Display apparatus driven in an inversion driving manner and method of processing data thereof

A display apparatus includes a liquid crystal panel including gate lines, data lines, and pixels, a gate driver, a data driver, and a timing controller. The pixels include first and second pixels. The first and second pixels are arranged in pixel rows adjacent to each other, arranged in different pixel columns, connected to the same gate line, display the same color, and receive data voltages having different polarities from each other. The image data include first pixel data displayed in the first pixels and second pixel data displayed in the second pixels. When the first pixel data have a first grayscale value and the second pixel data have a second grayscale value different from the first grayscale value, the timing controller modulates the first and second pixel data to allow the first and second pixel data to have a grayscale value between the first and second grayscale values.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0194159, filed on Dec. 30, 2014, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a display apparatus and a method of processing data for the display apparatus. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a display apparatus driven in an inversion driving manner and a method of processing data for the display apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

A liquid crystal display forms an electric field in a liquid crystal layer disposed between two substrates and changes an alignment of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer to control a transmittance of light passing through the liquid crystal layer, and thus a desired image is displayed through the liquid crystal display.

A method of driving the liquid crystal display is classified into a line inversion method, a column inversion method, and a dot inversion method according to a polarity of a data voltage applied to data lines. The line inversion method inverts the polarity of image data applied to data lines every pixel row, the column inversion method inverts the polarity of the image applied to the data lines every pixel column, and the dot inversion method inverts the polarity of the image data applied to the data lines every pixel row and every pixel column.

In general, a display apparatus displays colors using three primary colors of red, green, and blue. Accordingly, the display apparatus includes sub-pixels respectively corresponding to the red, green, and blue colors. In recent years, a display apparatus that displays the colors using red, green, blue, and other primary colors has been developed. As the other primary colors, one or more of the magenta, cyan, yellow, and white colors are used. In addition, in order to improve brightness of the image, a display apparatus including red, blue, green, and white sub-pixels has been suggested. To this end, red, green, and blue image signals from an external source are applied to a display panel after being converted to red, green, blue, and white data signals.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a display apparatus capable of preventing a one-line crosstalk from occurring.

The present disclosure provides a method of processing data of the display apparatus.

Embodiments of the inventive concept provide a display apparatus including a liquid crystal panel, a gate driver, a data driver, and a timing controller. The liquid crystal panel includes a plurality of gate lines extending in a first direction, a plurality of data lines extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a plurality of pixels connected to the gate lines and the data lines.

The gate driver applies gate signals to the gate lines and the data driver applies data voltages to the data lines.

The timing controller receives a control signal and image data to apply a gate control signal to the gate driver and to apply a data control signal to the data driver.

The pixels include pixels arranged in a h-th (h is a natural number) row and pixels arranged in a (h+1)th row, which are adjacent to each other in the second direction such that a (k+1)th (k is a natural number) of the gate lines is disposed between the pixels arranged in the h-th row and the pixels arranged in the (h+1)th row.

First pixels displaying a first color and connected to the (k+1)th gate line among the pixels arranged in the h-th row are spaced apart from second pixels displaying the first color and connected to the (k+1)th gate line among the pixels arranged in the (h+1)th row and receive the data voltages having a polarity different from that of the data voltages applied to the second pixels.

The image data include first pixel data displayed in at least a portion of the first pixels and second pixel data displayed in at least a portion of the second pixels.

When the first pixel data have a first grayscale value and the second pixel data have a second grayscale value different from the first grayscale value, the timing controller modulates the first and second pixel data to allow the first and second pixel data to have a grayscale value between the first and second grayscale values.

The timing controller modulates the first pixel data to generate first modulated pixel data having a third grayscale value different from the first and second grayscale values and modulates the second pixel data to generate second modulated pixel data having the third grayscale value.

The third grayscale value corresponds to a half of a sum of the first and second grayscale values.

The timing controller includes a pattern analyzing part, a modulation determining part, and a data modulating part. The pattern analyzing part analyzes a pattern of the image data and determining whether a boundary of the pattern extending in the first direction is disposed between the first and second pixels.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the modulation determining part determines whether a number of the first pixels displaying the pattern or a number of the second pixels displaying the pattern is equal to or greater than a reference number.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the modulation determining part determines whether sum of gray voltage of the first pixels displaying the pattern or sum of gray voltage of the second pixels displaying the pattern is equal to or greater than a reference voltage

The data modulating part modulates the first and second pixel data.

The data modulating part modulates the first and second pixel data when the boundary extending in the first direction of the pattern is disposed between the first and second pixels and the number of the first pixels displaying the pattern or the number of the second pixels displaying the pattern is equal to or greater than the reference number.

The data modulating part does not modulate the first and second pixel data when the boundary extending in the first direction of the pattern is not disposed between the first and second pixels or when the number of the first pixels displaying the pattern or the number of the second pixels displaying the pattern is smaller than the reference number.

When the first grayscale value is not zero and the second grayscale value is zero, the modulation determining part checks whether the number of the first pixels displaying the pattern is equal to or greater than the reference number, and when the second grayscale value is not zero and the first grayscale value is zero, the modulation determining part checks whether the number of the second pixels displaying the pattern is equal to or greater than the reference number.

The first color is a red, green, blue, or white color.

The pixels arranged in the h-th row include a first pixel group and a second pixel group, which are sequentially arranged in the first direction, the pixels arranged in the (h+1)th row include a third pixel group and a fourth pixel group, which are sequentially arranged in the first direction, and each of the first, second, third, and fourth pixel groups includes an even number of pixels.

Each of the first and fourth pixel groups includes two pixels of a red pixel, a green pixel, a blue pixel, and a white pixel, and each of the second and third pixel groups includes the other two pixels of the red pixel, the green pixel, the blue pixel, and the white pixel.

The second pixels are included in the pixels arranged in a (2u+1)th (u is a natural number) column when the first pixels are included in the pixels arranged in a (2u−1)th column, and when the first pixels are included in the pixels arranged in a 2u-th column, the second pixels are included in the pixels arranged in a (2u+2)th column.

Among the pixels arranged in the (2u−1)th (u is a natural number) column, two pixels adjacent to each other in the second direction such that a 2k-th gate line is disposed between the two pixels are commonly connected to the 2k-th gate line, and among the pixels arranged in the 2u-th column, two pixels adjacent to each other in the second direction such that a (2k−1)th gate line is disposed between the two pixels are commonly connected to the (2k−1)th gate line.

Among the pixels arranged in the (2u−1)th (u is a natural number) column, two pixels adjacent to each other in the second direction such that a (2k−1)th gate line is disposed between the two pixels are commonly connected to the (2k−1)th gate line, and among the pixels arranged in the 2u-th column, two pixels adjacent to each other in the second direction such that a 2k-th gate line is disposed between the two pixels are commonly connected to the 2k-th gate line.

The pixels arranged in a u-th (u is a natural number) column, which is disposed between a j-th (j is a natural number) and a (j+1)th data line of the data lines, are alternately connected to the j-th data line and the (j+1)th data line in the unit of at least one pixel.

The polarity of the data voltages applied to the data lines is inverted every at least one data line.

The pixels arranged in the h-th row, which is disposed between a k-th gate line and a (k+1)th gate line of the gate lines, are alternately connected to the k-th gate line and the (k+1)th gate line in the unit of at least one pixel.

Embodiments of the inventive concept provide a method of processing data of a display apparatus, providing a liquid crystal panel including a plurality of gate lines extending in a first direction, a plurality of data lines extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a plurality of pixels connected to the gate lines and the data lines, the pixels comprising pixels arranged in a h-th (h is a natural number) row and pixels arranged in a (h+1)th row, which are adjacent to each other in the second direction such that a (k+1)th (k is a natural number) of the gate lines is disposed between the pixels arranged in the h-th row and the pixels arranged in the (h+1)th row, first pixels displaying a first color and connected to the (k+1)th gate line among the pixels arranged in the h-th row being spaced apart from second pixels displaying the first color and connected to the (k+1)th gate line among the pixels arranged in the (h+1)th row and receiving the data voltages having a polarity different from that of the data voltages applied to the second pixels, determining whether a boundary extending in the first direction of a pattern of the image data is disposed between the first and second pixels, determining whether a number of the first pixels displaying the pattern or a number of the second pixels displaying the pattern is equal to or greater than a reference number when the boundary extending in the first direction of the pattern of the image data is disposed between the first and second pixels, and modulating the image data including first pixel data corresponding to the first pixels and having a first grayscale value and second pixel data corresponding to the second pixels and having a second grayscale value when the number of the first pixels or the second pixels displaying the pattern of the image data is equal to or greater than the reference number to generate first modulated pixel data corresponding to the first pixels and having a third grayscale value between the first and second values and second modulated pixel data corresponding to the second pixels and having a fourth grayscale value between the first and second grayscale values.

The third grayscale value is substantially equal to the fourth grayscale value.

The image data are not modulated when the boundary extending in the first direction of the pattern of the image data is not disposed between the first and second pixels or the number of the first pixels displaying the pattern or the number of the second pixels displaying the pattern is smaller than the reference number.

According to the above, the one line crosstalk may be prevented from occurring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the present inventive concept will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1is a block diagram showing a liquid crystal display device1000according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure andFIG. 2is an equivalent circuit diagram showing one pixel shown inFIG. 1.

Referring toFIG. 1, the liquid crystal display device1000includes a liquid crystal panel100, a timing controller200, a gate driver300, and a data driver400.

The liquid crystal panel100includes a lower substrate110, an upper substrate120facing the lower substrate110, and a liquid crystal layer130interposed between the lower and upper substrates110and120.

The display panel110includes a plurality of gate lines G1to Gm extending in a first direction DR1and a plurality of data lines D1to Dn extending in a second direction DR2crossing the first direction DR1. The gate lines G1to Gm and the data lines D1to Dn define pixel areas and pixels PXs are respectively disposed in the pixel areas.FIG. 2shows a pixel PX connected to a first gate line G1and a first data line D1.

Each pixel PX includes a thin film transistor TR connected to a corresponding gate line of the gate lines G1to Gm, a liquid crystal capacitor Clc connected to the thin film transistor TR, and a storage capacitor Cst connected to the liquid crystal capacitor Clc in parallel. The storage capacitor Cst may be omitted if necessary. The thin film transistor TR is disposed on the lower substrate110. The thin film transistor TR includes a gate electrode connected to the first gate line G1, a source electrode connected to the first data line D1, and a drain electrode connected to the liquid crystal capacitor Clc and the storage capacitor Cst.

The liquid crystal capacitor Clc includes a pixel electrode PE disposed on the lower substrate110and a common electrode CE disposed on the upper substrate120as its two terminals, and the liquid crystal layer130disposed between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE serves as a dielectric substance. The pixel electrode PE is connected to the thin film transistor TR and the common electrode CE is disposed on an entire surface of the upper substrate120to receive a common voltage. Different from the common electrode CE shown inFIG. 2, the common electrode CE may be disposed on the lower substrate110according to embodiments, and in this case, at least one of the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE includes slits.

The storage capacitor Cst assists the liquid crystal capacitor Clc and includes the pixel electrode PE, a storage line (not shown), and an insulating layer disposed between the pixel electrode PE and the storage line (not shown). The storage line is disposed on the lower substrate110to overlap with a portion of the pixel electrode PE. The storage line is applied with a constant voltage, e.g., a storage voltage.

The pixel PX displays one of primary colors. The primary colors include red, green, blue, and white colors, but they should not be limited thereto or thereby. The primary colors may further include various colors, e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, etc. The pixel PX may further include a color filter CF to represent one of the primary colors. InFIG. 2, the color filter CF is disposed on the upper substrate120, but it should not be limited thereto or thereby. That is, the color filter CF may be disposed on the lower substrate110.

The timing controller200receives image data RGB and control signals from an external graphic controller (not shown). The control signals include a vertical synchronization signal as a frame distinction signal Vsync, a horizontal synchronization signal as a row distinction signal Hsync, a data enable signal DE maintained at a high level during a period, in which data are output, to indicate a data input period, and a main clock signal MCLK.

The timing controller200analyzes the image data RGB and modulates the image data RGB when determining that the image data RGB are required to be modulated. When no modulation is required for the image data RGB, the timing controller200does not modulate the image data RGB.

The timing controller200converts the image data RGB or the modulated image data in consideration of specifications of the data driver400. The timing controller200applies the converted data DATA to the data driver400. The timing controller200generates a gate control signal GS1and a data control signal DS1. The gate control signal GS1is applied to the gate driver300and the data control signal DS1is applied to the data driver400.

The gate control signal GS1is used to drive the gate driver300and the data control signal DS1is used to drive the data driver400.

The gate driver300generates gate signals in response to the gate control signal GS1and applies the gate signals to the gate lines G1to Gm. The gate control signal GS1includes a scan start signal indicating a start of scanning, at least one clock signal controlling an output period of a gate on voltage, and an output enable signal controlling the maintaining of the gate on voltage.

The data control signal DS1generates grayscale voltages corresponding to the image data DATA in response to the data control signal DS1and applies the grayscale voltages to the data lines D1to Dn as data voltages. The data voltages include a positive (+) data voltage having a positive value with respect to the common voltage and a negative (−) data voltage having a negative value with respect to the common voltage. The data control signal DS1includes a horizontal start signal STH indicating a start of transmitting of the image data DATA to the data river400, a load signal indicating application of data voltages to the data lines D1to Dn, and a polarity control signal inverting a polarity of the data voltages with respect to the common voltage.

The polarity of the data voltages applied to the pixels PX is inverted every frame period to prevent liquid crystals from burning or deteriorating. For instance, the data driver400inverts the polarity of the data voltages every frame period in response to the polarity control signal. In addition, when the image corresponding to one frame is displayed, the data voltages having different polarities are output in the unit of at least one data line and applied to the pixels to improve display quality.

Each of the timing controller200, the gate driver300, and the data driver400may be directly mounted on the liquid crystal panel100, attached to the liquid crystal panel100in a tape carrier package after being mounted on a flexible printed circuit board, or mounted on a separate printed circuit board. As another way, at least one of the gate driver300and the data driver400may be integrated on the liquid crystal panel100together with the gate lines G1to Gm, the data lines D1to Dn, and the thin film transistor TR. In addition, the timing controller200, the gate driver300, and the data driver400may be integrated in a single chip.

FIG. 3is a plan view showing a portion of a liquid crystal panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 3, the pixels include pixels arranged in a h-th (h is a natural number) row and pixels arranged in a (h−1)th row. A first pixel row PR1and a second pixel row PR2are disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction DR2such that a (k+1)th (k is a natural number) gate line among the gate lines G1to Gm is disposed between the first and second pixel rows PR1and PR2.FIG. 3shows first, second, third, and fourth pixel rows PR1, PR2, PR3, and PR4and two pixel rows adjacent to each other in the second direction DR2have the same structure. Hereinafter, the first and second pixel rows PR1and PR2will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 3when assuming that each of k″ and “h” is 1.

The first pixel row PR1includes a first pixel group PG1and a second pixel group PG2sequentially arranged in the first direction DR1. The second pixel row PR2includes a third pixel group PG3and a fourth pixel group PG4sequentially arranged in the first direction DR1. Each of the first to fourth pixel groups PG1to PG4includes an even number of the pixels. InFIG. 3, each of the first to fourth pixel groups PG1to PG4includes two pixels.

Each of the first to fourth pixel groups PG1to PG4displays a portion of the primary colors. Each of the first and fourth pixel groups PG1and PG4includes a red pixel and a green pixel. Each of the second and third pixel groups PG2and PG3includes a blue pixel and a white pixel.

The first to fourth pixel groups PG1to PG4may be repeatedly arranged.

InFIG. 3, the red, green, blue, and white pixels are indicated by “R”, “G”, “B”, and “W”, respectively. The pixels applied with the data voltages having the positive (+) polarity during an i-th (i is a natural number) frame period are represented by “R+”, “G+”, “B+”, and “W+”, respectively, and the pixels applied with the data voltages having the negative (−) polarity during the i-th frame period are represented by “R−”, “G−”, “B−”, and “W−”, respectively.

The polarities of the data voltages applied to the pixels of the liquid crystal panel100shown inFIG. 3indicate polarities of the data voltages during the i-th frame period. The polarities of the data voltages are inverted during an (i+1)th frame period. That is, the data driver400shown inFIG. 1inverts the polarities of the data voltages applied to the data lines D1to Dn at every frame period.

Meanwhile, the arrangement of the pixels should not be limited to that shown inFIG. 3. That is, positions of the red, green, blue, and white pixels may be various forms in each of the first and second pixel rows PR1and PR2. In detail, each of the first and second pixel groups PG1and PG2may include the green and white pixels. In addition, each of the first and fourth pixel groups PG1and PG4may include the red and white pixels and each of the second and fourth pixel groups PG2and PG3may includes the green and blue pixels.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the polarity of the data voltages applied to the data lines D1to D9is inverted every data line. As shown inFIG. 3, the positive data voltage is applied to odd-numbered data lines D1, D3, D5, D7, and D9and the negative data voltage is applied to even-numbered data lines D2, D4, D6, and D8.

The pixels arranged in an u-th (u is a natural number) column disposed between a j-th (j is a natural number) data line and a (j+1)th data line are alternately connected to the j-th data line and the (j+1)th data line in the unit of at least one pixel. Hereinafter, the pixels disposed between the first data line D1and the second data line D2will be described in detail when assuming that each of “j” and “u” is 1.

The pixels arranged in a first column between the first and second data lines D1and D2are alternately connected to the first and second data lines D1and D2in the unit of at least one pixel. In other words, the pixels arranged in the same column are alternately connected to a left data line and a right data line in the unit of one row. The red pixel R+ of the first pixel group PG1is connected to the first data line D1and the blue pixel B− of the third pixel group PG3is connected to the second data line D2.

In the present exemplary embodiment, two pixels adjacent to each other in the second direction DR2among the pixels arranged in a (2u−1)th column such that a 2k-th gate line is disposed between the two pixels are commonly connected to a 2k-th gate line. In addition, two pixels adjacent to each other in the second direction DR2among the pixels arranged in a 2u-th column such that a (2k−1)th gate line is disposed between the two pixels are commonly connected to a (2k−1)th gate line.

In detail, among the pixels arranged in the first column, the red and blue pixels R+ and B− adjacent to each other such that the second gate line G2is disposed between the red and blue pixels R+ and B− are commonly connected to the second gate line G2, and among the pixels arranged in the third column, the red and blue pixels R− and B+ adjacent to each other such that the second gate line G2is disposed between the red and blue pixels R− and B+ are commonly connected to the second gate line G2. Accordingly, the red and blue pixels R+ and B− arranged in the first column and connected to the second gate line G2are driven in response to the gate signal applied to the second gate line G2. The red and blue pixels R− and B+ arranged in the third column and connected to the second gate line G2are driven in response to the gate signal applied to the second gate line G2.

In addition, among the pixels arranged in the second column, the white and green pixels W+ and G− adjacent to each other such that the third gate line G3is disposed between the white and green pixels W+ and G− are commonly connected to the third gate line G3, and among the pixels arranged in the fourth column, the white and green pixels W− and G+ adjacent to each other such that the third gate line G3is disposed between the white and green pixels W− and G+ are commonly connected to the third gate line G3. Accordingly, the white and green pixels W+ and G− arranged in the second column and connected to the third gate line G3are driven in response to the gate signal applied to the third gate line G3. The white and green pixels W− and G+ arranged in the fourth column and connected to the third gate line G3are driven in response to the gate signal applied to the third gate line G3.

According to another embodiment, two pixels adjacent to each other in the second direction DR2among the pixels arranged in a (2u−1)th column such that the (2k−1)th gate line is disposed between the two pixels are commonly connected to the (2k−1)th gate line. In addition, two pixels adjacent to each other in the second direction DR2among the pixels arranged in the 2u-th column such that the 2k-th gate line is disposed between the two pixels are commonly connected to the 2k-th gate line.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, first pixels displaying a first color and connected to the k-th gate line among the pixels arranged in the h-th row receive the data voltage having the polarity different from that of the data voltage applied to second pixels displaying the first color and connected to the k-th gate line among the pixels arranged in the (h+1)th row. The first pixels and the second pixels are spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The first pixels and the second pixels are spaced apart from each other such that the pixels arranged in an odd number of columns are disposed between the first and second pixels. That is, the column of each of the first pixels may be different from the column of each of the second pixels.

The first color may be one of the red, green, blue, and white colors.

In the first to fourth pixel groups PG1to PG4, when the first pixel is included in the first pixel group PG1, the second pixel is included in the fourth pixel group PG4. According to another embodiment, when the first pixel is included in the second pixel group PG2, the second pixel is included in the third pixel group PG3. In other words, when the first pixel is included in the pixels arranged in the (2u−1)th column, the second pixel is includes in the pixels arranged in the (2u+1)th column. In addition, when the first pixel is included in the pixels arranged in the 2u-th column, and the second pixel is included in the pixels arranged in a (2u−2)th column.

When the first color is the red and each of the first and second pixels is the red pixel, the red pixels R+ arranged in the first pixel row PR1and the red pixels R− arranged in the second pixel row PR2are connected to the second gate line G2, but the red pixels R+ arranged in the first pixel row PR1receive the data voltages having the polarity different from that of the data voltages applied to the red pixels R− arranged in the second pixel row PR2.

FIG. 4Ais a plan view showing a portion of a liquid crystal panel according to a first comparison example andFIG. 4Bis a plan view showing a portion of a liquid crystal panel according to a second comparison example.

Hereinafter, the liquid crystal panels according to the first and second comparison examples will be described with reference toFIGS. 4A and 4Band effects of the liquid crystal panel100according to the present exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 3will be described.

Referring toFIGS. 4A and 4B, each of a first comparison liquid crystal panel1A according to the first comparison example and a second comparison liquid crystal panel1B according to the second comparison example includes a plurality of pixels. The pixels arranged in odd-numbered rows are arranged in order of red, green, blue, and white pixels, and the pixels arranged in even-numbered rows are arranged in order of blue, white, red, and green pixels.

Each of the pixels of the first and second comparison liquid crystal panels1A and1B is connected to a lower gate line and a left data line.

The polarities of the data voltages applied to the data lines D1to D9of the first comparison liquid crystal panel1A are repeated in positive, negative, negative, and positive polarities. In detail, the polarities of the data voltages applied to the data lines D1to D9of the first comparison liquid crystal panel1A are +, −, −, +, +, −, −, and +, respectively.

The polarities of the data voltages applied to the data lines D1to D9of the second comparison liquid crystal panel1B are inverted every four data lines and the polarities of the data voltages are inverted every one data line in the four data lines. In detail, the polarities of the data voltages applied to the data lines D1to D9of the second comparison liquid crystal panel1B are +, −, +, −, −, +, −, +, and +, respectively.

The polarities of the data voltages applied to the pixels of the first and second comparison liquid crystal panels1A and1B are inverted every frame period.

FIG. 5is a view showing a liquid crystal panel1in which a horizontal crosstalk occurs.

The liquid crystal panel1shown inFIG. 5displays a primary color, e.g., a red color, in a first area AR1.

When a sum of the polarities of the data voltages applied to the pixel displaying the primary color during one horizontal scan period1H is biased to the positive or negative polarity, the common voltage is not constantly maintained due to a coupling phenomenon between the data lines and the common electrode. Accordingly, a ripple occurs in a positive or negative direction of the common voltage. In this case, the horizontal crosstalk, in which a difference in brightness between a peripheral area AR4and second and third areas AR2and AR3adjacent to the first area AR1displaying the primary color in the first direction DR1is perceived, occurs in the second and third areas AR2and AR3

Hereinafter, the red pixels of the first comparison liquid crystal panel1A driven by the positive or negative data voltages will be described with reference toFIG. 4A. Referring toFIG. 4A, the red pixels R+ included in the pixels arranged in the first row of the first comparison liquid crystal panel1A receive the positive data voltage during a first horizontal scan period1H in response to the gate signal applied to the first gate line G1. In this case, the ripple occurs in the positive direction of the common voltage. In addition, the red pixels R− included in the pixels arranged in the second row of the first comparison liquid crystal panel1A receive the negative data voltage during a second horizontal scan period1H following the first horizontal scan period1H in response to the gate signal applied to the second gate line G2. In this case, the ripple occurs in the negative direction of the common voltage.

The red pixels of the second comparison liquid crystal panel1B are driven by the positive or negative data voltages will be described with reference toFIG. 4B. Referring toFIG. 4B, the second comparison liquid crystal panel1B displays the red image in fifth and sixth areas AR5and AR6during the i-th frame period and displays the red image in sixth and seventh areas AR6and AR7during the (i+1)th frame period. In this case, a difference in brightness between the red pixel applied with the positive data voltage and the red pixel applied with the negative data voltage occurs, and as a result, a vertical line seems to move when the i-th frame period is changed to the (i+1)th frame period. The phenomenon that the vertical line seems to move is called a moving line-stain. The moving line-stain may occur not only in the pixels displaying specific colors but also in the pixels displaying the white color.

That is, the horizontal crosstalk occurs in the first comparison liquid crystal panel1A shown inFIG. 4Aand the moving line-stain occurs in the second comparison liquid crystal panel1B shown inFIG. 4B.

Referring toFIG. 3again, the red pixels R+ included in the pixels arranged in the first row of the liquid crystal panel100and the red pixels R− included in the pixels arranged in the second row of the liquid crystal panel100are driven in response to the gate signal applied to the second gate line G2during one horizontal scan period.

The first and fifth data lines D1and D5are connected to the red pixels R+ arranged in the first row to apply the positive data voltage to the red pixels R+. The fourth and eight data lines D4and D8are connected to the red pixels R− arranged in the second row to apply the negative data voltage to the red pixels R−. That is, the polarities of the data voltages applied to the pixels to display the red color are offset with respect to each other during one horizontal period, and thus the ripple does not occur in the common voltage. Consequently, the horizontal crosstalk phenomenon may be improved.

In addition, since the pixels arranged in the same row and displaying the same color in the liquid crystal panel100shown inFIG. 3receive the data voltages having the same polarity, the moving line-stain phenomenon may be improved. That is, the horizontal crosstalk phenomenon and the moving line-stain phenomenon may be improved.

FIG. 6is a view showing a first pattern PTN1of the image data displayed through the liquid crystal panel100shown inFIG. 3.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 6, the image data RGB display the first pattern PTN1on the liquid crystal panel100. According to the first pattern PTN1, the image is displayed in the first pixels, but not displayed in the second pixels among the first and second pixels commonly connected to one gate line. In detail, a boundary extending in the first direction DR1of the first pattern PTN1is disposed between the first pixels in the third pixel row PR3and the second pixels in the fourth pixel row PR4. The first pattern PTN1displays the image in the first pixels arranged in the third pixel row PR3and does not display the image in the second pixels arranged in the fourth pixel row PR4.

Hereinafter, the red image displayed in the first to third pixel rows PR1to PR3is described as the first pattern PTN1and a black image is displayed in red pixels in the fourth pixel row PR4in which the first pattern PTN1is not displayed. According to the display of the first pattern PTN1, the red pixels included in the first to third pixel rows PR1to PR3display the red image but the red pixels included in the fourth pixel rows PR4display the black image.

During a time in which the gate signal is applied to the fourth gate line G4, the positive (+) data voltages are applied to the red pixels R+ arranged in the third pixel row PR3and no voltages is applied to the red pixels R− arranged in the fourth pixel row PR4. Therefore, when the gate signal is applied to the fourth gate line G4, the ripple occurs in the positive direction of the common voltage and the horizontal crosstalk (one line crosstalk) occurs in one line shape.

FIG. 7is a view showing an image obtained by modulating the first pattern of the image data.

Referring toFIGS. 1, 6, and 7, when the image data RGB have the first pattern PTN1, the liquid crystal panel100applies the data voltages that are other than zero to the red pixels R− arranged in the fourth pixel row PR4. The data voltages applied to the red pixel R− arranged in the fourth pixel row PR4are determine on the basis of the data voltages applied to the red pixels R+ arranged in the third pixel row PR3.

The timing controller200modulates the image data RGB when the image data RGB have the first pattern PTN1, and thus the data voltages that are other than zero are applied not only to the red pixels R+ arranged in the third pixel row PR3but also to the red pixels R− arranged in the fourth pixel row PR4.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, when the image data RGB have the first pattern PTN1, the data voltages that are other than zero may be applied to the red pixels R− arranged in the fourth pixel row PR4. Since the red pixels R+ arranged in the third pixel row PR3receive the data voltages having the polarity opposite to that of the data voltages applied to the red pixels R− arranged in the fourth pixel row PR4, the ripple may be prevented from occurring in the common voltage during the time in which the gate signal is applied to the fourth gate line G4. Thus, the one line crosstalk may be prevented from being generated.

FIG. 8is a block diagram showing the timing controller200shown inFIG. 1.

Hereinafter, the timing controller200will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 1 and 6 to 8.

Referring toFIG. 8, the timing controller200includes a pattern analyzing part210, a modulating determining part220, and a data modulating part230.

The pattern analyzing part210analyzes the pattern of the image data RGB. The pattern analyzing part210analyzes whether the pattern of the image data RGB displays the image in the first pixels or the second pixels. The first and second pixels share one gate line, display the same color, and are disposed in different rows from each other. For instance, the pattern analyzing part210analyzes whether the pattern of the image data RGB displays the image in the first pixels and does not display the image in the second pixels. In other words, the pattern analyzing part210checks whether the boundary extending in the first direction DR1of the pattern of the image data RGB is disposed between the first and second pixels.

According to the result of analyzing the pattern of the image data RGB, when the boundary extending in the first direction DR1of the pattern of the image data RGB is not disposed between the first and second pixels, the pattern analyzing part210transmits the image data RGB without modulation.

According to the result of analyzing the pattern of the image data RGB, when the boundary extending in the first direction DR1of the pattern of the image data RGB is disposed between the first and second pixels, the pattern analyzing part210outputs an analyzing signal C1. When the image data RGB have the first pattern PTN1shown inFIG. 6, the boundary extending in the first direction DR1of the first pattern PTN1is disposed between the third pixel row PR3and the fourth pixel row PR4, and thus the pattern analyzing part210outputs the analyzing signal C1.

The pattern analyzing part210analyzes the image data RGB using three by three mask filters and gets the boundary extending in the first direction DR1of the pattern of the image data RGB. In detail, the pattern analyzing part210scan analyzes the image data RGB in the unit of data corresponding to the pixels arranged in three rows by three columns to get the boundary extending in the first direction DR1of the pattern of the image data RGB on the basis of the analyzed result.

The modulating determining part220determines the modulation of the image data RGB in response to the analyzing signal C1.

The image data RGB may include first pixel data displayed in at least a portion of the first pixels and second pixel data displayed in at least a portion of the second pixels. When the image data RGB have the first pattern PTN1, the image data RGB include the first pixel data displayed in at least a portion of the red pixels arranged in the third pixel row and the second pixel data displayed in at least a portion of the red pixels arranged in the fourth pixel row PR4.

The first pixel data have a first grayscale value and the second pixel data have a second grayscale value different from the first grayscale value. When the image data RGB have the first pattern PTN1, the first grayscale value is not zero and the second grayscale value is zero.

The modulating determining part220checks whether the number of the first pixels in which the first pixel data are displayed is equal to or greater than a reference number. When the number of the first pixels in which the first pixel data are displayed is equal to or greater than the reference number, the modulation determining part220outputs a modulating signal C2to modulate data. The reference number is determined depending on the number of the first pixels displaying the first pixel data, which causes the ripple in the common voltage. Instead of using the reference number, the modulating determining part220may check whether sum of gray voltages of the first pixels in which the first pixel data are displayed is equal to or greater than a reference voltage to decide whether the modulation determining part220outputs a modulating signal C2to modulate data. The reference voltage of the first pixels is determined depending on the sum of gray voltages of the first pixels displaying the first pixel data, which causes the ripple in the common voltage.

According toFIG. 7, the number of the red pixels of the third pixel row PR3, in which the image is displayed, is two (2). When the reference number is one (1), the modulation determining part220outputs the modulating signal C2. In other words, when the image data RGB have the pattern causing the one line crosstalk, the modulation determining part220outputs the modulating signal C2.

The modulation determining part220outputs unmodulated image data RGB without changing the image data RGB when the number of the first pixels displaying the first pixel data or the sum of gray voltages of the first pixels is smaller than the reference number or the reference voltage, respectively.

The data modulating part230modulates the image data RGB in response to the modulation signal C2.

The data modulating part230modulates the first and second pixel data to allow the first and second pixel data have grayscale values between the first and second grayscale values.

The data modulating part230modulates the first pixel data to generate first modulated pixel data having a third grayscale value smaller than the first grayscale value. The data modulating part230modulates the second pixel data to generate second modulated pixel data having a fourth grayscale value. The third grayscale value may be equal to the fourth grayscale value. The data modulating part230outputs the modulated image data RGB′ having the first and second modulated pixel data.

For instance, the first grayscale value may correspond to a highest brightness and the second grayscale value may correspond to a lowest brightness, e.g., a black color. The first pixels, in which the first pixel data are displayed, display the red at the highest brightness and the second pixels, in which the second pixel data are displayed, display the black. The data modulating part230modulates the first and second pixel data to generate the first and second modulated pixel data having the grayscale value corresponding to a half of the highest brightness. Each of the first pixels, in which the first modulated pixel data are displayed, and the second pixels, in which the second modulated pixel data are displayed, displays the red corresponding to the half of the highest brightness.

Each of the third and fourth grayscale values corresponds to a half of the sum of the first and second grayscale values. Accordingly, the brightness of the first and second pixels, in which the first and second pixel data area displayed, may be substantially the same as the brightness of the first and second pixels in which the first and second modulated pixel data are displayed. For instance, the brightness of the image displayed in the red pixels R+ arranged in the third pixel row PR3shown inFIG. 6may be substantially the same as a sum of the brightness of the image displayed in the red pixels R+ arranged in the third pixel row PR3and the brightness of the image displayed in the red pixels R− arranged in the fourth pixel row PR4shown inFIG. 7.

Among the red pixels R− arranged in the fourth pixel row PR4, the second pixel data displayed in the red pixels R− connected to the fourth data line D4are generated on the basis of the first pixel data displayed in the red pixels R+ connected to the first and fifth data lines D1and D5among the red pixels R+ arranged in the third pixel row PR3, but they should not be limited thereto or thereby. That is, among the red pixels R− arranged in the fourth pixel row PR4, the second pixel data displayed in the red pixels R− connected to the fourth data line D4are generated on the basis of the first pixel data displayed in the red pixels R+ connected to one of the first and fifth data lines D1and D5among the red pixels R+ arranged in the third pixel row PR3.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, when the boundary extending in the first direction DR1of the pattern of the image data RGB is disposed between the first and second pixels and the number of the first pixels displaying the first pixel data or the sum of gray voltages of the first pixels is equal to or greater than the reference number or the reference voltage, respectively, the one line crosstalk may be prevented from occurring since the first and second pixels share the brightness of the image displayed in the first pixels.

FIG. 9is a view showing a second pattern PTN2of the image data displayed through the liquid crystal panel shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 10is a view showing an image obtained by modulating the second pattern of the image data.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 9, the second pattern PTN2may include different pixels from those of the first pattern PTN1and a boundary extending in the first direction DR1of the second pattern PTN2may be disposed between the first pixels in the second pixel row PR2and the second pixels in the first pixel row PR1. Accordingly, similar to the first pattern PTN1, the one line crosstalk may occur in the second pattern PTN shown inFIG. 9.

Referring toFIGS. 1, 9, and 10, when the image data RGB have the second pattern PTN2, the liquid crystal panel100applies the data voltages that are other than zero to the second pixels, the red pixels R+ arranged in the first pixel row PR1. The data voltages applied to the red pixels R+ arranged in the first pixel row PR1are determined on the basis of the data voltages applied to the red pixels R− arranged in the second pixel row PR2.

When the image data RGB have the second pattern PTN2, the timing controller200modulates the image data RGB to apply the data voltages that are other than zero not only to the red pixels R− arranged in the second pixel row PR2but also the red pixels R+ arranged in the first pixel row PR1. The data modulation performed by the timing controller200is substantially similar to that described with reference toFIG. 8, and thus details thereof will be omitted.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, when the image data RGB have the second pattern PTN2, the data voltages that are other than zero may be applied to the red pixels R+ arranged in the first pixel row PR1. Since the red pixels R+ arranged in the first pixel row PR1receive the data voltages having the polarity opposite to that of the data voltages applied to the red pixels R− arranged in the second pixel row PR2, the ripple may be prevented from occurring in the common voltage during the time in which the gate signal is applied to the first gate line G1. Thus, the one line crosstalk may be prevented from being generated.

FIG. 11is a flowchart showing a method of processing data of a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 1, 3, 6, and 11, the liquid crystal panel100is provided (S110). The configurations of the liquid crystal panel100are as shown inFIG. 3, and thus details thereof will be omitted.

The timing controller200receives the image data RGB (S120).

Then, the timing controller200checks whether the boundary extending in the first direction DR1of the pattern of the image data RGB is disposed between the first and second pixels (S130). The checking of the position of the boundary (S130) is performed by scan-analyzing the image data RGB in the unit of data corresponding to the pixels arranged in three rows by three columns. Through the checking of the position of the boundary (S130), the image data having the pattern causing the one line crosstalk are primarily determined.

When it is determined that the boundary extending in the first direction DR1of the pattern of the image data RGB is not disposed between the first and second pixels (S130), the data voltages corresponding to the image data RGB are applied to the liquid crystal panel (S170). That is, the image data RGB are not modulated.

When it is determined that the boundary extending in the first direction DR1of the pattern of the image data RGB is disposed between the first and second pixels (S130), it is determined whether the number of the first or second pixels displaying the pattern is equal to or greater than the reference number or the sum of gray voltages of the first pixels is greater than the reference voltage (S140). Through the checking of the number or the sum of gray voltages of the first or second pixels displaying the pattern (S140), the image data having the pattern causing the one line crosstalk are secondary determined.

When it is determined that the number of the first or second pixels displaying the pattern is smaller than the reference number or the sum of gray voltages of the first pixels is smaller than the reference voltage (S140), the data voltages corresponding to the image data RGB are applied to the liquid crystal panel (S170).

When it is determined that the number of the first or second pixels displaying the pattern is equal to or greater than the reference number or the sum of gray voltages of the first pixels is equal to or greater than the reference voltage (S140), the image data RGB are modulated (S150). The image data RGB include the first pixel data corresponding to the first pixels and having the first grayscale value and the second pixel data corresponding to the second pixels and having the second grayscale value. The first modulated pixel data having the third grayscale value between the first and second grayscale values to correspond to the first pixels and the second modulated pixel data having the fourth grayscale value between the first and second grayscale values to correspond to the second pixels are generated through the modulating of the image data RGB.

Then, the data voltages corresponding to the modulated image data are applied to the liquid crystal panel100(S160).

FIGS. 12 to 22are plan views showing liquid crystal panels according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. InFIGS. 12 to 22, different features of the liquid crystal panels from those of the liquid crystal panel shown inFIG. 3will be mainly described.

In the following embodiments, the polarities of the data voltages applied to the data lines are inverted every two data lines. InFIGS. 12 to 22, the polarities of the data voltages applied to the data lines are inverted in order of +, +, −, −, +, +, −, and −.

Different from the liquid crystal panel100shown inFIG. 3, each of the liquid crystal panels100A to100D shown inFIGS. 12 to 15has a structure that the pixels arranged in the same column are alternately connected to two data lines adjacent thereto in the unit of two pixels. Referring toFIGS. 12 to 15, the pixels arranged in a u-th (u is a natural number) column disposed between a j-th (j is a natural number) data line and a (j+1)th data line are alternately connected to the j-th data line and the (j+1)th data line in the unit of two pixels.

Different from the liquid crystal panel100shown inFIG. 3, each of the liquid crystal panels100B to100D shown inFIGS. 13 to 15has a structure that the pixels arranged in the same column are alternately connected to two data lines adjacent thereto in the unit of two pixels. Referring toFIGS. 12 to 15, the pixels arranged in a h-th row disposed between a k-th gate line and a (k+1)th gate line are alternately connected to the k-th gate line and the (k+1)th gate line in the unit of at least one pixel.

Referring toFIG. 12, the pixels arranged in the h-th row disposed between the k-th gate line and the (k+1)th gate line of the liquid crystal panel100A are alternately connected to the k-th gate line and the (k+1)th gate line in the unit of one pixel.

Referring toFIG. 13, the pixels arranged in the h-th row disposed between the k-th gate line and the (k+1)th gate line of the liquid crystal panel100B are alternately connected to the k-th gate line and the (k+1)th gate line in the unit of two pixels.

Referring toFIG. 14, the pixels arranged in the h-th row disposed between the k-th gate line and the (k+1)th gate line of the liquid crystal panel100C are alternately connected to the k-th gate line and the (k+1)th gate line in the unit of four pixels.

Referring toFIG. 15, the pixels arranged in the h-th row disposed between the k-th gate line and the (k+1)th gate line of the liquid crystal panel100D are alternately connected to the k-th gate line and the (k+1)th gate line, and the gate line, to which each of the pixels arranged in the h-th row disposed between the k-th gate line and the (k+1)th gate line of the liquid crystal panel100D is connected, is changed to the k-th or (k+1)th gate line in the unit of four pixels.

Each of the liquid crystal panels100E to100H shown inFIGS. 16 to 19has the same structure and function as those of the liquid crystal panels100A to100D shown inFIGS. 12 to 15except that the pixels arranged in the same column are alternately connected to two data lines adjacent thereto in the unit of four pixels.

Each of the liquid crystal panels1001to100K shown inFIGS. 20 to 22has the same structure and function as those of the liquid crystal panels100B to100D shown inFIGS. 13 to 15except that the pixels arranged in the same column are alternately connected to two data lines adjacent thereto in the unit of one pixel.

Each of the liquid crystal panels100A to100K shown inFIGS. 12 to 22may improve the horizontal crosstalk phenomenon and the moving line-stain phenomenon.

Although the exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept have been described, it is understood that the present inventive concept should not be limited to these exemplary embodiments but various changes and modifications can be made by one ordinary skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present inventive concept as hereinafter claimed.