Patent Publication Number: US-2023154365-A1

Title: Display apparatus, virtual reality display system including the same, augmented reality display system and method of driving the same

Description:
This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0158555, filed on Nov. 17, 2021, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. § 119, the content of which in its entirety is herein incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     Embodiments of the invention relate to a display apparatus, a virtual reality display system including the display apparatus, an augmented reality display system including the display apparatus and a method of driving the display apparatus. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to a display apparatus reducing a power consumption by reducing memory access when compensating a stain of an image, a virtual reality display system including the display apparatus, an augmented reality display system including the display apparatus and a method of driving the display apparatus. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A display apparatus includes a display panel and a display panel driver. The display panel includes a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines and a plurality of pixels. The display panel driver includes a gate driver, a data driver and a driving controller. The gate driver outputs gate signals to the gate lines. The data driver outputs data voltages to the data lines. The driving controller controls driving timings of the gate driver and the data driver. 
     SUMMARY 
     A luminance deviation may be generated due to a process deviation in a manufacturing process of the display panel and the luminance deviation may be recognized by a user as a stain, for example. In addition, the luminance deviation may be generated due to a deterioration of an element of a pixel according to a usage time of the display panel and the luminance deviation may be recognized by the user as the stain. 
     Embodiments of the invention provide a display apparatus reducing a power consumption by reducing memory access when compensating a stain of an image. 
     Embodiments of the invention also provide a virtual reality display system including the above-mentioned display apparatus. 
     Embodiments of the invention also provide an augmented reality display system including the above-mentioned display apparatus. 
     Embodiments of the invention also provide a method of driving the above-mentioned display apparatus. 
     In an embodiment of a display apparatus according to the invention, the display apparatus includes a display panel, a driving controller and a data driver. The driving controller operates a stain compensation for a first compensation area of the display panel in a first frame and for a second compensation area of the display panel in a second frame and generates a data signal. The data driver converts the data signal into a data voltage and outputs the data voltage to the display panel. 
     In an embodiment, the first compensation area may correspond to an entire area of the display panel. 
     In an embodiment, the first compensation area and the second compensation area may be at least partially overlapped. 
     In an embodiment, the second compensation area may correspond to a portion of the display panel and include a central portion of the display panel. 
     In an embodiment, the driving controller may receive threshold voltage compensation data, compensate a deviation of a threshold voltage of a driving transistor of a pixel of the display panel from a memory and compensate the stain compensation. 
     In an embodiment, the driving controller may receive deterioration compensation data, compensate a deterioration of a light-emitting element of a pixel of the display panel from a memory and compensate the stain compensation. 
     In an embodiment, the first compensation area may correspond to an entire area of the display panel. The second compensation area may correspond to a portion of the display panel. A ratio of a number of frames when compensating the first compensation area to a number of frames when compensating the second compensation area may be 1:1. 
     In an embodiment, the first compensation area may correspond to an entire area of the display panel. The second compensation area may correspond to a portion of the display panel. A ratio of a number of frames when compensating the first compensation area to a number of frames when compensating the second compensation area may be 2:1. 
     In an embodiment, the display apparatus may further include an eye tracker which tracks a view point of a user. The second compensation area may be displaced along the view point of the user. 
     In an embodiment, a size of the second compensation area may be varied according to a user setting. 
     In an embodiment of a virtual reality display system according to the invention, the virtual reality display system includes a lens unit, a display apparatus and a housing. The display apparatus includes a display panel including a first display area which displays a left eye image and a second display area which displays a right eye image and a driving controller which operates a stain compensation for a first compensation area of the first display area in a first frame and for a second compensation area of the first display area in a second frame to generate a data signal. The housing accommodates the lens unit and the display apparatus. 
     In an embodiment, the first compensation area may correspond to an entire area of the first display area. 
     In an embodiment, the first compensation area and the second compensation area may be at least partially overlapped. 
     In an embodiment, the driving controller may operate the stain compensation for a third compensation area corresponding to an entire area of the second display area in the first frame and for a fourth compensation area corresponding to a portion of the second display area in the second frame. 
     In an embodiment, the virtual reality display system may further include a first eye tracker which is disposed adjacent to the first display area and tracks a left eye viewpoint. The second compensation area may be displaced along the left eye viewpoint. 
     In an embodiment, the virtual reality display system may further include a second eye tracker which is disposed adjacent to the second display area and tracks a right eye viewpoint. The fourth compensation area may be displaced along the right eye viewpoint. 
     In an embodiment of an augmented reality display system according to the invention, the augmented reality display system includes a right eye frame, a left eye frame, a display apparatus and a driving controller. The display apparatus includes a display panel including a first display area which is disposed inside the right eye frame and displays a right eye image and a second display area which is disposed inside the left eye frame and displays a left eye image. The driving controller operates a stain compensation for a first compensation area of the first display area in a first frame and for a second compensation area of the first display area in a second frame. 
     In an embodiment, the first compensation area may correspond to an entire area of the first display area. 
     In an embodiment, the first compensation area and the second compensation area may be at least partially overlapped. 
     In an embodiment, the driving controller may operate the stain compensation for a third compensation area corresponding to an entire area of the second display area in the first frame and for a fourth compensation area corresponding to a portion of the second display area in the second frame. 
     In an embodiment, the augmented reality display system may further include a first eye tracker which is disposed at the right eye frame and tracks a right eye viewpoint. The second compensation area may be displaced along the right eye viewpoint. 
     In an embodiment, the augmented reality display system may further include a second eye tracker which is disposed at the left eye frame and tracks a left eye viewpoint. The fourth compensation area may be displaced along the left eye viewpoint. 
     In an embodiment, the augmented reality display system may further include an eye tracker which is disposed at a bridge connecting the right eye frame and the left eye frame and tracks a viewpoint of a user. The second compensation area and the fourth compensation area may be displaced along the viewpoint of the user. 
     In an embodiment of a method of driving a display apparatus according to the invention, the method includes operating a stain compensation for a first compensation area of a display panel in a first frame, operating the stain compensation for a second compensation area of the display panel in a second frame, converting a data signal generated by the stain compensation into a data voltage and outputting the data voltage to the display panel. 
     In an embodiment, the first compensation area may correspond to an entire area of the display panel. 
     In an embodiment, the first compensation area and the second compensation area may be at least partially overlapped. 
     In an embodiment, the second compensation area may correspond to a portion of the display panel and include a central portion of the display panel. 
     In an embodiment, the method may further include tracking a viewpoint of a user. The second compensation area may be displaced along the viewpoint of the user. 
     According to the display apparatus, the virtual reality display system including the display apparatus, the augmented reality display system including the display apparatus and the method of driving the display apparatus, the driving controller may operate a stain compensation for the first compensation area corresponding to an entire area of the display panel in the first frame and a stain compensation for the second compensation area corresponding to a portion of the display panel in the second frame. Thus, the memory access may be reduced when compensating the stain of the image so that the power consumption of the display apparatus may be reduced. 
     In addition, the display apparatus may further include the eye tracker tracking the user&#39;s viewpoint and moves the second compensation area according to the user&#39;s viewpoint. Thus, the power consumption of the display apparatus may be reduced and the display quality may be enhanced. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent by describing in detailed embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display apparatus according to the invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a block diagram illustrating a driving controller of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are conceptual diagrams illustrating an operation of a stain compensator of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display apparatus according to the invention; 
         FIG.  5    is a block diagram illustrating a driving controller of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of a stain compensator of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a driving controller of a display apparatus according to the invention; 
         FIG.  8    is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of a stain compensator of  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a conceptual diagram illustrating an embodiment of an operation of a stain compensator of a display apparatus according to the invention; 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a virtual reality display system according to the invention; 
         FIG.  11    is a block diagram illustrating a display apparatus of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a conceptual diagram illustrating the display apparatus of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  13    is a conceptual diagram illustrating a display panel of  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  14    is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of a stain compensator of a driving controller of  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a conceptual diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display panel of a virtual reality display system according to the invention; 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view illustrating an augmented reality display system according to the invention; 
         FIG.  17    is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of a stain compensator of the augmented reality display system of  FIG.  16   ; 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an augmented reality display system according to the invention; and 
         FIG.  19    is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an augmented reality display system according to the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Hereinafter, the invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” “third” 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. Thus, “a first element,” “component,” “region,” “layer” or “section” discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings herein. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms, including “at least one,” unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. “Or” means “and/or.” As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or “top,” may be used herein to describe one element&#39;s relationship to another element as illustrated in the 
     Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. In an embodiment, when the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as being on the “lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sides of the other elements. The exemplary term “lower,” can therefore, encompasses both an orientation of “lower” and “upper,” depending on the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, when the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented “above” the other elements. The exemplary terms “below” or “beneath” can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below. 
     “About” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). The term “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value, for example. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the invention, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
       FIG.  1    is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display apparatus according to the invention. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , the display apparatus includes a display panel  100  and a display panel driver. The display panel driver includes a driving controller  200 , a gate driver  300 , a gamma reference voltage generator  400  and a data driver  500 . 
     In an embodiment, the driving controller  200  and the data driver  500  may be unitary. In an embodiment, the driving controller  200 , the gamma reference voltage generator  400  and the data driver  500  may be unitary, for example. In an embodiment, the driving controller  200 , the gate driver  300 , the gamma reference voltage generator  400  and the data driver  500  may be unitary, for example. A driving module including at least the driving controller  200  and the data driver  500  which are unitary may be referred to as a timing controller embedded data driver (“TED”). 
     The display panel  100  includes a display region AA and a peripheral region PA adjacent to the display region AA. 
     In an embodiment, the display panel  100  may be an organic light-emitting diode display panel including organic light-emitting diodes, for example. In an alternative embodiment, the display panel  100  may be a liquid crystal display panel including liquid crystal molecules. 
     The display panel  100  includes a plurality of gate lines GL, a plurality of data lines DL and a plurality of pixels P electrically connected to corresponding gate lines GL of the plurality of gate lines GL and corresponding data lines DL of the plurality of data lines DL. The gate lines GL extend in a first direction D 1  and the data lines DL extend in a second direction D 2  crossing the first direction D 1 . 
     The driving controller  200  receives input image data IMG and an input control signal CONT from an external apparatus. In an embodiment, the driving controller  200  may receive the input image data IMG and the input control signal CONT from a host, for example. The input image data IMG may include red image data, green image data and blue image data. The input image data IMG may include white image data. The input image data IMG may include magenta image data, yellow image data and cyan image data. The input control signal CONT may include a master clock signal and a data enable signal. The input control signal CONT may further include a vertical synchronizing signal and a horizontal synchronizing signal. 
     The driving controller  200  generates a first control signal CONT 1 , a second control signal CONT 2 , a third control signal CONT 3  and a data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG and the input control signal CONT. 
     The driving controller  200  generates the first control signal CONT 1  for controlling an operation of the gate driver  300  based on the input control signal CONT, and outputs the first control signal CONT 1  to the gate driver  300 . The first control signal CONT 1  may include a vertical start signal and a gate clock signal. 
     The driving controller  200  generates the second control signal CONT 2  for controlling an operation of the data driver  500  based on the input control signal CONT, and outputs the second control signal CONT 2  to the data driver  500 . The second control signal CONT 2  may include a horizontal start signal and a load signal. 
     The driving controller  200  generates the data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG. The driving controller  200  outputs the data signal DATA to the data driver  500 . 
     The driving controller  200  generates the third control signal CONT 3  for controlling an operation of the gamma reference voltage generator  400  based on the input control signal CONT, and outputs the third control signal CONT 3  to the gamma reference voltage generator  400 . 
     The gate driver  300  generates gate signals GS driving the gate lines GL in response to the first control signal CONT 1  received from the driving controller  200 . The gate driver  300  outputs the gate signals GS to the gate lines GL. In an embodiment, the gate driver  300  may sequentially output the gate signals GS to the gate lines GL, for example. In an embodiment, the gate driver  300  may be integrated on the peripheral region PA of the display panel  100 , for example. In an embodiment, the gate driver  300  may be disposed (e.g., mounted) on the peripheral region PA of the display panel  100 , for example. 
     The gamma reference voltage generator  400  generates a gamma reference voltage VGREF in response to the third control signal CONT 3  received from the driving controller  200 . The gamma reference voltage generator  400  provides the gamma reference voltage VGREF to the data driver  500 . The gamma reference voltage VGREF has a value corresponding to a level of the data signal DATA. 
     In an embodiment, the gamma reference voltage generator  400  may be disposed in the driving controller  200 , or in the data driver  500 . 
     The data driver  500  receives the second control signal CONT 2  and the data signal DATA from the driving controller  200 , and receives the gamma reference voltages VGREF from the gamma reference voltage generator  400 . The data driver  500  converts the data signal DATA into data voltages DV having an analog type using the gamma reference voltages VGREF. The data driver  500  outputs the data voltages DV to the data lines DL. In an embodiment, the data driver  500  may be integrated on the peripheral region PA of the display panel  100 , for example. In an embodiment, the data driver  500  may be disposed (e.g., mounted) on the peripheral region PA of the display panel  100 , for example. 
       FIG.  2    is a block diagram illustrating the driving controller  200  of  FIG.  1   .  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are conceptual diagrams illustrating an operation of a stain compensator  220  of  FIG.  2   . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  to  3 B , the driving controller  200  may operate a stain compensation for a first compensation area AR 1  of the display panel  100  in a predetermined frame and a stain compensation for a second compensation area AR 2  of the display panel  100  in another predetermined frame to generate the data signal DATA. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 A , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to an entire area of the display panel  100 . The second compensation area AR 2  may correspond to a portion of the display panel  100 . The first compensation area AR 1  and the second compensation area AR 2  may be at least partially overlapped. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 B , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to a portion of the display panel  100 . The second compensation area AR 2  may correspond to another portion of the display panel  100 . The first compensation area AR 1  and the second compensation area AR 2  may be at least partially overlapped. In an embodiment, a size of the first compensation area AR 1  may be greater than a size of the second compensation area AR 2 , for example. The second compensation area AR 2  may be included in the first compensation area AR 1 . 
     In an embodiment, the driving controller  200  may operate the first compensation area AR 1  in a first frame FR 1  and the second compensation area AR 2  in a second frame FR 2 , for example. In addition, the driving controller  200  may operate the first compensation area AR 1  in a third frame FR 3  and the second compensation area AR 2  in a fourth frame FR 4 . 
     In an embodiment, the second compensation area AR 2  may include a central portion of the display panel  100 , for example. In an embodiment, the second compensation area AR 2  may have an elliptical shape, for example. In an embodiment, when the display panel  100  has a horizontally long quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) shape, the second compensation area AR 2  may have a horizontally long elliptical shape, for example. In an embodiment, when the display panel  100  has a vertically long quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) shape, the second compensation area AR 2  may have a vertically long elliptical shape, for example. In an embodiment, the compensation area AR 2  may have a circular shape, for example. In an embodiment, when the display panel  100  has a square shape, the second compensation area AR 2  may have the circular shape, for example. 
     When the stain compensation is operated on the entire area (e.g. the first compensation area AR 1  of  FIG.  3 A ) of the display panel  100 , the stain of the entire are of the display panel  100  is compensated so that the display quality of the display panel  100  is enhanced but an amount of memory access for the stain compensation is increased and accordingly, the power consumption of the display apparatus may be increased. 
     In contrast, when the stain compensation is operated on a predetermined portion (e.g. the second compensation area AR 2 ) of the display panel  100 , the stain of the predetermined portion of the display panel  100  is compensated so that the display quality of the display panel  100  may slightly decrease but an amount of memory access for the stain compensation is decreased and accordingly, the power consumption of the display apparatus may be reduced. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a ratio of a number of frames when compensating the first compensation area AR 1  corresponding to the entire area of the display panel  100  to a number of frames when compensating the second compensation area AR 2  corresponding to a portion of the display panel  100  may be 1:1. As explained above, the stain compensation for the entire area of the display panel  100  and the stain compensation for a portion of the display panel  100  are alternately applied so that the display quality of the display panel  100  may be properly enhanced and the power consumption of the display apparatus may be properly reduced. Herein, the second compensation area AR 2  may include a central portion of the display panel  100  where a user&#39;s viewpoint is likely to be located so that a degree of reduction of the display quality of the display panel  100  may be decreased. 
     In an embodiment, the driving controller  200  may include a stain compensator  220  and a memory  240 , for example. 
     The stain compensator  220  may receive the input image data IMG. The stain compensator  220  may generate the data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG. The stain compensator  220  may operate a stain compensation for the first compensation area AR 1  in the first frame FR 1  and a stain compensation for the second compensation area AR 2  in the second frame FR 2  to generate the data signal DATA. 
     In an embodiment, the stain compensator  220  may receive threshold voltage compensation data TVC for compensating a deviation of a threshold voltage of a driving transistor DT of the pixel P of the display panel  100  from the memory  240  to compensate the stain compensation, for example. 
     In an embodiment, the stain compensator  220  may receive deterioration compensation data DEC for compensating a deterioration of a light-emitting element of the pixel P of the display panel  100  from the memory  240  to compensate the stain compensation, for example. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the driving controller  200  may operate a stain compensation for the first compensation area AR 1  corresponding to the entire area of the display panel  100  in the first frame FR 1  and a stain compensation for the second compensation area AR 2  corresponding to a portion of the display panel  100  in the second frame FR 2 . Thus, the memory access may be reduced when compensating the stain of the image so that the power consumption of the display apparatus may be reduced. 
       FIG.  4    is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display apparatus according to the invention.  FIG.  5    is a block diagram illustrating a driving controller  200 A of  FIG.  4   .  FIG.  6    is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of a stain compensator  220 A of  FIG.  5   . 
     The display apparatus in the illustrated embodiment is substantially the same as the display apparatus of the previous embodiment explained referring to  FIGS.  1  to  3 B  except that the display apparatus further includes an eye tracker. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts as those described in the previous embodiment of  FIGS.  1  to  3 B  and any repetitive explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4  to  6   , the display apparatus includes a display panel  100  and a display panel driver. The display panel driver includes a driving controller  200 A, a gate driver  300 , a gamma reference voltage generator  400  and a data driver  500 . 
     The driving controller  200 A may operate a stain compensation for a first compensation area AR 1  of the display panel  100  in a predetermined frame and a stain compensation for a second compensation area AR 2  of the display panel  100  in another predetermined frame to generate the data signal DATA. In an embodiment, like  FIG.  3 A , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to an entire area of the display panel  100  and the second compensation area AR 2  may correspond to a portion of the display panel  100 , for example. In an embodiment, like  FIG.  3 B , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to a portion of the display panel  100 , the second compensation area AR 2  may correspond to a portion of the display panel  100  and the second compensation area AR 2  may be included in the first compensation area AR 1 , for example. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the display apparatus may further include the eye tracker  600 . The eye tracker  600  may output a viewpoint signal VS representing a user&#39;s viewpoint to the driving controller  200 A. 
     The driving controller  200 A may include a stain compensator  220 A and a memory  240 . 
     The stain compensator  220 A may receive the input image data IMG and the viewpoint signal VS. The stain compensator  220 A may generate the data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG and the user&#39;s viewpoint. 
     The stain compensator  220 A may operate a stain compensation for the first compensation area AR 1  in the first frame FR 1  and a stain compensation for the second compensation area AR 2  in the second frame FR 2  to generate the data signal DATA. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the second compensation area AR 2  may be displaced along the user&#39;s viewpoint. 
     The stain compensator  220 A may operate a stain compensation for the first compensation area AR 1  in a third frame FR 3  and a stain compensation for a third compensation area AR 3  which is displaced from the second compensation area AR 2  along the user&#39;s viewpoint in a fourth frame FR 4 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the user&#39;s viewpoint may be displaced from a central portion of the display panel  100  to an upper left portion of the display panel  100  in the fourth frame FR 4 . However, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and the user&#39;s viewpoint may be displaced to another portion of the display panel  100 . Partial compensation areas (e.g. AR 2  and AR 3 ) are displaced along the user&#39;s viewpoint so that a decrease of the display quality of the display panel  100  in partial compensation frames (e.g. FR 2  and FR 4 ) may be prevented. 
     In an embodiment, a size of the third compensation area AR 3  may be substantially the same as that of the second compensation area AR 2 , for example. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the driving controller  200 A may operate a stain compensation for the first compensation area AR 1  corresponding to the entire area of the display panel  100  in the first frame FR 1  and a stain compensation for the second compensation area AR 2  corresponding to a portion of the display panel  100  in the second frame FR 2 . Thus, the memory access may be reduced when compensating the stain of the image so that the power consumption of the display apparatus may be reduced. 
     In addition, the display apparatus may further include the eye tracker  600  tracking the user&#39;s viewpoint and moves the second compensation area AR 2  according to the user&#39;s viewpoint. Thus, the power consumption of the display apparatus may be reduced and the display quality may be enhanced. 
       FIG.  7    is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a driving controller  200 B of a display apparatus according to the invention.  FIG.  8    is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of a stain compensator  220 B of  FIG.  7   . 
     The display apparatus in the illustrated embodiment is substantially the same as the display apparatus of the previous embodiment explained referring to  FIGS.  1  to  3 B  except that a size of the partial compensation area is varied according to a user setting. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts as those described in the previous embodiment of  FIGS.  1  to  3 B  and any repetitive explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 ,  7  and  8   , the display apparatus includes a display panel  100  and a display panel driver. The display panel driver includes a driving controller  200 B, a gate driver  300 , a gamma reference voltage generator  400  and a data driver  500 . 
     The driving controller  200 B may operate a stain compensation for a first compensation area AR 1  of the display panel  100  in a predetermined frame and a stain compensation for a second compensation area AR 2  or AR 4  of the display panel  100  in another predetermined frame to generate the data signal DATA. In an embodiment, like  FIG.  3 A , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to an entire area of the display panel  100  and the second compensation area AR 2  or AR 4  may correspond to a portion of the display panel  100 , for example. In an embodiment, like  FIG.  3 B , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to a portion of the display panel  100 , the second compensation area AR 2  or AR 4  may correspond to a portion of the display panel  100  and the second compensation area AR 2  or AR 4  may be included in the first compensation area AR 1 , for example. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a size of the second area AR 2  or AR 4  may be varied according to the user setting SS. In an embodiment, the size of the second area AR 2  or AR 4  may be adjusted according to a degree of visibility of the stain by the user, for example. The degree of visibility of the stain by the user may be determined by the user setting SS. 
     The driving controller  200 B may include a stain compensator  220 B and a memory  240 . 
     The stain compensator  220 B may receive the input image data IMG and the user setting SS. The stain compensator  220 B may generate the data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG and the user setting SS. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the size of the second compensation area may be enlarged from AR 2  of  FIGS.  2    to AR 4  of  FIG.  8    by the user setting SS. 
     The stain compensator  220 B may operate a stain compensation for the first compensation area AR 1  in the first frame FR 1  and a stain compensation for an enlarged second compensation area AR 4  in the second frame FR 2 . 
     The stain compensator  220 B may operate a stain compensation for the first compensation area AR 1  in a third frame FR 3  and a stain compensation for the enlarged second compensation area AR 4  in a fourth frame FR 4 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the driving controller  200 B may operate a stain compensation for the first compensation area AR 1  corresponding to the entire area of the display panel  100  in the first frame FR 1  and a stain compensation for the second compensation area AR 2  corresponding to a portion of the display panel  100  in the second frame FR 2 . Thus, the memory access may be reduced when compensating the stain of the image so that the power consumption of the display apparatus may be reduced. 
       FIG.  9    is a conceptual diagram illustrating an embodiment of an operation of a stain compensator of a display apparatus according to the invention. 
     The display apparatus in the illustrated embodiment is substantially the same as the display apparatus of the previous embodiment explained referring to  FIGS.  1  to  3 B  except for the number of the frames when compensating the first compensation area corresponding to the entire area of the display panel and the number of frames when compensating the second compensation area corresponding to a portion of the display panel. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts as those described in the previous embodiment of  FIGS.  1  to  3 B  and any repetitive explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 ,  2  and  9   , the display apparatus includes a display panel  100  and a display panel driver. The display panel driver includes a driving controller  200 , a gate driver  300 , a gamma reference voltage generator  400  and a data driver  500 . 
     The driving controller  200  may operate a stain compensation for a first compensation area AR 1  of the display panel  100  in a predetermined frame and a stain compensation for a second compensation area AR 2  of the display panel  100  in another predetermined frame to generate the data signal DATA. In an embodiment, like  FIG.  3 A , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to an entire area of the display panel  100  and the second compensation area AR 2  may correspond to a portion of the display panel  100 , for example. In an embodiment, like  FIG.  3 B , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to a portion of the display panel  100 , the second compensation area AR 2  may correspond to a portion of the display panel  100  and the second compensation area AR 2  may be included in the first compensation area AR 1 , for example. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the driving controller  200  may operate a stain compensation for the first compensation area AR 1  in a first frame FR 1 , may operate a stain compensation for the first compensation area AR 1  in a second frame FR 2 , may operate a stain compensation for the second compensation area AR 2  in a third frame FR 3 , may operate a stain compensation for the first compensation area AR 1  in a fourth frame FR 4 , may operate a stain compensation for the first compensation area AR 1  in a fifth frame FRS, and may operate a stain compensation for the second compensation area AR 2  in a sixth frame FR 6 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a ratio of the number of frames when compensating the first compensation area AR 1  corresponding to the entire area of the display panel  100  to the number of frames when compensating the second compensation area AR 2  corresponding to a portion of the display panel  100  may be 2:1. As explained above, the stain compensation for the entire area of the display panel  100  and the stain compensation for a portion of the display panel  100  are alternately applied so that the display quality of the display panel  100  may be properly enhanced and the power consumption of the display apparatus may be properly reduced. Herein, the second compensation area AR 2  may include a central portion of the display panel  100  where a user&#39;s viewpoint is likely to be located so that a degree of reduction of the display quality of the display panel  100  may be decreased. 
     A ratio of the number of frames when compensating the entire area of the display panel  100  to the number of frames when compensating a portion of the display panel  100  may be properly adjusted. Although the ratio of the number of frames when compensating the entire area of the display panel  100  to the number of frames when compensating a portion of the display panel  100  is 2:1 in the illustrated embodiment, the invention may not be limited thereto. 
     In an embodiment, the ratio of the number of frames when compensating the entire area of the display panel  100  to the number of frames when compensating a portion of the display panel  100  may be adjusted according to a degree of visibility of the stain by the user, for example. The degree of visibility of the stain by the user may be determined by the user setting SS. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the driving controller  200  may operate a stain compensation for the first compensation area AR 1  in the first frame FR 1  and the second frame FR 2  and a stain compensation for the second compensation area AR 2  in the third frame FR 3 . Thus, the memory access may be reduced when compensating the stain of the image so that the power consumption of the display apparatus may be reduced. 
       FIG.  10    is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a virtual reality display system according to the invention.  FIG.  11    is a block diagram illustrating a display apparatus  2000  of  FIG.  10   .  FIG.  12    is a conceptual diagram illustrating the display apparatus  2000  of  FIG.  10   .  FIG.  13    is a conceptual diagram illustrating a display panel  100  of  FIG.  11   .  FIG.  14    is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of a stain compensator of a driving controller  200  of  FIG.  11   . 
     The illustrated embodiment exemplifies a case in which the display apparatus explained referring to  FIGS.  1  to  3 B  is applied to a virtual reality display system. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts as those described in the previous embodiment of  FIGS.  1  to  3 B  and any repetitive explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  and  10  to  14   , the virtual reality display system includes a lens unit  1000 , a display apparatus  2000  and a housing  3000 . The display apparatus  2000  is disposed adjacent to the lens unit  1000 . The housing  3000  may accommodate the lens unit  1000  and the display apparatus  2000 . Although the lens unit  1000  and the display apparatus  2000  are accommodated in a first side of the housing  3000  in  FIG.  10   , the invention may not be limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the lens unit  1000  may be accommodated in a first side of the housing  3000  and the display apparatus may be accommodated in a second side of the housing  3000 . When the lens unit  1000  and the display apparatus  2000  are accommodated in the housing  3000  in opposite sides, the housing  3000  may have a transmission area to transmit a light. 
     In an embodiment, the virtual reality display system may be a head mounted display system which is wearable on a head of a user, for example. Although not shown in drawing figures, the virtual reality display system may further include a head band to fix the virtual reality display system on the head of the user. 
     The display apparatus  2000  includes a display panel  100  and a display panel driver. 
     The display panel driver includes a driving controller  200 , a gate driver  300 , a gamma reference voltage generator  400  and a data driver  500 . 
     The display apparatus may include the display panel  100 , a left eye lens LL and a right eye lens LR. The display panel  100  displays an image. 
     The left eye lens LL may be disposed between a user&#39;s left eye LE and the display panel  100 , may refract an image on a first display area IL of the display panel  100  and may transmit the refracted image to the user&#39;s left eye LE. In an embodiment, the left eye lens LL may enlarge the image on the first display area IL and may transmit the enlarged image to the user&#39;s left eye LE, for example. 
     The right eye lens LR may be disposed between a user&#39;s right eye RE and the display panel  100 , may refract an image on a second display area IR of the display panel  100  and may transmit the refracted image to the user&#39;s right eye RE. In an embodiment, the right eye lens LR may enlarge the image on the second display area IR and may transmit the enlarged image to the user&#39;s right eye RE, for example. 
     The display panel  100  may include the first display area IL displaying a left eye image and the second display area IR displaying a right eye image. In the head mounted display system, the user views the refracted image using the left eye lens LL and the right eye lens LR so that edges of the first display area IL and edges of the second display area IR may have a curved shape rather than a straight shape. 
     In an embodiment, areas illustrated in  FIG.  14    may mean the first display area IL of  FIG.  13   , for example. 
     The driving controller  200  may operate a stain compensation for a first compensation area AR 1  of the first display area IL in a predetermined frame and a stain compensation for a second compensation area AR 2  of the first display area IL in another predetermined frame to generate the data signal DATA. In an embodiment, like  FIG.  3 A , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to an entire area of the first display area IL and the second compensation area AR 2  may correspond to a portion of the first display area IL, for example. In an embodiment, like  FIG.  3 B , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to a portion of the first display area IL, the second compensation area AR 2  may correspond to a portion of the first display area IL and the second compensation area AR 2  may be included in the first compensation area AR 1 , for example. 
     In an embodiment, the driving controller  200  may operate the first compensation area AR 1  in a first frame FR 1  and the second compensation area AR 2  in a second frame FR 2 , for example. In addition, the driving controller  200  may operate the first compensation area AR 1  in a third frame FR 3  and the second compensation area AR 2  in a fourth frame FR 4 . 
     In an embodiment, areas illustrated in  FIG.  14    may mean the second display area IR of  FIG.  13   , for example. 
     The driving controller  200  may operate a stain compensation for a first compensation area AR 1  of the second display area IR in a predetermined frame and a stain compensation for a second compensation area AR 2  of the second display area IR in another predetermined frame to generate the data signal DATA. In an embodiment, like  FIG.  3 A , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to an entire area of the second display area IR and the second compensation area AR 2  may correspond to a portion of the second display area IR, for example. In an embodiment, like  FIG.  3 B , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to a portion of the second display area IR, the second compensation area AR 2  may correspond to a portion of the second display area IR and the second compensation area AR 2  may be included in the first compensation area AR 1 , for example. 
     In an embodiment, the driving controller  200  may operate the first compensation area AR 1  in a first frame FR 1  and the second compensation area AR 2  in a second frame FR 2 , for example. In addition, the driving controller  200  may operate the first compensation area AR 1  in a third frame FR 3  and the second compensation area AR 2  in a fourth frame FR 4 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the driving controller  200  may operate a stain compensation for the first compensation area AR 1  corresponding to the entire area of the first display area IL and the second display area IR in the first frame FR 1  and a stain compensation for the second compensation area AR 2  corresponding to a portion of the first display area IL and the second display area IR in the second frame FR 2 . Thus, the memory access may be reduced when compensating the stain of the image so that the power consumption of the display apparatus may be reduced. 
       FIG.  15    is a conceptual diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display panel of a virtual reality display system according to the invention. 
     The virtual reality display system in the illustrated embodiment is substantially the same as the virtual reality display system of the previous embodiment explained referring to  FIGS.  10  to  14    except that the virtual reality display system further includes an eye tracker. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts as those described in the previous embodiment of  FIGS.  10  to  14    and any repetitive explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  10  to  12 ,  14  and  15   , the driving controller  200  may operate a stain compensation for a first compensation area AR 1  of the first display area IL in a predetermined frame and a stain compensation for a second compensation area AR 2  of the first display area IL in another predetermined frame to generate the data signal DATA. In an embodiment, like  FIG.  3 A , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to an entire area of the first display area IL and the second compensation area AR 2  may correspond to a portion of the first display area IL, for example. In an embodiment, like  FIG.  3 B , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to a portion of the first display area IL, the second compensation area AR 2  may correspond to a portion of the first display area IL and the second compensation area AR 2  may be included in the first compensation area AR 1 , for example. 
     In an embodiment, the driving controller  200  may operate the first compensation area AR 1  in a first frame FR 1  and the second compensation area AR 2  in a second frame FR 2 , for example. In addition, the driving controller  200  may operate the first compensation area AR 1  in a third frame FR 3  and the second compensation area AR 2  in a fourth frame FR 4 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the virtual reality display system may further include a first eye tracker  610  disposed adjacent to the first display area IL and tracking a user&#39;s left eye viewpoint. Herein, the second compensation area AR 2  of the first display area IL may be displaced according to the user&#39;s left eye viewpoint. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the virtual reality display system may further include a second eye tracker  620  disposed adjacent to second first display area IR and tracking a user&#39;s right eye viewpoint. Herein, the second compensation area AR 2  of the second display area IR may be displaced according to the user&#39;s right eye viewpoint. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the driving controller  200  may operate a stain compensation for the first compensation area AR 1  corresponding to the entire area of the first display area IL and the second display area IR in the first frame FR 1  and a stain compensation for the second compensation area AR 2  corresponding to a portion of the first display area IL and the second display area IR in the second frame FR 2 . Thus, the memory access may be reduced when compensating the stain of the image so that the power consumption of the display apparatus may be reduced. 
       FIG.  16    is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an augmented reality display system according to the invention.  FIG.  17    is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of a stain compensator of the augmented reality display system of  FIG.  16   . 
     The illustrated embodiment exemplifies a case in which the display apparatus explained referring to  FIGS.  1  to  3 B  is applied to an augmented reality display system. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts as those described in the previous embodiment of  FIGS.  1  to  3 B  and any repetitive explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 ,  16  and  17   , the augmented reality display system includes a right eye frame F 1 , a left eye frame F 2 , a first display area  110  disposed inside the right eye frame F 1  and displaying a right eye image, a second display area  120  disposed inside the left eye frame F 2  and displaying a left eye image and a driving controller operating a stain compensation of the display panel  100 . 
     The augmented reality display system may further include a bridge BR connecting the right eye frame F 1  and the left eye frame F 2 . 
     In an embodiment, the augmented reality display system may be smart glasses worn on user&#39;s eyes, for example. 
     The augmented reality display system may include a display panel driver driving the display panel  100  as shown in  FIG.  1   . The display panel driver may include the driving controller  200 , a gate driver  300 , a gamma reference voltage generator  400  and a data driver  500 . The display panel driver may be disposed at the right eye frame F 1 , the left eye frame F 2  or the bridge BR. 
     In an embodiment, areas illustrated in  FIG.  17    may mean the first display area  110  of  FIG.  16   , for example. 
     The driving controller  200  may operate a stain compensation for a first compensation area AR 1  of the first display area  110  in a predetermined frame and a stain compensation for a second compensation area AR 2  of the first display area  110  in another predetermined frame to generate the data signal DATA. In an embodiment, like  FIG.  3 A , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to an entire area of the first display area  110  and the second compensation area AR 2  may correspond to a portion of the first display area  110 , for example. In an embodiment, like  FIG.  3 B , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to a portion of the first display area  110 , the second compensation area AR 2  may correspond to a portion of the first display area  110  and the second compensation area AR 2  may be included in the first compensation area AR 1 , for example. 
     In an embodiment, the driving controller  200  may operate the first compensation area AR 1  in a first frame FR 1  and the second compensation area AR 2  in a second frame FR 2 , for example. In addition, the driving controller  200  may operate the first compensation area AR 1  in a third frame FR 3  and the second compensation area AR 2  in a fourth frame FR 4 . 
     In an embodiment, areas illustrated in  FIG.  17    may mean the second display area  120  of  FIG.  16   , for example. 
     The driving controller  200  may operate a stain compensation for a first compensation area AR 1  of the second display area  120  in a predetermined frame and a stain compensation for a second compensation area AR 2  of the second display area  120  in another predetermined frame to generate the data signal DATA. In an embodiment, like  FIG.  3 A , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to an entire area of the second display area  120  and the second compensation area AR 2  may correspond to a portion of the second display area  120 , for example. In an embodiment, like  FIG.  3 B , the first compensation area AR 1  may correspond to a portion of the second display area  120 , the second compensation area AR 2  may correspond to a portion of the second display area  120  and the second compensation area AR 2  may be included in the first compensation area AR 1 , for example. 
     In an embodiment, the driving controller  200  may operate the first compensation area AR 1  in a first frame FR 1  and the second compensation area AR 2  in a second frame FR 2 , for example. In addition, the driving controller  200  may operate the first compensation area AR 1  in a third frame FR 3  and the second compensation area AR 2  in a fourth frame FR 4 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the driving controller  200  may operate a stain compensation for the first compensation area AR 1  corresponding to the entire area of the first display area  110  and the second display area  120  in the first frame FR 1  and a stain compensation for the second compensation area AR 2  corresponding to a portion of the first display area  110  and the second display area  120  in the second frame FR 2 . Thus, the memory access may be reduced when compensating the stain of the image so that the power consumption of the display apparatus may be reduced. 
       FIG.  18    is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an augmented reality display system according to the invention. 
     The augmented reality display system in the illustrated embodiment is substantially the same as the augmented reality display system of the previous embodiment explained referring to  FIGS.  16  and  17    except that the augmented reality display system further includes an eye tracker. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts as those described in the previous embodiment of  FIGS.  16  and  17    and any repetitive explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  17  and  18   , the augmented reality display system may further include a first eye tracker  610  disposed at the right eye frame Fl and tracking a user&#39;s right eye viewpoint. Herein, the second compensation area AR 2  of the first display area  110  may be displaced according to the user&#39;s right eye viewpoint. 
     The augmented reality display system may further include a second eye tracker  620  disposed at the left eye frame F 1  and tracking a user&#39;s left eye viewpoint. Herein, the second compensation area AR 2  of the second display area  120  may be displaced according to the user&#39;s left eye viewpoint. 
       FIG.  19    is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an augmented reality display system according to the invention. 
     The augmented reality display system in the illustrated embodiment is substantially the same as the augmented reality display system of the previous embodiment explained referring to  FIGS.  16  and  17    except that the augmented reality display system further includes an eye tracker. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts as those described in the previous embodiment of  FIGS.  16  and  17    and any repetitive explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  17  and  19   , the augmented reality display system may further include an eye tracker  600  disposed at the bridge BR connecting the right eye frame Fl and the left eye frame F 2  and tracking a user&#39;s viewpoint. Herein, the second compensation area AR 2  of the first display area  110  may be displaced according to the user&#39;s viewpoint. 
     By the embodiments of the display apparatus, the virtual reality display system, the augmented reality display system and the method of driving the display apparatus, the power consumption may be reduced. 
     The foregoing is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof Although a few embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limited to the illustrative embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.