Display device comprising mirror display composed of plurality of layers, and control method therefor

Abstract

A display device is disclosed. The display device comprises: a mirror display including a black layer capable of adjusting transmittance, a transparent display layer disposed on the front surface of the black layer so as to display an image, and a mirror layer disposed on the front surface of the transparent display layer so as to adjust reflectivity; and one or more processors for adjusting the transmittance of the black layer and the reflectivity of the mirror layer according to the current operation state of the display device from among a plurality of operation states, and controlling whether to display an image on the transparent display layer.

Description

Display device including a mirror display composed of multiple layers and a control method therefor

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a display device including a mirror display composed of a plurality of layers and a control method thereof.

[0002] Advances in electronic technology have led to the development and widespread adoption of various types of electronic devices. In particular, various types of electronic devices, including TVs, have recently become commonplace in everyday households. These devices are increasingly equipped with diverse functions to meet user needs.

[0003] For example, mirror displays, which offer both mirroring and display functions, can now offer a variety of services. For example, mirror displays can simultaneously reflect the user's image while displaying virtual objects with which the user can interact.

[0004] In particular, mirror displays can be used as interior decoration items, and there has been a demand for a method of controlling them to operate as glass, mirrors, or display devices depending on the user's intention or situation.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes a mirror display including a black layer having an adjustable transmittance, a transparent display layer disposed in front of the black layer to display an image, a mirror layer disposed in front of the transparent display layer to have an adjustable reflectance, and one or more processors that adjust the transmittance of the black layer and the reflectance of the mirror layer according to a current operating state of the display device among a plurality of operating states, and control whether or not to display the image on the transparent display layer.

[0006] A method for controlling a display device including a mirror display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step of adjusting the transmittance of a black layer and the reflectance of a mirror layer included in the mirror display according to a current operating state of the display device among a plurality of operating states, and a step of controlling whether to display an image of a transparent display layer included in the mirror display, wherein the mirror display includes the black layer capable of adjusting the transmittance, the transparent display layer disposed in front of the black layer and displaying the image, and the mirror layer disposed in front of the transparent display layer and capable of adjusting the reflectance.

[0007] According to one embodiment for achieving the above-described object of the present disclosure, a computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing a method for controlling a display device including a mirror display, the method for controlling the display device including a step of adjusting the transmittance of a black layer and the reflectance of a mirror layer included in the mirror display according to a current operating state of the display device among a plurality of operating states, and a step of controlling whether to display an image of a transparent display layer included in the mirror display, wherein the mirror display includes the black layer capable of adjusting the transmittance, the transparent display layer disposed in front of the black layer and displaying the image, and the mirror layer disposed in front of the transparent display layer and capable of adjusting the reflectance.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the characteristics of a mirror display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the structure of each of a plurality of layers according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIGS. 4 and 5 are drawings for explaining the operation of a mirror layer according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a mirror display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a first operating state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a second operating state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a third operating state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the operating state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining the operating state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the operating state of a display device that detects a user according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0021] The terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure have been selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of this disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should not be defined simply as names of terms, but rather based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0022] In this specification, expressions such as “has,” “can have,” “includes,” or “may include” indicate the presence of a feature (e.g., a number, function, operation, or component such as a part), and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0023] The expression "at least one of A and / or B" should be understood to mean either "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0024] As used herein, the expressions “first,” “second,” “first,” or “second,” etc., may describe various components, regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, but do not limit the components.

[0025] When it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with / to” or “connected to” another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that the component may be directly coupled to the other component, or may be connected through another component (e.g., a third component).

[0026] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprise" or "consist of" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0027] In the present disclosure, a "module" or "part" performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, multiple "modules" or multiple "parts" may be integrated into at least one module and implemented as at least one processor (not shown), excluding any "modules" or "parts" that need to be implemented as specific hardware.

[0028] In this specification, the term user may refer to a person using an electronic device or a device using an electronic device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device).

[0029] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the characteristics of a mirror display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] A display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented as various types of mirror display devices that can be installed in various locations requiring a mirror and provide mirror functionality while transmitting information. Here, the term "mirror display" is a compound word of "mirror," meaning a mirror, and "display," meaning the work of visually expressing information.

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the display device (100) includes a mirror display (110), and the mirror display (110) may include a plurality of layers (111, 112, 113).

[0033] For example, a mirror display (110) may include a mirror layer (111), a transparent display layer (112), and a black layer (113).

[0034] For example, a mirror display (110) may include a black layer (113) having an adjustable transmittance, a transparent display layer (112) positioned in front of the black layer to display an image, and a mirror layer (111) positioned in front of the transparent display layer to have an adjustable reflectivity.

[0035] For example, the mirror layer (111) may be implemented as a glass plate or a transparent plastic plate on which a metal thin film or a dielectric multilayer film is deposited that reflects a portion of the incident light and transmits the other portion, thereby providing a mirror function.

[0036] For example, the transparent display layer (112) may be called a display panel, but for convenience of explanation, it is collectively referred to as a transparent display layer (112) that provides a display function.

[0037] According to an example, the display layer (112) may include a display including a self-luminous element, or a non-luminous element and a backlight. For example, the display layer (112) may be implemented as various types of displays such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) display, an LED (Light Emitting Diodes), a micro LED, a Mini LED, a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), a QD (Quantum dot) display, a QLED (Quantum dot light-emitting diodes), etc.

[0038] In one example, the self-luminous element or non-luminous element included in the display layer (112) may be a transparent element. For example, the display layer (112) may include an OLED element in which both the anode and the cathode are implemented as transparent according to the principle that a metal less than a preset thickness (e.g., 10 nm) becomes transparent. In one example, the display layer (112) may have a high light transmittance (or, transmittance) (e.g., transmittance of 70% or more) in a wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm.

[0039] For example, the black layer (113) may be implemented as a glass plate or a transparent plastic plate on which a metal thin film or a dielectric multilayer film is deposited that reflects a portion of the incident light and absorbs the other portion, thereby providing a cover function.

[0040] For example, the black layer (113) may provide a cover function that blocks (or absorbs) the transmission of light output by the transparent display layer (112) to provide an image (A), or may provide a glass function that transmits the light output by the display layer (112) to the rear of the display device (100).

[0041] In the present disclosure, for convenience of explanation, the position of the user (1) is defined as the front of the display device (100) as shown in FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] According to FIG. 2, the display device (100) includes a mirror layer (110) including a mirror layer (111), a transparent display layer (112), and a black layer (113), and one or more processors (120).

[0044] A transparent display layer (112) according to an example of the present disclosure may include a driving circuit, a backlight, etc., which may be implemented in a form such as an a-si TFT, a low temperature poly silicon (LTPS) TFT, an organic TFT (OTFT), etc.

[0045] For example, if the transparent display layer (112) includes a backlight, the backlight may be implemented as an edge-type backlight so that the light output by the transparent display layer (112) to provide an image (A) is incident on the black light (113).

[0046] Here, the edge-type backlight is arranged on at least one of the multiple sides of the light guide plate and can output light toward the light guide plate. The light output by the edge-type backlight can be reflected forward through the light guide plate to the center of the transparent display layer (112).

[0047] For example, if the transparent display layer (112) includes a direct-type backlight, the light output by the transparent display layer (112) to provide an image (A) is blocked by the direct-type backlight and cannot enter the black light (113), so the transparent display layer (112) may include an edge-type backlight.

[0048] For example, a touch sensor that detects a touch action in the form of a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, etc. may be disposed on the front of the mirror display (110) so as to be implemented to detect various types of touch inputs. For example, the mirror display (110) may detect various types of touch inputs, such as a touch input by a user's hand, a touch input by an input device such as a stylus pen, and a touch input by a specific electrostatic material. Here, the input device may be implemented as a pen-type input device that may be referred to by various terms such as an electronic pen, a stylus pen, an S-pen, etc. According to an example, the mirror display (110) may be implemented as a flat display, a curved display, a flexible display that can be folded or / and rolled, etc.

[0049] One or more processors (120) control the overall operation of the display device (100). Specifically, one or more processors (120) may be connected to each component of the display device (100) to control the overall operation of the display device (100).

[0050] One or more processors (120) can perform operations of the display device (100) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in memory.

[0051] The one or more processors (120) may include one or more of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), a Many Integrated Core (MIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. The one or more processors (120) may control one or any combination of other components of the electronic device, and may perform operations related to communication or data processing. The one or more processors (120) may execute one or more programs or instructions stored in a memory. For example, the one or more processors may perform a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in a memory.

[0052] When a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes multiple operations, the multiple operations may be performed by one processor or by multiple processors. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one or more embodiments, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by the first processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by the first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor) and the third operation may be performed by the second processor (e.g., an artificial intelligence-specific processor).

[0053] One or more processors (120) may be implemented as a single core processor including one core, or may be implemented as one or more multicore processors including multiple cores (e.g., homogeneous multicores or heterogeneous multicores). When one or more processors (120) are implemented as a multicore processor, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor may include an internal processor memory, such as a cache memory or an on-chip memory, and a common cache shared by the multiple cores may be included in the multicore processor. In addition, each of the multiple cores (or some of the multiple cores) included in the multicore processor may independently read and execute a program instruction for implementing a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, or all (or some) of the multiple cores may be linked to read and execute a program instruction for implementing a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] When a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one core among the plurality of cores included in a multi-core processor, or may be performed by the plurality of cores. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one or more embodiments, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, and the third operation may be performed by a second core included in the multi-core processor.

[0055] In embodiments of the present disclosure, a processor may mean a system on a chip (SoC) in which one or more processors and other electronic components are integrated, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, or a core included in a single-core processor or a multi-core processor, wherein the core may be implemented as a CPU, a GPU, an APU, a MIC, a DSP, an NPU, a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0056] In particular, one or more processors (120) according to an example of the present disclosure can adjust the transmittance of the black layer (111) and adjust the reflectivity of the mirror layer (111).

[0057] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the structure of each of a plurality of layers according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] A mirror layer (111) according to an example of the present disclosure may be implemented in a form including a polarizer, upper glass, lower glass, and a reflective polarizer.

[0059] In one example, a liquid crystal (LC) layer may be formed between the upper and lower glass layers. The LC (liquid crystal) layer is in an intermediate state between a liquid and a crystal, and thus has a structure in which rod-shaped molecules (liquid crystal molecules) are aligned in one direction, similar to a solid crystal.

[0060] For example, a polarizer may be implemented to transmit polarized light. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the upper and lower glass may be implemented using TCO (transparent conductive oxide) glass, but is not limited thereto.

[0061] A transparent display layer (112) according to an example of the present disclosure may be implemented in a form including a polarizer, upper glass, a liquid crystal display panel, lower glass, and a polarizer.

[0062] The liquid crystal display panel may include a transparent color filter and a liquid crystal (LC) layer.

[0063] For example, if the transparent display layer (112) is implemented as an LCD, the transparent display layer (112) may include a backlight in which the backlight lamps are arranged in an edge manner (i.e., an edge-type backlight).

[0064] A black layer (113) according to an example of the present disclosure may be implemented in a form that includes an upper PET and a lower PET, and includes PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Cristal) between the upper PET and the lower PET.

[0065] For example, the PDLC can be maintained in a transparent or opaque state depending on whether electricity is applied under the control of one or more processors (120).

[0066] For example, when electricity is applied, the liquid crystal molecules in the PDLC are arranged in one direction to transmit light and maintain a transparent state (hereinafter, a clear state (or glass state)), and when electricity is not applied, the liquid crystal molecules are arranged randomly to not transmit light (or light is scattered) and maintain an opaque state (hereinafter, a black state).

[0067] FIGS. 4 and 5 are drawings for explaining the operation of a mirror layer according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0068] Fig. 4 illustrates the mirror layer (111) when the voltage is turned off. When the voltage is turned off, the liquid crystal molecules maintain a vertical state, and the incident polarized light can be transmitted through the LC (liquid crystal) layer (111-3) as is and reflected toward the reflection axis of the reflective polarizer (111-5). Accordingly, the mirror layer (111) can be maintained in a mirror state.

[0069] For example, when electricity is not applied, the incident polarized light is reflected along the reflection axis of the reflective polarizer, so that the mirror function (hereinafter, Mirror state) of the mirror layer (111) can be provided, and as shown in FIG. 5, when electricity is applied, the incident polarized light rotates 90 degrees and transmits along the reflection axis of the reflective polarizer (111-5), so that the mirror layer (111) can be maintained in a transparent state (hereinafter, Clear state).

[0070] In addition, depending on the implementation example, a protective film that protects the polarizing plate, a film that classifies light in the polarizing plate, etc. may be further included.

[0071] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a mirror display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] It goes without saying that, according to an example of the present disclosure, the mirror layer (111) and the transparent display layer (112) may be implemented as a single layer.

[0073] For example, a single layer may be implemented in a form that includes an upper glass, a lower glass, an LC (liquid crystal) layer formed between the upper glass and the lower glass (e.g., a Switchable Mirror LC Layer), a Micro LED layer including a transparent self-luminous element, and a transparent TFT (Thin Film Transistor) substrate. However, this is merely an example and is not limited thereto.

[0074] Returning to FIG. 2, one or more processors (120) according to an example of the present disclosure may control the display device (100) according to any one of a plurality of operating states. According to an example of the present disclosure, the operating states may also be referred to as operating modes, but for convenience of explanation, they will be collectively referred to as operating states.

[0075] According to an example, one or more processors (120) can adjust the transmittance of the black layer (113) and the reflectivity of the mirror layer (111) according to the current operating state of the display device (100).

[0076] Additionally, one or more processors (120) can control whether to display the image (A) of the transparent display layer (112).

[0077] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a first operating state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 7, one or more processors (120) according to an example of the present disclosure can adjust the transmittance of the black layer (113) to the maximum transmittance and adjust the reflectance of the mirror layer (111) to the minimum reflectance when the current operating state of the display device (100) is the first operating state.

[0079] For example, one or more processors (120) can power the black layer (113) and power the mirror layer (111).

[0080] Here, the maximum transmittance may include a transmittance of 70% or more, and the minimum reflectance may include a reflectance of less than 20%. This is an example for convenience of explanation and is not limited to specific numbers.

[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the transmittance of the black layer (113) is adjusted to the maximum transmittance, the black layer (113) can be maintained in a clear state that is transparent like glass. In addition, when the reflectance of the mirror layer (111) is adjusted to the minimum reflectance, the mirror layer (111) can be maintained in a clear state that is transparent like glass. In one example, in the first operating state, the display device (100) can provide a glass function.

[0082] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a second operating state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 8, one or more processors (120) according to an example of the present disclosure may adjust the reflectivity of the mirror layer (111) to the maximum reflectivity when the current operating state of the display device (100) is the second operating state. According to an example, one or more processors (120) may adjust the transmittance of the black layer (113) to the maximum transmittance or to the minimum transmittance in the second operating state.

[0084] For example, one or more processors (120) may not power the black layer (113) and may not power the mirror layer (111).

[0085] Here, the minimum transmittance of the black layer (113) may include a transmittance of less than 20%, and the maximum reflectance may include a reflectance of 70% or more. This is an example for convenience of explanation and is not limited to specific numbers.

[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the reflectivity of the mirror layer (111) is adjusted to the maximum reflectivity, the mirror layer (111) can be maintained in a mirror state that provides a mirror image corresponding to a user (1) positioned in front of the display device (100).

[0087] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a third operating state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 9, one or more processors (120) according to an example of the present disclosure can adjust the transmittance of the black layer (113) to the maximum transmittance and adjust the reflectance of the mirror layer (111) to the minimum reflectance when the current operating state of the display device (100) is the third operating state. In addition, one or more processors (120) can control the transparent display layer (112) to display the image (A).

[0089] For example, one or more processors (120) can power the black layer (113) and power the mirror layer (111).

[0090] According to an example of the present disclosure, light output by the transparent display layer (112) can transmit through a mirror layer (111) arranged on the front side of the transparent display layer (112) and a black layer (113) arranged on the back side of the transparent display layer (112).

[0091] Unlike the first and second operating states according to an example of the present disclosure, the third operating state allows the transparent display layer (112) to display an image (A).

[0092] The third operating state in which the transparent display layer (112) displays an image (A) can be divided into a first sub-mode and a second sub-mode depending on the transmittance of the black layer (113). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the first sub-mode of the third operating state will be collectively referred to as the transparency effect mode, and the second sub-mode of the third operating state will be collectively referred to as the image quality enhancement mode.

[0093] A display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a sensor. In particular, the sensor may sense external light. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sensor may sense at least one or more of various characteristics of light, such as illuminance, intensity, color, incident direction, incident area, and distribution.

[0094] Depending on the implementation example, the sensor may be a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensing layer, a camera, etc.

[0095] In particular, the sensor can be implemented as a light sensor that senses RGB light, but is not limited thereto, and any device capable of light sensing, such as a white sensor, IR sensor, IR+RED sensor, HRM sensor, or camera, can be applied.

[0096] In this case, the light sensor may use various photocells, but it is also possible to use a phototube for measuring very low illuminance. For example, the CDS illuminance sensor may be provided in the display device (100) to detect illuminance in both directions. In this case, the illuminance sensor may be installed in at least one preset area on both sides of the display device (100), but may also be installed in each pixel unit on both sides. For example, it is also possible to install an illuminance sensor in an enlarged form corresponding to the size of the mirror display (110) so as to measure the illuminance status of each area or each pixel. For example, the CDS illuminance sensor may detect light around the display device (100), and an A / D converter may convert a voltage acquired through the CDS illuminance sensor into a digital value and transmit it to one or more processors (140).

[0097] Meanwhile, at least one sensor may be installed, and if multiple sensors are installed, they can be applied at different locations as long as they can measure illuminance in different directions. For example, the second sensor may be installed at a location capable of sensing illuminance in a different direction at an angle of 90° or more compared to the first sensor.

[0098] For example, the sensor may be placed inside the glass provided in the mirror display (110), in which case the sensing function may be controlled to operate normally even inside the glass through an algorithm that compensates for the transmittance / reflectivity of the glass provided in the mirror display (110). In addition, the display device (100) may further include various sensors necessary for the operation of the display device (100), such as a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and a user detection sensor.

[0099] One or more processors (120) according to an example of the present disclosure can adjust the transmittance of the black layer (113) based on the amount of light acquired through the sensor.

[0100] For example, in the third operating state, one or more processors (120) can adjust the transmittance of the black layer (113) from the maximum transmittance to the minimum transmittance if the amount of light acquired through the sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0101] For example, one or more processors (120) can convert the black layer (113) from a clear state to a black state. Alternatively, one or more processors (120) can convert from a transparency effect mode to an image quality enhancement mode.

[0102] For example, as shown in Fig. 9, if the acquired amount of light (e.g., external light) is high, the visibility of the image (A) displayed by the transparent display layer (112) deteriorates due to some of the external light penetrating the black layer (113).

[0103] According to an example of the present disclosure, one or more processors (120) may, in a third operating state, adjust the transmittance of the black layer (113) to a minimum transmittance to block (or absorb) some of the light passing through the black layer (113) to improve the visibility of the image (A).

[0104] According to an example of the present disclosure, one or more processors (120) can maintain the transmittance of the black layer (113) at the maximum transmittance when the amount of light acquired through the sensor is less than a threshold value in the third operating state.

[0105] For example, one or more processors (120) can maintain the black layer (113) in a clear state. Alternatively, one or more processors (120) can maintain a transparency effect mode.

[0106] For example, as shown in Fig. 9, if the acquired light quantity is low, the visibility of the image (A) displayed by the transparent display layer (112) may not deteriorate due to some of the external light quantity penetrating the black layer (113).

[0107] According to an example of the present disclosure, one or more processors (120) can provide an image (A) according to a transparency effect mode by maintaining the transmittance of the black layer (113) at the maximum transmittance in the third operating state.

[0108] However, this is an example, and it is of course possible for one or more processors (120) to adjust the transmittance of the black layer (113) to the minimum transmittance to improve the visibility of the image (A) even when the amount of light acquired through the sensor is below the threshold value.

[0109] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the operating state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 10, one or more processors (120) can identify an image (A) to be displayed through a transparent display layer (112).

[0111] For example, one or more processors (120) may provide an image (A) according to a transparency effect mode among the third operating states when the identified image corresponds to a window or a widget.

[0112] For example, one or more processors (120) can adjust the transmittance of the black layer (113) to the maximum transmittance in the third operating state and display the image (A) through the transparent display layer (112).

[0113] For example, one or more processors (120) may identify the image (A) as corresponding to a window if the size of the image (A) corresponds to a portion of the display area of ​​the transparent display layer (112).

[0114] For example, one or more processors (120) can identify the image (A) as corresponding to a window (or widget) if the location where the image (A) is displayed corresponds to a preset location within the display area of ​​the transparent display layer (112).

[0115] For example, one or more processors (120) may identify the image (A) as corresponding to a window (or widget) if the image (A) contains less than a preset number of frames for providing information (e.g., weather information, schedule information, traffic information, stock (or exchange rate) information, etc.).

[0116] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining the operating state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 11, one or more processors (120) can identify an image (A) to be displayed through a transparent display layer (112).

[0118] For example, one or more processors (120) may provide an image (A) according to a picture quality improvement mode among the third operating states when the identified image corresponds to a full screen.

[0119] For example, one or more processors (120) can adjust the transmittance of the black layer (113) to the minimum transmittance in the third operating state and display the image (A) through the transparent display layer (112).

[0120] For example, one or more processors (120) can identify the image (A) as corresponding to a full screen if the size of the image (A) corresponds to the entire area (or an area larger than a preset size) of the display area of ​​the transparent display layer (112).

[0121] For example, one or more processors (120) can identify the image (A) as corresponding to a full screen if the image (A) is movie content, game content, streaming content, etc. that includes a preset number of frames or more.

[0122] However, it is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, and it is obvious that one or more processors (120) may operate in a transparency effect mode or an image quality improvement mode according to various embodiments.

[0123] For example, it is understood that one or more processors (120) may operate in a transparency effect mode during preset times (e.g., evening hours, night hours) and in a picture quality enhancement mode during the remaining times (e.g., daytime hours).

[0124] For example, one or more processors (120) may obtain mode information corresponding to each of a plurality of applications. In one example, one or more processors (120) may operate in a transparency effect mode or an image quality enhancement mode based on the mode information while displaying one of the plurality of applications.

[0125] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the operating state of a display device that detects a user according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 12, when a user (1) is detected within a preset distance from the display device (100) through a sensor, one or more processors (120) can switch the current operation state of the display device (100) to a second operation state.

[0127] For example, when a user (1) is positioned adjacent to the display device (100), one or more processors (120) can adjust the reflectivity of the mirror layer (111) to the maximum reflectivity. As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the reflectivity of the mirror layer (111) is adjusted to the maximum reflectivity, the mirror layer (111) can be maintained in a mirror state that provides a mirror image (2) corresponding to the user (1) positioned in front of the display device (100).

[0128] One or more processors (120) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may switch the current operating state of the display device (100) to a third operating state when a preset event is detected.

[0129] For example, the preset event may include at least one of an event that provides a notification to a user or an event that receives user input requesting the display of an image (A).

[0130] For example, the display device (100) may further include a communication interface. The communication interface may be implemented as various interfaces depending on the implementation example of the display device (100). For example, the communication interface may communicate with an external device, an external storage medium (e.g., a USB memory), an external server (e.g., a web hard drive), etc. through a communication method such as Bluetooth, AP-based Wi-Fi (Wireless LAN network), Zigbee, wired / wireless LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), Ethernet, IEEE 1394, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), USB (Universal Serial Bus), MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), AES / EBU (Audio Engineering Society / European Broadcasting Union), optical, coaxial, etc. In one example, the communication interface may communicate with another electronic device, an external server, and / or a remote control device.

[0131] For example, when one or more processors (120) detect an event (e.g., receiving a phone call or text message, etc.) that provides a notification to a user through a user terminal device (e.g., a smart phone) via a communication interface, the processors (120) can control the transparent display layer (112) to switch to a third operation state and provide an image (A) corresponding to the notification.

[0132] One or more processors (120) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can detect a user's movement through a sensor and identify (or obtain) a movement value (or degree of movement) corresponding to the user's movement.

[0133] For example, one or more processors (120) may switch the current operating state to a second operating state if the motion value is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0134] For example, if the movement value is greater than or equal to a threshold value, one or more processors (120) may identify the current situation as a situation in which the user (1) is exercising and provision of a mirror image (2) corresponding to the user (1) is required. In one example, one or more processors (120) may maintain the mirror layer (111) in a mirror state that provides a mirror image (2) corresponding to the user (1) positioned in front of the display device (100).

[0135] For example, one or more processors (120) may switch the current operating state to a third operating state if the movement value is less than a threshold value.

[0136] For example, if the movement value is below a threshold value, one or more processors (120) may identify the current situation as a situation in which a user (1) is sitting on a sofa to watch an image (A) and provision of the image (A) is required. In one example, one or more processors (120) may control a transparent display layer (112) to display the image (A).

[0137] Meanwhile, it is to be understood that one or more processors (120) may change the current operating state according to a user input for selecting one of the first to third operating states, or a transparency effect mode or an image quality enhancement mode within the third operating state.

[0138] Here, the user input may include, of course, a press input for a button provided on a remote control device, a voice input, an input through the viewpoint or gaze of the user (1), a motion input through a gesture of the user (1), etc.

[0139] Returning to FIG. 2, the display device (100) includes a memory, which can store data required for various embodiments.

[0140] Depending on the purpose of data storage, the memory may be implemented in the form of memory embedded in the display device (100) or may be implemented in the form of memory that can be attached or detached to the display device (100). For example, data for driving the display device (100) may be stored in a memory embedded in the display device (100), and data for the expansion function of the display device (100) may be stored in a memory that can be attached or detached to the display device (100). Meanwhile, in the case of memory embedded in the display device (100), it may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., one time programmable ROM (OTPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD)). In addition, in the case of memory that can be detachably attached to the display device (100), it may be implemented as at least one of memory cards (e.g., compact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital (Micro-SD), mini secure digital (Mini-SD), extreme digital (xD), multi-media card (MMC), etc.), external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), etc. It can be implemented.

[0141] In one example, the memory may store a computer program including at least one instruction or instructions for controlling the display device (100).

[0142] For example, the memory may store content received from an external device (e.g., a source device), an external storage medium (e.g., USB), an external server (e.g., web hard), etc. Alternatively, the memory may store images acquired through a camera (120) provided in the display device (100).

[0143] For example, the memory may store various information required for image quality processing, such as information, algorithms, image quality parameters, etc. for performing at least one of Noise Reduction, Detail Enhancement, Tone Mapping, Contrast Enhancement, Color Enhancement, or Frame Rate Conversion. In addition, the memory may store an intermediate image generated by image processing and an image generated based on depth information.

[0144] In one embodiment, the memory may be implemented as a single memory that stores data generated from various operations according to the present disclosure. However, in another embodiment, the memory may be implemented to include multiple memories that each store different types of data or each store data generated at different stages.

[0145] Additionally, the memory may store various data, programs, or applications for driving / controlling the display device (100). In addition, the memory may include a user sensing module, a communication control module, a voice recognition module, a motion recognition module, a light receiving module, a display control module, an audio control module, an external input control module, a power control module, a voice database (DB), or a motion database (DB).

[0146] In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that various data are stored in the external memory of one or more processors (120), but it is of course possible that at least some of the above-described data may be stored in the internal memory of one or more processors (120).

[0147] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0148] A method for controlling a display device including a mirror display adjusts the transmittance of a black layer and the reflectivity of a mirror layer included in the mirror display according to a current operating state of the display device among a plurality of operating states (S1310).

[0149] Next, control whether to display the image of the transparent display layer included in the mirror display (S1320)

[0150] The mirror display includes a black layer with adjustable transmittance, a transparent display layer positioned in front of the black layer to display an image, and a mirror layer positioned in front of the transparent display layer with adjustable reflectivity.

[0151] The adjusting step S1320 according to an example may include a step of adjusting the transmittance of the black layer to the maximum transmittance if the current operating state is the first operating state, and a step of adjusting the reflectance of the mirror layer to the minimum reflectance if the current operating state is the first operating state.

[0152] According to an example of the present disclosure, when the transmittance of the black layer is adjusted to the maximum transmittance, the black layer may be in a clear state, and when the reflectance of the mirror layer is adjusted to the minimum reflectance, the mirror layer may be in a clear state.

[0153] The adjusting step S1320 according to an example of the present disclosure includes a step of adjusting the transmittance of the black layer to a minimum transmittance if the current operating state is a second operating state, and a step of adjusting the reflectance of the mirror layer to a maximum reflectance if the current operating state is the second operating state, wherein when the transmittance of the black layer is adjusted to a minimum transmittance, the black layer may be in a black state, and when the reflectance of the mirror layer is adjusted to a maximum reflectance, the mirror layer may be in a mirror state.

[0154] The adjusting step S1320 according to an example of the present disclosure includes a step of adjusting the transmittance of the black layer to the maximum transmittance if the current operating state is the third operating state, and a step of adjusting the reflectance of the mirror layer to the minimum reflectance if the current operating state is the third operating state, and the control method may further include a step of controlling the transparent display layer to display an image in the third operating state.

[0155] The adjusting step S1320 according to an example of the present disclosure may further include a step of adjusting the transmittance of the black layer from the maximum transmittance to the minimum transmittance if the amount of light acquired in the third operating state is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0156] A control method according to an example of the present disclosure may further include a step of identifying an image to be displayed through a transparent display layer, and the adjusting step may further include a step of maintaining the transmittance of the black layer at the maximum transmittance if the identified image corresponds to a window, and adjusting the transmittance of the black layer from the maximum transmittance to the minimum transmittance if the identified image corresponds to a full screen.

[0157] A control method according to an example of the present disclosure further includes a step of switching a current operation state of the display device to a second operation state when a user is detected within a preset distance from the display device, and a step of switching the current operation state to a third operation state when a preset event is detected, wherein the preset event may include at least one of an event providing a notification to the user or an event receiving a user input requesting display of an image.

[0158] A control method according to an example of the present disclosure may further include a step of obtaining a user's movement value, a step of switching a current operation state to a second operation state if the movement value is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and a step of switching the current operation state to a third operation state if the movement value is less than the threshold value.

[0159] A transparent display layer according to an example of the present disclosure includes a display panel including a self-luminous element or an LCD panel having a backlight, and the arrangement position of the backlight can correspond to an edge manner.

[0160] However, it goes without saying that the various embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied not only to display devices but also to various types of electronic devices that include mirror functions and display functions.

[0161] Meanwhile, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in a computer-readable recording medium or similar device using software, hardware, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the embodiments described herein may be implemented by the processor itself. In a software implementation, embodiments, such as the procedures and functions described herein, may be implemented as separate software modules. Each of the software modules may perform one or more functions and operations described herein.

[0162] Meanwhile, computer instructions for performing processing operations of the display device (100) according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. When the computer instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium are executed by a processor of a specific device, they cause the specific device to perform processing operations in the display device (100) according to the various embodiments described above.

[0163] A non-transitory computer-readable medium refers to a medium that permanently stores data and can be read by a device, rather than a medium that stores data for a short period of time, such as a register, cache, or memory. Specific examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include CDs, DVDs, hard disks, Blu-ray discs, USBs, memory cards, and ROMs.

[0164] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In the display device, A mirror display including a black layer with adjustable transmittance, a transparent display layer arranged in front of the black layer to display an image, and a mirror layer arranged in front of the transparent display layer with adjustable reflectivity; and The transmittance of the black layer and the reflectivity of the mirror layer are adjusted according to the current operating state of the display device among multiple operating states, A display device comprising one or more processors for controlling whether to display the image of the transparent display layer.

2. In paragraph 1, One or more of the above processors, A display device, wherein if the current operating state is a first operating state, the transmittance of the black layer is adjusted to the maximum transmittance, and the reflectance of the mirror layer is adjusted to the minimum reflectance.

3. In paragraph 2, When the transmittance of the above black layer is adjusted to the maximum transmittance, the black layer, It is in clear state, When the reflectivity of the above mirror layer is adjusted to the minimum reflectivity, the mirror layer, A display device that is in a clear state.

4. In paragraph 1, One or more of the above processors, If the above current operating state is the second operating state, the transmittance of the black layer is adjusted to the minimum transmittance, and the reflectance of the mirror layer is adjusted to the maximum reflectance. When the transmittance of the above black layer is adjusted to the minimum transmittance, the black layer, It is in black state, When the reflectivity of the above mirror layer is adjusted to the maximum reflectivity, the mirror layer, A display device in mirror state.

5. In paragraph 1, One or more of the above processors, If the above current operating state is the third operating state, the transmittance of the black layer is adjusted to the maximum transmittance, and the reflectance of the mirror layer is adjusted to the minimum reflectance. A display device that controls the above transparent display layer to display an image.

6. In paragraph 5, including sensors; One or more of the above processors, A display device, wherein if the amount of light acquired through the sensor in the third operating state is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the transmittance of the black layer is adjusted from the maximum transmittance to the minimum transmittance.

7. In paragraph 5, One or more of the above processors, Identifying the image to be displayed through the transparent display layer; If the identified image corresponds to a window, the transmittance of the black layer is maintained at the maximum transmittance, A display device that adjusts the transmittance of the black layer from the maximum transmittance to the minimum transmittance when the identified image corresponds to a full screen.

8. In paragraph 1, including sensors; One or more of the above processors, When a user is detected within a preset distance from the display device through the sensor, the current operation state of the display device is switched to a second operation state, When a preset event is detected, the current operating state is switched to the third operating state. The above preset events are: A display device comprising at least one event for receiving user input requesting display of an event or image that provides a notification to the user.

9. In paragraph 8, One or more of the above processors, Obtain the user's movement value through the above sensor, If the above movement value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the current operation state is switched to the second operation state. A display device that switches the current operation state to the third operation state when the movement value is less than the threshold value.

10. In paragraph 1, The above transparent display layer, A display panel including a self-luminous element or an LCD panel having a backlight, The placement of the above backlight is: A display device that supports edge mode.

11. A method for controlling a display device including a mirror display, A step of adjusting the transmittance of the black layer and the reflectivity of the mirror layer included in the mirror display according to the current operating state of the display device among a plurality of operating states; and A step of controlling whether to display an image of a transparent display layer included in the above mirror display; The above mirror display, A control method comprising: the black layer having adjustable transmittance; the transparent display layer arranged in front of the black layer and displaying the image; and the mirror layer arranged in front of the transparent display layer and having adjustable reflectivity.

12. In paragraph 11, The above adjustment steps are: If the current operating state is the first operating state, a step of adjusting the transmittance of the black layer to the maximum transmittance; and A control method, comprising: a step of adjusting the reflectivity of the mirror layer to a minimum reflectivity if the current operating state is the first operating state.

13. In paragraph 12, When the transmittance of the above black layer is adjusted to the maximum transmittance, the black layer, It is in clear state, When the reflectivity of the above mirror layer is adjusted to the minimum reflectivity, the mirror layer, Clear state, control method.

14. In paragraph 11, The above adjustment steps are: If the current operating state is the second operating state, a step of adjusting the transmittance of the black layer to the minimum transmittance; and If the current operating state is the second operating state, a step of adjusting the reflectivity of the mirror layer to the maximum reflectivity is included; When the transmittance of the above black layer is adjusted to the minimum transmittance, the black layer, It is in black state, When the reflectivity of the above mirror layer is adjusted to the maximum reflectivity, the mirror layer, A control method in a mirror state.

15. In paragraph 11, The above adjustment steps are: If the current operating state is the third operating state, a step of adjusting the transmittance of the black layer to the maximum transmittance; and If the current operating state is the third operating state, a step of adjusting the reflectivity of the mirror layer to the minimum reflectivity is included; The above control method is, A control method further comprising a step of controlling the transparent display layer to display an image in the third operating state.

Images