Display apparatus, inspection apparatus for display apparatus, and control method of inspection apparatus

Abstract

This inspection apparatus comprises: a memory; an image sensor for acquiring a luminance image of a display apparatus including a plurality of pixels; and a processor for recognizing a defective pixel on the basis of the acquired luminance image, recognizing location information of the recognized defective pixel, and controlling the memory to store the location information of the recognized defective pixel.

Description

Display device, its inspection device and method of controlling the inspection device

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to an inspection device for inspecting whether pixels of a display panel are defective and a control method thereof, and to a display device for performing brightness correction for defective pixels.

[0002] Advances in electronic technology have led to the development and proliferation of diverse types of electronic products. As the use of electronic devices increases, user demand for diverse display devices is also growing.

[0003] Display devices that are widely used include LCD (liquid crystal display), OLED (organic light emitting diode)-based display, mini LED (light emitting diode)-based display, and micro LED-based display.

[0004] Among these, display devices based on mini LEDs or micro LEDs (micro light-emitting diodes) are attracting attention as next-generation display devices due to their strengths in high contrast ratio, response speed, color reproducibility, viewing angle, brightness, and lifespan.

[0005] In such LED-based display devices, if one subpixel is electrically open and defective, the defective subpixel does not light up when it should, and normal subpixels that are circuit-connected to the defective subpixel mislight (i.e., light up when they should not light up).

[0006] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides an inspection device and a control method thereof that recognize location information of a defective pixel based on the luminance values ​​of a plurality of pixels provided on a display panel.

[0007] Another aspect of the disclosed invention provides a display device that controls an electrical signal applied to a defective pixel based on location information of the defective pixel stored in a memory.

[0008] A display panel including a plurality of pixels; a memory storing location information of a defective pixel among the plurality of pixels; and a processor limiting an electrical signal transmitted to a defective pixel based on the location information of the defective pixel stored in the memory.

[0009] The memory of the display device stores normal position information and normal brightness correction information for each normal pixel among a plurality of pixels. The processor of the display device obtains normal brightness information for each normal pixel based on image information, corrects the normal brightness information for each normal pixel obtained based on the normal position information and normal brightness correction information for each normal pixel stored in the memory, generates an electric signal for each normal pixel based on the corrected normal brightness information for each normal pixel, and transmits the generated electric signal to each normal pixel. The brightness correction information for each normal pixel includes information corresponding to a difference between an average value of the brightness values ​​of the plurality of pixels and the brightness value for each normal pixel.

[0010] The memory of the display device includes a removable non-volatile memory and stores a value that is smaller than the minimum value among the luminance values ​​of a plurality of pixels as luminance correction information for a defective pixel. The processor of the display device limits the electrical signal transmitted to the defective pixel based on the luminance correction information for the defective pixel.

[0011] The memory of the display device stores the luminance correction information of the defective pixel as zero (0). The processor of the display device limits the electrical signal transmitted to the defective pixel to zero (0) based on the luminance correction information of the defective pixel.

[0012] The display device further includes a communication unit that communicates with a server. The processor of the display device receives location information of defective pixels inspected by the inspection device through the communication unit.

[0013] A processor of a display device detects a pixel-by-pixel voltage value applied to each of a plurality of pixels, recognizes a voltage value lower than a reference voltage value among the voltage values ​​of each of the plurality of pixels, and recognizes a pixel to which the recognized voltage value is applied as a defective pixel.

[0014] The display panel of the display device includes a self-luminous LED display panel. A defective pixel of the display device includes a pixel that is electrically open.

[0015] An inspection device includes a memory; an image sensor that acquires a luminance image of a display device including a plurality of pixels; and a processor that controls the memory to recognize a defective pixel among the plurality of pixels based on the acquired luminance image, recognize location information of the recognized defective pixel, and store the location information of the recognized defective pixel based on a connection of the memory. The memory of the inspection device is detachably connected to at least one of the display device and the processor. The location information of the defective pixel stored in the memory of the inspection device includes information for indicating a limitation of an electrical signal applied to the defective pixel of the display device.

[0016] A processor of an inspection device obtains a luminance value for each of a plurality of pixels based on an acquired luminance image, recognizes a luminance value that is lower than or equal to a reference luminance value among the acquired luminance values ​​for each pixel, recognizes a pixel having the recognized luminance value among the plurality of pixels as a defective pixel, recognizes a pixel having a luminance value that exceeds the reference luminance value among the acquired luminance values ​​for each pixel of the plurality of pixels as a normal pixel, obtains an average value for the luminance values ​​of the plurality of pixels, obtains luminance correction information for each normal pixel based on the acquired luminance values ​​of the normal pixels and the acquired average value, and controls a memory to store the acquired luminance correction information for each normal pixel and the position information for each normal pixel.

[0017] The processor of the inspection device stores the luminance correction value of the recognized defective pixel as zero (0) in memory.

[0018] The inspection device further includes a communication unit that communicates with the display device. The processor of the inspection device transmits location information of defective pixels recognized through the communication unit to the display panel.

[0019] The inspection device further includes a display unit. A processor of the inspection device recognizes the number of defective pixels included in a plurality of pixels and controls the display unit to display the number of recognized defective pixels and location information of the defective pixels based on whether the number of recognized defective pixels is greater than or equal to a reference number.

[0020] A control method of an inspection device comprises: acquiring a luminance image of a display panel including a plurality of pixels; acquiring a luminance value per pixel for each of the plurality of pixels based on the acquired luminance image; recognizing a luminance value that is lower than a reference luminance value among the acquired luminance values ​​per pixel; recognizing a pixel having the recognized luminance value as a defective pixel; recognizing location information of the recognized defective pixel; and storing the location information of the recognized defective pixel in a memory.

[0021] A control method of an inspection device further includes recognizing a pixel having a luminance value exceeding a reference luminance value among luminance values ​​of a plurality of pixels as a normal pixel, obtaining an average value of the luminance values ​​of the plurality of pixels, obtaining luminance correction information for each normal pixel included in the plurality of pixels based on the luminance values ​​of the acquired normal pixels and the obtained average value, storing the obtained luminance correction information for each normal pixel and the position information for each normal pixel in a memory, and storing the luminance correction value of the recognized defective pixel in a memory that can be separated by a limit value.

[0022] A control method of an inspection device further includes transmitting location information of defective pixels recognized through a communication unit to a display device, recognizing the number of defective pixels recognized, and displaying the number of defective pixels recognized and location information of the defective pixels through a display unit based on the number of defective pixels recognized being greater than or equal to a reference number.

[0023] According to the disclosed invention, the present invention can easily and quickly recognize defective pixels and accurately recognize the location of defective pixels by recognizing defective pixels of a display panel using an image sensor during mass production of a display device.

[0024] The present invention can prevent the problem of having to discard the entire display panel due to a defect in at least one display module by inspecting pixels of the display panel in units of display modules and determining whether to replace each display module based on the number of defective pixels in each display module, thereby reducing waste in manufacturing costs of the display panel.

[0025] The present invention can prevent normal pixels connected to a defective pixel from lighting up incorrectly by controlling an electric signal applied to a defective pixel based on location information of the defective pixel of a mass-produced display device, thereby improving the picture quality of a display panel.

[0026] The present invention can improve the marketability of a display device, further increase user satisfaction, enhance user reliability, and secure product competitiveness.

[0027] Additional features, characteristics and various effects of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an inspection system including a display device according to one or more embodiments and an inspection device for inspecting the display device.

[0029] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of a display panel provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 4 is an example diagram of the arrangement of light-emitting elements provided in a display module according to one or more embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of a light-emitting element provided in a display module according to one or more embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram of a display driver of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram of a defective pixel of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a table example of a memory of an inspection device according to one or more embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a control configuration diagram of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram of a subpixel provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 11 is an exemplary diagram of an electrical signal transmitted to a subpixel of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 12 is a control flowchart of an inspection device according to one or more embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 13 is a control configuration diagram of a display device according to one or more other embodiments.

[0041] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0042] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0043] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0044] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0045] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0046] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0047] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0048] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0049] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0050] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0051] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an inspection system including a display device and an inspection device for inspecting the display device according to one embodiment.

[0053] Before describing the inspection device of the inspection system, the configuration of the display device on which inspection is performed by the inspection device is first described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

[0054] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram of a display device according to one or more embodiments, FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of a display panel provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments, FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram of an arrangement of light-emitting elements provided in a display module according to one or more embodiments, FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of a light-emitting element provided in a display module according to one or more embodiments, and FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram of a display driver of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0055] The display device may include a self-luminous display device and may include an LED display device.

[0056] The LED display device may include a mini LED display device and a micro LED display device.

[0057] A micro LED display device is a display device that uses ultra-small LEDs that are approximately 1 / 10 the size of a mini LED display, and can be configured with an LED array of micro pixels that form individual pixels.

[0058] A micro LED display device can be formed by combining multiple display modules. This will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0059] In this embodiment, a micro LED display device is described as an example of a display device.

[0060] A display device (1) is a device that displays visual and three-dimensional image information, such as a display unit of a mobile device such as a laptop, smart phone, tablet, etc., a monitor of a PC, a television, a display unit of a home appliance, a display unit in a vehicle, etc.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 2, when the display device (1) is a television, the display device (1) includes a main body (10a) forming an appearance and a stand (10b) mounted at the bottom of the main body (10a).

[0062] This display device (1) can also be installed on a wall using a bracket or the like without a stand.

[0063] The display device (1) may include a display panel (10c) provided on the main body (10a) and displaying an image.

[0064] The main body (10a) may include a cover that covers the rear surface of the display panel (10c).

[0065] The main body (10a) may further include a bezel that covers the frame of the display panel (10c). In this case, the cover and bezel of the main body may be detachably coupled to each other.

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the display panel (10c) may include a plurality of display modules, namely, a display module (c1), a display module (c2), a display module (c3), a display module (c4), a display module (c5), a display module (c6), a display module (c7), a display module (c8), a display module (c9), a display module (c10), a display module (c11), a display module (c12), a display module (c13), a display module (c14), a display module (c15), and a display module (c16).

[0067] The display module (c1), the display module (c2), the display module (c5), and the display module (c6) may form a first cabinet, the display module (c3), the display module (c4), the display module (c7), and the display module (c8) may form a second cabinet, the display module (c9), the display module (c10), the display module (c13), and the display module (c14) may form a third cabinet, and the display module (c11), the display module (c12), the display module (c15), and the display module (c16) may form a fourth cabinet.

[0068] The display panel (10c) may include a plurality of cabinets, and each cabinet may include a plurality of display modules.

[0069] A plurality of display modules, i.e., display module (c1), display module (c2), display module (c3), display module (c4), display module (c5), display module (c6), display module (c7), display module (c8), display module (c9), display module (c10), display module (c11), display module (c12), display module (c13), display module (c14), display module (c15) and display module (c16), can be provided in a quadrangle type, such as a rectangle (Rectangle type) or a square type (Square type).

[0070] A plurality of display modules, i.e., display module (c1), display module (c2), display module (c3), display module (c4), display module (c5), display module (c6), display module (c7), display module (c8), display module (c9), display module (c10), display module (c11), display module (c12), display module (c13), display module (c14), display module (c15), and display module (c16), can be arranged vertically, horizontally, and horizontally adjacent to each other. A plurality of display modules, i.e., display module (c1), display module (c2), display module (c3), display module (c4), display module (c5), display module (c6), display module (c7), display module (c8), display module (c9), display module (c10), display module (c11), display module (c12), display module (c13), display module (c14), display module (c15), and display module (c16), can be arranged in a matrix form of M * N. M and N can be natural numbers. There is no limitation on the number and arrangement of multiple display modules, i.e., display module (c1), display module (c2), display module (c3), display module (c4), display module (c5), display module (c6), display module (c7), display module (c8), display module (c9), display module (c10), display module (c11), display module (c12), display module (c13), display module (c14), display module (c15), and display module (c16).

[0071] A plurality of display modules, i.e., display module (c1), display module (c2), display module (c3), display module (c4), display module (c5), display module (c6), display module (c7), display module (c8), display module (c9), display module (c10), display module (c11), display module (c12), display module (c13), display module (c14), display module (c15), and display module (c16), may have the same structure. Accordingly, a description of any one display module may be equally applicable to all other display modules.

[0072] Each of the plurality of display modules, i.e., display module (c1), display module (c2), display module (c3), display module (c4), display module (c5), display module (c6), display module (c7), display module (c8), display module (c9), display module (c10), display module (c11), display module (c12), display module (c13), display module (c14), display module (c15), and display module (c16), may include light-emitting elements (100) having a size in micro units of several μm to several hundred μm, i.e., light-emitting elements (100a), light-emitting elements (100b), and light-emitting elements (100c).

[0073] The light-emitting elements (100), i.e., the light-emitting element (100a), the light-emitting element (100b), and the light-emitting element (100c), can form one pixel.

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 4, each of the plurality of light-emitting elements (100), i.e., the light-emitting element (100a), the light-emitting element (100b), and the light-emitting element (100c), may include a first sub-pixel (sp1), a second sub-pixel (sp2), and a third sub-pixel (sp3).

[0075] In this embodiment, a light-emitting element having a horizontal structure in which the first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel are formed horizontally has been described, but it is also possible to implement a light-emitting element having a vertical structure in which the first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel are formed vertically.

[0076] A plurality of light-emitting elements (100), i.e., light-emitting elements (100a), light-emitting elements (100b), and light-emitting elements (100c), are arranged adjacent to each other and can be arranged up, down, left, and right.

[0077] These light-emitting elements (100), i.e., light-emitting elements (100a), light-emitting elements (100b), and light-emitting elements (100c), may have the same structure. The description of the light-emitting element (100a) described below may be equally applied to other light-emitting elements (100b) and other light-emitting elements (100c).

[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the light-emitting element (100) may include a base substrate (101), a glass substrate (102), a first electrode and a second electrode (111, 112), and a plurality of semiconductor elements, namely a first semiconductor element, a second semiconductor element, and a third semiconductor element (113).

[0079] The base substrate (101) is connected to the light-emitting element (100) and may include a TFT circuit (Thin Film Transistor) that transmits a signal for driving the light-emitting element (100).

[0080] The TFT circuit may include, but is not limited to, complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) type or n-type MOSFET or p-type MOSFET transistors.

[0081] The glass substrate (102) is the front part of the display panel (10c) and can protect the components of the light-emitting elements (100).

[0082] The first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) connect a plurality of semiconductor elements (113) and the TFT circuit of the base substrate (101).

[0083] The first electrode (111) may be a positive electrode (anode), and the second electrode (112) may be a negative electrode (cathode).

[0084] Either of the first electrode and the second electrode may be a common electrode.

[0085] Each of the plurality of semiconductor elements (113) may be a self-luminous element that emits red, green, and blue light.

[0086] Each of the plurality of semiconductor elements (113) may be a self-light emitting element corresponding to a sub-pixel. For example, the first semiconductor element may be a self-light emitting element corresponding to a red sub-pixel, the second semiconductor element may be a self-light emitting element corresponding to a green sub-pixel, and the third semiconductor element may be a self-light emitting element corresponding to a blue sub-pixel.

[0087] Each semiconductor element (113) may include a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and an active layer.

[0088] The first semiconductor layer may be placed adjacent to the base substrate (101).

[0089] The first semiconductor layer may include a p-type semiconductor.

[0090] The p-type semiconductor may include a p-type gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor, a p-type aluminum nitride (AlN) semiconductor, or a p-type AlxGa(1-x)N(0≤x≤1) semiconductor.

[0091] The p-type semiconductor can be a gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor doped with Mg, Ca, Zn, Cd, or Hg.

[0092] The second semiconductor layer may be placed adjacent to the glass substrate (102).

[0093] The second semiconductor layer may include an n-type semiconductor.

[0094] An n-type semiconductor may include an n-type semiconductor of the III to V series. For example, the n-type semiconductor may include n-GaN.

[0095] Alternatively, the n-type semiconductor may include an n-AlN semiconductor, or an n-AlxGa semiconductor (1-x)N (0≤ x≤ 1).

[0096] The n-type semiconductor may be a silicon (Si)-doped gallium nitride (GaN) or germanium (Ge)-doped gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor.

[0097] A first electrode (111) may be connected to a first semiconductor layer of the semiconductor device. A second electrode (112) may be connected to a second semiconductor layer of the semiconductor device.

[0098] The active layer of the semiconductor device may be provided between a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer. That is, the first semiconductor layer may be provided in contact with a first surface of the active layer, and the second semiconductor layer may be provided in contact with a second surface of the active layer.

[0099] The active layer may include a single quantum well structure (SQW) or a multi-quantum well structure (MQW).

[0100] The active layer may be a layer that generates light when receiving energy. The light generated in the active layer may be emitted to the outside through the second semiconductor layer.

[0101] Briefly, the principle of light generation is that when current passes through the active layer, electrons in the second semiconductor layer can combine with holes in the first semiconductor layer in the active layer. Light can be generated by the combination of electrons and holes.

[0102] Fig. 5 is only an example of the structure of a light-emitting element of a micro LED display device, and the structure of the light-emitting element of a micro LED display device is not limited thereto.

[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 6, a plurality of pixels provided on a display panel (10c) of a display device receive a driving signal from a display driver (120) and can be turned on or off based on the received driving signal, and can emit light of a color corresponding to the driving signal.

[0104] A display driver (120, DDI: Display Driver IC) can transmit a driving signal for displaying an image to pixels of a display panel (10c).

[0105] The driving signal for displaying an image may include a scan signal and a source signal.

[0106] The display driver (120) may include a first driver (121) and a second driver (122).

[0107] The first driver (121) may include a source line. The first driver (121) may be connected to the base substrate (101) of the display panel (10c) via the source line.

[0108] The source line of the first driver (121) can transmit the source signal to each pixel of the display panel (10c).

[0109] The source signal can be a signal that creates the difference in color that the subpixels will express.

[0110] The source signal may include a signal for current to flow in the subpixel.

[0111] The first driver (121) may include a source driver integrated circuit.

[0112] The second driver (122) may include a scan line. The second driver (122) may be connected to the base substrate (101) of the display panel (10c) via the scan line.

[0113] The second driver (122) may include a scan driver integrated circuit.

[0114] The scan line of the second driver (122) can transmit scan signals to each pixel of the display panel (10c).

[0115] The scan signal can be an on signal or an off signal for each subpixel.

[0116]

[0117] The inspection device (2) will be described below with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.

[0118] FIG. 7 is an example diagram of a defective pixel of a display device according to one or more embodiments, and FIG. 8 is an example diagram of a table of a memory of an inspection device according to one or more embodiments.

[0119] The inspection device (2) inspects whether a plurality of pixels of the display panel (10c) are defective.

[0120] That is, the inspection device (2) detects a defective pixel among a plurality of pixels and recognizes the location information of the detected defective pixel.

[0121] The inspection device (2) can inspect multiple pixels for defects on each display panel.

[0122] If the display panel is divided into multiple cabinets, the inspection device (2) can inspect multiple pixels for defects in each cabinet.

[0123] When the display panel is divided into multiple display modules, the inspection device (2) can inspect multiple pixels for defects in each display module.

[0124] The inspection device (2) may include an image sensor (21), a first processor (22), a memory (23), a first communication unit (24), a first input unit (25), and a display unit (26).

[0125] Among the components of the inspection device, the component with the same name as the component of the display device is marked as 'first'.

[0126] When inspecting a display panel, multiple pixels can be turned on by receiving a driving signal from a display driver (120).

[0127] The image sensor (21) acquires an image of the display panel (10c) to which a driving signal is applied and transmits the acquired image of the display panel (10c) to the first processor (22).

[0128] The image sensor (21) can also acquire images for each of a plurality of cabinets. The image sensor (21) can also acquire images for each of a plurality of display modules.

[0129] This embodiment describes image acquisition and detection of defective pixels in a display panel.

[0130] The image sensor (21) acquires a first image of the display panel (10c) based on the first inspection mode and transmits the acquired first image of the display panel (10c) to the first processor (22).

[0131] The first inspection mode is a mode that acquires images of the lighting of sub-pixels of the first color.

[0132] The first image may be an image of the luminance values ​​of sub-pixels of the first color.

[0133] The image sensor (21) acquires a second image of the display panel (10c) based on the second inspection mode and transmits the acquired second image of the display panel (10c) to the first processor (22).

[0134] The second inspection mode is a mode that acquires images of the lighting of sub-pixels of the second color.

[0135] The second image may be an image of the luminance values ​​of sub-pixels of the second color.

[0136] The image sensor (21) acquires a third image of the display panel (10c) based on the third inspection mode and transmits the acquired third image of the display panel (10c) to the first processor (22).

[0137] The third inspection mode is a mode that acquires images of the lighting of sub-pixels of the third color.

[0138] The third image may be an image of the luminance values ​​of sub-pixels of the third color.

[0139] As illustrated in FIG. 7, a defective sub-pixel (f) of the display panel (10c) may not be lit due to a circuit open and may appear as a black dot in an image acquired by the image sensor (21).

[0140] The image sensor (21) can also acquire an image of the display panel (10c) only once based on pixel-by-pixel defect detection.

[0141] The image sensor (21) may be an image sensor of a screen adjustment camera.

[0142] The image sensor (21) may include a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor.

[0143] The image sensor (21) may be an image sensor provided in an infrared camera.

[0144] An infrared camera is a camera that detects infrared radiation emitted from an object and determines its temperature based on the detected infrared radiation.

[0145] The image sensor of an infrared camera is made up of multiple pixels arranged in a two-dimensional structure, and each pixel performs the function of differentiating an optical signal according to brightness and converting it into an electrical signal.

[0146] The image sensor (21) can be provided so as to be separated from the first processor (22).

[0147]

[0148] The first processor (22) controls the overall operation of the inspection device (2).

[0149] The first processor (22) can check whether the display panel (10c) and the display driver (120) are connected, and transmit a driving signal to the display driver (120) based on the recognition that the display panel (10c) and the display driver (120) are connected.

[0150] A display driver may be provided in the inspection device (2) for inspection of the display panel (10c). In this case, the display driver of the inspection device (2) may be connected to the display panel (10c).

[0151] The display driver (120) is provided on the display panel (10c) and can also be connected to the inspection device (2) when inspecting the display panel (10c).

[0152] The first processor (22) can transmit a driving signal of a sub-pixel of a first color to the display driver (120) based on the performance of the first inspection mode, transmit a driving signal of a sub-pixel of a second color to the display driver (120) based on the performance of the second inspection mode, and transmit a driving signal of a sub-pixel of a third color to the display driver (120) based on the performance of the third inspection mode.

[0153] The first color, second color, and third color can all be different colors. For example, the first color can be red (R), the second color can be green (G), and the third color can be blue (B).

[0154] The first processor (22) controls the operation of the image sensor (21) and can receive an image acquired from the image sensor (21) based on the operation of the image sensor (21).

[0155] More specifically, the first processor (22) can control the operation of the image sensor (21) at the time of performing the first inspection mode, control the operation of the image sensor (21) at the time of performing the second inspection mode, and control the operation of the image sensor (21) at the time of performing the third inspection mode.

[0156] The first processor (22) can recognize whether a subpixel is defective based on the first image, the second image, and the third image received when performing the first inspection mode, the second inspection mode, and the third inspection mode, respectively, and can recognize whether a subpixel is defective based on the color.

[0157] The first processor (22) can recognize whether sub-pixels of a first color are defective based on a first image, recognize whether sub-pixels of a second color are defective based on a second image, and recognize whether sub-pixels of a third color are defective based on a third image.

[0158] The first processor (22) can also recognize whether each pixel is defective based on one image received from the image sensor (21).

[0159] This embodiment provides an example of a configuration for recognizing whether a subpixel is defective.

[0160] The first processor (22) recognizes the luminance value of the first image received from the image sensor (21), recognizes the luminance value of each sub-pixel of the first color, and recognizes whether each sub-pixel of the first color is defective based on the recognized luminance value of each sub-pixel of the first color.

[0161] The first processor (22) can compare the luminance value of each sub-pixel of the first color with a reference luminance value to recognize a sub-pixel of the first color having a luminance value lower than the reference luminance value, recognize the recognized sub-pixel of the first color as a defective sub-pixel, and recognize a sub-pixel of the first color having a luminance value exceeding the reference luminance value as a normal sub-pixel.

[0162] Here, the reference luminance value may be the same as or different from the preset luminance value.

[0163] The first processor (22) recognizes the luminance value of the second image received from the image sensor (21), recognizes the luminance value of each sub-pixel of the second color, and recognizes whether each sub-pixel of the second color is defective based on the recognized luminance value of each sub-pixel of the second color.

[0164] The first processor (22) can compare the luminance value of each sub-pixel of the second color with a reference luminance value to recognize a sub-pixel of the second color having a luminance value lower than the reference luminance value, recognize the recognized sub-pixel of the second color as a defective sub-pixel, and recognize a sub-pixel of the second color having a luminance value exceeding the reference luminance value as a normal sub-pixel.

[0165] The first processor (22) recognizes the luminance value of the third image received from the image sensor (21), recognizes the luminance value of each sub-pixel of the third color, and recognizes whether each sub-pixel of the third color is defective based on the recognized luminance value of each sub-pixel of the third color.

[0166] The first processor (22) can compare the luminance value of each sub-pixel of the third color with a reference luminance value to recognize a sub-pixel of the third color having a luminance value lower than the reference luminance value, recognize the recognized sub-pixel of the third color as a defective sub-pixel, and recognize a sub-pixel of the third color having a luminance value exceeding the reference luminance value as a normal sub-pixel.

[0167] In this way, the first processor (22) can distinguish between defective sub-pixels or normal sub-pixels based on the recognition results of whether each sub-pixel of the first color, second color, and third color is defective.

[0168] The first processor (22) can control the display unit (26) to obtain the number of defective sub-pixels and display the number of defective sub-pixels based on the number of the obtained defective sub-pixels being greater than or equal to a reference number.

[0169] The first processor (22) obtains the number of defective sub-pixels for each display module, compares the obtained number of defective sub-pixels for each display module with a reference number, obtains identification information of a display module having a number of defective sub-pixels greater than or equal to the reference number, and controls the display unit (26) to display the obtained identification information of the display module and the number of defective sub-pixels.

[0170] The first processor (22) recognizes the location information of defective sub-pixels recognized as defective sub-pixels.

[0171] The first processor (22) can recognize the location information of defective sub-pixels as coordinate information based on preset reference points in the image acquired by the image sensor (21) and store the coordinate information of the recognized defective sub-pixels in the memory (23).

[0172] The first processor (22) can store the brightness correction information of defective sub-pixels as zero (0) in the memory (23).

[0173] The first processor (22) can also control the display unit (26) to display coordinate information of defective sub-pixels.

[0174] The first processor (22) recognizes the brightness value of the display panel based on the image received from the image sensor (21).

[0175] More specifically, the first processor (22) can recognize the luminance values ​​of each of a plurality of sub-pixels, obtain an average value for the luminance values ​​of the recognized sub-pixels, and recognize the obtained average value as the luminance value of the display panel.

[0176] When a defect inspection is performed for each display module, the first processor (22) can recognize the luminance values ​​of each of the plurality of sub-pixels for each of the plurality of display modules, obtain an average value for the luminance values ​​of each of the plurality of sub-pixels for each of the recognized display modules, obtain a luminance value for each of the display modules based on the obtained average value, and recognize the luminance value of the display panel based on the average value for the luminance values ​​of the obtained display modules.

[0177] The first processor (22) can obtain the minimum value among the brightness values ​​of multiple display modules.

[0178] The first processor (22) can also set brightness correction information for defective sub-pixels based on the minimum brightness value among the brightness values ​​of multiple display modules.

[0179] The first processor (22) can also set brightness correction information for defective sub-pixels based on the minimum brightness value of normal sub-pixels.

[0180] The first processor (22) can also obtain luminance correction information of a defective sub-pixel based on a luminance value (d=mx) that is lower by a certain value (x) than a minimum value (m) and store the obtained luminance correction information of the defective sub-pixel in a memory (23).

[0181] A luminance value (d) lower by a certain value (x) than a minimum value (m) may include a limit value of luminance to be limited in a defective sub-pixel.

[0182] The first processor (22) can also obtain a luminance value (d) that is lower by a certain value than the minimum luminance value of the display modules and obtain luminance correction information for each defective sub-pixel based on the ratio (r1=d / a) of the obtained value (d) to the average luminance value (a) of the display modules.

[0183] The luminance correction information for each defective sub-pixel may include a correction value that approaches a value (d) that is lower by a certain value than the minimum luminance value of the display modules.

[0184] The first processor (22) can also store a luminance value (d=mx) that is lower by a certain value (x) than the minimum value (m) in memory as luminance correction information for the defective sub-pixel. In this case, the defective sub-pixel can only operate with a luminance value that is lower by a certain value (x) than the minimum value (m).

[0185] The first processor (22) obtains brightness correction information for each normal subpixel based on the average value of the brightness of each normal subpixel and the brightness of the display panel, and can match the obtained brightness correction information for each normal subpixel with the position information for each normal subpixel and store them in the memory (23).

[0186] For example, the first processor (22) can obtain brightness correction information for each normal sub-pixel based on the ratio (r2=a / p) of the average value (a) to the brightness value (p) for each normal sub-pixel.

[0187] Normal sub-pixel luminance correction information may include a correction value that approaches the average value.

[0188] The normal sub-pixel position information may include coordinate information for each normal sub-pixel. The normal sub-pixel position information may also include identification information for the display module.

[0189] The first processor (22) can match the location information and brightness correction information of a defective sub-pixel and store them in the memory (23), and can match the location information and brightness correction information of a normal sub-pixel and store them in the memory (23).

[0190] As shown in Fig. 8, the first processor (22) can write position information and brightness correction information for each subpixel to the memory (23).

[0191] The position information for each defective subpixel may include coordinate information for each defective subpixel.

[0192] Luminance correction information for each defective subpixel may contain 0.

[0193] Luminance correction information for each defective subpixel may include limit values ​​that include zero.

[0194] The limit value may be a value (d) that is lower by a certain value than the minimum value among the luminance values ​​of the display modules and may be a value determined by the average luminance value (a) of the display modules.

[0195] The position information for each normal subpixel may include coordinate information for each normal subpixel. The luminance correction information for each normal subpixel may include information corresponding to a luminance correction ratio for each normal subpixel.

[0196] If the luminance correction information for each subpixel is stored as preset luminance correction information (e.g., 1) in the memory (23), the first processor (22) can change and store the luminance correction information for each subpixel based on the result of the defect inspection of the display device.

[0197] If the memory is not recorded in a manner similar to that of the first processor (22), it is also possible to transmit sub-pixel position information and brightness correction information to the display device (1).

[0198] When display modules are individually inspected for defects, the first processor (22) can also convert sub-pixel coordinates based on identification information for each display module and store the converted sub-pixel coordinate information.

[0199] For example, when a first display module, a second display module, and a third display module are provided, the first processor (22) can identify whether the first display module is at a reference position on the display panel based on the identification information and arrangement position of the first display module, and can maintain the coordinates of each subpixel provided in the first display module based on the position of the first display module being identified as the reference position.

[0200] The first processor (22) converts the coordinates of each subpixel provided in the second display module from the initial coordinates (xo, yo) to new coordinates (xn, yn) based on the identification information and arrangement information of the second display module, and converts the coordinates of each subpixel provided in the third display module from the initial coordinates (xo, yo) to new coordinates (xm, ym) based on the identification information of the third display module, and can store the converted coordinate information of each subpixel of the second display module and the third display module.

[0201] The first processor (22) can perform the above-described operation using data stored in the built-in memory of the inspection device.

[0202] The first processor (22) may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the first processor (22) may include one or more processor chips that perform the aforementioned operations using an algorithm for controlling the operations of components within the display device, at least one memory that stores program-type data, and data stored in the at least one memory, or may include one or more processing cores.

[0203] The first processor (22) may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of the artificial intelligence model, and may include a graphics-only processor (GPU), etc.

[0204] The memory (23) may be provided to be detachable. The memory (23) may include non-volatile memory.

[0205] The memory (23) can be electrically and physically connected to the display device (1) and the inspection device (2).

[0206] The memory (23) can store a table in which sub-pixel position information and brightness correction information are matched based on the control command of the first processor (22).

[0207] The memory (23) can further store identification information of the display module and can store location information, i.e., coordinate information, of sub-pixels for each display module.

[0208] Memory (23) can store coordinate information for each subpixel.

[0209] The memory (23) can be connected to the display device (1) on which the inspection has been completed.

[0210] The inspection device (2) may further include built-in memory.

[0211] The built-in memory can store data for an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the inspection device (2) or a program that reproduces the algorithm.

[0212] The built-in memory and the first processor (22) may be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the built-in memory and the first processor (22) may be implemented as a single chip.

[0213] The built-in memory may be implemented as at least one of, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory devices such as cache, ROM (Read Only Memory), PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and flash memory, volatile memory devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory), or storage media such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or CD-ROM.

[0214] The first communication unit (24) can perform communication between internal components of the inspection device (2) or communicate with the display device (1).

[0215] The first communication unit (24) can transmit sub-pixel position information and brightness correction information to the display device (1) based on the control command of the first processor.

[0216] The first communication unit (24) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g. wired) communication channel or wireless communication channel with the display device (1), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel.

[0217] According to an embodiment, the first communication unit (24) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module).

[0218] These first communication units (24) can communicate with external devices via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0219] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0220] The first input unit (25) can receive user input.

[0221] The first input unit (25) can receive an inspection start command, an inspection end command, etc. of the display device.

[0222] The first input unit (25) can receive a transmission method of luminance correction information for each subpixel. The transmission method may include a transmission method to a display device via communication and a transmission method to a memory (23).

[0223] The first input unit (25) may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0224] The display unit (26) can display inspection result information of the display device and can display inspection progress information.

[0225] The inspection result information of the display device may include information on the number and location of defective sub-pixels.

[0226] The display unit (26) may be provided as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a digital light processing (DLP) panel, a plasma display panel, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an electroluminescence (EL) panel, an electrophoretic display (EPD) panel, an electrochromic display (ECD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, but is not limited thereto.

[0227] At least one component of the inspection device illustrated in Fig. 1 may be added or deleted to correspond to the performance of the components. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the components may be altered to correspond to the performance or structure of the system.

[0228] Meanwhile, each component illustrated in FIG. 1 refers to software and / or hardware components such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0229] FIG. 9 is a control configuration diagram of a display device according to one or more embodiments, described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0230] FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram of a sub-pixel provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments, and FIG. 11 is an exemplary diagram of an electrical signal transmitted to a sub-pixel of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0231] The display device (1) includes a display panel (10c), a display driver (120), a memory (23), a second input unit (130), a second communication unit (140), a power supply unit (150), and a second processor (160).

[0232] Among the components of the display device, the component with the same name as the component of the inspection device is marked as 'second'.

[0233] The display panel (10c) may include a plurality of pixels. Each pixel may include a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, and a third sub-pixel.

[0234] The display driver (120) transmits a driving signal to the display panel (10c) based on the control command of the second processor (160).

[0235] The drive signal may include a source signal and a scan signal (121).

[0236] The first driver (121) of the display driver (120) transmits an electric signal to a normal sub-pixel based on a driving signal received from the second processor (160).

[0237] The first driver (121) of the display driver (120) does not transmit an electric signal to the defective sub-pixel at the time of driving the defective sub-pixel based on the driving signal received from the second processor (160). Here, the electric signal may include a current signal.

[0238] That is, the first driver (121) of the display driver (120) does not apply a current signal to the defective sub-pixel at the time of driving the defective sub-pixel based on the control command of the second processor (160).

[0239] The memory (23) may be a detachable memory.

[0240] The memory (23) may include non-volatile memory.

[0241] The memory (23) can be provided in the inspection device (2) when inspecting the display device (1), and can be provided in the display device (1) after being separated from the inspection device (2) after inspection of the display device (1) is completed.

[0242] Memory (23) stores position information and brightness correction information for each subpixel of the display panel in a table.

[0243] The luminance correction information for each subpixel may include position information and luminance correction information of a defective subpixel and position information and luminance correction information of a normal subpixel.

[0244] Subpixel position information may include coordinate information.

[0245] The luminance correction information of a defective subpixel may include a correction value that is zero (0) or close to zero (0).

[0246] The memory (23) can also record luminance correction information for each subpixel received from the second communication unit based on the control command of the second processor (160).

[0247] The second input unit (130) receives user input.

[0248] The second input unit (130) can receive an on command, an off command of the display device, and a channel up / down command and a volume up / down command.

[0249] The second input unit (130) can receive a content selection command.

[0250] The second input unit (130) can also receive a read command from the memory (23) and a command to reflect brightness correction information for each subpixel.

[0251] The second input unit (130) may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0252] The second communication unit (140) can perform communication between internal components of the display device (1) or communicate with the inspection device (2).

[0253] The second communication unit (140) can receive position information and brightness correction information for each subpixel transmitted from the inspection device (2) and transmit the received position information and brightness correction information for each subpixel to the second processor (160).

[0254] The second communication unit (140) can communicate with an external device.

[0255] External devices may include, but are not limited to, personal computers, laptops, tablet PCs, terminals, portable telephones, smart phones, handheld devices, wearable devices, and set-top boxes.

[0256] External devices may further include removable storage devices such as USB memory sticks and hard disks.

[0257] The external device may be a device that stores at least one of image information and sound information and transmits at least one of the stored image information and sound information to a display device (1).

[0258] The second communication unit (140) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g. wired) communication channel or wireless communication channel with an external device and inspection device (2), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel.

[0259] A specific example of the second communication unit (140) is the same as the first communication unit (24) of the inspection device, so description thereof is omitted.

[0260] The power supply (150) supplies the power required to drive each component of the display device (1).

[0261] The power supply unit (150) can receive external commercial power, convert the commercial power into the amount of power, current, and voltage required to drive each component of the display device (1), and supply the converted power, voltage, and current to each component.

[0262] The power supply unit (150) can also supply standby power to each component of the display device (1) based on the control command of the second processor (160).

[0263] After the display device is mass-produced, when the power is first supplied, the second processor (160) identifies whether a table for brightness correction of the display panel is stored in the memory (23), and controls communication with the inspection device (2) based on the identification that the table is not stored in the memory (23), and can also request a table from the inspection device (2).

[0264] The second processor (160) can transmit identification information of the display device (1) to the inspection device (2) upon request of the table.

[0265] The second processor (160) can also store the received table in the memory (23) when the table is received from the inspection device (2).

[0266] The second processor (160) can read the table stored in the memory (23) based on receiving a power-on command and a content selection command.

[0267] The second processor (160) corrects the luminance information for each subpixel based on the video information of the content and the luminance correction information of the table stored in the memory (23).

[0268] The second processor (160) generates a driving signal for each subpixel based on the corrected luminance information for each subpixel and transmits the generated driving signal for each subpixel to the first driver (121).

[0269] The luminance information for each corrected subpixel may include zero (0) as luminance information of a defective subpixel.

[0270] The driving signal for each subpixel transmitted to the first driver may be a signal for controlling the current flowing to each subpixel.

[0271] The first driver (121) generates an electric signal for each subpixel based on a driving signal received from the second processor (160) and transmits the generated electric signal for each subpixel to each subpixel.

[0272] The electrical signal may include a current signal.

[0273] The first driver (121) does not transmit an electric signal to the defective sub-pixel based on the coordinate information of the defective sub-pixel. In other words, the first driver (121) prevents a current signal from flowing to the defective sub-pixel based on the coordinate information of the defective sub-pixel.

[0274] The first driver (121) can sequentially transmit electric signals to sub-pixels by color. This is explained with reference to Fig. 10.

[0275] When the first sub-pixel (R1), the second sub-pixel (R2), and the third sub-pixel (R3) of the first color are all normal sub-pixels, the first driver (121) transmits a current signal to the first sub-pixel (R1) of the first color, then transmits a current signal to the second sub-pixel (R2) of the first color, and then transmits a current signal to the third sub-pixel (R3) of the first color.

[0276] When the first subpixel (G1), the second subpixel (G2), and the third subpixel (G3) of the second color are all normal subpixels, the first driver (121) transmits a current signal to the first subpixel (G1) of the second color, then transmits a current signal to the second subpixel (G2) of the second color, and then transmits a current signal to the third subpixel (G3) of the second color.

[0277] When the first subpixel (B1), the second subpixel (B2), and the third subpixel (B3) of the third color are all normal subpixels, the first driver (121) transmits a current signal to the first subpixel (B1) of the third color, then transmits a current signal to the second subpixel (B2) of the third color, and then transmits a current signal to the third subpixel (B3) of the third color.

[0278] The first driver (121) can simultaneously transmit current signals to the sub-pixels of the first color, the second color, and the third color. For example, the first driver (121) can simultaneously transmit current signals to the first pair of sub-pixels (R1), sub-pixels (G1), and sub-pixels (B1), then simultaneously transmit current signals to the second pair of sub-pixels (R2), sub-pixels (G2), and sub-pixels (B2), and then simultaneously transmit current signals to the third pair of sub-pixels (R3), sub-pixels (G3), and sub-pixels (B3).

[0279] This describes a case where the second subpixel (R2) of the first color is a defective subpixel, and the first, third subpixels (R1) and subpixel (R3) of the first color are normal subpixels.

[0280] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the first driver (121) transmits a current signal to the first sub-pixel (R1) of the first color, and when it is time to transmit a current signal to the second sub-pixel (R2) of the first color, it does not transmit a current signal to the second sub-pixel (R2) of the first color, and when it is time to transmit a current signal to the third sub-pixel (R3) of the first color, it transmits a current signal to the third sub-pixel (R3) of the first color.

[0281] When the first driver (121) needs to transmit a current signal to the second sub-pixel (R2), sub-pixel (G2) and sub-pixel (B2) of the second pair, it may transmit the current signal to the second sub-pixel (R2) of the first color and the second sub-pixel (G2) and the second sub-pixel (B2) of the second color and the third color without transmitting the current signal to the second sub-pixel (R2) of the first color.

[0282] The first driver (121) can limit the transmission of the current signal of the defective sub-pixel.

[0283] That is, the first driver (121) can ignore the transmission of the current signal of the defective sub-pixel.

[0284] As another example, the luminance information for each corrected subpixel may include a limit value as luminance information of a defective subpixel. The limit value may be a correction value that includes zero (0).

[0285] For example, the limit value may include a value that is a certain amount lower than the minimum luminance value of a normal subpixel.

[0286] The limit value may include a value that is a certain value lower than the minimum value among the luminance values ​​of the display modules.

[0287] The correction values ​​for luminance compensation of defective sub-pixels can all be the same as the limit value.

[0288] The first driver can obtain a current value corresponding to a limit value and transmit a current signal corresponding to the obtained current value to each of the defective sub-pixels. The first driver can limit the current signal transmitted to each of the defective sub-pixels based on the limit value.

[0289] The current value corresponding to the luminance value of the subpixel may be information obtained through testing and stored in advance.

[0290] The second processor (160) can perform the above-described operation using data stored in the built-in memory.

[0291] The second processor (160) may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the second processor (160) may include one or more processor chips that perform the aforementioned operations using an algorithm for controlling the operations of components within the display device, at least one memory that stores program-type data, and data stored in the at least one memory, or may include one or more processing cores.

[0292] The second processor (160) may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of the artificial intelligence model, and may include a graphics-only processor (GPU), etc.

[0293] The display device (1) may further include built-in memory.

[0294] The built-in memory can store data for an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the display device (1) or a program that reproduces the algorithm.

[0295] The built-in memory and the second processor (160) may be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the built-in memory and the second processor (160) may be implemented as a single chip.

[0296] The built-in memory may be implemented as at least one of, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory devices such as cache, ROM (Read Only Memory), PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and flash memory, volatile memory devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory), or storage media such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or CD-ROM.

[0297] At least one component may be added or deleted to correspond to the performance of the components of the display device illustrated in FIG. 9. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the components may be altered to correspond to the performance or structure of the system.

[0298] Meanwhile, each component illustrated in FIG. 9 represents software and / or hardware components such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0299] Fig. 12 is a control flowchart of an inspection device according to an embodiment.

[0300] The inspection device identifies whether there is a connection with the display panel (10c) via the display driver.

[0301] The inspection device sequentially drives sub-pixels by color based on the identification that the display panel (10c) is connected (171), and acquires an image by color of the sub-pixel based on the sequential driving of the sub-pixels (172). This will be described in more detail.

[0302] The inspection device controls the performance of the first inspection mode and transmits a driving signal of the sub-pixel of the first color to the display driver (120) based on the performance of the first inspection mode.

[0303] Based on the lighting of the sub-pixels of the first color of the display panel, the inspection device acquires a first image of the display panel (10c) using the image sensor (21).

[0304] The inspection device controls the performance of the second inspection mode based on the completion of the first inspection mode.

[0305] The inspection device transmits a driving signal of a second color sub-pixel to the display driver (120) based on the performance of the second inspection mode.

[0306] Based on the lighting of the sub-pixels of the second color of the display panel, the inspection device acquires a second image of the display panel (10c) using the image sensor (21).

[0307] The inspection device controls the performance of the third inspection mode based on the completion of the second inspection mode.

[0308] The inspection device transmits a driving signal of a third color sub-pixel to the display driver (120) based on the performance of the third inspection mode.

[0309] Based on the lighting of the third color sub-pixels of the display panel, the inspection device acquires a third image of the display panel (10c) using the image sensor (21).

[0310] The first color, second color, and third color can all be different colors. For example, the first color can be red (R), the second color can be green (G), and the third color can be blue (B).

[0311] The inspection device can recognize whether there is a defect for each subpixel based on the first image, the second image, and the third image received when performing each of the first inspection mode, the second inspection mode, and the third inspection mode, and can recognize whether there is a defect for each color.

[0312] The first image, the second image, and the third image may include luminance images of color-specific sub-pixels.

[0313] The inspection device obtains luminance values ​​for each subpixel based on the first image, the second image, and the third image (173).

[0314] The inspection device recognizes defective sub-pixels based on the luminance value per sub-pixel and the reference luminance value (174). This will be explained in more detail.

[0315] The inspection device can recognize a luminance value of each sub-pixel of a first color based on a first image, compare the luminance value of each sub-pixel of the recognized first color with a reference luminance value, recognize a sub-pixel of the first color having a luminance value lower than the reference luminance value, recognize the recognized sub-pixel of the first color as a defective sub-pixel, and recognize a sub-pixel of the first color having a luminance value exceeding the reference luminance value as a normal sub-pixel.

[0316] The inspection device can recognize the luminance value of each sub-pixel of the second color based on the second image, compare the luminance value of each sub-pixel of the recognized second color with a reference luminance value, recognize the sub-pixel of the second color having a luminance value lower than the reference luminance value, recognize the recognized sub-pixel of the second color as a defective sub-pixel, and recognize the sub-pixel of the second color having a luminance value exceeding the reference luminance value as a normal sub-pixel.

[0317] The inspection device can recognize the luminance value of each sub-pixel of a third color based on the third image, compare the luminance value of each sub-pixel of the recognized third color with a reference luminance value, recognize a sub-pixel of the third color having a luminance value lower than the reference luminance value, recognize the recognized sub-pixel of the third color as a defective sub-pixel, and recognize a sub-pixel of the third color having a luminance value exceeding the reference luminance value as a normal sub-pixel.

[0318] In this way, the inspection device can distinguish subpixels into defective or normal subpixels based on the recognition results of whether each subpixel is defective.

[0319] The inspection device can obtain the number of defective sub-pixels and display the number of defective sub-pixels through the display unit (26) based on whether the obtained number of defective sub-pixels is greater than or equal to a reference number.

[0320] The inspection device obtains the number of defective sub-pixels for each display module, compares the obtained number of defective sub-pixels for each display module with a reference number, obtains identification information of a display module having a number of defective sub-pixels greater than or equal to the reference number, and displays the obtained identification information of the display module and the number of defective sub-pixels through a display unit (26).

[0321] The inspection device recognizes location information for each defective subpixel (175).

[0322] More specifically, the inspection device can recognize the location information of defective sub-pixels as coordinate information based on preset reference points in the first image, the second image, and the third image acquired by the image sensor (21) and store the coordinate information of the recognized defective sub-pixels in the memory (23).

[0323] The inspection device stores the luminance correction information of defective sub-pixels as zero (0) in the memory (23), but can match the coordinate information of the defective sub-pixels and store it in the memory (23) (176).

[0324] The inspection device obtains luminance correction information of normal subpixels (177). This will be described in more detail.

[0325] The inspection device recognizes the luminance value of the display panel based on the image received from the image sensor (21).

[0326] More specifically, the inspection device can recognize the luminance values ​​of each of a plurality of sub-pixels, obtain an average value of the luminance values ​​of the recognized sub-pixels, and recognize the obtained average value as the luminance value of the display panel.

[0327] The inspection device can recognize luminance values ​​of each of a plurality of sub-pixels for each of a plurality of display modules, obtain an average value for the luminance values ​​of each of the plurality of sub-pixels for each of the recognized display modules, obtain luminance values ​​of each of the display modules based on the obtained average value, and recognize the luminance value of the display panel based on the average value for the luminance values ​​of the obtained display modules.

[0328] The inspection device obtains brightness correction information for each normal subpixel based on the brightness value and average value for each normal subpixel, and can match the obtained brightness correction information for each normal subpixel with the position information for each normal subpixel and store them in the memory (23).

[0329] For example, the inspection device can obtain luminance correction information for each normal subpixel based on the ratio (r2=a / p) of the average value (a) to the luminance value (p) for each normal subpixel.

[0330] Normal sub-pixel luminance correction information may include a correction value that approaches the average value.

[0331] The normal sub-pixel position information may include normal sub-pixel coordinate information.

[0332] Normal sub-pixel position information may also include identification information of the display module.

[0333] The inspection device can match the position information of a normal sub-pixel with the brightness correction information and store them in the memory (23) (178).

[0334] The inspection device can write sub-pixel position information and brightness correction information to the memory (23).

[0335] Fig. 13 is a control configuration diagram of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0336] The display device (200) includes a display panel (10c), a display driver (220), an input unit (230), a communication unit (240), a power unit (250), a processor (260), and a memory (270).

[0337] The display panel (10c) of another embodiment is the same as the display panel of one embodiment, so its description is omitted.

[0338] When performing a bad pixel detection mode, the display driver (220) detects a voltage value applied to a plurality of sub-pixels provided on the display panel (10c) based on a control command of the processor (260) and transmits the detected voltage value for each sub-pixel to the processor (260).

[0339] The display driver (220) can detect the voltage value applied to the sub-pixels using the first driver (221).

[0340] When performing the image display mode, the display driver (220) transmits a driving signal to a plurality of sub-pixels based on a control command of the processor (260).

[0341] The input unit (230) receives user input.

[0342] The input unit (230) can receive an on command, an off command of the display device (200), and can receive a channel up / down command and a volume up / down command.

[0343] The input unit (230) can receive a content selection command.

[0344] The input unit (230) can receive a bad pixel detection mode and an image display mode.

[0345] The communication unit (240) can perform communication between internal components of the display device (200) or communicate with an external device (2).

[0346] The communication unit (240) is the same as the second communication unit of one embodiment, so its description is omitted.

[0347] The power supply unit (250) is also the same as the power supply unit of one embodiment, so its description is omitted.

[0348] The processor (260) can transmit a command to detect voltage values ​​for each subpixel to the display driver (220) based on the performance of the bad pixel detection mode.

[0349] The processor (260) can receive voltage values ​​for each subpixel from the display driver (220) based on the performance of the bad pixel detection mode, and compare the received voltage values ​​for each subpixel with a reference voltage value to recognize a bad subpixel.

[0350] The processor (260) can recognize a sub-pixel having a voltage value lower than or equal to a reference voltage value for each received sub-pixel, recognize the recognized sub-pixel as a defective sub-pixel, and recognize a sub-pixel having a voltage value higher than the reference voltage value for each received sub-pixel as a normal sub-pixel.

[0351] The processor (260) can recognize the location information of a defective sub-pixel and store the location information and brightness correction information of the recognized defective sub-pixel in the memory (270).

[0352] The luminance correction information of a defective subpixel may be zero (0).

[0353] The processor (260) can control the display panel (10c) to obtain the number of defective sub-pixels and display the number of defective sub-pixels based on the number of the obtained defective sub-pixels being greater than or equal to a reference number.

[0354] The processor (260) may obtain the number of defective sub-pixels for each display module, compare the obtained number of defective sub-pixels for each display module with a reference number, obtain identification information of a display module having a number of defective sub-pixels greater than or equal to the reference number, and control the display panel (10c) to display the obtained identification information of the display module and the number of defective sub-pixels.

[0355] The processor (260) can also obtain a current value for each subpixel from the source line of the first driver of the display driver.

[0356] The processor (260) can recognize the luminance value of the display panel based on the voltage value or current value of the sub-pixels.

[0357] The luminance value corresponding to the current value may be pre-stored as information obtained through testing. The luminance value corresponding to the voltage value may be pre-stored as information obtained through testing.

[0358] More specifically, the processor (260) can recognize the luminance values ​​of each of a plurality of sub-pixels, obtain an average value for the luminance values ​​of the recognized sub-pixels, and recognize the obtained average value as the luminance value of the display panel.

[0359] The processor (260) can recognize the luminance values ​​of each of the plurality of sub-pixels for each of the plurality of display modules, obtain an average value for the luminance values ​​of each of the plurality of sub-pixels for each of the recognized display modules, obtain a luminance value for each of the display modules based on the obtained average value, and recognize the luminance value of the display panel based on the average value for the luminance values ​​of the obtained display modules.

[0360] The processor (260) obtains brightness correction information for each normal subpixel based on the brightness value and average value for each normal subpixel, and can match the obtained brightness correction information for each normal subpixel with the position information for each normal subpixel and store them in the memory (270).

[0361] For example, the processor (260) can obtain luminance correction information for each normal sub-pixel based on the ratio (r2=a / p) of the average value (a) to the luminance value (p) for each normal sub-pixel.

[0362] Normal sub-pixel luminance correction information may include a correction value that approaches the average value.

[0363] The normal sub-pixel position information may include normal sub-pixel coordinate information.

[0364] Normal sub-pixel position information may also include identification information of the display module.

[0365] The processor (260) can match the location information and brightness correction information of a defective sub-pixel and store them in the memory (270), and can match the location information and brightness correction information of a normal sub-pixel and store them in the memory (270).

[0366] When performing the video display mode, the processor (260) can read a table stored in the memory (270) based on receiving a power-on command and receiving a content selection command.

[0367] The processor (260) corrects the luminance information for each subpixel based on the image information of the content and the luminance correction information of the table stored in the memory (270).

[0368] The processor (260) generates a driving signal for each subpixel based on the corrected luminance information for each subpixel and transmits the generated driving signal for each subpixel to the first driver (221).

[0369] The luminance information for each corrected subpixel may include zero (0) as luminance information of a defective subpixel.

[0370] The driving signal for each subpixel transmitted to the first driver may be a signal for controlling the current flowing to each subpixel.

[0371] The first driver (221) generates an electric signal for each subpixel based on a driving signal received from the processor (260) and transmits the generated electric signal for each subpixel to each subpixel.

[0372] The electrical signal may include a current signal.

[0373] The first driver (221) does not transmit an electric signal to the defective sub-pixel based on the coordinate information of the defective sub-pixel. That is, the first driver (221) prevents a current signal from flowing to the defective sub-pixel based on the coordinate information of the defective sub-pixel.

[0374] In this way, by preventing current from flowing to the defective subpixel, the problem of normal subpixels electrically connected to the defective subpixel lighting up when they should not be lit can be prevented.

[0375] The memory (270) can store the location information and brightness correction information of the defective sub-pixel and the location information and brightness correction information of the normal sub-pixel as a brightness correction table.

[0376] The memory (270) can store data for an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the display device (200) or a program that reproduces the algorithm.

[0377] The memory (270) and the processor (260) may be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory (270) and the processor (260) may be implemented as a single chip.

[0378] The memory (270) may be implemented as at least one of a non-volatile memory element such as a cache, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable ROM), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and a flash memory, a volatile memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a CD-ROM, but is not limited thereto.

[0379] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0380] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0381] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A display panel comprising a plurality of pixels; A memory storing location information of a defective pixel among the plurality of pixels; and A display device including a processor that limits an electrical signal transmitted to a defective pixel based on location information of the defective pixel stored in the memory.

2. In paragraph 1, The above memory stores normal position information and normal brightness correction information for each normal pixel among the plurality of pixels, The processor obtains normal luminance information for each normal pixel based on image information, corrects the obtained normal luminance information for each normal pixel based on normal position information and normal luminance correction information stored in the memory, generates an electric signal for each normal pixel based on the corrected normal luminance information for each normal pixel, and transmits the generated electric signal to each normal pixel. A display device in which the above normal pixel-by-pixel luminance correction information includes information corresponding to the difference between an average value of luminance values ​​of the plurality of pixels and the normal pixel-by-pixel luminance value.

3. In paragraph 2, The above memory includes a detachable non-volatile memory and stores a value smaller than the minimum value among the luminance values ​​of the plurality of pixels as luminance correction information of the defective pixel, A display device in which the processor limits an electric signal transmitted to the defective pixel based on brightness compensation information of the defective pixel.

4. In paragraph 1, The above memory stores the brightness correction information of the defective pixel as zero (0), A display device in which the processor limits an electric signal transmitted to the defective pixel to zero (0) based on brightness correction information of the defective pixel.

5. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a communication unit that performs communication with the server, The above processor is a display device that receives location information of the defective pixel inspected by the inspection device through the communication unit.

6. In paragraph 1, the processor, A display device that detects a pixel-by-pixel voltage value applied to each of the plurality of pixels, recognizes a voltage value lower than or equal to a reference voltage value among the voltage values ​​of each of the plurality of pixels, and recognizes a pixel to which the recognized voltage value is applied as a defective pixel.

7. In paragraph 1, The above display panel includes a self-luminous LED display panel, The above defective pixel is a display device including an electrically open pixel.

8. Memory; An image sensor for acquiring a luminance image of a display device including a plurality of pixels; and A processor is included that controls the memory to recognize a defective pixel among a plurality of pixels based on the acquired luminance image, recognize location information of the recognized defective pixel, and store the location information of the recognized defective pixel based on the connection of the memory. The memory is removably connected to at least one of the display device or the processor, An inspection device, wherein the location information of a defective pixel stored in the memory includes information for instructing limitation of an electric signal applied to the defective pixel of the display device.

9. In the 8th paragraph, the processor, Based on the acquired luminance image, a luminance value for each pixel is acquired for each of the plurality of pixels, and a luminance value that is lower than or equal to a reference luminance value among the acquired luminance values ​​for each pixel is recognized, and a pixel having the recognized luminance value among the plurality of pixels is recognized as a defective pixel. An inspection device that recognizes a pixel having a luminance value exceeding a reference luminance value among the acquired luminance values ​​of the plurality of pixels as a normal pixel, acquires an average value of the luminance values ​​of the plurality of pixels, acquires luminance correction information for each normal pixel based on the acquired luminance values ​​of the normal pixels and the acquired average value, and controls the memory to store the acquired luminance correction information for each normal pixel and the position information for each normal pixel.

10. In the 8th paragraph, the processor, An inspection device that stores the brightness correction value of the above-described defective pixel as zero (0) in the memory.

11. In paragraph 8, Further comprising a communication unit that performs communication with the above display device, The above processor is an inspection device that transmits location information of the recognized defective pixel to the display panel through the communication unit.

12. In paragraph 8, Including more display parts, The above processor is an inspection device that controls the display unit to recognize the number of defective pixels included in the plurality of pixels and display the number of recognized defective pixels and location information of the defective pixels based on the number of recognized defective pixels being greater than or equal to a reference number.

13. Obtain a luminance image of a display panel containing a plurality of pixels, Based on the acquired luminance image, a pixel-by-pixel luminance value is acquired for each of the plurality of pixels, Recognizes a luminance value that is lower than a reference luminance value among the luminance values ​​obtained for each pixel above, A pixel having the above recognized luminance value is recognized as a bad pixel, Recognize the location information of the above recognized bad pixel, A control method of an inspection device for storing location information of the above-mentioned recognized defective pixels in a memory.

14. In paragraph 13, Among the acquired pixel-by-pixel luminance values ​​of the above plurality of pixels, a pixel having a luminance value exceeding a reference luminance value is recognized as a normal pixel, Obtain an average value for the luminance values ​​of the above plurality of pixels, Obtain luminance correction information for each normal pixel included in the plurality of pixels based on the luminance value of the acquired normal pixel and the acquired average value, The above-mentioned acquired normal pixel-by-pixel luminance correction information and the above-mentioned normal pixel-by-pixel position information are stored in the memory, A control method of an inspection device further comprising storing a luminance correction value of the recognized defective pixel as a limit value in the separable memory.

15. In paragraph 13, Transmitting the location information of the above-mentioned recognized defective pixel to the display device through the communication unit, A control method of an inspection device further comprising recognizing the number of the recognized defective pixels and displaying the number of the recognized defective pixels and location information of the defective pixels through a display unit based on the number of the recognized defective pixels being greater than or equal to a reference number.

Images