Display device

Abstract

A display device according to one embodiment of the specification includes a display panel including a first display area and a second display area, the first display area including a plurality of first pixels, the second display area including a plurality of second pixels and a plurality of single pixels; and a sensor configured to receive light through the second display area, wherein the second display area operates in a sensing mode in which light is incident on the sensor when the sensor operates and in a display mode in which a display image is displayed, and in the display mode, the plurality of single pixels have different gray levels.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0056535, filed on April 29, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This specification relates to display devices, and more particularly to display devices capable of achieving full-screen display with improved imaging area performance in display mode. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of the information society, the demand for display devices for displaying images is constantly increasing in various forms, and recently, various display devices such as liquid crystal display devices (LCDs), plasma display devices (PDPs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have been utilized.

[0005] Recently, the multimedia capabilities of electronic devices, such as mobile terminals, have been continuously improving. For example, cameras are being built into mobile terminals as a basic component, and their resolution is constantly improving to the level of conventional digital cameras. However, the front-facing camera of a mobile terminal can limit screen design, making screen design difficult. Although mobile devices have adopted screen designs including notches or punch holes to reduce the space occupied by the camera, the screen size is still limited by the camera, making it difficult to achieve full-screen display.

[0006] To achieve full-screen display, a method is proposed that provides an imaging region in which pixels are set within the screen of a display panel, and a camera and / or various sensors are arranged within the imaging region. The camera and / or various sensors can be positioned below the display panel, and the imaging region set within the screen can include color pixels for displaying the image and a transmitting portion for transmitting external light to introduce external light into the camera and / or various sensors. A limitation of the imaging region is that the pixel density per unit area is lower than the pixel density per unit area around the imaging region, resulting in reduced resolution and thus degraded image quality.

[0007] The descriptions provided in the Background section should not be assumed to be prior art simply because they are mentioned in or associated with that section. The Background section may include information describing one or more aspects of the subject matter art, and the descriptions in that section do not limit the scope of this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This specification relates to providing a display device capable of full-screen display and having improved imaging area performance in display mode.

[0009] This specification also relates to a display device that provides the invisibility of the boundary region of the imaging area (second display area) in a display mode.

[0010] The purposes to be achieved in this specification are not limited to those described above, and other purposes not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the following description.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display device according to one embodiment of this specification is provided, comprising: a display panel including a first display area and a second display area, the first display area including a plurality of first pixels, the second display area including a plurality of second pixels and a plurality of single pixels; and a sensor configured to receive light through the second display area, wherein the second display area operates in a sensing mode or a display mode, in which light is incident on the sensor, and in which an image is displayed, and in which the plurality of single pixels have different gray levels.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a display device is provided, comprising: a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of single pixels; and a system unit configured to transmit control signals to the plurality of first pixels and the plurality of single pixels, wherein the system unit calculates a first correction value for a first gray level based on image data corresponding to each of the plurality of first pixels, calculates a second correction value for a second gray level based on image data corresponding to each of the plurality of single pixels, and compensates the first gray level with the difference between the second gray level and the second correction value during the calculation of the first correction value.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a display device is provided, comprising: a display panel, the display panel including a first display area and a second display area, the first display area including a plurality of first color pixels configured to display an image, the second display area including a plurality of second color pixels configured to display an image, wherein the arrangement density of the second color pixels is lower than the arrangement density of the first color pixels, and the plurality of second color pixels in the second display area are subjected to a compensation algorithm to change their brightness so as to have a similar performance to the first display area. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification;

[0016] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a view showing a first display area and a second display area according to one embodiment of this specification;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a view showing a first pixel group and a second pixel group according to one embodiment of this specification;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a view showing a color filter layout according to one embodiment of this specification;

[0021] Figure 7 It is a block diagram used to describe the process of calculating data for a system unit or timing controller according to one embodiment of this specification;

[0022] Figure 8 An algorithm for calculating correction values ​​for a system unit or timing controller according to one embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0023] Figure 9 This is a view illustrating the input to the grayscale levels of the second pixel group according to one embodiment of this specification;

[0024] Figure 10 This is a view showing the correction values ​​calculated for the second pixel group according to one embodiment of this specification;

[0025] Figure 11 It shows Figure 8 The algorithm for section S100;

[0026] Figure 12 This is a view that shows an instance of the gray levels input to the second pixel group;

[0027] Figure 13 It shows that it is aimed at Figure 12 A view of the correction values ​​calculated for the second pixel group;

[0028] Figure 14 This is a view that shows another instance of the grayscale levels input to the second pixel group;

[0029] Figure 15 It shows that it is aimed at Figure 14A view of the correction values ​​calculated for the second pixel group;

[0030] Figure 16 This is a view showing a first display area and a second display area according to another embodiment of this specification;

[0031] Figure 17 This is a view showing the eleventh and twelfth display areas according to another embodiment of this specification;

[0032] Figure 18 This is a view showing the eleventh pixel group according to another embodiment of this specification;

[0033] Figure 19 This is a view used to describe a method for compensating the brightness of a boundary region according to another embodiment of this specification; and

[0034] Figure 20 Images of the screen before and after applying the compensation algorithm of this specification according to one embodiment are shown.

[0035] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same reference numerals should be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative dimensions and depictions of these elements may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The advantages and features of this specification, as well as the methods for achieving these advantages and features, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, this specification is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but will be practiced in many different forms, and these embodiments are provided merely to complete the disclosure of this specification and to fully reveal the scope of this specification to those skilled in the art, the scope of which is defined only by the claims.

[0037] The shapes, dimensions, scales, angles, quantities, etc., disclosed in the accompanying drawings for illustrating embodiments of this specification are exemplary and not limited thereto. Furthermore, in describing this specification, detailed descriptions of relevant known technologies are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of this specification.

[0038] When using terms such as "comprising," "having," or "consisting of" in this specification, additional parts may be added unless more restrictive terms such as "only" or "merely" are used. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the singular form of a component includes the plural form.

[0039] When interpreting a component, even if it is not explicitly described separately, the component is interpreted as including a range of errors or tolerances.

[0040] When describing positional relationships, such as "above," "below," "below," or "next to," one or more other parts may be located between the two parts unless "exactly," "immediately," or "directly" is used.

[0041] Describing a situation where an element or layer is located on another element or layer includes both situations where the element or layer is directly located on another element or layer and situations where another layer or element is inserted between the first element or layer and the first element or layer.

[0042] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, within the technical spirit of this disclosure, the "first component" mentioned below can also be the "second component."

[0043] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same parts.

[0044] The dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the accompanying drawings are for ease of description and are not necessarily limited to the dimensions and thicknesses of the components shown in this specification.

[0045] The features of the various embodiments described herein can be combined in part or in whole, and can be technically linked and operated in various ways. The embodiments can be implemented independently of each other or jointly in a related relationship.

[0046] In this specification, "device" may include a display device (e.g., a liquid crystal module (LCM) or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) module), which includes a display panel and a driving unit for driving the display panel. It may also include assemblies of electronic equipment or devices, such as laptop computers, televisions, computer monitors, automotive equipment, or other forms of vehicles, which are complete products or end products including LCMs, OLED modules, etc., as well as mobile electronic devices such as smartphones or tablets.

[0047] In this specification, the terms "pixel" and "subpixel" are used interchangeably.

[0048] Therefore, the display device in this specification may include: the display device itself, such as an LCM or OLED module, as well as an assembly that includes an application or end-consumer device, such as an LCM or OLED module.

[0049] Furthermore, in some embodiments, LCM and OLED modules, including display panels and driving components, can be referred to as "display devices," and electronic devices comprising LCM and OLED modules can be distinguished and referred to as "assemblies." For example, a display device may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, and a source PCB serving as a control unit for driving the display panel. An assembly may also include an assembly PCB, which is an assembly control unit electrically connected to the source PCB to drive the entire assembly.

[0050] The display panel used in the embodiments of this specification may include any form of display panel, such as a liquid crystal display panel, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, and an electroluminescent display panel. However, this specification is not limited thereto.

[0051] In the following description, various embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that this specification is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described below, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this specification.

[0052] For ease of explanation, the components shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale and are not limited thereto.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of a display device 1000 according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 A display device 1000 according to one embodiment may include a display panel 100, the display panel 100 including a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2 for displaying an image based on an input image data; light source modules 200 and 300 supplying light to the display panel 100; and a sensor 2 receiving light. The display device 1000 may include a plurality of driving units and control units that control the display panel 100, the light source modules 200 and 300, and the sensor 2.

[0055] The display panel 100 may have a plurality of gate lines GL and a plurality of data lines DL, which intersect to define a pixel PXL, and each of the pixels PXL may include a thin-film transistor and a storage capacitor. The thin-film transistor is switched on and off by a scan signal supplied via the gate line GL, and when the thin-film transistor is on, image data (data voltage) supplied via the data line DL can be supplied to the pixel PXL.

[0056] The display panel 100 may include a pixel electrode 111 for applying a data voltage to the pixel PXL and a common electrode 121 for applying a common voltage. The pixel electrode 111 may be disposed on a first plate 110, and the common electrode 121 may be disposed on the first plate 110 or a second plate 120.

[0057] The display panel 100 may be a liquid crystal panel including a liquid crystal layer. The display panel 100 can change the liquid crystal alignment by altering the electric field between the data voltage and the common voltage, and control the liquid crystal alignment, thereby controlling the transmittance of light supplied from the light source module to achieve an image. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the display panel 100 may be a display panel including organic light-emitting elements or inorganic light-emitting elements.

[0058] The display panel 100 may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2 for displaying images. The second display area DA2 may be defined as the area where a sensor 2 is disposed on its lower part. For example, the second display area DA2 may be defined as the area where the sensor 2 disposed below the display panel 100 receives light. The second display area DA2 may have any of a variety of shapes, such as circular, elliptical, and polygonal. The size of the second display area DA2 may be smaller than the size of the first display area DA1, but this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0059] The first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 can each have pixels PXL and achieve full-screen display. According to this embodiment, the first display area DA1 can operate only in the normal mode for displaying images, while the second display area DA2 can operate in both the display mode for displaying images and the sensing mode for receiving external light.

[0060] The light source modules 200 and 300 may include a first light source module 200 that supplies light to a first display area DA1 and a second light source module 300 that supplies light to a second display area DA2.

[0061] The first light source module 200 can be controlled by the first light source driving unit 50, and the second light source module 300 can be controlled by the second light source driving unit 60. The first light source module 200 and the second light source module 300 can be turned on or off simultaneously, or they can be turned on or off at different times.

[0062] The first light source module 200 can be turned on in both display mode and sensing mode. The second light source module 300 can be turned on during the display mode period and turned off during the sensing mode period. Since the second light source module 300 is turned off during the sensing mode period, the light entering from the outside and the light emitted from the second light source module 300 will not mix, thus reducing or minimizing noise.

[0063] At least one sensor 2 can be disposed in the second display area DA2. The sensor 2 can receive light incident on the second display area DA2. The sensor 2 can include various sensors that receive light, such as a red-green-blue (RGB) camera, an illuminance sensor, or an infrared camera.

[0064] The sensor control unit 40 can generate an image or a three-dimensional (3D) feature map using the light incident on the sensor 2. For example, the sensor 2 may include an RGB camera or an infrared camera. For example, the sensor 2 may include both an RGB camera and an infrared camera, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0065] System unit 1 can supply signals required for driving, such as image data and timing signals TS, to timing controller 10. Timing signals TS may include clock signals, horizontal and vertical synchronization signals, gate and data enable signals, etc.

[0066] System unit 1 can receive a sensor drive signal SDS from sensor control unit 40. System unit 1 can transmit an imaging synchronization signal CSS and a control signal to data drive unit 20, sensor control unit 40, and second light source drive unit 60 based on the sensor drive signal SDS to generate an image. Therefore, data drive unit 20, sensor control unit 40, and second light source drive unit 60 can be synchronized and operate in camera mode. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. Timing controller 10 can receive a control signal from system unit 1 and transmit control signals and the imaging synchronization signal CSS to data drive unit 20, second light source drive unit 60, and sensor control unit 40.

[0067] The timing controller 10 can use the timing signal TS received from the system unit 1 to generate a gate control signal for controlling the gate drive unit 30 and a data control signal for controlling the data drive unit 20.

[0068] The timing controller 10 can convert the image signal received from the system unit 1 into digital image data (R, G, and B) in frames and supply the converted digital image data to the data driving unit 20. The gate control signal can be supplied to the gate driving unit 30, and the data control signal can be supplied to the data driving unit 20.

[0069] The gate driving unit 30 can generate scan signals based on gate control signals supplied from the timing controller 10. The scan signals are used to drive thin-film transistors in each of the pixels PXL formed in the display panel 100. The generated scan signals can be sequentially supplied to a plurality of gate lines GL.

[0070] The data driving unit 20 can sequentially receive digital image data (R, G, and B) supplied from the timing controller 10, convert the received digital image data into data voltage by referring to a reference voltage, and supply the converted digital image data to each pixel of the display panel 100.

[0071] System unit 1 can supply light source control signals to the first light source driving unit 50 and the second light source driving unit 60. The first light source driving unit 50 and the second light source driving unit 60 can supply light source driving signals to the light sources of the first light source module 200 and the second light source module 300 according to the light source control signals. The light sources of the first light source module 200 and the second light source module 300 can each be turned on according to the light source driving signals to generate light.

[0072] The light source can be a light-emitting diode (LED), an external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL), a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), a laser diode, etc., but this implementation scheme is not limited to these.

[0073] The light source control signal may include an LED enable signal, a pulse width signal (pulse width modulation (PWM)), etc. The LED enable signal can be used to control the timing of the light source's on and off states. For example, when the LED enable signal applied to the first light source driving unit 50 and the second light source driving unit 60 is high, the light source can be turned on. When the LED enable signal applied to the first light source driving unit 50 and the second light source driving unit 60 is low, the light source can be turned off. The first light source driving unit 50 and the second light source driving unit 60 can be LED drivers, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0074] The sensor control unit 40 can process the light received from the sensor 2 to generate an image or a three-dimensional (3D) feature map. The sensor control unit 40 can receive the sensor drive signal SDS input from an external source and transmit the sensor drive signal SDS to the system unit 1.

[0075] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a display device 1000 according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device 1000 according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0076] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The display device 1000 may include a housing 3, a first light source module 200 disposed in the housing 3, a display panel 100 disposed on the first light source module 200, and a second light source module 300 disposed below the first light source module 200.

[0077] The first light source module 200 may include a light guide member 240 disposed in the housing 3, a plurality of first light sources 210 disposed on one side of the light guide member 240, a reflector 230 disposed below the light guide member 240, and a plurality of optical sheets 250 disposed on the light guide member 240. At least a portion of the first light source module 200 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the housing 3. Meanwhile, the housing 3 may include a third opening 3a in the portion corresponding to the second display area DA2.

[0078] The light guide member 240 can convert light emitted from a plurality of light sources into a surface light source. The light guide member 240 can be defined as a light guide plate or a light guide component. Light emitted from a plurality of first light sources 210 can be incident on one side of the light guide member 240 and travel to the other side. Light can be reflected from the interior of the light guide member 240 and emitted toward the display panel 100. Therefore, uniform light can be emitted through the upper surface of the light guide member 240.

[0079] According to this embodiment, the light guide member 240 may include a plurality of patterns PT disposed in the region corresponding to the first display region DA1. Light from the first light source 210 can be emitted from the light guide member 240 through the plurality of patterns PT. However, in the region of the light guide member 240 corresponding to the second display region DA2, the plurality of patterns PT may not be disposed. Therefore, although the first light source module 200 may be configured to overlap with the first display region DA1 and the second display region DA2, light can undergo total internal reflection in the portion corresponding to the second display region DA2. Therefore, the first light source module 200 may not supply light to the second display region DA2.

[0080] A plurality of optical sheets 250 can form a uniform surface light source by converging or diffusing light emitted from the light guide member 240. The plurality of optical sheets 250 may include prism sheets and / or diffusers.

[0081] A first opening 250a can be formed in each of the portions of the plurality of optical sheets 250 corresponding to the second display area DA2. A second opening 230a can be formed in the portion of the reflector 230 corresponding to the second display area DA2. Therefore, external light incident on the second display area DA2 can pass through the first opening 250a and the second opening 230a and can be incident on the second light source module 300.

[0082] The second light source module 300 may include a path-changing member 320 to which external light is incident and at least one second light source 310 supplying light to the path-changing member 320. The path-changing member 320 may have a triangular cross-section, but is not limited thereto. For example, the path-changing member 320 may have a polygonal cross-section.

[0083] The path-changing component 320 may include a reflective surface 324 that reflects external light incident on a first side surface 321 facing the second display area DA2 or the light guide component 240, such that the external light is incident on the sensor 2. The path-changing component 320 may be configured to overlap with the light guide component 240 in the second display area DA2.

[0084] Sensor 2 can be mounted on the second side surface 322 and can receive external light reflected by the reflective surface 324. A first lens 330 can be mounted above the path-changing member 320 to converge the incident light. The first lens 330 can be fixed to the housing 3 by a bracket 442. A second lens 2a can be mounted between the path-changing member 320 and the sensor 2. The second lens 2a can converge the light that passes through the first lens 330 and is reflected by the path-changing member 320 onto the sensor 2.

[0085] The second light source 310 may be disposed on the third side surface 323 of the path-changing member 320. The path-changing member 320 may guide light from the second light source 310 to the first side surface 321. The path-changing member 320 may include various reflective structures for guiding light supplied from the second light source 310 to the first side surface 321. For example, a reflective coating may be formed on the remaining side surfaces of the plurality of side surfaces of the path-changing member 320, such that light passes only through the first side surface 321, the second side surface 322, and the third side surface 323.

[0086] The third side surface 323 of the path-changing component 320 can be configured not to face the second side surface 322 and the reflective surface 324. Therefore, since the second light source 310 does not block the path of the incident external light, the sensor 2 can receive sufficient light.

[0087] The display panel 100 may include a first panel 110, a second panel 120, and a liquid crystal layer 130 disposed between the first panel 110 and the second panel 120. A first polarizing plate 141 may be disposed below the first panel 110, and a second polarizing plate 142 may be disposed above the second panel 120. A color filter 150 may be disposed above the second panel 120.

[0088] The optical axes of the first polarizing plate 141 and the second polarizing plate 142 can be orthogonal to each other. Light passing through the first polarizing plate 141 can have its optical axis changed by the liquid crystal layer 130 and pass through the second polarizing plate 142. Since an electric field is formed when a voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 111 disposed on the first plate 110 and the common electrode 121 disposed on the second plate 120, the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 130 can rotate. The transmittance of light passing through the display panel 100 can be adjusted according to the degree of rotation of the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 130. The configuration of the polarizing plates and the display panel 100 can be applied without limitation to the configuration of known liquid crystal display panels.

[0089] Figure 4 This is a view showing a first display area and a second display area according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 5 This is a view showing a first pixel group and a second pixel group according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 6 This is a view showing the layout of a color filter according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0090] Reference Figures 4 to 6 According to one embodiment of the present specification, a display device may include: a display panel including a first display area DA1 comprising a plurality of first pixels PXL1, and a second display area DA2 comprising a plurality of second pixels PXL2 and a plurality of monopixels TUA1, TUA2 and TUA3; and a sensor that receives light through the second display area DA2, wherein the second display area DA2 operates in a sensing mode in which light is incident on the sensor and in a display mode in which an image is displayed, and in the display mode, the plurality of monopixels TUA1, TUA2 and TUA3 have different gray levels.

[0091] Reference Figures 4 to 6 The first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may include pixel groups with different configurations. The first display area DA1 may include a plurality of first pixel groups UA1, and the second display area DA2 may include a plurality of second pixel groups UA2. Each of the plurality of first pixel groups UA1 may include at least one first pixel PXL1, and each of the plurality of second pixel groups UA2 may include at least one second pixel PXL2 and at least one single pixel TUA (TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3).

[0092] The areas of the first pixel group UA1 and the second pixel group UA2 can be substantially the same. The first pixel group UA1 can be any region defined as a control group for the second pixel group UA2 to describe the second pixel group UA2. Therefore, the first pixel group UA1 can be determined based on the second pixel group UA2. The area or configuration of the first pixel group UA1 can change as the area or configuration of the second pixel group UA2 changes.

[0093] The second pixel group UA2 can be the smallest unit of a second pixel PXL2 and a single pixel TUA regularly arranged in the second display area DA2. The second pixel group UA2 may include a single second pixel and a plurality of single pixels. According to one embodiment, the second pixel group UA2 may include a second pixel PXL2, a first single pixel TUA1, a second single pixel TUA2, and a third single pixel TUA3. However, the display device of this specification is not limited thereto, and the number of second pixels and single pixels included in the second pixel group UA2 may vary.

[0094] In the following text, based on Figures 4 to 15 In one implementation scheme, an instance is described in which the second pixel group UA2 includes a second pixel PXL2, a first single pixel TUA1, a second single pixel TUA2, and a third single pixel TUA3.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the first pixel group UA1 may include four first pixels PXL1 in the area or configuration corresponding to the second pixel group UA2. However, the display device of this specification is not limited to this, and the number of first pixels included in the first pixel group UA1 may vary with the number of second pixels and single pixels included in the second pixel group UA2.

[0096] The number of first pixels PXL1 per unit area in the first display area DA1 can be greater than the number of second pixels PXL2 per unit area in the second display area DA2. Furthermore, the number of first pixels PXL1 per unit area in the first display area DA1 can be the same as the total number of second pixels PXL2 and single pixels TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3 per unit area in the second display area DA2.

[0097] Each of the first pixels PXL1 may include a plurality of subpixels. Each of the first pixels PXL1 may include a first subpixel SP1, a second subpixel SP2, and a third subpixel SP3, but this specification is not limited thereto.

[0098] Each of the second pixels PXL2 may include a plurality of subpixels. Each of the second pixels PXL2 may include a first subpixel SP1, a second subpixel SP2, and a third subpixel SP3, but this specification is not limited thereto.

[0099] The first sub-pixels to the third sub-pixels SP1, SP2 and SP3 included in the first pixel PXL1 and the first sub-pixels to the third sub-pixels SP1, SP2 and SP3 included in the second pixel PXL2 may have the same color arrangement structure, but this specification is not limited to this.

[0100] The first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 can emit different colors. For example, the first sub-pixel SP1 can be a red sub-pixel (R), the second sub-pixel SP2 can be a green sub-pixel (G), and the third sub-pixel SP3 can be a blue sub-pixel (B), but this specification is not limited to this.

[0101] Different color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 can be set on the first pixel PXL1 and the second pixel PXL2. The first color filter CF1 can be set on the first sub-pixel SP1, the second color filter CF2 can be set on the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third color filter CF3 can be set on the third sub-pixel SP3. For example, the first color filter CF1 can be a red filter, the second color filter CF2 can be a green filter, and the third color filter CF3 can be a blue filter, but this specification is not limited to these.

[0102] In this specification, to distinguish between the subpixels set in the first display area DA1 and the subpixels set in the second display area DA2, the first to third subpixels SP1, SP2 and SP3 set in the second display area DA2 can be referred to as the first to third color pixels CP1, CP2 and CP3.

[0103] A plurality of individual pixels TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3 can be disposed in the transmissive portion TA of the second display area DA2. The transmissive portion TA can be an area in which no color filter is disposed. That is, the plurality of individual pixels TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3 are areas in which the light transmittance is adjusted, and can only have brightness. The plurality of individual pixels TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3 can have the function of receiving external light by maximizing transmittance in a sensing mode in which light is incident on the sensor during sensor operation. The plurality of individual pixels TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3 can output grayscale level (or grayscale value) at its maximum value during the sensing mode period. The plurality of individual pixels TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3 can have the function of adjusting transmittance and compensating for the brightness of the second pixel PXL2 and / or the corresponding second pixel group UA2 disposed in the second display area DA2 in a display mode in which an image is displayed.

[0104] In the accompanying drawings, the transmissive portion TA is shown as being divided into a plurality of regularly repeating regions, but the transmissive portion TA can be a single region in which a plurality of single pixels are set by excluding the second pixel PXL2 from the second display area DA2.

[0105] Each single pixel TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3 can be structurally identical to each first pixel PXL1 or second pixel PXL2, except that no color filter is provided. For example, a plurality of single pixels TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3 can each have a pixel electrode disposed therein, such that the light transmittance of the plurality of single pixels TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3 can be controlled by the respective pixel electrode.

[0106] Each of the single pixels TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3 may include a plurality of sub-pixels MP1, MP2, and MP3. Each of the single pixels TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3 may include a first sub-pixel to a third sub-pixel MP1, MP2, and MP3 corresponding to the first to third color pixels CP1, CP2, and CP3 of the second pixel PXL2. The first sub-pixel MP1 may correspond to the first color pixel CP1, the second sub-pixel MP2 may correspond to the second color pixel CP2, and the third sub-pixel MP3 may correspond to the third color pixel CP3. Here, the corresponding sub-pixel and color pixel may refer to those pixels located at the same position in the second pixel and each single pixel.

[0107] Multiple sub-pixels MP1, MP2, and MP3, set within single pixels TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3, can be driven using the same grayscale level. Multiple sub-pixels MP1, MP2, and MP3 can also be driven independently but with the same grayscale level. This will be described in detail below with reference to other accompanying figures.

[0108] The first to third single pixels TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3 can compensate for the brightness of the second pixel PXL2 included in the same second pixel group UA2. In the compensation algorithm, each sub-pixel (or single pixel) can be designed to compensate for the brightness of the corresponding color pixel. Therefore, the display device according to one embodiment of this specification can further improve the image performance of the second display area DA2.

[0109] In some cases, even when the same image data is input to the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 included in the first pixel PXL1 and the first to third color pixels CP1, CP2, and CP3 included in the second pixel PXL2, different values ​​can be output. The second pixel PXL2 can output gray levels corrected by the single pixels TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3 included in the second pixel group UA2. Therefore, the first to third sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 included in the first pixel PXL1 and the first to third color pixels CP1, CP2, and CP3 included in the second pixel PXL2 can output different gray levels for the same image data.

[0110] However, this specification is not limited to this, and the input / output values ​​can be the same depending on the gray levels input to the second pixel PXL2 and the individual pixels TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3. For example, when a gray level of 0 is input to the individual pixels TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3, the input / output values ​​of the second pixel PXL2 can be the same.

[0111] When a gray level of 0 is input to the first single pixel to the third single pixel TUA1, TUA2 and TUA3 and in the first light source module 200 and the second light source module 300 (see... Figure 1 When light of the same intensity is generated in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, the brightness of the second pixel group UA2 can be 1 / 4 of the brightness of the first pixel group UA1. Therefore, in the display device according to one embodiment of this specification, in order to make the brightness of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 uniform, the second light source module 300 can have a relatively larger brightness value than the first light source module 200.

[0112] The brightness difference between the first light source module 200 and the second light source module 300 can be a multiple of the total number of second pixels and single pixels included in the second pixel group UA2 divided by the number of second pixels. Alternatively, the brightness difference between the first light source module 200 and the second light source module 300 can be a multiple of the area occupied by the second pixel PXL2 relative to the area of ​​the second display area DA2. For example, when the second pixel group UA2 includes one second pixel PXL2 and three single pixels TUA1, TUA2, and TUA3, the brightness of the first light source module 200 and the second light source module 300 can differ by a factor of four.

[0113] Figure 7 It is a block diagram used to describe the process of calculating data for a system unit or timing controller according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 8 An algorithm for calculating correction values ​​for a system unit or timing controller according to one embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0114] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 A system unit or timing controller according to one embodiment of this specification may include an input unit 2000, a calculation unit 3000, and an output unit 4000, which outputs the input image data through a compensation algorithm. The compensation algorithm described below is described as being implemented in the system unit, but embodiments of this specification are not limited thereto. For example, the image data may be calculated using the compensation algorithm in the timing controller.

[0115] The input unit 2000 can perform the function of inputting image data collected from the outside into the system unit. The input unit 2000 can perform a process of verifying the consistency and integrity of the data before transmitting the image data to the computing unit 3000 of the system unit. According to one embodiment of this specification, the input unit 2000 may include operation S10 for inputting image data for a second display area DA2 (inputting image data for "DA2").

[0116] The computing unit 3000 can perform the function of correcting image data received from the input unit 2000 according to an algorithm. The computing unit 3000 can process image data at the pixel level or block level, and can apply various correction techniques such as noise removal, color correction, brightness and contrast adjustment, and distortion correction. According to one embodiment of this specification, the computing unit 3000 can utilize... Figure 8 and Figure 11 The compensation algorithm. According to one embodiment of this specification, the calculation unit 3000 may include a compensation algorithm based on operation S100.

[0117] Operation S100 may include operation S21 (“MPn” image data of PXL), operation S22 (“CPn” image data of PXL), operation S31 (minimum gray level (MPm) of “MPn”), operation S32 (remaining gray level (MPr) of “MPn”), operation S33 (input gray level (CPg) of “CPn”), and operation S40 (calculating MPr+CPg). Non-limitingly, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the calculated (MPr+CPg) may be used as a first correction value. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0118] “MPn” can be a sub-pixel, and “CPn” can be a color pixel. “MPm” can be the minimum gray level of the sub-pixel, “MPr” can be the remaining gray level of the sub-pixel, and “CPg” can be the input gray level of the color pixel.

[0119] The image data of the second display area DA2 can have its grayscale level corrected in units of the second pixel group UA2. Therefore, in operations S21 and S22, the image data of the second pixel group UA2 can be divided into the image data of the first single pixel to the third single pixel TUA1, TUA2 and TUA3 and the second pixel PXL2.

[0120] Operation S21 can divide the image data of each of the first single pixel to the third single pixel TUA1, TUA2 and TUA3 in the image data of the second pixel group UA2 into the image data of the first sub-single pixel to the third sub-single pixel MP1, MP2 and MP3.

[0121] Operation S22 can divide the image data of the second pixel PXL2 in the image data of the second pixel group UA2 into image data of the first color pixels to the third color pixels CP1, CP2, and CP3. n corresponds to the sub-pixel of each pixel and can be an integer greater than or equal to 1. (See reference...) Figure 5 n can include 1, 2, and 3.

[0122] Operation S31 can determine the minimum gray level MPm in the image data of the first to third sub-pixels MP1, MP2, and MP3 separated in operation S21. The determined minimum gray level MPm can be the gray level transmitted to each sub-pixel. Also, without limitation, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the calculated MPm can be used as a second correction value. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0123] The purpose of setting the gray level of each sub-pixel to the minimum gray level MPm is to minimize the degradation of the color reproducibility of the second pixel caused by excessive brightness compensation when compensating the brightness of the second pixel in the corresponding second pixel group. Therefore, the display device of this specification according to one embodiment can minimize the degradation of the color reproducibility of the second pixel and improve the brightness of the second pixel by selecting the gray level of each sub-pixel to the minimum gray level MPm.

[0124] Operation S32 can calculate the remaining gray level MPr by subtracting the smallest gray level MPm from the gray levels of the first to the third sub-pixels MP1, MP2, and MP3. The calculated remaining gray level MPr may include the value corresponding to each of the first to the third sub-pixels MP1, MP2, and MP3. Operation S33 can select the gray level CPg of the image data input to the first to the third color pixels CP1, CP2, and CP3.

[0125] In operation S40, the remaining gray levels MPr of the first to third sub-pixels MP1, MP2, and MP3 can be added to the input gray levels CPg of the corresponding first to third color pixels CP1, CP2, and CP3 to calculate the gray level transmitted to each color pixel. For example, in operation S40, to calculate the output gray level to the first color pixel CP1, the remaining gray level MPr of the first sub-pixel MP1 can be added to the input gray level CPg of the first color pixel CP1.

[0126] The output unit 4000 can receive corrected image data from the computing unit 3000 and perform the function of outputting the corrected image data to an external device. The output unit 4000 can output the corrected image data to a display device or store the corrected image data in a storage medium. According to one embodiment of this specification, the output unit 4000 may include operation S51 (outputting the gray level of "MPn") and operation S52 (outputting the gray level of "CPn") for each pixel.

[0127] In operation S51, the gray level output by each of the first sub-pixels to the third sub-pixels MP1, MP2, and MP3 can be the minimum gray level MPm. The gray levels output by each of the first sub-pixels to the third sub-pixels MP1, MP2, and MP3 can have the same minimum gray level MPm.

[0128] In operation S52, the gray level output of each of the first to third color pixels CP1, CP2, and CP3 can be the sum of the input gray level CPg and the remaining gray level MPr. The gray level of each of the first to third color pixels CP1, CP2, and CP3 can be output as follows: by adding the remaining gray level MPr corresponding to the first sub-pixel MP1 to the input gray level CPg corresponding to the first color pixel CP1; by adding the remaining gray level MPr corresponding to the second sub-pixel MP2 to the input gray level CPg corresponding to the second color pixel CP2; and by adding the remaining gray level MPr corresponding to the third sub-pixel MP3 to the input gray level CPg corresponding to the third color pixel CP3.

[0129] When multiple single pixels are set, the output gray level of the first color pixel CP1 can be the value obtained by adding all the remaining gray levels MPr corresponding to the first sub-pixel MP1 of the multiple single pixels and the input gray level CPg corresponding to the first color pixel CP1. For example, the output gray level of the first color pixel CP1 can be the value obtained by adding the remaining gray levels corresponding to the first sub-pixel MP1 of the first single pixel TUA1, the remaining gray levels corresponding to the first sub-pixel MP1 of the second single pixel TUA2, and the remaining gray levels corresponding to the first sub-pixel MP1 of the third single pixel TUA3 to the input gray level CPg of the first color pixel CP1.

[0130] The output gray level of the second color pixel CP2 can be obtained by adding all the remaining gray levels MPr corresponding to the second sub-pixel MP2 in each of the plurality of single pixels to the input gray level CPg corresponding to the second color pixel CP2. The output gray level of the third color pixel CP3 can be obtained by adding all the remaining gray levels MPr corresponding to the third sub-pixel MP3 in each of the plurality of single pixels to the input gray level CPg corresponding to the third color pixel CP3.

[0131] The input gray level may not be proportional to the actual output brightness. That is, the human eye may not respond linearly to brightness. Therefore, the corrected gray level can be calculated using gamma correction as follows.

[0132] Figure 9 This is a view showing the input to the grayscale level of the second pixel group according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 10 This is a view showing the correction values ​​calculated for the second pixel group according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 11 It shows Figure 8 The algorithm for segment S100. Figure 9 and Figure 10 It shows the connection with Figure 11 The corresponding gray levels of the algorithm input and output.

[0133] Reference Figures 9 to 11 The second pixel group may include a second pixel and three single pixels, and the second pixel and each single pixel may respectively include three color pixels CP and three sub-single pixels MP.

[0134] In operation S200, gray levels (A) can be input to the first to third color pixels CP, which are set in the first row and first column as the second pixel. i,j B i,j and C i,j For example, gray level A can be input to the first color pixel. i,jIt can input grayscale level B to the second color pixel. i,j And it can input grayscale level C to the third color pixel. i,j .

[0135] In operation S300, gray levels (A) can be input to the first to third sub-pixels MP of the single pixel set in the first row and second column, respectively. i+1,j B i+1,j and C i+1,j In operation S400, gray levels (A) can be input to the first to third sub-pixels MP of the single pixel set in the second row and first column, respectively. i,j+1 B i,j+1 and C i,j+1 In operation S500, gray levels (A) can be input to the first to third sub-pixels MP of the single pixel set in the second row and second column, respectively. i+1,j+1 B i+1,j+1 and C i+1,j+1 ).

[0136] The gray level of each input to a sub-pixel can be converted via an electro-optical transfer function (EOTF). That is, the algorithm can convert the digital signal (electrical signal) input to the system unit into an analog signal (optical signal). The EOTF conversion equation is shown in Equation 1 below. In Equation 1, V represents the input gray level. max γ is the maximum value of the grayscale level, and is typically a value of 255. v is the EOTF conversion value of the input grayscale level. γ is the gamma value, and is typically a value of 2.2.

[0137] Equation 1: v = (V / V max ) γ

[0138] In operations S210, S310, S410, and S510, the EOTF conversion value can be obtained from the input grayscale level using Equation 1. In operation S210, the value (a) can be obtained. i,j b i,j and c i,j In operation S310, the value (a) can be obtained. i+1,j b i+1,j and c i+1,j In operation S410, the value (a) can be obtained. i,j+1 b i,j+1 and c i,j+1 In operation S510, the value (a) can be obtained. i+1,j+1 b i+1,j+1 and c i+1,j+1 ).

[0139] Each of the minimum gray level and the remaining gray level can be calculated based on the EOTF conversion values ​​obtained in operations S310, S410, and S510.

[0140] In operations S311, S411, and S511, the smallest gray level can be selected from the EOTF conversion values. In operation S311, the conversion value (a) can be selected. i+1,j b i+1,j and c i+1,j The minimum value d in ) i+1,j In operation S411, the conversion value (a) can be selected. i,j+1 b i,j+1 and c i,j+1 The minimum value d in ) i,j+1 In operation S511, the conversion value (a) can be selected. i+1,j+1 b i+1,j+1 and c i+1,j+1 The minimum value d in ) i+1,j+1 .

[0141] In operations S312, S412, and S512, the remaining gray levels can be calculated by subtracting each of the smallest gray levels from each of the EOTF conversion values ​​and dividing the result by N. Here, N can satisfy the following equation 2. N1 is the number of second pixels set in the second pixel group, and N2 is the total number of second pixels and single pixels set in the second pixel group. For example, in Figure 9 In the implementation scheme, N1 can be 1 and N2 can be 4, so the value of N can be 4.

[0142] Equation 2: N = N2 / N1

[0143] Because the display device according to one embodiment of this specification has a first light source module 200 and a second light source module 300 with different intensities (see...) Figure 1 Therefore, the value of N according to Equation 2 can be applied. Taking into account the transmissive portion formed in the second display area DA2, the display device of this specification according to one embodiment can supply light to the second display area DA2 with a brightness relatively greater than that of the first display area DA1.

[0144] For example, in a display mode, when the grayscale level of multiple sub-pixels MP1, MP2, and MP3 is 0, the second pixel group UA2 can supply light from the second light source module 300 only to the second pixel PXL2. In this case, since the overall brightness of the second pixel group UA2 needs to be adjusted to the same level as the overall brightness of the first pixel group UA1, the second light source module 300 can supply a larger brightness value than the first light source module 200. Therefore, in the compensation algorithm, the intensity of the second light source module 300 can be taken into account, and each value can be divided by N before conversion via the optical-electro transfer function (OETF) during the calculation process.

[0145] In operation S312, the remaining gray levels can be (a i+1,j -d i+1,j ) / N、(b i+1,j -d i+1,j ) / N and (c i+1,j -d i+1,j ) / N. In operation S412, the remaining gray levels can be (a i,j+1 -d i,j+1 ) / N、(b i,j+1 -d i,j+1 ) / N and (c i,j+1 -d i,j+1 ) / N. In operation S512, the remaining gray levels can be (a i+1,j+1 -d i+1,j+1 ) / N、(b i+1,j+1 -d i+1,j+1 ) / N and (c i+1,j+1 -d i+1,j+1 ) / N.

[0146] The calculated residual gray level of a single pixel can be added to the EOTF conversion value of the corresponding color pixel. The EOTF conversion value of the color pixel can be divided by N, just like the single pixel. In operation S220, for a' i,j b' i,j and c' i,j Equations 3, 4, and 5 are as follows.

[0147] Equation 3: a' i,j ={a i,j +(a i+1,j -d i+1,j )+(a i,j+1 -d i,j+1 )+(a i+1,j+1 -d i+1,j+1 )} / N

[0148] Equation 4: b' i,j ={bi,j +(b i+1,j -d i+1,j )+(b i,j+1 -d i,j+1 )+(b i+1,j+1 -d i+1,j+1 )} / N

[0149] Equation 5: c' i,j ={c i,j +(c i+1,j -d i+1,j )+(c i,j+1 -d i,j+1 )+(c i+1,j+1 -d i+1,j+1 )} / N

[0150] The values ​​calculated in operation S220 can be recalculated using OETF conversion to determine the grayscale level to be input to each color pixel. That is, the calculated analog signal (optical signal) can be converted into a digital signal (electrical signal). The OETF conversion equation is shown in Equation 6 below.

[0151] Equation 6: V = V max ×(v 1 / γ )

[0152] In operation S230, as a result of the calculation in Equation 6, the gray level of the color pixel can be A'. i,j B' i,j and C' i,j .

[0153] For each of the individual pixels, the smallest gray level is selected in operations S320, S420, and S520, and the resulting value is divided by N. In operation S320, a' i+1,j b' i+1,j and c' i+1,j They can have the same value d i+1,j In operation S420, a' i,j+1 b' i,j+1 and c' i,j+1 They can have the same value d i,j+1 In operating S520, a' i+1,j+1 b' i+1,j+1 and c' i+1,j+1 They can have the same value d i+1,j+1 .

[0154] The values ​​calculated in operations S320, S420, and S520 can be used to calculate the gray level to be input to each sub-pixel via OETF transformation. The OETF transformation equation can be Equation 6 above.

[0155] In operation S330, as a result of the calculation in Equation 6, a single pixel is set in the first row and second column (e.g., ...). Figure 5 The gray levels of the first to third sub-pixels MP1 to MP3 of TUA1 can be A' respectively. i+1,j B' i+1,j and C' i+1,j In operation S430, as a result of the calculation in Equation 6, a single pixel is set in the second row and first column (e.g., Figure 5 The gray levels of the first to third sub-pixels MP1 to MP3 of TUA2 can be A' respectively. i,j+1 B' i,j+1 and C' i,j+1 In operation S530, as a result of the calculation in Equation 6, a single pixel is set in the second row and second column (e.g., Figure 5 The gray levels of the first sub-pixel to the third sub-pixel MP1 to MP3 of TUA3 can be A' respectively. i+1,j+1 B' i+1,j+1 and C' i+1,j+1 .

[0156] Figure 12 This is a view that shows an instance of the grayscale levels input to the second pixel group. Figure 13 It shows that it is aimed at Figure 12 The view of the correction values ​​calculated for the second pixel group. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The value can be obtained through Figure 11 The compensation algorithm is used for calculation.

[0157] Reference Figure 12 When the grayscale step size ranges from 0 to 255, grayscale levels (255, 0, and 0) can be input to the color pixel CP, and grayscale levels (255, 0, and 0) can also be input to each individual pixel MP. That is, color image data can be input to both the color pixel CP and the individual pixel MP. For example, the grayscale level (255, 0, and 0) can be image data for any of the colors red, blue, and green. The color pixel CP can compensate for the input value by the difference between the input value and the minimum value of the individual pixel MP using the aforementioned compensation algorithm, and each individual pixel MP can have a minimum grayscale level.

[0158] Reference Figure 13 The grayscale level output from the system unit through the above compensation algorithm can be (255, 0, and 0) for color pixel CP and (0, 0, and 0) for single pixel MP. That is, color pixel CP can emit the maximum amount of light of the corresponding color. When at least one of the sub-pixels of single pixel MP receives a value of 0, the output value can be (0, 0, and 0).

[0159] Figure 14 This is a view that shows another instance of the grayscale levels input to the second pixel group. Figure 15 It shows that it is aimed at Figure 14 The view of the correction values ​​calculated for the second pixel group. Figure 14 and Figure 15 The value can be obtained through Figure 11 The compensation algorithm is used for calculation.

[0160] Reference Figure 14 When the grayscale step size ranges from 0 to 255, grayscale levels (255, 255, and 255) can be input to the color pixel CP, and grayscale levels (255, 255, and 255) can also be input to the single pixel MP. That is, non-color white image data can be input to both the color pixel CP and the single pixel MP. The color pixel CP can be compensated for its input value by the difference between the input value and the minimum value of the single pixel MP using the aforementioned compensation algorithm, and each single pixel MP can have a minimum grayscale level.

[0161] Reference Figure 15 The grayscale levels output from the system unit through the above compensation algorithm can be (136, 136, and 136) for the color pixel CP and (136, 136, and 136) for the single pixel MP. That is, when white image data is input to the color pixel CP, the second pixel group can emit light not only from the color pixel CP but also from the single pixel MP disposed around the color pixel CP. Therefore, the display device according to one embodiment of this specification can have improved image performance of the color pixels compared to the state in which the single pixel MP is not used (black state).

[0162] according to Figures 12 to 15 It can be determined that the display device according to one embodiment of this specification has a relatively greater effect when inputting non-color image data to a color pixel CP than when inputting color image data. A single pixel is an area that has only brightness and no color but can be perceived as dark white or bright white by the human eye. Therefore, since a single pixel provides a color compensation effect for non-color pixels, the display device according to one embodiment of this specification can more effectively improve the image performance of non-color images.

[0163] Here, although the contents of this disclosure Figures 12 to 15 The implementation scheme provides some compensation methods, but the implementation schemes of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, in some implementations, each single pixel TUA can have a different grayscale value. For example, in one implementation, each pixel can input the following grayscale V:

[0164]

[0165] This can then be converted to luminance v using the EOTF formula:

[0166]

[0167] Take the minimum gray level of each TUA (TUA1 to TUA3), and the corresponding values ​​are 0.028, 0.128 and 0.311 respectively.

[0168] Next, the minimum gray level is subtracted from the converted gray value of each TUA to obtain the remaining values ​​(0.558, 0,0), (0, 0.458, 0), and (0, 0, 0.275); at this point, the adjusted brightness v is obtained by compensating all the remaining values ​​to PXL2. Furthermore, TUA1 to TUA3 are now each displayed at the minimum gray level.

[0169]

[0170] Next, considering that one PXL2 corresponds to 3 TUAs, N=4, and therefore, the backlight of the second display area DA2 can be set to four times that of the first display area DA1. Thus, a further corrected brightness v can be obtained:

[0171]

[0172] Next, the brightness v can be reverse-converted using the OETF formula to obtain the output grayscale level:

[0173]

[0174] Figure 16 This is a view showing the first and second display areas according to another embodiment of this specification. Figure 17 This is a view showing the eleventh and twelfth display areas according to another embodiment of this specification. Figure 18 This is a view showing the eleventh pixel group according to another embodiment of this specification.

[0175] Reference Figures 16 to 18 According to another embodiment of the present specification, the display device may include different eleventh display areas DA11 and twelfth display areas DA12 in the second display area DA2, and include a boundary area BA around the second display area DA2. Figure 17 The eleventh display area DA11 and the twelfth display area DA12 shown in the figure each represent a unit area of ​​the same size.

[0176] According to another embodiment, the number of second pixels PXL2 can gradually decrease from the portion where the second display area DA2 intersects with the boundary area BA towards its center. The twelfth display area DA12 can be positioned closer to the boundary area BA than the eleventh display area DA11. The eleventh display area DA11 and the twelfth display area DA12 can comprise unit areas at different locations within the second display area DA2. The number of second pixels PXL2 included in the eleventh display area DA11 can be less than the number of second pixels PXL2 included in the twelfth display area DA12. The eleventh display area DA11 and the twelfth display area DA12 can comprise different pixel groups. Therefore, within the same unit area, the number of second pixels PXL2 and the number of individual pixels in the eleventh display area DA11 and the twelfth display area DA12 can be different.

[0177] The eleventh display area DA11 can be an area in which the second pixel PXL2 and the first transmissive portion TA1 are repeatedly disposed. The twelfth display area DA12 can be an area in which the second pixel PXL2 and the second transmissive portion TA2 are repeatedly disposed. The first transmissive portion TA1 can have a significantly larger area than the second transmissive portion TA2. The first transmissive portion TA1 and the second transmissive portion TA2 can each include a plurality of individual pixels. The number of individual pixels disposed in the first transmissive portion TA1 can be greater than the number of individual pixels disposed in the second transmissive portion TA2.

[0178] You can repeat the settings in the twelfth display area DA12. Figure 5 The second pixel group UA2.

[0179] The eleventh pixel group UA11 can be repeatedly set in the eleventh display area DA11. The eleventh pixel group UA11 includes a second pixel PXL2 and five single pixels, such as the first single pixel to the fifth single pixel TUA1, TUA2, TUA3, TUA4 and TUA5.

[0180] In this case, it can be based on Figure 11 In the compensation algorithm, different N values ​​are applied to the eleventh display area DA11 and the twelfth display area DA12. According to Equation 2 above, N can be set to 6 in the eleventh display area DA11 and N can be set to 4 in the twelfth display area DA12, thereby calculating the gray level through the compensation algorithm.

[0181] The display device according to another embodiment of this specification is not limited thereto, and when there are multiple display areas with different pixel groups in the second display area DA2, a different N value can be applied to each of the display areas.

[0182] Figure 19This is a view used to describe a method for compensating the brightness of the boundary region BA according to another embodiment of this specification. Figure 19 In the diagram, the x-axis represents the position of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, and the y-axis represents the relative brightness value (%).

[0183] Reference Figure 19 The boundary region BA may be included in the first display region DA1. The boundary region BA may be set around the second display region DA2. For example, the boundary region BA may be set along the periphery of the second display region DA2.

[0184] The first display area DA1 may have the same pixel arrangement as the boundary area BA and the area excluding the boundary area BA. However, the boundary area BA may be smoothed to prevent discernible brightness differences that may arise due to density differences in the pixels (first pixel, second pixel, color pixel) in which color filters for the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are disposed.

[0185] The smoothing process can gradually change the brightness of the first pixel PXL1 as it moves closer to the second display area DA2 in the boundary region BA. That is, the smoothing process can change the grayscale level in units of the first pixel group UA1 as the first pixel PXL1 in the boundary region BA moves closer to the second display area DA2.

[0186] according to Figure 19 The display device described in this specification can be configured such that the second light source module, which supplies light to the second display area DA2 in the previous embodiment, also supplies light to the boundary area BA, thereby smoothing the control of the brightness of the boundary area BA. For example, according to Figure 19 The second light source module in this specification can overlap with both the second display area DA2 and the boundary area BA. Therefore, according to Figure 19 The display device described in this manual can adjust the brightness of the boundary area BA to the same level as the second display area DA2.

[0187] Reference Figure 19 The first display area DA1 may include pixels 1-1a, 1-2b, 1-3c, and 1-4d in each first pixel group UA1. The second display area DA2 may include a second pixel 1a' and first to third single pixels 1b', 1c', and 1d' in each second pixel group UA2. The area and number of pixels of the first pixel group UA1 may be determined based on the area and number of pixels corresponding to the second pixel group UA2.

[0188] The compensation intensity I2 of the boundary region BA can vary according to the grayscale level I1 of the first to third individual pixels 1b', 1c', and 1d' of the second pixel group UA2. Here, the second pixel group UA2, which is compared with the boundary region BA, can be set in the second display area DA2 adjacent to the boundary region BA.

[0189] The compensation intensity I2 of the boundary region BA can be inversely proportional to the gray levels I1 of the first to third individual pixels 1b', 1c', and 1d' of the second pixel group UA2. For example, as the gray levels I1 of the first to third individual pixels 1b', 1c', and 1d' of the second pixel group UA2 increase (in the high direction of I1), the compensation intensity I2 of the boundary region BA can decrease (in the low direction of I2).

[0190] When the gray level I1 of the first to third individual pixels 1b', 1c', and 1d' of the second pixel group UA2 is at its maximum value (high I1), the boundary region BA can maintain the same gray level as the first to third individual pixels 1b', 1c', and 1d'. That is, when the gray level I1 of the first to third individual pixels 1b', 1c', and 1d' is at its maximum value (high I1), compensation that makes the gray level of the boundary region BA different for each region is not required. In this case, since the second display region DA2 has enhanced image performance, the boundary line at the point where the second display region DA2 intersects with the boundary region BA can be almost imperceptible.

[0191] As the gray levels I1 of the first to third single pixels 1b', 1c', and 1d' decrease, the gray level of the boundary region BA can gradually change as the boundary region BA moves closer to the second display region DA2. In this case, as the boundary region BA moves closer to the second display region DA2, the boundary region BA can gradually increase (in the d1 direction) the gray level of pixel 1a corresponding to the second pixel 1a' of the second pixel group UA2. Conversely, as the boundary region BA moves closer to the second display region DA2, the boundary region BA can gradually decrease (in the d2 direction) the gray levels of pixels 1b', 1c', and 1d corresponding to the first to third single pixels 1b', 1c', and 1d' of the second pixel group UA2.

[0192] For example, when the gray level I1 of the first to third single pixels 1b', 1c' and 1d' is at a medium level (medium), in the first pixel group UA1 of the boundary region BA, as pixel 1-1 becomes closer to the second display region DA2, pixel 1-1 can emit a maximum of about 250% brightness, and as pixels 1-2 to 1-4 become closer to the second display region DA2, pixels 1-2 to 1-4 can emit at least about 50% brightness.

[0193] For example, when the gray level I1 of the first to third single pixels 1b', 1c' and 1d' is 0 (low), in the first pixel group UA1 of the boundary region BA, as pixel 1-1 becomes closer to the second display region DA2, pixel 1-1 can emit a maximum of about 400% brightness, and as pixels 1-2 to 1-4 become closer to the second display region DA2, pixels 1-2 to 1-4 can emit at least about 0% brightness.

[0194] As described above, in this specification, the image performance achieved through the compensation algorithm can be improved as the color approaches achromatic. In contrast, since colored images have relatively low performance, the boundary line between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 can be identified. Therefore, the display device of this specification according to one embodiment can prevent the identification of the boundary line due to the brightness difference between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 through smoothing processing.

[0195] Figure 20 The screen shown is displayed before the compensation algorithm of this specification is applied according to one implementation scheme (see [link]). Figure 20 A) and the subsequent screen (see Figure 20 Image B).

[0196] Reference Figure 20 Before applying the compensation algorithm (see...) Figure 20 (A) It can be seen that the image in the second display area DA2 has slightly lower performance than the other display areas. Furthermore, it can be seen that the second display area DA2 has a distinct edge where it meets other display areas.

[0197] After applying any or more of the compensation algorithms in this disclosure (see...) Figure 20 (B) It can be seen that the image in the second display area DA2 has an improved image performance that is almost comparable to that of other display areas. This is in contrast to the situation after applying the compensation algorithm (see...). Figure 20In B), no compensation was performed for the boundary region; instead, only the compensation algorithm for the second display region DA2 was applied. However, it can be seen that the boundary between the second display region DA2 and other display regions is almost indistinguishable.

[0198] According to one embodiment of the present specification, a display device may include: a display panel including a first display area comprising a plurality of first pixels and a second display area comprising a plurality of second pixels and a plurality of single pixels; and a sensor receiving light through the second display area, wherein the second display area operates in a sensing mode in which light is incident on the sensor and in a display mode in which an image is displayed, and in the display mode, the plurality of single pixels have different gray levels.

[0199] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, wherein in a display mode, a plurality of single pixels have gray levels that are the same as or different from the gray levels of a plurality of second pixels.

[0200] In a display device according to one embodiment of this specification, each of a plurality of single pixels may include a plurality of sub-single pixels, and in a display mode, each of the plurality of sub-single pixels may have the same gray level.

[0201] In a display device according to one embodiment of this specification, the display device may include a system unit for transmitting control signals to pixels, and each of the plurality of single pixels may include a plurality of sub-single pixels, and in a display mode, the plurality of sub-single pixels may receive one or more different gray levels as input and output the minimum value of one or more different gray levels.

[0202] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, a second display area may include a first pixel group comprising at least one second pixel and at least one single pixel, and in a display mode, the first pixel group may compensate at least one second pixel for the difference between a gray level input to at least one single pixel and a gray level output from at least one single pixel.

[0203] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, each of the plurality of second pixels may include a plurality of color pixels, each of the plurality of color pixels may correspond to one of the plurality of sub-pixels, and in a display mode, the first pixel group may compensate the plurality of corresponding color pixels for the differences between the plurality of sub-pixels.

[0204] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, the first display area may further include a boundary area disposed around the second display area, and the gray levels of a plurality of first pixels disposed in the boundary area may gradually change as the plurality of first pixels become closer to the second display area.

[0205] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, as a plurality of first pixels move closer to a second display area, the gray level of the plurality of first pixels in the boundary region changes inversely to the gray level of the plurality of single pixels in the second display area.

[0206] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, a second display area may include a first pixel group comprising at least one second pixel and at least one single pixel, and a boundary area may include a second pixel group corresponding to the first pixel group comprising a plurality of first pixels. The gray level of the first pixel in the second pixel group corresponding to at least one second pixel may gradually increase as the first pixel moves closer to the second display area, and the gray level of the first pixel in the second pixel group corresponding to at least one single pixel may gradually decrease as the first pixel moves closer to the second display area.

[0207] In a display device according to one embodiment of this specification, when the gray level of a plurality of single pixels disposed in a second display area adjacent to a boundary area is at its maximum value, a plurality of first pixels disposed in the boundary area may have the same gray level as the plurality of single pixels.

[0208] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, the second display area may further include a 2-1 display area and a 2-2 display area configured to be closer to the first display area than the 2-1 display area. The 2-1 display area may include a 1-1 pixel group containing at least one second pixel and at least one single pixel, and the 2-2 display area may include a 1-2 pixel group containing at least one second pixel and at least one single pixel. The total number of second pixels and single pixels in the 1-1 pixel group and the 1-2 pixel group may be different.

[0209] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, the number of individual pixels in pixel group 1-1 of display area 2-1 is greater than the number of individual pixels in pixel group 1-2 of display area 2-2.

[0210] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, the display device may further include a first light source module supplying light to a first display area and a second light source module supplying light to a second display area, and the brightness of the second light source module may be greater than the brightness of the first light source module.

[0211] In a display device according to one embodiment of this specification, wherein, in a second display area, when the number of individual pixels is N times the number of second pixels, the brightness of the second light source module is greater than or equal to N times the brightness of the first light source module; where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 1.

[0212] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, the display device may further include a color filter, and the color filter may be disposed in a plurality of first pixels and second pixels, and may not be disposed in a single pixel.

[0213] According to one embodiment of the present specification, a display device includes: a first display area including a first pixel and a single pixel; and a system unit for transmitting control signals to the first pixel and the single pixel, wherein the system unit calculates a first correction value for a first gray level based on image data corresponding to the first pixel, calculates a second correction value for a second gray level based on image data corresponding to the single pixel, and compensates for the first gray level for the difference between the second gray level and the second correction value during the calculation of the first correction value.

[0214] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, a sensor configured to receive light through a display area is also included, wherein the display area comprises a plurality of individual pixels and operates in a sensing mode or a display mode, wherein light is incident on the sensor in the sensing mode, an image is displayed in the display mode, and wherein, in the display mode, the plurality of individual pixels have different second correction values.

[0215] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, each of a plurality of single pixels includes a plurality of sub-single pixels, and in a display mode, the plurality of sub-single pixels have the same or different second gray levels and have the same second correction value.

[0216] In a display device according to one embodiment of this specification, the second correction value of a plurality of sub-pixels is the minimum value among the same or different second gray levels.

[0217] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, wherein the display area includes a first pixel group comprising one or more first pixels and a plurality of single pixels; and a system unit compensates for the first gray level with the difference between the second gray level of each of the plurality of single pixels and the second correction value during the calculation of the first correction value.

[0218] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, one or more first pixels include a plurality of color pixels each having a first gray level, the plurality of single pixels include a plurality of sub-single pixels each having a second gray level and corresponding to the plurality of color pixels, and the system unit compensates for the difference between the second gray level of the sub-single pixel corresponding to the first gray level and the second correction value during the calculation process of a first correction value for one or more first pixels.

[0219] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, the display device includes: a display panel, the display panel including a first display area and a second display area, the first display area including a plurality of first color pixels configured to display an image, the second display area including a plurality of second color pixels configured to display an image, wherein the arrangement density of the second color pixels is lower than the arrangement density of the first color pixels, and the brightness of the plurality of second color pixels in the second display area is changed by a compensation algorithm to have a similar performance to that of the first display area.

[0220] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, the second display area further includes a number of individual pixels equal to or greater than the number of second color pixels, and the individual pixels display the same or different gray levels to compensate for the loss of expressiveness caused by the lower arrangement density of the second color pixels.

[0221] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, the compensation algorithm includes: calculating a first correction value for a first gray level based on image data corresponding to each of a plurality of second color pixels; calculating a second correction value for a second gray level based on image data corresponding to each of a plurality of single pixels; and compensating the first gray level with the difference between the second gray level and the second correction value during the calculation of the first correction value, thereby obtaining the brightness of the second color pixel after the change.

[0222] In a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification, a first display area is disposed around a second display area, and the first display area has a first light source, the second display area has a second light source, and the first light source and the second light source do not overlap each other, and light is incident on a sensor of the display device through the position of a single pixel in which the second display area is disposed.

[0223] According to one embodiment of the display device described herein, a full-screen display with improved imaging area performance in display mode can be achieved.

[0224] Furthermore, the display device according to one embodiment of this specification can minimize the discrepancy in brightness between different display areas.

[0225] The effects of this specification are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art to which the technical concept of this specification pertains can clearly understand other effects not described above based on the above description.

[0226] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure are not intended to limit the technical spirit of this disclosure, but are intended to describe or illustrate it, and the scope of the technical spirit of this disclosure is not limited by these embodiments.

[0227] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure are not intended to limit the technical spirit of this disclosure, but are intended to illustrate it, and the scope of the technical spirit of this disclosure is not limited by these embodiments.

[0228] Therefore, the above implementation scheme should be understood as exemplary in all respects, rather than restrictive.

[0229] Therefore, the above implementation plan should be understood as illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: The display panel includes a first display area and a second display area, wherein the first display area includes a plurality of first pixels and the second display area includes a plurality of second pixels and a plurality of single pixels; as well as A sensor configured to receive light through the second display area. The second display area operates in either a sensing mode or a display mode, wherein light is incident on the sensor in the sensing mode and an image is displayed in the display mode. In the display mode, the plurality of individual pixels have different gray levels.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein in the display mode, the plurality of single pixels have the same or different gray levels as the plurality of second pixels.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of single pixels comprises a plurality of sub-single pixels, and In the display mode, each of the plurality of sub-pixels has the same gray level.

4. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a system unit configured to transmit control signals to the pixels. Each of the plurality of single pixels includes a plurality of sub-single pixels, and In the display mode, the system unit inputs one or more different gray levels to the plurality of sub-pixels and outputs the smallest gray level among the one or more different gray levels.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the second display area comprises a second pixel group, the second pixel group comprising one or more of the second pixels and one or more of the single pixels, and In the display mode, the second pixel group compensates for the one or more second pixels by the difference between the gray level input to the one or more individual pixels and the minimum gray level.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of second pixels comprises a plurality of color pixels. Each of the plurality of color pixels corresponds to one of the plurality of sub-pixels, and In the display mode, the second pixel group compensates for the difference between the plurality of sub-pixels with the plurality of corresponding color pixels.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first display area further includes a boundary area disposed around the second display area, and The grayscale level of the plurality of first pixels set in the boundary region gradually changes as the plurality of first pixels move closer to the second display area.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, As the plurality of first pixels move closer to the second display area, the gray level of the plurality of first pixels set in the boundary area changes inversely to the gray level of the plurality of single pixels in the second display area.

9. The display device of claim 7, wherein the second display area comprises a second pixel group, the second pixel group comprising one or more of the second pixels and one or more of the single pixels. The boundary region includes a first pixel group corresponding to the second pixel group, which contains a plurality of first pixels. In the first pixel group, the gray level of the first pixel corresponding to the one or more second pixels gradually increases as the first pixel moves closer to the second display area, and In the first pixel group, the gray level of the first pixel corresponding to the one or more single pixels gradually decreases as the first pixel moves closer to the second display area.

10. The display device according to claim 7, wherein in the display mode, when the gray level of a single pixel disposed adjacent to the boundary region is at its maximum value, the gray level of the plurality of first pixels disposed in the boundary region is the same as the gray level of the plurality of single pixels.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the second display area further comprises a 2-1 display area and a 2-2 display area disposed closer to the first display area than the 2-1 display area. The 2-1 display area includes a 1-1 pixel group, wherein the 1-1 pixel group comprises one or more of the second pixel and one or more of the single pixel. The 2-2 display area includes a 1-2 pixel group, wherein the 1-2 pixel group comprises one or more of the second pixel and one or more of the single pixel, and The total number of second pixels and single pixels differs in the 1-1 pixel group and the 1-2 pixel group.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the number of individual pixels in the pixel group 1-1 in the 2-1 display area is greater than the number of individual pixels in the pixel group 1-2 in the 2-2 display area.

13. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A first light source module, configured to supply light to the first display area; as well as The second light source module is configured to supply light to the second display area. In the second display area, when the number of single pixels is N times the number of second pixels, the brightness of the second light source module is greater than or equal to N times the brightness of the first light source module, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 1.

14. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a color filter, The color filter is disposed on the plurality of first pixels and the plurality of second pixels, but not on the plurality of single pixels.

15. A display device, comprising: The display area includes a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of single pixels; as well as System unit, configured to transmit control signals to the plurality of first pixels and the plurality of single pixels, The system unit calculates a first correction value for the first gray level based on image data corresponding to each of the plurality of first pixels. Calculate a second correction value for the second gray level based on the image data corresponding to each of the plurality of single pixels, and During the calculation of the first correction value, the first gray level is compensated by the difference between the second gray level and the second correction value.

16. The display device of claim 15, further comprising a sensor configured to receive light through the display area. The display area comprises the plurality of single pixels and operates in either a sensing mode or a display mode, wherein light is incident on the sensor in the sensing mode and an image is displayed in the display mode. In the display mode, the second correction value of the plurality of individual pixels is different.

17. The display device of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of single pixels comprises a plurality of sub-single pixels, and In the display mode, the plurality of sub-pixels have the same or different second gray levels and the same second correction value.

18. The display device of claim 17, wherein the second correction value of the plurality of sub-pixels is the minimum value among the same or different second gray levels.

19. The display device of claim 15, wherein the display area comprises a first pixel group, the first pixel group comprising one or more of the first pixel and the plurality of single pixels, and During the calculation of the first correction value, the system unit compensates for the first gray level with the difference between the second gray level of each of the plurality of individual pixels and the second correction value.

20. The display device of claim 19, wherein the one or more first pixels comprise a plurality of color pixels each having a first gray level. The plurality of single pixels includes a plurality of sub-single pixels, each having a second gray level and corresponding to the plurality of color pixels, and The system unit compensates for the difference between the second gray level of the sub-pixel corresponding to the first gray level and the second correction value during the calculation process of the first correction value of one or more first pixels.

Images