Electronic device and inspection device for inspecting electronic device

Abstract

Provided are an electronic device and an inspection device for inspecting the electronic device, the inspection device including: a driving voltage determination unit that determines a voltage level of a driving voltage based on a luminance signal corresponding to an image displayed on the electronic device; a driving voltage offset lookup table storing an offset voltage for the driving voltage; a gamma voltage determination unit that adjusts a voltage level of the driving voltage based on the offset voltage, and determines a gamma voltage based on the luminance signal and the adjusted driving voltage adjusted from the driving voltage to generate a gamma lookup table; the offset compensation lookup table is used for storing an offset compensation value; and an offset compensation unit that compensates an error of the gamma lookup table based on the offset compensation value to output a final gamma lookup table.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and all benefits derived therefrom of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0113784, filed on August 23, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The disclosed embodiments described herein relate to an electronic device and an inspection apparatus for inspecting the electronic device. Background Technology

[0003] Multimedia electronic devices such as televisions (“TV”), mobile phones, tablets, personal computers (“PC”), navigation systems, or game consoles can display images to users.

[0004] With the latest technological advancements in electronic devices, various forms of electronic devices are being developed. Furthermore, display devices with larger display areas (or effective areas) and smaller non-display areas (or bezel areas) are being developed to improve user convenience and product aesthetics.

[0005] Electronic devices may include electronic modules that receive external signals or provide output signals to external devices. These electronic modules are housed together with the display panel in a housing to form a display device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The disclosed embodiments provide an electronic device and an inspection apparatus for inspecting the electronic device, the electronic device being able to improve the display quality of the peripheral area adjacent to the electronic module.

[0007] In the disclosed embodiments, the inspection apparatus includes: a drive voltage determination unit that determines a voltage level of the drive voltage based on a brightness signal corresponding to an image displayed on an electronic device; a drive voltage offset lookup table that stores offset voltages for the drive voltage; a gamma voltage determination unit that adjusts the voltage level of the drive voltage based on the offset voltage and determines a gamma voltage based on the brightness signal and the adjusted drive voltage adjusted from the drive voltage to generate a gamma lookup table; an offset compensation lookup table that stores offset compensation values; and an offset compensation unit that compensates for errors in the gamma lookup table based on the offset compensation values ​​to output a final gamma lookup table.

[0008] In an embodiment, the gamma voltage determination unit can divide the display panel of the electronic device into multiple blocks, and in response to a state in which a brightness signal corresponding to the first block of the multiple blocks is received, adjust the voltage level of the driving voltage based on the offset voltage, and generate a gamma lookup table based on the brightness signal and the adjusted driving voltage.

[0009] In an embodiment, the gamma voltage determination unit may generate a gamma lookup table based on the luminance signal and the driving voltage in response to a state in which a luminance signal corresponding to a second block of a plurality of blocks is received.

[0010] In an embodiment, the offset compensation unit may compensate for errors in the gamma lookup table based on an offset compensation value in response to a state in which a luminance signal corresponding to the first block is received, so as to output the final gamma lookup table.

[0011] In an embodiment, the offset compensation unit may output a gamma lookup table as the final gamma lookup table in response to a state in which a luminance signal corresponding to the second block is received.

[0012] In one embodiment, the electronic device may include an electronic module, and a first piece of the display panel may be stacked with the electronic module.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first piece of the display panel may include a module area superimposed on the electronic module, a peripheral area surrounding the module area, and a regular area surrounding the peripheral area.

[0014] In one embodiment, the display panel may include a first pixel disposed in a regular area and a second pixel disposed in a peripheral area, and the pixel density of the second pixel may be lower than that of the first pixel.

[0015] In this embodiment, for the same gray level, the brightness of the second pixel is higher than that of the first pixel.

[0016] In an embodiment, the inspection device may further include a target brightness setting unit, which outputs one of a plurality of normal target brightness corresponding to the second block and a plurality of additional target brightness corresponding to the first block as the current target brightness.

[0017] In this embodiment, the driving voltage determination unit can determine the voltage level of the driving voltage based on the current target brightness according to the brightness signal.

[0018] In an embodiment, the drive voltage offset lookup table can store multiple offset voltages corresponding to multiple additional target brightnesses.

[0019] In an embodiment, the target brightness setting unit may, in response to the state in which it receives a brightness signal corresponding to the first block, output one of a plurality of additional target brightnesses as the current target brightness.

[0020] In an embodiment, the gamma voltage determination unit may adjust the voltage level of the driving voltage based on the offset voltage corresponding to the current target brightness among a plurality of offset voltages in response to a state in which a brightness signal corresponding to the first block is received.

[0021] In an embodiment, the offset compensation unit may store multiple offset compensation values ​​corresponding to multiple additional target brightnesses.

[0022] In an embodiment, the offset compensation unit can compensate for the error of the gamma lookup table based on the offset compensation value corresponding to the current target brightness among multiple offset compensation values ​​in response to the state of receiving the brightness signal corresponding to the first block, so as to output the final gamma lookup table.

[0023] In the disclosed embodiments, the electronic device includes: an electronic module; a display panel including: multiple pixels, multiple data lines, and multiple scan lines; a data driving circuit driving the multiple data lines; a scan driving circuit driving the multiple scan lines; a drive controller receiving control signals and input image signals, and providing data signals to the data driving circuit; a memory storing a final gamma lookup table and a drive voltage signal, the final gamma lookup table being provided by a checking device; and a voltage generator generating a drive voltage corresponding to the drive voltage signal. The drive controller outputs a data signal corresponding to the input image signal by referring to the final gamma lookup table. The display panel includes: a module area superimposed on the electronic module; a peripheral area surrounding the module area; and a regular area surrounding the peripheral area. For data signals having the same grayscale, the brightness of a first pixel disposed in the regular area and the brightness of a second pixel disposed in the peripheral area are different from each other.

[0024] In one embodiment, the pixel density of the second pixel disposed in the peripheral area of ​​the display panel may be lower than the pixel density of the first pixel disposed in the conventional area.

[0025] In this embodiment, the bit width of the data signal corresponding to the second pixel is larger than the bit width of the data signal corresponding to the first pixel.

[0026] In this embodiment, for data signals with the same grayscale, the brightness of the second pixel is higher than that of the first pixel. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The above and other embodiments, advantages and features will become clear from the detailed description of the disclosed embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view based on an embodiment of a disclosed electronic device.

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the electronic device shown.

[0030] Figure 3 It is a schematic plan view showing a portion of the display panel.

[0031] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram illustrating an inspection system used to inspect electronic devices.

[0032] Figure 5 An embodiment of dividing an electronic device into multiple blocks is shown.

[0033] Figure 6 It is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of the inspection device.

[0034] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing the target brightness, drive voltage signal, offset voltage, and offset compensation value of the inspection device.

[0035] Figure 8 It is a block diagram based on an embodiment of a disclosed electronic device. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In the specification, the expressions "on" ...

[0037] The same reference numerals indicate the same elements. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thickness, scale, and dimensions of components are exaggerated for effective description of the technical content. The term "and / or" includes one or more combinations of the associated listed items.

[0038] The terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used to describe various components, but the component is not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of disclosure, a first component can be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component can be referred to as a first component. The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are in the singular form because they refer to a single object, but the use of the singular form in the specification should not preclude the existence of multiple objects with more than one object.

[0039] Furthermore, the terms "below," "under," "on," and "above" are used to describe the relationships between the components shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are relative and are described with reference to the directions indicated in the drawings.

[0040] It will be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0041] Terms such as “unit,” “device,” and “controller” as used herein are intended to refer to hardware components such as circuits that perform predetermined functions. Hardware components may include, for example, field-programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”) or application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”).

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this publication pertains. Furthermore, terms (such as those defined in a general dictionary) shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0043] In the following description, the disclosed embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a perspective view based on an embodiment of the disclosed electronic device ED.

[0045] The electronic device ED can include various embodiments. In embodiments, the electronic device ED can include a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a laptop computer, or a smart TV, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device ED is shown as, for example, a smartphone.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the electronic device ED can display an image IM on its front surface FS. The front surface FS can be defined as a surface parallel to the surface defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The front surface FS may include a display area DA and a border area BZA adjacent to the display area DA.

[0047] The electronic device ED can display the image IM on the display area DA. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the image IM, a clock and an icon are shown.

[0048] The display area DA can have a quadrilateral shape (e.g., a rectangular shape parallel to each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2). However, this is shown as an example. The display area DA can have various shapes and is not limited to a particular embodiment.

[0049] The border region BZA is adjacent to the display region DA. The border region BZA may surround the display region DA. However, this is shown as an example. In embodiments, the border region BZA may be configured to be adjacent only to one side of the display region DA, or the border region BZA may be omitted. The electronic device ED in the disclosed embodiments can be implemented using various embodiments and is not limited to any particular embodiment.

[0050] The normal direction of the front surface FS can correspond to the thickness direction DR3 of the electronic device ED (hereinafter referred to as the third direction). In the illustrated embodiment, the front surface (or upper surface / top surface) and rear surface (or lower surface / bottom surface) of each component are defined relative to the direction along its displayed image IM. The front and rear surfaces are opposite each other in the third direction DR3.

[0051] The directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 can be conceptually relative and can be changed to different directions. In the following text, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction refer to the same reference numerals as those indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3.

[0052] An electronic device ED may include a window WM and a housing HU. The window WM may be integrated into the housing HU to define the appearance of the electronic device ED.

[0053] The window WM may comprise glass or plastic. The window WM may have a multi-layered or single-layered structure. In embodiments, for example, the window WM may have a stacked structure of multiple plastic films bonded by an adhesive, or it may have a stacked structure of a glass substrate and plastic films bonded by an adhesive. The front surface FS of the electronic device ED may be substantially defined by the front surface FS of the window WM.

[0054] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the electronic device ED shown.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 An electronic device ED may include a window WM, a display panel DP, a circuit board DC, an electronic module EM, and a housing HU. The window WM may be integrated into the housing HU to define the appearance of the electronic device ED.

[0056] A window WM is placed on the display panel DP to cover the front surface IS of the display panel DP. The window WM may include an optically transparent material. In embodiments, the window WM may include glass or plastic. The window WM may include, for example, a multilayer structure or a single-layer structure. In embodiments, the window WM may have, for example, a stacked structure of multiple plastic films bonded by an adhesive, or it may have a stacked structure of a glass substrate and plastic films bonded by an adhesive.

[0057] The window WM includes the front surface FS exposed to the outside. The front surface FS of the electronic device ED can be substantially defined by the front surface FS of the window WM.

[0058] The display area DA of the window WM can be an optically transparent area. The display area DA can have a shape corresponding to the effective area AA of the display panel DP. In an embodiment, the display area DA can be superimposed on, for example, the front surface or at least a portion of the effective area AA. The image IM displayed in the effective area AA of the display panel DP can be seen from the outside through the display area DA.

[0059] The border area BZA can be an area with relatively low light transmittance compared to the display area DA. The border area BZA can define the shape of the display area DA. The border area BZA can be adjacent to (beside) the display area DA, and can surround the display area DA.

[0060] The border area BZA can have a given color. When the window WM is set as a glass or plastic substrate, the border area BZA can be a printed or deposited colored layer on one side of the glass or plastic substrate. In an alternative embodiment, the border area BZA can be formed by coloring a corresponding area of ​​the glass or plastic substrate.

[0061] The border area BZA can cover the invalid area NAA of the display panel DP to prevent the invalid area NAA from being visible from the outside. However, this is shown as one embodiment, and in some embodiments, the window WM may not include the border area BZA.

[0062] The display panel DP can display the image IM and detect user input. The display panel DP can include a front surface IS containing a valid area AA and an invalid area NAA. The valid area AA can be activated based on an electrical signal.

[0063] The invalid region NAA can be the area covered by the border region BZA. The invalid region NAA can be adjacent to the valid region AA. The invalid region NAA can surround the valid region AA. The drive circuitry or drive wiring used to drive the valid region AA can be set in the invalid region NAA.

[0064] The invalid region NAA can include various signal lines, pads (or solder pads), circuit breakers (PDs), or electronic devices that provide electrical signals to the valid region AA. The invalid region NAA can be covered by the border region BZA and can be invisible from the outside.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the display panel DP is assembled in a flat state with the active area AA and the inactive area NAA facing the window WM. However, this is shown as an example, and a portion of the inactive area NAA of the display panel DP may be curved. In this case, a portion of the inactive area NAA may face the rear surface of the electronic device ED, thereby reducing the bezel area BZA in the front surface FS of the electronic device ED. In an alternative embodiment, the display panel DP may be assembled with a curved portion of the active area AA. In an alternative embodiment, the inactive area NAA may be omitted from the display panel DP, as in the disclosed embodiment.

[0066] The display panel (DP) and window (WM) can be bonded together using transparent adhesives such as pressure-sensitive adhesive film (“PSA”), optically transparent adhesive film (“OCA”), or optically transparent resin (“OCR”).

[0067] Furthermore, an antireflector can be disposed between the display panel DP and the window WM. The antireflector can reduce the reflectivity of external light incident from the upper side of the window WM. In an embodiment, the antireflector may include a retarder and a polarizer.

[0068] Within the effective area AA of the display panel DP, a module area MA can be defined. The module area MA can be an area superimposed on the electronic module EM, which will be described later. The display panel DP can receive external signals desired by the electronic module EM via the module area MA, or can provide signals output from the electronic module EM to the outside. In the disclosed embodiments, the module area MA can be located within the effective area AA, rather than within the ineffective area NAA, thereby reducing the area of ​​the ineffective area NAA and the border area BZA.

[0069] The shape of the module region MA can be defined in various ways. In the illustrated embodiment, for ease of description, the module region MA is shown as having a circular shape, but is not limited thereto. The module region MA can have various shapes (such as elliptical shapes, polygonal shapes, and shapes including curved and straight edges), and is not limited to a particular embodiment.

[0070] At least a portion of the module region MA of the display panel DP can be surrounded by an effective region AA. In the illustrated embodiment, the module region MA can be spaced apart from the ineffective region NAA. The module region MA is shown as being defined within the effective region AA such that all edges of the module region MA are surrounded by the effective region AA. In the illustrated embodiment, with the electronic device ED in its coupled state, the display region DA of the window WM can be superimposed on the module region MA of the display panel DP.

[0071] The circuit board DC can be connected to the display panel DP. The circuit board DC may include a flexible board CF and a main board MB. The flexible board CF may include an insulating film and conductive wiring disposed (e.g., mounted) on the insulating film. The conductive wiring may be connected to the pad PD to electrically connect the circuit board DC and the display panel DP.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible board CF can be assembled in a bent state. Therefore, the main board MB can be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel DP and can be reliably housed within the space provided by the housing HU. In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated, the flexible board CF can be omitted, and in this case, the main board MB can be directly connected to the display panel DP.

[0073] The motherboard MB may include signal lines and electronic components (not shown). The electronic components may be connected to the signal lines and electrically connected to the display panel DP. The electronic components may generate various electrical signals (such as signals for generating an image IM, signals for detecting user input) or process detected signals. Multiple motherboard MBs may be configured, each corresponding to a plurality of electrical signals used for generation and processing, and the disclosure is not limited to a specific embodiment. Although not shown, an electronic module EM may be electrically connected to the motherboard MB.

[0074] Furthermore, in the electronic device ED of the disclosed embodiments, the driving circuit for providing electrical signals to the effective area AA can be directly disposed (e.g., mounted) on the display panel DP. The driving circuit can be disposed (e.g., mounted) as a chip, or it can be formed together with a pixel (described later). In this case, the area of ​​the circuit board DC can be reduced or omitted. The electronic device ED of the disclosed embodiments can include various embodiments and is not limited to a particular embodiment.

[0075] The electronic module EM can be positioned below the window WM. The electronic module EM can be superimposed on the module region MA in the plane. The electronic module EM can receive external input transmitted through the module region MA, or can provide output through the module region MA. According to the disclosure, the electronic module EM can be configured to be superimposed on the effective region AA to prevent the increase of the invalid region NAA and the border region BZA. In an embodiment, the electronic module EM can be a camera.

[0076] Figure 3 This is a schematic plan view showing a portion of the display panel DP.

[0077] Reference Figure 3 The effective area AA of the display panel DP (refer to) Figure 2 The area can be divided into a module region (MA), a peripheral region (PA), and a regular region (GA). At least a portion of the module region (MA) can be surrounded by the peripheral region (PA). Figure 3In the example shown, all edges of the module region MA can be surrounded by the outer region PA.

[0078] Module area MA can be connected to electronic module EM (see reference). Figure 2 ) Overlay. Although the module region MA is in Figure 3 The area is shown as a circle, but the disclosure is not limited to this. The module area MA can have various shapes, such as ellipse, square, or rhombus.

[0079] The peripheral region PA can be adjacent to the module region MA and can have a shape that surrounds the module region MA. For example... Figure 3 As shown, when the module region MA is circular, the peripheral region PA can have a closed curve shape (circular or annular shape) that is continuously connected along the edge of the module region MA. The peripheral region PA can be designed in various ways according to the shape of the module region MA.

[0080] The regular region GA can be compared with the effective region AA (refer to...) Figure 2 The regions in the diagram, excluding the module region MA and the peripheral region PA, correspond to the area outside the module region MA. The regular region GA can surround the peripheral region PA.

[0081] Preferably, the module region MA of the display panel DP has a transmittance that allows sufficient external light to be supplied to the electronic module EM. That is, the module region MA has a higher transmittance than the peripheral region PA. In an embodiment, the pixel density of the pixels disposed in the module region MA can be less than, for example, 50% of the pixel density of the first pixel PXa disposed in the conventional region GA.

[0082] To prevent users from perceiving brightness deviations caused by differences in pixel density between the module area MA and the regular area GA, the pixel density of the second pixel PXb, located in the peripheral area PA of the display panel DP, can be higher than the pixel density of the pixel located in the module area MA, and lower than the pixel density of the first pixel PXa located in the regular area GA.

[0083] The difference in brightness caused by the difference between the pixel density of the first pixel PXa located in the regular region GA and the pixel density of the second pixel PXb located in the peripheral region PA may be perceptible to the user. Therefore, for the same grayscale level, it is desirable for the brightness of the second pixel PXb located in the peripheral region PA to be higher than the brightness of the first pixel PXa located in the regular region GA. In order to increase the brightness of the second pixel PXb located in the peripheral region PA while maintaining grayscale resolution, it is desirable for the bit width of the second data signal DSb provided to the second pixel PXb to be larger than the bit width of the first data signal DSa provided to the first pixel PXa. In an embodiment, when the bit width of the first data signal DSa provided to the first pixel PXa is 8 bits, the bit width of the second data signal DSb provided to the second pixel PXb can be, for example, 9 bits.

[0084] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an inspection system 1000 used for inspecting electronic devices ED.

[0085] Reference Figure 4 The inspection system 1000 may include a camera (or imaging device) 1100 and an inspection device 1200. Although the electronic device ED inspected by the inspection system 1000 is... Figure 4 The device is shown as a mobile phone, but is not limited thereto. Electronic devices (EDs) may include large electronic devices such as televisions or outdoor billboards, as well as relatively small to medium-sized electronic devices such as personal computers, laptop computers, kiosks, car navigation units, cameras, tablet PCs, smartphones, personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), portable multimedia players (“PMPs”), game consoles, or watch-type electronic devices.

[0086] like Figure 4 As shown, camera 1100 can capture an image displayed on electronic device ED and provide a brightness signal (or detection image signal) LS corresponding to the image to inspection device 1200. Inspection device 1200 can determine the characteristics of electronic device ED based on the brightness signal LS provided from camera 1100. Inspection device 1200 can output a voltage setting signal V_SET based on the determined characteristics to set the voltage level of the voltage used in electronic device ED.

[0087] Figure 5 An embodiment of dividing an electronic device ED into multiple blocks is shown.

[0088] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5The inspection system 1000 can divide the electronic device ED into multiple areas. In an embodiment, the inspection system 1000 can divide the display panel DP of the electronic device ED into three blocks in the first direction DR1 and five blocks in the second direction DR2, that is, for example, fifteen blocks BK11, BK12, BK13, BK21, BK22, BK23, BK31, BK32, BK33, BK41, BK42, BK43, BK51, BK52 and BK53.

[0089] Although the display panel DP is Figure 5 The display panel DP is shown as being divided into fifteen blocks, BK11 to BK53, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The criteria for dividing the display panel DP into multiple blocks can be determined based on the imaging area of ​​the camera 1100. In another embodiment, for example, the number of blocks may be greater than fifteen for a relatively large imaging area, and less than fifteen for a relatively small imaging area.

[0090] The inspection system 1000 can sequentially capture images of blocks BK11 to BK53 of the display panel DP and determine the characteristics of each of blocks BK11 to BK53.

[0091] For ease of description, among the fifteen blocks BK11 to BK53, the outer region PA (refer to...) Figure 3 The stacked block BK11 is also called the first block BK11, and it is connected to the regular area GA (see reference). Figure 3 The stacked blocks BK12 to BK53 are also referred to as the second blocks BK12 to BK53.

[0092] The first block BK11 may include the first pixel PXa and the second pixel PXb. The second blocks BK12 to BK53 may each include the first pixel PXa. (See reference...) Figure 3 The bit width of the second data signal DSb provided to the second pixel PXb located in the peripheral region PA can be larger than the bit width of the first data signal DSa provided to the first pixel PXa located in the regular region GA, and the brightness of the second pixel PXb can be higher than the brightness of the first pixel PXa. Due to the difference in brightness, the inspection accuracy may be reduced when inspecting the first block BK11 and the second blocks BK12 to BK53 under the same conditions.

[0093] Figure 6 This is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of the inspection device 1200.

[0094] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the target brightness DBV, drive voltage signal ELVSS_V, offset voltage ELVSS_OFS, and offset compensation value OFS_C of the inspection device 1200.

[0095] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The inspection device 1200 may include a drive voltage determination unit 1210, a black voltage determination unit 1220, a gamma voltage determination unit 1230, an offset compensation unit 1240, a target brightness setting unit 1250, a drive voltage offset lookup table 1260, an offset compensation lookup table 1270, a memory 1280, and an output unit 1290.

[0096] The drive voltage determination unit 1210 can determine the voltage level of the drive voltage based on the brightness signal LS provided from the camera 1100, and output the drive voltage signal ELVSS_V. In an embodiment, the drive voltage can be used to operate pixels PXa and PXb (see reference). Figure 3 The desired voltage. In an embodiment, the drive voltage signal ELVSS_V may include a maximum voltage (Max) and a minimum voltage (Min).

[0097] The drive voltage determination unit 1210 can determine the voltage level of the drive voltage based on the luminance signal LS according to the target luminance DBV provided from the target luminance setting unit 1250, and output the drive voltage signal ELVSS_V. The target luminance DBV provided from the target luminance setting unit 1250 can be the current target luminance. That is, the target luminance setting unit 1250 can be configured to output one of the multiple normal target luminances N_DBV corresponding to the second blocks BK12 to BK53 and the multiple additional target luminances E_DBV corresponding to the first block BK11 as the current target luminance.

[0098] exist Figure 7 In this context, the normal target brightness N_DBV can be the target brightness of the second BK12 to BK53, and the additional target brightness E_DBV can be the target brightness of the first BK11. Since the brightness of the second pixel PXb set in the peripheral area PA is higher than the brightness of the first pixel PXa set in the regular area GA, the target brightness of the first BK11 can be higher than the target brightness of the second BK12 to BK53.

[0099] In this embodiment, the drive voltage determination unit 1210 can determine the voltage level of the drive voltage based on the luminance signal LS according to the normal target luminance N_DBV, and output the drive voltage signal ELVSS_V. The drive voltage signal ELVSS_V can be stored in the memory 1280.

[0100] Figure 7 The normal target brightness N_DBV and additional target brightness E_DBV shown are merely exemplary embodiments, and the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0101] The black voltage determination unit 1220 can determine the voltage level of the black voltage based on the luminance signal LS provided from the camera 1100, and output a black voltage signal BLK_V. In an embodiment, when providing an image with black grayscale to pixels PXa and PXb, the black voltage can be a first data signal DSa (refer to...). Figure 3 ) and the second data signal DSb (refer to Figure 3 The voltage level of the black voltage signal BLK_V can be stored in memory 1280.

[0102] The gamma voltage determination unit 1230 can determine the gamma voltages corresponding to multiple gray levels provided to pixels PXa and PXb based on the luminance signal LS, the drive voltage signal ELVSS_V, and the black voltage signal BLK_V provided from the camera 1100. The gamma voltages corresponding to the multiple gray levels are written into a gamma lookup table GLUT and provided to the offset compensation unit 1240.

[0103] In this embodiment, when the luminance signal LS corresponds to the second blocks BK12 to BK53, the target luminance DBV provided by the target luminance setting unit 1250 can be the normal target luminance N_DBV. The gamma voltage determination unit 1230 can generate a gamma lookup table GLUT based on the normal target luminance N_DBV provided by the target luminance setting unit 1250 for multiple gray levels of the first data signal DSa provided to the first pixel PXa of the second blocks BK12-BK53. In this case, the offset compensation unit 1240 outputs the generated gamma lookup table GLUT as the final gamma lookup table GMA_LUT.

[0104] In this embodiment, when the luminance signal LS corresponds to the first block BK11, the target luminance DBV provided by the target luminance setting unit 1250 can be an additional target luminance E_DBV. That is, the target luminance setting unit 1250 can output one of multiple additional target luminance E_DBVs as the current target luminance in response to a state in which a luminance signal corresponding to the first block BK11 is received. The gamma voltage determination unit 1230 can generate a gamma lookup table (GLUT) based on the additional target luminance E_DBV provided by the target luminance setting unit 1250 for multiple grayscale values ​​of the first data signal DSa provided to the first pixel PXa of the first block BK11 and the second data signal DSb provided to the second pixel PXb.

[0105] Because the additional target brightness E_DBV is higher than the normal target brightness N_DBV, the driving voltage margin may be insufficient when determining the gamma voltage of the first BK11. That is, the brightness of the image displayed on the second pixel PXb of the first BK11 may be higher than the brightness of the image displayed on the first pixel PXa of the second BK12 to BK53. In this case, the driving voltage level may be unstable, or the brightness of the image displayed on the second pixel PXb may differ from the target brightness.

[0106] Therefore, the inspection device 1200 can provide an offset voltage ELVSS_OFS to the drive voltage during the inspection of the first BK11 to improve the accuracy of the determination of the gamma voltage of the first BK11.

[0107] During the inspection of the first BK11 (i.e., when the luminance signal LS corresponding to the first BK11 is received), the gamma voltage determination unit 1230 can receive the offset voltage ELVSS_OFS from the drive voltage offset lookup table 1260 and adjust the voltage level of the drive voltage. In other words, the drive voltage offset lookup table 1260 can store the offset voltage ELVSS_OFS used for the drive voltage. In an embodiment, when the additional target brightness E_DBV is 4350, the maximum voltage of the driving voltage signal ELVSS_V becomes -9.3V (i.e., -7.8V-1.5V=-9.3V) by adding the voltage of the offset voltage ELVSS_OFS (-1.5V) to the maximum voltage Max (-7.8 volts (V)) of the driving voltage signal ELVSS_V, and the minimum voltage Min is changed to -8.8V, for example, by adding the voltage of the offset voltage ELVSS_OFS (-1.5V) to the minimum voltage Min (-7.3V) of the driving voltage signal ELVSS_V (-7.3V) (i.e., -7.3V-1.5V=-8.8V).

[0108] The gamma voltage determination unit 1230 can adjust the voltage level of the driving voltage during the inspection of the first BK11, and then determine the gamma voltages corresponding to multiple gray levels provided to pixels PXa and PXb, respectively, based on the luminance signal LS provided from the camera 1100, the adjusted driving voltage, and the black voltage signal BLK_V. The gamma voltages corresponding to the multiple gray levels are written into a gamma lookup table GLUT and provided to the offset compensation unit 1240. The gamma lookup table GLUT generated after the inspection of the first BK11 can include gamma voltages offset by an offset voltage ELVSS_OFS.

[0109] Offset compensation lookup table 1270 can store the offset compensation value OFS_C used to compensate for the gamma voltage offset by the offset voltage ELVSS_OFS.

[0110] Each of the first pixel PXa and the second pixel PXb can correspond to one of the first color "R", the second color "G", and the third color "B". The offset compensation value OFS_C can include compensation values ​​corresponding to the first color "R", the second color "G", and the third color "B" respectively, based on the additional target brightness E_DBV.

[0111] In an embodiment, when the additional target brightness E_DBV is 4350 and the offset voltage ELVSS_OFS is -1.5V, the compensation values ​​corresponding to the first color "R", the second color "G", and the third color "B" can be, for example, R1, G1, and B1.

[0112] Despite Figure 7 Only one of the compensation values ​​R1, G1 or B1 corresponding to the first color "R", the second color "G" and the third color "B" is shown, but there may be multiple actual compensation values ​​corresponding to the first color "R", the second color "G" and the third color "B".

[0113] In this embodiment, when the additional target brightness E_DBV is 4350, and the second pixel PXb can represent 511 gray levels, the number of actual compensation values ​​corresponding to the first color "R", the second color "G", and the third color "B" can be 511. That is, there are 511 compensation values ​​corresponding to the first color "R", 511 compensation values ​​corresponding to the second color "G", and 511 compensation values ​​corresponding to the third color "B".

[0114] Furthermore, when the first pixel PXa can represent 256 gray levels, the number of actual compensation values ​​corresponding to the first color "R", the second color "G", and the third color "B" can be 256. That is, there are 256 compensation values ​​corresponding to the first color "R", 256 compensation values ​​corresponding to the second color "G", and 256 compensation values ​​corresponding to the third color "B".

[0115] The offset compensation lookup table 1270 may include compensation values ​​corresponding to the first color "R", the second color "G", and the third color "B" respectively, based on the additional target brightness E_DBV.

[0116] The offset compensation unit 1240 can compensate the gamma voltage, which is offset by the offset voltage ELVSS_OFS in the gamma lookup table GLUT, based on the offset compensation lookup table 1270, to output the final gamma lookup table GMA_LUT. The offset compensation unit 1240 can store multiple offset compensation values ​​OFS_C, each corresponding to a multiple additional target luminance E_DBV.

[0117] The offset compensation unit 1240 can store the final gamma lookup table GMA_LUT in the memory 1280.

[0118] Output unit 1290 can output to electronic device ED (refer to) Figure 4 It provides the voltage setting signal V_SET, which includes the drive voltage signal ELVSS_V, the black voltage signal BLK_V, and the final gamma lookup table GMA_LUT.

[0119] Figure 8 This is a block diagram based on an embodiment of a disclosed electronic device ED.

[0120] Reference Figure 8 The electronic device ED may include a display panel DP, a drive controller 110, a memory 120, a data drive circuit 130, a scan drive circuit 140, and a voltage generator 150.

[0121] The display panel DP may include multiple pixels PX, multiple data lines DL1 to DLm, and multiple scan lines SL1 to SLn. Here, m and n are natural numbers greater than 0. Each of the multiple pixels PX can be connected to a corresponding data line among the multiple data lines DL1 to DLm, and can be connected to a corresponding scan line among the multiple scan lines SL1 to SLn.

[0122] A display panel (DP) is a panel that displays images and can be one of various types of display panels such as liquid crystal display (“LCD”) panels, electrophoretic display panels, organic light-emitting diode (“OLED”) panels, inorganic light-emitting diode (“ILED”) panels, electroluminescent (“EL”) panels, field emission display (“FED”) panels, surface conduction electron emission display (“SED”) panels, plasma display panels (“PDP”) and cathode ray tube (“CRT”) panels.

[0123] The drive controller 110 can receive an input image signal RGB and a control signal CTRL from an external source. In an embodiment, the control signal CTRL may include at least one synchronization signal and at least one clock signal. The drive controller 110 may provide the data drive circuit 130 with a data signal DAS obtained by processing the input image signal RGB according to the operating conditions of the display panel DP. The drive controller 110 may provide a data control signal DCS to the data drive circuit 130 based on the control signal CTRL, and a scan control signal SCS to the scan drive circuit 140. The data control signal DCS may include a horizontal synchronization start signal, a clock signal, and a line latch signal, and the scan control signal SCS may include a vertical synchronization start signal and an output enable signal.

[0124] The data driving circuit 130 can respond to the data control signal DCS and the data signal DAS from the drive controller 110, outputting grayscale voltages for driving multiple data lines DL1 to DLm. In embodiments, the data driving circuit 130 can be implemented as an integrated circuit (“IC”). The IC-type data driving circuit 130 can be directly disposed (e.g., mounted) in a predetermined area of ​​the display panel DP, or it can be disposed (e.g., mounted) on a separate printed circuit board in a chip-on-film (“COF”) scheme and then electrically connected to the display panel DP. In other embodiments, the data driving circuit 130 can be formed on the display panel DP using the same process as the driving circuit for the pixel PX.

[0125] The scan drive circuit 140 can drive multiple scan lines SL1 to SLn in response to a scan control signal SCS from the drive controller 110. In embodiments, the scan drive circuit 140 can be formed on the display panel DP using the same process as the pixel PX, but is not limited thereto. In embodiments, the scan drive circuit 140 can be implemented as an integrated circuit (“IC”). The scan drive circuit 140 of the IC type can be directly disposed (e.g., mounted) in a predetermined area of ​​the display panel DP, or it can be disposed (e.g., mounted) on a separate printed circuit board in a chip-on-film (“COF”) scheme and then electrically connected to the display panel DP.

[0126] Memory 120 can store the voltage setting signal V_SET. The voltage setting signal V_SET stored in memory 120 can be... Figure 6 The inspection device 1200 shown is provided. The voltage setting signal V_SET may include the drive voltage signal ELVSS_V and the final gamma lookup table GMA_LUT.

[0127] The drive controller 110 can provide the data drive circuit 130 with a data signal DAS corresponding to the externally supplied input image signal RGB by referring to the final gamma lookup table GMA_LUT stored in the voltage setting signal V_SET stored in the memory 120. The data signal DAS may include... Figure 3 The first data signal DSa and the second data signal DSb are shown in the figure.

[0128] Drive controller 110 can provide power to the peripheral area PA (see reference). Figure 3 The bit width ratio of the second data signal DSb of the second pixel PXb in the normal area GA (refer to) is provided to the second data signal DSb of the second pixel PXb in the normal area GA (refer to) Figure 3 The first data signal DSa of the first pixel PXa in the (refer to) has a large bit width. Therefore, it can improve the connection with the electronic module EM (refer to) Figure 2 The display quality of the adjacent (adjacent) peripheral area PA.

[0129] Voltage generator 150 can generate a first drive voltage ELVDD and a second drive voltage ELVSS. In an embodiment, the voltage levels of the first drive voltage ELVDD and the second drive voltage ELVSS can be different from each other, and the voltage level of the second drive voltage ELVSS can be lower than the voltage level of the first drive voltage ELVDD. Voltage generator 150 can determine the voltage level of the second drive voltage ELVSS in response to the drive voltage signal ELVSS_V.

[0130] Although described above with reference to embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes may be made to the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the disclosure. All technical spirit within the scope of the claims and all their equivalents should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0131] An electronic device with the above-described structure can provide data signals with relatively high grayscale resolution to pixels in the peripheral region adjacent to the electronic module. Therefore, the display quality of the peripheral region adjacent to the electronic module can be improved.

[0132] Furthermore, the problem of insufficient drive voltage margin can be resolved by temporarily changing the drive voltage during optical inspection of the area adjacent to the electronic module.

[0133] Although the disclosure has been described with reference to the disclosed embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. An inspection device, the inspection device comprising: The drive voltage determination unit is configured to determine the voltage level of the drive voltage based on a brightness signal corresponding to an image displayed on an electronic device; A drive voltage offset lookup table is configured to store the offset voltage used for the drive voltage. The gamma voltage determination unit is configured as follows: The voltage level of the drive voltage is adjusted based on the offset voltage; The gamma voltage is determined based on the luminance signal and the adjusted drive voltage adjusted from the drive voltage. and Generate a gamma lookup table; Offset compensation lookup table, configured to store offset compensation values; as well as The offset compensation unit is configured to compensate for errors in the gamma lookup table based on the offset compensation value to output the final gamma lookup table.

2. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The gamma voltage determination unit is configured as follows: The display panel of the electronic device is divided into multiple blocks; In response to a state in which a brightness signal corresponding to the first of the plurality of blocks is received, the voltage level of the driving voltage is adjusted based on the offset voltage; and A gamma lookup table is generated based on the luminance signal and the adjusted driving voltage.

3. The inspection device according to claim 2, wherein, The gamma voltage determination unit is configured to generate a gamma lookup table based on the luminance signal and the driving voltage in response to a state in which a luminance signal corresponding to the second of the plurality of blocks is received.

4. The inspection device according to claim 3, wherein, The offset compensation unit is configured to compensate for errors in the gamma lookup table based on an offset compensation value in response to a state in which a luminance signal corresponding to the first block is received, so as to output the final gamma lookup table.

5. The inspection device according to claim 4, wherein, The offset compensation unit is configured to output a gamma lookup table as a final gamma lookup table in response to a state in which a luminance signal corresponding to the second block is received.

6. The inspection device according to claim 3, wherein, The electronic device includes an electronic module, and The first part of the display panel is stacked with the electronic module.

7. The inspection device according to claim 6, wherein, The first block of the display panel includes: The module area is superimposed on the electronic module; The outer area, surrounding the module area; and A regular area surrounds the peripheral area, wherein the display panel includes a first pixel disposed in the regular area and a second pixel disposed in the peripheral area, and The pixel density of the second pixel is lower than that of the first pixel.

8. The inspection device according to claim 3, further comprising: The target brightness setting unit is configured to output one of a plurality of normal target brightness corresponding to the second block and a plurality of additional target brightness corresponding to the first block as the current target brightness. The driving voltage determination unit is configured to determine the voltage level of the driving voltage based on the current target brightness according to the brightness signal.

9. The inspection device according to claim 8, wherein, The drive voltage offset lookup table is configured to store multiple offset voltages corresponding to the multiple additional target brightnesses, respectively.

10. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: Electronic module; The display panel includes: multiple pixels; multiple data lines; multiple scan lines; a module area superimposed on the electronic module; a peripheral area surrounding the module area; and a regular area surrounding the peripheral area. A data driving circuit is configured to drive the plurality of data lines; A scan drive circuit is configured to drive the plurality of scan lines; The drive controller is configured as follows: It receives control signals and input image signals; and provides data signals to the data driving circuit. A memory, configured to store a final gamma lookup table and a drive voltage signal, the final gamma lookup table being provided by a checking device; and A voltage generator is configured to generate a drive voltage corresponding to the drive voltage signal. The drive controller outputs the data signal corresponding to the input image signal by referring to the final gamma lookup table, and Among the data signals having the same gray level, the brightness of the first pixel located in the regular area and the brightness of the second pixel located in the peripheral area are different from each other.

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