Patent ID: 12243468

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

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 present 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, “a”, “an,” “the,” and “at least one” do not denote a limitation of quantity, and are intended to include both the singular and plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, “an element” has the same meaning as “at least one element,” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “At least one” is not to be construed as limiting “a” or “an.” “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'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. For example, if 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 term “lower,” can therefore, encompasses both an orientation of “lower” and “upper,” depending on the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if 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 terms “below” or “beneath” can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.

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 disclosure 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 present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Embodiments described herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions as illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to limit the scope of the present claims.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating a display device1000according to embodiments of the invention.

Referring toFIG.1, an embodiment of the display device1000may include a display panel100and a display panel driver10. The display panel driver10may include a timing controller200, a gate driver300, and a data driver400. In an embodiment, the timing controller200and the data driver400may be integrated into one chip.

The display panel100has a display region AA on which an image is displayed and a peripheral region PA adjacent to the display region AA. In an embodiment, the gate driver300may be mounted on the peripheral region PA of the display panel100.

The display panel100may include a plurality of gate lines GL, a plurality of data lines DL, and a plurality of pixels P electrically connected to the data lines DL and the gate lines GL. The gate lines GL may extend in a first direction D1and the data lines DL may extend in a second direction D2crossing the first direction D1.

The timing controller200may receive input image data IMG and an input control signal CONT from a host processor (e.g., a graphic processing unit (GPU)). In an embodiment, for example, the input image data IMG may include red image data, green image data and blue image data. In an embodiment, the input image data IMG may further include white image data. In an alternative embodiment, for example, 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 timing controller200may generate a first control signal CONT1, a second control signal CONT2, and data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG and the input control signal CONT.

The timing controller200may generate the first control signal CONT1for controlling operation of the gate driver300based on the input control signal CONT and output the first control signal CONT1to the gate driver300. The first control signal CONT1may include a vertical start signal and a gate clock signal.

The timing controller200may generate the second control signal CONT2for controlling operation of the data driver400based on the input control signal CONT and output the second control signal CONT2to the data driver400. The second control signal CONT2may include a horizontal start signal and a load signal.

The timing controller200may receive the input image data IMG and the input control signal CONT, and generate the data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG and the input control signal CONT. The timing controller200may output the data signal DATA to the data driver400.

The gate driver300may generate gate signals for driving the gate lines GL in response to the first control signal CONT1input from the timing controller200. The gate driver300may output the gate signals to the gate lines GL. In an embodiment, for example, the gate driver300may sequentially output the gate signals to the gate lines GL.

The data driver400may receive the second control signal CONT2and the data signal DATA from the timing controller200. The data driver400may convert the data signal DATA into data voltages having an analog type. The data driver400may output the data voltages to the data lines DL.

FIG.2is a graph illustrating an example in which the display device1000ofFIG.1adjusts a luminance gain LG according to a still image.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, the timing controller200may set a time point when (to which) a set time ST elapses from a time point when (at which) the input image data IMG is determined to be the still image as an operation time point OTP, and decrease the luminance gain LG from the operation time point OTP. The set time ST may be a set time for the timing controller200to adjust the luminance gain LG.

In an embodiment, for example, in a case of a still image, grayscale values of the input image data IMG continuous in frame units may be substantially the same as each other. In an embodiment, for example, in a case of a moving image, grayscale values of the input image data IMG continuous in frame units may be substantially different from each other.

The timing controller200may apply the luminance gain LG to the input image data IMG to generate the data signal DATA. The luminance gain LG may be a value of 0 or greater and 1 or less. In an embodiment, for example, when the luminance gain LG of 1 is applied to the input image data IMG, a luminance of a displayed image may not change (i.e., 1 times). In an embodiment, for example, when the luminance gain LG of 0.5 is applied to the input image data IMG, a luminance of a displayed image may be halved (i.e., 0.5 times).

The timing controller200may maintain the luminance gain LG for the set time ST. The timing controller200may decrease the luminance gain LG from the operation time point OTP. In an embodiment, the timing controller200may decrease the luminance gain LG from the operation time point OTP to a saturation level. In an embodiment, for example, as shown inFIG.2, when the saturation level is 0.5, the luminance gain LG may be reduced to 0.5.

The timing controller200may return the luminance gain LG to an initial level (i.e., 1) at a reset time point RTP. The reset time point RTP may be a time point at which it is determined that the input image data IMG is no longer the still image.

In such an embodiment, as described above, when the still image is displayed, the display device1000may effectively prevent an afterimage caused by the still image and reduce power consumption by lowering the luminance of the image.

FIG.3is a diagram illustrating an example of the display panel100of the display device1000ofFIG.1,FIG.4is a graph illustrating an example in which the display device1000ofFIG.1adjusts the set time ST for adjusting the luminance gain LG based on accumulated deterioration amounts AGE, andFIGS.5A to5Dare tables illustrating an example in which the display device1000ofFIG.1adjusts the set time ST for adjusting the luminance gain LG based on the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE. The accumulated deterioration amounts AGE may be relative values.

Referring toFIGS.1,3, and4, in an embodiment, the display panel100may be divided into panel blocks PB including the pixels P. The timing controller200may generate the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE of the panel blocks PB.

The timing controller200may generate the accumulated deterioration amount AGE of each of the panel blocks PB based on a deterioration stress accumulated in the display panel100. In an embodiment, the timing controller200may accumulate and store the deterioration stress of the display panel100in a nonvolatile memory device, and may generate the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE corresponding to the accumulated deterioration stress. The timing controller200may consider various factors that generate deterioration stress when calculating the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE. In an embodiment, for example, the timing controller200may accumulate the deterioration stress in consideration of various factors such as temperature data, position data of the panel blocks PB, the number of light emission, a light emission period, or the like, and may generate the accumulated deterioration amount AGE of each of the panel blocks PB based on the deterioration stress. The large value of the accumulated deterioration amount AGE may mean that the deterioration stress of the panel block PB is large. That is, the large value of the accumulated deterioration amount AGE may mean that an accumulated usage amount of the panel block PB is large.

Referring toFIGS.1,3,4,5A,5B,5C, and5D, the timing controller200may determine the set time ST based on the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE of the panel blocks PB. As shown inFIG.4, as the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE of the panel blocks PB increase, the set time ST may be shortened. The accumulated deterioration amounts AGE ofFIG.4may be one of a minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE, a maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE, an average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE, and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than a first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.5A, the set time ST may decrease (become shorter) as the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE increases. In an embodiment, for example, when the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 0, the set time ST may be 120 seconds (sec). In an embodiment, for example, when the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 10, the set time ST may be 100 sec. In an embodiment, for example, when the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 20, the set time ST may be 80 sec. In an embodiment, for example, when the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 30, the set time ST may be 60 sec. In an embodiment, for example, when the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 40, the set time ST may be 40 sec.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.5B, the set time ST may decrease (become shorter) as the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE increases. In an embodiment, for example, when the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 0, the set time ST may be 120 sec. In an embodiment, for example, when the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 10, the set time ST may be 100 sec. In an embodiment, for example, when the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 20, the set time ST may be 80 sec. In an embodiment, for example, when the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 30, the set time ST may be 60 sec. In an embodiment, for example, when the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 40, the set time ST may be 40 sec.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.5C, the set time ST may decrease (become shorter) as the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE increases. In an embodiment, for example, when the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 0, the set time ST may be 120 sec. In an embodiment, for example, when the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 10, the set time ST may be 100 sec. In an embodiment, for example, when the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 20, the set time ST may be 80 sec. In an embodiment, for example, when the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 30, the set time ST may be 60 sec. In an embodiment, for example, when the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 40, the set time ST may be 40 sec.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.5D, the set time ST may decrease (become shorter) as the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1increases. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 0, the set time ST may be 120 sec. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 10, the set time ST may be 115 sec. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 20, the set time ST may be 111 sec. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 30, the set time ST may be 107 sec. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 40, the set time ST may be 103 sec. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 50, the set time ST may be 99 sec. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 60, the set time ST may be 95 sec. Here, the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1may be a preset value.

FIG.6is a graph illustrating an example in which a display device according to embodiments of the invention adjusts the set time based on a load LOAD.FIG.6shows that the set time ST determined based on the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 120 sec.

Referring toFIGS.1and6, in an embodiment, the display device ofFIG.6may determine the set time ST based on the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE and the load LOAD of the input image data IMG.

The load LOAD may be normalized to have a value from 0% to 100%. In an embodiment, for example, when the input image data IMG is a full white image, the load LOAD may be 100%. In an embodiment, for example, when the input image data IMG is a full black image, the load LOAD may be 0%.

In an embodiment, the timing controller200may maintain the set time ST when the load LOAD is less than or equal to a first reference load TH_LOAD1. The timing controller200may reduce the set time ST when the load LOAD is greater than the first reference load TH_LOAD1and less than or equal to a second reference load TH_LOAD2. The timing controller200may maintain the set time ST when the load LOAD is greater than the second reference load TH_LOAD2. Accordingly, the display device may effectively prevent an afterimage and reduce power consumption by rapidly reducing the luminance based on the load LOAD. The first reference load TH_LOAD1and the second reference load TH_LOAD2may be preset values.

FIG.7is a graph illustrating an example in which a display device according to embodiments of the invention adjusts the luminance gain LG based on the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE.FIGS.8A to8Dare tables illustrating an example in which the display device ofFIG.7adjusts the luminance gain LG based on the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE.FIGS.8A to8Dshow that the luminance gain LG is the saturation level ofFIG.2.

The embodiment of the display device shown inFIGS.7to8Dis substantially the same as the embodiment of the display device1000described above with reference toFIGS.1to5Cexcept for adjusting the luminance gain LG instead of the set time ST. Thus, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements, and any repetitive detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIGS.1,3,7,8A,8B,8C, and8D, in an embodiment, the timing controller200may determine the luminance gain LG based on the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE of the panel blocks PB. As shown inFIG.7, as the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE of the panel blocks PB increase, the luminance gain LG may decrease. The accumulated deterioration amounts AGE ofFIG.7may be one of a minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE, a maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE, an average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE, and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than a first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.8A, the luminance gain LG may decrease as the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE increases. In an embodiment, for example, when the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 0, the luminance gain LG may be 0.5. In an embodiment, for example, when the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 10, the luminance gain LG may be 0.45. In an embodiment, for example, when the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 20, the luminance gain LG may be 0.4. In an embodiment, for example, when the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 30, the luminance gain LG may be 0.35. In an embodiment, for example, when the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 40, the luminance gain LG may be 0.3.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.8B, the luminance gain LG may decrease as the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE increases. In an embodiment, for example, when the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 0, the luminance gain LG may be 0.5. In an embodiment, for example, when the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 10, the luminance gain LG may be 0.45. In an embodiment, for example, when the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 20, the luminance gain LG may be 0.4. In an embodiment, for example, when the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 30, the luminance gain LG may be 0.35. In an embodiment, for example, when the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 40, the luminance gain LG may be 0.3.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.8C, the luminance gain LG may decrease as the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE increases. In an embodiment, for example, when the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 0, the luminance gain LG may be 0.5. In an embodiment, for example, when the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 10, the luminance gain LG may be 0.45. In an embodiment, for example, when the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 20, the luminance gain LG may be 0.4. In an embodiment, for example, when the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 30, the luminance gain LG may be 0.35. In an embodiment, for example, when the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 40, the luminance gain LG may be 0.3.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.8D, the luminance gain LG may decrease as the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1increases. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 0, the luminance gain LG may be 0.5. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 10, the luminance gain LG may be 0.48. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 20, the luminance gain LG may be 0.47. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 30, the luminance gain LG may be 0.45. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 40, the luminance gain LG may be 0.43. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 50, the luminance gain LG may be 0.41. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 60, the luminance gain LG may be 0.4. Here, the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1may be a preset value.

FIG.9is a graph illustrating an example in which a display device according to embodiments of the invention adjusts the luminance gain LG based on the load LOAD, andFIG.10is a graph illustrating an example in which the display device ofFIG.9adjusts the luminance gain LG based on the load LOAD and the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE.

The embodiment of the display device shown inFIGS.9and10is substantially the same as the embodiment of the display device described above with reference toFIGS.6and7except for determining the luminance gain LG based on the load LOAD of the input image data IMG as well as the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE. Thus, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements, and any repetitive detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIGS.1,9, and10, in an embodiment, the display device may determine the luminance gain LG based on the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE and the load LOAD of the input image data IMG. The luminance gain LG may decrease as the load LOAD increases.

In an embodiment, the timing controller200may maintain the luminance gain LG when the load LOAD is less than or equal to a first reference load TH_LOAD1. The timing controller200may reduce the luminance gain LG when the load LOAD is greater than the first reference load TH_LOAD1and less than or equal to a second reference load TH_LOAD2. The timing controller200may maintain the luminance gain LG when the load LOAD is greater than the second reference load TH_LOAD2. Accordingly, the display device may effectively prevent an afterimage and reduce power consumption by rapidly reducing the luminance based on the load LOAD.

FIGS.11A to11Dare tables illustrating an example in which a display device according to embodiments of the invention adjusts the set time ST and the luminance gain LG based on the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE.FIGS.11A to11Dshow that the luminance gain LG is the saturation level ofFIG.2.

The embodiment of the display device shown inFIGS.11A to11Dis substantially the same as the embodiments of the display device1000described above except for adjusting the set time ST and the luminance gain LG based on the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE. Thus, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements, and any repetitive detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIGS.1,3,4,7,11A,11B,11C, and11D, in an embodiment, the timing controller200may determine the set time ST and the luminance gain LG based on the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE of the panel blocks PB.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.11A, the luminance gain LG and the set time ST may decrease as the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE increases. In an embodiment, for example, when the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 0, the set time ST may be 120 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.5. In an embodiment, for example, when the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 10, the set time ST may be 100 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.45. In an embodiment, for example, when the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 20, the set time ST may be 80 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.4. In an embodiment, for example, when the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 30, the set time ST may be 60 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.35. In an embodiment, for example, when the minimum value AGE_MIN of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 40, the set time ST may be 40 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.3.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.11B, the luminance gain LG and the set time ST may decrease as the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE increases. In an embodiment, for example, when the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 0, the set time ST may be 120 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.5. In an embodiment, for example, when the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 10, the set time ST may be 100 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.45. In an embodiment, for example, when the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 20, the set time ST may be 80 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.4. In an embodiment, for example, when the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 30, the set time ST may be 60 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.35. In an embodiment, for example, when the maximum value AGE_MAX of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 40, the set time ST may be 40 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.3.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.11C, the luminance gain LG and the set time ST may decrease as the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE increases. In an embodiment, for example, when the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 0, the set time ST may be 120 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.5. In an embodiment, for example, when the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 10, the set time ST may be 100 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.45. In an embodiment, for example, when the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 20, the set time ST may be 80 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.4. In an embodiment, for example, when the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 30, the set time ST may be 60 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.35. In an embodiment, for example, when the average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE is 40, the set time ST may be 40 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.3.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.11D, the luminance gain LG and the set time ST may decrease as the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1increases. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 0, the set time ST may be 120 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.5. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 10, the set time ST may be 115 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.48. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 20, the set time ST may be 111 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.47. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 30, the set time ST may be 107 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.45. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 40, the set time ST may be 103 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.43. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 50, the set time ST may be 99 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.41. In an embodiment, for example, when the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1is 5 and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE greater than 5 is 60, the set time ST may be 95 sec and the luminance gain LG may be 0.4. Here, the first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1may be a preset value.

FIG.12is a diagram illustrating an example of the display panel100of a display device according to embodiments of the invention,FIG.13is a graph illustrating an example in which the display device ofFIG.12adjusts the luminance gain LG based on a motion amount MOTION of the input image data IMG,FIG.14is a graph illustrating an example in which the display device ofFIG.12adjusts the luminance gain LG based on the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE, andFIG.15is a graph illustrating an example in which the display device ofFIG.12adjusts the luminance gain based on the motion amount MOTION of the input image data IMG and the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE. The accumulated deterioration amounts AGE ofFIG.14represent the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE of the panel blocks PB of a gain reduction region GRR.FIG.15shows that the luminance gain LG determined based on the motion amount MOTION is 0.75.

The embodiments of the display device shown inFIGS.12to15is substantially the same as the embodiments of the display device1000described above except for adjusting the luminance gain LG based on the motion amount MOTION and applying the luminance gain LG to the gain reduction region GRR. Thus, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements, and any repetitive detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIGS.1, and12to15, in an embodiment, the timing controller200may decrease the luminance gain LG as the motion amount MOTION of the input image data IMG increases, determine the luminance gain LG based on the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE of the panel blocks PB in the gain reduction region GRR of the display panel100, and apply the luminance gain LG to the input image data IMG corresponding to the gain reduction region GRR. In an embodiment, for example, the input image data IMG corresponding to the gain reduction region GRR may be a part of the input image data IMG for an image displayed in the gain reduction region GRR.

The gain reduction region GRR may be located at an outer part CP of the display panel100. In an embodiment, for example, the outer part CP of the display panel100may include the outermost panel blocks PB of the display panel100. However, the outer part CP of the display panel100is not limited thereto.

The luminance of the outer part CP of the display panel100may be bright due to the peripheral region PA that does not display an image. Accordingly, the luminance of the outer part CP of the display panel100may be reduced by setting the outer part CP of the display panel100as the gain reduction region GRR and applying the luminance gain LG to the gain reduction region GRR.

The motion amount MOTION of the input image data IMG of a current frame may be a sum of a difference between the input image data IMG of a previous frame and the input image data IMG of the current frame. In an embodiment, for example, the motion amount MOTION of the input image data IMG of the current frame may be a sum of differences between grayscale values of the input image data IMG of the previous frame and grayscale values of the input image data IMG of the current frame. In an alternative embodiment, for example, the motion amount MOTION of the input image data IMG of the current frame may be a difference between a sum of the grayscale values of the input image data IMG of the previous frame and a sum of the grayscale values of the input image data IMG of the current frame.

When a motion of the image is large, attention may be focused on the motion. Accordingly, even when the small luminance gain LG is applied, a darkening of the outer part CP may not be visually recognized. Conversely, when the motion of the image is small, the darkening of the outer part CP may be relatively more recognizable than when the motion of the image is large. Accordingly, it may be desirable for the display device1000to apply the larger luminance gain LG when the motion of the image is relatively small than when the motion of the image is relatively large.

Referring toFIGS.1,12, and13, the timing controller200may maintain the luminance gain LG when the motion amount MOTION is less than or equal to a first reference motion amount TH_MOTION1. The timing controller200may decrease the luminance gain LG when the motion amount MOTION is greater than the first reference motion amount TH_MOTION1and less than or equal to a second reference motion amount TH_MOTION2. The timing controller200may maintain the luminance gain LG when the motion amount MOTION is greater than the second reference motion amount TH_MOTION2. The first reference motion amount TH_MOTION1and the second reference motion amount TH_MOTION2may be preset values.

Referring toFIGS.1,12, and14, the timing controller200may determines the luminance gain LG based on the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE of the panel blocks PB in the gain reduction region GRR. As the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE of the panel blocks PB in the gain reduction region GRR increase, the luminance gain LG may decrease. The timing controller200may maintain the luminance gain LG when the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE of the panel blocks PB in the gain reduction region GRR are less than or equal to a second reference deterioration amount TH_AGE2. The timing controller200may decrease the luminance gain LG when the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE of the panel blocks PB in the gain reduction region GRR are greater than the second reference deterioration amount TH_AGE2and less than or equal to a third reference deterioration amount TH_AGE3. The timing controller200may maintain the luminance gain LG when the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE of the panel blocks PB in the gain reduction region GRR are greater than the third reference deterioration amount TH_AGE3. The accumulated deterioration amounts AGE ofFIG.13may be one of a minimum value of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE of the panel blocks in the gain reduction region GRR, a maximum value of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE of the panel blocks in the gain reduction region GRR, an average value AGE_AVG of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE of the panel blocks in the gain reduction region GRR, and the number of the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE of the panel blocks in the gain reduction region GRR greater than a first reference deterioration amount TH_AGE1. Here, the second reference deterioration amount TH_AGE2and the third reference deterioration amount TH_AGE3may be preset values.

FIG.16is a graph illustrating an example in which a display device according to embodiments of the invention adjusts the luminance gain LG based on the load LOAD, andFIG.17is a graph illustrating an example in which the display device ofFIG.16adjusts the luminance gain LG based on the load LOAD and the accumulated deterioration amounts AGE.FIG.17shows that the luminance gain LG determined based on the load LOAD is 1.

The embodiment of the display device shown inFIGS.16and17is substantially the same as the embodiment of the display device described above with reference toFIGS.12to15except for adjusting the luminance gain LG based on the load LOAD instead of the motion amount MOTION. Thus, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements, and any repetitive detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring toFIGS.1,16, and17, in an embodiment, the timing controller200may decrease the luminance gain LG as the load LOAD of the input image data IMG decreases.

When the load LOAD is small (i.e., when the luminance is small), the darkening of the outer part CP may be relatively less visible than when the load LOAD is large. Accordingly, when the load LOAD is small, the display device may be desired to apply a smaller luminance gain LG than when the load LOAD is large.

The timing controller200may maintain the luminance gain LG when the load LOAD is less than or equal to a third reference load TH_LOAD3. The timing controller200may increase the luminance gain LG when the load LOAD is greater than the third reference load TH_LOAD3and less than or equal to a fourth reference load TH_LOAD4. The timing controller200may maintain the luminance gain LG when the load LOAD is greater than the fourth reference load TH_LOAD4. The third reference load TH_LOAD3and the fourth reference load TH_LOAD4may be preset values.

FIG.18is a block diagram showing an electronic device according to embodiments of the invention, andFIG.19is a diagram showing an embodiment in which the electronic device ofFIG.18is implemented as a television.

Referring toFIGS.11and12, an embodiment of the electronic device2000may include a processor2010, a memory device2020, a storage device2030, an input/output (I/O) device2040, a power supply2050, and a display device2060. Here, the display device2060may correspond to an embodiment of the display device1000described above. In addition, the electronic device2000may further include a plurality of ports for communicating with a video card, a sound card, a memory card, a universal serial bus (USB) device, other electronic devices, etc. In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.19, the electronic device2000may be implemented as a television. However, the electronic device2000is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, the electronic device2000may be implemented as a cellular phone, a video phone, a smart pad, a smart watch, a tablet personal computer (PC), a car navigation system, a computer monitor, a laptop, a head mounted display (HMD) device, etc.

The processor2010may perform various computing functions. The processor2010may be a micro processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), etc. The processor2010may be coupled to other components via an address bus, a control bus, a data bus, etc. Further, the processor2010may be coupled to an extended bus such as a peripheral component interconnection (PCI) bus.

The memory device2020may store data for operations of the electronic device2000. In an embodiment, for example, the memory device2020may include at least one non-volatile memory device such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) device, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) device, a flash memory device, a phase change random access memory (PRAM) device, a resistance random access memory (RRAM) device, a nano floating gate memory (NFGM) device, a polymer random access memory (PoRAM) device, a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device, a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) device, etc and/or at least one volatile memory device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device, a static random access memory (SRAM) device, a mobile DRAM device, etc.

The storage device2030may include a solid state drive (SSD) device, a hard disk drive (HDD) device, a CD-ROM device, etc.

The I/O device2040may include an input device such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse device, a touch pad, a touch screen, etc, and an output device such as a printer, a speaker, etc. In some embodiments, the I/O device2040may include the display device2060.

The power supply2050may provide power for operations of the electronic device2000. In an embodiment, for example, the power supply2050may be a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The display device2060may display an image corresponding to visual information of the electronic device2000. In an embodiment, for example, the display device2060may be an organic light emitting display device or a quantum dot light emitting display device, but is not limited thereto. The display device2060may be coupled to other components via the buses or other communication links. In such an embodiment, the display device2060may reduce the set time based on the accumulated deterioration amounts. Accordingly, the display device2060may rapidly reduce luminance. In such an embodiment, the display device may reduce the luminance gain based on the accumulated deterioration amounts. Accordingly, the display device may reduce a rate at which a lifetime of pixels is shortened and power consumption, and effectively prevent an afterimage.

Embodiments of the invention may be applied to any electronic device including the display device, for example, a television (TV), a digital TV, a three-dimensional (3D) TV, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a virtual reality (VR) device, a wearable electronic device, a PC, a home appliance, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a digital camera, a music player, a portable game console, a navigation device, etc.

The invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.