Display device and electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device and an electronic device. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel including pixels in a display area having at least one folding area; a data driver configured to provide a data signal to the pixels; and a main driver configured to: control a driving timing of the data driver; dividing the display area into the folding area, a first plane display area and a second plane display area; correcting externally supplied image data based on a structural deformation amount of the folded region to generate corrected image data; aligning the corrected image data; and providing the aligned corrected image data to the data driver.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device and an electronic device. BACKGROUND

[0002] As the information-oriented society develops, various demands for display devices are increasing. For example, display devices are being adopted by various electronic devices such as smart phones, digital cameras, laptop computers, navigation devices, and smart televisions.

[0003] A display device can be a flat panel display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a field emission display device, and an organic light emitting display device. Among such flat panel display devices, an organic light emitting display device includes a light emitting element capable of emitting light by itself, so that each of the pixels of the display panel can emit light by itself. Accordingly, the light emitting display device can display an image without a backlight unit that supplies light to the display panel.

[0004] Recently, various types of display devices capable of selectively adjusting an image display area, which are different from simple flat panel display devices, have been developed. For example, various types of flexible display devices such as foldable display devices, rollable display devices, bendable display devices, deformable display devices, and stretchable display devices are being developed. SUMMARY

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a display device capable of reducing or preventing deterioration of image quality such as deterioration of visibility at a folding area and a folding peripheral area of various flexible display devices such as foldable display devices and rollable display devices.

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a display device that can reduce or prevent deterioration of image quality caused by an image display area of a structure deformation such as a fold line in a folding area and a folding peripheral area by employing a data correction processing technique based on the structure deformation.

[0007] It should be noted that aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above and other aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a display apparatus includes a display panel including pixels in a display area having at least one folding area; a data driver configured to provide data signals to the pixels; and a main driver configured to control a driving timing of the data driver, divide the display area into the folding area, a first planar display area, and a second planar display area, correct externally supplied image data based on a structural deformation amount of the folding area to generate corrected image data, align the corrected image data, and provide the aligned corrected image data to the data driver.

[0009] The main driver can be further configured to divide the display area into the folding area, a first folding peripheral area, a second folding peripheral area, the first planar display area, and the second planar display area, and generate the corrected image data by correcting block data corresponding to at least one of the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, the second folding peripheral area, the first planar display area, and the second planar display area based on a structural deformation amount of the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, or the second folding peripheral area.

[0010] The main driver can include a block data aligner configured to divide the display area into the folding area, a first folding peripheral area, a second folding peripheral area, the first planar display area, and the second planar display area, and align the externally supplied image data into block data in units of at least one frame, a deformation calculator configured to count a folding number and a folding duration of the display panel, and calculate structural deformation amount information for the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, or the second folding peripheral area, a compensation data detector configured to detect compensation data corresponding to the structural deformation amount information, and a data corrector configured to perform a calculation using the block data according to the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, the second folding peripheral area, the first planar display area, and the second planar display area and the compensation data using a calculation formula to generate the corrected image data.

[0011] The main driver can further include a frame data aligner configured to align the externally supplied image data as image data in units of at least one frame, and the frame data aligner is configured to provide the image data to the block data aligner; a compensation data storage configured to store the compensation data according to the structure deformation amount information as one or more experimental values; an image display checker configured to check whether an image is displayed in a folded state, and the image display checker is configured to output an image display signal or an image non-display signal; and a correction data aligner configured to combine the correction image data, and the correction data aligner is configured to output the aligned correction image data in units of at least one frame.

[0012] The block data aligner can be configured to divide the display area into the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, the second folding peripheral area, the first flat display area, and the second flat display area according to area information.

[0013] The deformation calculator can be configured to count the folding number and the folding duration, the deformation calculator is configured to calculate the structure deformation amount information based on the folding number and the folding duration, and the deformation calculator is configured to provide the structure deformation amount information to the compensation data detector.

[0014] The compensation data can correspond to the structure deformation amount information, wherein the compensation data includes a compensation gray scale value or a compensation brightness value for the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, the second folding peripheral area, the first flat display area, or the second flat display area.

[0015] The compensation gray scale value or the compensation brightness value is stored in a gradually variable form proportional to the structure deformation amount.

[0016] When an image is displayed in a folded state of the display panel, the compensation data detector can be configured to detect the compensation data according to the structure deformation amount information calculated by the deformation calculator, and the compensation data detector is configured to provide the compensation data to the data corrector, wherein the data corrector is configured to perform a calculation using the compensation data for each of the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, and the second folding peripheral area with the block data for the corresponding one of the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, and the second folding peripheral area using the calculation formula to generate the correction image data for the corresponding one of the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, and the second folding peripheral area.

[0017] When no image is displayed in the folded state of the display panel, the compensation data detector can be configured to detect the compensation data according to the structural deformation amount information calculated by the deformation calculator, and the compensation data detector is configured to provide the compensation data to the data corrector, wherein the data corrector is configured to perform calculation using the compensation data for the first and second planar display areas and the block data for the first and second planar display areas using the calculation formula to generate the corrected image data for the first and second planar display areas.

[0018] The main driver can further include a brightness / color temperature data inputter configured to detect brightness information or color temperature information of the display panel using a brightness sensor, and the brightness / color temperature data inputter is configured to generate brightness data or color temperature data corresponding to the brightness information or the color temperature information; and a compensation data modulator configured to extract an offset value inversely proportional to the brightness information or the color temperature information, and the compensation data modulator is configured to modulate the compensation data using the offset value.

[0019] The compensation data modulator can be configured to extract the offset value inversely proportional to the brightness information, and the compensation data modulator is configured to modulate the compensation data by calculating the compensation data and the offset value using a calculation formula.

[0020] When an image is displayed in the folded state of the display panel, the data corrector can be configured to calculate the compensation data modulated by the compensation data modulator and the block data for each of the folded area, the first folded peripheral area, and the second folded peripheral area by the calculation formula, wherein, when no image is displayed in the folded state of the display panel, the data corrector is configured to calculate the modulated compensation data and the block data for the first and second planar display areas using the calculation formula.

[0021] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a display apparatus includes a display panel including pixels in a display area having at least one folding area; a data driver configured to provide data signals to the pixels; a gate driver configured to provide gate signals to the pixels; a touch sensor located on a front surface of the display panel for detecting a user touch; a touch driver configured to detect a touch position and a touch movement position for a touch sensing area of the touch sensor, and the touch driver is configured to generate touch coordinate data; and a main driver configured to control a driving timing of the data driver, divide the display area into the folding area, a first folding peripheral area, a second folding peripheral area, a first flat display area, and a second flat display area, generate corrected image data by correcting externally supplied image data corresponding to at least one of the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, the second folding peripheral area, the first flat display area, and the second flat display area according to a structural deformation amount of the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, or the second folding peripheral area, and align the corrected image data and provide the aligned corrected image data to the data driver.

[0022] The main driver can include a block data aligner configured to divide the externally supplied image data into block data in units of at least one frame according to the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, the second folding peripheral area, the first flat display area, and the second flat display area to align the block data, a deformation calculator configured to count a folding number and a folding duration of the display panel, and the deformation calculator is configured to calculate structural deformation amount information for the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, or the second folding peripheral area, a compensation data detector configured to detect compensation data corresponding to the structural deformation amount information, and a data corrector configured to calculate the block data and the compensation data using a calculation formula to generate the corrected image data.

[0023] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic apparatus includes a display apparatus including a display panel including pixels in a display area having at least one folding area, a data driver configured to provide data signals to the pixels, and a main driver configured to control a driving timing of the data driver, divide the display area into the folding area, a first flat display area, and a second flat display area, correct externally supplied image data based on a structural deformation amount of the folding area to generate corrected image data, align the corrected image data, and provide the aligned corrected image data to the data driver.

[0024] According to embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to reduce or prevent deterioration of image quality, such as deterioration of visibility, in a folding area and a folding peripheral area in a flexible display device such as a foldable display device and a rollable display device.

[0025] Further, according to embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to reduce or prevent deterioration of image quality caused by an image display area of a structure deformation of a display device by employing a data correction processing technique based on a structure deformation such as a crease in a folding area and a folding peripheral area, and it is possible to improve user reliability and satisfaction.

[0026] It should be noted that aspects of the disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other aspects of the disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a foldable portable display device according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a foldable display device according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating one side of the foldable display device shown in Figure 2 in detail.

[0031] Figure 4 is a view illustrating an example of a layout of a display panel according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a main driver according to a first one or more embodiments in detail.

[0033] Figure 6 is a view illustrating a folding area, a folding peripheral area, and a flat display area divided in a display area according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0034] Figure 7 is a view illustrating experimental values of a crease deformation in a folding area with respect to a folding number and a folding duration.

[0035] Figure 8 is a graph illustrating a change in a gray scale value of correction data applied to image data of a folding area with respect to a crease deformation amount in the folding area.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a view showing an example of an image displayed in a flat state in the folded area, the folded outer area, and the flat display area.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a view showing an example where the image is not displayed in the folded area, the folded outer area, and the flat display area in a flat state.

[0038] Figure 11 It is a graph showing the change in grayscale values ​​of the correction data applied to the image data of the flat display area relative to the amount of crease deformation in the folded area.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a block diagram showing the main driver according to one or more second embodiments.

[0040] Figure 13 It is a graph showing the change in the offset value applied to the compensation data relative to the change in external brightness or color temperature. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Aspects of some embodiments of this disclosure and methods of implementing these aspects can be more readily understood by referring to the detailed description and accompanying drawings of the embodiments. The described embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the various aspects of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, redundant processes, elements, and techniques that are irrelevant or unrelated to the description of the embodiments or not essential for a full understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure by those skilled in the art may be omitted. Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals, characters, or combinations thereof denote the same elements throughout the drawings and written description, and therefore, repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0042] 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 shown herein. The terms "can," "may," or "cannot" are used in the description of embodiments to correspond to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0043] In view of the full contents of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, unless otherwise stated or implied, each suitable feature of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be combined in part or in whole, or combined with each other, and may be technically interlocked and operated in a variety of suitable ways, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other in any suitable way.

[0044] In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions can be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. In other words, since the dimensions and the thicknesses of the elements in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the purpose of facilitating description, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are to be expected. Additionally, the specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are not interpreted as being limiting. Thus, embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limited to the described specific embodiments, but are intended to include all modifications and equivalents falling within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein.

[0045] For example, an implant region illustrated as rectangular will typically have rounded or curved features and / or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges, rather than a binary change from the implant region to the non-implant region. Likewise, a buried region formed by implantation can result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implant occurred.

[0046] For purposes of illustration, spatially relative terms such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “bottom”, “under”, “above”, “upper”, “on”, “higher”, “top”, and “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”) can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device is inverted, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features can then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example terms “below” and “beneath” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, when a first part is described as being “on” a second part, this can mean that the first part is arranged on the upper side or lower side of the second part, without being limited to a particular side based on the direction of gravity.

[0047] Furthermore, the phrase "in plan view" means when viewing the subject portion from above, and the phrase "in a schematic cross-sectional view" means when viewing a schematic cross-section obtained by cutting the subject portion vertically from the side. The term "overlap" or "overlapped" means that a first object can be above or below or to the side of a second object, and vice versa. Furthermore, the term "overlap" can include stacking, facing or facing towards, extending over, covering or partially covering or any other suitable term as would be appreciated and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The expression "not overlap" can include such as "separate from" or "separated from" or "deviated from" as well as any other suitable equivalent as would be appreciated and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terms "facing" and "facing towards" can mean that a first object can be directly or indirectly opposite to a second object. In the case where a third object is interposed between the first object and the second object, the first object and the second object can be understood as indirectly opposite to each other although still facing each other.

[0048] It will be understood that when an element, layer, region or component (for example, a device, a device, a circuit, a wiring, an electrode, a terminal, a conductive film, etc.) is referred to as being "formed on", "on", "connected to" or "(operatively, functionally or communicatively) coupled to" another element, layer, region or component, the element, layer, region or component can be directly formed on, directly on, directly connected to or coupled to the other element, layer, region or component, or indirectly formed on, indirectly on, indirectly connected to or coupled to the other element, layer, region or component, such that one or more intervening elements, layers, regions or components can be present. Furthermore, this can be collectively referred to as direct or indirect coupling or connection and integral or non-integral coupling or connection. For example, when a layer, region or component is referred to as being "electrically connected" or "electrically coupled" to another layer, region or component, the layer, region or component can be directly electrically connected or coupled to the other layer, region and / or component, or one or more intervening layers, regions or components can be present. One or more intervening components can include switches, transistors, resistors, inductors, capacitors and / or diodes, etc. Accordingly, the connection is not limited to the connection shown in the drawings or the detailed description, and can also include other types of connections. In describing the embodiments, unless explicitly described as directly connected, the expression of connection represents electrical connection, and "directly connected / directly coupled" or "directly on" means that one component is directly connected to or coupled to another component or on another component without intervening components.

[0049] Also, in this Specification, when a portion of a layer, film, region, or plate, etc. is formed "on" another portion, the direction of formation is not limited to an upward direction, but includes formation of the portion on a side surface or in a downward direction. Conversely, when a portion of a layer, film, region, or plate, etc. is formed "underneath" another portion, this includes not only the case where the portion is "directly below" the other portion, but also the case where there is yet another portion between the portion and the other portion. At the same time, other expressions describing relationships between components, such as "between," "immediately between," 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 being "between" two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers can also be present.

[0050] For purposes of the present disclosure, expressions such as "at least one of... or "any of... or "one or more of... when preceding a list of elements, modify the items in the list as a whole rather than each element individually. For example, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one of X, Y, and Z selected from a group consisting of X, Y, and Z" can be interpreted as X alone, Y alone, Z alone, two or more of X, Y, and Z in any combination (such as, for example, XYZ, XY, YZ, and XZ), or any variation of the above. Similarly, the expression "at least one of A and B" can include A, B, or A and B. As used herein, "or" 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...," "one or more of...," "one of...," and other similar phrases preceding a list of elements, modify the list as a whole rather than each element individually. Unless otherwise specified, when the statement "C to D" is made, it means C or more and D or less.

[0051] It will be understood that, although the terms“first,”“second,”“third,” etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, section or part from another element, component, region, layer, section or part. Thus,“first” element, component, region, layer or section described below can be termed as“second” element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Describing an element as a“first” element does not require or imply the presence of a second or other elements. The terms“first,”“second,” etc. can also be used herein to distinguish different categories or different groups of elements. For the sake of simplicity, the terms“first,”“second,” etc. can be used herein to designate the“first category (or first group)” and the“second category (or second group),” respectively, as an example.

[0052] In examples, the X-axis (X-axis direction), the Y-axis (Y-axis direction), and / or the Z-axis (Z-axis direction) are not limited to three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the X-axis (X-axis direction), the Y-axis (Y-axis direction), and the Z-axis (Z-axis direction) can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. The same applies to the first direction, the second direction, and / or the third direction.

[0053] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms“a,”“an” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises,”“comprising,”“has,”“having,”“includes” and / or“including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0054] As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” “about,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “substantially” can include a range of ±5% of a recited value. “About” or “approximately,” as used in this disclosure includes the recited value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the measurement and associated error in measuring the particular quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of the recited value. Furthermore, use of “may” when describing embodiments of the disclosure means that one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In addition, the recitation “same” can mean “substantially the same.” In other words, the recitation “same” can include a range that would be tolerated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Other recitations can also be recitations from which “substantially” is omitted.

[0055] In some embodiments, well-known structures and devices can be described in the accompanying drawings in conjunction with one or more functional blocks (e.g., block diagrams), units, and / or modules to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such blocks, units, and / or modules are typically implemented by logic circuitry, individual components, microprocessors, hardwired circuitry, memory elements, lines of code, and other electronic circuitry. This can be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing techniques or other technologies. Blocks, units, and / or modules implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware can be programmed and controlled using software to perform various functions discussed herein, optionally driven by firmware and / or software. In addition, each block, unit, and / or module can be implemented by a dedicated hardware or a combination of a dedicated hardware that performs some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) that performs functions different from those of the dedicated hardware. Furthermore, in some embodiments, blocks, units, and / or modules can be physically separated into two or more individual blocks, units, and / or modules that interact, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, in some embodiments, blocks, units, and / or modules can be physically combined into a more complex block, unit, and / or module, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or the present specification, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0057] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a foldable portable display apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] Referring to Figure 1 , a portable display apparatus (e.g., display apparatus 10) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can be employed as a foldable display apparatus by a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile communication terminal, an electronic notebook, an electronic book, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation apparatus, and an ultra-mobile PC (UMPC). Alternatively, the display apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be used as a display unit of a television, a laptop computer, a monitor, an electronic billboard, or an Internet of Things (IoT) device.

[0059] As used herein, when the display apparatus 10 is folded, a first direction (X-axis direction) can be a short side direction of the display apparatus 10, for example, a horizontal direction of the display apparatus 10. When the display apparatus 10 is folded, a second direction (Y-axis direction) can be a long side direction of the display apparatus 10, for example, a vertical direction of the display apparatus 10. A third direction (Z-axis direction) can refer to a thickness direction of the display apparatus 10.

[0060] In the example shown in Figure 1 , the display apparatus 10 is a foldable display apparatus that can be folded once in the first direction (X-axis direction). The display apparatus 10 can be converted between a folded state in which the display apparatus 10 is folded once, a curved state in which the display apparatus 10 is bent at an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle), and a flat state in which the display apparatus 10 is completely unfolded, or can be maintained in one of these states.

[0061] The display device 10 can be folded inward such that the front surface on which an image is displayed is located inside (inward folding manner). When the display device 10 is bent or folded in the inward folding manner, a portion of the front surface of the display device 10 can face another portion of the front surface. Alternatively, the display device 10 can be folded outward such that the front surface on which an image is displayed is located outside (outward folding manner). When the display device 10 is bent or folded in the outward folding manner, a portion of the rear surface of the display device 10 can face another portion of the rear surface.

[0062] For example, the image display area DA (see FIG. 1) on the front side of the inwardly folded display device 10 can be divided into a first planar display area DA1 and a second planar display area DA2, first and second folding peripheral areas (for example, see folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2 in FIG. 1), and a folding area FOU. Figure 3 ) can be divided into a first planar display area DA1 and a second planar display area DA2, first and second folding peripheral areas (for example, see folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2 in FIG. 1), and a folding area FOU. Figure 6 ) can be divided into a first planar display area DA1 and a second planar display area DA2, first and second folding peripheral areas (for example, see folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2 in FIG. 1), and a folding area FOU. Figure 1 ) can be divided into a first planar display area DA1 and a second planar display area DA2, first and second folding peripheral areas (for example, see folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2 in FIG. 1), and a folding area FOU.

[0063] The image display area DA (also referred to as a display area DA) of the display device 10 can be divided into a first planar display area DA1 and a second planar display area DA2, at least one folding area FOU, and a peripheral area of the folding area FOU (for example, folding peripheral areas COU1 and / or COU2). For example, the folding area FOU can be located between the first planar display area DA1 and the second planar display area DA2, and a side of the folding area FOU and an area between the first planar display area DA1 and the second planar display area DA2 can become a peripheral area of the folding area FOU. The arrangement relationship of the at least one folding area FOU, the peripheral area of the folding area FOU, and the first planar display area DA1 and the second planar display area DA2 will be described in more detail later with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] The non-display area NDA can be formed at the boundary of the display area DA, that is, at the boundary of the at least one folding area FOU, the peripheral area of the folding area FOU, and the first planar display area DA1 and the second planar display area DA2.

[0065] The at least one folding area FOU can be located between the first planar display area DA1 and the second planar display area DA2, and between the first and second folding peripheral areas, and the at least one folding area FOU extends in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the at least one folding area FOU can be folded inward or outward in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0066] The first flat display area DA1 can be located on one side of the folding area FOU and the first folding peripheral area, for example, on the right side of the first folding peripheral area. The second flat display area DA2 can be located on the opposite side of the folding area FOU and the second folding peripheral area, for example, on the left side of the second folding peripheral area.

[0067] The folding area FOU and the first and second folding lines FOL1 and FOL2, which are boundaries of the folding area FOU, can extend in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the display device 10 can be folded in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0068] When the folding area FOU is folded inward, the front surfaces of the first and second flat display areas DA1 and DA2 can face each other. In this way, when the folding area FOU extends in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and is folded inward or outward in the first direction (X-axis direction), the width of the display device 10 in the first direction (X-axis direction) can be reduced to approximately half.

[0069] When the folding area FOU and the first and second folding lines FOL1 and FOL2, which are boundaries of the folding area FOU, are arranged in the first direction (X-axis direction) such that they extend in the second direction (Y-axis direction), the width of the folding area FOU in the first direction (X-axis direction) can be less than or narrower than the length of the folding area FOU in the second direction (Y-axis direction). In addition, the width of the first flat display area DA1 in the first direction (X-axis direction) can be greater than the width of the folding area FOU and the first folding peripheral area in the first direction (X-axis direction). The width of the second flat display area DA2 in the first direction (X-axis direction) can be greater than the width of the folding area FOU and the second folding peripheral area in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0070] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of a foldable display device according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration of a foldable display device according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Figure 2 FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing one side of the foldable display device shown in FIG. 2.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 1, Figure 2 and FIG. 2, Figure 3 also referring to FIG. 3, Figure 1The display device 10 can be classified into various devices according to a manner in which an image is displayed. For example, the display device 10 can be classified and implemented as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device, an inorganic light emitting diode (e.g., inorganic electroluminescence (EL) diode) display device, a quantum dot light emitting diode (QLED) display device, a micro light emitting diode (micro-LED) display device, a nano light emitting diode (nano-LED) display device, a plasma display panel (PDP), a field emission display (FED) device, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, an electrophoretic display (EPD) device, or the like. In the following description, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device will be described as an example of the display device. Unless it is appropriate to distinguish them, the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device will be simply referred to as the display device 10. However, it will be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device, and one of the display devices listed above or any other display device well known in the art can be used as the display device 10 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 10 includes a display panel 100, a plurality of data drivers 200, a circuit board 300, a main driver 400, and a touch sensing module. Figure 2 Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 10 includes a display panel 100, a plurality of data drivers 200, a circuit board 300, a main driver 400, and a touch sensing module.

[0073] The touch sensing module can include a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensing unit) TSU located on a front surface of the display panel 100, and at least one touch driver (e.g., a touch driver circuit) 500 that generates touch coordinate data of the touch sensor TSU.

[0074] The display DU of the display panel 100 can include a plurality of pixels (e.g., image display pixels). An image can be displayed through the plurality of pixels. Each pixel can include red, green, and blue pixels or red, green, blue, and white pixels.

[0075] The display DU receives a data signal (e.g., an analog data voltage) from each of the data drivers 200 and a gate signal from the main driver 400 (e.g., a gate driver). In addition, the display DU can display an image through the plurality of pixels arranged in a display area DA of the display DU in response to the data signal and the gate signal.

[0076] ​The display panel 100 can be divided into a main area MA and a sub area SBA. The main area MA can include first and second planar display areas DA1 and DA2, first and second folding peripheral areas, a folding area FOU, and a non-display area NDA. An image is displayed through pixels in the first and second planar display areas DA1 and DA2, the first and second folding peripheral areas, and the folding area FOU.

[0077] The sub area SBA can extend from a side of the main area MA. The sub area SBA can include a flexible material that can be bent, folded, or rolled. For example, when the sub area SBA is bent, the sub area SBA can overlap the main area MA in a thickness direction (Z-axis direction). The sub area SBA can include pads connected to the main driver 400 and the circuit board 300. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, the sub area SBA can be removed, and the main driver 400 and the pads can be located in the non-display area NDA.

[0078] The circuit board 300 can be attached on the pad area of the display panel 100 using anisotropic conductive film (ACF). The leads of the circuit board 300 can be electrically connected to the pads of the display panel 100. The circuit board 300 can be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a printed circuit board (PCB), or a flexible film such as a chip on film (COF).

[0079] Incidentally, Figure 3 The substrate SUB of the display panel 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be a base substrate or a base member. The substrate SUB can be flat type. Alternatively, the substrate SUB can be a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, or rolled. For example, the substrate SUB can include, but is not limited to, a glass material or a metal material. As another example, the substrate SUB can include a polymer resin such as polyimide (PI).

[0080] A thin film transistor layer TFTL can be located on the substrate SUB. The thin film transistor layer TFTL can include a plurality of thin film transistors forming a pixel circuit of a pixel. The thin film transistor layer TFTL can include gate lines, data lines, voltage lines, gate control lines, fan-out lines for connecting the data driver 200 and the data lines, and leads for connecting the data driver 200 and the pads. When the gate drivers 210 are formed on the sides and the opposite sides of the non-display area NDA of the display panel 100, each gate driver 210 can also include a thin film transistor.

[0081] The thin film transistor layer TFTL can be selectively located in the image display area DA, the non-display area NDA, and the auxiliary area SBA. The thin film transistor, the gate line, the data line, and the voltage line in each of the pixels in the thin film transistor layer TFTL can be located in the image display area DA. The gate control line and the fan-out line in the thin film transistor layer TFTL can be located in the non-display area NDA. The lead wire of the thin film transistor layer TFTL can be located in the auxiliary area SBA.

[0082] The emission material layer EML can be located on the thin film transistor layer TFTL. The emission material layer EML can include a plurality of light emitting elements and a pixel definition layer for defining a pixel, in each of which a first electrode, an emission layer, and a second electrode are sequentially stacked with each other to emit light. The light emitting element of the emission material layer EML can be entirely located in the display area DA.

[0083] The encapsulation layer TFEL can cover the upper surface and the side surface of the emission material layer EML and can protect the emission material layer EML. The encapsulation layer TFEL can include at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer for encapsulating the emission material layer EML.

[0084] The touch sensor TSU can be located on the encapsulation layer TFEL of the display panel 100. The touch sensing area of the touch sensor TSU can include a plurality of touch electrodes for sensing a touch of a user by capacitive sensing and a touch driving line connecting the plurality of touch electrodes with at least one touch driver 500. In each of the touch sensing areas, the touch electrodes can be arranged in a matrix to sense a touch of a user by self-capacitance sensing or mutual-capacitance sensing.

[0085] The touch sensor TSU can not be integrally formed with the display panel 100, but can be located on a separate substrate or film positioned on the display DU of the display panel 100. In this case, the substrate or film supporting the touch sensor TSU can be a base member encapsulating the display DU.

[0086] The touch driver 500 generating touch coordinate data for the touch sensing area can be located in the non-display area NDA or the auxiliary area SBA of the display panel 100. Alternatively, the touch driver 500 generating the touch coordinate data can be mounted on a separate circuit board 300. The touch driver 500 can be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC).

[0087] The touch driver 500 can be implemented as at least one microprocessor electrically connected to the touch sensor TSU (e.g., a touch sensing area). The touch driver 500 can supply a touch driving signal to a plurality of touch electrodes arranged in a matrix form in the touch sensor TSU, and can sense a change in capacitance between the plurality of touch electrodes. The touch driver 500 can determine whether a touch of a user is input, and can generate touch coordinate data based on an amount of change in capacitance between the touch electrodes.

[0088] The data driver 200 can be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC), and can be located on a corresponding printed circuit film by a chip on glass (COG) technology, a chip on plastic (COP) technology, or ultrasonic bonding. The data driver 200 can convert digital image data into an analog data signal in response to a data control signal from the main driver 400, and can provide the data signal to the pixels. The data driver 200 can provide the data signal to a data line connected to the pixels.

[0089] The main driver 400 can be implemented as an integrated circuit, and can be mounted on the display panel 100 or the circuit board 300 by a COG technology, a COP technology, or ultrasonic bonding. The main driver 400 operates as a main processor, and outputs a gate control signal and a data control signal (e.g., a gate control signal and a data control signal for controlling a driving timing of the gate driver 210 and a driving timing of the data driver 200, respectively) for driving the pixels of the display DU.

[0090] Further, the main driver 400 divides an image display area DA of a display image into a first planar display area DA1 and a second planar display area DA2, a first folding peripheral area and a second folding peripheral area, and a folding area FOU to distinguish them from each other. Then, the main driver 400 corrects image data (e.g., in units of at least one frame) based on structural deformations such as a folding area FOU and a crease in the first folding peripheral area and the second folding peripheral area. The main driver 400 aligns the corrected image data for at least each horizontal line or each frame, and provides the aligned corrected image data to the data driver 200.

[0091] The data driver 200 can convert the aligned corrected image data into an analog data signal in units of at least one horizontal line in response to a data control signal from the main driver 400, and can provide the data-converted data signal to the pixels. At this time, the data driver 200 can provide the data signal to a data line connected to the pixels in units of at least one horizontal line.

[0092] Further, the main driver 400 can supply a supply voltage to power lines of the display DU, and can also supply a gate control signal to a separate gate driver or the like. Then, the main driver 400 can receive touch coordinate data from the touch driver 500 to determine touch coordinates of a user, and can then generate digital video data based on the touch coordinates. Further, the main driver 400 can execute an application indicated by an icon displayed at the touch coordinates of the user. For another example, the main driver 400 can receive touch coordinate data from an electronic pen to determine touch coordinates of the electronic pen, and can then generate digital video data according to the touch coordinates, or the main driver 400 can execute an application indicated by an icon displayed at the touch coordinates of the electronic pen.

[0093] Figure 4 is a view illustrating an example of a layout of a display panel according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. For example, Figure 4 is a view illustrating a layout of a portion of a display area DA and a non-display area NDA of a display DU before a touch sensor TSU (see Figure 3 ) is formed.

[0094] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the display area DA can be defined as a (generally) central area including a center of the display panel 100. For example, the display area DA can include a plurality of pixels SP, a plurality of gate lines GL, a plurality of data lines DL, and a plurality of voltage lines VL, etc. Each of the plurality of pixels SP can be defined as a minimum unit outputting red light, green light, blue light, or white light, etc.

[0095] The plurality of gate lines GL can supply a gate signal received from at least one gate driver 210 to the plurality of pixels SP. The plurality of gate lines GL can extend in a first direction (X-axis direction), and can be spaced apart from each other in a second direction (Y-axis direction) crossing the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0096] The plurality of data lines DL can supply a data voltage received from the data driver 200 to the plurality of pixels SP. The plurality of data lines DL can extend in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and can be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0097] The plurality of voltage lines VL can apply a supply voltage received from the main driver 400 or a separate power source to the plurality of pixels SP. The supply voltage can be at least one of a driving voltage, an initialization voltage, and a reference voltage. The plurality of voltage lines VL can extend in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and can be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0098] The non-display area NDA is a peripheral area surrounding the display area DA, and can be finally defined as a bezel area. The non-display area NDA can include the gate driver 210, the fan-out line FOL, and the gate control line GCL. The gate driver 210 can generate a plurality of gate signals based on a gate control signal, and can sequentially provide the plurality of gate signals to the plurality of gate lines GL in a corresponding order.

[0099] The fan-out line FOL can extend from the data driver 200 to the image display area DA. The fan-out line FOL can supply a data voltage received from the data driver 200 to the plurality of data lines DL.

[0100] The gate control line GCL can extend from the main driver 400 to the gate driver 210. The gate control line GCL can supply a gate control signal received from the main driver 400 to the gate driver 210.

[0101] The data driver 200 can provide a data voltage to the data line DL through the fan-out line FOL. The data voltage can be applied to the plurality of pixels SP, and thus a display brightness of the plurality of pixels SP can be determined. On the other hand, the main driver 400 can supply a gate control signal to the gate driver 210 through the gate control line GCL.

[0102] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the main driver in detail according to the first one or more embodiments.

[0103] Referring to Figure 5 , also referring to Figure 1 and Figure 3 , Figure 5 The main driver 400 shown in FIG. 4 includes a frame data aligner 401, a block data aligner 402, a warping calculator 403, a compensation data storage 404, a compensation data detector 405, a data corrector 406, an image display checker 407, and a correction data aligner 408.

[0104] The frame data aligner 401 aligns image data RGB input from an external source such as a graphic card or a graphic system (e.g., in at least one frame unit), and sequentially provides the image data F_RGB to the block data aligner 402.

[0105] The block data aligner 402 divides the display area DA of the display panel 100 into at least one folding area FOU, a plurality of folding peripheral areas, and a plurality of flat display areas DA1 and DA2 according to area information (e.g., predetermined area information). Then, the block data aligner 402 divides and aligns the image data F_RGB into block data B_RGB according to the previously divided areas (e.g., in at least one frame unit).

[0106] For example, the block data aligner 402 can divide and align the image data F_RGB (e.g., in units of at least one frame) into block data B_RGB corresponding to each of the at least one folding area FOU, the folding peripheral area, and the flat display areas DA1 and DA2.

[0107] Figure 6 is a view illustrating a folding area, a folding peripheral area, and a flat display area divided in a display area according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0108] Referring to Figure 6 , the display area DA of the display apparatus 10 can be pre-divided into at least one folding area FOU, first and second folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2 that are peripheral areas of the folding area FOU, and first and second flat display areas DA1 and DA2.

[0109] For example, the folding area FOU can be located between the first and second flat display areas DA1 and DA2. The first folding peripheral area COU1 can be located between one side of the folding area FOU and the first flat display area DA1, and the second folding peripheral area COU2 can be located between the other side of the folding area FOU and the second flat display area DA2.

[0110] The at least one folding area FOU can extend in a second direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction in FIG. 1) between the first and second flat display areas DA1 and DA2, and between the first and second folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2, and can be folded inwardly or outwardly along a first direction (e.g., an X-axis direction in FIG. 1). For example, the folding area FOU can be located between the first and second folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2. The first and second folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2 can be located on first and second sides of the folding area FOU, respectively. Figure 1 Figure 1 The first flat display area DA1 can be located on one side of the folding area FOU and the first folding peripheral area COU1, e.g., on a right side of the first folding peripheral area COU1. The second flat display area DA2 can be located on an opposite side of the folding area FOU and the second folding peripheral area COU2, e.g., on a left side of the second folding peripheral area COU2.

[0111] The first flat display area DA1 can be located on one side of the folding area FOU and the first folding peripheral area COU1, e.g., on a right side of the first folding peripheral area COU1. The second flat display area DA2 can be located on an opposite side of the folding area FOU and the second folding peripheral area COU2, e.g., on a left side of the second folding peripheral area COU2.

[0112] Figure 7 is a view illustrating experimental values of crease deformation in a folding area with the number of folds and the folding duration.

[0113] Referring to​Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the deformation calculator 403 counts the number of folds and the folding duration (e.g., total folding duration) in real time to calculate the structural deformation amount information (e.g., information corresponding to the amount or degree of structural deformation) DI for at least one folding region FOU as well as the folding peripheral regions COU1 and COU2.

[0114] The deformation calculator 403 counts the number of folds and the folding duration in real time and calculates the structural deformation amount information DI of the folding region FOU corresponding to each of the counted number of folds and folding duration. The structural deformation amount information DI of the folding region FOU (e.g., the structural deformation amount information DI corresponding to each of the number of folds and folding duration of the folding region FOU) can be determined (e.g., predetermined) based on experimental values. The structural deformation amount information DI of the folding region FOU can include, for example, thickness change information, deformation size information, or crease shape thickness information of the folding region FOU.

[0115] Likewise, the structural deformation amount information DI corresponding to each of the number of folds and folding duration of the first folding peripheral region COU1 and the second folding peripheral region COU2 can also be determined (e.g., predetermined) based on experimental values. Accordingly, the deformation calculator 403 calculates the structural deformation amount information DI corresponding to each of the number of folds and folding duration for the folding region FOU as well as the first folding peripheral region COU1 and the second folding peripheral region COU2 and transmits the information to the compensation data detector 405.

[0116] Figure 8 is a graph showing the change in the gray scale value of the correction data applied to the image data of the folding region with respect to the amount of crease deformation in the folding region.

[0117] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 8 , the compensation data storage 404 stores compensation data (e.g., predetermined compensation data) C_Data according to the structural deformation amount for each of at least one folding region FOU as well as the folding peripheral regions COU1 and COU2.

[0118] For example, the compensation data C_Data can be determined for each of the folding region FOU, the first folding peripheral region COU1 and the second folding peripheral region COU2, and the first flat display region DA1 and the second flat display region DA2 such that the compensation data C_Data corresponds to the structural deformation amount information DI for each of the folding region FOU as well as the first folding peripheral region COU1 and the second folding peripheral region COU2.

[0119] The compensation data C_Data includes a compensation gray scale value or a compensation brightness value for the image data of each of the folding area FOU, the first and second folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2, and the first and second flat display areas DA1 and DA2.

[0120] The gray scale value or brightness value included in the compensation data C_Data for each of the folding area FOU, the first and second folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2, and the first and second flat display areas DA1 and DA2 can be determined (e.g., predetermined) and stored in a gradually variable form in proportion to the amount of structural deformation of the folding area FOU.

[0121] Figure 9 is a view showing an example of displaying an image in the folding area, the folding peripheral areas, and the flat display areas in a flat state.

[0122] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 9 , the image display checker 407 checks whether an image is displayed in the folded state and transmits an image display signal or an image non-display signal OFS to the compensation data detector 405.

[0123] If an image is displayed in the folded state, the image display checker 407 transmits an image display signal to the compensation data detector 405.

[0124] If an image is displayed in the folded state, the compensation data detector 405 detects the compensation data C_Data for each of the at least one folding area FOU and the folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2 based on the structural deformation amount information DI calculated in real time by the deformation calculator 403. Then, the compensation data detector 405 provides the data corrector 406 with the compensation data C_Data for each of the at least one folding area FOU and the folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2 corresponding to the structural deformation amount information DI.

[0125] The data corrector 406 performs a calculation using a calculation formula (e.g., a predetermined calculation formula) using the block data B_RGB for each of the at least one folding area FOU and the folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2 and the compensation data C_Data for the corresponding one of the at least one folding area FOU and the folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2 detected by the compensation data detector 405 to generate corrected image data D_Data for the corresponding one of the block areas.

[0126] For example, if an image is displayed in the folded state, the data corrector 406 receives compensation data C_Data for each of the folding area FOU and the folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2 through the compensation data detector 405. Then, the data corrector 406 performs a calculation using the block data B_RGB for each of the folding area FOU and the folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2 and the compensation data C_Data for each of the folding area FOU and the folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2 using a calculation formula such as addition / subtraction, multiplication, and division to generate corrected image data D_Data for each of the folding area FOU and the folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2.

[0127] The main driver 400 includes a corrected data aligner 408 that aligns the corrected image data D_Data for each block area in combination with each block area in order to generate and output aligned corrected image data FD_Data (e.g., in units of at least one frame).

[0128] For example, the corrected data aligner 408 combines the corrected image data D_Data for each of the folding area FOU and the folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2 with the block data B_RGB for the flat display areas DA1 and DA2 to generate and output aligned corrected image data FD_Data.

[0129] Figure 10 is a view illustrating an example in which no image is displayed in the folding area, the folding peripheral areas, and the flat display areas in the flat state.

[0130] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 10 If no image is displayed in the folded state (e.g., if the screen is off), the image display checker 407 transmits an image non-display signal OFS to the compensation data detector 405.

[0131] If no image is displayed in the folded state, the compensation data detector 405 detects compensation data C_Data for each of the flat display areas DA1 and DA2 based on the structure deformation amount information DI calculated in real time by the deformation calculator 403. Then, the compensation data detector 405 provides the compensation data C_Data for each of the flat display areas DA1 and DA2 corresponding to the structure deformation amount information DI to the data corrector 406.

[0132] Figure 11 is a graph illustrating a change in a gray scale value of correction data applied to image data of the flat display areas with respect to a crease deformation amount in the folding area.

[0133] Referring to Figure 11 Also referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the compensation data C_Data for the flat display areas DA1 and DA2 corresponds to the structural deformation amount information DI of the folding area FOU.

[0134] The compensation data C_Data for the flat display areas DA1 and DA2 includes a compensation gray scale value or a compensation brightness value for the image data of each of the flat display areas DA1 and DA2.

[0135] For example, the gray scale value or the brightness value included in the compensation data C_Data for each of the flat display areas DA1 and DA2 can be determined (e.g., predetermined) in proportion to the structural deformation amount of the folding area FOU and stored in a gradually variable form.

[0136] If the image is not displayed in the folded state, the data corrector 406 receives the compensation data C_Data for the flat display areas DA1 and DA2 through the compensation data detector 405. Then, the data corrector 406 calculates the block data B_RGB for each of the flat display areas DA1 and DA2 using the calculation formula, and the compensation data C_Data for each of the flat display areas DA1 and DA2, to generate corrected image data D_Data for each of the flat display areas DA1 and DA2.

[0137] The correction data aligner 408 combines the corrected image data D_Data for each of the flat display areas DA1 and DA2 with the block data B_RGB for each of the folding area FOU and the folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2 to generate and output aligned correction image data FD_Data.

[0138] If the image is not displayed in the folded state, the lightness or brightness of a low gray scale image displayed in the flat display areas DA1 and DA2 can be corrected to become higher than the lightness or brightness of a low gray scale image displayed in the folding area FOU and the folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2.

[0139] Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating in detail the main driver according to the second one or more embodiments.

[0140] Referring to Figure 12 , the main driver 400 further includes a brightness / color temperature data inputter 411 and a compensation data modulator 412.

[0141] The brightness / color temperature data inputter 411 detects ambient brightness information (or brightness information) or color temperature information of the display panel 100 using a brightness sensor formed on the display panel 100. Then, the brightness / color temperature data inputter 411 generates brightness data YD or color temperature data corresponding to the ambient brightness information or color temperature information, and provides the brightness data YD or color temperature data to the compensation data modulator 412.

[0142] The compensation data modulator 412 extracts an offset value that is inversely proportional to the brightness information or color temperature information of the brightness data YD or color temperature data, and modulates the compensation data C_Data detected by the compensation data detector 405 using the offset value.

[0143] Figure 13 is a graph showing a change in the offset value applied to the compensation data with respect to a change in the external brightness or color temperature.

[0144] Referring to Figure 12 and Figure 13 , referring to Figure 2 and Figure 6 , the compensation data modulator 412 can extract an offset value Offset that is inversely proportional to the brightness information of the brightness data YD.

[0145] The compensation data modulator 412 calculates the compensation data C_Data detected in the data detector 405 with the offset value Offset extracted in real time using a calculation formula such as addition / subtraction, multiplication, and division, to modulate the compensation data C_Data.

[0146] Depending on whether an image is displayed in a folded state, the data corrector 406 performs a calculation using the block data B_RGB for each of the folding area FOU and the folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2 or using the block data B_RGB according to the flat display areas DA1 and DA2 with the compensation data CB_Data modulated by the compensation data modulator 412. By doing so, the lightness or brightness of an image displayed in the folding area FOU, the folding peripheral areas COU1 and COU2, or the flat display areas DA1 and DA2 can be changed based on the ambient brightness information or color temperature information of the display panel 100.

[0147] In summarizing the detailed description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many changes and modifications to the embodiments can be made without substantially departing from the principles of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure are used only for the general and descriptive purposes and not for limitation purposes.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein, The display apparatus includes: a display panel including pixels in a display area having at least one folding area; a data driver configured to provide data signals to the pixels; and a main driver configured to: control a driving timing of the data driver; divide the display area into the folding area, a first planar display area, and a second planar display area; correct externally supplied image data based on a structural deformation amount of the folding area to generate corrected image data; align the corrected image data; and provide the aligned corrected image data to the data driver.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The main driver is further configured to: divide the display area into the folding area, a first folding peripheral area, a second folding peripheral area, the first planar display area, and the second planar display area; and generate the corrected image data by correcting block data corresponding to at least one of the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, the second folding peripheral area, the first planar display area, and the second planar display area based on a structural deformation amount of the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, or the second folding peripheral area. The main driver includes:

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a block data aligner configured to divide the display area into the folding area, a first folding peripheral area, a second folding peripheral area, the first planar display area, and the second planar display area, and to divide and align the externally supplied image data into block data in units of at least one frame; a deformation calculator configured to count a folding number and a folding duration of the display panel, and to calculate structural deformation amount information for the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, or the second folding peripheral area; a compensation data detector configured to detect compensation data corresponding to the structural deformation amount information; and a data corrector configured to perform a calculation using a calculation formula using the block data according to the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, the second folding peripheral area, the first planar display area, and the second planar display area and the compensation data to generate the corrected image data. The main driver further includes:

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein a frame data aligner configured to align the externally supplied image data into image data in units of at least one frame, and to provide the image data to the block data aligner; a compensation data storage configured to store the compensation data according to the structural deformation amount information as one or more experimental values; an image display checker configured to check whether an image is displayed in a folded state, and to output an image display signal or an image non-display signal; and a corrected data aligner configured to combine the corrected image data, and to output the aligned corrected image data in units of at least one frame. ​ 5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein The block data aligner is configured to divide the display area into the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, the second folding peripheral area, the first planar display area, and the second planar display area according to the area information.

6. The display device of claim 5, wherein, The deformation calculator is configured to count the folding times and the folding duration, is configured to calculate the structural deformation amount information based on the folding times and the folding duration, and is configured to provide the structural deformation amount information to the compensation data detector.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein The compensation data corresponds to the structural deformation amount information, and The compensation data includes a compensation gray scale value or a compensation brightness value for the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, the second folding peripheral area, the first planar display area, or the second planar display area.

8. The display device of claim 7, wherein, The compensation gray scale value or the compensation brightness value is stored in a gradually variable form proportional to the structural deformation amount.

9. The display device according to claim 5, wherein When displaying an image in a folded state of the display panel, the compensation data detector is configured to detect the compensation data according to the structural deformation amount information calculated by the deformation calculator, and is configured to provide the compensation data to the data corrector, and The data corrector is configured to use the compensation data for each of the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, and the second folding peripheral area to perform calculation with the block data for the corresponding one of the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, and the second folding peripheral area using the calculation formula to generate the corrected image data for the corresponding one of the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, and the second folding peripheral area.

10. The display device according to claim 5, wherein When not displaying an image in a folded state of the display panel, the compensation data detector is configured to detect the compensation data according to the structural deformation amount information calculated by the deformation calculator, and is configured to provide the compensation data to the data corrector, and The data corrector is configured to use the block data for the first planar display area and the second planar display area to perform calculation with the compensation data for the first planar display area and the second planar display area using the calculation formula to generate the corrected image data for the first planar display area and the second planar display area.

11. The display device according to claim 3, wherein The main driver further includes: a brightness / color temperature data inputter configured to detect brightness information or color temperature information of the display panel using a brightness sensor, and is configured to generate brightness data or color temperature data corresponding to the brightness information or the color temperature information; and a compensation data modulator configured to extract an offset value inversely proportional to the brightness information or the color temperature information, and is configured to modulate the compensation data using the offset value.

12. The display device of claim 11, wherein, The compensation data modulator is configured to extract the offset value in inverse proportion to the luminance information, and the compensation data modulator is configured to modulate the compensation data by calculating the compensation data with the offset value using a calculation formula.

13. The display device of claim 12, wherein, When displaying an image in the folded state of the display panel, the data corrector is configured to calculate the compensation data modulated by the compensation data modulator with the block data for each of the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, and the second folding peripheral area by the calculation formula, and wherein, when not displaying an image in the folded state of the display panel, the data corrector is configured to calculate the modulated compensation data with the block data for the first planar display area and the second planar display area using the calculation formula.

14. A display device, wherein, The display apparatus includes: a display panel including pixels in a display area having at least one folding area; a data driver configured to provide a data signal to the pixels; a gate driver configured to provide a gate signal to the pixels; a touch sensor located on a front surface of the display panel for detecting a user touch; a touch driver configured to detect a touch position and a touch movement position for a touch sensing area of the touch sensor, and the touch driver is configured to generate touch coordinate data; and a main driver configured to: control a driving timing of the data driver; divide the display area into the folding area, a first folding peripheral area, a second folding peripheral area, a first planar display area, and a second planar display area; generate corrected image data by correcting externally supplied image data corresponding to at least one of the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, the second folding peripheral area, the first planar display area, and the second planar display area according to a structural deformation amount of the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, or the second folding peripheral area; and align the corrected image data and provide the aligned corrected image data to the data driver.

15. The display device of claim 14, wherein, The main driver includes: a block data aligner configured to divide the externally supplied image data into block data in units of at least one frame according to the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, the second folding peripheral area, the first planar display area, and the second planar display area to align the block data; a deformation calculator configured to count a folding number and a folding duration of the display panel, and the deformation calculator is configured to calculate structural deformation amount information for the folding area, the first folding peripheral area, or the second folding peripheral area; a compensation data detector configured to detect compensation data corresponding to the structural deformation amount information; and a data corrector configured to calculate the block data with the compensation data using a calculation formula to generate the corrected image data. 16.An electronic device comprising a display device, wherein, The display apparatus includes: a display panel including pixels in a display area having at least one folding area; a data driver configured to supply a data signal to the pixels; and a main driver configured to: control a driving timing of the data driver; divide the display area into the folding area, a first planar display area, and a second planar display area; correct externally supplied image data based on a structural deformation amount of the folding area to generate corrected image data; align the corrected image data; and supply the aligned corrected image data to the data driver.

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