Device and method for image processing in display driver

A display driver comprises image processing circuitry and driver circuitry. The image processing circuitry is configured to receive spatial distribution information of a physical quantity related to a display panel. The image processing circuitry is further configured to generate output voltage data by processing input pixel data associated with subpixels of the pixel. The drive circuitry is configured to drive the display panel based on the output voltage data.

BACKGROUND

Field

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to image processing techniques for a display driver.

Description of the Related Art

Image processing techniques may be applied to image data to improve the image quality of the image displayed on a display panel such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel and a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel.

SUMMARY

In one or more embodiments, a display driver is disclosed. The display driver comprises image processing circuitry and driver circuitry. The image processing circuitry is configured to receive spatial distribution information of a physical quantity related to a display panel and generate output voltage data by processing input pixel data associated with respective subpixels of a pixel based on the spatial distribution information and a position of the pixel. The drive circuitry is configured to drive the display panel based on the output voltage data.

In one or more embodiments, a display system is disclosed. The display system comprises a display panel, a host, image processing circuitry, and drive circuitry. The host is configured to generate spatial distribution information of a physical quantity related to a display panel and input pixel data associated with a pixel. The image processing circuitry is configured to generate output voltage data by processing the input pixel data of subpixels of the pixel based on the spatial distribution information and a position of the pixel. The drive circuitry is configured to drive the display panel based on the output voltage data.

In one or more embodiments, a method is also disclosed. The method comprises receiving spatial distribution information of a physical quantity related to a display panel and generating output voltage data by processing input pixel data associated with subpixels of a pixel based on the spatial distribution information and a position of the pixel. The method further comprises driving the display panel based on the output voltage data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of the disclosure. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding background, summary, or the following detailed description.

A display panel may cause spatial distribution of a physical quantity related to the display panel due to its physical attribute and operating environment. The spatial distribution may cause location-dependent variations in the characteristics of the display panel and this may cause deviation of display colors from their design values. Various factors may cause the deviation of display colors and the amount of deviation may be location dependent in the display panel. For example, curvature of a display, viewing angles of a user, in-plane temperature of the display panel, ambient light, and so on can all cause such deviation. For a foldable display panel, for example, the curvature of the display panel may cause a spatial distribution of a physical quantity related to the display panel. This spatial distribution may cause location-dependent variations in the characteristics of the display panel which in turn can deteriorate the image quality. In this description, location-based color correction is introduced to correct or mitigate effects caused by this deviation.

FIG. 1illustrates an example configuration of a display module100, according to one or more embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated, a display module100comprises a display panel1and a display driver2configured to drive the display panel1. The display panel1comprises scan lines3, which may be also referred to as gate lines, data lines4, which may be also referred to as source lines, subpixels5, and scan driver circuitry6. The scan lines3are connected to the scan driver circuitry6and the data lines4are connected to the display driver2. The scan lines3are driven by the scan driver circuitry6.

Each subpixel5is connected to the corresponding scan line3and data line4. In embodiments where the display panel1comprises an OLED display panel, each subpixel5comprises a light emitting element, a select transistor and a hold capacitor. In embodiments where the display panel1comprises an LCD panel, each subpixel5comprises a pixel electrode, a select transistor, and a hold capacitor. The display panel1may comprise various interconnections other than the scan lines3and the data lines4depending on the configuration of the subpixels5.

FIG. 2illustrates an example configuration of a pixel7of the display panel1, according to one or more embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated, each pixel7comprises a plurality of subpixels5configured to display different colors, e.g., red (R), green (G), or blue (B). The subpixels5configured to display red, green, and blue may be hereinafter referred to as R subpixel5R, G subpixel5G, and B subpixel5B, respectively. In various embodiments, each pixel7comprises at least one R subpixel5R, at least one G subpixel5G, and at least one B subpixel5B. The R subpixel5R, the G subpixel5G, and the B subpixel5B of each pixel7may be connected to the same scan line3. Each pixel7may comprises one or more additional subpixels configured to display a color other than red, green, and blue. The combination of the colors of the subpixels5of the pixels7is not limited to that disclosed herein. For example, each pixel7may further comprise a subpixel configured to display white or yellow. The display panel1may be configured to be adapted to subpixel rendering (SPR). In such embodiments, each pixel7may comprise a plurality of R subpixels5R, a plurality of G subpixels5G, and/or a plurality of B subpixels5B.

Referring back toFIG. 1, an XY coordinate system may be defined for the display panel1. In one or more embodiments, the X axis is defined in the horizontal direction of the display panel1, that is, the direction parallel to the scan lines3, and the Y axis is defined in the vertical direction of the display panel1, that is, the direction parallel to the data lines4. In such embodiments, the Y axis is orthogonal to the X axis. The position of each pixel7of the display panel1may be represented by coordinates (X, Y). The coordinate X may represent the position in the horizontal direction, and the coordinate Y may represent the position in the vertical direction.

In one or more embodiments, the display driver2is configured to receive input pixel data and control data from a host200. The display driver2may be configured to supply drive voltages to subpixels5in each pixel7of the display panel1based on the input pixel data. In one or more embodiments, input pixel data associated with a pixel7describes a grayscale value for red, a grayscale value for green, and a grayscale value for blue. In the following, the grayscale value for red, the grayscale value for green, and the grayscale value for blue may be referred to as R grayscale value, G grayscale value, and B grayscale value, respectively. The voltage levels of drive voltages supplied to R, G, and B subpixels5R,5G, and5B may be controlled by the R grayscale value, the G grayscale value, and the B grayscale value, respectively.

The operation of the display driver2may be controlled based on the control data received from the host200. The display driver2may be configured to supply control signals SOUT to the scan driver circuitry6of the display panel1and thereby control the operation of the scan driver circuitry6.

FIG. 3illustrates an example configuration of the display driver2, according to one or more embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated, the display driver2comprises interface circuitry (IF)11, a display memory12, image processing circuitry13, driver circuitry14, register circuitry15. Optionally, the display driver2further comprises a non-volatile memory16connected to the register circuitry15.

The interface circuitry11is configured to receive input pixel data from the host200and forward the received input pixel data to the display memory12.

The display memory12is configured to temporarily store the input pixel data received from the host200. The input pixel data may then be used by the image processing circuitry13.

The image processing circuitry13is configured to generate output voltage data by processing the input pixel data received from the display memory12. In various embodiments, the output voltage data associated with a pixel7may describe voltage values that specify drive voltages to be supplied to the R subpixel5R, the G subpixel5G, and the B subpixel5B of the pixel7. In the following, voltage values that specify drive voltages to be supplied to an R subpixel5R, a G subpixel5G, and a B subpixel5B may be referred to as R voltage value, G voltage value, and B voltage value, respectively.

The drive circuitry14is configured to supply drive voltages to respective subpixels5of respective pixels7of the display panel1based on the output voltage data received from the image processing circuitry13. The drive circuitry14may be configured to supply drive voltages corresponding to the voltage values described in the output voltage data to the respective subpixels5of the respective pixels7.

The register circuitry15is configured to store a plurality of parameter sets used for the image processing in the image processing circuitry13. The register circuitry15may be configured to supply the plurality of parameter sets to the image processing circuitry13. Each of the plurality of parameter sets may comprise one or more parameters used for the image processing.

The non-volatile memory16is configured to store, in a non-volatile manner, the plurality of parameter sets to be stored in the register circuitry15. In some embodiments, at startup of the display driver2, the plurality of parameter sets received from the non-volatile memory16are forwarded and stored in the register circuitry15.

In one or more embodiments, there is a spatial distribution of a physical quantity related to the display panel1. This spatial distribution may cause an effect that may deteriorate the quality of an image displayed on the display panel1as described above. In various embodiments, to address the spatial distribution, the host200is configured to supply spatial distribution information to the display driver2. The spatial distribution information may comprise information related to the spatial distribution of a physical quantity of the display panel1. Examples of the physical quantity may include the curvature of the display panel1, the angle between the line-of-sight direction and the nominal direction of the surface of the display panel1, the temperature, the brightness level of ambient light, and the color temperature of the ambient light. The interface circuitry11is configured to receive the spatial distribution information from the host200and store it in the register circuitry15. The spatial distribution information is forwarded to the image processing circuitry13and used to process the input pixel data.

In one or more embodiments, the image processing circuitry13is configured to generate output voltage data from input pixel data associated with a pixel7of interest by performing image processing for the respective colors of the subpixels5based on the position of the pixel7of interest and the spatial distribution information received from the register circuitry15. Performing the image processing for the respective colors of the subpixels5may achieve a color correction. Such configuration may enable a color correction based on changes in the spatial distribution of a physical quantity of the display panel1.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, the image processing circuitry13is configured to individually generate blended parameter sets for the respective colors of the subpixels5by blending a plurality of parameter sets received from the register circuitry15based on the spatial distribution information and the position of the pixel7of interest and perform the image processing based on the blended parameter sets. In some embodiments, the image processing circuitry13is configured to generate the blended parameter sets by blending parameter sets #1 and #2 based on the spatial distribution information and the position of the pixel7of interest, where parameter set #1 is optimized for a first value of the physical quantity and parameter set #2 is optimized for a second value of the physical quantity. Such configuration enables generating blended parameter sets suitable for the spatial distribution of the physical quantity. In various embodiments, the first value is the maximum value of the physical quantity, and the second value is the minimum value of the physical quantity.

In one or more embodiments, the image processing circuitry13is configured to generate a blended parameter set for each of red, green, and blue. In the following, the blended parameter sets generated for red, green, and blue may be referred to as blended R parameter set, blended G parameter set, and blended B parameter set, respectively. In such embodiments, the image processing circuitry13may be configured to generate an R voltage value from an R grayscale value based on the blended R parameter set, generate a G voltage value from a G grayscale value based on the blended G parameter set, and generate a B voltage value from a B grayscale value based on the blended B parameter set.

In one or more embodiments, the image processing circuitry13comprises blending ratio generation circuitry21, blending circuitry22, and an image processing core23. The blending ratio generation circuitry21is configured to generate a blending ratio for each of the red, green, and blue subpixels based on coordinates (X, Y) of the pixel7of interest and the spatial distribution information received from the register circuitry15. The coordinates (X, Y) indicate the position of the pixel7of interest in the display panel1. In the following, the blending ratios generated for red, green, and blue subpixels may be referred to as R blending ratio, G blending ratio, and B blending ratio, respectively. The blending circuitry22is configured to generate the blended R parameter set, the blended G parameter set, and the blended B parameter set by blending parameter sets #1 and #2 with the R blending ratio, the G blending ratio, and the B blending ratio, respectively. The image processing core23is configured to calculate R, G, and B voltage values of output voltage data from R, G, and B grayscale values of input pixel data by performing image processing based on the blended R, G, and B parameter sets, respectively. In various embodiments, the blended R parameter set may control the correspondence between the R grayscale value and the R voltage value, the blended G parameter set may control the correspondence between the G grayscale value and G voltage value, and the blended B parameter set may control the correspondence between the B grayscale value and the B voltage value. In one or more embodiments, color correction is performed by the image processing core23by, for example, individually controlling the grayscale values (thus the corresponding voltage values) for the respective colors of the subpixels.

The blending circuitry22may be configured to calculate parameters of the blended R, G, and B parameter sets as weighted sums of corresponding parameters of parameter sets #1 and #2. In such embodiments, the weights of the weighted sums may be determined based on the R, G, and B blending ratios.

For example, the blending circuitry22may generate the blended R, G, and B parameter sets by applying alpha blending to parameter sets #1 and #2. In one or more embodiments, parameter set #1 comprises n parameters x11, x12. . . and x1n, and parameter set #2 comprises n corresponding parameters x21, x22. . . and x2n, while the R, G, and B blending ratios αR, αG, and αBrange from zero to one.

In such embodiments, the blended R, G, and B parameter sets may be calculated in accordance with the following equations (1-1) to (1-3):
xRi=αR·x1i+(1−αR)·x2i,  (1-1)
xGi=αG·x1i+(1−αG)·x2i, and  (1-2)
xBi=αB·x1i+(1−αB)·x2i,  (1-3)
where i is any integer from one to n, xRiis a parameter of the blended R parameter set which corresponds to the parameters x1iand x2i, xGiis a parameter of the blended G parameter set which corresponds to the parameters x1iand x2i, and xBiis a parameter of the blended B parameter set which corresponds to the parameters x1iand x2i. In embodiments where equations (1-1) to (1-3) hold, the blended R parameter set is the same as parameter set #1 when αRis one, and the blended R parameter set is the same as parameter set #2 when αRis zero. In such embodiments, the same goes for αGand αB.

The spatial distribution information supplied to the blending ratio generation circuitry21may comprise information that enables determining the spatial distribution of a physical quantity related to the display panel1. In other embodiments, the spatial distribution information may comprise information based on the spatial distribution of the physical quantity. In some embodiments, the spatial distribution information may comprise information generated based on the spatial distribution of the physical quantity to indicate a correspondence between the R, G, and B blending ratios and the position of the pixel7of interest in the display panel1. The blending ratio generation circuitry21may comprise a lookup table that describes R, G, and B blending ratios for respective positions of the pixel7of interest in the display panel1. In such embodiments, the spatial distribution information may comprise table values of the lookup table.

Method400ofFIG. 4illustrates steps for driving the display panel1in one or more embodiments. At step410, the display driver2receives spatial distribution information of a physical quantity related to the display panel1in one or more embodiments. At step420, the image processing circuitry13performs image processing on input pixel data associated with a pixel of interest for respective colors of subpixels5to generate output voltage data, in one or more embodiments. The pixel of interest may be a pixel currently under the image processing. In various embodiments, the image processing is based on the spatial distribution information and the position of the pixel of interest. At step430, the driver circuitry14drives the display panel1based on the output voltage data, in one or more embodiments.

FIGS. 5A and 5Billustrate an example configuration of the display panel1, according to one or more embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated, the display panel1is configured to be foldable. The solid line ofFIG. 5Aindicates a state in which the display panel1is folded, and the broken line indicates a state in which the display panel1is unfolded. The display panel1may be configured to be foldable between a folded position and an unfolded position. In one or more embodiments, the display panel1is configured to be foldable at a foldable area8. In various embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 5B, the foldable area8may cross the display panel1in the horizontal direction. InFIG. 5B, “Y_start” indicates the Y coordinate of pixels7positioned at the upper end of the foldable area8, and “Y_end” indicates the Y coordinate of pixels7positioned at the lower end of the foldable area8.

In one or more embodiments, the image processing performed by the image processing circuitry13comprises color correction for pixels7positioned in the foldable area8of the display panel1. The display panel1may be bent at the foldable area8, and therefore the angle between the nominal direction of the surface of the display panel1and the line-of-sight direction of a user observing the display panel1may vary depending on the position in the display panel1. In one or more embodiments, the image processing circuitry13is configured to perform the image processing to improve the image quality through reduction in a color shift that potentially results from variations in the angle between the nominal direction of the surface of the display panel1and the line-of-sight direction of the user.

The spatial distribution information may comprise folding information generated based on whether the display panel1is folded, and the blending ratio generation circuitry21may be configured to generate the R, G, and B blending ratios based on the folding information and the coordinates (X, Y) of the pixel7of interest. In various embodiments, the spatial distribution of the curvature of the display panel1in the foldable area8can be determined based on the folding information. In one example, when the folding information indicates that the display panel1is unfolded and flat, the curvature in the foldable area8can be determined as zero. In another example, when the folding information indicates that the display panel1is folded, the curvature of each position in the foldable area8can be determined as a specific value that depends on the physical structure. The folding information may indicate the degree of folding, such as the angle formed between two flat portions of the display panel1separated by the foldable area8.

In one or more embodiments, parameter set #1 may correspond to a first curvature, and parameter set #2 may correspond to a second curvature different from the first curvature. The first curvature may be zero, and the second curvature may be the maximum curvature of the foldable area8when the display panel1is folded. In one or more embodiments, blended R, G, and B parameter sets suitable for the spatial distribution of the curvature in the foldable area8are generated by blending parameter sets #1 and #2 based on R, G, and B blending ratios generated based on the folding information and the coordinates (X, Y) of the pixel7of interest.

FIG. 6illustrates an example configuration of the blending ratio generation circuitry21, according to one or more embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated, the blending ratio generation circuitry21comprises lookup tables (LUT)24R,24G, and24B used for generating the R, G, and B blending ratios, respectively.FIG. 7illustrates example contents of the LUTs24R,24G, and24B. The dots in the graph ofFIG. 7indicate the contents of the LUTs24R,24G, and24B. The LUTs24R,24G, and24B may respectively describe correspondences between the R, G, and B blending ratios and the Y coordinate in the foldable area8. The blending ratio generation circuitry21may be configured to generate the R, G, and B blending ratios through table lookups on the LUT24R,24G and24B with reference to the folding information and the Y coordinate of the pixel7of interest. The blending ratio generation circuitry21may be configured to implement a linear interpolation with respect to the Y coordinate to generate the R, G, and B blending ratios.

In one or more embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 8, the correspondences between the R, G, and B blending ratios and the Y coordinate in the foldable area8may be represented by free-form curves, such as Bezier curves. Use of free-form curves is an alternative embodiment to using LUTs, which may reduce the circuit size of the image processing circuitry13.FIG. 9illustrates an example configuration of the blending ratio generation circuitry21in such embodiments, in which the blending ratio generation circuitry21is configured differently from that illustrated inFIG. 8. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9, the blending ratio generation circuitry21comprises control point calculation circuits25R,25G, and25B and free-form curve circuits26R,26G, and26B.

In one or more embodiments, the control point calculation circuit25R is configured to calculate, based on the folding information, control points that specify a free-form curve representing the correspondence between the R blending ratio and the Y coordinate in the foldable area8. In such embodiments, the free-form curve circuit26R may be configured to generate the R blending ratio based on the Y coordinate of the pixel7of interest and the free-form curve specified by the control points calculated by the control point calculation circuit25R. The calculation of the control points based on the folding information may enable specifying a free-form curve in accordance to changes in the spatial distribution of the curvature of the display panel1and properly calculating the R blending ratio.

In one or more embodiments, the control point calculation circuits25G and25B are configured similarly to the control point calculation circuit25R, and the free-form curve circuits26G and26B are configured similarly to the free-form curve circuit26R. The control point calculation circuit25G may be configured to calculate, based on the folding information, control points that specify a free-form curve representing the correspondence between the G blending ratio and the Y coordinate in the foldable area8. The free-form curve circuit26G may be configured to generate the G blending ratio based on the Y coordinate of the pixel7of interest and the free-form curve specified by the control points calculated by the control point calculation circuit25G. The control point calculation circuit25B may be configured to calculate, based on the folding information, control points that specify a free-form curve representing the correspondence between the B blending ratio and the Y coordinate in the foldable area8. The free-form curve circuit26B may be configured to generate the B blending ratio based on the Y coordinate of the pixel7of interest and the free-form curve specified by the control points calculated by the control point calculation circuit25B.

The correspondence between the R, G, and B blending ratios and the Y coordinate in the foldable area8may be represented as a part of a quadratic curve. The quadratic curve may comprise a circle, an ellipse, a parabola, a hyperbolic curve or a curve represented by a quadratic function.FIG. 10illustrates an example configuration of the blending ratio generation circuitry21in such embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 10, the blending ratio generation circuitry21comprises coefficient calculation circuits27R,27G, and27B and quadratic curve circuits28R,28G, and28B.

In one or more embodiments, the coefficient calculation circuit27R is configured to calculate, based on the folding information, coefficients that specify a quadratic curve representing the correspondence between the R blending ratio and the Y coordinate in the foldable area8. In such embodiments, the quadratic curve circuit28R may be configured to generate the R blending ratio based on the Y coordinate of the pixel7of interest and the quadratic curve specified by the coefficients calculated by the coefficient calculation circuit27R. The calculation of the coefficients of the quadratic curve based on the folding information may enable specifying the quadratic curve in accordance to changes in the spatial distribution of the curvature of the display panel1and properly calculating the R blending ratio.

In one or more embodiments, the coefficient calculation circuits27G and27B are configured similarly to the coefficient calculation circuit27R, and the quadratic curve circuits28G and28B are configured similarly to the quadratic curve circuit28R. The coefficient calculation circuit27G may be configured to calculate, based on the folding information, coefficients that specify a quadratic curve representing the correspondence between the G blending ratio and the Y coordinate in the foldable area8. The quadratic curve circuit28G may be configured to generate the G blending ratio based on the Y coordinate of the pixel7of interest and the quadratic curve specified by the coefficients calculated by the coefficient calculation circuit27G. The coefficient calculation circuit27B may be configured to calculate, based on the folding information, coefficients that specify a quadratic curve representing the correspondence between the B blending ratio and the Y coordinate in the foldable area8. The quadratic curve circuit28B may be configured to generate the B blending ratio based on the Y coordinate of the pixel7of interest and the quadratic curve specified by the coefficients calculated by the coefficient calculation circuit27B.

FIG. 11illustrates an example operation of the blending ratio generation circuitry21in other embodiments. The blending ratio generation circuitry21may be configured to calculate the curvature at the position of the pixel7of interest based on the folding information and calculate the R, G, and B blending ratios based on the calculated curvature.

In one or more embodiments, the correspondence between the curvature and the Y coordinate in the foldable area8is represented by a free-form curve, such as a Bezier curve.FIG. 12illustrates an example configuration of the blending ratio generation circuitry21in such embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12, the blending ratio generation circuitry21comprises a control point calculation circuit31, a free-form curve circuit32, and LUTs33R,33G, and33B. The control point calculation circuit31is configured to calculate, based on the folding information, control points that specify a free-form curve representing the correspondence between the curvature and the Y coordinate in the foldable area8. The free-form curve may be a Bezier curve. The free-form curve circuit32is configured to calculate the curvature at the position of the pixel7of interest based on the Y coordinate of the pixel7of interest and the free-form curve specified by the control points calculated by the control point calculation circuit31. The LUTs33R,33G, and33B respectively describe the correspondences between the R, G, and B blending ratios and the curvature. The blending ratio generation circuitry21may be configured to generate the R, G, and B blending ratios through table lookups on the LUTs33R,33G, and33B, respectively, with reference to the calculated curvature. The blending ratio generation circuitry21may be configured to implement a linear interpolation based on the curvature to generate the R, G, and B blending ratios.

FIG. 13illustrates an example configuration of the image processing core23, according to one or more embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 13, the image processing core23is configured to generate color-compensated pixel data by correcting the input pixel data based on a blended parameter set and calculate the output voltage data by performing digital gamma processing on the color-compensated pixel data. Such configuration may achieve color correction in accordance with the spatial distribution of the curvature in the foldable area8.

In one or more embodiments, parameter sets #1 and #2 supplied to the blending circuitry22comprise RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2, respectively. Each of RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2 may comprise R, G, and B gains by which the R, G and B grayscale values of the input pixel data are to be multiplied, respectively. In one or more embodiments, the blending circuitry22is configured to generate a blended RGB balance gain set by blending RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2 based on the R, G, and B blending ratios. The blending circuitry22may be configured to generate the R gain of the blended RGB balance gain set by blending the R gains of RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2 based on the R blending ratio. The blending circuitry22may be further configured to generate the G gain of the blended RGB balance gain set by blending the G gains of RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2 based on the G blending ratio. The blending circuitry22may be further configured to generate the B gain of the blended RGB balance gain set by blending the B gains of RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2 based on the B blending ratio.

In one or more embodiments, the image processing core23comprises a multiplier34and digital gamma circuitry35. The multiplier34may be configured to calculate the R, G, and B grayscale values of the color-compensated pixel data by multiplying the R, G, and B grayscale values of the input pixel data by the R, G, and B gains of the blended RGB balance gain set, respectively. The digital gamma circuitry35may be configured to generate the output voltage data by performing digital gamma processing on the color-compensated pixel data. In various embodiments, a gamma parameter set that comprises at least one gamma parameter is supplied to the digital gamma circuitry35to control the input-output characteristics of the digital gamma processing. In such embodiments, the correspondences between the R, G, and B grayscale values of the color-compensated pixel data and the R, G, and B voltage values of the output voltage data may be controlled by the gamma parameter set.

FIG. 14illustrates an example configuration of the image processing core23, according to other embodiments, in which the processing core23is configured different from that illustrated inFIG. 13. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 14, the image processing core23is configured to generate the output voltage data by performing digital gamma processing on the input pixel data and generate a color-compensated voltage data by correcting the output voltage data based on a blended parameter set. In such embodiments, the drive circuitry14may be configured to supply drive voltages to the respective subpixels5of the respective pixels7of the display panel1based on the color-compensated voltage data. The drive circuitry14may be configured to supply drive voltages corresponding to voltage values described in the color-compensated voltage to the respective subpixels5of the respective pixels7. Such configuration may achieve a color correction in accordance with the spatial distribution of the curvature in the foldable area8.

In one or more embodiments, parameter sets #1 and #2 supplied to the blending circuitry22comprise RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2, respectively. Each of RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2 may comprise R, G, and B gains by which the R, G and B voltage values of the output voltage data are to be multiplied, respectively. In one or more embodiments, the blending circuitry22is configured to generate a blended RGB balance gain set by blending RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2 based on the R, G, and B blending ratios. The blending circuitry22may be configured to generate the R gain of the blended RGB balance gain set by blending the R gains of RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2 based on the R blending ratio. The blending circuitry22may be further configured to generate the G gain of the blended RGB balance gain set by blending the G gains of RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2 based on the G blending ratio. The blending circuitry22may be further configured to generate the B gain of the blended RGB balance gain set by blending the B gains of RGB balance gain sets #1 and #2 based on the B blending ratio.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 14, the image processing core23comprises digital gamma circuitry36and a multiplier37. The digital gamma circuitry36may be configured to generate the output voltage data by performing digital gamma processing on the input pixel data. The multiplier37may be configured to calculate the R, G, and B voltage values of the color-compensated voltage data by multiplying the R, G, and B voltage values of the output voltage data by the R, G, and B gains of the blended RGB balance gain set, respectively.

FIG. 15illustrates an example configuration of the image processing core23in still other embodiments, in which the image processing core23is configured differently from those illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14. In the embodiment illustrated, parameter set #1 supplied to the blending circuitry22comprises R, G, and B gamma parameter sets #1, and parameter set #2 supplied to the blending circuitry22comprises R, G, and B gamma parameter sets #2. R gamma parameter sets #1 and #2 may each represent a correspondence between the R grayscale value of the input pixel data and the R voltage value of the output voltage data. Further, G gamma parameter sets #1 and #2 may each represent a correspondence between the G grayscale value and the G voltage value, and B gamma parameter sets #1 and #2 may each represent a correspondence between the B grayscale value and the B voltage value.

In one or more embodiments, the blending circuitry22is configured to generate blended R, G, and B gamma parameter sets by blending R, G, and B gamma parameter sets #1 and #2 based on the R, G, and B blending ratios, respectively. The blending circuitry22may be configured to generate the blended R gamma parameter set by blending R gamma parameter sets #1 and #2 based on the R blending ratio. The blending circuitry22may be further configured to generate the blended G gamma parameter set by blending G gamma parameter sets #1 and #2 based on the G blending ratio. The blending circuitry22may be further configured to generate the blended B gamma parameter set by blending B gamma parameter sets #1 and #2 based on the B blending ratio.

In one or more embodiments, the image processing core23may comprise digital gamma circuitry38configured to generate the output voltage data by performing digital gamma processing on the input pixel data based on the blended R, G, and B gamma parameter sets. The digital gamma circuitry38may be configured to generate the R voltage value of the output voltage data from the R grayscale value of the input pixel data by performing the digital gamma processing based on the blended R gamma parameter set. The digital gamma circuitry38may be further configured to generate the G voltage value of the output voltage data from the G grayscale value of the input pixel data by performing the digital gamma processing based on the blended G gamma parameter set. The digital gamma circuitry38may be further configured to generate the B voltage value of the output voltage data from the B grayscale value of the input pixel data by performing the digital gamma processing based on the blended B gamma parameter set. Such configuration may achieve a color correction in accordance with the spatial distribution of the curvature in the foldable area8.

FIG. 16illustrates an example operation of digital gamma circuitry38, according to one or more embodiments. In various embodiments, the R gamma parameter set represents the correspondence between the R grayscale value of the input pixel data and the R voltage value of the output voltage data in the form of an R gamma curve; the G gamma parameter set represents the correspondence between the G grayscale value and the G voltage value in the form of a G gamma curve; and the B gamma parameter set represents the correspondence between the B grayscale value and the B voltage value in the form of a B gamma curve.FIG. 17illustrates an example relationship between control points and a gamma curve, in one or more embodiments. Each of the R, G and B gamma curves may comprise a free-form curve specified by a plurality of control points CP #0 to CP #m. In the example illustrated inFIG. 17, m=12. However, in other embodiments, m may be greater than or less than 12. In some embodiments, each of the R, G and B gamma curves comprises a Bezier curve specified by a plurality of control points CP #0 to CP #m.

In various embodiments, each of the R, G, and B gamma parameter sets describes positions or coordinates of the control points CP #0 to CP #m in a coordinate system. The coordinate system may be defined with a first coordinate axis that represents the grayscale value and a second coordinate axis that represents the voltage value. InFIG. 17, the first coordinate axis is illustrated as the horizontal axis, that is, the x axis, and the second coordinate axis is illustrated as the vertical axis, that is, the y axis.

In one or more embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 16, the positions of the control points CP #0 to CP #m of the blended R gamma parameter set are adjusted based on the R blending ratio to control the R gamma curve that represents the correspondence between the R grayscale value of the input pixel data and the R voltage value of the output voltage value. In one or more embodiments, the positions of the control points CP #0 to CP #m of the blended G gamma parameter set are adjusted based on the G blending ratio to control the G gamma curve that represents the correspondence between the G grayscale value of the input pixel data and the G voltage value of the output voltage value. In one or more embodiments, the positions of the control points CP #0 to CP #m of the blended B gamma parameter set are adjusted based on the B blending ratio to control the B gamma curve that represents the correspondence between the B grayscale value of the input pixel data and the B voltage value of the output voltage value. In various embodiments, a color correction in accordance with the spatial distribution of the curvature in the foldable area8is achieved by individually controlling the R, G, and B gamma curves.

FIG. 18illustrates an example configuration of the image processing core23, according to still other embodiments in which the image processing core23is configured differently from those illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14, and 15. In the embodiment illustrated, the image processing core23comprises flexible gamma circuitry39. In various embodiments, the flexible gamma circuitry39is configured to perform digital gamma processing in accordance with a gamma curve obtained by scaling a default gamma curve based on a gamma top parameter. Referring toFIG. 19, the default gamma curve may be defined with a default gamma parameter set. The default gamma parameter set may describe the positions or coordinates of control points CP #0 to CP #m in a coordinate system defined with a first coordinate axis (the x axis inFIG. 19) and a second coordinate axis (the y axis inFIG. 19), where the first coordinate axis represents the grayscale value, and the second coordinate axis represents the voltage value. The gamma top parameter may indicate a scaling ratio with which the default gamma curve is scaled in the direction of the first coordinate axis. The scaling of the gamma parameter may be achieved by multiplying the coordinates of the control points CP #0 to CP #m in the first coordinate axis (the x coordinates inFIG. 19) by the scaling ratio indicated by the gamma top parameter.

In one or more embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 18, gamma top parameters are individually given to the flexible gamma circuitry39for red, green and blue. The gamma top parameters for red, green, and blue may be hereinafter referred to as R gamma top parameter, G gamma top parameter, and B gamma top parameter, respectively. In various embodiments, a color correction is achieved by individually performing the digital gamma processing for red, green, and blue based on the R, G, and B gamma curves obtained by scaling the default gamma curve based on the R, G, and B gamma top parameters, respectively.

Parameter sets #1 and #2 supplied to the blending circuitry22may comprise gamma top parameter sets #1 and #2, respectively, where each of gamma top parameter sets #1 and #2 comprises an R gamma top parameter, a G gamma top parameter, and a B gamma top parameter.

FIG. 20illustrates an example operation of the flexible gamma circuitry39, according to one or more embodiments. The flexible gamma circuitry39may be configured to calculate the R voltage value of the output voltage data from the R grayscale value of the input pixel data through digital gamma processing in accordance with the R gamma curve obtained by scaling the default gamma curve in the direction of the first coordinate axis based on the blended R gamma top parameter of the blended gamma top parameter set. The flexible gamma circuitry39may be further configured to calculate the G voltage value of the output voltage data from the G grayscale value of the input pixel data through digital gamma processing in accordance with the G gamma curve obtained by scaling the default gamma curve in the direction of the first coordinate axis based on the blended G gamma top parameter of the blended gamma top parameter set. The flexible gamma circuitry39may be further configured to calculate the B voltage value of the output voltage data from the B grayscale value of the input pixel data through digital gamma processing in accordance with the B gamma curve obtained by scaling the default gamma curve in the direction of the first coordinate axis based on the blended B gamma top parameter of the blended gamma top parameter set. In various embodiments, a color correction is achieved by performing digital gamma processing in accordance with the R, G, and B gamma curves obtained individually based on the blended R, G, and B gamma top parameters.

FIGS. 21 and 22illustrate an example configuration of the display panel1, according to other embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 21 and 22, the display panel1is bent in the thickness direction in vertical edge areas9A located at the vertical edges of the display panel1, where the thickness direction is illustrated as −Z direction inFIG. 21. In such embodiments, the angle between the line-of-sight direction of a user and the nominal direction of the surface of the display panel1may vary depending on the position in the vertical edge areas9A. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 22, the foldable area8partially overlaps the vertical edge areas9A in overlapping areas10A.

FIG. 23illustrates an example configuration of image processing circuitry13A, according to one or more embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated, image processing circuitry13A is configured to perform image processing to suppress a color shift that potentially results from variations in the angle between the line-of-sight direction of the user and the nominal direction of the surface of the display panel1in the foldable area8and the vertical edge areas9A. This may improve the image quality. The image processing circuitry13A may be configured to perform a first color correction for the foldable area8and a second color correction for the vertical edge areas9A. The first color correction for the foldable area8may be based on the position of the pixel7of interest in the vertical direction, that is, the Y coordinate of the pixel7of interest. The second color correction for the vertical edge areas9A may be based on the position of the pixel7of interest in the horizontal direction, that is, the X coordinate of the pixel7of interest. In one or more embodiments, when both the first color correction and the second color correction are performed for a pixel7, the result of a selected one of the first and second color corrections is used. In such embodiments, the selected one of the first and second color corrections causes lower luminance levels for the subpixels5of the pixel7compared to the other.

As illustrated inFIG. 23, the image processing circuitry13A may comprise blending ratio generation circuitry21A,21B, blending circuitry22A,22B, and an image processing core23A. The blending ratio generation circuitry21A and the blending circuitry22A may be used for the first color correction for the foldable area8, and the blending ratio generation circuitry21B and the blending circuitry22B may be used for the second color correction for the vertical edge areas9A.

The blending ratio generation circuitry21A may be configured to generate a first R blending ratio, a first G blending ratio, and a first B blending ratio based on the folding information and the Y coordinate of the pixel7of interest, similarly to the blending ratio generation circuitry21illustrated inFIG. 3. In some embodiments, the blending ratio generation circuitry21A may receive, in addition to the folding information, correspondence information indicative of correspondences between the Y coordinate of the pixel7of interest and the first R, G, and B blending ratios. The correspondence information may be used as the spatial distribution information in the blending ratio generation circuitry21A. The blending ratio generation circuitry21A may comprise an LUT indicative of the correspondences between the Y coordinate of the pixel7of interest and the first R, G, and B blending ratios. In such embodiments, the spatial distribution information supplied to the blending ratio generation circuitry21A may comprise table values of the LUT.

In one or more embodiments, the blending circuitry22A is configured to generate a first blended R parameter set, a first blended G parameter set, and a first blended B parameter set by blending parameter sets #1 and #2 based on the first R blending ratio, the first G blending ratio, and the first B blending ratio, respectively. The blending circuitry22A may be configured similarly to the blending circuitry22described in relation to the earlier figures.

The blending ratio generation circuitry21B may be configured to generate a second R blending ratio, a second G blending ratio, and a second B blending ratio based on the X coordinate of the pixel7of interest, differently from the blending ratio generation circuitry21A. In some embodiments, the blending ratio generation circuitry21B may receive correspondence information indicative of correspondences between the X coordinate of the pixel7of interest and the second R, G, and B blending ratios. The blending ratio generation circuitry21B may comprise an LUT indicative of the correspondences between the X coordinate of the pixel7of interest and the second R, G, and B blending ratios. In such embodiments, the spatial distribution information supplied to the blending ratio generation circuitry21B may comprise table values of the LUT.

In one or more embodiments, the blending circuitry22B is configured to generate a second blended R parameter set, a second blended G parameter set, and a second blended B parameter set by blending parameter sets #3 and #4 based on the second R blending ratio, the second G blending ratio, and the second B blending ratio, respectively. The blending circuitry22B may be configured similarly to the blending circuitry22described in relation to the earlier figures.

In various embodiments, the image processing core23A is configured to generate the R, G, and B voltage values of the output voltage data from the R, G, and B grayscale values of the input pixel data, respectively, by performing image processing based on the blended parameter sets received from the blending circuitry22A and22B. The image processing core23A may be configured similarly to any one of image processing cores23illustrated inFIGS. 13, 14, 15, and 18. The image processing core23A may be configured to generate first R, G, and B voltage values by performing the first color correction on the R, G, and B grayscale values of the input pixel data based on the first blended R, G, and B parameter sets, respectively. For a pixel7located in the foldable area8but not in the vertical edge areas9A, the first R, G, and B voltage values may be used as the R, G, and B voltage values of the output voltage data.

In various embodiments, the image processing core23A may be further configured to generate second R, G, and B voltage values by performing the second color correction on the R, G, and B grayscale values of the input pixel data based on the second blended R, G, and B parameter sets, respectively. For a pixel7located in vertical edge areas9A but not in the foldable area8, the second R, G, and B voltage values may be used as the R, G, and B voltage values of the output voltage data.

For the overlapping areas10A in which the foldable area8and the vertical edge areas9A overlap each other, the image processing core23A may be configured to select one of the first and second R voltage values which causes a lower luminance level for the R subpixel5R as compared to the other as the R voltage value of the output voltage data, select one of the first and second G voltage values which causes a lower luminance level for the G subpixel5G as compared to the other as the G voltage value of the output voltage data, and select one of the first and second B voltage values which causes a lower luminance level for the B subpixel5B as compared to the other as the B voltage value of the output voltage data. The thus-described selection of the R, G, and B voltage values of the output voltage data may obtain a smoothed image.

FIG. 24illustrates an example configuration of the display panel1in still other embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated, first and second partial areas8A and8B that partially overlap each other are defined in the foldable area8. In some embodiments, the first partial area8A and the second partial area8B are shifted from each other in the vertical direction.

FIG. 25illustrates an example configuration of image processing circuitry13B adapted to the display panel1illustrated inFIG. 24, according to one or more embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated, image processing circuitry13B is configured to perform a first color correction for the first partial area8A, a second color correction for the second partial area8B, and a third color correction for the vertical edge areas9A. In various embodiments, the first and second color corrections for the first and second partial areas8A and8B are based on the position of the pixel7of interest in the vertical direction, that is, the Y coordinate of the pixel7. In various embodiments, the third color correction for the vertical edge areas9A is based on the position of the pixel7in the horizontal direction, that is, the X coordinate of the pixel7. In some embodiments, when both the first and second color corrections, which are both based on the position of the pixel7in the vertical direction, are performed, the result of a selected one of the first and second color corrections is used, the selected one causing higher luminance levels for the subpixels5of the pixel7compared to the other.

The image processing circuitry13B may comprise blending ratio generation circuitry21A-1,21A-2,21B, blending circuitry22A-1,22A-2,22B, and an image processing core23B. The blending ratio generation circuitry21A-1and the blending circuitry22A-1may be used for the first color correction for the first partial area8A of the foldable area8. The blending ratio generation circuitry21A-2and the blending circuitry22A-2may be used for the second color correction for the second partial area8B of the foldable area8. The blending ratio generation circuitry21B and the blending circuitry22B may be used for the third color correction for the vertical edge areas9A.

The blending ratio generation circuitry21A-1may be configured to generate a first R blending ratio, a first G blending ratio, and a first B blending ratio based on the folding information and the Y coordinate of the pixel7of interest. The blending circuitry22A-1may be configured to generate a first blended R parameter set, a first blended G parameter set, and a first blended B parameter set by blending parameter sets #1 and #2 based on the first R blending ratio, the first G blending ratio, and the first B blending ratio, respectively.

The blending ratio generation circuitry21A-2may be configured to generate a second R blending ratio, a second G blending ratio, and a second B blending ratio based on the folding information and the Y coordinate of the pixel7of interest. The blending circuitry22A-2may be configured to generate a second blended R parameter set, a second blended G parameter set, and a second blended B parameter set by blending parameter sets #3 and #4 based on the second R blending ratio, the second G blending ratio, and the second B blending ratio, respectively.

The blending ratio generation circuitry21B may be configured to generate a third R blending ratio, a third G blending ratio, and a third B blending ratio based on the X coordinate of the pixel7of interest. The blending circuitry22B may be configured to generate a third blended R parameter set, a third blended G parameter set, and a third blended B parameter set by blending parameter sets #5 and #6 based on the third R blending ratio, the third G blending ratio, and the third B blending ratio, respectively.

In various embodiments, the image processing core23B is configured to generate the R, G, and B voltage values of the output voltage data from the R, G, and B grayscale values of the input pixel data, respectively, by performing image processing based on the blended parameter sets received from the blending circuitry22A-1,22A-2and22B. The image processing core23B may be configured similarly to any one of image processing cores23illustrated inFIGS. 13, 14, 15, and 18.

The image processing core23B may be configured to generate first R, G, and B voltage values by performing the first color correction on the R, G, and B grayscale values of the input pixel data based on the first blended R, G, and B parameter sets, respectively. For a pixel7located in the first partial area8A but not in the second partial area8B and the vertical edge areas9A, the first R, G, and B voltage values may be used as the R, G, and B voltage values of the output voltage data.

The image processing core23B may be further configured to generate second R, G, and B voltage values by performing the second color correction on the R, G, and B grayscale values of the input pixel data based on the second blended R, G, and B parameter sets, respectively. For a pixel7located in the second partial area8B but not in the first partial area8A and the vertical edge areas9A, the second R, G, and B voltage values may be used as the R, G, and B voltage values of the output voltage data.

The image processing core23B may be further configured to generate third R, G, and B voltage values by performing the third color correction on the R, G, and B grayscale values of the input pixel data based on the third blended R, G, and B parameter sets, respectively. For a pixel7located in the vertical edge areas9A but not in the foldable area8, the third R, G, and B voltage values may be used as the R, G, and B voltage values of the output voltage data.

In one or more embodiments, for the overlapping areas10A in which the foldable area8and the vertical edge areas9A overlap each other, the image processing core23B may be configured to: select one of the first, second, and third R voltage values as the R voltage value of the output voltage data, the one causing the lowest luminance level for the R subpixel5R; select one of the first, second, and third G voltage values as the G voltage value of the output voltage data, the one causing the lowest luminance level for the G subpixel5G; and select one of the first, second, and third B voltage values as the B voltage value of the output voltage data, the one causing the lowest luminance level for the B subpixel5B. The thus-described selection of the R, G, and B voltage values of the output voltage data may obtain a smoothed image.

For an area10B in which the first and second partial areas8A and8B of the foldable area8overlap outside the vertical edge areas9A, the image processing core23B may be configured to: select one of the first and second R voltage values as the R voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected one causing the higher luminance level for the R subpixel5R; select one of the first and second G voltage values as the G voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected one causing the higher luminance level for the G subpixel5G; and select one of the first and second B voltage values as the B voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected one causing the higher luminance level for the B subpixel5B. The thus-described selection of the R, G, and B voltage values of the output voltage data may obtain a smoothed image.

FIG. 26illustrates an example configuration of the display panel1, according to still other embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated, the display panel1is bent in the thickness direction in vertical edge areas9A located at the vertical edges of the display panel1and in horizontal edge areas9B located at the horizontal edges of the display panel1, where the thickness direction is illustrated as −Z direction inFIG. 26. In such embodiments, the angle between the line-of-sight direction of a user and the nominal direction of the surface of the display panel1may vary depending on the position in the vertical edge areas9A and the horizontal edge areas9B. In one or more embodiments, the vertical edge areas9A and the horizontal edge areas9B partially overlap at corner areas10C. While no foldable area8is disposed in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 26, the display panel1may further comprise a foldable area8.

FIG. 27illustrates an example configuration of image processing circuitry13C adapted to the display panel1illustrated inFIG. 26, according to one or more embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated, the image processing circuitry13C is configured to perform a first color correction for the vertical edge areas9A and a second color correction for the horizontal edge areas9B. The image processing circuitry13C may comprise blending ratio generation circuitry21B,21C, blending circuitry22B,22C, and an image processing core23C. The blending ratio generation circuitry21B and the blending circuitry22B may be used for the first color correction for the vertical edge areas9A, and the blending ratio generation circuitry21C and the blending circuitry22C may be used for the second color correction for the horizontal edge areas9B. The first color correction for the vertical edge areas9A may be based on the position of the pixel7of interest in the horizontal direction, that is, the X coordinate of the pixel7. The second color correction for the horizontal edge areas9B may be based on the position of the pixel7of interest in the vertical direction, that is, the Y coordinate of the pixel7. In one or more embodiments, when both the first and second color corrections are performed for a pixel7, the result of a selected one of the first and second color corrections is used, the selected one causing lower luminance levels for the subpixels5of the pixel7compared to the other.

The blending ratio generation circuitry21B may be configured to generate a first R blending ratio, a first G blending ratio, and a first B blending ratio based on the folding information and/or the X coordinate of the pixel7of interest. In such embodiments, the blending circuitry22B may be configured to generate a first blended R parameter set, a first blended G parameter set, and a first blended B parameter set by blending parameter sets #1 and #2 based on the first R blending ratio, the first G blending ratio, and the first B blending ratio, respectively. The blending ratio generation circuitry21C may be configured to generate a second R blending ratio, a second G blending ratio, and a second B blending ratio based on the folding information and/or the Y coordinate of the pixel7of interest. In such embodiments, the blending circuitry22C may be configured to generate a second blended R parameter set, a second blended G parameter set, and a second blended B parameter set by blending parameter sets #3 and #4 based on the second R blending ratio, the second G blending ratio, and the second B blending ratio, respectively. The blending circuitry22B and the blending circuitry22C may be configured similarly to the blending circuitry22described in relation to the earlier figures.

In some embodiments, spatial distribution information received by the blending ratio generation circuitry21B may comprise first correspondence information indicative of correspondences between the X coordinate of the pixel7of interest and the first R, G, and B blending ratios. The blending ratio generation circuitry21B may comprise an LUT indicative of the correspondences between the X coordinate of the pixel7of interest and the first R, G, and B blending ratios. In such embodiments, the spatial distribution information supplied to the blending ratio generation circuitry21B may comprise table values of the LUT.

In some embodiments, spatial distribution information received by the blending ratio generation circuitry21C may comprise second correspondence information indicative of correspondences between the Y coordinate of the pixel7of interest and the second R, G, and B blending ratios, differently from the blending ration generator circuitry21B. The blending ratio generation circuitry21C may comprise an LUT indicative of the correspondences between the Y coordinate of the pixel7of interest and the second R, G, and B blending ratios. In such embodiments, the spatial distribution information supplied to the blending ratio generation circuitry21C may comprise table values of the LUT.

In various embodiments, the image processing core23C is configured to generate the R, G, and B voltage values of the output voltage data from the R, G, and B grayscale values of the input pixel data, respectively, by performing image processing based on the blended parameter sets received from the blending circuitry22B and22C.

The image processing core23C may be configured to generate first R, G, and B voltage values by performing the first color correction on the R, G, and B grayscale values of the input pixel data based on the first blended R, G, and B parameter sets, respectively. The image processing core23C may be further configured to generate second R, G, and B voltage values from the R, G, and B grayscale values of the input pixel data, by performing the second color correction based on the second blended R, G, and B parameter sets, respectively. In some embodiments, the image processing core23C may be configured to: select one of the first and second R voltage values as the R voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected one causing the lower luminance level for the R subpixel5R; select one of the first and second G voltage values as the G voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected one causing the lower luminance level for the G subpixel5G; and select one of the first and second B voltage values as the B voltage value of the output voltage data, the selected one causing the lower luminance level for the B subpixel5B. The thus-described selection of the R, G, and B voltage values of the output voltage data may obtain a smoothed image.

In a display system in which user's eyes observing the display panel1are located close to the display panel1, the line-of-sight direction to the display panel1may vary depending on the positions of the user's eyes in addition to the position of the pixel7of interest on the display panel1. This may apply to a display system incorporated in a head mount display (HMD) of a vertical reality (VR) system.FIG. 28illustrates an example configuration of such a display system, according to one or more embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated, a camera41is provided for the display system that comprises the display module100, and a color correction is performed based on the positions of user's eyes300determined based on a camera image captured by the camera41to reduce or suppress a color shift that potentially results from variations in the line-of-sight direction.

FIG. 29illustrates a detailed example configuration of the display system illustrated inFIG. 28, according to one or more embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated, a host200is configured to achieve eye tracking based on the camera image captured by the camera41to generate eye tracking data of the user. The eye tracking data may indicate the positions of the user's eyes300and/or the line-of-sight direction. In one or more embodiments, spatial distribution information sent from the host200to the display driver2comprises the eye tracking data. In such embodiments, the image processing circuitry13of the display driver2may be configured to apply image processing to the input pixel data based on the eye tracking data to generate the output voltage data. In embodiments where the eye tracking data is supplied to the image processing circuitry13configured as illustrated inFIG. 3in place of or in addition to the folding information, the image processing circuitry13may be configured to generate R, G, and B blending ratios based on the eye tracking data in place of or in addition to the folding information, generate a blended parameter set based on the R, G and B blending ratios, and perform the image processing based on the blended parameter set.

FIG. 30illustrates an example configuration of a modified display system, according to other embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated, the display system comprises a gyro sensor42in addition to the display module100, and gyro data indicative of the attitude of the display system is sent to the host200. In such embodiments, the host200may be configured to generate the eye tracking data through eye tracking based on the gyro data and the camera image captured by the camera41. The image processing circuitry13of the display driver2may be configured to generate R, G, and B blending ratios based on the eye tracking data, generate a blended parameter set based on the R, G and B blending ratios, and perform the image processing based on the blended parameter set.

FIG. 31illustrates an example configuration of a display system, according to still other embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated, the display system comprises a plurality of thermo-sensors43and44in addition to the display module100, and temperature data indicative of temperatures measured by the thermo-sensors43and44is sent to the host200. The host200may be configured to analyze the temperature data and generate temperature distribution data corresponding to the temperature distribution. In such embodiments, the image processing circuitry13of the display driver2may be configured to generate the output voltage data by performing image processing on the input pixel data based on the temperature distribution data. In one or more embodiments, the temperature distribution data is supplied to the image processing circuitry13configured as illustrated inFIG. 3in place of or in addition to the folding information. In such embodiments, the image processing circuitry13may be configured to generate R, G, and B blending ratios based on the temperature distribution data in place of or in addition to the folding information, generate a blended parameter set based on the R, G and B blending ratios, and perform the image processing based on the blended parameter set.

FIG. 32illustrates an example configuration of a display system, according to still other embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated, the display system comprises an ambient light sensor45in addition to the display module100, and ambient light data obtained by the ambient light sensor45is sent to the host200. In such embodiments, the host200may be configured to analyze the ambient light data and generate ambient light distribution data corresponding to the luminance distribution of the ambient light on the display panel1. The image processing circuitry13of the display driver2may be configured to generate the output voltage data by performing image processing on the input pixel data based on the ambient light distribution data. In one or more embodiments, the ambient light distribution data is supplied to the image processing circuitry13configured as illustrated inFIG. 3in place of or in addition to the folding information. In such embodiments, the image processing circuitry13may be configured to generate R, G, and B blending ratios based on the ambient light distribution data in place of or in addition to the folding information, generate a blended parameter set based on the R, G and B blending ratios, and perform the image processing based on the blended parameter set.

FIG. 33illustrates an example configuration of a display system, according to still other embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated, the display system comprises a camera46in addition to the display module100, and a camera image captured by the camera46is sent to the host200. In such embodiments, the host200may be configured to analyze the camera image and generate color temperature distribution data corresponding to a color temperature distribution of the ambient light on the display panel1. The image processing circuitry13of the display driver2may be configured to generate the output voltage data by performing image processing on the input pixel data based on the color temperature distribution data. In one or more embodiments, the color temperature distribution data is supplied to the image processing circuitry13configured as illustrated inFIG. 3in place of or in addition to the folding information. In such embodiments, the image processing circuitry13may be configured to generate R, G, and B blending ratios based on the color temperature distribution data in place of or in addition to the folding information, generate a blended parameter set based on the R, G and B blending ratios, and perform the image processing based on the blended parameter set.

While various embodiments have been specifically described in the above, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the technologies disclosed herein may be implemented with various modifications.