Display panel control apparatus and driving method of display apparatus including the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display panel control apparatus and a driving method of a display apparatus including the same. The display panel control apparatus of one aspect of the present invention includes a first temperature sensor measuring a temperature of a display panel divided into a plurality of regions, and a timing controller calculating a current temperature of each region of the display panel using temperature deviation information of each region of the display panel acquired in advance and a first reference temperature acquired by the first temperature sensor during driving of the display panel, and compensating a luminance of the display panel using the calculated current temperature of each region. Thus, the temperature of each region of the display panel can be calculated without a plurality of temperature sensors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display panel control device. Background Technology

[0002] Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display devices include self-emissive organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), which have the advantages of fast response speed, high luminous efficiency, high brightness and wide viewing angle.

[0003] An organic light-emitting diode (OLED), as a self-emissive device, comprises an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an organic compound layer formed between them. The organic compound layer consists of a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an emission layer (EML), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL). When a power supply voltage is applied to the anode and cathode electrodes, holes in the hole transport layer (HTL) and electrons in the electron transport layer (ETL) move towards the emission layer (EML) to form excitons, resulting in visible light being emitted by the emission layer (EML).

[0004] Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display devices arrange pixels, each comprising an OLED and a thin-film transistor (TFT), in a matrix configuration. The brightness of the input image, realized by the pixels, is adjusted based on the grayscale value of the image data. The TFT controls the pixel current flowing through the OLED based on the voltage applied between its gate and source electrodes. The luminous intensity of the OLED is determined by the pixel current, and the image brightness is determined by the luminous intensity of the OLED.

[0005] However, as Figure 1 As shown, in the case of a typical display device 10, due to space constraints, only one temperature sensor 13 is installed on the control printed circuit board (CPCB) outside the display panel 11 where the timing controller 12 is installed. Therefore, the brightness of all pixels of the display panel 11 is compensated based on the temperature data sensed by the temperature sensor 13. As a result, it is difficult to properly compensate for the brightness deviation according to the temperature change of each area of ​​the display panel 11, which leads to problems such as display spots and other image defects.

[0006] To address this issue, one approach is to use multiple temperature sensors to accurately sense the temperature of each area of ​​the display panel. However, placing multiple temperature sensors on the display panel presents challenges due to cost and structural limitations. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems. The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a display panel control device that can calculate the temperature of each area of ​​the display panel without the need for multiple temperature sensors, and a driving method for a display device including the display panel control device.

[0008] In addition, another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a display panel control device that uses temperature deviation information of each area of ​​the display panel obtained in the manufacturing process of the display panel to calculate the current temperature of each area of ​​the display panel, and is able to compensate the brightness of the display panel based on the calculated current temperature of each area, and a driving method for the display device including the display panel control device.

[0009] To address the aforementioned technical problems, a display panel control device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of a display panel divided into a plurality of regions; and a timing controller for calculating the current temperature of each region using pre-acquired temperature deviation information of each region of the display panel and a first reference temperature acquired by the first temperature sensor during the driving of the display panel, and using the calculated current temperature of each region to compensate for the brightness of the display panel.

[0010] To address the aforementioned technical problem, another aspect of the present invention provides a method for driving a display device, comprising: measuring a first reference temperature of the display panel using a first temperature sensor during the driving of the display panel; calculating the current temperature of each region of the display panel using the first reference temperature and pre-acquired temperature deviation information of each region of the display panel; and compensating for the brightness of the display panel using the calculated current temperature of each region.

[0011] According to the present invention, temperature deviation information between a first reference temperature measured by a first temperature sensor installed in the display device during the manufacturing process of the display panel and the initial temperature of each region of the display panel measured by a second temperature sensor not installed in the display device can be stored. The current temperature of each region when the display device is actually driven can be calculated using the second reference temperature measured by the first temperature sensor and the temperature deviation information of each region. Thus, the current temperature of each region of the display panel can be calculated using only one temperature sensor, thereby reducing the number of temperature sensors required to measure the temperature of each region of the display panel and thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the display device.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the current temperature of each region of the display panel when the display device is actually driven can be calculated using the temperature deviation information of each region of the display panel obtained in the manufacturing process of the display device. The brightness of the display panel can be compensated for each region based on the calculated current temperature of each region of the display panel. Therefore, image defects such as display spots can be prevented by appropriately compensating for the brightness deviation caused by temperature changes in each region of the display panel. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a typical display device.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an implementation example of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of a sub-pixel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 The diagram shows the configuration of the data driving circuit.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a timing controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a method for measuring the initial temperature of each area of ​​a display panel using a multi-point thermometer, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a driving method for a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals denote substantially the same constituent elements. In the following description, detailed descriptions of structures and functions known in the technical field of this invention may be omitted unless they are relevant to the core structure of the invention.

[0022] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as the methods for achieving these advantages and features, will become apparent from the detailed embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be implemented in various different ways. These embodiments are only intended to complete the disclosure of the invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0023] The shapes, dimensions, ratios, angles, quantities, etc. disclosed in the accompanying drawings used to illustrate embodiments of the present invention are exemplary, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the matters illustrated.

[0024] When using terms such as "comprising," "having," or "consisting of" as mentioned in this specification, additional parts may be added unless "only" is used. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of the singular to express constituent elements includes the use of the plural.

[0025] When interpreting constituent elements, even without additional explicit documentation, it is interpreted as including a range of error.

[0026] When the positional relationship is described, for example, if the positional relationship between two parts is described as "on top of", "above", "below", "beside", etc., then unless "adjacent" or "direct" is used, there may be more than one other part between the two parts.

[0027] The terms "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe various constituent elements, but these constituent elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from another. Therefore, the "first constituent element" mentioned below can also be a "second constituent element" within the technical concept of this invention.

[0028] The term "at least one" should be understood to include all combinations that can be derived from more than one related item. For example, "at least one of the first item, the second item, and the third item" can mean not only each of the first item, the second item, and the third item, but also all combinations of two or more of the first item, the second item, and the third item.

[0029] Each feature of the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined or integrated with each other in part or in whole, and may be linked and driven in various technical ways. Each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other or together in an associated relationship.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a display device including a display panel control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an implementation example of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The display device 100 shown is an electronic device that includes the display panel control device of the present invention. For example, it can be various display devices that use the voltage of a battery or external power source as the operating voltage. In one embodiment, the display device 100 can be a vehicle display device mounted in an automobile.

[0033] Reference Figure 2 The display device 100 of the present invention includes: a display panel 110 connected to a plurality of gate lines GL and a plurality of data lines DL, and a plurality of sub-pixels SP arranged in a matrix; a gate driving circuit 120 driving the plurality of gate lines GL; a data driving circuit 130 supplying data voltage through the plurality of data lines DL; and a display panel control device 160 controlling the gate driving circuit 120 and the data driving circuit 130. Additionally, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the display panel control device 160 may include a timing controller 140 and a first temperature sensor 150.

[0034] The display panel 110 displays images based on scan signals transmitted from the gate drive circuit 120 via a plurality of gate lines GL and data voltages transmitted from the data drive circuit 130 via a plurality of data lines DL.

[0035] In one embodiment, the display panel 110 may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel or a micro-LED display panel. When the display panel 110 is an organic light-emitting diode display panel, the display panel 110 may be implemented as a top emission type, a bottom emission type, or a dual emission type, etc.

[0036] For ease of explanation, the following description assumes that the display panel 110 is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel.

[0037] The organic light-emitting diode display panel 110 can have a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, each pixel can be composed of sub-pixels SP of different colors (e.g., white sub-pixels, red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels and blue sub-pixels), and each sub-pixel SP can be defined by a plurality of data lines DL and a plurality of gate lines GL.

[0038] A sub-pixel SP may include a thin-film transistor (TFT), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and a storage capacitor electrically connected to the OLED and used to maintain voltage, all formed in the region where a data line DL intersects with a gate line GL. An image can be displayed by controlling the current flowing through the OLEDs configured in each sub-pixel SP.

[0039] The following is for reference Figure 4 This describes the configuration of sub-pixels in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of a sub-pixel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Reference Figure 4 Subpixels SP may include driving transistors DRT, switching transistors SWT, sensing transistors SENT, storage capacitors Cst, and organic light-emitting diodes ED.

[0041] The driving transistor DRT includes a first node N1, a second node N2, and a third node N3. The first node N1 of the driving transistor DRT can be the gate node to which a data voltage VDATA is applied via the data line DL when the switching transistor SWT is turned on. The second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT can be electrically connected to the anode electrode of the organic light-emitting diode ED, and can be either a source node or a drain node. The third node N3 of the driving transistor DRT can be electrically connected to the driving voltage line DVL to which a driving voltage EVDD is applied, and can be either a drain node or a source node.

[0042] At this time, during the display driving period, the driving voltage EVDD required for displaying the image can be supplied to the driving voltage line DVL.

[0043] The switching transistor SWT is electrically connected between the first node N1 of the driving transistor DRT and the data line DL. The gate line GL is connected to the gate node and operates according to the scan signal SCAN supplied through the gate line GL. Furthermore, when the switching transistor SWT is turned on, the data voltage VDATA supplied through the data line DL is transmitted to the gate node of the driving transistor DRT, thereby controlling the operation of the driving transistor DRT.

[0044] The sensing transistor SENT is electrically connected between the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT and the reference line RVL. The gate line GL is connected to the gate node and operates according to the sensing signal SENSE supplied through the gate line GL. When the sensing transistor SENT is turned on, the sensing reference voltage VSEN supplied through the reference line RVL is transmitted to the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT.

[0045] That is, by controlling the switching transistor SWT and the sensing transistor SENT, the voltage of the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT can be controlled, thereby supplying current for driving the organic light-emitting diode ED.

[0046] The gate nodes of the switching transistor SWT and the sensing transistor SENT can be connected together to a single gate line GL, or they can be connected to different gate lines GL. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates, as an example, a structure in which the switching transistor SWT and the sensing transistor SENT are connected to each other via different gate lines GL. In this case, the switching transistor SWT and the sensing transistor SENT can be controlled independently using the scan signal SCAN and the sensing signal SENSE transmitted via different gate lines GL.

[0047] Conversely, when the switching transistor SWT and the sensing transistor SENT are connected to a gate line GL, the switching transistor SWT and the sensing transistor SENT can be controlled simultaneously using the scan signal SCAN or the sensing signal SENSE transmitted through a gate line GL, and the aperture ratio of the sub-pixel SP can be increased.

[0048] On the other hand, the transistors configured in the sub-pixel SP can be composed of n-type transistors or p-type transistors. Figure 4 The example shown is a case composed of n-type transistors.

[0049] The storage capacitor Cst is electrically connected between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT, and holds the data voltage VDATA during a frame.

[0050] This storage capacitor Cst can also be connected between the first node N1 and the third node N3 of the driving transistor DRT, depending on the type of driving transistor DRT. The anode electrode of the organic light-emitting diode ED can be electrically connected to the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT, and a base voltage EVSS is applied to the cathode electrode of the organic light-emitting diode ED.

[0051] Here, the base voltage EVSS can be ground voltage, or a voltage higher or lower than ground voltage. Additionally, the base voltage EVSS can change according to the driving state; for example, the base voltage EVSS during the display period and the base voltage EVSS during the sensing period can be set to be different from each other.

[0052] The reference line RVL also functions as a sensing line, transmitting the reference voltage VSEN for sensing and sensing the characteristic value of the driving transistor DRT within the sub-pixel SP. Therefore, the reference line RVL can also be referred to as a sensing line.

[0053] The sub-pixel SP structure illustrated above is a 3T (Transistor) 1C (Capacitor) structure, which is merely an illustrative example. It may also include more than one transistor, or, depending on the situation, more than one capacitor. Multiple sub-pixels SP can each be formed with the same structure, or a subset of multiple sub-pixels SP can be formed with different structures.

[0054] Refer again Figure 2 and Figure 3 The gate driving circuit 120 is controlled by the timing controller 140. The gate driving circuit 120 sequentially outputs scanning signals to a plurality of gate lines GL disposed on the display panel 110, thereby controlling the driving timing of a plurality of sub-pixels SP.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, the gate driving circuit 120 may include at least one gate drive integrated circuit (GDIC), and may be located on only one side of the display panel 110 or on both sides, depending on the driving method. In another embodiment, the gate driving circuit 120 may also be embedded in the bezel area of ​​the display panel 110 and implemented as a gate in panel (GIP) configuration.

[0056] One or more gate driver integrated circuits (GDICs) included in the gate driver circuit 120 can be mounted on the gate film GF, and one side of the gate film GF can be electrically connected to the display panel 110. In addition, wiring for electrically connecting the gate driver integrated circuits (GDICs) and the display panel 110 can be arranged on the upper part of the gate film GF.

[0057] The data driving circuit 130 receives image data DATA from the timing controller 140 and converts the received image data DATA into analog data voltage. The data driving circuit 130 outputs data voltage to each data line DL according to the timing of the scan signal applied through the gate line GL, so that each sub-pixel SP connected to the data line DL displays a light emission signal with a brightness corresponding to the data voltage.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, the data driving circuit 130 may include at least one source driver integrated circuit (SDIC). The source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) may be connected to the bonding pad of the display panel 110 or directly disposed on the display panel 110 by means of tape-automated bonding (TAB) or chip-on-glass (COG).

[0059] In one embodiment, each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) can also be integrated into the display panel 110. Alternatively, each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) can be implemented as a chip on film (COF). In this embodiment, each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) can be mounted on a circuit film and electrically connected to the data lines DL of the display panel 110 through the circuit film.

[0060] The data driving circuit 130 includes one or more source driver integrated circuits (SDICs), which can be mounted on the source film SF. One side of the source film SF can be electrically connected to the display panel 110. In addition, wiring for electrically connecting the source driver integrated circuits (SDICs) and the display panel 110 can be arranged on the upper part of the source film SF.

[0061] At this time, at least one source printed circuit board (SPCB) can be connected to the other side of the source film (SF) on which the active driver integrated circuit (SDIC) is mounted. That is, one side of the source film (SF) on which the active driver integrated circuit (SDIC) is mounted can be electrically connected to the display panel 110, and the other side can be electrically connected to the source printed circuit board (SPCB).

[0062] In one embodiment, the data driving circuit 130 generates sensing data by sensing the characteristics of the sub-pixels SP included in the display panel 110, and transmits the generated sensing data to the timing controller 140, so that the timing controller 140 can compensate the image data to be output through each sub-pixel based on the sensing data of each sub-pixel.

[0063] Therefore, such as Figure 5As shown, the data driving circuit 130 may include a data voltage output circuit 510 and a sensing circuit 520.

[0064] The data voltage output circuit 510 receives image data DATA from the timing controller 140, converts the received image data DATA into an analog data voltage, and outputs it to the respective data lines DL. At this time, the image data received from the timing controller 140 may be first image data whose brightness is compensated based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 150, or it may be second image data whose brightness is compensated based on sensing data SDATA.

[0065] During the sensing period for sensing the characteristic values ​​(e.g., threshold voltage or mobility) of the driving transistor DRT used to sense the sub-pixel SP, the sensing circuit 520 is connected to each sub-pixel SP via the reference line RVL, supplies a sensing reference voltage VSEN to the sub-pixel SP, converts the signal received from the reference line RVL into a digital value, and generates sensing data SDATA. The sensing circuit 520 transmits the sensing data SDATA to the timing controller 140.

[0066] In one embodiment, the sensing circuit 520 may use a method of measuring the current flowing under the charging voltage of the storage capacitor Cst during the sensing period, which is called current sensing. That is, the sensing circuit 520 may measure the current flowing under the charging voltage of the storage capacitor Cst during the sensing period, thereby detecting the characteristic value or change in the characteristic value of the driving transistor DRT in the sub-pixel SP.

[0067] In this embodiment, the sensing circuit 520 converts the current value obtained through the reference line RVL into a digital value and generates sensing data SDATA, which is then transmitted to the timing controller 140.

[0068] Refer again Figure 2 and Figure 3 The timing controller 140 supplies control signals to the gate drive circuit 120 and the data drive circuit 130, controlling their operation. Specifically, the timing controller 140 controls the gate drive circuit 120 to output a scan signal according to the timing implemented in each frame, transmitting externally received image data DATA to the data drive circuit 130, thereby controlling the data drive circuit 130 to output the data voltage corresponding to the image data DATA to the data line DL.

[0069] At this time, the timing controller 140 can receive timing signals, including vertical synchronization signal Vsync, horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, data enable signal (DE), master clock MCLK, etc., from the external host system 200 along with the image data DATA.

[0070] The host system 200 can be one of the following: a television (TV) system, a set-top box, a navigation system, a personal computer (PC), a home theater system, a mobile device, or a wearable device.

[0071] Therefore, the timing controller 140 uses the timing signals received from the host system 200 to generate control signals and transmits them to the gate drive circuit 120 and the data drive circuit 130.

[0072] For example, the timing controller 140 outputs gate control signals, including Gate Start Pulse (GSP), Gate Clock (GCLK), Gate Output Enable (GOE), etc., to the gate drive circuit 120 to control the gate drive circuit 120.

[0073] Here, the gate start pulse GSP controls the timing of the start of operation of at least one gate driver integrated circuit (GDIC) constituting the gate drive circuit 120. Additionally, the gate clock GCLK, as a clock signal common to the at least one gate driver integrated circuit (GDIC), controls the shift timing of the scan signal. Furthermore, the gate output enable signal GOE specifies the timing information of the at least one gate driver integrated circuit (GDIC).

[0074] Additionally, the timing controller 140 outputs data control signals, including a source start pulse (SSP), a source sampling clock (SCLK), and a source output enable signal (SOE), to the data driver circuit 130 to control the data driver circuit 130. Here, the source start pulse (SSP) controls the timing of data sampling for at least one source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) constituting the data driver circuit 130. The source sampling clock (SCLK) is a clock signal that controls the timing of data sampling from at least one source driver integrated circuit (SDIC). The source output enable signal (SOE) controls the output timing of at least one source driver integrated circuit (SDIC).

[0075] In addition, the timing controller 140 of the present invention can generate compensation data for compensating for deviations in the characteristic values ​​of the driving transistors of the sub-pixel SP connected to the sensing circuit 520 by comparing the sensing data SDATA received from the sensing circuit 520 with a pre-stored reference value, and compensate the image data by reflecting the generated compensation data in the image data.

[0076] In particular, the timing controller 140 of the present invention compensates for the image data to be output to each sub-pixel SP based on the temperature of the display panel 110, thereby compensating for the brightness of the display panel 110. For this purpose, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the display panel control device 160 of the present invention may include a first temperature sensor 150 for measuring the temperature of the display panel 110.

[0077] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first temperature sensor 150 can be mounted together with the timing controller 140 on a control printed circuit board (CPCB). In this case, the control CPCB and at least one source printed circuit board (SPCB) can be electrically connected via at least one connecting member, which can be made of, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or a flexible flat cable (FFC). The connecting member connecting at least one source SPCB and the control CPCB can be varied depending on the size and type of the display device 100. Alternatively, at least one source SPCB and the control CPCB can also be integrated into a single printed circuit board.

[0078] The first temperature sensor 150 measures a first reference temperature T1, which is the temperature of the display panel 110, during the manufacturing of the display device 100, and measures a second reference temperature, which is the temperature of the display panel 110, during use (or driving) of the display device 100. Here, "using" the display device 100 is a concept distinct from driving the display device 100 during the manufacturing process of the display device 100. For example, it could mean that after the display device 100 is manufactured, the user drives and uses the display device 100. In this case, as... Figure 3 As shown, the first temperature sensor 150 is mounted on the control printed circuit board (CPCB) together with the timing controller 140. Therefore, the first reference temperature T1 and the second reference temperature T2 measured by the first temperature sensor 150 can be defined as the temperature of the area in the display panel 110 where the first temperature sensor 150 is mounted.

[0079] The first reference temperature T1 is used to calculate the temperature deviation information of each area of ​​the display panel 110 when manufacturing the display panel 110, and the second reference temperature T2 is used to calculate the current temperature of each area of ​​the display panel 110 when using the display panel 110.

[0080] The timing controller 140 uses the temperature deviation information of each region calculated based on the first reference temperature T1 and the second reference temperature to calculate the current temperature of each region of the display panel 110, and uses the current temperature of each region to compensate the brightness of the display panel 110 according to each region.

[0081] The following is for reference Figure 6 A more detailed description will be given of a timing controller 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Figure 6 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a timing controller according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, a timing controller 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature deviation storage unit 610, a first compensation unit 620, a lookup table 630, and a second compensation unit 640.

[0083] The temperature deviation storage unit 610 stores the temperature deviation between the first reference temperature T1 and the initial temperature of each area of ​​the display panel 110 measured by a second temperature sensor different from the first temperature sensor 150 during the manufacturing of the display panel 110. The first reference temperature T1 is the temperature of the display panel 110 measured by the first temperature sensor 150 during the manufacturing of the display device 100.

[0084] In one embodiment, the first reference temperature T1 and the second reference temperature T2 can be measured by the first temperature sensor 150 and the second temperature sensor when a predetermined test image is output through the display panel 110.

[0085] In another embodiment, the first reference temperature T1 and the second reference temperature T2 can be measured by the first temperature sensor 150 and the second temperature sensor when a predetermined data voltage is supplied to each sub-pixel SP through the data line DL of the display panel 110.

[0086] That is, during the manufacturing of the display device 100 of the present invention, a first reference temperature T1 of the display panel 110 is measured using a first temperature sensor 150, and the initial temperature of each predetermined area of ​​the display panel 110 is measured using a second temperature sensor. Temperature deviation information, which is the difference between the first reference temperature T1 and the initial temperature of each area, is calculated and stored in the temperature deviation storage unit 610. At this time, the temperature deviation information can be calculated using an additional external device (not shown) or by the first compensation unit 620.

[0087] In this invention, the reason for calculating and storing temperature deviation information, which is the difference between the first reference temperature T1 and the initial temperature of each region, in the temperature deviation storage unit 610 is to calculate the current temperature of each region of the display panel 110 when using the display device 100 by using the second reference temperature T2 measured by the first temperature sensor 150 and the temperature deviation information of each region.

[0088] In conventional display devices, the temperature measured by a single temperature sensor mounted on the display panel 110 is uniformly applied to all areas of the display panel 110 to compensate for its brightness, inevitably reducing the accuracy of the compensation. Therefore, in this invention, temperature deviation information corresponding to the relative temperature information of each area is stored relative to a first reference temperature T1 measured by the first temperature sensor 150. This allows the current temperature of the entire area of ​​the display panel 110 to be calculated using only the second reference temperature of the display panel 110 measured by the first temperature sensor 150, without the need for additional temperature sensors, during actual use of the display device 100.

[0089] In one embodiment, the second temperature sensor used to measure the initial temperature of each area of ​​the display panel 110 when using the display device 100 can be a multi-point thermometer. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 7 This section briefly explains a method for measuring the initial temperature of each area of ​​the display panel 110 using a multi-point thermometer.

[0090] like Figure 7 As shown, the display panel 110 can be divided into M×N regions A(1,1) to A(M,N).

[0091] During the manufacturing of the display device 100, the multi-point thermometer 710 is connected to each region A(1,1) to A(M,N) of the display panel 110 via a plurality of wires 720. That is, the multi-point thermometer 710 is not actually included in the display device 100, but is only connected to the display panel 110 during the manufacturing of the display device 100 to measure the surface temperature of each region A(1,1) to A(M,N) of the display panel 110 to which the wires 720 are attached. The multi-point thermometer 710 transmits the surface temperature of each region as the initial temperature A(1,1)_IT to A(M,N)_IT of each region to the external device 730.

[0092] As described above, when a predetermined test image is output through the display panel 110, or when a predetermined data voltage is supplied to each sub-pixel SP through the data line DL of the display panel 110, the surface temperature of each region A(1,1) to A(M,N) of the display panel 110 can be measured using the multi-point thermometer 710.

[0093] The wire 720 can be attached to the surface of each region A (1, 1) to A (M, N) of the display panel 110. In one embodiment, the wire 720 can be a thermocouple wire.

[0094] The external device 730 uses the initial temperatures A(1,1)_IT to A(M,N)_IT of each region transmitted from the multi-point thermometer 710 and the first reference temperature T1 of the display panel 110 transmitted from the first temperature sensor 150 to calculate the temperature deviation information A(1,1)_TDI to A(M,N)_TDI of each region of the display panel 110. The external device 730 stores the calculated temperature deviation information A(1,1)_TDI to A(M,N)_TDI of each region in the temperature deviation storage unit 610 of the timing controller 140.

[0095] In the above embodiment, it is described that the display panel 110 is divided into M×N regions A(1,1) to A(M,N), and the initial temperature is measured by a multi-point thermometer 710 in each of the M×N regions A(1,1) to A(M,N).

[0096] However, in another embodiment, the display panel 110 may not be pre-divided into M×N regions A(1,1) to A(M,N). Instead, a multi-point thermometer 710 is used to measure the temperature of a predetermined plurality of points on the display panel 110 and group points whose temperature deviations are within a reference value, thereby setting a plurality of regions. In this embodiment, the temperatures of the points included in each region may differ from each other within the reference value. Therefore, representative values ​​(e.g., average values, etc.) of the points included in each region can be set as the initial temperature of each region.

[0097] Refer again Figure 6 The first compensation unit 620 receives a second reference temperature T2 from the first temperature sensor 150, which is the temperature of the display panel 110 measured when the display device 100 is used. Additionally, the first compensation unit 620 reads the temperature deviation information A(1,1)_TDI to A(M,N)_TDI for each region stored in the temperature deviation storage unit 610. The first compensation unit 620 uses the second reference temperature T2 and the temperature deviation information A(1,1)_TDI to A(M,N)_TDI for each region to calculate the current temperature A(1,1)_CT to A(M,N)_CT for each region of the display panel 110 when the display device 100 is used.

[0098] The first compensation unit 620 uses the calculated current temperatures of each region, A(1,1)_CT to A(M,N)_CT, to compensate for the brightness of the first image data DATA1 input from an external system or graphics card and generates the second image data DATA2.

[0099] In one embodiment, the first compensation unit 620 can read the compensation gain values ​​mapped to the current temperatures A(1,1)_CT to A(M,N)_CT of each region from the lookup table 630, and reflect the read compensation gain values ​​in the first image data DATA1 to be output through each sub-pixel SP included in each region to compensate for the brightness of the first image data DATA1, thereby generating the second image data DATA2.

[0100] As described above, according to the present invention, the first compensation unit 620 does not uniformly apply the second reference temperature T2 of the display panel measured by the first temperature sensor 150 to the entire display panel 110 to compensate for the brightness of the display panel 110. Instead, it calculates the current temperature for each area of ​​the display panel 110 and uses the compensation gain value determined based on the calculated current temperature of each area to compensate the first image data to be output by the sub-pixels SP included in each area as the second image data. Therefore, the compensation accuracy can be improved, thereby improving the image quality.

[0101] The compensated gain values ​​are mapped and stored in lookup table 630 according to temperature range.

[0102] During the sensing period, the second compensation unit 640 supplies the sensing reference voltage VSEN to the reference line RVL, generates compensation data based on the sensing data SDATA transmitted from the data driving circuit 130, reflects the compensation data in the second image data DATA2 output from the first compensation unit 620, and generates the third image data DATA3.

[0103] In one embodiment, the second compensation unit 640 can calculate the threshold voltage value of each sub-pixel SP corresponding to the sensing data SDATA, and calculate the deviation between the compensation value corresponding to the calculated threshold voltage value and the initial compensation value (or previous compensation value) of the driving transistor DRT of each sub-pixel SP, and then add or subtract the calculated deviation from the initial compensation value (or previous compensation value) to generate compensation data.

[0104] The second compensation unit 640 outputs the third image data DATA3 to the data drive circuit 130.

[0105] In the above embodiments, it is described that the timing controller 140 outputs the third image data DATA3 generated by the second compensation unit 640 to the data driving circuit 130. However, in another embodiment, the timing controller 140 may also output the second image data DATA2 generated by the first compensation unit 620 to the data driving circuit 130.

[0106] The following is for reference Figure 8 The driving method of the display device of the present invention will be described.

[0107] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a driving method for a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 The driving method of the display device shown can be applied to Figure 2 The display device 100 shown.

[0108] First, such as Figure 8 As shown, in the manufacturing process of the display device 100, a first reference temperature T1 of the display panel 110 is measured using a first temperature sensor 150 (S800). In one embodiment, as... Figure 3 As shown, the first temperature sensor 150 is mounted together with the timing controller 140 on the control printed circuit board CPCB. Therefore, the first reference temperature T1 measured by the first temperature sensor 150 can be defined as the temperature around the display panel 110 where the first temperature sensor 150 is mounted.

[0109] Subsequently, in the manufacturing process of the display device 100, the initial temperature of each area of ​​the display panel 110 is measured using a second temperature sensor (S810). Unlike the first temperature sensor 150, the second temperature sensor is not installed in the display device 100. For example, Figure 7 As shown, the second temperature sensor can be implemented as a multi-point thermometer. In this example, the second temperature sensor is connected to various areas of the display panel 110 via wires and measures the initial temperature of each area of ​​the display panel 110.

[0110] In the above embodiments, the display panel 110 is pre-divided into a plurality of regions, and the second temperature sensor is connected to each region of the display panel 110 and directly measures the initial temperature of each region. However, in another embodiment, the display panel 110 may not be pre-divided into a plurality of regions. Instead, the second temperature sensor measures the temperature of a predetermined plurality of points on the display panel 110 and groups the points whose temperature deviation is within a reference value, thereby setting the plurality of regions.

[0111] In this embodiment, the temperatures of the points included in each region may differ from each other within a reference value. Therefore, the representative value (e.g., average value, etc.) of the points included in each region can be set as the initial temperature of each region.

[0112] In one embodiment, the measurement of the first reference temperature T1 according to S800 and the measurement of the second reference temperature T2 according to S810 can be performed when a predetermined test image is output through the display panel 110 or when a predetermined data voltage is supplied to each sub-pixel SP through the data line DL of the display panel 110.

[0113] Subsequently, in the manufacturing step of the display device 100, temperature deviation information of each region is calculated based on the difference between the first reference temperature T1 measured in S800 and the initial temperature of each region measured in S810 (S820).

[0114] In this invention, the reason for calculating the temperature deviation information, which is the difference between the first reference temperature T1 and the initial temperature of each region, is to calculate the current temperature of each region of the display panel 110 using the second reference temperature T2 measured by the first temperature sensor 150 and the temperature deviation information of each region during the use of the display device 100.

[0115] In conventional display devices, the temperature measured by a single temperature sensor mounted on the display panel 110 is uniformly applied to all areas of the display panel 110 to compensate for its brightness, inevitably reducing the accuracy of the compensation. Therefore, in this invention, temperature deviation information corresponding to the relative temperature information of each area is stored relative to a first reference temperature T1 measured by the first temperature sensor 150. This allows the current temperature of the entire area of ​​the display panel 110 to be calculated using only the second reference temperature of the display panel 110 measured by the first temperature sensor 150 during actual use of the display device 100, without the need for additional temperature sensors.

[0116] Subsequently, in the operation of the display device 100, a second reference temperature T2, which serves as the current temperature of the display panel 110, is measured using the first temperature sensor 150 (S830). Then, the current temperature of each region is calculated using the temperature deviation information of each region calculated in S820 between the second reference temperature T2 measured in S830 and the temperature deviation information of each region. Specifically, the current temperature of each region can be calculated by adding the second reference temperature T2 and the temperature deviation information of each region.

[0117] Then, the compensation gain value mapped to the current temperature of each region calculated in S840 is read from lookup table 630 for each region (S850).

[0118] Then, the compensation gain values ​​of each region read in S850 are reflected in the first image data DATA1 to be output to the sub-pixels included in each region to compensate for the brightness of the first image data DATA1, thereby generating the second image data DATA2 (S860).

[0119] As described above, in the display device 100 of the present invention, instead of uniformly applying the second reference temperature T2 of the display panel measured by the first temperature sensor 150 to the entire display panel 110 to compensate for the brightness of the display panel 110, the current temperature is calculated for each area of ​​the display panel 110, and the first image data to be output by the sub-pixels SP included in each area is compensated to the second image data using the compensation gain value determined based on the calculated current temperature of each area. Therefore, the compensation accuracy can be improved, thereby improving the image quality.

[0120] On the other hand, although not in Figure 8 As shown in the figure, the display device 100 may also supply a sensing reference voltage VSEN to the reference line RVL during the sensing period and acquire sensing data SDATA for each sub-pixel, generate compensation data based on the sensing data SDATA, reflect the compensation data in the second image data DATA2, and generate the third image data DATA3.

[0121] Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains should understand that this invention can be implemented in other specific ways without changing the technical concept or essential features of this invention.

[0122] Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as exemplary in all respects and not as limiting. The scope of the invention is not defined by the detailed description provided herein, but by the claims that follow, and the meaning and scope of the claims, as well as all modifications or variations derived from their equivalents, should be interpreted as encompassing the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A display panel control device, wherein, include: The first temperature sensor measures the temperature of the display panel, which is divided into multiple zones. as well as The timing controller calculates the current temperature of each region using pre-acquired temperature deviation information of each region of the display panel and a first reference temperature obtained by the first temperature sensor during the driving of the display panel, and uses the calculated current temperature of each region to compensate for the brightness of the display panel.

2. The display panel control device according to claim 1, wherein, The timing controller includes: The temperature deviation storage unit records the temperature deviation information of each region. A lookup table storage unit stores lookup tables that record temperature-compensated gains; and The first compensation unit adds the first reference temperature and the temperature deviation information of each region to calculate the current temperature of each region of the display panel, and uses the compensation gain value mapped to the current temperature of each region in the lookup table to compensate the brightness of the display panel according to each region.

3. The display panel control device according to claim 2, wherein, The first compensation unit applies the compensation gain value selected according to each region to the first image data to be output to the sub-pixels included in each region to compensate for the brightness of the first image data and generate the second image data.

4. The display panel control device according to claim 3, wherein, The timing controller further includes: The second compensation unit compensates the second image data and generates third image data based on the sensing data of the characteristic values ​​of the sub-pixels.

5. The display panel control device according to claim 1, wherein, The temperature deviation information is the difference between the initial temperature of each region of the display panel measured by the second temperature sensor during the manufacturing of the display panel and the second reference temperature of the display panel measured by the first temperature sensor during the manufacturing of the display panel.

6. The display panel control device according to claim 5, wherein, The second temperature sensor is a multi-point thermometer.

7. The display panel control device according to claim 1, wherein, The display panel is defined by measuring the temperature of a predetermined plurality of points on the display panel using a second temperature sensor and grouping the points whose temperature deviation is within a reference value. The temperature deviation information is the difference between the initial temperature of each region and the second reference temperature of the display panel measured by the first temperature sensor during the manufacturing of the display panel, based on representative values ​​of the temperatures of points included in each region.

8. The display panel control device according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a control printed circuit board on which the first temperature sensor and the timing controller are mounted.

9. A driving method for a display device, comprising a display panel divided into a plurality of regions, wherein, include: The step of measuring a first reference temperature of the display panel using a first temperature sensor during the display panel driving process; The step of calculating the current temperature of each area of ​​the display panel using the first reference temperature and the pre-acquired temperature deviation information of each area of ​​the display panel; as well as The step of using the calculated current temperature of each region to compensate for the brightness of the display panel.

10. The driving method for the display device according to claim 9, wherein, It also includes a step of calculating temperature deviation information for each region during the manufacturing of the display panel; The steps for calculating the temperature deviation information of each region include: The step of measuring the second reference temperature of the display panel using the first temperature sensor; The step of measuring the initial temperature of each area of ​​the display panel using a second temperature sensor; and The step of obtaining temperature deviation information for each region by utilizing the difference between the initial temperature of each region and the second reference temperature.

Images