Image processing device, operating method of image processing device and storage medium

Abstract

An image processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an external device interface for receiving an image signal from an external device; and a processor for detecting an input frequency of the image signal, and when a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) function is activated, acquiring a change amount of the input frequency, and when the acquired change amount is greater than or equal to a certain value and the number of times the change amount is detected greater than or equal to a certain value is greater than or equal to a certain number of times, adjusting the output frequency of the image signal based on the input frequency.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing device, and more specifically, to an image processing device capable of improving flicker. Background Technology

[0002] A display device for playing game videos can display more scenes in the same amount of time than a display device operating at a refresh rate of 60Hz.

[0003] Users can experience a much smoother screen as the refresh rate increases, and high refresh rates are required in games that demand fast response times.

[0004] When a video signal with a large frequency variation is repeatedly input to a display device, the user perceives it as flicker.

[0005] Prior art patent publication KR 2019-0069667 discloses a configuration that prevents degradation of display quality by changing the brightness of an image displayed on a display panel according to the changed operating frequency when the operating frequency is changed.

[0006] However, in the prior art patent documents, since luminance compensation results in a delay of 2 to 3 frames, there is still a problem where flicker occurs in game video where the frequency is varied in real time. The problem to be solved

[0007] The purpose of the present disclosure is to improve flicker by adjusting the periodically repeated input frequency when a video signal with a large range of change in input frequency is input while the VRR function is activated.

[0008] The purpose of the present disclosure may be to analyze the frame rate pattern in which flicker occurs upon activation of the VRR function, and to suppress the occurrence of flicker while maintaining the original intent of the VRR function by adjusting the output frequency according to the analysis result. means of solving the problem

[0009] An image processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an external device interface for receiving an image signal from an external device; and a processor for detecting an input frequency of the image signal, and when a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) function is activated, acquiring a change amount of the input frequency, and when the acquired change amount is greater than or equal to a certain value and the number of times the change amount is detected greater than or equal to a certain value is greater than or equal to a certain number of times, adjusting the output frequency of the image signal based on the input frequency.

[0010] A method of operation of an image processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: receiving an image signal from an external device; detecting an input frequency of the image signal; obtaining a change amount of the input frequency when a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) function is activated; and adjusting the output frequency of the image signal based on the input frequency when the obtained change amount is greater than or equal to a certain value and the number of times the change amount is detected greater than or equal to a certain value is greater than or equal to a certain number of times.

[0011] In a computer-readable inactive recording medium having a program for performing a method of operation of an image processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method of operation may include: receiving an image signal from an external device; detecting an input frequency of the image signal; obtaining a change amount of the input frequency when a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) function is activated; and adjusting the output frequency of the image signal based on the input frequency when the obtained change amount is greater than or equal to a certain value and the number of times the change amount is detected greater than or equal to a certain value is greater than or equal to a certain number of times. Effects of the invention

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a video signal with a large range of change in input frequency is input while the VRR function is activated, flicker can be improved by adjusting the input frequency that is periodically repeated.

[0013] In addition, users may not experience discomfort while watching videos due to improvements in flicker, and anxiety about flicker may be relieved.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by analyzing the frame rate pattern in which flicker occurs upon activation of the VRR function and adjusting the output frequency according to the analysis result, the occurrence of flicker can be suppressed while maintaining the original purpose of the VRR function. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of an image processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation method of an image processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 5 to 8 are drawings illustrating a process of adjusting an output frequency based on an input frequency that is periodically changed according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 9 and 10 are tables showing the difference in brightness according to the input frequency when the VRR function is disabled and when the VRR function is enabled. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments related to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The suffixes "module" and "part" for components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently have distinct meanings or roles.

[0017] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is, for example, an intelligent display device that adds computer support functions to a broadcast reception function. While faithful to the broadcast reception function, it also adds internet functions, and can be equipped with a more user-friendly interface such as a handwriting input device, a touch screen, or a spatial remote control. Furthermore, by supporting wired or wireless internet functions, it can be connected to the internet and a computer, and can perform functions such as email, web browsing, banking, or games. A standardized general-purpose OS may be used for these various functions.

[0018] Accordingly, the display device described in the present invention allows various applications to be freely added or removed, for example, on a general-purpose OS kernel, thereby enabling various user-friendly functions to be performed. More specifically, the display device may be, for example, a network TV, HBB TV, smart TV, LED TV, OLED TV, etc., and may also be applicable to smartphones depending on the circumstances.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, the display device (100) may include a broadcast receiver (130), an external device interface (135), a memory (140), a user input interface (150), a controller (170), a wireless communication interface (173), a display (180), a speaker (185), and a power supply circuit (190).

[0021] The broadcast receiver (130) may include a tuner (131), a demodulator (132), and a network interface (133).

[0022] The tuner (131) can tune to a specific broadcast channel according to a channel tuning command. The tuner (131) can receive a broadcast signal for the tuned specific broadcast channel.

[0023] The demodulator (132) can separate the received broadcast signal into a video signal, an audio signal, and a data signal related to the broadcast program, and can restore the separated video signal, audio signal, and data signal into a form that can be output.

[0024] The external device interface (135) can receive an application or a list of applications within an adjacent external device and transmit it to the controller (170) or memory (140).

[0025] The external device interface (135) can provide a connection path between the display device (100) and an external device. The external device interface (135) can receive one or more of video and audio output from an external device connected to the display device (100) wirelessly or via a wired connection, and transmit them to the controller (170). The external device interface (135) may include a plurality of external input terminals. The plurality of external input terminals may include an RGB terminal, one or more HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) terminals, and a component terminal.

[0026] The video signal of an external device input through the external device interface (135) can be output through the display (180). The audio signal of an external device input through the external device interface (135) can be output through the speaker (185).

[0027] The external device that can be connected to the external device interface (135) may be any one of a set-top box, Blu-ray player, DVD player, game console, soundbar, smartphone, PC, USB memory, or home theater, but this is merely an example.

[0028] The network interface (133) may provide an interface for connecting the display device (100) to a wired / wireless network including the Internet network. The network interface (133) may transmit or receive data to or from other users or other electronic devices through the connected network or another network linked to the connected network.

[0029] In addition, some of the content data stored in the display device (100) can be transmitted to another user or other electronic device selected among other users or other electronic devices that are previously registered in the display device (100).

[0030] The network interface (133) can access a specific web page through a connected network or another network linked to the connected network. That is, it can access a specific web page through a network and transmit or receive data with the corresponding server.

[0031] Additionally, the network interface (133) can receive content or data provided by a content provider or network operator. That is, the network interface (133) can receive content such as movies, advertisements, games, VOD, broadcast signals, and related information provided by a content provider or network provider through a network.

[0032] Additionally, the network interface (133) can receive firmware update information and update files provided by the network operator, and can transmit data to the internet or a content provider or network operator.

[0033] The network interface (133) can select and receive a desired application among the applications that are open to the public through the network.

[0034] The memory (140) can store a program for each signal processing and control within the controller (170), and can store a signal-processed image, voice, or data signal.

[0035] Additionally, the memory (140) may perform the function of temporarily storing video, audio, or data signals input from an external device interface (135) or a network interface (133), and may also store information regarding a predetermined image through a channel memory function.

[0036] The memory (140) can store an application or a list of applications input from an external device interface (135) or a network interface (133).

[0037] The display device (100) can play content files (video files, still image files, music files, document files, application files, etc.) stored in memory (140) and provide them to the user.

[0038] The user input interface (150) can transmit a signal input by the user to the controller (170) or transmit a signal from the controller (170) to the user. For example, the user input interface (150) can receive and process control signals such as power on / off, channel selection, and screen setting from a remote control device according to various communication methods such as Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband (WB), ZigBee, Radio Frequency (RF) communication, or Infrared (IR) communication, or process control signals from the controller (170) to be transmitted to the remote control device.

[0039] Additionally, the user input interface (150) can transmit control signals input from local keys (not shown), such as power key, channel key, volume key, and setting value, to the controller (170).

[0040] The image signal processed by the controller (170) can be input to the display (180) and displayed as an image corresponding to the image signal. Additionally, the image signal processed by the controller (170) can be input to an external output device through the external device interface (135).

[0041] The voice signal processed by the controller (170) can be output as audio to the speaker (185). Additionally, the voice signal processed by the controller (170) can be input to an external output device through the external device interface (135).

[0042] In addition, the controller (170) can control the overall operation within the display device (100).

[0043] Additionally, the controller (170) can control the display device (100) by means of user commands or internal programs entered through the user input interface (150), and can connect to a network to allow the user to download an application or a list of applications desired by the user into the display device (100).

[0044] The controller (170) enables the processed video or audio signal, such as channel information selected by the user, to be output through the display (180) or speaker (185).

[0045] Additionally, the controller (170) enables a video signal or audio signal from an external device, such as a camera or camcorder, input through the external device interface (135) according to an external device video playback command received through the user input interface (150), to be output through the display (180) or speaker (185).

[0046] Meanwhile, the controller (170) can control the display (180) to display video, for example, broadcast video input through the tuner (131), external input video input through the external device interface (135), video input through the network interface, or video stored in the memory (140) can be controlled to be displayed on the display (180). In this case, the video displayed on the display (180) may be a still image or a video, and may be a 2D image or a 3D image.

[0047] Additionally, the controller (170) can control the playback of content stored in the display device (100), received broadcast content, or external input content input from the outside, and the content may be in various forms such as broadcast video, external input video, audio file, still image, connected web screen, and document file.

[0048] The wireless communication interface (173) can communicate with an external device via wired or wireless communication. The wireless communication interface (173) can perform short-range communication with an external device. To this end, the wireless communication interface (173) can support short-range communication by using at least one of Bluetooth™, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless Universal Serial Bus (Wireless USB) technologies. Such wireless communication interface (173) can support wireless communication between the display device (100) and a wireless communication system, between the display device (100) and another display device (100), or between the display device (100) and a network where the display device (100, or an external server) is located, through wireless area networks. Short-range wireless communication networks can be Wireless Personal Area Networks.

[0049] Here, another display device (100) may be a mobile terminal such as a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch, smart glass, HMD (head mounted display)), a smartphone, etc., capable of exchanging data with (or interacting with) the display device (100) according to the present invention. The wireless communication interface (173) may detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communicating around the display device (100).

[0050] Furthermore, if the detected wearable device is a device authenticated to communicate with the display device (100) according to the present invention, the controller (170) can transmit at least a portion of the data processed in the display device (100) to the wearable device through the wireless communication interface (173). Accordingly, the user of the wearable device can use the data processed in the display device (100) through the wearable device.

[0051] The display (180) can generate a driving signal by converting the video signal, data signal, OSD signal processed by the controller (170) or the video signal, data signal, etc. received from the external device interface (135) into R, G, and B signals, respectively.

[0052] Meanwhile, since the display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely an embodiment of the present invention, some of the illustrated components may be integrated, added, or omitted depending on the specifications of the actual implemented display device (100).

[0053] That is, as needed, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be subdivided into two or more components. In addition, the functions performed in each block are intended to explain embodiments of the present invention, and the specific operations or devices thereof do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0054] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the display device (100) may receive and play video through a network interface (133) or an external device interface (135) without having a tuner (131) and a demodulator (132), unlike as shown in FIG. 1.

[0055] For example, the display device (100) may be implemented by separating it into a video processing device, such as a set-top box, for receiving broadcast signals or content according to various network services, and a content playback device for playing content input from the video processing device.

[0056] In this case, the operation method of the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention described below may be performed not only by the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 1, but also by any one of the image processing device such as the separated set-top box, or a content playback device having a display (180) and a speaker (185).

[0057] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of an image processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, the image processing system (2) may include a display device (100) and an external device (200).

[0059] An external device (200) can be connected through an external device interface (135) of a display device (100). The display device (100) can receive at least one of a video signal or an audio signal from the external device (200) through the external device interface (135).

[0060] The external device (200) can be any one of a game console, a set-top box, a DVD player, or a home theater.

[0061] The display device (100) can display an image based on a video signal received from an external device (200) on the display (180).

[0062] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] The display device (100) may include an image processing device (1).

[0064] In one embodiment, the image processing device (1) may be included in the controller (170) of FIG. 1.

[0065] In another embodiment, the image processing device (1) is included in the display device (100), but may be a component provided separately from the controller (170) of FIG. 1.

[0066] The external device interface (135) of the display device (100) can receive a video signal of an input frequency from an external device (200). The external device interface (135) can receive a video signal having an input frequency from one or more HDMI terminals.

[0067] The external device (200) can output a video signal having an input frequency output from a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to the external device interface (135).

[0068] The external device (200) can output a video signal of a changing input frequency. The external device (200) can periodically output a video signal of a first input frequency and a video signal of a second input frequency smaller than the first input frequency.

[0069] The external device (200) can output a video signal of a first input frequency during a first time interval, output a video signal of a second input frequency during a second time interval following the first time interval, output a video signal of a first input frequency during a third time interval following the second time interval, and output a video signal of a second input frequency during a fourth time interval following the third time interval.

[0070] The image processing device (1) may include a frequency detector (11), a frequency regulator (12), and a processor (13). The image processing device (1) may further include an external device interface (135).

[0071] The frequency detector (11) can detect the input frequency of the video signal received by the external device interface (135).

[0072] In one embodiment, the frequency detector (11) can detect the input frequency of the video signal by measuring the frame rate of the video signal.

[0073] In another embodiment, the frequency detector (11) can detect the input frequency of the video signal by parsing metadata received along with the video signal from an external device (200). The metadata may include detailed information such as the frame rate of the video signal.

[0074] In another embodiment, the frequency detector (11) can detect the input frequency of the video signal through various software tools.

[0075] The processor (13) can control the overall operation of the image processing device (1).

[0076] When the VRR function is enabled, the processor (13) can measure the amount of change in the input frequency of the video signal. The processor (13) can determine whether the amount of change in the input frequency is greater than or equal to a certain value.

[0077] The processor (13) can determine whether the number of times the change in input frequency is detected as being greater than or equal to a certain value is greater than or equal to a certain number of times. The number of times may be 10, but this is merely an example.

[0078] The processor (13) can adjust the output frequency output to the display (180) based on the input frequency of the video signal when the amount of change in the input frequency is greater than a certain value and the number of detections is greater than a certain number.

[0079] The processor (13) can increase or decrease the output frequency output to the display (180) based on the input frequency of the video signal when the amount of change of the input frequency is greater than a certain value and the number of detections is greater than a certain number.

[0080] The frequency adjuster (12) can adjust the output frequency of the video signal to a frequency determined by the processor (13) and can output the video signal of the adjusted output frequency to the display (180).

[0081] The frequency adjuster (12) can transmit a video signal of an output frequency determined by a timing controller provided in the display (180). The timing controller may be hardware that manages the synchronization of the driving time of the display (180) and the data signal.

[0082] The display (180) may be either a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.

[0083] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation method of an image processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Referring to Fig. 4, The processor (13) of the image processing device (1) can detect the input frequency of the image signal received from the external device (200) (S401).

[0085] In one embodiment, the processor (13) can detect the input frequency of the video signal by measuring the frame rate of the video signal.

[0086] In another embodiment, the processor (13) can detect the input frequency of the video signal by parsing metadata received along with the video signal from an external device (200). The metadata may include detailed information such as the frame rate of the video signal.

[0087] The processor (13) can determine whether the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) function is enabled (S403).

[0088] The VRR function may be a function that dynamically adjusts the refresh rate (or refresh rate) of the screen. The VRR function may be a function that adjusts the output frequency of the video signal output to the display (180) to match the changing input frequency as the input frequency of the video signal received from the external device (200) changes. Depending on the VRR function, the video can be played more smoothly and without interruption.

[0089] The VRR function may be enabled or disabled depending on user settings.

[0090] When the VRR function is not enabled, the processor (13) can output a video signal of the first output frequency (S405).

[0091] When the VRR function is not enabled, the processor (13) can output a video signal of the first output frequency to the display (180). The first output frequency may be the output frequency set as default. The first output frequency may be a frequency set regardless of the input frequency.

[0092] The output frequency may be the frequency of the image signal that the image processing device (1) outputs to the display (180).

[0093] When the VRR function is enabled, the processor (13) can determine whether the amount of change in the input frequency is greater than a certain value (S407).

[0094] The processor (13) can alternately receive the image signal in a high frequency range having a first input frequency or the image signal in a low frequency range having a second input frequency.

[0095] The processor (13) can obtain the difference between the first input frequency and the second input frequency as a change amount.

[0096] The input frequency of the video signal received from the external device (200) may be a first input frequency or a second input frequency smaller than the first input frequency.

[0097] The image processing device (1) can receive an image signal that is changed from a first input frequency to a second input frequency and then changed back to the first input frequency. That is, the input frequency of the image signal can be changed periodically.

[0098] The first input frequency of the video signal may be 144Hz and the second input frequency may be 48Hz, but this is merely an example.

[0099] If the external device (200) is a game console, the external device (200) can transmit a variable frequency video signal to the video processing device (1) for playback of dynamic video.

[0100] The value can be 50, but this is just an example.

[0101] When the amount of change in the input frequency is greater than a certain value, the processor (13) can determine whether the number of times the amount of change is detected is greater than a certain value is greater than a certain number (S409).

[0102] The number of times may be 10, but this is merely an example figure.

[0103] When the processor (13) determines that the number of detections is greater than a certain number, it can adjust the output frequency to a second output frequency based on the input frequency of the video signal (S411).

[0104] The greater the change in input frequency, the better the user can perceive the flicker. Flicker may be caused by periodic changes in input frequency. The repetition of changes in input frequency may be caused by abnormal operation of the graphics card of the external device (200) or a program installed within the external device (200).

[0105] The processor (13) can determine an output frequency different from the input frequency even if the VRR function is enabled to suppress the occurrence of flicker.

[0106] It is assumed that the input frequency of the video signal consists of a first input frequency and a second input frequency smaller than the first input frequency, which are repeated periodically.

[0107] In one embodiment, the processor (13) can determine the output frequency of the image signal corresponding to the second input frequency among the first input frequency and the second input frequency as the first input frequency.

[0108] In another example, the processor (13) can determine the output frequency of the video signal corresponding to the second input frequency to be as close as possible to the first input frequency.

[0109] In another example, the processor (13) can determine the output frequency of the image signal corresponding to the second input frequency to be a value increased by two or three times the second input frequency.

[0110] In another embodiment, the processor (13) can determine the output frequency of the image signal corresponding to the first input frequency among the first input frequency and the second input frequency as the second input frequency.

[0111] In another example, the processor (13) can determine the output frequency of the image signal corresponding to the first input frequency to be as close as possible to the second input frequency.

[0112] In another example, the processor (13) can determine the output frequency of the image signal corresponding to the first input frequency to be a value reduced by half or one-third of the first input frequency.

[0113] The processor (13) can output a video signal of a second output frequency (S413).

[0114] When the processor (13) adjusts the output frequency corresponding to the second input frequency to the first input frequency, it can upsample the video signal of the second input frequency and output the upsampled video signal of the second output frequency to the display (180).

[0115] Upsampling of the video signal may be a method of increasing the output frequency by increasing the number of video frames. The processor (13) may perform upsampling by repeatedly outputting the same video frame.

[0116] Downsampling of the video signal may be a method of reducing the output frequency by reducing the number of video frames. The processor (13) may perform downsampling by deleting some of the video frames and outputting them.

[0117] When the processor (13) adjusts the output frequency corresponding to the first input frequency to the second input frequency, it can downsample the video signal of the first input frequency and output the downsampled video signal of the first output frequency to the display (180).

[0118] Meanwhile, the processor (13) can output a video signal at the same frequency as the input frequency according to the VRR function when the number of detections in which the amount of change is detected to be greater than a certain value is less than a certain number (S415).

[0119] If the number of detections in which the amount of change is detected to be greater than a certain value is less than a certain number, the processor (13) determines that the occurrence of flicker is weak and can determine the same frequency as the input frequency as the output frequency of the video signal.

[0120] In this case, the VRR function can be performed normally.

[0121] In this way, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a video signal with a large range of change in input frequency is input while the VRR function is activated, flicker can be improved by adjusting the input frequency that is periodically repeated.

[0122] With improvements in flicker, users may not experience discomfort while watching videos, and anxiety about flicker may be relieved.

[0123] FIGS. 5 to 8 are drawings illustrating a process of adjusting an output frequency based on an input frequency that is periodically changed according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0124] In the following, it is assumed that the display device (100) has the VRR function enabled.

[0125] In addition, it is assumed that the input frequency of the video signal is such that the first input frequency and the second input frequency are repeated periodically, and the first input frequency is 144Hz and the second input frequency is 48Hz.

[0126] In addition, it is assumed that the amount of change (or difference) between the first input frequency and the second input frequency is greater than a certain value, and that the number of times the amount of change is detected to be greater than a certain value is also greater than a certain number.

[0127] The first input frequency may be referred to as a high frequency, and the second input frequency may be referred to as a low frequency.

[0128] In FIGS. 5 to 8, the image processing device (1) can receive an image signal from an external device (200) that is periodically repeated at input frequencies of 144 Hz and 48 Hz.

[0129] The input frequency of the high frequency range (510) is 144Hz, and the input frequency of the low frequency range (520) may be 48Hz.

[0130] The image signal input to the image processing device (1) may have a high frequency section (510) and a low frequency section (520) that are repeated periodically.

[0131] If the embodiment of the present disclosure is not applied, the image processing device (1) can determine the first input frequency of the image signal as the output frequency according to the VRR function, and if the first input frequency of the image signal is changed to the second input frequency, the changed second input frequency can be determined as the output frequency.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 5, when an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied, the image processing device (1) can upsample the image signal to increase the output frequency corresponding to the image signal in the low frequency range (520) from 48Hz to 144Hz.

[0133] That is, the image processing device (1) can determine the output frequency corresponding to the image signal of the low frequency range (520) to be 144Hz, which is a three-fold increase from 48Hz.

[0134] The image processing device (1) can determine the input frequency of the high frequency range (510) as the output frequency corresponding to the image signal of the low frequency range (520).

[0135] Accordingly, the video signal of the low frequency range (520) can be output to the display (180) at an output frequency adjusted to 144Hz.

[0136] As the video signal of the low frequency range (520) is output at 144Hz, the rapid change in frequency is reduced, so the occurrence of flicker can be suppressed.

[0137] In this way, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a frame rate pattern in which flicker occurs is analyzed in accordance with the activation of the VRR function, and the output frequency is adjusted to the maximum value of the input frequency according to the analysis result, thereby suppressing the occurrence of flicker while maintaining the original purpose of the VRR function.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 6, when an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied, the image processing device (1) can upsample the image signal to increase the output frequency corresponding to the image signal in the low frequency range (520) from 48Hz to 96Hz.

[0139] That is, the image processing device (1) can determine the output frequency corresponding to the image signal of the low frequency range (520) to be 96Hz, which is double the 48Hz.

[0140] The image processing device (1) can determine a frequency (96Hz) close to the input frequency (144Hz) of the high frequency range (510) as the output frequency corresponding to the image signal of the low frequency range (520).

[0141] Accordingly, the video signal of the low frequency range (520) can be output to the display (180) at an output frequency adjusted to 96Hz.

[0142] As the video signal of the low frequency range (520) is output at 96Hz, which is close to the maximum value of the input frequency of 144Hz, the rapid change in frequency is reduced, and the occurrence of flicker can be suppressed.

[0143] In this way, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a frame rate pattern in which flicker occurs upon activation of the VRR function is analyzed, and based on the analysis result, the output frequency is adjusted to a value close to the maximum value of the input frequency, thereby suppressing the occurrence of flicker while maintaining the original purpose of the VRR function.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 7, when an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied, the image processing device (1) can downsample the image signal so as to reduce the output frequency corresponding to the image signal in the high frequency range (510) from 144Hz to 48Hz.

[0145] That is, the image processing device (1) can determine the output frequency corresponding to the image signal of the high frequency range (510) to be 48Hz, which is reduced to 1 / 3 of 144Hz.

[0146] The image processing device (1) can determine the input frequency (48Hz) of the low frequency range (520) as the output frequency corresponding to the image signal of the low frequency range (510).

[0147] Accordingly, the video signal of the high frequency range (510) can be output to the display (180) at an output frequency adjusted to 48Hz.

[0148] As the video signal of the high frequency range (510) is output at 48Hz, which is the minimum value of the input frequency, the rapid change in frequency is reduced, and thus the occurrence of flicker can be suppressed.

[0149] In this way, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a frame rate pattern in which flicker occurs upon activation of the VRR function is analyzed, and the output frequency is adjusted to the minimum value of the input frequency according to the analysis result, thereby suppressing the occurrence of flicker while maintaining the original purpose of the VRR function.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 8, when an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied, the image processing device (1) can downsample the image signal so as to reduce the output frequency corresponding to the image signal in the high frequency range (510) from 144Hz to 48Hz.

[0151] That is, the image processing device (1) can determine the output frequency corresponding to the image signal of the high frequency range (520) to be 72Hz, which is reduced by half from 144Hz.

[0152] The image processing device (1) can determine a frequency (72Hz) close to the input frequency (48Hz) of the low frequency range (520) as the output frequency corresponding to the image signal of the high frequency range (510).

[0153] Accordingly, the video signal of the high frequency range (510) can be output to the display (180) at an output frequency adjusted to 72Hz.

[0154] As the video signal of the high frequency range (510) is output at 96Hz, which is close to the minimum value of the input frequency of 48Hz, the rapid change in frequency is reduced, and thus the occurrence of flicker can be suppressed.

[0155] In this way, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a frame rate pattern in which flicker occurs upon activation of the VRR function is analyzed, and based on the analysis result, the output frequency is adjusted to a value close to the minimum value of the input frequency, thereby suppressing the occurrence of flicker while maintaining the original purpose of the VRR function.

[0156] Figures 9 and 10 are tables showing the difference in brightness according to the input frequency when the VRR function is disabled and when the VRR function is enabled.

[0157] In Fig. 9, the driving frequency is the input frequency of the low frequency range, and it is assumed to be in the range of 25Hz to 120Hz.

[0158] In addition, it is assumed that the input frequency of the high frequency range is 120Hz.

[0159] In addition, if the brightness differs by more than 0.05 nits depending on the change in scene, the user may perceive this as flicker.

[0160] Figure 9 is a table showing the difference in luminance for each driving frequency when the VRR function is disabled and when the VRR function is enabled, based on 10 grayscale, and Figure 10 is a table showing the difference in luminance for each driving frequency when the VRR function is disabled and when the VRR function is enabled, based on 20 grayscale.

[0161] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, when comparing the case where the VRR function is disabled and the case where the VRR function is enabled, it can be seen that when the driving frequency is less than 60Hz, a difference in brightness of 0.05 nits or more occurs.

[0162] Accordingly, the image processing device (1) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can suppress the occurrence of flicker by increasing the output frequency for a low frequency range of less than 60Hz to two times, three times, or a maximum frequency (e.g., 120Hz) of the driving frequency.

[0163] An image processing device (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an external device interface (135) that receives an image signal from an external device (200); and a processor (13) that detects an input frequency of the image signal, obtains a change in the input frequency when a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) function is activated, and, when the obtained change is greater than or equal to a certain value and the number of times the change is detected greater than or equal to a certain value is greater than or equal to a certain number of times, adjusts the output frequency of the image signal based on the input frequency.

[0164] The above processor (13) can alternately receive the image signal in a high frequency range having a first input frequency or the image signal in a low frequency range having a second input frequency, and obtain the difference between the first input frequency and the second input frequency as the amount of change.

[0165] The processor (13) can determine the output frequency of the low frequency range as the first input frequency and upsample the image signal of the low frequency range with the determined output frequency.

[0166] The processor (13) can determine the output frequency of the low frequency range to be two or three times the second input frequency, and upsample the image signal of the low frequency range with the determined output frequency.

[0167] The processor (13) can determine the output frequency of the low frequency range to be as close as possible to the first input frequency and upsample the image signal of the low frequency range to the determined output frequency.

[0168] The above processor (13) can determine the output frequency of the high frequency range as the second input frequency and downsample the video signal of the high frequency range with the determined output frequency.

[0169] The above processor (13) can determine the output frequency of the high frequency range to be as close as possible to the second input frequency, and downsample the video signal of the high frequency range to the determined output frequency.

[0170] The processor (13) can determine the output frequency of the high frequency range to be 1 / 2 times or 1 / 3 times the first input frequency, and downsample the video signal of the high frequency range to the determined output frequency.

[0171] When the VRR function is disabled, the processor (13) can adjust the output frequency to be the same as the input frequency.

[0172] The processor (13) can detect the input frequency by measuring the frame rate of the video signal.

[0173] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-described method can be implemented as code that is readable by a processor on a medium on which a program is recorded. Examples of media that are readable by a processor include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, etc.

[0174] The display device described above is not limited to the configuration and method of the embodiments described above; rather, all or part of each embodiment may be selectively combined to allow for various modifications to be made.

Claims

Claim 1 An image processing device comprising: an external device interface for receiving an image signal from an external device; and a processor for detecting an input frequency of the image signal, and when a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) function is activated, acquiring a change amount of the input frequency, and when the acquired change amount is greater than or equal to a certain value and the number of times the change amount is detected greater than or equal to a certain value is greater than or equal to a certain number of times, adjusting the output frequency of the image signal based on the input frequency. Claim 2 An image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the processor alternately receives the image signal in a high frequency range having a first input frequency or the image signal in a low frequency range having a second input frequency, and obtains the difference between the first input frequency and the second input frequency as the amount of change. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the processor determines the output frequency of the low frequency range as the first input frequency, and the image processing device upsamples the image signal of the low frequency range with the determined output frequency. Claim 4 In paragraph 2, the processor determines the output frequency of the low frequency range to be two or three times the second input frequency, and the image processing device upsamples the image signal of the low frequency range with the determined output frequency. Claim 5 In paragraph 2, the image processing device determines the output frequency of the low frequency range to a value as close as possible to the first input frequency and upsamples the image signal of the low frequency range with the determined output frequency. Claim 6 In paragraph 2, the processor determines the output frequency of the high frequency range as the second input frequency, and the image processing device downsamples the image signal of the high frequency range with the determined output frequency. Claim 7 In paragraph 2, the image processing device determines the output frequency of the high frequency range to a value as close as possible to the second input frequency and downsamples the image signal of the high frequency range to the determined output frequency. Claim 8 In paragraph 2, the processor determines the output frequency of the high frequency range to be 1 / 2 times or 1 / 3 times the first input frequency, and the image processing device downsamples the image signal of the high frequency range to the determined output frequency. Claim 9 In claim 1, the image processing device wherein the processor adjusts the output frequency to be the same as the input frequency when the VRR function is disabled. Claim 10 In claim 1, the processor is an image processing device that measures the frame rate of the image signal and detects the input frequency. Claim 11 A method of operation of an image processing device comprising: receiving an image signal from an external device; detecting an input frequency of the image signal; obtaining a change amount of the input frequency when a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) function is activated; and adjusting the output frequency of the image signal based on the input frequency when the obtained change amount is greater than or equal to a certain value and the number of times the change amount is detected greater than or equal to a certain value is greater than or equal to a certain number. Claim 12 In claim 11, the receiving step comprises the step of alternately receiving the image signal in a high frequency range having a first input frequency or the image signal in a low frequency range having a second input frequency, and the operating method further comprises the step of obtaining the difference between the first input frequency and the second input frequency as the amount of change. Claim 13 In claim 12, the above adjusting step comprises the step of determining the output frequency of the low frequency range as the first input frequency and the step of upsampling the image signal of the low frequency range with the determined output frequency, in a method of operation of an image processing device. Claim 14 In claim 12, the adjusting step comprises the step of determining the output frequency of the low frequency range to be two or three times the second input frequency, and the step of upsampling the image signal of the low frequency range to the determined output frequency, in a method of operation of an image processing device. Claim 15 In claim 12, the adjusting step comprises the step of determining the output frequency of the low frequency range to a value as close as possible to the first input frequency and the step of upsampling the image signal of the low frequency range to the determined output frequency, in a method of operation of an image processing device. Claim 16 In claim 12, the above adjusting step comprises the step of determining the output frequency of the high frequency range as the second input frequency and the step of downsampling the image signal of the high frequency range to the determined output frequency, in a method of operation of an image processing device. Claim 17 In claim 12, the adjusting step comprises the step of determining the output frequency of the high frequency range to a value as close as possible to the second input frequency and the step of downsampling the image signal of the high frequency range to the determined output frequency, in a method of operation of an image processing device. Claim 18 In claim 12, the adjusting step comprises the step of determining the output frequency of the high frequency range to be 1 / 2 times or 1 / 3 times the first input frequency, and the step of downsampling the image signal of the high frequency range to the determined output frequency, in a method of operation of an image processing device. Claim 19 A method of operation of an image processing device according to claim 11, further comprising the step of adjusting the output frequency to be the same as the input frequency when the above VRR function is disabled. Claim 20 A computer-readable inactive recording medium having a program recorded thereon for performing a method of operation of an image processing device, wherein the method of operation comprises: receiving an image signal from an external device; detecting an input frequency of the image signal; obtaining a change amount of the input frequency when a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) function is activated; and adjusting the output frequency of the image signal based on the input frequency when the obtained change amount is greater than or equal to a certain value and the number of times the change amount is detected greater than or equal to a certain value is greater than or equal to a certain number of times.

Images