixels generate light based on the conversion data, the problem of defective pixels generating excessive light and being identified as bright spots can be alleviated.

[0165] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0166] refer to Figure 11 The electronic device 1000 outputs information through the display module 1140. The display module 1140 can be connected to... Figure 1 Display device 100 or Figure 5 At least a portion of the display device 101 corresponds to this. If the processor 1110 runs an application stored in the memory 1120, the display module 1140 provides application information to the user through the display panel 1141. The display panel 1141 can be configured to correspond to...Figure 1 The display unit 110 or Figure 5 The configuration corresponding to the display unit 111 in the middle.

[0167] Processor 1110 receives external input via input module 1130 or sensor module 1161 and runs an application corresponding to the external input. For example, if the user selects the camera icon displayed on display panel 1141, processor 1110 receives user input via input sensor 1161-3 and activates camera module 1171. Processor 1110 transmits image data corresponding to the captured image acquired by camera module 1171 to display module 1140. Display module 1140 can display the image corresponding to the captured image via display panel 1141.

[0168] As another example, if personal information verification is performed in display module 1140, fingerprint sensor 1161-1 acquires the input fingerprint information as input data. Processor 1110 compares the input data acquired by fingerprint sensor 1161-1 with the verification data stored in memory 1120 and runs the application based on the comparison result. Display module 1140 can display information about the logic executed according to the application via display panel 1141.

[0169] As another example, if the music stream icon displayed on display module 1140 is selected, processor 1110 acquires user input via input sensor 1161-3 and activates the music stream application stored in memory 1120. If a music run command is entered in the music stream application, processor 1110 activates audio output module 1163 to provide the user with audio information corresponding to the music run command.

[0170] The operation of electronic device 1000 has been briefly described above. The configuration of electronic device 1000 will be described in detail below. Some configurations of the described electronic device 1000 can be integrated and provided as a single configuration, and a single configuration can be provided by separating it into two or more configurations.

[0171] Electronic device 1000 can communicate with external electronic device 2000 via a network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network or a long-range wireless communication network). According to one or more embodiments, electronic device 1000 may include a processor 1110, a memory 1120, an input module 1130, a display module 1140, a power module 1150, a built-in module 1160, and an external module 1170. According to one or more embodiments, electronic device 1000 may omit at least one of the above-described components, or may have one or more additional components. According to one or more embodiments, some of the above-described components (e.g., sensor module 1161, antenna module 1162, or audio output module 1163) may be integrated into another component (e.g., display module 1140).

[0172] Processor 1110 may run software to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of electronic device 1000 connected to processor 1110 and perform one or more suitable data processing or operations. According to one or more embodiments, as at least part of the data processing or operation, processor 1110 may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., input module 1130, sensor module 1161, or communication module 1173) in volatile memory 1121, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory 1121, and store the result data in non-volatile memory 1122.

[0173] Processor 1110 may include a main processor 1111 and an auxiliary processor 1112. The auxiliary processor 1112 may be connected to... Figure 1 The timing controller 140 or Figure 5 At least a portion of the configuration of the timing controller 141 in the middle corresponds to this.

[0174] The main processor 1111 may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU) 1111-1 and an application processor (AP). The main processor 1111 may also include at least one of a graphics processing unit (GPU) 1111-2, a communication processor (CP), and an image signal processor (ISP). The main processor 1111 may also include a neural network processing unit (NPU) 1111-3. The neural network processing unit 1111-3 is a processor specifically designed to process artificial intelligence models, and these models can be generated through machine learning. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple layers of artificial neural networks. The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware architecture, the artificial intelligence model may also include software architecture as an addendum or alternative. At least two of the processing units and processors described above can be implemented as a single integrated configuration (e.g., a single chip), or each can be implemented as an independent configuration (e.g., multiple chips).

[0175] The auxiliary processor 1112 may include a controller 1112-1. The controller 1112-1 may include an interface conversion circuit and a timing control circuit. The controller 1112-1 receives image signals from the main processor 1111, converts the data format of the image signals to match the interface specifications of the display module 1140, and outputs the image data.

[0176] The auxiliary processor 1112 may also include a data conversion circuit 1112-2, a gamma correction circuit 1112-3, a rendering circuit 1112-4, and / or the like. The data conversion circuit 1112-2 may receive image data from the controller 1112-1 and may compensate the image data so that the image is displayed with appropriate brightness according to the characteristics of the electronic device 1000 or user settings and / or similar factors, or convert the image data to reduce power consumption or compensate for ghosting and / or similar problems.

[0177] Gamma correction circuit 1112-3 can convert image data, gamma reference voltage, and / or the like to give the image displayed on electronic device 1000 appropriate gamma characteristics. Rendering circuit 1112-4 can receive image data from controller 1112-1 and render the image data by taking into account the pixel layout of the display panel 1141 applied to electronic device 1000. At least one of data conversion circuit 1112-2, gamma correction circuit 1112-3, and rendering circuit 1112-4 can be integrated into another component (e.g., main processor 1111 or controller 1112-1). At least one of data conversion circuit 1112-2, gamma correction circuit 1112-3, and rendering circuit 1112-4 can also be integrated into source driver 1143.

[0178] Memory 1120 may store one or more suitable data segments, as well as input or output data for commands associated therewith, used by at least one component of electronic device 1000 (e.g., processor 1110 or sensor module 1161). Memory 1120 may include at least one of volatile memory 1121 and non-volatile memory 1122.

[0179] The input module 1130 can receive commands or data from external sources (e.g., a user or external electronic device 2000) of the electronic device 1000 that will be used by components of the electronic device 1000 (e.g., processor 1110, sensor module 1161, or audio output module 1163).

[0180] Input module 1130 may include a first input module 1131 into which commands or data are input from a user and a second input module 1132 into which commands or data are input from an external electronic device 2000. The first input module 1131 may include a microphone, mouse, keyboard, buttons (e.g., keypads), or pen (e.g., a passive or active pen). The second input module 1132 may support a specified protocol that allows connection to the external electronic device 2000 via wired or wireless means. According to one or more embodiments, the second input module 1132 may include a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface. The second input module 1132 may include a connector that can be physically connected to the external electronic device 2000, such as an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0181] Display module 1140 provides visual information to the user. Display module 1140 may include display panel 1141, gate driver 1142, source driver 1143, and emitter driver 1144. Gate driver 1142 can be connected to... Figure 1The scan driver 120 shown in the figure or Figure 5 At least a portion of the scan driver 121 shown in the diagram corresponds to this. The source driver 1143 can be associated with... Figure 1 The data drive 130 shown in the diagram is... Figure 5 At least a portion of the data driver 131 shown in the diagram corresponds to this. The transmit driver 1144 can be associated with... Figure 1 The illustrated transmitter driver 150 or Figure 5 Figure 1 Figure 5 At least a portion of the transmitter driver 151 shown in the figure corresponds to this. The display module 1140 may also include a window, a frame, and a bracket for protecting the display panel 1141.

[0182] The display panel 1141 (or display) may include a liquid crystal display panel, an organic light-emitting display panel, or an inorganic light-emitting display panel, and there are no particular limitations on the type or category of the display panel 1141. The display panel 1141 may be a rigid type (or category) or a flexible type (or category) that can be rolled up or folded. The display module 1140 may also include a support, bracket, or heat dissipation component that supports the display panel 1141.

[0183] The gate driver 1142 can be mounted on the display panel 1141 as a driver chip. Alternatively, the gate driver 1142 can be integrated into the display panel 1141. For example, the gate driver 1142 may include an ASG (Amorphous Silicon TFT Gate driver circuit), LTPS (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon TFT Gate driver circuit), or OSG (Oxide Semiconductor TFT Gate driver circuit) embedded in the display panel 1141.

[0184] The transmitter driver 1144 can be mounted as a driver chip on the display panel 1141. In one or more embodiments, the transmitter driver 1144 can be integrated into the display panel 1141 like the gate driver 1142. The transmitter driver 1144 can be separate from or integrated into the gate driver 1142. Furthermore, the transmitter driver 1144 can generate a transmitter control signal in response to a transmitter start signal supplied from the start signal control unit.

[0185] The source driver 1143 can be integrated into another component (e.g., controller 1112-1). The functions of the interface conversion circuit and timing control circuit of the controller 1112-1 described above can be integrated into the source driver 1143.

[0186] The display module 1140 may further include a voltage generating circuit. The voltage generating circuit can output one or more suitable voltages suitable for driving the display panel 1141. In one or more embodiments, the display panel 1141 may include a plurality of pixel columns, each of the plurality of pixel columns including a plurality of pixels.

[0187] In one or more embodiments, the source driver 1143 can convert data (e.g., output data) in the image data received from the processor 1110 that corresponds to red (R), green (G), and blue (B) into red data signals (or data voltages), green data signals, and blue data signals, and can provide the data to a plurality of pixel columns included in the display panel 1141 during a horizontal time period.

[0188] Power module 1150 supplies power to components of electronic device 1000. Power module 1150 may include a battery that is charged by a power supply voltage. The battery may include a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. Power module 1150 may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The PMIC supplies improved or optimized power to each of the plurality of modules described above and to the plurality of modules described herein. Power module 1150 may include a wireless power transmitting / receiving component electrically connected to the battery. The wireless power transmitting / receiving component may include a plurality of coil-type antenna radiators.

[0189] The electronic device 1000 may also include a built-in module 1160 and an external module 1170. The built-in module 1160 may include a sensor module 1161, an antenna module 1162, and an audio output module 1163. The external module 1170 may include a camera module 1171, an optical module 1172, and a communication module 1173.

[0190] Sensor module 1161 can detect input via the user's body or via a pen in the first input module 1131, and can generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the input. In one or more embodiments, sensor module 1161 can detect the external environment (e.g., illuminance, temperature, and / or similar characteristics), and can generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the external environment.

[0191] Sensor module 1161 may include at least one of fingerprint sensor 1161-1, photoelectric sensor 1161-2, and input sensor 1161-3. Fingerprint sensor 1161-1 can generate data values ​​corresponding to a user's fingerprint. Fingerprint sensor 1161-1 may include an optical or capacitive fingerprint sensor.

[0192] The photoelectric sensor 1161-2 (or illuminance sensor) can detect external illuminance and provide an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected illuminance to the auxiliary processor 1112 (or processor 1110). Furthermore, if illuminance is sensed, the photoelectric sensor 1161-2 can provide a light-sensing signal to the controller 1112-1. The controller 1112-1, supplied with the light-sensing signal, can control the number of off-time periods included in the light emission initiation signal. For example, the controller 1112-1 can control the light emission initiation signal such that a smaller number of off-time periods of the emission control signal are included in a frame period of the second driving frequency when the light-sensing signal is supplied.

[0193] The input sensor 1161-3 can generate data values ​​corresponding to coordinate information of input via the user's body or via a pen. The input sensor 1161-3 generates the change in electrostatic capacitance caused by the input as a data value. The input sensor 1161-3 can detect input via a passive pen, or send and receive data using an active pen.

[0194] The input sensor 1161-3 can also measure biosignals, such as blood pressure, water content, or body fat. For example, if a user touches a part of his / her body to the sensor layer or sensing panel and does not move it for a certain period of time, the input sensor 1161-3 can detect biosignals based on changes in the electric field through the part of his / her body and can output information applicable to the user to the display module 1140.

[0195] The sensor module 1161 may also include a digitizer. The digitizer can generate data values ​​corresponding to coordinate information input via a pen. The digitizer generates electromagnetic changes caused by the input as data values. The digitizer can detect input via a passive pen, or send and receive data using an active pen.

[0196] At least one of the fingerprint sensor 1161-1, the photoelectric sensor 1161-2, and the input sensor 1161-3 can be implemented as a sensor layer on the display panel 1141 through a substantially continuous process.

[0197] At least two or more of the fingerprint sensor 1161-1, photoelectric sensor 1161-2, and input sensor 1161-3 can be integrated into a single sensing panel through the same process. If integrated into a single sensing panel, the sensing panel can be positioned between the display panel 1141 and a window positioned on the upper side of the display panel 1141. According to one or more embodiments, the sensing panel can be positioned on the window, and the orientation of the sensing panel is not particularly limited.

[0198] At least one of the fingerprint sensor 1161-1, the photoelectric sensor 1161-2, and the input sensor 1161-3 can be integrated into the display panel 1141. For example, at least one of the fingerprint sensor 1161-1, the photoelectric sensor 1161-2, and the input sensor 1161-3 can be formed simultaneously (e.g., substantially simultaneously) by a process of forming (or providing) the elements (e.g., light-emitting elements, transistors, and / or the like) included in the display panel 1141.

[0199] In one or more embodiments, sensor module 1161 may generate electrical signals or data values ​​corresponding to the internal or external state of electronic device 1000. For example, sensor module 1161 may also include a gesture sensor, gyroscope sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, acceleration sensor, grip force sensor, proximity sensor, color sensor, IR (infrared) sensor, biometric sensor, temperature sensor, or humidity sensor.

[0200] Antenna module 1162 may include one or more antennas for transmitting or receiving signals or power to or from an external source. According to one or more embodiments, communication module 1173 may transmit or receive signals to or from external electronic device 2000 via an antenna adapted to a communication method. The antenna pattern of antenna module 1162 may be integrated into a component of display module 1140 (e.g., display panel 1141) or into input sensors 1161-3.

[0201] Audio output module 1163 is a device for outputting audio signals to the external device 1000, and may include, for example, a speaker used for general purposes (such as multimedia playback or recording playback) and a receiver specifically used for telephone reception. According to one or more embodiments, the receiver may be integrated with or separate from the speaker. The audio output pattern of audio output module 1163 may be integrated into display module 1140.

[0202] Camera module 1171 can capture still images and moving images. According to one or more embodiments, camera module 1171 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, or image signal processors. Camera module 1171 may also include an infrared camera capable of measuring the presence or absence of a user, the user's position, the user's line of sight, and / or similar characteristics.

[0203] The optical module 1172 can provide light. The optical module 1172 may include a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. The optical module 1172 can operate together with the camera module 1171, or it can operate independently.

[0204] Communication module 1173 can support the establishment of a wired or wireless communication channel between electronic device 1000 and external electronic device 2000, and perform communication through the established communication channel. Communication module 1173 may include one or both of a wireless communication module (such as a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) and a wired communication module (such as a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). Communication module 1173 can communicate via a short-range communication network (such as... direct connection ( It is a registered trademark of the non-profit Wi-Fi Alliance, and The communication module 1173 of one or more suitable types (a registered trademark of Bluetooth Sig Inc. of Kirkland, Washington) or IrDA (Infrared Data Association) or a remote communication network (such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a WAN)) communicates with an external electronic device 2000. The communication module 1173 of one or more suitable types (classes) described above can be implemented as a single chip, or each can be implemented as a separate chip.

[0205] Input module 1130, sensor module 1161, camera module 1171 and / or the like can be used together with processor 1110 to control the operation of display module 1140.

[0206] The processor 1110 outputs commands or data to the display module 1140, audio output module 1163, camera module 1171, or optical module 1172 based on input data received from the input module 1130. For example, the processor 1110 may generate image data in response to input data received via a mouse or active pen and output the image data to the display module 1140, or it may generate command data in response to input data and output the image data to the camera module 1171 or optical module 1172. If no input data is received from the input module 1130 within a certain period of time, the processor 1110 may switch the operating mode of the electronic device 1000 to a relatively low power mode or sleep mode to reduce the power consumption of the electronic device 1000.

[0207] Processor 1110 outputs commands or data to display module 1140, audio output module 1163, camera module 1171, or optical module 1172 based on sensing data received from sensor module 1161. For example, processor 1110 can compare authentication data authorized by fingerprint sensor 1161-1 with authentication data stored in memory 1120, and then run an application based on the comparison result. Processor 1110 can run commands or output corresponding image data to display module 1140 based on sensing data detected by input sensor 1161-3. Processor 1110 can control the brightness of display panel 1141 in response to illuminance detected by photoelectric sensor 1161-2. If sensor module 1161 includes a temperature sensor, processor 1110 can receive temperature data measured from sensor module 1161 and further perform brightness correction and / or similar operations on image data based on the temperature data.

[0208] Processor 1110 can receive measurement data from camera module 1171 regarding the presence or absence of a user, the user's position, the user's gaze, and / or similar data. Processor 1110 can further perform brightness correction and / or similar actions on the image data based on the measurement data. For example, processor 1110, which determines the presence or absence of a user based on input from camera module 1171, can output image data whose brightness has been corrected by data conversion circuit 1112-2 or gamma correction circuit 1112-3 to display module 1140.

[0209] Some of the components described above can be connected to each other and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) via peripheral communication methods (such as bus, GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface), or UPI (Hyperpath Interconnect) links). The processor 1110 can communicate with the display module 1140 through a mutually agreed interface and can utilize any of the communication methods described above, but is not limited to them.

[0210] The electronic device 1000 according to one or more suitable embodiments disclosed in this disclosure may be one or more suitable forms of device. For example, the electronic device 1000 may include at least one of portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, and home appliances. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device 1000 is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0211] Although this disclosure has been described in the embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to this disclosure within the scope and spirit of this disclosure as described in the claims.

Claims

1. A display apparatus comprising: a display panel including a plurality of pixels; a scan driver configured to supply a scan signal to the display panel; a data driver configured to supply a data signal corresponding to the pixels to the display panel; a timing controller configured to control driving of the scan driver and the data driver; and a data converter configured to convert image data output from the timing controller into converted data corresponding to a first pixel among the plurality of pixels based on whether the first pixel is defective, and configured to generate the data signal. The data converter is configured to generate the converted data having a gray level lower than that of the image data when the first pixel is defective, and configured to generate the converted data having the same gray level as that of the image data when the first pixel is not defective.

2. The display device of claim 1, wherein, The data converter is configured to generate the converted data corresponding to a gray level of black when the first pixel is defective.

3. The display device of claim 2, wherein, The data converter is configured to multiply the image data by a correction factor greater than 0 and less than 1 when the first pixel is defective, and configured to generate a result of the multiplication as the converted data.

4. The display device of claim 2, wherein, The correction factor is based on a driving frequency of the display apparatus and the gray level of the image data.

5. The display device of claim 4, wherein, The data converter is configured to generate the converted data having a gray level lower than that of the image data when the first pixel is defective and the driving frequency of the display apparatus is lower than a reference frequency, and 6. The display device of claim 1, wherein, wherein the data converter is configured to generate the converted data having the same gray level as that of the image data when the first pixel is not defective or when the driving frequency of the display apparatus is not lower than the reference frequency. The data converter includes:

7. The display device of claim 1, wherein, a defective pixel determiner configured to determine whether the first pixel is defective, and configured to generate a control signal; a data generator configured to selectively convert the image data based on the control signal, and configured to generate the converted data; and a digital-to-analog converter configured to convert the converted data into the data signal. The data converter includes:

8. The display device of claim 6, wherein, a lookup table storage configured to store a lookup table including a plurality of correction factors corresponding to the driving frequency of the display apparatus and the gray level of the image data. A size of a corresponding one of the plurality of correction factors decreases as the gray level of the image data increases.

9. The display device of claim 8, wherein, A size of a corresponding one of the plurality of correction factors decreases as the driving frequency decreases.

10. The display device of claim 8, wherein, ​

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