Display device and control method thereof

Abstract

A display device according to an embodiment comprises: a display for displaying an image; and a control unit for controlling the display, wherein the control unit can detect an APL for each frame from the image, detect an APL array of some frame sections for each frame, and determine the type of the image on the basis of APL array information for each frame.

Description

Display device and control method thereof

[0001] The embodiment relates to a display device and a method for reducing afterimage phenomena in an organic light-emitting diode display device.

[0002] Recently, the types of display devices have become more diverse. Among them, Organic Light Emitting Diode Displays (hereinafter referred to as OLED displays) are widely used.

[0003] Since OLED displays are self-emissive devices, they have the advantage of lower power consumption and the ability to be manufactured thinly compared to liquid crystal displays that require a backlight. Additionally, OLED displays offer the advantages of a wide viewing angle and fast response speed. OLED displays can include multiple pixels and can display images of various colors through these pixels.

[0004] The OLED display device may be an RGB OLED in which the pixels consist of three subpixels that output light of red, green, and blue, respectively, or a WRGB OLED in which the pixels consist of four subpixels that output light of white, red, green, and blue, respectively. The OLED display device can display an image by supplying a predetermined current to a plurality of pixels according to image data.

[0005] Meanwhile, if a high current is continuously supplied to at least one of multiple pixels, the pixel may degrade, and in this case, a ghosting problem may occur in which an image appears to remain even when no image is being output.

[0006] Conventionally, a technology has been disclosed to prevent afterimages by lowering the brightness of the area where afterimages occur, and as a method, it is determined whether the image is a still image or a video based on the change in APL (Average Picture Level) between the current frame and the previous frame.

[0007] However, conventionally, when the amount of change in APL is below a certain threshold, it is determined to be a still image or a video. In the case of a very small number of videos that continuously change within the specific threshold, an error occurs in which they are incorrectly judged as still images.

[0008] In addition, conventional methods require a massive amount of computation and memory because they are implemented to compare the entire video of a frame segment in real time.

[0009] To solve the above problem, the embodiment aims to provide a display device and a control method thereof for accurately determining the type of image.

[0010] In addition, the embodiment has another purpose of providing a display device and a control method thereof for minimizing the amount of computation and memory usage for image judgment and processing.

[0011] To achieve the above objective, a display device according to an embodiment includes a display that displays an image; and a control unit that controls the display, wherein the control unit detects an APL for each frame from the image, detects an APL array of a portion of each frame, and determines the type of image based on the APL array information for each frame.

[0012] The above control unit can determine whether the image is repeated based on whether the APL array for each frame is identical.

[0013] The above control unit can darken the brightness of the image if it determines that the image is a repeating image.

[0014] The control unit above can control the image brightness to a second level when the repeated image is repeated for less than or equal to a first reference time.

[0015] The control unit above can control the brightness of the image to a third level brighter than the second level when the repeated image is repeated for longer than a first reference time.

[0016] The above control unit determines whether the APLs within the APL array of the current frame are identical, and if the APLs within the APL array of the current frame are identical, it can determine whether the APLs within all APL arrays are identical.

[0017] The above control unit can determine that it is a still image if the APLs within all APL arrays are identical.

[0018] The above control unit can control the brightness of the image to a first level when the image is determined to be a still image.

[0019] The above control unit can determine that it is a similar still image if the APLs within all APL arrays are not identical.

[0020] The control unit can control the brightness of the image to a second level if the image is determined to be a similar still image.

[0021] The control unit can detect the block-by-block APL array of a portion of the frame section for each frame and determine the type of image based on the APL array information.

[0022] The control unit can determine whether the block-by-block APLs within the block-by-block APL array of a portion of each frame are identical, and determine the type of image based on whether the block-by-block APLs within the block-by-block APL array of the current frame are identical.

[0023] In addition, to achieve the above objective, the control method of a display device according to an embodiment may include the step of detecting an APL for each frame from an image; the step of detecting an APL array of a partial frame section for each frame; and the step of determining the type of image based on the APL array information for each frame.

[0024] Based on whether the APL array is identical for each frame mentioned above, it is possible to determine whether the video is repeated.

[0025] If the above image is determined to be a repeating image, the brightness of the above image can be controlled to be dark.

[0026] If the above-mentioned repeating image is repeated for less than or equal to the first reference time, the image brightness can be controlled to the second level.

[0027] If the above-mentioned repeating image is repeated for longer than a first reference time, the brightness of the image can be controlled to a third level that is brighter than the second level.

[0028] It determines whether the APLs within the APL array of the current frame are identical, and if the APLs within the APL array of the current frame are identical, it can determine whether all APLs within the APL array are identical.

[0029] If the APLs within all the above APL arrays are identical, it can be determined as a still image.

[0030] If the above image is determined to be a still image, the brightness of the image can be controlled to a first level.

[0031] If the APLs within all the above APL arrays are not identical, they can be determined as similar still images.

[0032] If the above image is determined to be a similar still image, the brightness of the image can be controlled to a second level.

[0033] The APL array for each block of a portion of a frame section for each of the above frames can be detected, and the type of image can be determined based on the APL array information.

[0034] It is possible to determine whether the block-by-block APL within the block-by-block APL array of a portion of each frame is identical, and determine the type of video based on whether the block-by-block APL within the block-by-block APL array of the current frame is identical.

[0035] The embodiment can minimize processing computation and memory usage by determining the type of image using some APL information.

[0036] In addition, the embodiment has the effect of enabling more detailed identification of image types by providing a reference point for image judgment using some APL information.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a remote control device according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 3 shows an example of the actual configuration of a remote control device according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 4 shows an example of utilizing a remote control device according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 5 is an internal block diagram of the display of Figure 1.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the process of a display device detecting a repeating image according to an embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the process of a display device according to an embodiment generating an APL array.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a repeating image according to an embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process of a display device according to an embodiment detecting a still image and a similar still image.

[0046] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the process of a display device according to an embodiment determining the type of image.

[0047] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the process of generating a sequence for each frame.

[0048] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the process of generating a block-by-block sequence.

[0049] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the process of a display device according to an embodiment determining the type of image using an actual image.

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments related to the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The suffixes "interface," "module," and "part" for components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0051] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is, for example, an intelligent display device that adds computer support functions to a broadcast reception function. While faithful to the broadcast reception function, it also adds internet functions, and can be equipped with a more convenient interface for use, such as a handwriting input device, a touch screen, or a spatial remote control. Furthermore, by supporting wired or wireless internet functions, it can be connected to the internet and a computer, and can perform functions such as email, web browsing, banking, or games. A standardized general-purpose OS may be used for these various functions.

[0052] Accordingly, the display device described in this disclosure allows various applications to be freely added or removed, for example, on a general-purpose OS kernel, thereby enabling various user-friendly functions to be performed. More specifically, the display device may be, for example, a network TV, HBB TV, smart TV, LED TV, OLED TV, etc., and may also be applicable to smartphones in some cases.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 1, the display device (100) may include a broadcast receiver (130), an external device interface (135), a memory (140), a user input interface (150), a controller (170), a wireless communication interface (173), a display (180), a speaker (185), and a power supply circuit (190).

[0055] The broadcast receiver (130) may include a tuner (131), a demodulator (132), and a network interface (133).

[0056] The tuner (131) can tune to a specific broadcast channel according to a channel tuning command. The tuner (131) can receive a broadcast signal for the tuned specific broadcast channel.

[0057] The demodulator (132) can separate the received broadcast signal into a video signal, an audio signal, and a data signal related to the broadcast program, and can restore the separated video signal, audio signal, and data signal into a form that can be output.

[0058] The external device interface (135) can receive an application or a list of applications within an adjacent external device and transmit it to the controller (170) or memory (140).

[0059] The external device interface (135) can provide a connection path between the display device (100) and an external device. The external device interface (135) can receive one or more of video and audio output from an external device connected to the display device (100) wirelessly or via a wired connection, and transmit them to the controller (170). The external device interface (135) may include a plurality of external input terminals. The plurality of external input terminals may include an RGB terminal, one or more HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) terminals, and a component terminal.

[0060] The video signal of an external device input through the external device interface (135) can be output through the display (180). The audio signal of an external device input through the external device interface (135) can be output through the speaker (185).

[0061] The external device that can be connected to the external device interface (135) may be any one of a set-top box, Blu-ray player, DVD player, game console, soundbar, smartphone, PC, USB memory, or home theater, but this is merely an example.

[0062] The network interface (133) may provide an interface for connecting the display device (100) to a wired / wireless network including the Internet network. The network interface (133) may transmit or receive data to or from other users or other electronic devices through the connected network or another network linked to the connected network.

[0063] In addition, some of the content data stored in the display device (100) can be transmitted to another user or other electronic device selected among other users or other electronic devices that are previously registered in the display device (100).

[0064] The network interface (133) can access a specific web page through a connected network or another network linked to the connected network. That is, it can access a specific web page through a network and transmit or receive data with the corresponding server.

[0065] Additionally, the network interface (133) can receive content or data provided by a content provider or network operator. That is, the network interface (133) can receive content such as movies, advertisements, games, VOD, broadcast signals, and related information provided by a content provider or network provider through a network.

[0066] Additionally, the network interface (133) can receive firmware update information and update files provided by the network operator, and can transmit data to the internet or a content provider or network operator.

[0067] The network interface (133) can select and receive a desired application among the applications that are open to the public through the network.

[0068] The memory (140) can store programs for each signal processing and control within the controller (170), and can store signal-processed video, audio, or data signals.

[0069] Additionally, the memory (140) may perform the function of temporarily storing video, audio, or data signals input from an external device interface (135) or a network interface (133), and may also store information regarding a predetermined image through a channel memory function.

[0070] The memory (140) can store an application or a list of applications input from an external device interface (135) or a network interface (133).

[0071] The display device (100) can play content files (video files, still image files, music files, document files, application files, etc.) stored in memory (140) and provide them to the user.

[0072] The user input interface (150) can transmit a signal input by the user to the controller (170) or transmit a signal from the controller (170) to the user. For example, the user input interface (150) can receive and process control signals such as power on / off, channel selection, and screen setting from the remote control device (200) according to various communication methods such as Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband (WB), ZigBee, Radio Frequency (RF) communication, or Infrared (IR) communication, or process to transmit control signals from the controller (170) to the remote control device (200).

[0073] Additionally, the user input interface (150) can transmit control signals input from local keys (not shown), such as power key, channel key, volume key, and setting value, to the controller (170).

[0074] The image signal processed by the controller (170) can be input to the display (180) and displayed as an image corresponding to the image signal. Additionally, the image signal processed by the controller (170) can be input to an external output device through the external device interface (135).

[0075] The voice signal processed by the controller (170) can be output as audio to the speaker (185). Additionally, the voice signal processed by the controller (170) can be input to an external output device through the external device interface (135).

[0076] In addition, the controller (170) can control the overall operation within the display device (100).

[0077] Additionally, the controller (170) can control the display device (100) by means of user commands or internal programs entered through the user input interface (150), and can connect to a network to allow the user to download an application or a list of applications desired by the user into the display device (100).

[0078] The controller (170) enables the processed video or audio signal, such as channel information selected by the user, to be output through the display (180) or speaker (185).

[0079] Additionally, the controller (170) enables a video signal or audio signal from an external device, such as a camera or camcorder, input through the external device interface (135) according to an external device video playback command received through the user input interface (150), to be output through the display (180) or speaker (185).

[0080] Meanwhile, the controller (170) can control the display (180) to display video, for example, broadcast video input through the tuner (131), external input video input through the external device interface (135), video input through the network interface, or video stored in the memory (140) can be controlled to be displayed on the display (180). In this case, the video displayed on the display (180) may be a still image or a video, and may be a 2D image or a 3D image.

[0081] Additionally, the controller (170) can control the playback of content stored in the display device (100), received broadcast content, or external input content input from the outside, and the content may be in various forms such as broadcast video, external input video, audio file, still image, connected web screen, and document file.

[0082] The wireless communication interface (173) can communicate with an external device via wired or wireless communication. The wireless communication interface (173) can perform short-range communication with an external device. To this end, the wireless communication interface (173) can support short-range communication using at least one of Bluetooth, FID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technologies. This wireless communication interface (173) can support wireless communication between the display device (100) and a wireless communication system, between the display device (100) and another display device (100), or between the display device (100) and a network where the display device (100, or an external server) is located, through a wireless area network. The wireless area network may be a wireless personal area network.

[0083] Here, another display device (100) may be a mobile terminal such as a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch, smart glass, HMD (head mounted display)), a smartphone, etc., capable of exchanging data with (or interacting with) the display device (100) according to the present disclosure. A wireless communication interface (173) may detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communicating around the display device (100).

[0084] Furthermore, if the detected wearable device is a device authenticated to communicate with the display device (100) according to the present disclosure, the controller (170) may transmit at least a portion of the data processed in the display device (100) to the wearable device through the wireless communication interface (173). Accordingly, the user of the wearable device may use the data processed in the display device (100) through the wearable device.

[0085] The display (180) can generate a driving signal by converting the video signal, data signal, OSD signal processed by the controller (170) or the video signal, data signal, etc. received from the external device interface (135) into R, G, and B signals, respectively.

[0086] Meanwhile, since the display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely an embodiment of the present disclosure, some of the illustrated components may be integrated, added, or omitted depending on the specifications of the actual display device (100) being implemented.

[0087] That is, as needed, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be subdivided into two or more components. In addition, the function performed in each block is intended to explain the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the specific operation or device does not limit the scope of the rights of the present disclosure.

[0088] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device (100) may receive and play video through a network interface (133) or an external device interface (135) without having a tuner (131) and a demodulator (132), unlike as shown in FIG. 1.

[0089] For example, the display device (100) may be implemented by separating it into a video processing device, such as a set-top box, for receiving broadcast signals or content according to various network services, and a content playback device for playing content input from the video processing device.

[0090] In this case, the method of operation of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described below may be performed not only by the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 1, but also by any one of a video processing device such as the separated set-top box, or a content playback device having a display (180) and an audio output unit (185).

[0091] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a remote control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0092] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a remote control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 shows an example of the actual configuration of a remote control device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] First, referring to FIG. 2, the remote control device (200) may include a fingerprint scanner (210), a wireless communication circuit (220), a user input interface (230), a sensor (240), an output interface (250), a power supply circuit (260), a memory (270), a controller (280), and a microphone (290).

[0094] Referring to FIG. 2, the wireless communication circuit (220) transmits and receives a signal with any one of the display devices according to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above.

[0095] The remote control device (200) is equipped with an RF circuit (221) capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device (100) according to RF communication standards, and may be equipped with an IR circuit (223) capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device (100) according to IR communication standards. Additionally, the remote control device (200) may be equipped with a Bluetooth circuit (225) capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device (100) according to Bluetooth communication standards. Furthermore, the remote control device (200) may be equipped with an NFC circuit (227) capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device (100) according to NFC (Near Field Communication) communication standards, and may be equipped with a WLAN circuit (229) capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device (100) according to WLAN (Wireless LAN) communication standards.

[0096] Additionally, the remote control device (200) transmits a signal containing information regarding the movement of the remote control device (200), etc., to the display device (100) through the wireless communication circuit (220).

[0097] Meanwhile, the remote control device (200) can receive a signal transmitted by the display device (100) through the RF circuit (221), and, if necessary, can transmit commands regarding power on / off, channel change, volume change, etc. to the display device (100) through the IR circuit (223).

[0098] The user input interface (230) may be composed of a keypad, buttons, a touchpad, or a touch screen. The user can input commands related to the display device (100) to the remote control device (200) by operating the user input interface (230). If the user input interface (230) is equipped with a hard key button, the user can input commands related to the display device (100) to the remote control device (200) through a push operation of the hard key button. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 3.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 3, the remote control device (200) may include a plurality of buttons. The plurality of buttons may include a fingerprint recognition button (212), a power button (231), a home button (232), a live button (233), an external input button (234), a volume control button (235), a voice recognition button (236), a channel change button (237), a confirmation button (238), and a back button (239).

[0100] The fingerprint recognition button (212) may be a button for recognizing a user's fingerprint. In one embodiment, the fingerprint recognition button (212) may be capable of a push operation and may receive a push operation and a fingerprint recognition operation.

[0101] The power button (231) may be a button for turning the power of the display device (100) on / off.

[0102] The home button (232) may be a button for moving to the home screen of the display device (100).

[0103] The live button (233) may be a button for displaying a live broadcast program.

[0104] The external input button (234) may be a button for receiving an external input connected to the display device (100).

[0105] The volume control button (235) may be a button for adjusting the volume output by the display device (100).

[0106] The voice recognition button (236) may be a button for receiving the user's voice and recognizing the received voice.

[0107] The channel change button (237) may be a button for receiving a broadcast signal of a specific broadcast channel.

[0108] The confirmation button (238) may be a button for selecting a specific function, and the back button (239) may be a button for returning to the previous screen.

[0109] Figure 2 is explained again.

[0110] If the user input interface (230) is equipped with a touchscreen, the user can input commands related to the display device (100) to the remote control device (200) by touching the soft keys on the touchscreen. Additionally, the user input interface (230) may be equipped with various types of input means that the user can operate, such as scroll keys or jog keys, and this embodiment does not limit the scope of the rights of this disclosure.

[0111] The sensor (240) may be equipped with a gyroscope sensor (241) or an accelerometer sensor (243), and the gyroscope sensor (241) may sense information regarding the movement of the remote control device (200).

[0112] For example, the gyroscope sensor (241) can sense information regarding the operation of the remote control device (200) based on the x, y, and z axes, and the accelerometer sensor (243) can sense information regarding the movement speed of the remote control device (200). Meanwhile, the remote control device (200) may further be equipped with a distance measuring sensor to sense the distance to the display (180) of the display device (100).

[0113] The output interface (250) can output a video or audio signal corresponding to the operation of the user input interface (230) or a signal transmitted from the display device (100).

[0114] The user can recognize whether the output interface (250) is operated by the user input interface (230) or whether the display device (100) is controlled.

[0115] For example, the output interface (250) may be equipped with an LED (251) that lights up when the user input interface (230) is operated or when a signal is transmitted or received with the display device (100) through the wireless communication unit (225), a vibrator (253) that generates vibration, a speaker (255) that outputs sound, or a display (257) that outputs video.

[0116] Additionally, the power supply circuit (260) supplies power to the remote control device (200), and can reduce power waste by stopping the power supply when the remote control device (200) does not move for a predetermined period of time.

[0117] The power supply circuit (260) can resume power supply when a predetermined key provided in the remote control device (200) is operated.

[0118] The memory (270) can store various types of programs, application data, etc. required for the control or operation of the remote control device (200).

[0119] When the remote control device (200) transmits and receives signals wirelessly through the RF circuit (221) and the display device (100), the remote control device (200) and the display device (100) transmit and receive signals through a predetermined frequency band.

[0120] The controller (280) of the remote control device (200) can store and refer to information regarding frequency bands, etc., that can wirelessly transmit and receive signals with the display device (100) paired with the remote control device (200) in the memory (270).

[0121] The controller (280) controls all matters related to the control of the remote control device (200). The controller (280) can transmit a signal corresponding to a predetermined key operation of the user input interface (230) or a signal corresponding to the movement of the remote control device (200) sensed by the sensor (240) to the display device (100) through the wireless communication unit (225).

[0122] In addition, the microphone (290) of the remote control device (200) can acquire voice.

[0123] The microphone (290) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0124] Next, Figure 4 is explained.

[0125] FIG. 4 shows an example of utilizing a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] FIG. 4(a) illustrates a pointer (205) corresponding to a remote control device (200) being displayed on a display (180).

[0127] The user can move or rotate the remote control device (200) up and down, left and right. The pointer (205) displayed on the display (180) of the display device (100) corresponds to the movement of the remote control device (200). Since the pointer (205) of the remote control device (200) moves and is displayed according to the movement in 3D space as shown in the drawing, it can be named a spatial remote control.

[0128] FIG. 4(b) illustrates that when the user moves the remote control device (200) to the left, the pointer (205) displayed on the display (180) of the display device (100) also moves to the left in response.

[0129] Information regarding the movement of the remote control device (200) detected through the sensor of the remote control device (200) is transmitted to the display device (100). The display device (100) can calculate the coordinates of the pointer (205) from the information regarding the movement of the remote control device (200). The display device (100) can display the pointer (205) to correspond to the calculated coordinates.

[0130] FIG. 4(c) illustrates a case where, while pressing a specific button within the remote control device (200), the user moves the remote control device (200) away from the display (180). By doing so, the selected area within the display (180) corresponding to the pointer (205) can be zoomed in and enlarged.

[0131] Conversely, when the user moves the remote control device (200) closer to the display (180), the selected area within the display (180) corresponding to the pointer (205) can be zoomed out and reduced in size.

[0132] Meanwhile, when the remote control device (200) moves away from the display (180), the selected area may be zoomed out, and when the remote control device (200) moves closer to the display (180), the selected area may be zoomed in.

[0133] Additionally, when a specific button within the remote control device (200) is pressed, recognition of up-down and left-right movement may be excluded. That is, when the remote control device (200) moves away from or closer to the display (180), up-down, left-right movement is not recognized, and only forward-backward movement is recognized. When the specific button within the remote control device (200) is not pressed, only the pointer (205) moves according to the up-down, left-right movement of the remote control device (200).

[0134] Meanwhile, the movement speed or direction of movement of the pointer (205) can correspond to the movement speed or direction of movement of the remote control device (200).

[0135] Meanwhile, the pointer in this specification refers to an object displayed on the display (180) in response to the operation of the remote control device (200). Accordingly, the pointer (205) can be an object of various shapes other than the arrow shape shown in the drawing. For example, it may be a concept including a point, a cursor, a prompt, a thick outline, etc. Furthermore, the pointer (205) can be displayed corresponding to either a point on the horizontal axis or a vertical axis on the display (180), and it is also possible to display it corresponding to multiple points, such as a line or a surface.

[0136] A display device and driving method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a new user experience by acquiring content and user content associated with the content.

[0137] The display device and driving method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a new user experience by acquiring and displaying user content associated with broadcast content.

[0138] Figure 5 is an internal block diagram of the display of Figure 1.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 5, the display (180) according to the embodiment may be configured as an organic light-emitting display device in one embodiment. The display (180) may include a display panel (181), a drive IC (182) that receives an image signal (RGB) and transmits a data signal corresponding to the image signal to the display panel (181), and a control unit (183) that transmits the image signal to the drive IC (182) and controls the drive IC (182).

[0140] A display panel (181) may have a plurality of data lines (D1, Dm) and a plurality of gate lines (G1, Gn) intersecting, and a pixel (P) may be placed in the intersecting area. The pixel (P) may include an organic light-emitting diode (not shown) and a pixel circuit (not shown) that supplies driving current to the organic light-emitting diode (not shown). Additionally, power lines (VL1, VLm) that transmit driving voltage to the pixel circuit may be placed on the display panel (181). However, the wiring placed on the display panel (181) is not limited to this.

[0141] The drive IC (182) can be divided into a data driver (182a) connected to data lines (D1, Dm) and a gate driver (182b) connected to gate lines (G1, Gn). The data driver (182a) can generate and transmit data signals through the data lines (D1, Dm). The data driver (181a) can receive a video signal (RGB') and generate a data signal. Although the number of data drivers (182a) is depicted as one, it is not limited thereto and may be multiple depending on the size and / or resolution of the display panel (181).

[0142] The gate driver (182b) can transmit a gate signal to the gate line (G1, Gn). Although the gate driver (182b) is shown as being formed on one side of the display panel (181), it is not limited thereto and may be formed on both sides of the display panel (181).

[0143] Additionally, the gate driver (182b) may be placed on one side of the display panel (181) in the form of a GIP (Gate In Panel) circuit. Here, the gate driver (182b) is shown as being connected to a gate line (G1, Gn), but is not limited thereto and may also be connected to a wiring that generates a light emission signal to control the light emission time of a pixel (P) and transmits the light emission signal to the pixel.

[0144] The control unit (183) can control the drive IC (182). The control unit (183) can generate and transmit a control signal (DCS) for controlling the data driver (182a) and a control signal (DCS) for controlling the gate driver (182b). Additionally, the control unit (183) can receive an image signal (RGB). Additionally, the control unit (183) can transmit a corrected image signal (RGB') to the drive IC (120). The control unit (183) can receive the image signal (RGB), perform calculations, and calculate the Average Picture Level (APL).

[0145] APL can be the average value of luminance calculated by the image signals corresponding to each pixel within a frame segment. That is, in the case of an 8-bit image signal, if all image signals correspond to 255 grayscale levels, the APL can be 100%. Also, if the average grayscale level of all image signals corresponds to 127 grayscale levels, the APL can be 50%. Furthermore, if all image signals correspond to 0 grayscale levels, the APL can be 0%. An image with a high APL may be an image containing many high-luminance areas within a frame, while an image with a low APL may be an image containing many black areas within a frame.

[0146] The control unit (183) can improve visibility and reduce power consumption by adjusting the brightness of the display panel (181) in response to APL. This control unit may be a timing controller or a processor, but is not limited thereto.

[0147] Below, the process of the control unit detecting the type of image and adjusting the brightness according to the detected type of image is explained in detail.

[0148] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the process of a display device detecting a repeating image according to an embodiment.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 6, the control unit can calculate APL in real time and detect APL for each frame (S100).

[0150] The control unit can generate an APL sequence for each frame (S110) and generate an APL array for each frame (S120).

[0151] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the process of a display device according to an embodiment generating an APL array.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 7, the control unit can store APLs for a time corresponding to a sampling length at sampling duration intervals as APL sequences.

[0153] An APL sequence (S(n)) may represent an APL array having a number of elements equal to frame rate (frm / s) * sampling length. An APL sequence (S(n)) is created and destroyed from S(0) at intervals of sequence duration, with a number of sequence duration / sampling duration. When an APL sequence (S(n)) is destroyed, a new APL sequence (S(n)) can be created again.

[0154] The APL sequence (S(n)) can be generated by the following formula.

[0155] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0156] S(n)=[APL(n)(0), APL(n)(1), APL(n)(2),,APL(n)(m-1)]

[0157] Here, m can represent frame rate * sampling length (seconds), that is, the total number of frames in the sampling period interval.

[0158] If the APL sequence period is 30 minutes and the sampling period is 1 minute, the APL sequence can be generated from S(0) to S(29) over 30 minutes.

[0159] An APL array can be generated by the above process (S120).

[0160] Returning to Fig. 6, the control unit can compare the APL array for each frame (S130). For example, for each frame, it can compare whether Cur_S and the APL sequence (S(0)~S(29)) are identical (S140).

[0161] The Mean Square Error (MSE) can be used to determine whether the APL sequence S(n) and Cur_S are identical.

[0162] The mean squared error can be calculated by the following formula.

[0163] [Mathematical Formula 2]

[0164] MSN(n)=((APL(n)(0)-APL(0)))^2+(APL(n)(1)-APL(1))^2+ ... +(APL(n)(m-2)-APL(m-1)))^2 / m

[0165] MSE(n) is used to determine whether sequence S(n) is identical to Cur_S; the closer it is to 0, the more similar it is, and if it is 0, it can be considered completely identical. If MSE(n) is less than a specific threshold, it can be determined to be identical, and an appropriate threshold can be set considering the noise components of the image.

[0166] The APL sequence Cur_S of the current frame is as follows.

[0167] [Mathematical Formula 3]

[0168] Cur_S=[APL(0), APL(1), APL(2), ...,APL(m-1)]

[0169] Here, m is the frame rate(frm / s) * sampling length(s).

[0170] The control unit can determine that it is a repeating image if the APL array for each frame is the same, for example, if there is at least one APL sequence that is the same as Cur_S among all APL sequences S(n) (S150).

[0171] The control unit checks the repetition cycle and can gradually lower the screen brightness to a suitable target brightness according to the repetition cycle.

[0172] For example, if the repetition cycle is 3 minutes or less, the image brightness can be controlled to a second level. If the repetition cycle is greater than 3 minutes and less than or equal to 10 minutes, the image brightness can be controlled to a third level that is brighter than the second level. If the repetition cycle is greater than 10 minutes and less than or equal to 20 minutes, the image brightness can be controlled to a fourth level that is brighter than the third level. If the repetition cycle exceeds 30 minutes, the image brightness can be controlled to a fifth level that is brighter than the fourth level.

[0173] On the other hand, if there is no APL sequence identical to Cur_S among the APL sequences, it can be determined that the image is not a repeating image or that the repeating image has been released (S160). If the control unit determines that the image is not a repeating image or that the repeating image has been released, it can restore the brightness of the image to its original brightness.

[0174] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a repeating image according to an embodiment.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 8, the first image (V1), the second image (V2), the third image (V3), and the fourth image (V4) are displayed sequentially on the display, and after the fourth image (V4), the first image (V1), the second image (V2), the third image (V3), and the fourth image (V4) may be displayed repeatedly.

[0176] The display device according to the embodiment can effectively detect a repeating image, and the detected repeating image can control the screen brightness according to a predetermined level based on the repetition period.

[0177] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process of a display device according to an embodiment detecting a still image and a similar still image.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit can calculate APL in real time and detect APL for each frame (S200).

[0179] The control unit can generate an APL sequence for each frame (S210) and generate an APL array for each frame (S220).

[0180] The process of generating an APL array may be the same as the process in Fig. 6, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0181] The control unit can determine whether the APLs within the APL array of the current frame are identical (S230). If the APLs within the APL array of the current frame are identical, the control unit can determine whether all APLs within all APL arrays are identical (S240).

[0182] On the other hand, if the APLs within the APL array of the current frame are not identical, the original brightness can be restored (S250).

[0183] Whether APLs within the current frame's APL array (Cur_S) are identical can be determined by MSE_Cur_S.

[0184] [Mathematical Formula 4]

[0185] avg_cur_S = APL(0) + APL(1) + ... + APL(m-1) / m

[0186] Here, avg_Cur_S can represent the average APL value within the APL array (Cur_S) of the current frame.

[0187] [Mathematical Formula 5]

[0188] MSE_cur_S=((avg_cur_S-APL(0)^2+(avg_cur_S-APL(1))^2+ ... +(avg_cur_S-APL(m-1)))^2 / m

[0189] MSE_cur_S is used to determine whether the APLs within cur_S of the current frame's APL array are identical; values ​​closer to 0 indicate similarity, while a value of 0 indicates complete identity. If MSE_cur_S is less than a specific threshold, they are considered identical, and an appropriate threshold can be selected taking into account the noise components of the image.

[0190] The process of determining whether the current frame's APL array (Cur_S) is identical to the past APL is as follows.

[0191] [Mathematical Formula 6]

[0192] avg_S(n)=APL(n)(0)+APL(n)(1)+ ... +APL(n)(m-1) / m

[0193] avg_S(n) can be the average value of the past APL array.

[0194] The control unit can determine that the APL is the same if the difference between the average value of the current APL array (avg_Cur_S) and the average value of the past APL array (avg_S(n)) is less than a specific value. An appropriate threshold value can be set by taking into account the noise components of the image.

[0195] As described above, the control unit can determine that it is a still image if all APLs within all APL arrays are identical (S260). The control unit can control the brightness of the image to a first level (S270).

[0196] The control unit can determine that the image is a similar still image if all APLs within the APL array are not identical (S280). The control unit can control the brightness of the image to a second level. The second level may be a level that controls the brightness to be brighter than the first level (S290).

[0197] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process of a display device according to an embodiment determining the type of image, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the process of generating a sequence for each frame, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the process of generating a sequence for each block, and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the process of a display device according to an embodiment determining the type of image using an actual image.

[0198] Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit can generate an APL sequence for each frame (S300).

[0199] As illustrated in FIG. 11, when the refresh rate is 60Hz, 60 images can be generated per second. The control unit can separate the images into frames (F1, F2, F3) and then detect APL for each frame.

[0200] The control unit can generate a sequence of frames for a period of time corresponding to the sampling length at sampling intervals, and can store the APL during the frame sequence as a sequence. For example, a sequence generated from one frame may include 50% to 80% of the image of one frame, and for example, when the refresh rate of the image is 60Hz, the frame sequence may be 30.

[0201] Returning to FIG. 10, the control unit can generate a block-by-block APL sequence (S310). For example, the display device may include a plurality of power supply units to supply power to each block, and through the plurality of power supply units, the block-by-block APL can be detected or the block-by-block brightness can be controlled.

[0202] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the control unit can divide the frame sequence into, for example, four blocks (B11, B21, B31, B41). The control unit can detect APLs for each block. The control unit can generate an APL array for each block.

[0203] Returning to Fig. 10, the control unit can compare the block-by-block APL array with the block-by-block APL array of each frame (S320). The control unit can compare the block-by-block APL value with the block-by-block APL value of each frame.

[0204] The control unit can determine the type of image by comparing the APL array and APL value for each block of each frame (S330).

[0205] For example, the control unit may determine that the image is a repeating image if the arrangement of the first block of each frame is identical. The control unit may control the image brightness to a second level when the repetition period is 3 minutes or less. When the repetition period is greater than 3 minutes and less than or equal to 10 minutes, the image brightness may be controlled to a third level that is brighter than the second level. When the repetition period is greater than 10 minutes and less than or equal to 20 minutes, the image brightness may be controlled to a fourth level that is brighter than the third level. When the repetition period exceeds 30 minutes, the image brightness may be controlled to a fifth level that is brighter than the fourth level.

[0206] On the other hand, if the arrangement of the first block of each frame is not identical, the control unit may determine that the image is not a repeating image or that the repeating image has been released.

[0207] Likewise, the control unit can compare the APL arrangements of the second block, the third block, and the fourth block.

[0208] In addition, the control unit can determine whether the APL value of the first block of each frame is the same while the arrangement of the first block of each frame is the same. If the arrangement of the first block of each frame and the APL value are the same, the control unit can determine that the image is a still image. The control unit can control the brightness of the image to a first level.

[0209] The control unit can determine that it is a similar still image if the arrangement of the first block of each frame is the same but the APL value is not the same. The control unit can control the brightness of the image to a second level.

[0210] Likewise, the control unit can compare the APL values ​​of the second block, the third block, and the fourth block.

[0211] As illustrated in FIG. 13, when an image is input, the control unit can compare the block-by-block APL array and APL value of the frame sequence, and based on the result, determine that the image of the first block is a repeating image.

[0212] The control unit can control the brightness of the image to a second level, a third level, a fourth level, and a fifth level according to the repeating image cycle.

[0213] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-described method can be implemented as code that is readable by a processor on a medium on which a program is recorded. Examples of media that are readable by a processor include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, etc.

[0214] The display device described above is not limited to the configuration and method of the embodiments described above; rather, all or part of each embodiment may be selectively combined to allow for various modifications to be made.

Claims

1. A display for displaying images; and It includes a control unit that controls the above display, The above control unit is, A display device that detects an APL for each frame from the above image, detects an APL array of a partial frame section for each frame, and determines the type of image based on the APL array information for each frame.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A display device that determines whether an image is repeated based on whether the APL array for each frame is identical.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above control unit is, A display device that controls the brightness of the image to be dark when it is determined that the image is a repeating image.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above control unit is, A display device that controls the image brightness to a second level when the above-mentioned repeating image is repeated for less than or equal to a first reference time.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above control unit is, A display device that controls the brightness of the image to a third level brighter than the second level when the above-mentioned repeating image is repeated for longer than a first reference time.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A display device that determines whether APLs within an APL array of a current frame are identical, and if APLs within an APL array of a current frame are identical, determines whether all APLs within an APL array are identical.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above control unit is, A display device that determines a still image if the APLs within all APL arrays are identical.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above control unit is, A display device that controls the brightness of the image to a first level when the image is determined to be a still image.

9. In Paragraph 6, The above control unit is, A display device that determines a similar still image if the APLs within all the above APL arrays are not identical.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above control unit is, A display device that controls the brightness of the image to a second level when the image is determined to be a similar still image.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A display device that detects a block-by-block APL array of a portion of a frame section for each of the above frames and determines the type of image based on the APL array information.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above control unit is, A display device that determines whether the block-by-block APLs within a block-by-block APL array of a portion of each frame are identical, and determines the type of image based on whether the block-by-block APLs within the block-by-block APL array of the current frame are identical.

13. A step of detecting APL for each frame from the video; A step of detecting an APL array of a portion of a frame segment for each frame; and A step of determining the type of image based on APL array information for each frame; A control method for a display device including 14. In Paragraph 13, A control method for a display device that determines whether an image is repeated based on whether the APL array for each frame is identical.

15. In Paragraph 14, A control method for a display device that controls the brightness of an image to be darkened when the image is determined to be a repeating image.

16. In Paragraph 15, A control method for a display device that controls the image brightness to a second level when the above-mentioned repeating image is repeated for less than or equal to a first reference time.

17. In Paragraph 16, A control method for a display device that controls the brightness of an image to a third level brighter than a second level when the above-mentioned repeating image is repeated for longer than a first reference time.

18. In Paragraph 13, A control method for a display device that determines whether APLs within an APL array of a current frame are identical, and if APLs within an APL array of a current frame are identical, determines whether all APLs within an APL array are identical.

19. In Paragraph 18, A control method for a display device that determines a still image if all APLs in the above APL array are identical.

20. In Paragraph 19, A control method for a display device that controls the brightness of the image to a first level when the image is determined to be a still image.

Images