Method for preventing display burn-in in electronic device, and electronic device

Various embodiments relate to an electronic device and, according to one embodiment, the electronic device comprises a display and a processor, wherein the processor can be configured to detect at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in a first image to be displayed through the display, generate a second image in which the at least one outline has been adjusted to a first designated color and areas excluding the at least one outline in a first image have been adjusted to a second designated color, and display the second image by using the display. Other additional embodiments are possible.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a 371 of International Application No. PCT/KR2019/009251 filed on Jul. 25, 2019, which claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0087881 filed on Jul. 27, 2018, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Various embodiments relate to a display of an electronic device.

2. Description of the Related Art

When a fixed image is continuously displayed on a display for a long time, an image sticking phenomenon in which a fixed specific image remains may occur. In the case of a liquid crystal display (LCD), the image sticking phenomenon may be caused by the fixation of a liquid crystal to a specific image. Further, in the case of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, pixels which emit light to display a specific image may have decreasing luminous efficiency over time, and the light emitted by the pixels may have brightness lower than that of surrounding pixels, whereby the image sticking phenomenon may occur.

SUMMARY

An OLED display as a display in which each OLED element constituting a screen independently emits light, generally consumes less power and has higher color reproducibility than an LCD. Therefore, the OLED display may be a product attracting attention as a next-generation display but have a high probability of burn-in.

The OLED display expresses colors by mixing red, green, and blue which are three primary colors of light. Among the colors, a blue element has a shorter lifespan element of other colors. As a result, when the same screen is displayed for a long time, problems may occur in expressing a blue color, resulting in color combination-related problems. Image sticking or stains due to such problems may be burn-in.

Image sticking or stains caused by burn-in may reduce the visibility of a screen when a specific application is executed in an electronic device, and thus may inconvenience a user.

Various embodiments may provide a method and an electronic device which can prevent burn-in from occurring in a display.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include a display and a processor. The processor may be configured to: detect at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in a first image to be displayed through the display; generate a second image in which the at least one outline is adjusted to a first designated color and areas excluding the at least one outline in the first image are adjusted to a second designated color; and display the second image by using the display.

According to various embodiments, a method for preventing display burn-in in an electronic device may include: generating a second image in which at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in a first image to be displayed through a display is adjusted to a first designated color, and areas excluding the at least one outline in the first image are adjusted to a second designated color; and displaying the second image by using the display.

According to various embodiments, in storage media storing instructions, the instructions may be configured to cause at least one circuit to perform at least one operation, when executed by the at least one circuit. The at least one operation may include: detecting at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in a first image to be displayed through a display; generating a second image in which the at least one outline is adjusted to a first designated color, and areas excluding the at least one outline in the first image are adjusted to a second designated color; and displaying the second image by using the display.

An electronic device according to various embodiments can prevent burn-in from occurring when a screen is continuously displayed on a display or a screen of the same color is displayed for a long time.

When an electronic device according to various embodiments displays a screen on a display, the electronic device can: detect at least one outline (for example, an edge area or a border) corresponding to at least one graphic object included in a first image (for example, an application screen) to be displayed through the display; and adjust the at least one outline and areas (for example, a background area) excluding the at least one outline to colors causing less burn-in, thereby reducing the occurrence of burn-in.

When an electronic device according to various embodiments displays a screen on an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, the electronic device can reduce the consumption of a battery required for light emission by allowing only pixels, which correspond to at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in a first image (for example, an application screen) to be displayed through the display, to emit light and preventing pixels corresponding to areas (for example, a background color) excluding the at least one outline from emitting light, thereby increasing the light emission lifespan of pixels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The camera module180may capture a still image and moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module180may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module188may manage power supplied to the electronic device101. According to one embodiment, the power management module388may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may transmit or receive power or a signal to or from the external electronic device102via the first network198. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may receive power wirelessly from the external electronic device102.

The communication module190may transmit or receive a control signal or power information for receiving power in the external electronic device102. The power information may include at least one of a residual battery amount, the number of times of charging, usage, battery capacity, or a battery rate of the electronic device101. The communication module190of the electronic device101may transmit a charging function control signal for controlling a charging function of the electronic device101. The charging function control signal may be a control signal for causing the charging function of the electronic device101to be enabled or disabled. Alternatively, the charging function control signal may include information related to power adjustment or power control commands to handle the occurrence of abnormal conditions according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2is a block diagram200illustrating the display device160according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 2, the display device160may include a display210and a display driver integrated circuit (DDI)230to control the display210. The DDI230may include an interface module231, memory233(e.g., buffer memory), an image processing module235, or a mapping module237. The DDI230may receive image information that contains image data or an image control signal corresponding to a command to control the image data from another component of the electronic device101via the interface module231. For example, according to an embodiment, the image information may be received from the processor120(e.g., the main processor121(e.g., an application processor)) or the auxiliary processor123(e.g., a graphics processing unit) operated independently from the function of the main processor121. The DDI230may communicate, for example, with touch circuitry250or the sensor module176via the interface module231. The DDI230may also store at least part of the received image information in the memory233, for example, on a frame by frame basis. The image processing module235may perform pre-processing or post-processing (e.g., adjustment of resolution, brightness, or size) with respect to at least part of the image data. According to an embodiment, the pre-processing or post-processing may be performed, for example, based at least in part on one or more characteristics of the image data or one or more characteristics of the display210. The mapping module237may generate a voltage value or a current value corresponding to the image data pre-processed or post-processed by the image processing module135. According to an embodiment, the generating of the voltage value or current value may be performed, for example, based at least in part on one or more attributes of the pixels (e.g., an array, such as an RGB stripe or a pentile structure, of the pixels, or the size of each subpixel). At least some pixels of the display210may be driven, for example, based at least in part on the voltage value or the current value such that visual information (e.g., a text, an image, or an icon) corresponding to the image data may be displayed via the display210.

According to an embodiment, the display device160may further include the touch circuitry250. The touch circuitry250may include a touch sensor251and a touch sensor IC253to control the touch sensor251. The touch sensor IC253may control the touch sensor251to sense a touch input or a hovering input with respect to a certain position on the display210. To achieve this, for example, the touch sensor251may detect (e.g., measure) a change in a signal (e.g., a voltage, a quantity of light, a resistance, or a quantity of one or more electric charges) corresponding to the certain position on the display210. The touch circuitry250may provide input information (e.g., a position, an area, a pressure, or a time) indicative of the touch input or the hovering input detected via the touch sensor251to the processor120. According to an embodiment, at least part (e.g., the touch sensor IC253) of the touch circuitry250may be formed as part of the display210or the DDI230, or as part of another component (e.g., the auxiliary processor123) disposed outside the display device160.

According to an embodiment, the display device160may further include at least one sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, a pressure sensor, or an illuminance sensor) of the sensor module176or a control circuit for the at least one sensor. In such a case, the at least one sensor or the control circuit for the at least one sensor may be embedded in one portion of a component (e.g., the display210, the DDI230, or the touch circuitry250)) of the display device160. For example, when the sensor module176embedded in the display device160includes a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor), the biometric sensor may obtain biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint image) corresponding to a touch input received via a portion of the display210. As another example, when the sensor module176embedded in the display device160includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor may obtain pressure information corresponding to a touch input received via a partial or whole area of the display210. According to an embodiment, the touch sensor251or the sensor module176may be disposed between pixels in a pixel layer of the display210, or over or under the pixel layer.

A display device160according to various embodiments may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.

FIG. 3illustrates a part of an OLED display structure according to various embodiments. For example,FIG. 3illustrates one pixel of the OLED display structure.

Referring toFIG. 3, an OLED display300(e.g., the display device160inFIG. 1 or 2) may have a structure including a polarizer310(or a polarizing element), an encap (glass)320(or a cover), an organic layer330, and a thin film transistor (TFT) (glass)340.

The organic layer330may be a layer disposed between the encap (glass)320and the TFT (glass)340and including a compound containing a carbon. Holes and electrons may be injected into the organic layer330, and light and heat may be generated as the injected holes and electrons react with each other. According to one embodiment, one pixel of the organic layer330may include an R sub-pixel332, a G sub-pixel334, and a B sub-pixel336using compounds for generating light of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), respectively, and one pixel may be configured by the R sub-pixel332, the G sub-pixel334, and the B sub-pixel336. In the organic layer330, red light, green light, and blue light generated from the R sub-pixel332, the G sub-pixel334, and the B sub-pixel336may be mixed and pass through the polarizer310so as to express colors.

According to various embodiments, each of the R sub-pixel332, the G sub-pixel334, and the B sub-pixel336may gradually decrease in brightness in proportion to the light-emitting time. If only a specific pixel continuously emits light, the lifespan of the specific pixel is shortened compared to other pixels. Thus, the pixel that has generated relatively a large amount of light may become darker than other pixels.

For example, when an icon of the same color and shape is continuously displayed on the OLED display300(e.g., the display device160inFIG. 1 or 2), pixels corresponding to the color and shape of the icon may become dark and thus may cause burn-in in which the color and shape of the icon appear as image sticking or stains. The image sticking or stains caused by such burn-in may reduce the visibility of a display screen in an electronic device and thus may cause inconvenience to a user.

FIG. 4is a block diagram of an electronic device for preventing burn-in from occurring on a display, according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 4, an electronic device400(e.g., the electronic device101inFIG. 1) according to various embodiments may include a processor410, a memory420, and a display430.

According to various embodiments, the processor410(e.g., the processor120inFIG. 1) may control at least one different component (e.g., the memory420or the display430) of the electronic device400, which is electrically connected to the processor410, and may perform various data processing or operations, by executing software (e.g., the program140). According to various embodiments, the processor410may detect at least one outline (for example, an edge or a border) corresponding to at least one graphic object in a first image (for example, a first screen) to be displayed on the display430, and may generate a second image409in which the at least one outline is adjusted to a first designated color, and areas excluding the at least one outline in the first image are adjusted to a second designated color. According to various embodiments, the first designated color and/or the second designated color may be colors corresponding to designated or specific pixels. For example, the designated or specific pixel may be a pixel (for example, an R pixel, a G pixel, or a B pixel) having a lifespan longer than a designated period even when the pixel continuously emits light. The second image409generated by adjusting the at least one outline to a first designated color and adjusting areas excluding the at least one outline to a second designated color, may have the color of a pixel having a longer lifespan than the first image, and thus may cause less burn-in phenomenon than the first image.

The processor410according to various embodiments may display the second image409on the display430and may move the display position of the second image409displayed on the display430. According to various embodiments, the case wherein only a pixel of a specific color of the display430continuously emits light may prevented by moving the display position of the second image409, so that a burn-in phenomenon in which a pixel life of a specific color is shortened and thus the pixel becomes dark may be reduced.

According to various embodiments, the processor410may detect at least one outline having various sizes, colors, brightnesses, or saturations, based on the attributes (for example, size, color, brightness, saturation, or the like) of at least one graphic object included in a first image to be displayed on the display430, by using an image filter and/or an edge extraction parameter. According to various embodiments, each of at least one outline may have a different width according to the attributes of at least one graphic object, the image filter, and/or the edge extraction parameter. According to various embodiments, the processor410may adjust the width of the at least one detected outline by adjusting an image filter parameter value or an edge extraction parameter value. For example, the processor410may cause the width of the at least one detected outline to narrow or widen over time, by adjusting the edge extraction parameter value, based on the time at which the first image is displayed on the display430.

According to one embodiment, the memory420, when executed, may store instructions that cause the processor410to: detect at least one outline (for example, an edge or a border) corresponding to at least one graphic object in the first image to be displayed on the display430; display, on the display430, the second image409in which the at least one outline is adjusted to a first designated color, and areas excluding the at least one outline are adjusted to a second designated color; and move a display position of the second image409displayed on the display430, and the processor410may execute the instructions.

According to various embodiments, the processor410may include a surface flinger412and a graphic processing unit (GPU)414. According to various embodiments, the surface flinger412may generate a first image to be displayed on the display430by collecting at least one display data (for example, also referred to as “surface” or “layer”)401,403,405, or407associated with various applications and functions executed in the electronic device400, and thus may provide the first image to the GPU414. For example, the at least one display data may include various indicator display data401associated with the electronic device400, display data403associated with a first application, display data405associated with a second application, and display data407associated with a menu. For example, the at least one display data may include at least one graphic object, and the first image may include at least part or all of the at least one graphic object. According to various embodiments, the surface flinger412and the graphic processing unit (GPU)414may be implemented as functions performed by the processor410without any distinction therebetween.

According to various embodiments, the processor410may detect at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in a first image to be displayed through the display430. According to one embodiment, the processor410may reduce the size of a first image to be displayed through the display430, based on a designated ratio or a designated size, and may detect at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in the reduced first image.

The processor410may generate the second image409in which a color of at least one outline detected in a first image is adjusted to a first color and a color of areas excluding the at least one outline is adjusted to a second color. According to various embodiments, each of the at least one detected outline may have a different width, and the processor410may detect an outline having a designated width or greater among the at least one detected outline.

The processor410may provide the second image409to the memory420(e.g., a frame buffer) and may display the second image409on the display430. The processor410may perform control such that a display position of the second image409displayed on the display430is moved. For example, the processor410may display the second image409at a first position on the display430and display the second image409at a second position on the display430, based on a designated condition (for example, a designated time interval, a designated distance interval, or a designated pixel interval), so as to perform control such that the display position of the second image409on the display430is moved.

According to one embodiment, the processor410may move the display position of the second image409in an entire screen area of the display430or in a virtual area having a size different from that of the entire screen area. According to various embodiments, the processor410may change the display position of the second image409within the entire screen area of the display430, may move the display position of the second image409within an increased area, which is a virtual area, obtained by increasing the entire screen area of the display430, or may move the display position of the second image409within a reduced area, which is a virtual area, obtained by reducing the size of the entire screen area of the display430.

According to one embodiment, when the display position of the second image409is moved within the increased area, an empty area in which no images are displayed may be generated in the entire screen area of the display430, in proportion to a portion moved from the second image409to the increased area. The processor410may display a color associated with the second image409in the empty area of the entire screen area, in which no images are displayed.

According to one embodiment, when the display position of the second image409is moved within the reduced area, a part of the second image409as much as the reduced area of the entire screen area may not be displayed in the entire screen area of the display430.

According to various embodiments, the processor410may move the display position of the second image409at a designated time interval (for example, 0.01 seconds, 0.05 seconds, or 1 second) or a designated distance interval (for example, a distance of one of 1 to 4 pixels) or continuously up, down, leftwards, rightwards, or diagonally. According to various embodiments, the processor410may change the movement speed or movement interval of the display position of the second image409over time.

For example, when a first image included in at least one graphic object (for example, a blue icon) is continuously displayed at a fixed position of the display430, the pixels (for example, B pixels) corresponding to a blue color of the display430may continuously emit light. When the B pixels continuously emit light, the lifespan of the B pixels becomes shorter other pixels (for example, R pixels or G pixels) and thus a phenomenon (e.g., a burn-in phenomenon) in which the B pixels become darker than the other pixels may occur.

According to various embodiments, the processor410may reduce the burn-in phenomenon by: detecting an outline of a blue icon; generating a second image in which the outline is adjusted to a first designated color, for example, a color (for example, red or green) of a pixel (for example, R pixels or G pixels) having a longer lifespan than a blue color and areas excluding the outline are adjusted to a second designated color; and moving the second image such that the second image is not displayed at a fixed position.

According to various embodiments, at least one graphic object may include icons, buttons, and the like, and may be a user interface object enabling a touch input by a user.

According to various embodiments, the processor410may identify a user input (for example, a gesture input such as a touch) onto an outline corresponding to at least one graphic object even when the second image has been moved, and may perform a function corresponding to the user input.

According to various embodiments, the first image may include a first application screen, and the processor410may move the display position of the second image, based on a display condition associated with the first application screen. For example, when the first application screen needs to be continuously displayed for a predetermined time or longer, at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in a first image to be displayed through the display430may be detected based on a burn-in prevention process, a second image in which a color of the at least one outline is adjusted to a first designated color, and areas excluding the at least one outline are adjusted to a second designated color may be displayed on the display430, and the display position of the second image displayed on the display430may be moved. For example, the first application screen may be a screen on which a fixed graphic user interface (GUI) is continuously displayed and may be a screen in a mode enabling automatic play without a user input, like an auto mode screen of a game application.

According to various embodiments, the processor410may perform operations according to the burn-in prevention process when a designated start condition (a burn-in prevention start condition) is satisfied. According to various embodiments, the designated start condition may refer to a case in which the first image is continuously displayed for a designated time or longer (for example, 10 seconds or longer, 30 seconds or longer, or 1 minute or longer), or a case in which no user input is made for a predetermined time or longer (For example, 10 seconds or more, 30 seconds or more, or 1 minute or more) after the first image is displayed.

According to various embodiments, when a designated termination condition (a burn-in prevention termination condition) is satisfied, the processor410may stop displaying the second image409on the display and may display the first image again. According to various embodiments, the termination condition may be a case in which an application function is terminated or a new image needs to be displayed while the second image409is being displayed, or a case in which a user input is received while the second image is being displayed.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG. 1or the electronic device400inFIG. 4) may prevent burn-in from occurring when the same image (e.g., the same screen) or the same color is continuously displayed on a display (e.g., the display device160inFIG. 1or the display430inFIG. 4) for a long time.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG. 1or the electronic device400inFIG. 4) according to various embodiments, when a screen (e.g., a first image) is displayed on a display (e.g., the display device160inFIG. 1or the display430inFIG. 4), may prevent the state in which only specific pixels of the display (e.g., the display device160inFIG. 1or the display430ofFIG. 4) continuously emit light by detecting at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in a first image to be displayed, generating and displaying a second image in which the at least one detected outline are adjusted to a first designated color, and areas excluding the at least one outline in the first image are adjusted to a second designated color, and moving the second image according to a designated condition, thereby reducing the occurrence of burn-in.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG. 1or the electronic device400inFIG. 4) according to various embodiments, when a screen (e.g., a first image) is displayed on an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) (e.g., the OLED display300inFIG. 3), may reduce the consumption of a battery required for light emission by allowing only pixels that correspond to at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in a first image to emit light and preventing pixels corresponding to areas excluding the at least one outline from emitting light, thereby increasing the light emission lifespan of pixels.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG. 1or the electronic device400inFIG. 4) may include a display (e.g., the display device160inFIG. 1or the display430inFIG. 4) and a processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG. 1or the processor410inFIG. 4). The processor may be configured to: detect at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in a first image to be displayed through the display; generate a second image in which the at least one outline is adjusted to a first designated color and areas excluding the at least one outline in the first image are adjusted to a second designated color; and display the second image by using the display.

According to various embodiments, the processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG. 1or the processor410inFIG. 4) may be configured to determine the first designated color, based at least on a color of the at least one graphic object corresponding to the at least one outline.

According to various embodiments, the processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG. 1or the processor410inFIG. 4) may be configured to: generate a third image in which the first designated color of the at least one outline included in the second image is adjusted to a third designated color; and display the third image through the display.

According to various embodiments, the processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG. 1or the processor410inFIG. 4) may be configured to adjust, as at least part of the operation of generating the second image, the width of the at least one outline to a first designated width.

According to various embodiments, the processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG. 1or the processor410inFIG. 4) may be configured to: generate a third image in which the at least one outline is adjusted to have a second designated width smaller than the first designated width; and display the third image through the display.

According to various embodiments, the processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG. 1or the processor410inFIG. 4) may be configured to generate, as at least part of the operation of generating the second image, the second image having a size smaller than the size of the first image.

According to various embodiments, the processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG. 1or the processor410inFIG. 4) may be configured to: display the second image at a first position on the display; and display the second image at a second position on the display, based at least on a designated condition.

According to various embodiments, the processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG. 1or the processor410inFIG. 4) may be configured such that at least a part of the second image is not displayed through the display, based at least on the first position or the second position.

According to various embodiments, the processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG. 1or the processor410inFIG. 4) may be configured to identify a user gesture input onto the at least one outline while the second image is being displayed at the second position on the display, and perform a function corresponding to the input user gesture.

According to various embodiments, the first image may include an image of an application being executed in the electronic device, and configuration may be made such that the second image is displayed at the second position on the display, based on a display condition associated with the application. According to various embodiments, the processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG. 1or the processor410inFIG. 4) may be configured to display the second image at the first position when a designated condition is satisfied while the second image is being displayed at the second position on the display.

According to various embodiments, the display (e.g., the display device160inFIG. 1or the display430inFIG. 4) may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.

FIG. 5is a flowchart illustrating operations in an electronic device for preventing burn-in from occurring on a display, according to various embodiments.

Operations512to518according to various embodiments may be understood as operations performed by a processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG. 1or the processor410inFIG. 4, and hereinafter, the processor410inFIG. 4will be described as an example) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG. 1or the electronic device400inFIG. 4). According to one embodiment, at least one of the operations512to516may be omitted, the orders of some of the operations may be reversed, or another operation may be added.

According to various embodiments, in operation512, the processor410may detect at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in a first image (e.g., a first screen) to be displayed through a display (e.g., the display device160inFIG. 1or the display430inFIG. 4). According to one embodiment, the processor410may acquire a first image generated to display, on the display430, at least one display data (for example,401,403,405, or407inFIG. 4) associated with various applications and functions executed in the electronic device400, and may detect at least one outline (for example, an edge or a border) corresponding to at least one graphic object included in the first image. The at least one graphic object may be, for example, images of various types including icons, buttons, letters, or numbers.

According to one embodiment, the processor410may extract an outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in the first image by applying an image filter and/or an edge extraction parameter to the first image. According to one embodiment, the image filter may include a Laplacian/Laplacian of Gaussian Filter. For example, the processor410may detect at least one outline having various sizes, colors, and brightness, based on the attributes (for example, size, color, brightness, saturation, or the like) of at least one graphic object included in the first image to be displayed on the display430, by using the image filter and/or the edge extraction parameter.

According to various embodiments, each of the at least one detected outline may have a different width according to the attributes of at least one graphic object, an image filter, and/or an edge extraction parameter. According to various embodiments, the processor410may adjust the width of the at least one detected outline by adjusting an edge extraction parameter value. For example, the processor410may cause the width of the at least one detected outline to narrow or widen over time, by adjusting the edge extraction parameter value, based on the time at which a first image is displayed on the display430.

According to various embodiments, in operation514, the processor410may generate a second screen by adjusting at least one outline to a first color and adjusting area excluding the at least one outline to a second color. According to one embodiment, the processor410may also generate a third screen in which the first designated color of the at least one outline included in the second image is adjusted to a third designated color after a designated time interval. For example, the first designated color may be the same color as the color of at least one graphic object, and the second designated color or the third designated color may be an achromatic color, such as grey or black.

According to various embodiments, in operation516, the processor410may display a second image through the display430and may move the display position of the second image. According to various embodiments, the processor410may display the second image at a first position on the display430and may display the second image at a second position on the display, based on a designated condition.

According to various embodiments, the processor410may move the display position of the second image409within the entire screen area of the display430, or may move the display position of the second screen409within a virtual increased area or reduced area obtained by increasing or reducing the size of the entire screen area of the display430. According to one embodiment, when the display position of the second image409is moved within the increased area, an empty area in which no images are displayed may be generated in the entire screen area of the display430, in proportion to a portion moved from the second image409to the increased area. The processor410may display a color associated with the second image409in the empty area. According to one embodiment, when the display position of the second image409is moved within the reduced area, a part of the second image409as much as the reduced area of the entire screen area may not be displayed in the entire screen area of the display430.

According to various embodiments, the processor410may move the display position of the second image409at a designated time interval (for example, 0.01 seconds, 0.05 seconds, or 1 second) or a designated distance interval (for example, a distance of one of 1 to 4 pixels) or continuously up, down, leftwards, rightwards, or diagonally. According to various embodiments, the processor410may change the movement speed or movement distance of the display position of the second screen409over time. According to various embodiments, the processor410may also display the second image by changing the first designated color of at least one outline in the second image409to a third designated color while moving the display position of the second image409.

According to various embodiments, at least one graphic object may include icons, buttons, and the like, and may be a graphic object enabling a user interface. According to various embodiments, the processor410may identify a user gesture input onto an outline corresponding to at least one graphic object even when the second image has been moved, and may perform a function corresponding to the input user gesture.

According to various embodiments, the second image409may include a first application screen, and the processor410may move the display position of the second image, based on a display condition associated with the first application screen. According to various embodiments, when the application function is terminated or a new third image is displayed while the second image409is being displayed, or when a user input is received while the second image is being displayed, the processor410may stop displaying or moving the second image409on the display, and may display the first image.

According to various embodiments, a method for preventing display burn-in in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG. 1or the electronic device400inFIG. 4) may include: detecting at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in a first image to be displayed through the display (e.g., the display device160inFIG. 1or the display430inFIG. 4); generating a second image in which the at least one outline is adjusted to a first designated color and areas excluding the at least one outline in the first image are adjusted to a second designated color; and displaying the second image by using the display. According to various embodiments, in the method, the first designated color may be determined based at least on the color of the at least one graphic object corresponding to the at least one outline.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include: generating a third image in which the first designated color of the at least one outline included in the second image is adjusted to a third designated color; and displaying the third image through the display.

According to various embodiments, the generating of the second image may include adjusting the width of the at least one outline in the first image to a first designated width.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include: generating a third image in which the width of the at least one outline in the first image are adjusted to a second designated width smaller than the first designated width; and displaying the third image through the display.

According to various embodiments, in the method, the second image may be generated to have a size smaller than the size of the first image.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include: displaying the second image at a first position on the display; and displaying the second image at a second position on the display, based at least on a designated condition.

According to various embodiments, in the method, at least a part of the second image may not be displayed through the display, based at least on the first position or the second position.

FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating operations of generating a second image by reducing the size of a first image to be displayed on a display according to various embodiments.

Operations612to618according to various embodiments may be understood as operations performed by a processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG. 1or the processor410inFIG. 4, and hereinafter, the processor410inFIG. 4will be described as an example) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG. 1or the electronic device400inFIG. 4). According to one embodiment, at least one of the operations612to618may be omitted, the orders of some of the operations may be reversed, or another operation may be added.

According to various embodiments, in operation612, the processor410may reduce the size of a first image to be displayed through a display (e.g., the display device160inFIG. 1or the display430inFIG. 4). According to one embodiment, the processor410may acquire a first image to be displayed on the display430, by using at least one display data (e.g.,401,403,405, or407inFIG. 4) associated with various applications and functions executed in the electronic device400, and may reduce the size of the acquired first image. According to various embodiments, the processor410may reduce the size of the first image to a size smaller than the entire screen area of a display by using dynamic resolution solution (DRS) scaling. For example, the processor410may reduce the size of the first image at a designated ratio or to a designated size, based on the size of the entire screen area. For example, the designated ratio may be 90% of the entire screen area, and the designated size may be a size reduced by a designated pixel (for example, 1 to 4 pixels), in comparison with the total size of the entire screen area.

According to various embodiments, in operation614, the processor410may detect at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in the reduced first image. According to one embodiment, the processor410may detect at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in the reduced first image by applying an image filter or an edge parameter to the reduced first image. According to one embodiment, the image filter may include a Laplacian/Laplacian of Gaussian Filter. For example, the processor410may detect at least one outline having various sizes, colors, brightnesses, or saturations, based on the attributes (for example, size, color, brightness, saturation, or the like) of at least one graphic object included in the reduced first image, by using the image filter and/or the edge extraction parameter. According to various embodiments, each of the at least outline may have a different width according to the attributes of at least one graphic object, an image filter, and/or an edge extraction parameter. According to various embodiments, the processor410may adjust the width of at least one detected outline by adjusting the image filter parameter value or the edge extraction parameter value. For example, the processor410may cause the width of the at least one detected outline to narrow or widen over time, by adjusting the image filter parameter or edge extraction parameter value, based on the time at which a first image is displayed on the display430. According to various embodiments, the at least one graphic object may include icons, buttons, and the like, and may be a user interface object enabling a touch input by a user.

According to various embodiments, in operation616, the processor410may generate a second image in which at least one outline is adjusted to a first designated color, and areas excluding the at least one outline are adjusted to a second designated color. According to one embodiment, the processor410may generate the second image by changing the at least one outline, corresponding to the at least one graphic object (for example, an image of various shapes including icons, buttons, letters, or numbers) included in a reduced first image, to have a first designated color and changing the remaining areas excluding the at least one outline to have a second designated color. According to one embodiment, the processor410may also generate a third screen in which the first designated color of the at least one outline included in the second image is adjusted to a third designated color after a designated time interval. For example, the processor410may detect an outline of an icon having a specific color (blue color), and may generate a second image in which the outline is adjusted to a first designated color, for example, a color (for example, red or green) of a pixel (for example, an R pixel or a G pixel) having a longer lifespan than a blue color and areas excluding the outline are adjusted to a second designated color (for example, an achromatic color, such as grey or black), so a pixel having a longer lifespan than other pixels is used on the second image, thereby reducing the occurrence of burn-in.

According to various embodiments, in operation618, the processor410may display the second image through the display430and may move the display position of the second image within the entire screen area of the display430. According to various embodiments, the processor410may display the second image at a first position on the display430and display the second image at a second position on the display, based on a designated condition. According to various embodiments, the processor410may move the display position of the second image at a designated time interval (for example, 0.01 seconds, 0.05 seconds, or 1 second) or a designated distance interval (for example, a distance of one of 1 to 4 pixels) or continuously up, down, leftwards, rightwards, or diagonally. According to various embodiments, when an application function is terminated or a new third image is displayed while the second image is displayed, or when a user input is received while the second image is displayed, the processor410may stop displaying or moving the second image on the display, and may display the first image.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7Eillustrate examples of a screen for explaining operations of generating a second image by reducing the size of a first image to be displayed through a display, according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 7A, a first image710to be displayed on a display (e.g., the display device160inFIG. 1or the display430inFIG. 4), according to various embodiments, may include various indicator display data712associated with an electronic device and display data714associated with a first application. According to various embodiments, the size of the first image710may be the same as the size of the entire screen area701of the display.

Referring toFIG. 7B, the first image710according to various embodiments may be reduced to an image710-1having a size smaller than the size of the entire screen area701of a display, by using dynamic resolution solution (DRS) scaling. For example, the size of the first image710may be reduced at a designated ratio or to a designated size, based on the size of the entire screen area701. For example, the designated ratio may be 90% of the entire screen area, and the designated size may be a size reduced by a designated pixel (for example, 1 to 4 pixels), in comparison with the total size of the entire screen area701. According to one embodiment, as the first image710is reduced, various indicator display data712associated with the electronic device and the display data714associated with the first application may also be reduced at a ratio the same as or similar to the ratio at which the display data712-1and714-1are reduced, respectively. According to various embodiments, the first image710may include at least one graphic object71,72, and72.

Referring toFIG. 7C, at least one outline71-1,71-2,72-1,72-2,73-1, or73-2corresponding to at least one graphic object may be detected in the reduced first image710-1according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, as an image filter (e.g., a Laplacian/Laplacian of Gaussian Filter) or an edge extraction parameter is applied to the reduced first screen710-1, the at least one outline71-1,71-2,72-1,72-2,73-1, or73-2corresponding to the at least one graphic object (for example,71,72, or72inFIG. 7B) may be extracted from the reduced first screen710-1. For example, the at least one outline71-1,71-2,72-1,72-2,73-1, or73-2may be the same color as the graphic object corresponding thereto.

Referring toFIG. 7D, when at least one outline71-1,71-2,72-1,72-2,73-1, or73-2according to various embodiments is detected, a second image720in which the at least one outline71-1,71-2,72-1,72-2,73-1, or73-2is adjusted to a first designated color and areas75excluding the at least one outline are adjusted to a second designated color may be generated. According to various embodiments, the second image in which the at least one outline71-1,71-2,72-1,72-2,73-1, or73-2is adjusted to a first designated color, for example, a color of a pixel having a relatively long lifespan and areas75excluding the at least one outline are adjusted to a second designated color (for example, an achromatic color, such as grey or black) may be generated to allow a pixel having a longer lifespan than other pixels to be used on the second image, so that the occurrence of burn-in may be reduced.

Referring toFIG. 7E, the display position of the second image720having a size of the reduced first image according to various embodiments may be moved within the entire screen area701of the display. According to various embodiments, the display position of the second image720may be moved at a designated time interval (for example, 0.01 seconds, 0.05 seconds, or 1 second) or a designated distance interval (for example, a distance of one of 1 to 4 pixels) or continuously up, down, leftwards, rightwards, or diagonally. According to various embodiments, the movement speed or movement interval of the display position of the second image720may be changed over time. According to various embodiments, the second image may also be displayed by changing the first designated color of the at least one outline in the second image720to a third designated color while the display position of the second image720is moved.

According to various embodiments, a part72and73of at least one graphic object may a graphic object enabling a gesture input by a user, and when a user gesture (for example, a touch input) is input onto the at least one outline72-1,72-2,73-1, or73-1corresponding to the at least one graphic object72and73while the second image720is displayed after having been moved, a function corresponding to the input user gesture may be performed. For example, a different image may be displayed according to the function corresponding to a user gesture.

According to various embodiments, the second image720may include a specific application execution screen image, and when execution of a specific application is terminated or a new third image needs to be displayed, or when a user input is received while the second image720is being displayed, the display and the movement of the second image720in the display area701may be stopped, and the first image710may be displayed.

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating operations of generating a second image without reducing the size of a first image according to various embodiments.

Operations812to818according to various embodiments may be understood as operations performed by a processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG. 1or the processor410inFIG. 4, and hereinafter, the processor410inFIG. 4will be described as an example) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG. 1or the electronic device400inFIG. 4). According to one embodiment, at least one of the operations812to816may be omitted, the orders of some of the operations may be reversed, or another operation may be added.

According to various embodiments, in operation812, the processor410may detect at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in the first image to be displayed through a display (e.g., the display device160inFIG. 1or the display430inFIG. 4). According to one embodiment, the processor410may acquire a first image to be displayed on the display430by using at least one display data (for example,712or714inFIG. 7) associated with various applications and functions executed in the electronic device400, and may detect at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object included in the first image by an image filter or an edge parameter to the first image. According to one embodiment, the image filter may include a Laplacian/Laplacian of Gaussian Filter. For example, the processor410may detect at least one outline having various sizes, colors, brightnesses, or saturations, based on the attributes (for example, size, color, brightness, saturation, or the like) of at least one graphic object included in the first image, by using the Laplacian/Laplacian of Gaussian Filter and/or the edge extraction parameter. According to various embodiments, each of at least one outline may have a different width according to the attributes of at least one graphic object, an image filter, and/or an edge extraction parameter. According to various embodiments, the processor410may adjust the width of at least one detected outline by adjusting an image filter parameter value or an edge extraction parameter value. For example, the processor410may cause the width of the at least one detected outline to narrow or widen over time, by adjusting the image filter parameter or edge extraction parameter value, based on the time at which a first image is displayed on the display430. According to various embodiments, at least one graphic object may include icons, buttons, and the like, and may be a user interface object enabling a touch input by a user.

According to various embodiments, in operation814, the processor410may generate a second image in which at least one outline is adjusted to a first designated color, and areas excluding the at least one outline are adjusted to a second designated color. According to one embodiment, the processor410may generate the second image by changing the at least one outline, corresponding to the at least one graphic object (for example, an image of various shapes including icons, buttons, letters, or numbers) included in a first image, to have a first designated color and changing the remaining areas excluding the at least one outline to have a second designated color. According to one embodiment, the processor410may also generate a third screen in which the first designated color of the at least one outline included in the second image is adjusted to a third designated color after a designated time interval. For example, the processor410may detect an outline of an icon having a specific color (a blue color) and may generate a second image in which the outline is adjusted to a first designated color, for example, a color (for example, red or green) of a pixel (for example, an R pixel or a G pixel) having a longer lifespan than that of the blue color and areas excluding the outline are adjusted to a second designated color (for example, an achromatic color, such as grey or black), so that a pixel having a longer lifespan than other pixels is used on the second image, thereby reducing the occurrence of burn-in.

According to various embodiments, in operation816, the processor410may display the second image through the display430and may move the display position of the second image within a virtual area, for example, an increased area or a reduced area, obtained by increasing or reducing the size of the entire screen area of the display.

According to one embodiment, when the display position of the second image is moved within the increased area, an empty area in which no images are displayed may be generated in the entire screen area of the display, in proportion to a portion moved from the second image to the increased area. The processor410may display a color associated with the second image in the empty area of the entire screen area, in which no images are not displayed. According to one embodiment, when the display position of the second image is moved within the reduced area, a part of the second image as much as the reduced area of the entire screen area may not be displayed in the entire screen area.

According to various embodiments, the processor410may move, within the increased area or the reduced area, the display position of the second image at a designated time interval (for example, 0.01 seconds, 0.05 seconds, or 1 second) or a designated distance interval (for example, a distance of one of 1 to 4 pixels) or continuously up, down, leftwards, rightwards, or diagonally.

According to various embodiments, when an application function corresponding to the second screen is terminated or a new third image is displayed while the second image is displayed, or when a user input is received while the second image is displayed, the processor410may stop displaying or moving the second image on the display, and may display the first image on the entire screen of the display.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9Cillustrate examples of a screen for the case in which a second image generated without reducing the size of a first image to be displayed through a display is moved within a virtual area, according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 9A, at least one outline91-1,91-2,92-1,92-2,93-1, or93-2corresponding to at least one graphic object included in a first image910(e.g., the first image710ofFIG. 7A) may be detected while the size of the first image910to be displayed on a display (e.g., the display device160inFIG. 1or the display430inFIG. 4) according to various embodiments is the same as the size of an entire screen area901of the display. According to one embodiment, the at least one outline91-1,91-2,92-1,92-2,93-1, or93-2corresponding to the at least one graphic object (for example, an image of various shapes including icons, buttons, letters, or numbers) may be detected in the first image910as an image filter (e.g., a Laplacian/Laplacian of Gaussian Filter) or an edge parameter is applied to the first image910. For example, the at least one outline91-1,91-2,92-1,92-2,93-1, or93-2may have a color the same as or similar to that of the at least one graphic object corresponding thereto.

Referring toFIG. 9B, a second image920in which a color of at least one detected outline91-1,91-2,92-1,92-2,93-1, or93-2according to various embodiments is adjusted to a first designated color and areas95excluding the at least one outline are adjusted to a second designated color may be generated. According to one embodiment, the second image in which the at least one outline91-1,91-2,92-1,92-2,93-1, or93-2is adjusted to a first designated color, for example, a color of a pixel having a relatively long lifespan and areas95excluding the at least one outline are adjusted to a second designated color (for example, an achromatic color, such as grey or black) may be generated to allow a pixel having a longer lifespan than other pixels to be used on the second image, so that the occurrence of burn-in may be reduced.

Referring toFIG. 9C, the display position of the second image920according to various embodiments may be moved within an increased area902obtained by increasing an entire screen area901of a display. According to various embodiments, the display position of the second image920may be moved at a designated time interval (for example, 0.01 seconds, 0.05 seconds, or 1 second) or a designated distance interval (for example, a distance of one of 1 to 4 pixels) or continuously up, down, leftwards, rightwards, or diagonally. According to various embodiments, the increased area902may be a virtual area having a size larger than that of the entire screen area901of the display, a part of the second image920may not be displayed through the display because the part of the second image may be included in the increased area902rather than the entire screen area901of the display while the second image920is moved within the increased area, and an empty area99as much as the part included in the increased area902may be generated in the entire screen area901of the display. According to various embodiments, the same color as the color included in the second image920may be displayed in the empty area99.

According to various embodiments, the display position of the second image920may be moved within a reduced area903obtained by reducing the size of an entire screen area901of a display. According to various embodiments, the display position of the second image920may be moved at a designated time interval (for example, 0.01 seconds, 0.05 seconds, or 1 second) or a designated distance interval (for example, a distance of one of 1 to 4 pixels) or continuously up, down, leftwards, rightwards, or diagonally. According to various embodiments, the reduced area903may be a virtual area having a size smaller than that of the entire screen area901of the display, a part992of the second image920may deviate from the entire screen area901of the display while the second image920is moved within the reduced area. Thus, the part992of the second image920may not be displayed through the display and an empty area993as much as the reduced area may be generated in the entire screen area901of the display. According to various embodiments, the same color as the color included in the second image920may be displayed in the empty area993.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10Cillustrate examples of a first image and a second image according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 10A, a first image according to various embodiments may include a first application screen image1001. According to one embodiment, the first application screen image1001which includes a fixed graphic user interface (GUI) may be an image to be displayed for a designated time period or longer. For example, the first application screen image may be a game application screen image, and as a game application is operated in an auto mode, a fixed graphic user interface (GUI) and an unfixed GUI may be automatically displayed in the game application image even without an input by a user. For, example, the auto mode may be a mode in which the mode of the electronic device100is not switched to a sleep mode and a game application is automatically played, even without manipulation by a user. The fixed GUI may include non-moving menus, backgrounds, indicators, and the like, and when the fixed GUI is continuously displayed, a specific pixel for displaying the fixed GUI emits light continuously, unlike other pixels, and thus the lifespan of the specific pixel is reduced, whereby a burn-in phenomenon may occur.

Referring toFIG. 10B, when the first application screen image1001needs to be displayed continuously, a processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG. 1or the processor410inFIG. 4) may move and display a second image1002by: detecting, in the first application screen image1001, at least one outline corresponding to at least one graphic object corresponding to the fixed GUI; and generating the second image1002in which the at least one outline is adjusted to a first designated color and areas excluding the at least one outline are adjusted to a second designated color. Accordingly, a burn-in phenomenon occurring when a specific pixel for displaying the GUI emits light continuously, unlike other pixels, and thus the pixel life is shortened, may be reduced.

Referring toFIG. 10C, the processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG. 1or the processor410inFIG. 4) may adjust the width of the at least one detected outline by adjusting an image filter parameter value or an edge extraction parameter value. For example, the processor may cause the width of the at least one detected outline to widen over time, by adjusting the edge extraction parameter value, based on the time at which the first application screen image1001is displayed on the display. Meanwhile, the processor may also cause the width of the at least one detected outline to narrow over time, by adjusting the edge extraction parameter value, based on the time at which the first application screen image1001is displayed on the display.

Each of the components described in this document may be composed of one or more components, and the name of the corresponding component may vary according to the type of electronic device. In various embodiments, the electronic device may be configured to include at least one of the components described in this document and may omit some components or further include additional components. In addition, some of the components of the electronic device according to various embodiments may be combined to form a single entity, and thus may equally perform the functions of the corresponding components before being combined.

As used herein, the term “module” may refer to a unit that includes one or a combination of two or more of hardware, software, or firmware. “Module” may be interchangeably used with terms such as, for example, “unit”, “logic”, “logical block”, “component”, or “circuit”. The “module” may be a minimum unit or part of an integrally constructed part. The “module” may be a minimum unit performing one or more functions or part thereof. The “module” may be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, the “module” may include at least one of application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable-logic devices that perform certain operations, which have been known or will be developed in the future.

At least a part of an apparatus (e.g., modules or functions thereof) or a method (e.g., operations) according to various embodiments may be, for example, implemented as an instruction stored in computer-readable storage media in the form of a program module. When the instruction is executed by a processor (e.g., the processor120), the one or more processors may perform a function corresponding to the instruction. The computer-readable storage media may be, for example, the memory130.

According to various embodiments, in storage media storing instructions, the instructions are configured to cause one or more circuits to perform one or more operations when executed by one or more circuits, and the one or more operations may include: detecting at least one outline corresponding at least one graphic object included in a first image to be displayed on a display; generating a second image in which the at least one outline is adjusted to a first designated color, and areas excluding the at least one outline in the first image are adjusted to a second designated color; and displaying the second image using the display.

Computer-readable recording media may include hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic media (e.g., magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), and digital versatile discs (DVD), magneto-optical media (e.g. floptical disks), hardware devices (e.g. read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, or the like), and the like. In addition, program instructions may include not only machine code generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code executable by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware device described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform operations of various embodiments, and vice versa.

Modules or program modules according to various embodiments may include at least one of the above components, omit some components, or further include other additional components. Operations performed by a module, a program module, or other components according to various embodiments may be executed in a sequential, parallel, repetitive, or heuristic manner. In addition, some operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or other operations may be added.

The electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure described above is not limited to the above-described embodiments and drawings, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications, and variations can be made within the technical scope of the disclosure.