Electronic device and method for adjusting brightness level of display panel

Abstract

This electronic device may comprise a display driving circuit and a display panel. The display driving circuit can: transmit a light emission signal to the display panel according to a first number of light emissions so that the brightness of a screen displayed through the display panel is provided at a first brightness level; receive a command for changing from the first brightness level to a second brightness level lower than the first brightness level; transmit a light emission signal to the display panel according to a third number of light emissions between the first number of light emissions and the second number of light emissions greater than the first number of light emissions; and transmit a light emission signal to the display panel according to the second number of light emissions so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at the second brightness level. A refresh rate can be maintained while the light emission signal is transmitted according to the third number of light emissions and the light emission signal is transmitted according to the second number of light emissions.

Description

Electronic device and method for adjusting the brightness level of a display panel

[0001] The following descriptions relate to an electronic device and method for adjusting the brightness level of a display panel.

[0002] An electronic device may include a display. The display may be used to display a screen (or image). The display may include a display panel and a display driving circuit. The display driving circuit may be operably or operatively coupled with the display panel. The display driving circuit may be configured to display a screen obtained from a processor of the electronic device on the display panel.

[0003] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] An electronic device may include a display driving circuit. The electronic device may include a display panel. The display driving circuit may be configured to transmit a light emission signal to the display panel according to a first light emission frequency per frame so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at a first brightness level. The display driving circuit may be configured to receive a command to change from the first brightness level to a second brightness level lower than the first brightness level. Based on the command, the display driving circuit may be configured to transmit a light emission signal to the display panel according to a third light emission frequency per frame between the first light emission frequency and a second light emission frequency per frame that is greater than the first light emission frequency, so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at a third brightness level between the first brightness level and the second brightness level. The display driving circuit described above may be configured to transmit the light emission signal according to the third light emission number based on the command, and then transmit the light emission signal to the display panel according to the second light emission number so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at the second brightness level. The refresh rate may be maintained while transmitting the light emission signal according to the third light emission number and transmitting the light emission signal according to the second light emission number.

[0005] A method performed by an electronic device having a display driving circuit and a display panel may include the operation of the display driving circuit transmitting a light emission signal to the display panel according to a first light emission count per frame so that the brightness of a screen displayed through the display panel is provided at a first brightness level. The method may include the operation of the display driving circuit receiving a command to change from the first brightness level to a second brightness level lower than the first brightness level. The method may include the operation of the display driving circuit transmitting a light emission signal to the display panel according to a third light emission count per frame between the first light emission count and a second light emission count per frame greater than the first light emission count, so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at a third brightness level between the first brightness level and the second brightness level based on the command. The above method may include the operation of transmitting the light emission signal according to the third light emission number based on the above command, and then the display driving circuit transmitting the light emission signal according to the second light emission number to the display panel so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at the second brightness level.

[0006] An electronic device may include a display driving circuit. The electronic device may include a display panel. The display driving circuit may be configured to provide a first brightness level of a screen displayed through the display panel. The display driving circuit may be configured to identify an event for reducing from the first brightness level to a second brightness level. Based on the event, the display driving circuit may be configured to gradually increase the emission cycle of a light emission signal transmitted from the display driving circuit to the display panel in order to gradually reduce from the first brightness level to the second brightness level while maintaining the refresh rate provided since the brightness level was provided to the first brightness level.

[0007] FIG. 1a illustrates examples of flicker in a display panel caused by pulse width modulation (PWM) driving.

[0008] Figure 1b illustrates an example of AID (AMOLED (active matrix organic light emitting diode) impulsive driving).

[0009] FIG. 1c illustrates an example of a flicker-free mode.

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary electronic device.

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an operation flow for adjusting the emission cycle of an emission signal within a mode for activated flicker-free.

[0012] FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate examples of a method for gradually adjusting the emission cycle of a light-emitting signal while maintaining the refresh rate when the brightness level changes.

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a flow of operation for adjusting the refresh rate or light emission cycle when the brightness level is changed.

[0014] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate examples of a method for reducing the refresh rate along with the gradual adjustment of the light emission cycle when the brightness level changes.

[0015] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a method for gradually adjusting the duty cycle of a light emission signal.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a display module according to various embodiments.

[0018] The terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. A singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art described in this disclosure. Terms used in this disclosure that are defined in a general dictionary may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning as they have in the context of the relevant technology, and are not to be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this disclosure. In some cases, even terms defined in this disclosure are not to be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0019] In the various embodiments of the present disclosure described below, a hardware-based approach is described as an example. However, since the various embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques using both hardware and software, the various embodiments of the present disclosure do not exclude a software-based approach.

[0020] Additionally, in this disclosure, expressions of "greater than" or "less than" may be used to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or fulfilled; however, this is merely for the purpose of expressing an example and does not exclude descriptions of "greater than" or "less than." Conditions described as "greater than" may be replaced with "greater than," conditions described as "less than" may be replaced with "less than," and conditions described as "greater than and less than" may be replaced with "greater than and less than." Furthermore, "A" to "B" below refer to at least one of the elements from A (including A) to B (including B).

[0021] FIG. 1a illustrates examples of flicker in a display panel caused by pulse width modulation (PWM) driving.

[0022] FIG. 1a illustrates examples (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) of flicker on a display panel of an electronic device (101) that may be caused by PWM driving. For example, the electronic device (101) may be an example of the electronic device (801) of FIG. 8. For example, the electronic device (101) may correspond to at least a part of the electronic device (801) of FIG. 8 or include at least a part of the electronic device (801).

[0023] For example, the electronic device (101) may have various form factors, such as a smartphone, a laptop PC (personal computer), a tablet PC, a head-mounted display (HMD) device, a watch, and other computing devices. The electronic device (101) may be referred to as a mobile device, a user terminal, user equipment (UE), a multifunctional device, a portable communication device, and / or a portable device. The form factor of the electronic device (101) is not limited to the exemplary form factor shown in FIG. 1a (e.g., an electronic device including a bar-type display panel). In one example, the electronic device (101) may be a device including a display panel that is a flexible display. For example, the electronic device (101) may be referred to as a foldable electronic device, a rollable electronic device, or a multi-foldable electronic device.

[0024] For example, the above PWM drive may be used to control the brightness level (or brightness) of a screen displayed through a display panel by an electronic device (101) (or a display driving circuit of the electronic device (101), or a display of the electronic device (101)). For example, in the above PWM drive, the brightness level of the screen may be controlled by repeatedly turning on / off a light-emitting element (e.g., backlight or pixel) of the display panel. For example, in the above PWM drive, the light-emitting element being on may indicate that a light-emitting signal is transmitted to the display panel (or light-emitting element). Conversely, in the above PWM drive, the light-emitting element being off may indicate that a light-emitting signal is not transmitted to the display panel (or light-emitting element) (or that transmission is stopped).

[0025] For example, the flicker of the display panel caused by PWM driving may indicate that the screen displayed through the display panel blinks or that the brightness level of the screen fluctuates periodically. The flicker may include visible flicker, which is perceived by the user, and invisible flicker, which is not perceived by the user. Even if the invisible flicker is not perceived by the user, it may cause eye strain, headaches, or visual discomfort (e.g., reduced concentration). For example, the flicker may be related to the refresh rate used by the display panel to display the screen. For example, the refresh rate may indicate the number of times the display panel updates the screen per unit of time (e.g., 1 second). In the present disclosure, the refresh rate may be referred to as the refresh rate of a display (e.g., display (220) of FIG. 2) used to display (or update) a screen (or image), the refresh rate of a display driving circuit (e.g., display driving circuit (221) of FIG. 2), or the refresh rate of a display panel (e.g., display panel (222) of FIG. 2).

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1a, Example (100-1) may represent flicker of a display panel caused by a first PWM drive. By example, without limitation, the first PWM drive may represent a case where the emission frequency is about 480 Hz (Hertz). For example, the emission frequency may be defined by the product of the refresh rate used by the display panel to display an image and the emission cycle of the emission signal provided to the display panel. For example, the emission cycle of the emission signal may be defined as the number of times the emission signal is transmitted within a unit time (e.g., one frame defined by the refresh rate). In the present disclosure, the emission cycle may be referred to as the number of emission cycles per frame (or number of emission cycles), the duty number, or the cycle of impulsive driving. Example (100-2) may represent flicker of a display panel caused by a second PWM drive. As a non-limiting example, the second PWM drive may represent a case where the emission frequency is approximately 1920 Hz (Hertz). Example (100-3) may represent flicker of a display panel caused by the third PWM drive. As a non-limiting example, the third PWM drive may represent a case where the emission frequency is greater than approximately 3125 Hz (Hertz).

[0027] Referring to Example (100-1), an electronic device (101) can display a screen through a display panel according to the first PWM drive. While displaying the screen according to the first PWM drive, flicker due to the PWM drive may occur. For example, while displaying the screen, a part (110) of the screen may be a relatively bright screen, and another part (115) of the screen may be a relatively dark screen. For example, flicker due to the PWM drive may be caused by a difference in relative brightness between a part (110) of the screen and another part (115). In Example (100-1), for convenience of explanation, a screen including a part (110) and another part (115) is shown as being displayed through a display panel, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the display panel updates the screen according to the light emission frequency (or refresh rate) of the first PWM drive, so that some parts (110) and other parts (115) may not be substantially visible to the user. Even if some parts (110) and other parts (115) are not substantially visible to the user, the user may feel discomfort as non-visual flicker occurs.

[0028] Referring to Example (100-2), the electronic device (101) can display a screen through a display panel according to the second PWM drive. While displaying the screen according to the second PWM drive, flicker may be caused by the PWM drive. For example, while displaying the screen, a part of the screen (120) may be a relatively bright screen, and another part of the screen (125) may be a relatively dark screen. Comparing Example (100-1) and Example (100-2), as the light emission frequency increases, the other part (125) may have a relatively higher (or brighter) brightness level compared to the other part (115). Accordingly, the screen of Example (100-2) may cause relatively less flicker compared to the screen of Example (100-1).

[0029] Referring to Example (100-3), the electronic device (101) can display a screen (130) through a display panel according to the third PWM drive. While displaying the screen (130) according to the third PWM drive, flicker due to the PWM drive may not be substantially caused. For example, the brightness level within the screen (130) may be substantially the same, unlike the screen of Example (100-1) and the screen of Example (100-2). Accordingly, the screen (130) of Example (100-3) may cause relatively less flicker compared to the screen of Example (100-1) and the screen of Example (100-2).

[0030] Referring to the foregoing, flicker that may be induced in a display panel by PWM driving having an emission frequency below a certain level may cause visual discomfort to the user as described above. For example, the emission frequency below a certain level may be defined based on modulation for displaying an image on the display panel, a brightness level (or luminance), or an external illuminance level. For example, the certain level may represent a level at which discomfort is felt as the user perceives flicker (or non-visual flicker). For example, the certain level may be referred to as a frequency corresponding to a brightness level as defined by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). In other words, the emission frequency below a certain level may change when the brightness level (or luminance) of the screen changes. By example, without limitation, the emission frequency below a certain level may be about 1200 Hz. In the present disclosure, the emission frequency corresponding to the certain level may be referred to as a reference frequency. Accordingly, the flicker caused by the screen of example (100-1) may cause visual discomfort to the user, and the flicker caused by the screen of example (100-2) may not cause visual discomfort to the user.

[0031] In FIG. 1a, flicker that may be caused by PWM driving is described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, flicker may be caused by a relatively low refresh rate. As a non-limiting example, if the display panel displays (or updates) the screen within a refresh rate of about 60 Hz or less, the probability of the user perceiving flicker may increase. Or, for example, flicker may be caused when the cycle of screen updating or the cycle of content changing within the screen is dynamic. As a non-limiting example, flicker may be caused when a frame drop occurs depending on the performance of the GPU (graphic processing unit) included in the electronic device (101). Or, for example, if the display panel displays the screen at a relatively low brightness level (or displays a low-luminosity screen), flicker may be caused by a driving method that takes into account the characteristics of the light-emitting element (e.g., OLED (organic light emitting diode)) of the display panel. Specific details related to this may be referenced below in FIG. 1b.

[0032] Figure 1b illustrates an example of AID (AMOLED (active matrix organic light emitting diode) impulsive driving).

[0033] FIG. 1b illustrates an example of a method for providing different brightness levels by transmitting a light emission signal according to the same light emission cycle when using AID (AMOLED (active matrix OLED) impulsive driving). Referring to FIG. 1b, an example (140) of a method for providing a relatively high brightness level when using AID and an example (150) of a method for providing a relatively low brightness level when using AID are illustrated. In each example (140) and example (150), the horizontal axis may represent time, and the vertical axis may represent the brightness of the light emission signal. In the present disclosure, the brightness of the light emission signal may be referred to as the brightness level of the light emission signal, the intensity of the light emission signal, and the electrical characteristic value of the light emission signal (e.g., current, voltage).

[0034] Referring to Example (140), four light-emitting signals may be transmitted within one frame (149). For example, the frame (149) may be defined as the inverse of the refresh rate. The frame (149) may be referred to as a vertical synchronization time, a vertical synchronization period, or a unit time. In Example (140), the length of the frame (149) may be about 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). By example, without limitation, referring to Example (140), four light-emitting signals may be transmitted within one frame (149). In the present disclosure, transmitting a light-emitting signal may include changing the brightness level of the light-emitting signal to a level different from 0 (or changing and maintaining it). For example, when four light-emitting signals are transmitted within one frame (149), the light-emitting cycle may be defined as 4. In the present disclosure, a light emission cycle may be defined as the number of times a light emission signal is transmitted within one frame (149). Alternatively, in the present disclosure, a light emission cycle may be referred to as a duty number or a cycle of impulsive driving. Also in the present disclosure, the time during which one light emission signal is transmitted may be defined as a light emission period. In other words, the light emission period may be determined according to the frame (or refresh rate) and the light emission cycle. In example (140), the light emission period may be about 2.08 ms (= 1 / (120*4)). For example, a frame (149) may include four light emission periods (141, 142, 143, 144).

[0035] Referring to example (140), the first light-emitting signal may be transmitted within the time period (141-1) of the first light-emitting cycle (141), the second light-emitting signal may be transmitted within the time period (142-1) of the second light-emitting cycle (142), the third light-emitting signal may be transmitted within the time period (143-1) of the third light-emitting cycle (143), and the fourth light-emitting signal may be transmitted within the time period (144-1) of the fourth light-emitting cycle (144). In other words, light-emitting signals may be transmitted according to a light-emitting cycle of four. As a non-limiting example, the brightness of each of the light-emitting signals within the frame (149) may be the first brightness (141a). For example, the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel may be determined according to the brightness and time of the light-emitting signals. For example, the brightness level of the screen may be defined as the sum of the products of the first brightness (141a) and the time period (141-1) of example (140), the first brightness (141a) and the time period (141-2), the first brightness (141a) and the time period (141-3), and the first brightness (141a) and the time period (141-4). In other words, the brightness level of the screen may be defined as the area for the brightness and the time during which the light-emitting signal is emitted. In the present disclosure, the brightness level of the screen may be referred to as the brightness level of the display panel or the luminance of the display panel.

[0036] Referring to Example (150), four light-emitting signals may be transmitted within one frame (159). The frame (159) of Example (150) may be the same as (or correspond to) the frame (149) of Example (140). In Example (150), the length of the frame (159) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). As a non-limiting example, referring to Example (150), four light-emitting signals may be transmitted within one frame (159). For example, when four light-emitting signals are transmitted within one frame (159), the light-emitting cycle may be defined as 4. In Example (150), the light-emitting period may be approximately 2.08 ms (= 1 / (120*4)). For example, the frame (159) may include four light-emitting cycles (151, 152, 153, 154).

[0037] Referring to example (150), the first light-emitting signal may be transmitted within the time period (151-1) of the first light-emitting cycle (151), the second light-emitting signal may be transmitted within the time period (152-1) of the second light-emitting cycle (152), the third light-emitting signal may be transmitted within the time period (153-1) of the third light-emitting cycle (153), and the fourth light-emitting signal may be transmitted within the time period (154-1) of the fourth light-emitting cycle (154). In other words, light-emitting signals may be transmitted according to a light-emitting cycle of four. As a non-limiting example, the brightness of each of the light-emitting signals within the frame (159) may be the second brightness (151a).

[0038] Comparing example (140) and example (150), the length of each of the light emission periods (141, 142, 143, 144) of frame (149) may be equal to (or correspond to) the length of each of the light emission periods (151, 152, 153, 154) of frame (159). The length of the time period (141-1) during which the first light emission signal of frame (149) is transmitted may be longer than the length of the time period (151-1) during which the first light emission signal of frame (159) is transmitted. In other words, the length of the time during which the light emission signal is turned on in frame (149) may be longer than the length of the time during which the light emission signal is turned on in frame (159). Additionally, the length of the time during which the light emission signal is turned off in frame (149) may be shorter than the length of the time during which the light emission signal is turned off in frame (159). The first brightness (141a) of the first light-emitting signal of the frame (149) may be lower than the second brightness (151a) of the first light-emitting signal of the frame (159).

[0039] A light-emitting element (e.g., OLED) of a display panel can be driven relatively non-linearly when the brightness of the light-emitting signal is low (or the current is low) within a low brightness level (or low luminance) of the display panel. Accordingly, it may be relatively difficult to control the light-emitting element of the display panel within a low brightness level (or low luminance) of the display panel. To facilitate the control of the light-emitting element of the display panel within a low brightness level (or low luminance) of the display panel, the AID may use a signal having a relatively high brightness, as in example (150). However, in example (150), the time during which the light-emitting signal is transmitted (or the time during which it is turned on) may be relatively short. At a low brightness level (or low luminance) of the display panel, the user's pupils dilate and react relatively sensitively to light, so the user can more easily perceive flicker.

[0040] At low brightness levels (or low luminance) of a display panel, increasing the refresh rate can reduce the probability of flicker being visible. However, as the refresh rate increases, power consumption increases, and problems may arise regarding the increased complexity of processing (e.g., scanning, compensation, or light emission) associated with the increased refresh rate. To reduce (or suppress) flicker caused at low brightness levels (or low luminance) of a display panel as described above, a flicker-free mode may be used. Specific details regarding this may be referenced in FIG. 1c below.

[0041] FIG. 1c illustrates an example of a flicker-free mode.

[0042] FIG. 1c illustrates an example (160) of a light-emitting signal transmitted to provide a low brightness level when the flicker-free mode is disabled, and an example (180) of a screen displayed according to the example (160). FIG. 1c also illustrates an example (170) of a light-emitting signal transmitted to provide a low brightness level when the flicker-free mode is enabled, and an example (190) of a screen displayed according to the example (170).

[0043] In each example (160) and example (170), the horizontal axis may represent time, and the vertical axis may represent the brightness of the light emission signal. In the present disclosure, the brightness of the light emission signal may be referred to as the brightness level of the light emission signal, the intensity of the light emission signal, and the electrical characteristic value of the light emission signal (e.g., current, voltage).

[0044] Referring to Example (160), four light-emitting signals may be transmitted within one frame (169). For example, the frame (169) may be defined as the inverse of the refresh rate. In Example (160), the length of the frame (169) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). As a non-limiting example, referring to Example (160), four light-emitting signals may be transmitted within one frame (169). For example, when four light-emitting signals are transmitted within one frame (169), the light-emitting cycle may be defined as 4. In Example (160), the light-emitting period may be approximately 2.08 ms (= 1 / (120*4)). For example, the frame (169) may include four light-emitting periods (161, 162, 163, 164). For example, the brightness of the light-emitting signal transmitted in the light-emitting period (161) may be the first brightness (161a).

[0045] Referring to Example (170), 16 light-emitting signals may be transmitted within one frame (179). For example, the frame (179) may be defined as the inverse of the refresh rate. In Example (170), the length of the frame (179) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120), which is the same as the length of the frame (169) in Example (160). As a non-limiting example, referring to Example (170), 16 light-emitting signals may be transmitted within one frame (179). For example, when 16 light-emitting signals are transmitted within one frame (179), the light-emitting cycle may be defined as 16. In Example (170), the light-emitting period may be approximately 0.52 ms (= 1 / (120*16)). For example, the frame (169) may include 16 light-emitting cycles (171, 172, 173). For example, the brightness of the light-emitting signal transmitted in the light-emitting cycle (171) may be a second brightness (171a). For example, the second brightness (171a) may be lower than the first brightness (161a).

[0046] Referring to examples (160) and (170), the brightness level of the screen displayed as a light-emitting signal is transmitted in example (160) (or the time (161-1) during which the light-emitting signal of example (160) is emitted and the area for brightness) may be substantially the same as (or correspond to) the brightness level of the screen displayed as a light-emitting signal is transmitted in example (170) (or the time (171-1) during which the light-emitting signal of example (170) is emitted and the area for brightness). In other words, the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel shown in example (180) may be substantially the same as the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel shown in example (190).

[0047] Referring to Example (180), a portion (181) of the screen displayed through the display panel may be a relatively bright screen, and another portion (185) of the screen may be a relatively dark screen compared to the portion (181). Referring to Example (190), a portion (191) of the screen displayed through the display panel may be a relatively bright screen, and another portion (195) of the screen may be a relatively dark screen compared to the portion (191). Referring to Examples (180) and (190), even if the brightness level of the screen is substantially the same, as the light emission cycle (or light emission frequency) increases, the screen of Example (190) may cause relatively less flicker compared to the screen of Example (180).

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1c, when a flicker-free mode is activated, the electronic device (101) can reduce flicker by increasing the light emission cycle used to provide the same brightness level. However, when using the flicker-free mode, if the brightness level of the screen changes rapidly, adjustment of the light emission cycle may be required in accordance with such change. When adjusting the light emission cycle, the optical characteristics of the display panel (or light-emitting element) may change rapidly, and flashing may be caused in the display panel. Additionally, when producing the display panel, a process of optical correction (or compensation) regarding specific conditions may be performed on the display panel. For example, the optical correction may be defined for a specific light emission cycle, a specific refresh rate, a specific brightness level, and a specific color gamut. As a non-limiting example, the specific light emission cycle optimized according to the charging time of the light-emitting element of the display panel may be considered.

[0049] As described above, optical correction regarding the specific conditions may not be optimized for all display panels (or all light-emitting cycles supported by the display panels (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8, 16)). Performing optimization for all display panels (or all light-emitting cycles supported by the display panels) may result in increased production time and cost for the display panels. Additionally, because accurate image quality compensation is difficult, image quality degradation may occur across all light-emitting cycles.

[0050] In the following, the present disclosure may gradually adjust (or change, increase, or decrease) the light emission cycle of a light emission signal transmitted to a display panel when the brightness level of a screen displayed on a display panel is changed (or increased or decreased). Accordingly, even if the brightness level of a screen displayed on a display panel is changed, flicker that may be caused by the display panel may be suppressed (or reduced). In addition, the present disclosure may gradually adjust the light emission frequency (or refresh rate, light emission cycle) of a light emission signal transmitted to a display panel when the brightness level of a screen displayed on a display panel is changed (or increased or decreased). In addition, the present disclosure may lower the refresh rate and increase the light emission frequency of the light emission signal transmitted to the display panel within a range lower than the maximum light emission frequency supported by the display panel in order to reduce unnecessary power consumption. In addition, the present disclosure may gradually adjust the duty cycle of the light emission signal transmitted to the display panel. Accordingly, the present disclosure can reduce abrupt changes in optical characteristics when brightness levels are changed and prevent (or suppress, reduce) the occurrence of flicker. The present disclosure can stably display a screen through a display panel of an electronic device.

[0051] Figure 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary electronic device.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device (101) may include at least one processor (210) including a processing circuit, a display (220), and a memory (230). The electronic device (101) may include at least a part of the electronic device (801) of FIG. 8 or correspond to at least a part of the electronic device (801) of FIG. 8.

[0053] At least one processor (210) may include at least a part of the processor (820) of FIG. 8 or correspond to at least a part of the processor (820) of FIG. 8. At least one processor (210) may include a central processing unit (e.g., including a processing circuit) and a display processing unit (DPU) (e.g., including a processing circuit). As an example without limitation, at least one processor (210) may further include a graphic processing unit (e.g., including a processing circuit). At least one processor (210) may be configured to execute instructions stored in memory (230). For example, at least one processor (210) may further include other components (e.g., a memory controller (or memory control circuit) for memory (230) and a storage controller (or storage control circuit) for memory (230).

[0054] At least one processor (210) may be implemented as one or more integrated circuitry (IC) chips and may perform various data processing operations. At least one processor (210) may include at least one electrical circuit and may process instructions (or programs, data, etc.) stored in memory (230) individually or collectively in a distributed manner. At least one processor (210) may include a processor assembly including one or more processing circuits. At least one processor (210) may include any processing circuit that is operational to control the performance and operations of one or more components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., memory (230) and / or display (220)). For example, at least one processor (210) (e.g., application processor (AP)) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) (e.g., a single chip or a set of chips). For example, at least one processor (210) may be implemented with multiple cores (or multiple core circuits), multiple chips, or multiple sets of chips. For example, at least one processor (210) may include one or more processing circuits configured to perform the various functions of the present disclosure individually and / or collectively.

[0055] The display (220) may be used for displaying an image. The display (220) may include a display driver circuitry (221) and a display panel (222). The display (220) may include at least a part of the display module (860) of FIG. 8 or correspond to at least a part of the display module (860) of FIG. 8.

[0056] The display driving circuit (221) may receive data regarding an image from at least one processor (210). The data may be transmitted from at least one processor (210) to the display driving circuit (221) via an interface. For example, the interface (e.g., including at least one circuit) may include a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI) (or may support MIPI). As an example, but not limited to, the interface may include a serial peripheral interface (SPI), a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART), an inter-integrated circuit (I2C), or an improved inter-integrated circuit (I3C). The display driving circuit (221) may be an example of the display driver IC (integrated circuitry) (930) of FIG. 9. For example, the display driving circuit (225) may include at least a part of the display driver IC (930) of FIG. 9 or correspond to at least a part of the display driver IC (930) of FIG. 9.

[0057] The display panel (222) can display an image under the control of the display driving circuit (221). For example, the display panel (222) may include pixels within a display area. For example, each of the pixels may include subpixels. For example, each of the subpixels may include a driving transistor and a light-emitting element. For example, the display panel (222) can display an image according to the gate voltage and source voltage from the display driving circuit (221). For example, the display panel (222) may include at least a part of the display panel (910) of FIG. 9 or correspond to at least a part of the display panel (910) of FIG. 9.

[0058] The memory (230) may include one or more storage media. For example, the one or more storage media may include a hard drive, flash memory, permanent memory such as ROM (read-only memory), semi-permanent memory such as RAM (random access memory), any other suitable type of storage assembly, or any combination thereof. The memory (230) may include a cache memory, which is one or more different types of memory used to temporarily store data for a function or feature of the electronic device (101). The memory (230) may be fixedly embedded in the electronic device (101) or incorporated into one or more suitable types of components (e.g., a SIM (subscriber identity module) card and / or an SD (secure digital) memory card) that can be repeatedly inserted into and removed from the electronic device (101). For example, the memory (230) may include at least a portion of the memory (830) of FIG. 8 or correspond to at least a portion of the memory (830) of FIG. 8.

[0059] The memory (230) can store one or more programs. For example, the one or more programs may include instructions that are executable by at least a part of at least one processor (210).

[0060] For example, the display driving circuit (221) (or the display (220)) may transmit a signal to at least one processor (210). For example, the signal may be a synchronization signal that can be used to request an image from at least one processor (210). As an example without limitation, the signal may include a TE (tearing effect) signal. For example, the display driving circuit (221) (or the display (220)) may transmit a signal to at least one processor (210) according to the refresh rate. In other words, the display driving circuit (221) (or the display (220)) may transmit a signal to at least one processor (210) at the start time of each of the frames.

[0061] For example, at least one processor (210) may transmit a command to a display driving circuit (221) (or a display (220)). For example, at least one processor (210) may transmit a command to the display driving circuit (221) (or a display (220)) instructing it to change the brightness level of the display panel (222) (or a display (220)). For example, the display driving circuit (221) (or a display (220)) may identify the command received from at least one processor (210) as an event for changing the brightness level of the display panel (222) (or a display (220)). As an example, but not limited to, at least one processor (210) may identify (or acquire) user input for changing the brightness level of the display panel (222) (or a display (220)) or generate it by identifying that the illuminance outside the electronic device (101) is changed. As a non-limiting example, the command transmitted from at least one processor (210) to the display driving circuit (221) (or, display (220)) may include a brightness level of the screen to be changed. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The command transmitted from at least one processor (210) to the display driving circuit (221) (or, display (220)) may include a number of transitions (or steps, frames) used to change from the current brightness level of the screen to the brightness level of the screen to be changed.

[0062] For example, a display driving circuit (221) may transmit a light-emitting signal to a display panel (222) according to a light-emitting cycle in order to provide (or adjust) a brightness level of a screen displayed through a display panel (222). In the present disclosure, transmitting a light-emitting signal to a display panel (222) according to a light-emitting cycle may include the display panel (222) emitting light according to the light-emitting signal received according to the light-emitting cycle.

[0063] For example, the display driving circuit (221) can gradually adjust (or change, increase, or decrease) the light emission cycle of the light emission signal while maintaining the refresh rate to adjust the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222). Specific details related to this may be referenced below in FIGS. 4a and 4b.

[0064] For example, the display driving circuit (221) can gradually adjust (or change, increase, or decrease) the emission frequency (or emission cycle, refresh rate) of the light emission signal to adjust the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222). Specific details related to this may be referenced in FIG. 5 below.

[0065] For example, the display driving circuit (221) can gradually adjust (or change, reduce) the refresh rate to reduce power consumption when adjusting the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222). Specific details regarding this may be referenced in FIGS. 6a and 6b below.

[0066] For example, the display driving circuit (221) can gradually adjust (or change, increase, or decrease) the duty cycle of the light emission signal when adjusting the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222). Specific details related to this may be referenced in FIG. 7 below.

[0067] For example, an electronic device (101) (or at least one processor (210), display (220), display driving circuit (221), display panel (222)) may activate a flicker-free mode to reduce (or suppress, reduce) flicker when displaying a screen having a relatively low brightness level. For example, the display driving circuit (221) (or display (220)) may lower the brightness level of the light-emitting signal while maintaining the light-emitting cycle of the light-emitting signal to display a screen having a relatively low brightness level when the flicker-free mode is disabled. Alternatively, the display driving circuit (221) (or display (220)) may adjust the light-emitting cycle of the light-emitting signal within the activated flicker-free mode. Specific details regarding this may be referenced below in FIG. 3.

[0068] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an operation flow for adjusting the emission cycle of an emission signal within a mode for activated flicker-free.

[0069] At least some of the above methods of FIG. 3 may be performed by the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2. For example, at least some of the above methods may be configured to be performed (or controlled) by the display driving circuit (221) of the electronic device (101). In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. Also, for example, at least some of the above methods may be configured to be performed by at least one processor (210) of the electronic device (101), and at least other parts of the above methods may be configured to be performed by the display (220) (or display driving circuit (221)) of the electronic device (101).

[0070] In operation (300), the electronic device (101) may perform activation of a flicker-free mode. For example, the electronic device (101) (or the display driving circuit (221)) may perform activation of a flicker-free mode when the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display (220) (or the display panel (222)) (or the brightness level of the display (220) (or the display panel (222))) changes to below a preset brightness level. For example, the preset brightness level may be a brightness level at which the display (220) (or the display driving circuit (221), the display panel (222)) of the electronic device (101) begins to activate (or utilize) the AID. As an example without limitation, the preset brightness level may be 40 when the range of the total brightness levels is 0 to 100. For example, the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display (220) (or display panel (222)) (or the brightness level of the display (220) (or display panel (222))) may be changed by user input or when the illuminance level of the illuminance outside the electronic device (101) is changed.

[0071] In the above example, it is described that the activation of the flicker-free mode is performed when the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display (220) (or, display panel (222)) (or, brightness level of the display (220) (or, display panel (222))) changes to below the preset brightness level, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (101) (or, display driving circuit (221)) may perform the activation of the flicker-free mode by identifying a user input for the activation of the flicker-free mode.

[0072] In operation (305), the electronic device (101) can identify whether the brightness level of the screen is below a reference level. For example, the display driving circuit (221) (or the display (220)) can receive a command from at least one processor (210) to change the brightness level of the screen. For example, at least one processor (210) can identify the brightness level of the screen to be changed according to user input regarding the display (220). Or, for example, at least one processor (210) can identify (or detect) the illuminance level of the illuminance using at least one sensor. For example, at least one processor (210) can identify the brightness level according to the changed illuminance level as it identifies that the illuminance level of the illuminance has changed. For example, at least one processor (210) can generate a command to change the brightness level of the screen to the identified brightness level and transmit the command to the display driving circuit (221).

[0073] For example, based on the received command, the display driving circuit (221) (or the display (220)) can identify an event to change the brightness level of the screen. For example, the display driving circuit (221) (or the display (220)) can identify the brightness level of the screen to be changed based on the event. For example, the display driving circuit (221) (or the display (220)) can identify whether the brightness level of the screen to be changed is below the reference level.

[0074] For example, the reference level may be a brightness level lower than the preset brightness level. For example, the reference level may be determined based on the brightness level (or luminance) of the screen displayed through the display panel (222), or the illuminance level outside the electronic device (101). For example, the reference level may represent a brightness level in which the light emission cycle changes according to the change in the brightness level (or illuminance level) of the screen within the flicker-free mode.

[0075] In operation (305), the electronic device (101) may perform operation (310) when the brightness level of the screen to be changed is below the reference level. Alternatively, in operation (305), the electronic device (101) may perform operation (315) when the brightness level of the screen to be changed is above the reference level.

[0076] In operation (310), the electronic device (101) can increase the light emission cycle. For example, the display driving circuit (221) can increase the light emission cycle of the light emission signal when the brightness level of the screen to be changed is below the reference level. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed below that the brightness level of the screen currently being displayed is the first brightness level and the brightness level of the screen to be changed is the second brightness level. In relation to operation (310), the second brightness level may be a brightness level lower than the first brightness level. To provide the first brightness level, the display driving circuit (221) can transmit a light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the first light emission cycle (e.g., 4). For example, the display driving circuit (221) can transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to a second light-emitting cycle (e.g., 16) which is more than the first light-emitting cycle (e.g., 4) in order to provide the second brightness level changed from the first brightness level.

[0077] When adjusting from the first light-emitting cycle to the second light-emitting cycle, in the present disclosure, the display driving circuit (221) may adjust from the first light-emitting cycle to a third light-emitting cycle (e.g., 8) between the first light-emitting cycle and the second light-emitting cycle, instead of adjusting immediately from the first light-emitting cycle to the second light-emitting cycle. For example, the display driving circuit (221) may transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the first light-emitting cycle, and then transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the third light-emitting cycle. The display driving circuit (221) may transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the third light-emitting cycle, and then transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light-emitting cycle. In other words, the display driving circuit (221) may gradually increase when adjusting from the first light-emitting cycle to the second light-emitting cycle. In the above example, when adjusting from the first light-emitting cycle to the second light-emitting cycle, it is described as adjusting to one other light-emitting cycle (e.g., the third light-emitting cycle) and then adjusting to the second light-emitting cycle, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Multiple light-emitting cycles between the first light-emitting cycle and the second light-emitting cycle may be used. Specific details regarding the gradual increase of the light-emitting cycle in operation (310) are illustrated and explained below with reference to FIG. 4a.

[0078] In operation (315), the electronic device (101) can reduce the light emission cycle. For example, the display driving circuit (221) can reduce the light emission cycle of the light emission signal when the brightness level of the screen to be changed is greater than or equal to the reference level. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed below that the brightness level of the screen currently being displayed is a first brightness level and the brightness level of the screen to be changed is a second brightness level. In relation to operation (315), the second brightness level may be a brightness level higher than the first brightness level. To provide the first brightness level, the display driving circuit (221) can transmit a light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the first light emission cycle (e.g., 16). For example, the display driving circuit (221) can transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to a second light-emitting cycle (e.g., 4) that is less than the first light-emitting cycle (e.g., 16) in order to provide the second brightness level changed from the first brightness level.

[0079] When adjusting from the first light-emitting cycle to the second light-emitting cycle, in the present disclosure, the display driving circuit (221) may adjust from the first light-emitting cycle to a third light-emitting cycle (e.g., 8) between the first light-emitting cycle and the second light-emitting cycle, instead of adjusting immediately from the first light-emitting cycle to the second light-emitting cycle. For example, the display driving circuit (221) may transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the first light-emitting cycle, and then transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the third light-emitting cycle. The display driving circuit (221) may transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the third light-emitting cycle, and then transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light-emitting cycle. In other words, the display driving circuit (221) may gradually decrease when adjusting from the first light-emitting cycle to the second light-emitting cycle. In the above example, when adjusting from the first light-emitting cycle to the second light-emitting cycle, it is described as adjusting to one other light-emitting cycle (e.g., the third light-emitting cycle) and then adjusting to the second light-emitting cycle, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Multiple light-emitting cycles between the first light-emitting cycle and the second light-emitting cycle may be used. Specific details regarding the gradual reduction of the light-emitting cycle in operation (315) are illustrated and explained below with reference to FIG. 4b.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 3 described above, the electronic device (101) can gradually adjust (or gradually increase or gradually decrease) the light emission cycle based on a comparison between the brightness level of the screen to be changed (or the external illuminance level) and a reference level while the mode for flicker-free is activated. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the electronic device (101) (or the display driving circuit (221)) can maintain a refresh rate provided to provide a brightness level of the screen. In the above example, the electronic device (101) can adjust the light emission cycle of the light emission signal to change the brightness level of the screen while maintaining the refresh rate provided since providing the first brightness level. In other words, the light emission frequency of the light emission signal can be adjusted according to the adjustment of the light emission cycle among the refresh rate and the light emission cycle.

[0081] FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate examples of a method for gradually adjusting the emission cycle of a light-emitting signal while maintaining the refresh rate when the brightness level changes.

[0082] FIG. 4a illustrates an example (400) of a method for gradually increasing the emission cycle of a light-emitting signal while maintaining the refresh rate when changing the brightness level of the screen.

[0083] Referring to Example (400), the signal (401) may be a TE signal transmitted from a display driving circuit (221) (or a display (220)) to at least one processor (210). In Example (400), the signal (401) in a first state (e.g., a high state) may indicate that the signal (401) is transmitted to at least one processor (210). In Example (400), the signal (401) in a second state (e.g., a low state) may indicate that the signal (401) is not transmitted to at least one processor (210) (or that transmission is stopped). The signal (401) may be transmitted according to the refresh rate. For example, the signal (401) may be transmitted in each of the first frame (401-1), the second frame (401-2), the third frame (401-3), and the fourth frame (401-4). The time lengths of each of the first frame (401-1), the second frame (401-2), the third frame (401-3), and the fourth frame (401-4) may correspond to one another. For example, the time lengths of each of the first frame (401-1), the second frame (401-2), the third frame (401-3), and the fourth frame (401-4) may be defined as the inverse of the refresh rate. For example, within the frames (401-1, 401-2, 401-3, 401-4), the refresh rate may be maintained. For example, the signal (401) can be transmitted within the time period (401a) of the first frame (401-1). For example, the signal (401) can be transmitted within the time period (401b) of the second frame (401-2). For example, the signal (401) can be transmitted within the time period (401c) of the third frame (401-3). For example, the signal (401) can be transmitted within the time period (401d) of the fourth frame (401-4).

[0084] Referring to example (400), a command (403) may be transmitted from at least one processor (210) to a display driving circuit (221) (or display (220)). For example, a command (403) may be transmitted from at least one processor (210) to a display driving circuit (221) (or display (220)) in response to a signal (401). In an example without limitation, a first command (403-1) may be transmitted to a display driving circuit (221) in response to a signal received during a time period (401a) of a first frame (401-1). For example, a command (403) may instruct to change the brightness level of a display panel (222) (or display (220)). For example, a command (403) may include the brightness level of the screen to be changed. For example, the command (403) may include the number of transitions (or steps, frames) used to change from the current brightness level of the screen to the brightness level of the screen to be changed. For example, the first command (403-1) may instruct to change from the first brightness level of the current frame (or the first frame (401-1)) to the fourth brightness level to be changed within three frames. In other words, after at least one processor (210) transmits one command (e.g., the first command (403-1)) to the display driving circuit (221), the display driving circuit (221) may gradually decrease the light emission cycle based on the received command. For example, the display driving circuit (221) may reduce the first brightness level to a second brightness level lower than the first brightness level, reduce the second brightness level to a third brightness level lower than the second brightness level, and reduce the third brightness level to a fourth brightness level lower than the third brightness level. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.For example, at least one processor (210) may transmit a command instructing a change in brightness level on a frame-by-frame basis. As a non-limiting example, the first command (403-1) may instruct the brightness level of the current frame (or the first frame (401-1)) to a first brightness level. As a non-limiting example, the second command (403-2) may instruct the brightness level of the current frame (or the second frame (401-2)) to a second brightness level lower than the first brightness level. As a non-limiting example, the third command (403-3) may instruct the brightness level of the current frame (or the third frame (401-3)) to a third brightness level lower than the second brightness level. As a non-limiting example, the fourth command (403-4) may instruct the brightness level of the current frame (or the fourth frame (401-4)) to a fourth brightness level lower than the third brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) can gradually reduce the light emission cycle based on the command received for each frame.

[0085] Referring to example (400), the light emission signal (405) illustrates an example of a light emission signal transmitted from a display driving circuit (221) to a display panel (222). The horizontal axis of the light emission signal (405) may represent time, and the vertical axis of the light emission signal (405) may represent the brightness of the light emission signal. In the present disclosure, the brightness of the light emission signal may be referred to as the brightness level of the light emission signal, the intensity of the light emission signal, or the electrical characteristic value of the light emission signal (e.g., current, voltage).

[0086] Referring to the light emission signal (405) of example (400), four light emission signals may be transmitted within the first frame (401-1). The length of the first frame (401-1) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). Within the first frame (401-1), four light emission signals may be transmitted. For example, in the first frame (401-1), the first light emission cycle of the light emission signal may be defined as 4. For example, the first frame (401-1) may include four light emission cycles (411, 412, 413, 414). For example, the brightness of the light emission signal transmitted in the light emission cycle (411) may be the first brightness (411a). Depending on the time period during which a light-emitting signal is transmitted (or the time period during which the light-emitting signal is turned on) in the first brightness (411a) and light-emitting cycles (411, 412, 413, 414), the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) may be the first brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) as the first brightness level by transmitting a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the first light-emitting cycle (e.g., 4).

[0087] Referring to the light emission signal (405) of example (400), six light emission signals may be transmitted within the second frame (401-2). The length of the second frame (401-2) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). Within the second frame (401-2), six light emission signals may be transmitted. For example, in the second frame (401-2), the second light emission cycle of the light emission signal may be defined as 6. For example, the second frame (401-2) may include six light emission cycles (421, 422, 423). For example, the brightness of the light emission signal transmitted in the light emission cycle (421) may be the second brightness (421a). For example, the second brightness (421a) may be lower than the first brightness (411a). Depending on the time period during which a light-emitting signal is transmitted (or the time period during which the light-emitting signal is turned on) in the second brightness (421a) and light-emitting cycles (421, 422, 423), the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) may be the second brightness level. For example, the second brightness level may be lower than the first brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) as the second brightness level by transmitting a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light-emitting cycle (e.g., 6).

[0088] Referring to the light emission signal (405) of example (400), eight light emission signals may be transmitted within the third frame (401-3). The length of the third frame (401-3) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). Within the third frame (401-3), eight light emission signals may be transmitted. For example, in the third frame (401-3), the third light emission cycle of the light emission signal may be defined as 8. For example, the third frame (401-3) may include eight light emission cycles (431, 432, 433). For example, the brightness of the light emission signal transmitted in the light emission cycle (431) may be the third brightness (431a). For example, the third brightness (431a) may be lower than the second brightness (421a). Depending on the time period during which a light-emitting signal is transmitted (or the time period during which the light-emitting signal is turned on) in the third brightness (431a) and light-emitting cycles (431, 432, 433), the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) may be the third brightness level. For example, the third brightness level may be lower than the second brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the third brightness level by transmitting a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the third light-emitting cycle (e.g., 8).

[0089] Referring to the light emission signal (405) of example (400), 16 light emission signals may be transmitted within the fourth frame (401-4). The length of the fourth frame (401-4) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). Within the fourth frame (401-4), 16 light emission signals may be transmitted. For example, in the fourth frame (401-4), the fourth light emission cycle of the light emission signal may be defined as 16. For example, the fourth frame (401-4) may include 16 light emission cycles (441, 442, 443). For example, the brightness of the light emission signal transmitted in the light emission cycle (441) may be the fourth brightness (441a). For example, the fourth brightness (441a) may be lower than the third brightness (431a). Depending on the time period during which a light-emitting signal is transmitted (or, the time period during which the light-emitting signal is turned on) in the fourth brightness (441a) and light-emitting cycles (441, 442, 443), the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) may be the fourth brightness level. For example, the fourth brightness level may be lower than the third brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the fourth brightness level by transmitting a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the fourth light-emitting cycle (e.g., 16).

[0090] Referring to the above description, the display driving circuit (221) can transmit a signal (401) in a first frame (401-1) to at least one processor (210) and receive a first command (403-1) in response to the signal (401). As an example without limitation, the first command (403-1) may instruct to change to the fourth brightness level within three frames. By receiving the first command (403-1), the display driving circuit (221) can identify an event for changing from the first brightness level, which is the brightness level of the currently displayed screen, to the fourth brightness level. Based on the event, the display driving circuit (221) can transmit a light-emitting signal according to the first light-emitting cycle (e.g., 4) to provide the first brightness level, and after transmitting the light-emitting signal according to the first light-emitting cycle, transmit a light-emitting signal according to the second light-emitting cycle (e.g., 6) to provide the second brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may transmit a light-emitting signal according to the third light-emitting cycle (e.g., 8) to provide the third brightness level after transmitting a light-emitting signal according to the second light-emitting cycle. The display driving circuit (221) may transmit a light-emitting signal according to the fourth light-emitting cycle (e.g., 16) to provide the fourth brightness level after transmitting a light-emitting signal according to the third light-emitting cycle. As described above, while gradually increasing the light-emitting cycles, the display driving circuit (221) may maintain a refresh rate to provide a brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222). In other words, the length of each of the frames (401-1, 401-2, 401-3, 401-4) may be maintained (or not changed).

[0091] FIG. 4b illustrates an example (450) of a method for gradually reducing the light emission cycle of a light emission signal while maintaining the refresh rate when changing the brightness level of the screen.

[0092] Referring to Example (450), the signal (401) may be a TE signal transmitted from a display driving circuit (221) (or a display (220)) to at least one processor (210). In Example (450), the signal (401) in a first state (e.g., a high state) may indicate that the signal (401) is transmitted to at least one processor (210). In Example (450), the signal (401) in a second state (e.g., a low state) may indicate that the signal (401) is not transmitted to at least one processor (210) (or that transmission is stopped). The signal (401) may be transmitted according to the refresh rate. For example, the signal (401) may be transmitted in each of the first frame (451-1), the second frame (451-2), the third frame (451-3), and the fourth frame (451-4). The time lengths of each of the first frame (451-1), the second frame (451-2), the third frame (451-3), and the fourth frame (451-4) may correspond to one another. For example, the time lengths of each of the first frame (451-1), the second frame (451-2), the third frame (451-3), and the fourth frame (451-4) may be defined as the inverse of the refresh rate. For example, the signal (401) may be transmitted within the time period (451a) of the first frame (451-1). For example, the signal (401) may be transmitted within the time period (451b) of the second frame (451-2). For example, the signal (401) can be transmitted within the time period (451c) of the third frame (451-3). For example, the signal (401) can be transmitted within the time period (451d) of the fourth frame (451-4).

[0093] Referring to example (450), a command (403) may be transmitted from at least one processor (210) to a display driving circuit (221) (or display (220)). For example, a command (403) may be transmitted from at least one processor (210) to a display driving circuit (221) (or display (220)) in response to a signal (401). As an example without limitation, a first command (453-1) may be transmitted to a display driving circuit (221) in response to a signal received during a time period (451a) of a first frame (451-1). For example, a command (403) may instruct to change the brightness level of a display panel (222) (or display (220)). For example, a command (403) may include the brightness level of the screen to be changed. For example, the command (403) may include the number of transitions (or steps, frames) used to change from the current brightness level of the screen to the brightness level of the screen to be changed. For example, the first command (453-1) may instruct to change from the first brightness level of the current frame (or the first frame (451-1)) to the fourth brightness level to be changed within three frames. In other words, after at least one processor (210) transmits one command (e.g., the first command (453-1)) to the display driving circuit (221), the display driving circuit (221) may gradually decrease the light emission cycle based on the received command. For example, the display driving circuit (221) may increase the first brightness level to a second brightness level higher than the first brightness level, increase the second brightness level to a third brightness level higher than the second brightness level, and increase the third brightness level to a fourth brightness level higher than the third brightness level. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.For example, at least one processor (210) may transmit a command instructing a change in brightness level on a frame-by-frame basis. As a non-limiting example, the first command (453-1) may instruct the brightness level of the current frame (or the first frame (451-1)) to a first brightness level. As a non-limiting example, the second command (453-2) may instruct the brightness level of the current frame (or the second frame (451-2)) to a second brightness level higher than the first brightness level. As a non-limiting example, the third command (453-3) may instruct the brightness level of the current frame (or the third frame (451-3)) to a third brightness level higher than the second brightness level. As a non-limiting example, the fourth command (453-4) may instruct the brightness level of the current frame (or the fourth frame (451-4)) to a fourth brightness level higher than the third brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) can gradually reduce the light emission cycle based on the command received for each frame.

[0094] Referring to example (450), the light emission signal (405) illustrates an example of a light emission signal transmitted from a display driving circuit (221) to a display panel (222). The horizontal axis of the light emission signal (405) may represent time, and the vertical axis of the light emission signal (405) may represent the brightness of the light emission signal. In the present disclosure, the brightness of the light emission signal may be referred to as the brightness level of the light emission signal, the intensity of the light emission signal, or the electrical characteristic value of the light emission signal (e.g., current, voltage).

[0095] Referring to the light emission signal (405) of example (450), 16 light emission signals may be transmitted within the first frame (451-1). The length of the first frame (451-1) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). Within the first frame (451-1), 16 light emission signals may be transmitted. For example, in the first frame (451-1), the first light emission cycle of the light emission signal may be defined as 16. For example, the first frame (451-1) may include 16 light emission cycles (461, 462, 463). For example, the brightness of the light emission signal transmitted in the light emission cycle (461) may be the first brightness (461a). Depending on the time period during which a light-emitting signal is transmitted (or the time period during which the light-emitting signal is turned on) in the first brightness (461a) and light-emitting cycles (461, 462, 463), the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) may be the first brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) as the first brightness level by transmitting a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the first light-emitting cycle (e.g., 16).

[0096] Referring to the light emission signal (405) of example (450), eight light emission signals may be transmitted within the second frame (451-2). The length of the second frame (451-2) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). Within the second frame (451-2), eight light emission signals may be transmitted. For example, in the second frame (451-2), the second light emission cycle of the light emission signal may be defined as 8. For example, the second frame (451-2) may include eight light emission cycles (471, 472, 473). For example, the brightness of the light emission signal transmitted in the light emission cycle (471) may be the second brightness (471a). For example, the second brightness (471a) may be higher than the first brightness (461a). Depending on the time period during which a light-emitting signal is transmitted (or, the time period during which the light-emitting signal is turned on) in the second brightness (471a) and light-emitting cycles (471, 472, 473), the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) may be the second brightness level. For example, the second brightness level may be higher than the first brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) as the second brightness level by transmitting a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light-emitting cycle (e.g., 8).

[0097] Referring to the light emission signal (405) of example (450), six light emission signals may be transmitted within the third frame (451-3). The length of the third frame (451-3) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). Within the third frame (451-3), six light emission signals may be transmitted. For example, in the third frame (451-3), the third light emission cycle of the light emission signal may be defined as 6. For example, the third frame (451-3) may include six light emission cycles (481, 482, 483). For example, the brightness of the light emission signal transmitted in the light emission cycle (431) may be the third brightness (481a). For example, the third brightness (481a) may be higher than the second brightness (471a). Depending on the time period during which a light-emitting signal is transmitted (or, the time period during which the light-emitting signal is turned on) in the third brightness (481a) and light-emitting cycles (481, 482, 483), the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) may be the third brightness level. For example, the third brightness level may be higher than the second brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the third brightness level by transmitting a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the third light-emitting cycle (e.g., 6).

[0098] Referring to the light emission signal (405) of example (450), four light emission signals may be transmitted within the fourth frame (451-4). The length of the fourth frame (451-4) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). Within the fourth frame (451-4), four light emission signals may be transmitted. For example, in the fourth frame (451-4), the fourth light emission cycle of the light emission signal may be defined as 4. For example, the fourth frame (451-4) may include four light emission cycles (491, 492, 493, 494). For example, the brightness of the light emission signal transmitted in the light emission cycle (491) may be the fourth brightness (491a). For example, the fourth brightness (491a) may be higher than the third brightness (481a). Depending on the time period during which a light-emitting signal is transmitted (or, the time period during which the light-emitting signal is turned on) in the fourth brightness (491a) and light-emitting cycles (491, 492, 493, 494), the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) may be the fourth brightness level. For example, the fourth brightness level may be higher than the third brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the fourth brightness level by transmitting a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the fourth light-emitting cycle (e.g., 4).

[0099] Referring to the above description, the display driving circuit (221) can transmit a signal (401) in a first frame (451-1) to at least one processor (210) and receive a first command (453-1) in response to the signal (401). By example, without limitation, the first command (453-1) may instruct to change to the fourth brightness level within three frames. By receiving the first command (453-1), the display driving circuit (221) can identify an event for changing from the first brightness level, which is the brightness level of the currently displayed screen, to the fourth brightness level. Based on the event, the display driving circuit (221) can transmit a light-emitting signal according to the first light-emitting cycle (e.g., 16) to provide the first brightness level, and after transmitting the light-emitting signal according to the first light-emitting cycle, transmit a light-emitting signal according to the second light-emitting cycle (e.g., 8) to provide the second brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may transmit a light-emitting signal according to the third light-emitting cycle (e.g., 6) to provide the third brightness level after transmitting a light-emitting signal according to the second light-emitting cycle. The display driving circuit (221) may transmit a light-emitting signal according to the fourth light-emitting cycle (e.g., 4) to provide the fourth brightness level after transmitting a light-emitting signal according to the third light-emitting cycle. As described above, while gradually decreasing the light-emitting cycle, the display driving circuit (221) may maintain a refresh rate to provide a brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222). In other words, the length of each of the frames (451-1, 451-2, 451-3, 451-4) may be maintained (or not changed).

[0100] In FIGS. 4a and 4b, an example is illustrated in which the light emission cycle is gradually adjusted while maintaining the refresh rate when changing the brightness level, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the present disclosure may adjust the refresh rate or the light emission cycle when changing the brightness level. Specific details related thereto are illustrated and described below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0101] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a flow of operation for adjusting the refresh rate or light emission cycle when the brightness level is changed.

[0102] At least some of the above methods of FIG. 5 may be performed by the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2. For example, at least some of the above methods may be configured to be performed (or controlled) by the display driving circuit (221) of the electronic device (101). In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. Also, for example, at least some of the above methods may be configured to be performed by at least one processor (210) of the electronic device (101), and at least other parts of the above methods may be configured to be performed by the display (220) (or display driving circuit (221)) of the electronic device (101).

[0103] In operation (500), the display driving circuit (221) can identify an event for changing the brightness level of the screen. For example, the display driving circuit (221) can receive a command from at least one processor (210). For example, the command may include the brightness level of the screen to be changed. Or, for example, the command may include the number of transitions (or steps, frames) used to change from the current brightness level of the screen to the brightness level of the screen to be changed. For example, the display driving circuit (221) can identify the event upon receiving the command. In the above example, the display driving circuit (221) is described as identifying the event upon receiving the command from at least one processor (210), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the display driving circuit (221) may directly identify a change in the brightness level by using at least one sensor to identify a change in the illuminance level outside the electronic device (101) or by identifying user input regarding the display (220). In this case, the display driving circuit (221) may identify the event by identifying the change in the illuminance level or the user input.

[0104] In operation (505), the display driving circuit (221) can identify whether the brightness level is reduced. For example, the display driving circuit (221) can identify whether the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) is reduced. For example, the display driving circuit (221) can identify that the brightness level is reduced if, based on the command, the brightness level to be changed is lower than the current brightness level. Alternatively, the display driving circuit (221) can identify that the brightness level is increased if, based on the command, the brightness level to be changed is higher than the current brightness level.

[0105] In operation (505), the display driving circuit (221) can perform operation (510) when the brightness level decreases. Alternatively, in operation (505), the display driving circuit (221) can perform operation (525) when the brightness level increases.

[0106] In operation (510), the display driving circuit (221) can identify whether the light emission frequency exceeds a reference frequency. The display driving circuit (221) can identify whether the light emission frequency currently used for displaying the screen exceeds a reference frequency according to the brightness level of the screen to be changed (or reduced) when the brightness level of the screen is reduced. For example, the light emission frequency may be determined based on the refresh rate (or the refresh rate of the display (220), the refresh rate of the display driving circuit (221), the refresh rate of the display panel (222)) and the light emission cycle of the light emission signal. As an example without limitation, the light emission frequency may be defined as the product of the light emission cycle and the refresh rate. For example, the display driving circuit (221) can identify the refresh rate and the light emission cycle of the light emission signal that are used to display the screen through the display panel (222). For example, the display driving circuit (221) can identify the light emission frequency using the product of the refresh rate and the light emission cycle.

[0107] For example, the reference frequency may be determined according to the brightness level of the screen. For example, the reference frequency may increase as the brightness level of the screen to be changed decreases. Conversely, the reference frequency may decrease as the brightness level of the screen to be changed increases. The reference frequency may be defined as a certain level indicating the likelihood of flicker being perceived by the user according to PWM driving. For example, the reference frequency may be relatively higher as the brightness level of the screen decreases, because the user's pupils dilate, increasing the likelihood of flicker being perceived. Conversely, the reference frequency may be relatively lower as the brightness level of the screen increases, because the user's pupils constrict, decreasing the likelihood of flicker being perceived.

[0108] In operation (510), the display driving circuit (221) can perform operation (515) when the light emission frequency exceeds the reference frequency. Alternatively, in operation (510), the display driving circuit (221) can perform operation (520) when the light emission frequency is less than or equal to the reference frequency.

[0109] In operation (515), the display driving circuit (221) may maintain a refresh rate or a light-emitting cycle. For example, the display driving circuit (221) may maintain (or not change) the refresh rate or a light-emitting cycle when the brightness level to be changed on the screen exceeds the reference frequency determined according to the brightness level to be changed.

[0110] In operation (520), the display driving circuit (221) can increase the refresh rate or light emission cycle. For example, the display driving circuit (221) can increase (or adjust, change) the refresh rate or light emission cycle when the brightness level to be changed on the screen is less than or equal to the reference frequency determined according to the brightness level to be changed.

[0111] With respect to operation (505), operation (510), operation (515), and operation (520), for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the brightness level before (or currently) the change is a first brightness level, the refresh rate for displaying the screen having the first brightness level is 120Hz, and the light emission cycle for displaying the screen having the first brightness level is 4. Additionally, it is assumed that the brightness level to be changed is a second brightness level lower than the first brightness level, the reference frequency according to the first brightness level is 400Hz, and the reference frequency according to the second brightness level is 1200Hz.

[0112] At the first brightness level, which is the current brightness level of the screen, if there is no change in the brightness level of the screen, the light emission frequency for displaying the screen having the first brightness level may be 480Hz. At this time, since the light emission frequency exceeds the reference frequency of 400Hz according to the first level, the display driving circuit (221) may maintain a refresh rate or a light emission cycle to maintain the light emission frequency.

[0113] When the brightness level is reduced in operation (505) and changed to the second brightness level, the display driving circuit (221) can identify that the current light emission frequency of 480Hz for displaying the screen having the first brightness level in operation (510) is less than or equal to the reference frequency of 1200Hz according to the second brightness level to be changed. Accordingly, the display driving circuit (221) can increase the refresh rate or light emission cycle in operation (520). As an example without limitation, the display driving circuit (221) can increase the refresh rate from 120Hz to 480Hz. Or, as an example without limitation, the display driving circuit (221) can increase the light emission cycle from 4 to 16. Or, as an example without limitation, the display driving circuit (221) can increase the refresh rate from 120Hz to 240Hz and increase the light emission cycle from 4 to 8. For the convenience of explanation, we assume the case where the luminescence cycle is increased from 4 to 16.

[0114] In this case, the display driving circuit (221) can gradually increase the light emission cycle as illustrated in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b. The gradually increasing light emission cycle can be determined (or calculated) according to the following formula.

[0115]

[0116] Referring to Equation 1, the EMtransition may represent the interval of the light emission cycle that is adjusted when gradually increased, the # of EM CycleTarget may represent the light emission cycle to be changed (e.g., 16, the light emission cycle according to the second brightness level), the # of EM Cyclecurrent may represent the current light emission cycle (e.g., 4, the light emission cycle according to the first brightness level), the # of Transition step may represent the number of transitions (or frames) to be changed from the first brightness level to the second brightness level. For example, if the number of transitions is 3, the EMtransition may be 4 (= (16-4) / 3).

[0117]

[0118] Referring to Equation 2, # of EM CycleFrame may represent the emission cycle of a specific frame among frames in which the emission cycle is gradually increasing, # of EM Cyclecurrent may represent the current emission cycle (e.g., 4, which is the emission cycle according to the first brightness level), EMtransition may represent the interval of the emission cycle that is adjusted when gradually increasing, and Frame may represent the order of the specific frame within the frames. For example, the frames may be 3, which is the number of transitions. Accordingly, the emission cycle of the first frame among the frames may be 8 (=4+4x1). The emission cycle of the second frame among the frames may be 12 (=4+4x2). The emission cycle of the last frame among the frames may be 16 (=4+4x3).

[0119] In the above mathematical formulas, the case where the light emission cycle is gradually increased has been described as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the above mathematical formulas can be applied substantially the same way even when the light emission cycle is gradually decreased.

[0120] Referring to the above description, the display driving circuit (221) may progressively increase the light emission cycle according to the number of light emission cycles and transitions to be changed, based on a command received from at least one processor (210). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the display driving circuit (221) may identify the number of brightness levels (or luminance) and transitions to be changed based on a command received from at least one processor (210). The display driving circuit (221) may determine the light emission cycle to be changed according to the number of brightness levels and transitions to be changed. As a non-limiting example, the light emission cycle to be changed may be mapped according to the brightness level of the screen. Specific examples related thereto may be referenced in the following table.

[0121]

[0122] Referring to Table 1 above, the Frame may represent a frame for displaying the screen, the Luminance may represent a brightness level of the screen, the EM cycle may represent a calculated light emission cycle, and the EM Cycle (round off) may represent a light emission cycle to be used for displaying the screen. In relation to the example of Table 1 above, the display driving circuit (221) may identify, based on a command received from at least one processor (210), that the brightness level to be changed is 300 and the number of transitions is 16. For example, the display driving circuit (221) may identify a frame-by-frame brightness level to change the brightness level from the current brightness level of 10 to 300 within 16 frames. Afterward, the display driving circuit (221) may calculate a light emission cycle according to each frame-by-frame brightness level. For example, the display driving circuit (221) may identify (or calculate) a light emission cycle to be actually used according to the calculated light emission cycle. As a non-limiting example, the emission cycle to be used can be identified by rounding off the calculated emission cycle.

[0123] In the example related to the above-described operation (505), operation (510), operation (515), and operation (520), the changed light emission frequency may be defined as 1920Hz according to a refresh rate of 120Hz and a light emission cycle of 16. Since the changed (or increased) light emission frequency of 1920Hz exceeds 1200Hz according to the second brightness level, the display driving circuit (221) can maintain the refresh rate or light emission cycle.

[0124] In operation (525), the display driving circuit (221) may reduce the refresh rate or the light emission cycle to have a light emission frequency exceeding the reference frequency. For example, the display driving circuit (221) may reduce the light emission frequency to provide a changed brightness level of the screen within a range exceeding the reference frequency when the brightness level of the screen is increased. For example, the display driving circuit (221) may reduce the refresh rate or the light emission cycle to reduce the light emission frequency.

[0125] In operation (530), the display driving circuit (221) may maintain a reduced refresh rate or a reduced light emission cycle. For example, the display driving circuit (221) may maintain the reduced light emission frequency exceeding the reference frequency determined according to the brightness level to be changed.

[0126] With respect to operation (505), operation (525), and operation (530), for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the brightness level before (or currently) the change is a first brightness level, the refresh rate for displaying the screen having the first brightness level is 120Hz, and the light emission cycle for displaying the screen having the first brightness level is 16. Additionally, it is assumed that the brightness level to be changed is a second brightness level higher than the first brightness level, the reference frequency according to the first brightness level is 1200Hz, and the reference frequency according to the second brightness level is 400Hz.

[0127] In operation (505), when the brightness level is increased and changed to the second brightness level, the display driving circuit (221) may reduce the light emission frequency within a range exceeding the reference frequency of 400Hz according to the second brightness level, which is changed to the current light emission frequency of 1920Hz for displaying the screen having the first brightness level in operation (525). For example, the display driving circuit (221) may reduce the refresh rate or the light emission cycle. As an example without limitation, the display driving circuit (221) may reduce the refresh rate from 120Hz to 30Hz (or increase the length of the frame according to the refresh rate). Or, as an example without limitation, the display driving circuit (221) may reduce the light emission cycle from 16 to 4. Alternatively, as a non-limiting example, the display driving circuit (221) may reduce the refresh rate from 120 Hz to 60 Hz (or increase the length of the frame according to the refresh rate) and reduce the light emission cycle from 16 to 8. For convenience of explanation, the case where the light emission cycle is reduced from 16 to 4 is assumed below.

[0128] In this case, the display driving circuit (221) can gradually reduce the light emission cycle as described above. In the example related to operation (505), operation (525), and operation (530), the changed light emission frequency may be defined as 480Hz according to a refresh rate of 120Hz and a light emission cycle of 4. Since the changed (or reduced) light emission frequency of 480Hz exceeds 400Hz according to the second brightness level, the display driving circuit (221) can maintain a reduced refresh rate or a reduced light emission cycle.

[0129] In FIG. 5, the display driving circuit (221) can adjust the light emission frequency (or refresh rate, light emission cycle) to have a value exceeding the reference frequency to reduce the likelihood of flicker being perceived by the user. At this time, when adjusting the light emission cycle, the display driving circuit (221) can gradually adjust (or change, decrease, or increase) the light emission cycle to reduce the flicker perceived by the user. In the above example, while gradually adjusting the light emission cycle, the display driving circuit (221) can maintain (or fix) the refresh rate. However, if the maintained refresh rate is a relatively high refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz), the power consumption of the electronic device (101) may be relatively high. Accordingly, while gradually adjusting the light emission cycle, the display driving circuit (221) can reduce the refresh rate within a range lower than the maximum light emission frequency supported by the display panel (222). Specific details regarding this may be referenced below in FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b.

[0130] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate examples of a method for reducing the refresh rate along with the gradual adjustment of the light emission cycle when the brightness level changes.

[0131] FIG. 6a illustrates an example (600) of a method for reducing the refresh rate along with gradually adjusting the light emission cycle when changing the brightness level of the screen. The example (600) of FIG. 6a assumes a case where the light emission cycle is gradually increased as the brightness level of the screen decreases.

[0132] Referring to Example (600), the signal (601) may be a TE signal transmitted from a display driving circuit (221) (or a display (220)) to at least one processor (210). In Example (600), the signal (601) in a first state (e.g., a high state) may indicate that the signal (601) is transmitted to at least one processor (210). In Example (600), the signal (601) in a second state (e.g., a low state) may indicate that the signal (601) is not transmitted to at least one processor (210) (or that transmission is stopped). The signal (601) may be transmitted according to the refresh rate. For example, the signal (601) may be transmitted in each of the first frame (601-1), the second frame (601-2), and the third frame (601-3). The time lengths of the first frame (601-1) and the second frame (601-2), respectively, may correspond to each other. Alternatively, the time length of the third frame (601-3) may be longer than the time lengths of the first frame (601-1) and the second frame (601-2), respectively. This is because the refresh rate (e.g., 60 Hz) corresponding to the third frame (601-3) is lower than the refresh rate (e.g., 120 Hz) corresponding to the first frame (601-1) (or the second frame (601-2)). For example, the time lengths of the first frame (601-1), the second frame (601-2), and the third frame (601-3), respectively, may be defined as the inverse of the refresh rate. For example, the signal (601) may be transmitted within the time period (601a) of the first frame (601-1). For example, the signal (601) can be transmitted within the time period (601b) of the second frame (601-2). For example, the signal (601) can be transmitted within the time period (601c) of the third frame (601-3).

[0133] Referring to example (600), a command (603) may be transmitted from at least one processor (210) to a display driving circuit (221) (or display (220)). For example, a command (603) may be transmitted from at least one processor (210) to a display driving circuit (221) (or display (220)) in response to a signal (601). In an example without limitation, a first command (603-1) may be transmitted to a display driving circuit (221) in response to a signal received during the time period (601a) of a first frame (601-1). For example, a command (603) may instruct to change the brightness level of a display panel (222) (or display (220)). For example, a command (603) may include the brightness level of the screen to be changed. For example, the command (603) may include the number of transitions (or steps, frames) used to change from the current brightness level of the screen to the brightness level of the screen to be changed. For example, the first command (603-1) may instruct to change from the first brightness level of the current frame (or the first frame (601-1)) to the third brightness level to be changed within two frames. In other words, after at least one processor (210) transmits one command (e.g., the first command (603-1)) to the display driving circuit (221), the display driving circuit (221) may adjust the light emission cycle based on the received command. For example, the second command (603-3) may be transmitted to the display driving circuit (221) in response to a signal transmitted during the time period (601c) of the third frame (601-3). For example, the second command (603-3) may instruct the display driving circuit (221) (or the display panel (222), the display (220)) to adjust (or reduce) the refresh rate. The display driving circuit (221) may reduce the refresh rate based on the second command (603-3).

[0134] Referring to example (600), the light emission signal (605) illustrates an example of a light emission signal transmitted from a display driving circuit (221) to a display panel (222). The horizontal axis of the light emission signal (605) may represent time, and the vertical axis of the light emission signal (605) may represent the brightness of the light emission signal. In the present disclosure, the brightness of the light emission signal may be referred to as the brightness level of the light emission signal, the intensity of the light emission signal, or the electrical characteristic value of the light emission signal (e.g., current, voltage).

[0135] Referring to the light emission signal (605) of example (600), four light emission signals may be transmitted within the first frame (601-1). The length of the first frame (601-1) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). Within the first frame (601-1), four light emission signals may be transmitted. For example, in the first frame (601-1), the first light emission cycle of the light emission signal may be defined as 4. For example, the first frame (601-1) may include four light emission cycles (611, 612, 613, 614). For example, the brightness of the light emission signal transmitted in the light emission cycle (611) may be the first brightness (611a). Depending on the time period during which a light-emitting signal is transmitted (or the time period during which the light-emitting signal is turned on) in the first brightness (611a) and light-emitting cycles (611, 612, 613, 614), the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) may be the first brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) as the first brightness level by transmitting a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the first light-emitting cycle (e.g., 4). The light-emitting frequency for providing the first brightness level may be 480Hz (=120Hz*4).

[0136] Referring to the light emission signal (605) of example (600), eight light emission signals may be transmitted within the second frame (601-2). The length of the second frame (601-2) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). Within the second frame (601-2), eight light emission signals may be transmitted. For example, in the second frame (601-2), the second light emission cycle of the light emission signal may be defined as 8. For example, the second frame (601-2) may include eight light emission cycles (621, 622, 623). For example, the brightness of the light emission signal transmitted in the light emission cycle (621) may be the second brightness (621a). For example, the second brightness (621a) may be lower than the first brightness (611a). Depending on the time period during which a light-emitting signal is transmitted (or the time period during which the light-emitting signal is turned on) in the second brightness (621a) and light-emitting cycles (621, 622, 623), the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) may be the second brightness level. For example, the second brightness level may be lower than the first brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) as the second brightness level by transmitting a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light-emitting cycle (e.g., 8). The light-emitting frequency for providing the second brightness level may be 960Hz (=120Hz*8).

[0137] Referring to the light emission signal (605) of example (600), 16 light emission signals may be transmitted within the third frame (601-3). The length of the third frame (601-3) may be approximately 16.6 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 60). Within the third frame (601-3), 16 light emission signals may be transmitted. For example, in the third frame (601-3), the third light emission cycle of the light emission signal may be defined as 16. For example, the third frame (601-3) may include 16 light emission cycles (631, 632, 633). For example, the brightness of the light emission signal transmitted in the light emission cycle (631) may be the third brightness (631a). For example, the third brightness (631a) may be lower than the second brightness (621a). Depending on the time period during which a light-emitting signal is transmitted (or the time period during which the light-emitting signal is turned on) in the third brightness (631a) and light-emitting cycles (631, 632, 633), the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) may be the third brightness level. For example, the third brightness level may be lower than the second brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) as the third brightness level by transmitting a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the third light-emitting cycle (e.g., 16). The light-emitting frequency for providing the third brightness level may be 960 Hz.

[0138] In one example, when the maximum light emission frequency supported by the display panel (222) is 1000Hz, the display driving circuit (221) can adjust the light emission frequency to satisfy less than 1000Hz, which is the maximum light emission frequency supported by the display panel (222), based on the second command (603-3). At this time, the display driving circuit (221) can reduce the refresh rate by taking into account the third light emission cycle (e.g., 16). For example, the refresh rate can be reduced from 120Hz to 60Hz. The display driving circuit (221) can reduce the refresh rate while providing the light emission frequency required to reduce flicker as described above. Accordingly, the power consumption of the electronic device (101) can be reduced.

[0139] FIG. 6b illustrates an example (650) of a method for reducing the refresh rate along with the gradual adjustment of the light emission cycle when changing the brightness level of the screen. The example (650) of FIG. 6b assumes a case where the light emission cycle is gradually reduced as the brightness level of the screen increases.

[0140] Referring to Example (650), the signal (601) may be a TE signal transmitted from a display driving circuit (221) (or a display (220)) to at least one processor (210). In Example (650), the signal (601) in a first state (e.g., a high state) may indicate that the signal (601) is transmitted to at least one processor (210). In Example (650), the signal (601) in a second state (e.g., a low state) may indicate that the signal (601) is not transmitted to at least one processor (210) (or that transmission is stopped). The signal (601) may be transmitted according to the refresh rate. For example, the signal (601) may be transmitted in each of the first frame (651-1), the second frame (651-2), and the third frame (651-3). The time lengths of the first frame (651-1) and the second frame (651-2), respectively, may correspond to each other. Alternatively, the time length of the third frame (651-3) may be longer than the time lengths of the first frame (651-1) and the second frame (651-2), respectively. This is because the refresh rate (e.g., 60 Hz) corresponding to the third frame (651-3) is lower than the refresh rate (e.g., 120 Hz) corresponding to the first frame (651-1) (or the second frame (651-2)). For example, the time lengths of the first frame (651-1), the second frame (651-2), and the third frame (651-3), respectively, may be defined as the inverse of the refresh rate. For example, the signal (601) may be transmitted within the time period (651a) of the first frame (651-1). For example, the signal (601) can be transmitted within the time period (651b) of the second frame (651-2). For example, the signal (601) can be transmitted within the time period (651c) of the third frame (651-3).

[0141] Referring to example (650), a command (603) may be transmitted from at least one processor (210) to a display driving circuit (221) (or display (220)). For example, a command (603) may be transmitted from at least one processor (210) to a display driving circuit (221) (or display (220)) in response to a signal (601). As an example without limitation, a first command (653-1) may be transmitted to a display driving circuit (221) in response to a signal received during the time period (651a) of a first frame (651-1). For example, a command (603) may instruct to change the brightness level of a display panel (222) (or display (220)). For example, a command (603) may include the brightness level of the screen to be changed. For example, the command (603) may include the number of transitions (or steps, frames) used to change from the current brightness level of the screen to the brightness level of the screen to be changed. For example, the first command (653-1) may instruct to change from the first brightness level of the current frame (or the first frame (651-1)) to the third brightness level to be changed within two frames. In other words, after at least one processor (210) transmits one command (e.g., the first command (653-1)) to the display driving circuit (221), the display driving circuit (221) may adjust the light emission cycle based on the received command. For example, the second command (653-3) may be transmitted to the display driving circuit (221) in response to a signal transmitted during the time period (651c) of the third frame (651-3). For example, the second command (653-3) may instruct the display driving circuit (221) (or the display panel (222), display (220)) to adjust (or reduce) the refresh rate. The display driving circuit (221) may reduce the refresh rate based on the second command (653-3).

[0142] Referring to example (650), the light emission signal (605) illustrates an example of a light emission signal transmitted from a display driving circuit (221) to a display panel (222). The horizontal axis of the light emission signal (605) may represent time, and the vertical axis of the light emission signal (605) may represent the brightness of the light emission signal. In the present disclosure, the brightness of the light emission signal may be referred to as the brightness level of the light emission signal, the intensity of the light emission signal, or the electrical characteristic value of the light emission signal (e.g., current, voltage).

[0143] Referring to the light emission signal (605) of example (650), 16 light emission signals may be transmitted within the first frame (651-1). The length of the first frame (651-1) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). Within the first frame (651-1), 16 light emission signals may be transmitted. For example, in the first frame (651-1), the first light emission cycle of the light emission signal may be defined as 16. For example, the first frame (651-1) may include 16 light emission cycles (661, 662, 663). For example, the brightness of the light emission signal transmitted in the light emission cycle (661) may be the first brightness (661a). Depending on the time period during which a light-emitting signal is transmitted (or the time period during which the light-emitting signal is turned on) in the first brightness (661a) and light-emitting cycles (661, 662, 663), the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) may be the first brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) as the first brightness level by transmitting a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the first light-emitting cycle (e.g., 16). The light-emitting frequency for providing the first brightness level may be 1920Hz (=120Hz*16).

[0144] Referring to the light emission signal (605) of example (650), eight light emission signals may be transmitted within the second frame (651-2). The length of the second frame (651-2) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). Within the second frame (651-2), eight light emission signals may be transmitted. For example, in the second frame (651-2), the second light emission cycle of the light emission signal may be defined as 8. For example, the second frame (651-2) may include eight light emission cycles (671, 672, 673). For example, the brightness of the light emission signal transmitted in the light emission cycle (671) may be the second brightness (671a). For example, the second brightness (671a) may be higher than the first brightness (661a). Depending on the time period during which a light-emitting signal is transmitted (or the time period during which the light-emitting signal is turned on) in the second brightness (671a) and light-emitting cycles (671, 672, 673), the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) may be the second brightness level. For example, the second brightness level may be higher than the first brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) as the second brightness level by transmitting a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light-emitting cycle (e.g., 8). The light-emitting frequency for providing the second brightness level may be 960Hz (=120Hz*8).

[0145] Referring to the light emission signal (605) of example (650), 16 light emission signals may be transmitted within the third frame (651-3). The length of the third frame (651-3) may be approximately 16.6 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 60). Within the third frame (651-3), 16 light emission signals may be transmitted. For example, in the third frame (651-3), the third light emission cycle of the light emission signal may be defined as 16. For example, the third frame (651-3) may include 16 light emission cycles (681, 682, 683). For example, the brightness of the light emission signal transmitted in the light emission cycle (681) may be the third brightness (681a). For example, the third brightness (681a) may be higher than the second brightness (671a). Depending on the time period during which a light-emitting signal is transmitted (or the time period during which the light-emitting signal is turned on) in the third brightness (681a) and light-emitting cycles (681, 682, 683), the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) may be the third brightness level. For example, the third brightness level may be higher than the second brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) as the third brightness level by transmitting a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the third light-emitting cycle (e.g., 16). The light-emitting frequency for providing the third brightness level may be 960Hz (=60Hz*16).

[0146] In one example, if the maximum light emission frequency supported by the display panel (222) is 2000Hz, the display driving circuit (221) can adjust the light emission frequency to satisfy less than 2000Hz, which is the maximum light emission frequency supported by the display panel (222), based on the second command (603-3). For example, the display driving circuit (221) can reduce the refresh rate from 120Hz to 60Hz to adjust the light emission frequency. Additionally, the display driving circuit (221) can increase the light emission cycle again, taking into account the maximum light emission cycle (e.g., 16) supported by the display (220) (or display panel (222)) and the reduced refresh rate (e.g., 60Hz). For example, the third light emission cycle (e.g., 16) can be increased from the second light emission cycle so as to be higher than the second light emission cycle (e.g., 8). At this time, the light emission frequency for providing the second brightness level may be the same as the light emission frequency for providing the third brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may reduce the refresh rate while providing the light emission frequency required to reduce flicker, as described above. Accordingly, the power consumption of the electronic device (101) may be reduced.

[0147] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a method for gradually adjusting the duty cycle of a light emission signal.

[0148] FIG. 7 illustrates an example (700) of a method for gradually adjusting the duty cycle of a light-emitting signal while gradually increasing the light-emitting cycle. In FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, the brightness of the light-emitting signal is shown as being maintained while gradually increasing the light-emitting cycle, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, as in FIG. 4a, FIG. 4b, FIG. 6a, and FIG. 6b, the brightness of the light-emitting signal may vary as the light-emitting cycle changes.

[0149] Referring to Example (700), the signal (701) may be a TE signal transmitted from a display driving circuit (221) (or a display (220)) to at least one processor (210). In Example (700), the signal (701) in a first state (e.g., a high state) may indicate that the signal (701) is transmitted to at least one processor (210). In Example (700), the signal (701) in a second state (e.g., a low state) may indicate that the signal (701) is not transmitted to at least one processor (210) (or that transmission is stopped). The signal (701) may be transmitted according to the refresh rate. For example, the signal (701) may be transmitted in each of the first frame (701-1), the second frame (701-2), and the third frame (701-3). The time lengths of the first frame (701-1), the second frame (701-2), and the third frame (701-3), respectively, may correspond to each other. For example, the time lengths of the first frame (701-1), the second frame (701-2), and the third frame (701-3), respectively, may be defined as the inverse of the playback rate.

[0150] Referring to example (700), the light emission signal (705) illustrates an example of a light emission signal transmitted from a display driving circuit (221) to a display panel (222). The horizontal axis of the light emission signal (705) may represent time, and the vertical axis of the light emission signal (705) may represent the brightness of the light emission signal. In the present disclosure, the brightness of the light emission signal may be referred to as the brightness level of the light emission signal, the intensity of the light emission signal, or the electrical characteristic value of the light emission signal (e.g., current, voltage).

[0151] Referring to the light emission signal (705) of example (700), two light emission signals may be transmitted within the first frame (701-1). The length of the first frame (701-1) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). Within the first frame (701-1), two light emission signals may be transmitted. For example, in the first frame (701-1), the first light emission cycle of the light emission signal may be defined as 2. For example, the first frame (701-1) may include two light emission cycles (711, 712). For example, within the first light emission cycle (711) of the first frame (701-1), the light emission signal may be transmitted to the display panel (222) for a first time period (711-1). Additionally, for example, within the first light emission period (711) of the first frame (701-1), the light emission signal may not be transmitted to the display panel (222) during the second time period (711-2). At this time, within the first light emission period (711), the ratio of the first time period (711-1) may be referred to as a duty cycle or a duty ratio. For example, in the first frame (701-1), the light emission cycle of the light emission signal may have a first duty cycle. Although not shown in the example (700) of FIG. 7, within the second light emission period (712) of the first frame (701-1), the light emission signal may be transmitted to the display panel (222) for the same time period as the first time period (711-1). Within the second light emission period (712) of the first frame (701-1), the light emission signal may not be transmitted to the display panel (222) for the same time period as the second time period (711-2).

[0152] Referring to the light emission signal (705) of example (700), four light emission signals may be transmitted within the second frame (701-2). The length of the second frame (701-2) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). Within the second frame (701-2), four light emission signals may be transmitted. For example, in the second frame (701-2), the second light emission cycle of the light emission signal may be defined as 4. For example, the second frame (701-2) may include four light emission cycles (721, 722, 723, 724). For example, within the first light emission cycle (721) of the second frame (701-2), the light emission signal may be transmitted to the display panel (222) for a first time period (721-1). Additionally, for example, within the first light emission period (721) of the second frame (701-2), the light emission signal may not be transmitted to the display panel (222) during the second time period (721-2). For example, the length of the first light emission period (721) of the second frame (701-2) may be shorter than the length of the first light emission period (711) of the first frame (701-1). For example, the length of the first time period (721-1) within the first light emission period (721) of the second frame (701-2) may be shorter than the length of the first time period (711-1) within the first light emission period (711) of the first frame (701-1). In this case, within the first light emission period (721), the ratio of the first time period (721-1) may be referred to as a duty cycle or a duty ratio. For example, in the first light emission period (721) of the second frame (701-2), the light emission cycle of the light emission signal may have a second duty cycle. The second duty cycle may be smaller than the first duty cycle.

[0153] Additionally, for example, within the second light emission period (722) of the second frame (701-2), the light emission signal may be transmitted to the display panel (222) during the first time period (722-1). Additionally, for example, within the second light emission period (722) of the second frame (701-2), the light emission signal may not be transmitted to the display panel (222) during the second time period (722-2). For example, the length of the second light emission period (722) of the second frame (701-2) may be shorter than the length of the first light emission period (711) of the first frame (701-1) and the length of the first light emission period (721) of the second frame (701-2), respectively. For example, the length of the first time period (722-1) within the second light emission period (722) of the second frame (701-2) may be shorter than the length of the first time period (711-1) within the first light emission period (711) of the first frame (701-1) and the length of the first time period (721-1) within the first light emission period (721) of the second frame (701-2). In this case, within the second light emission period (722), the ratio of the first time period (722-1) may be referred to as a duty cycle or a duty ratio. For example, in the second light emission period (722) of the second frame (701-2), the light emission cycle of the light emission signal may have a third duty cycle. The third duty cycle may be smaller than the second duty cycle.

[0154] For example, at least a portion of the second light-emitting cycle of the second frame (701-2) (e.g., the light-emitting cycle of the first light-emitting period (721)) may have the second duty cycle, and at least another portion of the second light-emitting cycle of the second frame (701-2) (e.g., the light-emitting cycle of the second light-emitting period (722)) may have the third duty cycle. In other words, the display driving circuit (221) may transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to at least a portion of the second light-emitting cycle having the second duty cycle, and transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to at least another portion of the second light-emitting cycle having the third duty cycle, in order to provide a brightness level of the screen according to the second light-emitting cycle within the second frame (701-2).

[0155] Although not illustrated in the example (700) of FIG. 7, the light-emitting signal within the third light-emitting period (723) of the second frame (701-2) can be transmitted to the display panel (222) for the same time period as the first time period (721-1). Additionally, the light-emitting signal within the fourth light-emitting period (724) of the second frame (701-2) can be transmitted to the display panel (222) for the same time period as the first time period (722-1).

[0156] Referring to the light emission signal (705) of example (700), four light emission signals may be transmitted within the third frame (701-3). The length of the third frame (701-3) may be approximately 8.33 ms (milliseconds) (= 1 / 120). Within the third frame (701-3), four light emission signals may be transmitted. For example, in the third frame (701-3), the third light emission cycle of the light emission signal may be defined as 4. For example, the second light emission cycle of the light emission signal transmitted in the second frame (701-2) may be the same as (or correspond to) the third light emission cycle of the light emission signal transmitted in the third frame (701-3). For example, the third frame (701-3) may include four light emission cycles (731, 732, 733, 734). For example, within the first light emission period (731) of the third frame (701-3), the light emission signal may be transmitted to the display panel (222) for a first time period (731-1). Additionally, for example, within the first light emission period (731) of the third frame (701-3), the light emission signal may not be transmitted to the display panel (222) for a second time period (731-2). For example, the length of the first light emission period (731) of the third frame (701-3) may be shorter than the length of the first light emission period (721) of the second frame (702-1). For example, the length of the first time period (731-1) within the first light emission period (731) of the third frame (701-3) may be shorter than the length of the first time period (721-1) within the first light emission period (721) of the second frame (701-2). At this time, within the first light emission period (731), the ratio of the first time period (731-1) may be referred to as a duty cycle or a duty ratio. For example, in the first light emission period (731) of the third frame (701-3), the light emission cycle of the light emission signal may have a fourth duty cycle. The fourth duty cycle may be smaller than the second duty cycle.The above fourth duty cycle may be larger than the above third duty cycle in the second light emission period (722) of the second frame (701-2).

[0157] The specific details regarding the second light emission period (732) (or the third light emission period (733), the fourth light emission period (734)) of the third frame (701-3) may be substantially the same as the details regarding the first light emission period (731) of the third frame (701-3). As a non-limiting example, the duty cycle of the light emission cycle of the light emission signal transmitted in the second light emission period (732) may be the same as (or correspond to) the duty cycle of the light emission cycle of the light emission signal transmitted in the first light emission period (731).

[0158] Referring to Example (700), the light emission control signal (707) illustrates an example of a control signal for controlling the transmission of a light emission signal from a display driving circuit (221) to a display panel (222). The display driving circuit (221) can perform a change from a first state (e.g., high state) to a second state (e.g., low state) of the light emission control signal (707) or a change from the second state to the first state of the light emission control signal (707) by dividing a clock (or clock signal) for controlling the light emission signal. For example, the state of the light emission control signal (707) may change before the time when the state of the light emission signal (705) changes. This may be because the transmission of the light emission signal (705) is determined according to the change in the state of the light emission control signal (707).

[0159] Referring to the light emission control signal (707) of example (700), the first time interval (751) may correspond to the first light emission period (711) of the first frame (701-1). The second time interval (752) may correspond to the second light emission period (712) of the first frame (701-1). For example, within the first time interval (751), the first time period (751-1) in which the light emission control signal (707) is in a first state (or a high state) may be controlled to transmit a light emission signal. In other words, the first time period (751-1) may correspond to the first time period (711-1) in which a light emission signal is transmitted within the first light emission period (711). For example, within the first time interval (751), the second time period (751-2), in which the light emission control signal (707) is in a second state (or, low state), can be controlled to refrain from transmitting the light emission signal (or to stop transmitting it). In other words, the second time period (751-2) can correspond to the second time period (711-2) in which the light emission signal is not transmitted within the first light emission cycle (711). The specific details for the second time interval (752) can be substantially the same as those for the first time interval (751).

[0160] Referring to the light emission control signal (707) of example (700), the third time interval (761) may correspond to the first light emission period (721) of the second frame (701-2). The fourth time interval (762) may correspond to the second light emission period (722) of the second frame (701-2). The fifth time interval (763) may correspond to the third light emission period (723) of the second frame (701-2). The sixth time interval (764) may correspond to the fourth light emission period (724) of the second frame (701-2). For example, within the third time interval (761), the first time period (761-1) during which the light emission control signal (707) is in a first state (or a high state) may be controlled to transmit a light emission signal. In other words, the first time period (761-1) may correspond to the first time period (721-1) in which a light-emitting signal is transmitted within the first light-emitting cycle (721). For example, within the third time period (761), the second time period (761-2), in which the light-emitting control signal (707) is in a second state (or a low state), may be controlled to refrain from transmitting the light-emitting signal (or to stop transmitting it). In other words, the second time period (761-2) may correspond to the second time period (721-2) in which a light-emitting signal is not transmitted within the first light-emitting cycle (721). The specific details regarding the fifth time period (763) may be substantially the same as the details regarding the third time period (761).

[0161] Additionally, for example, within the fourth time interval (762), the first time period (762-1), in which the light emission control signal (707) is in a first state (or, high state), can be controlled to transmit the light emission signal. In other words, the first time period (762-1) can correspond to the first time period (722-1) in which the light emission signal is transmitted within the second light emission cycle (722). For example, within the fourth time interval (762), the second time period (762-2), in which the light emission control signal (707) is in a second state (or, low state), can be controlled to refrain from transmitting the light emission signal (or to stop transmitting it). In other words, the second time period (762-2) can correspond to the second time period (722-2) in which the light emission signal is not transmitted within the second light emission cycle (722). The specific details for the 6th time interval (764) can be applied substantially identically to the details for the 4th time interval (762).

[0162] Referring to the light emission control signal (707) of example (700), the seventh time interval (771) may correspond to the first light emission period (731) of the third frame (701-3). The eighth time interval (772) may correspond to the second light emission period (732) of the third frame (701-3). The ninth time interval (773) may correspond to the third light emission period (733) of the third frame (701-3). The tenth time interval (774) may correspond to the fourth light emission period (734) of the third frame (701-3). For example, within the seventh time interval (771), the first time period (771-1) during which the light emission control signal (707) is in a first state (or a high state) may be controlled to transmit a light emission signal. In other words, the first time period (771-1) may correspond to the first time period (731-1) in which a light-emitting signal is transmitted within the first light-emitting cycle (731). For example, within the seventh time period (771), the second time period (771-2), in which the light-emitting control signal (707) is in a second state (or a low state), may be controlled to refrain from transmitting the light-emitting signal (or to stop transmitting it). In other words, the second time period (771-2) may correspond to the second time period (771-2) in which a light-emitting signal is not transmitted within the first light-emitting cycle (731). The specific details for each of the eighth time period (772), the ninth time period (773), and the tenth time period (774) may be substantially the same as the details for the seventh time period (771).

[0163] Referring to the light emission signal (705) and light emission control signal (707) of the example (700), the display driving circuit (221) can control the transmission and interruption of transmission of the light emission signal (705) using the light emission control signal (707). Referring to FIG. 7, the display driving circuit (221) can gradually adjust the duty cycle of the light emission signal (705) along with gradually adjusting the light emission cycle of the light emission signal (705). As in the example (700) of FIG. 7, the display driving circuit (221) can gradually adjust the duty cycle from the first duty cycle to the second duty cycle (and the third duty cycle), and from the second duty cycle to the fourth duty cycle. In other words, the display driving circuit (221) can gradually adjust the duty cycle to minimize abrupt changes in the duty cycle of the light-emitting signal caused by the gradual adjustment of the light-emitting cycle when changing the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222). Accordingly, the flicker that may be caused can be reduced.

[0164] In the example (700) of FIG. 7, an example is described in which the duty cycle of the light emission cycle is gradually adjusted along with the gradual adjustment of the light emission cycle, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the display driving circuit (221) may gradually adjust the duty cycle of the light emission cycle of the light emission signal (705) without the gradual adjustment of the light emission cycle.

[0165] The present disclosure can gradually adjust (or change, increase, or decrease) the light emission cycle of a light emission signal transmitted to a display panel when the brightness level of a screen displayed on a display panel is changed (or increased or decreased). Accordingly, even if the brightness level of a screen displayed on a display panel is changed, flicker that may be caused by the display panel can be suppressed (or reduced). The present disclosure can lower the refresh rate within a range lower than the maximum light emission frequency supported by the display panel to reduce unnecessary power consumption. The present disclosure can also gradually adjust the duty cycle of a light emission signal transmitted to a display panel. The present disclosure can reduce abrupt changes in optical characteristics when the brightness level is changed and prevent (or suppress, or reduce) the occurrence of flicker. The present disclosure can stably display a screen through a display panel of an electronic device.

[0166] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0167] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 8, in a network environment (800), an electronic device (801) may communicate with an electronic device (802) through a first network (898) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with at least one of an electronic device (804) or a server (808) through a second network (899) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (801) may communicate with the electronic device (804) through a server (808). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (801) may include a processor (820), memory (830), input module (850), sound output module (855), display module (860), audio module (870), sensor module (876), interface (877), connection terminal (878), haptic module (879), camera module (880), power management module (888), battery (889), communication module (890), subscriber identification module (896), or antenna module (897). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (878)) may be omitted from the electronic device (801), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (876), camera module (880), or antenna module (897)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (860)).

[0169] The processor (820) can control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (801) connected to the processor (820) by executing software (e.g., a program (840)), for example, and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (820) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (876) or a communication module (890)) in volatile memory (832), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (832), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (834). According to one embodiment, the processor (820) may include a main processor (821) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (823) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (801) includes a main processor (821) and an auxiliary processor (823), the auxiliary processor (823) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (821) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (823) may be implemented separately from the main processor (821) or as part thereof.

[0170] The auxiliary processor (823) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (801) (e.g., display module (860), sensor module (876), or communication module (890)) on behalf of the main processor (821) while the main processor (821) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (821) while the main processor (821) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (823) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (880) or communication module (890)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (823) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (801) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (808)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0171] The memory (830) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (801) (e.g., processor (820) or sensor module (876)). The data may include, for example, software (e.g., program (840)) and input or output data for related commands. The memory (830) may include volatile memory (832) or non-volatile memory (834).

[0172] The program (840) may be stored as software in memory (830) and may include, for example, an operating system (842), middleware (844), or an application (846).

[0173] The input module (850) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (801) (e.g., processor (820)) from outside the electronic device (801) (e.g., user). The input module (850) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0174] The sound output module (855) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (801). The sound output module (855) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0175] The display module (860) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (801). The display module (860) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (860) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0176] The audio module (870) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (870) can acquire sound through the input module (850) or output sound through the sound output module (855) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (802)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (801).

[0177] The sensor module (876) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (801) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (876) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0178] The interface (877) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (801) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (802)). According to one embodiment, the interface (877) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0179] The connection terminal (878) may include a connector through which the electronic device (801) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (802)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (878) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0180] The haptic module (879) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that can be perceived by the user through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (879) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0181] The camera module (880) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (880) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0182] The power management module (888) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (801). According to one embodiment, the power management module (888) may be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0183] The battery (889) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (801). According to one embodiment, the battery (889) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0184] The communication module (890) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (801) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (802), electronic device (804), or server (808)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (890) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (820) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (890) may include a wireless communication module (892) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (894) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (804) through a first network (898) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (899) (e.g., 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 may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (892) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (801) within a communication network such as the first network (898) or the second network (899) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (896).

[0185] The wireless communication module (892) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (892) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (892) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (892) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (801), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (804)), or network system (e.g., second network (899)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (892) may support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for URLLC realization.

[0186] An antenna module (897) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (897) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (897) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (898) or a second network (899), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (890). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (890) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (897).

[0187] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (897) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0188] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0189] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between an electronic device (801) and an external electronic device (804) through a server (808) connected to a second network (899). Each of the external electronic devices (802, or 804) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (801). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (801) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (802, 804, or 808). For example, if the electronic device (801) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (801) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (801). The electronic device (801) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (801) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (804) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (808) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (804) or the server (808) may be included within a second network (899).The electronic device (801) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0190] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a display module according to various embodiments.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 9, the display module (860) may include a display panel (910) and a display driver IC (DDI) (930) for controlling it. The DDI (930) may include an interface module (931), a memory (933) (e.g., a buffer memory), an image processing module (935), or a mapping module (937). The DDI (930) may receive image information, for example, image data or an image control signal corresponding to a command for controlling the image data, from another component of the electronic device (801) through the interface module (931). For example, according to one embodiment, image information may be received from a processor (820) (e.g., main processor (821) (e.g., application processor)) or an auxiliary processor (823) (e.g., graphics processing unit) that operates independently of the functions of the main processor (821). The DDI (930) may communicate with the touch circuit (950) or sensor module (876), etc., through the interface module (931). Additionally, the DDI (930) may store at least a portion of the received image information in memory (933), for example, in frame units. The image processing module (935) may perform preprocessing or postprocessing (e.g., resolution, brightness, or size adjustment) on at least a portion of the image data, for example, based at least on the characteristics of the image data or the characteristics of the display panel (910). The mapping module (937) may generate voltage values ​​or current values ​​corresponding to the image data preprocessed or postprocessed through the image processing module (935). According to one embodiment, voltage values ​​or The generation of current values ​​can be performed, for example, based on at least some of the properties of the pixels of the display panel (910) (e.g., array of pixels (RGB stripe or pentile structure), or size of each subpixel).At least some pixels of the display panel (910) are driven, for example, based on at least some of the voltage value or current value, so that visual information (e.g., text, image, or icon) corresponding to the image data can be displayed through the display panel (910).

[0192] According to one embodiment, the display module (860) may further include a touch circuit (950). The touch circuit (950) may include a touch sensor (951) and a touch sensor IC (953) for controlling the same. The touch sensor IC (953) may control the touch sensor (951) to detect a touch input or hovering input for a specific location on the display panel (910), for example. For example, the touch sensor IC (953) may detect a touch input or hovering input by measuring a change in a signal (e.g., voltage, light intensity, resistance, or charge) for a specific location on the display panel (910). The touch sensor IC (953) may provide information regarding the detected touch input or hovering input (e.g., location, area, pressure, or time) to the processor (820). According to one embodiment, at least a part of the touch circuit (950) (e.g., touch sensor IC (953)) may be included as part of the display driver IC (930) or the display panel (910), or as part of another component (e.g., auxiliary processor (823)) placed outside the display module (860).

[0193] According to one embodiment, the display module (860) may further include at least one sensor (e.g., fingerprint sensor, iris sensor, pressure sensor, or light sensor) of the sensor module (876) or a control circuit for the same. In this case, the at least one sensor or the control circuit for the same may be embedded in a part of the display module (860) (e.g., display panel (910) or DDI (930)) or a part of the touch circuit (950). For example, if the sensor module (876) embedded in the display module (860) includes a biometric sensor (e.g., fingerprint sensor), the biometric sensor may obtain biometric information (e.g., fingerprint image) associated with a touch input through a part of the display panel (910). As another example, if the sensor module (876) embedded in the display module (860) includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor may obtain pressure information associated with a touch input through a part or the entire area of ​​the display panel (910). According to one embodiment, a touch sensor (951) or a sensor module (876) may be placed between pixels of a pixel layer of a display panel (910), or on top of or below the pixel layer.

[0194] The technical problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0195] As described above, the electronic device (101) may include a display driving circuit (221). The electronic device (101) may include a display panel (222). The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to a first light emission cycle in order to provide a first brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222). The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to identify an event for changing from the first brightness level to a second brightness level lower than the first brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to a third light emission cycle between the first light emission cycle and a second light emission cycle greater than the first light emission cycle, in order to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the third brightness level between the first brightness level and the second brightness level, based on the event, while maintaining the refresh rate provided since providing the brightness level to the first brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light emission cycle, in order to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the second brightness level, after transmitting the light emission signal according to the third light emission cycle based on the event, while maintaining the refresh rate provided since providing the brightness level to the first brightness level, based on the event.

[0196] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one processor (210) including a processing circuit. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to receive a command from the at least one processor (210) to change the brightness level from the first brightness level to the second brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to identify the event in response to receiving the command.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor (210) may be configured to generate the command by identifying a user input to change the brightness level from the first brightness level to the second brightness level, or by identifying a change in the illuminance level from the first illuminance level corresponding to the first brightness level to the second illuminance level corresponding to the second brightness level.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a signal to the at least one processor (210) according to the refresh rate. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to receive the command from the at least one processor (210) in response to the signal.

[0199] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one processor (210) including a processing circuit. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to receive a first command from the at least one processor (210) to change the brightness level from the first brightness level to the third brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit the light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the third light emission cycle in response to receiving the first command. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to receive a second command from the at least one processor (210) to change the brightness level from the third brightness level to the second brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit the light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light emission cycle in response to receiving the second command.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to perform activation of a mode of the display panel (222) for flicker-free based on the event. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to gradually increase the emission cycle of the emission signal by transmitting the emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the third emission cycle and transmitting the emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the second emission cycle, within the activated mode based on the event.

[0201] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to identify whether a value determined based on the first light emission cycle and the refresh rate exceeds a reference value based on the event. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit the light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the third light emission cycle within the refresh rate, in order to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the third brightness level based on identifying that the value is less than or equal to the reference value. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit the light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light emission cycle within the refresh rate, in order to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the second brightness level after transmitting the light emission signal according to the third light emission cycle based on identifying that the value is less than or equal to the reference value.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a light emission signal to the display panel (222) within the refresh rate according to the first light emission cycle in order to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the second brightness level based on identifying that the value exceeds the reference value.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to identify another event to change the brightness level from the second brightness level to a fourth brightness level higher than the second brightness level after transmitting the light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light-emitting cycle while maintaining the refresh rate. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to change the refresh rate to another refresh rate lower than the refresh rate based on the other event. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit the light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light-emitting cycle within the other refresh rate to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the fourth brightness level based on the other event.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to a fourth light-emitting cycle less than the second light-emitting cycle within the refresh rate, before transmitting the light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light-emitting cycle within the different refresh rate, in order to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the fourth brightness level based on the other event, and to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the fifth brightness level between the second brightness level and the fourth brightness level.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the product of the fourth light emission cycle and the refresh rate may be less than the maximum light emission frequency supported by the display panel (222). The product of the second light emission cycle and the other refresh rate may be less than the maximum light emission frequency supported by the display panel (222).

[0206] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit the light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the first light emission cycle having a first duty cycle within the refresh rate in order to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) as the first brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit the light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light emission cycle having a second duty cycle less than the first duty cycle within the refresh rate in order to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) as the second brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light-emitting cycle having a third duty cycle less than the second duty cycle within the refresh rate, after transmitting the light-emitting signal according to the second light-emitting cycle having the second duty cycle, in order to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the second brightness level.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to at least a portion of the second light-emitting cycle having the second duty cycle within the refresh rate, and to transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to at least another portion of the second light-emitting cycle having less than the third duty cycle within the refresh rate, in order to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the second brightness level.

[0208] According to one embodiment, the third light emission cycle may be determined based on the number of transitions for changing the brightness level from the first brightness level to the second brightness level, the first light emission cycle, and the brightness level.

[0209] A method performed by an electronic device (101) having a display driving circuit (221) and a display panel (222) as described above may include the operation of the display driving circuit (221) transmitting a light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to a first light emission cycle in order to provide a first brightness level of a screen displayed through the display panel (222). The method may include the operation of the display driving circuit (221) identifying an event for changing from the first brightness level to a second brightness level lower than the first brightness level. The above method may include the operation of the display driving circuit (221) transmitting a light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to a third light emission cycle between the first light emission cycle and a second light emission cycle greater than the first light emission cycle, in order to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the third brightness level between the first brightness level and the second brightness level, based on the event, while maintaining the refresh rate provided since providing the brightness level to the first brightness level. The above method may include the operation of the display driving circuit (221) transmitting a light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light emission cycle, in order to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the second brightness level, after transmitting the light emission signal according to the third light emission cycle based on the event, while maintaining the refresh rate provided since providing the brightness level to the first brightness level, based on the event.

[0210] As described above, the electronic device (101) may include a display driving circuit (221). The electronic device (101) may include a display panel (222). The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to provide a first brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222). The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to identify an event for reducing from the first brightness level to a second brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to gradually increase the light emission cycle of a light emission signal transmitted from the display driving circuit (221) to the display panel (222) in order to gradually reduce from the first brightness level to the second brightness level while maintaining the refresh rate provided since providing the brightness level to the first brightness level based on the event.

[0211] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the first brightness level by transmitting a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to a first light-emitting cycle. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to gradually increase the light-emitting cycle of the light-emitting signal by transmitting a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to a third light-emitting cycle between the first light-emitting cycle and a second light-emitting cycle greater than the first light-emitting cycle, in order to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the second brightness level by transmitting a light-emitting signal according to the second light-emitting cycle after transmitting the light-emitting signal according to the third light-emitting cycle.

[0212] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one processor (210) including a processing circuit. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to receive a command from the at least one processor (210) to change the brightness level from the first brightness level to the second brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to identify the event in response to receiving the command.

[0213] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to identify another event to change the brightness level from the second brightness level to a fourth brightness level higher than the second brightness level after transmitting the light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light-emitting cycle while maintaining the refresh rate. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to change the refresh rate to another refresh rate lower than the refresh rate based on the other event. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit the light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light-emitting cycle within the other refresh rate to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the fourth brightness level based on the other event.

[0214] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit the light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the first light emission cycle having a first duty cycle within the refresh rate in order to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) as the first brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit the light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light emission cycle having a second duty cycle less than the first duty cycle within the refresh rate in order to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) as the second brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light-emitting cycle having a third duty cycle less than the second duty cycle within the refresh rate, after transmitting the light-emitting signal according to the second light-emitting cycle having the second duty cycle, in order to provide the brightness level of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the second brightness level.

[0215] As described above, the electronic device (101) may include a display driving circuit (221). The electronic device (101) may include a display panel (222). The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to a first light emission frequency per frame so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) is provided at a first brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to receive a command to change from the first brightness level to a second brightness level lower than the first brightness level, and the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the third light emission number per frame between the first light emission number and the second light emission number per frame which is greater than the first light emission number, so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) is provided at a third brightness level between the first brightness level and the second brightness level based on the command. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light emission number after transmitting the light emission signal according to the third light emission number based on the command, so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) is provided at the second brightness level. The refresh rate can be maintained while transmitting the light emission signal according to the third light emission number and transmitting the light emission signal according to the second light emission number.

[0216] According to one embodiment, the frequency obtained by multiplying the second number of light emitting cycles and the refresh rate may exceed 1000 Hz (hertz).

[0217] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one processor (210) including a processing circuit. The at least one processor (210) may be configured to generate the command by identifying a user input to change the brightness from the first brightness level to the second brightness level, or by identifying a change in illuminance from a first illuminance level corresponding to the first brightness level to a second illuminance level corresponding to the second brightness level.

[0218] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a signal to the at least one processor (210) according to the refresh rate. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to receive the command from the at least one processor (210) in response to the signal.

[0219] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one processor (210) including a processing circuit. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to receive a first command from the at least one processor (210) for changing the brightness from the first brightness level to the third brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit the light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the third light emission number in response to receiving the first command. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to receive a second command from the at least one processor (210) for changing the brightness from the third brightness level to the second brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit the light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light emission number in response to receiving the second command.

[0220] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to perform activation of a mode of the display panel (222) for flicker-free based on the command. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to gradually increase the number of light emitting signals per frame of the light emitting signal by transmitting the light emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the third number of light emittings and transmitting the light emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second number of light emittings, based on the command, within the activated mode.

[0221] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to identify whether a value determined based on the first number of light flashes and the refresh rate exceeds a reference value based on the command. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit the light flash signal to the display panel (222) according to the third number of light flashes within the refresh rate, based on identifying that the value is less than or equal to the reference value, so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) is provided at the third brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit the light flash signal to the display panel (222) according to the second number of light flashes within the refresh rate, based on identifying that the value is less than or equal to the reference value, after transmitting the light flash signal according to the third number of light flashes, so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) is provided at the second brightness level.

[0222] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a light emission signal to the display panel (222) within the refresh rate according to the first light emission number, so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) is provided at the second brightness level based on identifying that the value exceeds the reference value.

[0223] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to receive another command to change the brightness from the second brightness level to a fourth brightness level higher than the second brightness level after transmitting the light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light-emitting number while maintaining the refresh rate. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to change the refresh rate to another refresh rate less than the refresh rate based on the other command. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a light-emitting signal according to the second light-emitting number within the other refresh rate to the display panel (222) based on the other command so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) is provided at the fourth brightness level.

[0224] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to a fourth light-emitting number per frame within the refresh rate that is less than the second light-emitting number, before transmitting the light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light-emitting number within the different refresh rate so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) is provided at the fourth brightness level based on the other command, and so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) is provided at the fifth brightness level between the second brightness level and the fourth brightness level.

[0225] According to one embodiment, the product of the fourth light emission frequency and the refresh rate may be less than the maximum light emission frequency supported by the display panel (222). The product of the second light emission frequency and the other refresh rate may be less than the maximum light emission frequency supported by the display panel (222).

[0226] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit the light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the first light emission number having a first duty cycle within the refresh rate so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) is provided at the first brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit the light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light emission number having a second duty cycle less than the first duty cycle within the refresh rate so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) is provided at the second brightness level. The display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light-emitting number having a second duty cycle, after transmitting the light-emitting signal according to the second light-emitting number having a second duty cycle, so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) is provided at the second brightness level, within the refresh rate, according to the second light-emitting number having a third duty cycle less than the second duty cycle.

[0227] According to one embodiment, the display driving circuit (221) may be configured to transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to at least a portion of the second light-emitting number having the second duty cycle within the refresh rate, and to transmit a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to at least another portion of the second light-emitting number having less than the third duty cycle within the refresh rate, in order to provide the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) to the second brightness level.

[0228] According to one embodiment, the third number of light emittings may be determined based on the first number of light emittings, the second number of light emittings, and the number of transitions for changing the brightness from the first brightness level to the second brightness level.

[0229] A method performed by an electronic device (101) having a display driving circuit (221) and a display panel (222) as described above may include the operation of the display driving circuit (221) transmitting a light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to a first light emission number per frame so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) is provided at a first brightness level. The method may include the operation of the display driving circuit (221) receiving a command to change from the first brightness level to a second brightness level lower than the first brightness level. The method may include the operation of the display driving circuit (221) transmitting a light emission signal to the display panel (222) according to a third light emission number per frame between the first light emission number and a second light emission number per frame that is greater than the first light emission number, so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) is provided at a third brightness level between the first brightness level and the second brightness level based on the command. The above method may include the operation of the display driving circuit (221) transmitting a light-emitting signal to the display panel (222) according to the second light-emitting number, after transmitting the light-emitting signal according to the third light-emitting number based on the above command, so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel (222) is provided at the second brightness level.

[0230] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0231] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "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 each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0232] The term “module” as used in the various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0233] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (840)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (836) or external memory (838)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (801)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (820)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (801)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0234] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0235] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In an electronic device, Display driving circuit; and Includes a display panel, The above display driving circuit is: Transmitting a light emission signal to the display panel according to the first number of light emission cycles per frame so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at a first brightness level; Receiving a command to change from the first brightness level to a second brightness level lower than the first brightness level; Based on the above command: Transmitting a light emission signal to the display panel according to the third light emission number per frame between the first light emission number and the second light emission number per frame which is greater than the first light emission number, so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided as a third brightness level between the first brightness level and the second brightness level; and After transmitting the light emission signal according to the third light emission number, the light emission signal is transmitted to the display panel according to the second light emission number so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at the second brightness level. While transmitting the light emission signal according to the third light emission number and transmitting the light emission signal according to the second light emission number, the refresh rate is maintained. Electronic device.

2. In Claim 1, The frequency obtained by multiplying the second light emission frequency and the refresh rate is greater than 1000 Hz (hertz), Electronic device.

3. In Claim 1, The electronic device comprises at least one processor including a processing circuit, and The above at least one processor is: A configuration for generating the command by identifying user input for changing the brightness from the first brightness level to the second brightness level, or identifying a change in illuminance from a first illuminance level corresponding to the first brightness level to a second illuminance level corresponding to the second brightness level. Electronic device.

4. In Claim 3, The above display driving circuit is: To the above at least one processor, a signal is transmitted according to the refresh rate; and Configured to receive the command from the at least one processor in response to the above signal, Electronic device.

5. In Claim 1, The electronic device includes at least one processor comprising a processing circuit, and The above display driving circuit is: Receiving a first command of the command for changing the brightness from the first brightness level to the third brightness level from the above at least one processor; In response to receiving the first command, the light emission signal is transmitted to the display panel according to the third light emission number; Receiving a second command of the command for changing the brightness from the third brightness level to the second brightness level from the above at least one processor; and In response to receiving the second command, configured to transmit the light emission signal to the display panel according to the second light emission number, Electronic device.

6. In Claim 1, The above display driving circuit is: Based on the above command: Activating the mode of the display panel for flicker-free; and Within the above-mentioned activated mode, the light emission signal is transmitted to the display panel according to the third light emission number, and the light emission signal is transmitted to the display panel according to the second light emission number, thereby being configured to gradually increase the number of light emission times per frame of the light emission signal. Electronic device.

7. In Claim 1, The above display driving circuit is: Based on the above command, identify whether the value determined based on the first number of light flashes and the refresh rate exceeds a reference value; and Based on identifying that the above value is less than or equal to the above reference value: Transmitting the light emission signal to the display panel according to the third light emission number within the refresh rate so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at the third brightness level; and After transmitting the light emission signal according to the third light emission number, the method is configured to transmit the light emission signal to the display panel according to the second light emission number within the refresh rate so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at the second brightness level. Electronic device.

8. In Claim 7, The above display driving circuit is: Based on identifying that the above value exceeds the above reference value, the method is configured to transmit a light emission signal to the display panel within the refresh rate according to the first light emission frequency, so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at the second brightness level. Electronic device.

9. In Claim 1, The above display driving circuit is: While maintaining the refresh rate, after transmitting the light emission signal to the display panel according to the second light emission frequency, receive another command to change the brightness from the second brightness level to a fourth brightness level higher than the second brightness level; and Based on the other commands mentioned above: Change the above refresh rate to another refresh rate less than the above refresh rate, and A light emission signal is transmitted to the display panel according to the second light emission number within the different refresh rate so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at the fourth brightness level. Electronic device.

10. In Claim 9, The above display driving circuit is: Based on the other commands mentioned above: Before transmitting the light emission signal to the display panel according to the second light emission number within the different refresh rate so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at the fourth brightness level, the light emission signal is transmitted to the display panel according to the fourth light emission number per frame which is less than the second light emission number within the refresh rate so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at the fifth brightness level between the second brightness level and the fourth brightness level. Electronic device.

11. In Claim 10, The product of the fourth light emission frequency and the refresh rate is less than the maximum light emission frequency supported by the display panel, and The product of the second light emission frequency and the other refresh rate is less than the maximum light emission frequency supported by the display panel, Electronic device.

12. In Claim 1, The above display driving circuit is: Transmitting the light emission signal to the display panel according to the first light emission number having a first duty cycle within the refresh rate, so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at the first brightness level; Transmitting the light emission signal to the display panel according to the second light emission number having a second duty cycle less than the first duty cycle within the refresh rate, so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at the second brightness level; and After transmitting the light emission signal according to the second light emission number having the second duty cycle, the method is configured to transmit the light emission signal to the display panel according to the second light emission number having a third duty cycle less than the second duty cycle within the refresh rate, so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at the second brightness level. Electronic device.

13. In Claim 12, The above display driving circuit is: To provide the brightness of the screen displayed through the above display panel to the second brightness level: Within the above refresh rate, a light emission signal is transmitted to the display panel according to at least a portion of the second light emission count having the second duty cycle, and Configured to transmit a light emission signal to the display panel according to at least another part of the second light emission count having a fourth duty cycle less than the third duty cycle within the above refresh rate. Electronic device.

14. In Claim 1, The third light emission number is determined based on the first light emission number, the second light emission number, and the number of transitions for changing the brightness from the first brightness level to the second brightness level. Electronic device.

15. A method performed by an electronic device having a display driving circuit and a display panel, An operation in which the display driving circuit transmits a light emission signal to the display panel according to a first number of light emission cycles per frame so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at a first brightness level; The operation of the display driving circuit receiving a command to change from the first brightness level to a second brightness level lower than the first brightness level; Based on the above command: The operation of the display driving circuit transmitting a light emission signal to the display panel according to the third light emission number per frame between the first light emission number and the second light emission number per frame which is greater than the first light emission number, so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided as a third brightness level between the first brightness level and the second brightness level; and After transmitting the light emission signal according to the third light emission number, the display driving circuit transmits the light emission signal to the display panel according to the second light emission number so that the brightness of the screen displayed through the display panel is provided at the second brightness level. method.

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