Display device having a plurality of sub-display areas comprising a plurality of shared regions

A display device includes a display panel having first and second areas adjacent to each other, and a distribution unit configured to generate first and second input image data from primitive image data. The display device includes a first control unit having a first sub-pixel rendering unit configured to receive the first input image data and to generate first rendering data by performing sub-pixel rendering on the first input image data. The display device further includes a second control unit having a second sub-pixel rendering unit configured to receive the second input image data and to generate second rendering data by performing sub-pixel rendering on the second input image data. The display device includes an extraction unit configured to extract from the first rendering data, first output data corresponding to the first area, and from the second rendering data, second output data corresponding to the second area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0186482, filed on Dec. 24, 2015, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure herein relates to a display device having excellent image quality.

In general, a display panel displays color using the three primary colors of red, green, and blue. Therefore, the display panel is provided with red, green, and blue sub-pixels for respectively displaying red, green, and blue. A recently developed display panel is further provided with a white sub-pixel for increasing luminance of a display image.

A technology for providing each of two pixels with two different sub-pixels among red, green, blue, and white sub-pixels is being developed to replace a typical technology for providing each of two pixels with red, green, and blue sub-pixels.

A display device to which such a technology is applied renders input image data in order to compensate for resolution degradation due to reduction of the number of sub-pixels. Accordingly, the input image data including red, green, and blue input image signals may be converted into image data including red, green, blue, and white pixel data so as to improve luminance of a displayed image.

SUMMARY

Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a display device having excellent image quality.

An embodiment of the inventive concept provides a display device that includes a display panel having first and second areas adjacent to each other. The display device further includes a distribution unit (or distributor) configured to generate first and second input image data from primitive image data. The first input image data includes first primitive image data corresponding to the first area and first shared primitive data corresponding to a first shared area of the second area. The second input image data includes second primitive image data corresponding to the second area and second shared primitive data corresponding to a second shared area of the first area. The display device also includes a first control unit (or first controller) that has a first sub-pixel rendering unit (or first sub-pixel renderer) configured to receive the first input image data and to perform sub-pixel rendering on the first input image data to generate first rendering data. The display device further includes a second control unit (or second controller) that has a second sub-pixel rendering unit (or second sub-pixel renderer) configured to receive the second input image data and to perform sub-pixel rendering on the second input image data to generate second rendering data. The display device also includes an extraction unit (or extractor) configured to extract from the first rendering data, first output data corresponding to the first area, and from the second rendering data, second output data corresponding to the second area.

In an embodiment, the display device may further include a first data driver configured to convert the first output data into a first data voltage and output the first data voltage to a first data line in the first area. The display device may further include a second data driver configured to convert the second output data into a second data voltage and output the second data voltage to a second data line in the second area.

In an embodiment, the first and second shared areas may contact each other.

In an embodiment, the display panel may include a plurality of data lines arranged with each other in a first direction and extending in a second direction that crosses (e.g., intersects with) with the first direction, and a boundary between the first and second shared areas may extend (i.e., the boundary line may be) substantially parallel with the second direction.

In an embodiment, the distribution unit may be configured to receive first and second sub separation signals, to generate the first input image data by extracting data corresponding to a first separation period of the first sub separation signal from the primitive image data, and to generate the second input image data by extracting data corresponding to a second separation period of the second sub separation signal from the primitive image data.

In an embodiment, the first and second separation periods may temporally overlap with each other during a period in which the first and second shared primitive data are provided.

In an embodiment, the extraction unit may be configured to receive an extraction signal and to extract from the first rendering data, as the first output data, data corresponding to a first extraction period of a first sub extraction signal of the extraction signal.

In an embodiment, the first rendering data may include the first output data and first shared output data corresponding to the first shared area, and the first extraction period may be maintained during a period in which the first output data is provided.

In an embodiment, the first and second sub-pixel rendering units may be configured to respectively receive the first and second input image data, and to generate red, green, blue, and white rendering data of the first and second rendering data on the basis of the first and second input image data using a re-sampling filter.

In an embodiment, ith row-jth column pixel data of the first and second rendering data may be generated on the basis of values determined by applying the re-sampling filter to the ith row-jth column pixel data of the first and second input image data.

In an embodiment, a row-directional width of the first shared area may correspond to l number of pixels, and the re-sampling filter may have k number of blocks corresponding to k number of pixels arranged in a row direction from a center block, where l may be equal to or greater than k.

In an embodiment, when ith row-jth column pixel data of the first and second rendering data include blue rendering data, ith row-jth column blue rendering data of the first and second rendering data may be determined by applying the re-sampling filter to the ith row-(j±1)th column pixel data of the first and second input image data.

In an embodiment, when the ith row-jth column pixel data of the first and second rendering data does not comprise blue rendering data, ith row-jth column pixel data of the first and second rendering data may be determined by applying the re-sampling filter to ith row-jth column pixel data of the first and second input image data.

In an embodiment, the display device may further include a third control unit (or third controller) having a third sub-pixel rendering unit configured to generate third rendering data by performing sub-pixel rendering on third input image data. The display panel may further include a third area adjacent to the second area. The second input image data may include third shared primitive data corresponding to a third shared area of the third area. The primitive image data may include third input image data that includes third primitive image data corresponding to the third area and fourth shared primitive data corresponding to a fourth shared area of the second area.

In an embodiment, the extraction unit may be configured to extract third output data corresponding to the third area from the third rendering data.

In an embodiment, the third and fourth shared areas may contact each other.

In an embodiment, the display panel may include a plurality of data lines arranged with each other in a first direction and extending in a second direction that crosses (e.g., intersects with) with the first direction, and a boundary between the third and fourth shared areas may extend (i.e., the boundary line may be) substantially parallel with the second direction.

In an embodiment, the first to fourth shared areas and the second area may be sequentially arranged in the first direction in order of the second shared area, the first shared area, the second area, the fourth shared area, and the third shared area.

In an embodiment, the first and second control units may be included in separate chips.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure may be variously modified and may include various modes. However, particular embodiments are exemplarily illustrated in the drawings and are described in detail below. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to specific forms, but rather cover all modifications, equivalents or alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments herein are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects and features of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary to those having ordinary skill in the art for a complete understanding of the aspects and features of the present invention may not be described.

Unless otherwise noted, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the attached drawings and the written description, and thus, descriptions thereof will not be repeated. In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of structures are exaggerated for clarity of illustration. It will be understood that, although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. For example, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section and vice versa without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having”, and the like, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

It will be further understood that when a part such as a layer, a film, an area, a plate, or the like is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another part, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other part or intervening parts may be present. Likewise, when a part such as a layer, a film, an area, a plate, or the like is referred to as being “under” another part, it can be directly under the other part or intervening parts may be present. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “between” two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present.

Exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept will be described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1is a schematic block diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG. 1, a display device1000according to an embodiment of the inventive concept includes a display panel100for displaying an image, a gate driver200and a data driver300for driving the display panel100, a control unit (or controller)400for controlling operation of the gate driver200and the data driver300, a distribution unit (or distributor)500for distributing data to the control unit400, and an extraction unit (or extractor)600.

The control unit400may be provided as a plurality of control units (or controllers) in order to distributively process a large amount of image data. In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the control unit400may be provided as three control units including first to third control units401to403. The first to third control units401to403may be included in separate and/or different chips. That is, the control unit400may be implemented with a multi-chip.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the display panel100may include a first to third areas111to113. The first to third areas111to113may be sequentially arranged with each other in a first direction DR1. The display panel100may be divided into three parts in the first direction DR1due to the first to third areas111to113.

The display panel100may display an image through the first to third areas111to113. The first to third areas111to113may display images corresponding to image data processed in the first to third control units401to403, respectively. In other words, the first area111may display an image corresponding to image data processed in first control unit401. The second area112may display an image corresponding to image data processed in second control unit402. The third area113may display an image corresponding to image data processed in third control unit403.

The display panel100includes gate lines G1to Gn, data lines, and sub-pixels SPX. The gate lines G1to Gn, for example, extend in the first direction DR1and are arranged with each other in a second direction DR2. The first and second directions DR1and DR2may cross (e.g., be perpendicular to) each other. In some embodiments, the first and second directions DR1and DR2may not cross (e.g., be perpendicular to) one another.

The data lines insulatively intersect with the gate lines G1to Gn. For example, the data lines may extend in the second direction DR2and may be arranged in the first direction DR1.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the data lines may include a plurality of first data lines D11to D1marranged in the first area111, a plurality of second data lines D21to D2marranged in the second area112, and a plurality of third data lines D31to D3marranged in the third area113.

As shown in the example embodiment ofFIG. 1, each sub-pixel SPX is connected to a corresponding gate line among the gate lines G1to Gn and a corresponding data line among the data lines (e.g., data line D11).

The sub-pixels SPX may be arranged in a matrix along the first and second directions DR1and DR2. Each of the sub-pixels SPX may present one of a primary color, such as red, green, or blue. Color presentable by the sub-pixels SPX is not limited to red, green, and blue. Rather, each of the sub-pixels SPX may also present various colors such as secondary primary colors (such as yellow, cyan, magenta, or any other suitable secondary primary color) in addition to red, green, and blue.

The sub-pixels SPX may constitute a pixel PX. In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, two sub-pixels SPX may constitute one pixel PX. However, an embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and two or more sub-pixels SPX may constitute one pixel PX.

The pixel PX is an element for displaying a unit image, and a resolution of the display panel100may be determined according to the number of pixels PX provided to the display panel100. AlthoughFIG. 1illustrates only one pixel PX and the other pixels are not illustrated, persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize and appreciate that embodiments may include a plurality of pixels PX.

The distribution unit500may receive primitive image data PD. In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the primitive image data PD may be provided from the outside (e.g., from a data source external to and/or separate from display device1000), and may include image information about an image to be displayed on the display panel100.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the distribution unit500may divide the primitive image data PD into a plurality of input image data, and may distribute the plurality of input image data to the first to third control units401to403. For example, as illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the distribution unit500generates first to third input image data ID1to ID3from the primitive image data PD, and distributes the first to third input image data ID1to ID3to the first to third control units401to403, respectively.

The first control unit401receives the first input image data ID1and a plurality of control signals CS. The first control unit401generates first rendering data RD1by processing the first input image data ID1so that the first input image data ID1is compatible with an interface specification of the data driver300, and outputs the first rendering data RD1to the extraction unit600.

Furthermore, the first control unit401generates a data control signal DCS1(e.g., an output initiation signal, a horizontal initiation signal, etc.) and a gate control signal GCS (e.g., a vertical initiation signal, a vertical clock signal, a vertical clock bar signal, etc.) on the basis of the plurality of control signals CS. The data control signal DCS1is provided to a first data driver301of the data driver300, and the gate control signal GCS is provided to the gate driver200.

The second control unit402receives the second input image data ID2and the plurality of control signals CS. The second control unit402generates second rendering data RD2by processing the second input image data ID2so that the second input image data ID2is compatible with the interface specification of the data driver300, and outputs the second rendering data RD2to the extraction unit600.

The second control unit402generates a data control signal DCS2on the basis of the plurality of control signals CS. The data control signal DCS2is provided to a second data driver302of the data driver300.

The third control unit403receives the third input image data ID3and the plurality of control signals CS. The third control unit403generates third rendering data RD3by processing the third input image data ID3so that the third input image data ID3is compatible with the interface specification of the data driver300, and outputs the third rendering data RD3to the extraction unit600.

The third control unit403generates a data control signal DCS3on the basis of the plurality of control signals CS. The data control signal DCS3is provided to a third data driver303of the data driver300.

The extraction unit600receives the first to third rendering data RD1to RD3. In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the extraction unit600may extract, from the first to third rendering data RD1to RD3, first to third output data OD1to OD3corresponding to the first to third areas111to113, respectively.

The gate driver200sequentially outputs the gate signals G1to Gn in response to the gate control signal GCS provided from the first control unit401.

The first data driver301converts the first output data OD1into one or more first data voltages in response to the data control signal DCS1provided from the first control unit401, and outputs the one or more first data voltages to the plurality of first data lines D11to D1m.

The second data driver302converts the second output data OD2into one or more second data voltages in response to the data control signal DCS2provided from the second control unit402, and outputs the one or more second data voltages to the plurality of second data lines D21to D2m.

The third data driver303converts the third output data OD3into one or more third data voltages in response to the data control signal DCS3provided from the third control unit403, and outputs the one or more third data voltages to the plurality of third data lines D31to D3m.

Herein, it is assumed that the display panel100includes three areas, i.e., the first to third areas111to113. However, an embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and may also be applied to the case where the display panel100is divided into less than three areas (e.g., two areas) or more than three areas (e.g., four or more areas).

FIG. 2is a planar view of a part of the display panel100illustrated inFIG. 1.

As an example embodiment of the inventive concept,FIG. 2illustrates the pixel PX ofFIG. 1connected to eight data lines D1to D8. For convenience, a red sub-pixel is indicated by Rp, a green sub-pixel is indicated by Gp, a blue sub-pixel is indicated by Bp, and a white sub-pixel is indicated by Wp inFIG. 2.

Referring toFIG. 2, the display panel100includes a plurality of red sub-pixels Rp for presenting red (e.g., red light), a plurality of green sub-pixels Gp for presenting green (e.g., green light), a plurality of blue sub-pixels Bp for presenting blue (e.g., blue light), and a plurality of white sub-pixels Wp for presenting white (e.g., white light).

A set of pixels sequentially arranged with each other in the first direction DR1, from among the sub-pixels SPX, may be defined as a pixel row, and a set of pixels sequentially arranged with each other in the second direction DR2, from among the sub-pixels, may be defined as a pixel column. The display panel100may be provided with a plurality of pixel rows and a plurality of pixel columns.FIG. 2illustrates first to eighth columns C1to C8from among the plurality of pixel columns and first to fourth rows R1to R4from among the plurality of pixel rows.

In an odd-numbered pixel row, the white sub-pixel Wp, the blue sub-pixel Bp, the green sub-pixel Gp, and the red sub-pixel Rp may be arranged sequentially and/or repeatedly. In an even-numbered pixel row, the green sub-pixel Gp, and the red sub-pixel Rp, the white sub-pixel Wp, and the blue sub-pixel Bp may be arranged sequentially and/or repeatedly.

FIG. 3is a block diagram illustrating the distribution unit500ofFIG. 1.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 3, the distribution unit500receives a separation signal SS, and divides the primitive image data PD into the first to third input image data ID1to ID3based on (e.g., in response to) the separation signal SS.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 1), a first boundary line B1may be defined between the first and second areas111and112, and a second boundary line B2may be defined between the second and third areas112and113. In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the first and second boundary lines B1and B2may be substantially parallel with the second direction DR2. In an example embodiment, the first and second boundary lines B1and B2may have orientations that are not substantially parallel to one another (e.g., at an angle with respect to one another).

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the first area111may include a first non-shared area NSA1and a second shared area SA2. A boundary line between the first non-shared area NSA1and the second shared area SA1(e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 1by a broken line) may be substantially parallel with the second direction DR2.

Similar to the first area111, the second area112may include a second non-shared area NSA2and first and fourth shared areas SA1and SA4, and the third area113may include a third non-shared area NSA3and a third shared area SA3.

The first and second shared areas SA1and SA2may contact each other. The boundary between the first and second shared areas SA1and SA2may be the first boundary line B1. The third and fourth shared areas SA3and SA4may contact each other. The boundary between the third and fourth shared areas SA3and SA4may be the second boundary line B2.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, each of the first to fourth shared areas SA1to SA4may include one pixel column. However, an embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and each of the first to fourth shared areas SA1to SA4may be defined to include two or more pixel columns. In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the number of pixel columns included in each of the first to fourth shared areas SA1to SA4may be determined by a size (e.g., a row-directional width) of a re-sampling filter described below.

The primitive image data PD may be divided into first to third primitive image data PD1to PD3corresponding to the first to third areas111to113, respectively. The first to third primitive image data PD1to PD3may include pieces of image information about images to be displayed on the first to third areas111to113, respectively.

For efficiently describing a correspondence relationship between the first to third areas111to113and the first to third primitive image data PD1to PD3,FIG. 3spatially illustrates the foregoing elements so that the first to third primitive image data PD1to PD3correspond to the first to third areas111to113. (x, y) coordinates of the primitive image data PD illustrated inFIG. 3may indicate pixel data to be displayed by a pixel of the (x, y) coordinates of the display panel100.

The first primitive image data PD1includes first non-shared primitive data NS1and second shared primitive data S2respectively corresponding to the first non-shared area NSA1and the second shared area SA2.

Likewise, the second primitive image data PD2includes second non-shared primitive data NS2and first and fourth shared primitive data S1and S4respectively corresponding to the second non-shared area NSA2and the first and fourth shared areas SA1and SA4.

Furthermore, the third primitive image data PD3includes third non-shared primitive data NS3and third shared primitive data S3respectively corresponding to the third non-shared area NSA3and the third shared area SA3.

The distribution unit500extracts the first primitive image data PD1and the first shared primitive data S1from the primitive image data PD on the basis of the separation signal SS, and outputs the extracted first primitive image data PD1and first shared primitive data S1as the first input image data ID1. Because the first shared primitive data S1corresponds to the first shared area SA1of the second area112, the first input image data ID1may have information on an image to be displayed on the first shared area SA1.

Likewise, the distribution unit500extracts the second primitive image data PD2and the second and third shared primitive data S2and S3from the primitive image data PD on the basis of the separation signal SS, and outputs the extracted second primitive image data PD2and second and third shared primitive data S2and S3as the second input image data ID2. Because the second and third shared primitive data S2and S3respectively correspond to the second shared area SA2of the first area111and the third shared area SA3of the third area113, the second input image data ID2may have information on images to be displayed on the second and third shared areas SA2and SA3.

Likewise, the distribution unit500extracts the third primitive image data PD3and the fourth shared primitive data S4from the primitive image data PD on the basis of the separation signal SS, and outputs the extracted third primitive image data PD3and fourth shared primitive data S4as the third input image data ID3. Because the fourth shared primitive data S4corresponds to the fourth shared area SA4of the second area112, the third input image data ID3may have information on an image to be displayed on the fourth shared area SA4.

FIG. 4is a schematic timing diagram illustrating operation of the distribution unit500ofFIG. 3.

The operation of the distribution unit500is described below with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4. The pixel data of the primitive image data PD, for example, are temporally supplied to the distribution unit500in a serial manner.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the pixel data are serially arranged for each pixel row. The pixel data corresponding to an ith pixel row of the display panel100(illustrated inFIG. 1) may be arranged during a first row period RP1, and, thereafter, the pixel data corresponding to an (i+1)th pixel row of the display panel100may be arranged during a second row period RP2.

A plurality of first to third sub row periods SP1to SP3may be defined in the first row period RP1. The first to third sub row periods SP1to SP3are periods in which the pixel data of the first to third primitive image data PD1to PD3corresponding to the ith pixel row are provided. First to fourth shared periods CP1to CP4are periods in which the pixel data of the first to fourth shared primitive data S1to S4corresponding to the ith pixel row are provided.

Likewise, fourth to sixth sub row periods SP4to SP6and fifth to eighth shared periods CP5to CP8may be defined in the second row period RP2. In the fourth to sixth sub row periods SP4to SP6and fifth to eighth shared periods CP5to CP8, the pixel data corresponding to a jth pixel row are provided.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the distribution unit500may extract, as the first input image data ID1, the primitive image data PD corresponding to a first separation period of a first sub separation signal SS_1of the separation signal SS in the first row period RP1. The pixel data extracted in the first row period RP1may be the first primitive image data PD1_iand the first shared primitive data S1_icorresponding to the ith pixel row.

The first separation period may be defined as a period in which a high level of the first sub separation signal SS_1is maintained. In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the first separation period may be determined to correspond to the first sub row period SP1and the first shared period CP1in the first row period RP1.

Likewise, the distribution unit500may extract, as the second input image data ID2, the primitive image data PD corresponding to a second separation period of a second sub separation signal SS_2of the separation signal SS in the first row period RP1. The pixel data extracted in the first row period RP1may be the second primitive image data PD2_iand the second and third shared primitive data S2_iand S3_icorresponding to the ith pixel row.

The second separation period may be defined as a period in which a high level of the second sub separation signal SS_2is maintained. In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the second separation period may be determined to correspond to the second sub row period SP2and the second and third shared periods CP2and CP3in the first row period RP1.

The first and second separation periods may temporally overlap with each other (e.g., partially overlap with each other) during the first and second shared periods CP1and CP2in which the first and second shared primitive data S1and S2are provided.

Likewise, the distribution unit500may extract, as the third input image data ID3, the primitive image data PD corresponding to a third separation period of a third sub separation signal SS_3of the separation signal SS in the first row period RP1. The pixel data extracted in the first row period RP1may be the third primitive image data PD3_iand the fourth shared primitive data S4_icorresponding to the ith pixel row.

The third separation period may be defined as a period in which a high level of the third sub separation signal SS_3is maintained. In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the third separation period may be determined to correspond to the third sub row period SP3and the fourth shared period CP4in the first row period RP1.

The second and third separation periods may temporally overlap with each other (e.g., partially overlap with each other) during the third and fourth shared periods CP3and CP4in which the third and fourth shared primitive data S3and S4are provided.

As a result, the primitive image data PD corresponding to the ith pixel row may be divided into the first to third input image data ID1to ID3during the first row period RP1. Likewise, the primitive image data PD corresponding to the jth pixel row may be divided into the first to third input image data ID1to ID3during the second row period RP2.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the distribution unit500may extract, as the first input image data ID1, the primitive image data PD corresponding to the first separation period of the first sub separation signal SS_1in the second row period RP2. The pixel data extracted in the second row period RP2may be the first primitive image data PD1_jand the first shared primitive data S1_jcorresponding to the jth pixel row.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the first separation period may be determined to correspond to the fourth sub row period SP4and the fifth shared period CP5in the second row period RP2.

Likewise, the distribution unit500may extract, as the second input image data ID2, the primitive image data PD corresponding to the second separation period of the second sub separation signal SS_2in the second row period RP2. The pixel data extracted in the second row period RP2may be the second primitive image data PD2_jand the second and third shared primitive data S2_jand S3_jcorresponding to the jth pixel row.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the second separation period may be determined to correspond to the fifth sub row period SP5and the sixth and seventh shared periods CP6and CP7in the second row period RP2.

Likewise, the distribution unit500may extract, as the third input image data ID3, the primitive image data PD corresponding to the third separation period of the third sub separation signal SS_3in the second row period RP2. The pixel data extracted in the second row period RP2may be the third primitive image data PD3_jand the fourth shared primitive data S4_jcorresponding to the jth pixel row.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the third separation period may be determined to correspond to the sixth sub row period SP6and the eighth shared period CP8in the second row period RP2.

In this manner, for all pixel rows, the first to third input image data ID1to ID3may be generated using the first to third sub separation signals SS_1to SS_3, respectively.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the distribution unit500may efficiently separate the first to third input image data ID1to ID3using the separation periods of the separation signal SS.

FIG. 5is a block diagram illustrating the control unit400ofFIG. 1.

Referring toFIG. 5, the first to third control units401to403include first to third sub pixel rendering units (or first to third sub pixel renderers)411to413, respectively.

The first to third sub pixel rendering units411to413may respectively receive the first to third input image data ID1to ID3and may perform sub-pixel rendering on the first to third input image data ID1to ID3to respectively generate the first to third rendering data RD1to RD3.

The first to third sub pixel rendering units411to413may perform a common operation, such as the common operation described below using the first sub pixel rendering unit411with reference toFIG. 6.

FIG. 6is a block diagram illustrating the first sub pixel rendering unit411ofFIG. 5.

Referring toFIG. 6, the first sub pixel rendering unit411performs a rendering operation on the first input image data ID1to generate the first rendering data RD1. The rendering operation to be performed in the first sub pixel rendering unit411may include a re-sample filtering operation and/or a sharp filtering operation.

The re-sample filtering operation may be performed using a re-sampling filter RSF (illustrated inFIGS. 7A and 7B). The re-sample filtering operation may generate data corresponding to a target pixel on the basis of pixel data corresponding to the target pixel and pixels adjacent thereto among the first input image data ID1.

Furthermore, the first sub pixel rendering unit411may compensate the first rendering data RD1through the sharp filtering operation after the re-sample filtering operation is performed. The first rendering data RD1may be compensated by performing the sharp filtering operation so that lines, edges, points, diagonal lines, and the like of the first input image data ID1are distinguished so as to be displayed appropriately.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the first rendering data RD1includes first output data OD1and first shared output data O1. The first output data OD1and the first shared output data O1may be generated by rendering the first primitive image data PD1and the first shared primitive data S1, respectively. The first rendering data may include red, green, blue, and/or white rendering data. The red, green, blue, and/or white rendering data may include information on red, green, blue, and/or white images, respectively.

The first control unit401may include a gamma mapping unit (or gamma mapper) at a front of the first sub pixel rendering unit411in an example embodiment of the inventive concept. The gamma mapping unit may receive the first input image data ID1, and may map the first input image data ID1so as to output the first input image data ID1mapped to the first sub pixel rendering unit411. The gamma mapping unit may map a red/green/blue (RGB) gamut of the first input image data ID1to a red/green/blue/white (RGBW) gamut using a gamut mapping algorithm (GMA). The gamma mapping unit may further generate luminance data of the first input image data ID1. The luminance data may be provided to the first sub pixel rendering unit411, and may be used for the sharp filtering operation.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the first control unit401may be further provided with an input gamma conversion unit (or gamma converter) at a front of the gamma mapping unit. The input gamma conversion unit adjusts a gamma characteristic of the first input image data ID1and outputs the first input image data ID1of which the gamma characteristic has been adjusted so as to facilitate data processing performed in the gamma mapping unit and the first sub pixel rendering unit411. The input gamma conversion unit linearizes and outputs the first input image data ID1so that a nonlinear gamma characteristic of the first input image data ID1is proportional to luminance.

An output gamma conversion unit may be further provided at a rear of the first sub pixel rendering unit411. The output gamma conversion unit performs inverse gamma correction on the first rendering data RD1so as to linearize and output the first rendering data RD1.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bare diagrams illustrating a re-sample filtering operation of the first sub pixel rendering unit411ofFIG. 6.

Referring toFIGS. 7A and 7B, in an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the re-sampling filter RSF includes first to ninth blocks BL1to BL9arranged in a 3-by-3 matrix. The first to ninth blocks BL1to BL9have scale factors. A sum of the scale factors of the first to ninth blocks BL1to BL9may be, for example, 1. In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, 0, 0.125, 0, 0.125, 0.5, 0.125, 0, 0.125, and 0 are respectively set as the scale factors of the first to ninth blocks BL1to BL9. In an example embodiment, first to ninth blocks BL1to BL9may have or be characterized by other suitable scale factors.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the first primitive image data PD1may include pixel data arranged in a 6-by-3 matrix. The first primitive image data PD1may include, for example, three pixel columns defined in first to third columns C1to C3. In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the first shared primitive data S1may include pixel data arranged in a 6-by-1 matrix. The first shared primitive data S1may include one pixel column defined in a fourth column C4.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, ith row-jth column pixel data of the first rendering data RD1corresponding to an ith row-jth column pixel may be determined by applying the re-sampling filter RSF to ith row-jth column pixel data of the first input image data ID1. The fifth block BL5, which in the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7Ais a center block of the re-sampling filter RSF, may be matched to the ith row-jth column pixel data of the first input image data ID1.

For example, pixel data RD_2,3of the second row R2and the third column C3of the first rendering data RD1may be generated by applying the re-sampling filter RSF to the pixel data of the second row R2and the third column C3of the first input image data ID1. As the re-sampling filter RSF is applied to the pixel data of the second row R2and the third column C3of the first input image data ID1, the factors of the first to ninth blocks BL1to BL9are multiplied by corresponding pixel data values of the first input image data ID1. The values multiplied by the factors of the first to ninth blocks BL1to BL9may be summed so as to be generated as a value of the pixel data RD_2,3of the second row R2and the third column C3of the first rendering data RD1.

For example, the third, fifth, and ninth blocks BL3, BL5, and BL9may be multiplied by values of the pixel data of the first row R1and the fourth column C4, the second row R2and the fourth column C4, and the third row R3and the fourth column C4.

As a result, the value of the pixel data RD_2,3of the first rendering data RD1may be prevented from being distorted and image quality may be improved, because values of the first shared primitive data S1may be applied when sub pixel rendering is performed to generate the pixel data RD_2,3of the second row R2and the third column C3of the first rendering data RD1.

Referring back toFIG. 1, when the first control unit401performs sub-pixel rendering with respect to pixel data corresponding to pixels (e.g., pixels of the second shared area SA2) adjacent to the first boundary line B1among the pixels of the first area111, the first control unit401may generate data on the basis of pixel data corresponding to the first shared area SA1of the second area112. As a result, an image displayed on the first boundary line B1may be prevented from being distorted or degraded in terms of image quality.

Although the above description is provided on the assumption that the first shared primitive data S1has one pixel column, the first shared primitive data S1may have two or more pixel columns according to a pixel structure, a driving method of the display panel100, or other design features in order to prevent image distortion in the first shared area SA1.

For example, the re-sampling filter RSF may be provided with k number of blocks corresponding to k number of pixels in a row direction from the center block, and a row-directional width of the first shared area SA1may correspond to l number of pixels. l may be equal to or greater than k.

FIGS. 8A and 8Bare diagrams illustrating a blue shift operation of the first sub pixel rendering unit411ofFIG. 6.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the blue shift operation may be performed. The blue shift operation may include an operation of calculating ith row-jth column blue rendering data of the first rendering data RD1by applying the re-sampling filter RSF to ith row-jth column pixel data of the first input image data ID1in the case where ith row-(j±1)th column pixel data of the first rendering data RD1includes blue rendering data. An example embodiment of the inventive concept in which the re-sampling filter RSF is applied to ith row-(j+1)th column pixel data of the first input image data ID1is described below.

For example, in the case where the pixel data RD_2,3of the second row R2and the third column C3includes blue rendering data B, the blue rendering data B may be generated by applying the re-sampling filter RSF to the pixel data of the second row R2and the fourth column C4of the first input image data ID1. As the re-sampling filter RSF is applied to the pixel data of the second row R2and the fourth column C4of the first input image data ID1, the factors of the first, second, fourth, fifth, seventh, and eighth blocks BL1, BL2, BL4, BL5, BL7, and BL8are multiplied by corresponding pixel data values of the first input image data ID1.

As a result, because a blue shift algorithm for generating the blue rendering data B of the pixel data RD_2,3is applicable, degradation of a white pattern may be prevented through the blue shift algorithm.

Referring back toFIG. 1, when the first control unit401performs sub-pixel rendering with respect to pixel data corresponding to blue sub-pixels (e.g., pixels of the second shared area S2) adjacent to the first boundary line B1among the pixels of the first area111, the first control unit401may generate data by applying the blue shift algorithm to pixel data corresponding to the first shared area SA1of the second area112. As a result, a white pattern (e.g., a white dot pattern or a white line pattern parallel with the second direction DR2) on the first boundary line B1may be prevented from being degraded.

FIG. 9is a block diagram illustrating the extraction unit600ofFIG. 1, andFIG. 10is a timing diagram illustrating operation of the extraction unit600ofFIG. 9.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 9, as described above, the first rendering data RD1includes the first output data OD1and the first shared output data O1generated by rendering the first primitive image data PD1and the first shared primitive data S1(which are shown inFIG. 3), respectively. Likewise, the second rendering data RD2includes second output data OD2and second and third shared output data O2and O3generated by rendering the second primitive image data PD2and the second and third shared primitive data S2and S3(which are shown inFIG. 3), respectively. Likewise, the third rendering data RD3includes third output data OD3and fourth shared output data O4generated by rendering the third primitive image data PD3and the fourth shared primitive data S4(which are shown inFIG. 3), respectively.

In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the extraction unit600may receive an extraction signal ES and may separate the first to fourth shared output data O1to O4from the first to third rendering data RD1to RD3in response to the extraction signal ES so as to extract the first to third output data OD1to OD3.

Referring toFIG. 10, in an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the pixel data of the first rendering data RD1are serially arranged for each pixel row. The pixel data corresponding to an ith pixel row of the display panel100may be arranged during a first row period RP1′, and, thereafter, the pixel data corresponding to a jth pixel row of the display panel100may be arranged during a second row period RP2′.

A first sub row period SP1′ and a first shared period CP1′ may be defined in each of the first and second row periods RP1′ and RP2′. The first sub row period SP1′ is a period in which the pixel data of the first output data OD1corresponding to the ith pixel row is provided. Furthermore, in the first shared period CP1′, the pixel data of the first shared output data O1corresponding to the ith pixel row is provided.

In the first row period RP1′, the first output data OD1of the first rendering data RD1corresponding to a first extraction period defined by a first sub extraction signal ES_1of the extraction signal ES may be extracted. The pixel data extracted in the first row period RP1′ may be the first output data OD1_icorresponding to the ith pixel row. Accordingly, remaining pixel data not extracted in the first row period RP1′ may be the first shared output data O1_icorresponding to the ith pixel row.

The first extraction period may be defined as a period in which a high level of the first sub extraction signal ES_1is maintained. In an example embodiment of the inventive concept, the first extraction period may be determined to correspond to the first sub row period SP1′. That is, the first extraction period may be maintained during a period in which the first output data OD1_iis provided.

In the second row period RP2′, the first output data OD1of the first rendering data RD1corresponding to a second extraction period defined by the first sub extraction signal ES_1of the extraction signal ES may be extracted. The pixel data extracted in the second row period RP2′ may be the first output data OD1_jcorresponding to the jth pixel row. Accordingly, remaining pixel data not extracted in the second row period RP2′ may be the first shared output data O1_jcorresponding to the jth pixel row.

The extraction unit600may extract the second and third output data OD2and OD3from the second and third rendering data RD2and RD3, respectively, in the same manner as that for extracting the first output data OD1.

To summarize the above description referring back toFIG. 1, the control unit400according to an example embodiment of the inventive concept includes the first to third control units401to403for performing sub-pixel rendering for images corresponding to the first to third areas111to113in order to distributively process a large amount of image data required for sub-pixel rendering. Because not only target pixel data but also pixel data of pixels adjacent to a target pixel may be used when sub-pixel rendering is performed, not only pixel data of an assigned area but also pixel data of adjacent shared areas may be received and provided to the first to third control unit401to403so that sub-pixel rendering may be performed on the basis of the received data. Accordingly, an image defect that may occur when sub-pixel rendering is distributively performed by the first to third control units401to403may be prevented. In particular, a defect (e.g., distortion of a vertical line) that may occur on adjacent areas to the first and second boundary line B1and B2may be efficiently prevented. As a result, the image quality of the display device1000may be improved.

Furthermore, the distribution unit500and the extraction unit600may efficiently separate and extract pixel data by simply controlling timings of high-level periods of the separation signal SS and the extraction signal ES. Therefore, structures and algorithms of the distribution unit500and the extraction unit600may be simplified.

FIGS. 11A to 11Dare diagrams illustrating an image processing method according to an example embodiment of the inventive concept.

It will be described with reference toFIGS. 11A to 11Dthat a white line pattern is not distorted according to a blue shift in the case where pixel data is processed according to an example embodiment of the inventive concept.

As illustrated inFIGS. 11A to 11D, the second area112of a source image may include a white line pattern WLP extending in a direction substantially parallel to the second direction DR2. For example, the white line pattern WLP may be defined in the first column C1of the second area112. For convenience, the third area113(illustrated inFIG. 1) is not illustrated inFIGS. 11A to 11D.

The first shared primitive data S1of the first input image data ID1may include information on the white line pattern WLP. The blue rendering data B of the first rendering data RD1may be determined by applying the re-sample filtering operation to the first shared primitive data S1through the blue shift algorithm. A gradation value of blue corresponding to the white line pattern WLP is set in the blue rendering data B arranged in a third column of the first rendering data RD1.

Likewise, red, green, and white rendering data of the second rendering data RD2may be determined by applying the re-sample filtering operation to the second shared primitive data S2through the blue shift algorithm. Gradation values of white, red, and green corresponding to the white line pattern WLP are set in the red, green, and white rendering data R, G, and W arranged in a first column of the second rendering data RD2.

The first and second output data OD1and OD2are extracted from the first and second rendering data RD1and RD2, respectively. As a result, the white line pattern WLP may be displayed on the display panel100.

It has been exemplarily described that pixels display white, blue, green, and red in this order from left to right, and, when the blue shift operation is performed, the re-sampling filter RSF is applied to ith row-(j+1)th column pixel data of the first input image data ID1.

However, an embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited to the above description, and may be modified. For example, pixels may display red, green, blue, and white in this order from left to right, and, when the blue shift operation is performed, the re-sampling filter RSF may be applied to ith row-(j−1)th column pixel data of the first input image data ID1, so as to obtain a similar effect.

As described above and according to example embodiments, the first and second sub-pixel rendering unit perform sub-pixel rendering on the first and second input image data ID1and ID2. The first input image data ID1may include not only the first primitive image data PD1corresponding to the first area111of the display panel100but also the first shared primitive data S1corresponding to the first shared area SA1of the second area112of the display panel100. The second input image data ID2may include not only the second primitive image data PD2corresponding to the second area112but also the second shared primitive data S2corresponding to the second shared area SA2of the first area111. Accordingly, in the case where sub-pixel rendering is performed on the first and second input image data ID1and ID2, an image distortion that may occur at a boundary between the first and second areas111and112(e.g., boundary B1) may be prevented, thereby improving the image quality. Furthermore, the blue shift algorithm is applicable to an area adjacent to the boundary (e.g., boundary B1).

Although certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention should not be limited to these exemplary embodiments. Rather, various changes and modifications can be made to such embodiments by one of ordinary skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims and equivalents thereof.