Patent ID: 12223873

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The disclosure may be modified in various ways and may have various forms, and specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail herein. In the following description, the singular forms also include the plural forms unless the context clearly includes the singular.

Some embodiments are described in the accompanying drawings in relation to functional block, unit, and/or module. Those skilled in the art will understand that such block, unit, and/or module are/is physically implemented by a logic circuit, an individual component, a microprocessor, a hard wire circuit, a memory element, a line connection, and other electronic circuits. This may be formed using a semiconductor-based manufacturing technique or other manufacturing techniques. The block, unit, and/or module implemented by a microprocessor or other similar hardware may be programmed and controlled using software to perform various functions discussed herein, optionally may be driven by firmware and/or software. In addition, each block, unit, and/or module may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or a combination of dedicated hardware that performs some functions and a processor (for example, one or more programmed microprocessors and related circuits) that performs a function different from those of the dedicated hardware. In addition, in some embodiments, the block, unit, and/or module may be physically separated into two or more interact individual blocks, units, and/or modules without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. In addition, in some embodiments, the block, unit and/or module may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units, and/or modules without departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

A term “connection” between two configurations may mean that both of an electrical connection and a physical connection are used inclusively but is not limited thereto. For example, “connection” used based on a circuit diagram may mean an electrical connection, and “connection” used based on a cross-sectional view and a plan view may mean a physical connection.

Although a first, a second, and the like are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another component. Therefore, a first component described below may be a second component within the technical spirit of the disclosure. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Meanwhile, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be modified in various forms and may be implemented. In addition, each of the embodiments disclosed below may be implemented alone or in combination with at least one of other embodiments.

In the drawings, some components which are not directly related to a characteristic of the disclosure may be omitted to clearly represent the disclosure. In addition, some components in the drawings may be shown with a slightly exaggerated, size, ratio, or the like. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar components will be given by the same reference numerals and symbols as much as possible even though they are shown in different drawings, and repetitive descriptions will be omitted.

FIG.1is a schematic block diagram of a display device according to embodiments of the disclosure.FIGS.2and3are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the display device ofFIG.1.

First, referring toFIG.1, the display device100may include a display unit110(or a display panel), a gate driver120(or a scan driver), a data driver130(or a source driver), and a timing controller140(or an auxiliary processor).

The display device100may be implemented as an inorganic light emitting display device. For example, the display device100may include a flexible display device, a rollable display device, a curved display device, a transparent display device, a mirror display device, and the like. For example, the display device100may be implemented as a display device including an inorganic light emitting element having a size of a nanoscale to a micro-scale. However, the display device100is not limited thereto, and the display device100may be implemented as an organic light emitting display device including an organic light emitting element.

The display unit110may display an image (or a frame image). The display unit110may include gate lines GL1to GLn (where n is a positive integer (or gate lines), data lines DL1to DLm (where m is a positive integer), and pixels PX (or sub-pixels). A first power voltage VDD (or a first driving voltage) and a second power voltage VSS (or a second driving voltage) for driving of the pixels PX may be supplied to the display unit110. According to an embodiment, an initialization voltage or the like for initialization of the pixels PX may be further supplied to the display unit110.

Each of the pixels PX may be disposed or positioned in an area (for example, a pixel area) defined by the gate lines GL1to GLn and the data lines DL1to DLm. For example, the pixels PX may be arranged in an m×n matrix form.

The each of the pixels PX may be connected to one of the gate lines GL1to GLn and one of the data lines DL1to DLm. For example, a pixel PX positioned in an i-th row and a j-th column may be connected to an i-th gate line GLi and a j-th data line DLj. The each of the pixel PX may emit light with a luminance corresponding to a data signal (or a data voltage) of the j-th data line DLj in response to a gate signal of the i-th gate line GLi.

The gate driver120may generate gate signals (scan signals, or control signals) based on a gate control signal SCS (or a scan control signal) and provide the gate signals to the gate lines GL1to GLn. Here, the gate control signal SCS may include a start signal, clock signals, and the like, and may be provided from the timing controller140to the gate driver120. For example, the gate driver120may be implemented as a shift register that generates and outputs the gate signal by sequentially shifting a pulse shape of start signal using the clock signals.

The gate driver120may be formed on the display110together with the pixels PX. However, the gate driver120is not limited thereto. For example, the gate driver120may be implemented as an integrated circuit, mounted on a circuit film, and connected to the timing controller140via at least one circuit film and printed circuit board.

The data driver130may generate the data signals (or the data voltages) based on second data DATA2(or image data) and a data control signal DCS provided from the timing controller140and provide the data signals to the display unit110(or the pixels PX) through the data lines DL1to DLm. Here, the data control signal DCS may be a signal that controls an operation of the data driver130and may include a load signal (or a data enable signal) indicating an output of a valid data signal, a horizontal start signal, a data clock signal, and the like.

For example, the data driver130may include a shift registers generating sampling signals by shifting the horizontal start signal in synchronization with a data clock signal, latches latching the second data DATA2in response to the sampling signal, digital-to-analog converters (or a decoder) converting latched image data (for example, digital data) into analog data signals, and a buffer (or an amplifier) outputting the data signals to the data lines DL1to DLm.

The timing controller140receives first data DATA1(or input image data) and a control signal CS from an external device (for example, an application processor or a graphic processor), generate the gate control signal SCS and the data control signal DCS based on the control signal CS, and generate the second data DATA2by converting the first data DATA1. The control signal CS may include a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a reference clock signal, and the like. For example, the timing controller140may convert the first data DATA1into the second data DATA2having a format matching a pixel arrangement in the display unit110(that is, a format conversion operation). As another example, the timing controller140may generate the second data DATA2by compensating for the first data DATA1using a deterioration compensation technique for compensating for deterioration of the pixels PX (that is, a deterioration compensation operation). In addition, the timing controller140may generate the second data DATA2by compensating for the first data DATA1using various compensation techniques in addition to the deterioration compensation technique.

In embodiments, the timing controller140may control the display unit110(the gate driver120, and the data driver130) so that the image is shifted along a shift path (or a movement path). That is, the timing controller140may use a pixel shift technique. For example, the timing controller140may generate the second data DATA2by converting the first data DATA1so that the image is shifted along the shift path.

In an embodiment, the timing controller140may set or update (or reset) the shift path whenever the display device100is powered on. For example, the timing controller140may select a different shift path (for example, a shift path different from a shift path selected during a previous power-on) whenever the display device100is powered on. A configuration for shifting the image along the shift path is described later with reference toFIG.7.

Meanwhile, although it has been described that the timing controller140shifts the image, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Referring toFIGS.2and3, the display device100may further include an image converter150(or an image conversion circuit) for shifting the image.

The image converter150may reset the shift path whenever the display device100is powered on and generate the third data DATA3by converting the first data DATA1so that the image displayed on the display110is shifted along the reset shift path.

The image converter150may be implemented as a processor or an integrated circuit independent of the timing controller140or may be implemented as one functional block of the timing controller140.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.2, the image converter150may be disposed at a front end of the timing controller140and generate third data DATA3by converting the first data DATA1so that the image is shifted along the shift path. In this case, the timing controller140may convert the third data DATA3into the second data DATA2having a format matching the pixel arrangement in the display unit110or generate the second data DATA2by performing a deterioration compensation operation or the like on the third data DATA3.

For example, the image converter150ofFIG.2may be implemented as an application processor (AP), a mobile AP, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), or a processor capable of controlling an operation of the display device100but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, as shown inFIG.3, the image converter150may be disposed at a rear end of the timing controller140and generate the second data DATA2by converting fourth data DATA4received from the timing controller140so that the image is shifted along the shift path. Here, the fourth data DATA4may be generated through a format conversion operation, a compensation operation (for example, a deterioration compensation operation), or the like of the first data DATA1in the timing controller140.

For example, the image converter150ofFIG.3may be implemented as one functional block of the timing controller140but is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the image converter150and the data driver130ofFIG.3may be implemented as one integrated circuit.

Meanwhile, inFIGS.1to3, the data driver130and the timing controller140may be implemented as separate integrated circuits, respectively, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the data driver130and the timing controller140may be implemented as one integrated circuit. According to an embodiment, at least two of the gate driver120, the data driver130, and the timing controller140may be implemented as one integrated circuit.

FIG.4is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the shift path used in the display device ofFIG.1.FIGS.5and6are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of a first path ofFIG.4.FIG.7is a diagram illustrating an image shifted along the shift path ofFIG.5.FIG.7shows an image displayed on a display area of the display unit110.

Referring toFIGS.1to4, the display unit110(a shift range SR in which an image may be shifted, or a shift allowable range) may include a plurality of areas AA1to AA4. For example, reference lines may extend in a first direction DR1and a second direction DR2and pass through an area center CP (or a screen center) of the display unit110(or the display area of the display unit110), and the display unit110may include a first area AA1, a second area AA2, a third area AA3, and a fourth area AA4which are defined by the reference lines. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display unit110may include five or more areas. For convenience of description, it is assumed that the display unit110includes four areas AA1to AA4.

A shift path SP (or an entire shift path) may include a plurality of paths SP_S1to SP_S4respectively disposed in the plurality of areas AA1to AA4. For example, the shift path SP may include a first path SP_S1disposed in the first area AA1, a second path SP_S2disposed in the second area AA2, and a third path SP_S3disposed in the third area AA3, and a fourth path SP_S4disposed in the fourth area AA4.

The first path SP_S1may be a substantially reciprocating path from a reference point P0corresponding to the area center CP of the display unit110to a first point P1disposed in an upper left corner of the display unit110. Here, the first point P1(or a first outermost point) may be a point farthest from the reference point P0among points where the pixels are disposed and the image may be displayed within the first area AA1, but the location of the first point P1is not limited thereto. When the image is shifted along the first path SP_S1, the image may generally move from the reference point P0to the first point P1in a first movement direction SDR1, and then may generally move from the first point P1to the reference point P0in a third movement direction SDR3. A path from the reference point P0to the first point P1and a path from the first point P1to the reference point P0may completely coincide with each other or may be somewhat deviated from each other.

For example, as shown inFIG.5, the image (or a center of the image) may be sequentially disposed in pixels PX_0, PX_1, and PX_2arranged along the first movement direction SDR1. A time in which the image is disposed in each of the pixels PX_0, PX_1, and PX_2may depend on a specification of the display device100, and, for example, the time may be 1 minute, 3 minutes, or the like. As another example, as shown inFIG.6, the image (or the center of the image) may be sequentially shifted via pixels PX_0, PX_3, PX_1, PX_4and PX_2. In other words, the image may alternately move in the second direction DR2and the first direction DR1and may also move in the first movement direction SDR1as a whole.

Meanwhile, although it has been described that the image is shifted in one pixel unit inFIGS.5and6, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the image may be shifted in a unit of two or more pixels.

Similarly, the second path SP_S2may be a substantially reciprocating path from the reference point P0to a second point P2disposed in an upper right corner of the display unit110. Here, the second point P2(or a second outermost point) may be a point farthest from the reference point P0among points within the second area AA2, but the location of the second point P2is not limited thereto. When the image is shifted along the second path SP_S2, the image may move from the reference point P0to the second point P2in the second movement direction SDR2, and then may move from the second point P2to the reference point P0in a fourth movement direction SDR4.

Similarly, the third path SP_S3may be a substantially reciprocating path from the reference point P0to a third point P3disposed in a lower right corner of the display unit110. Here, the third point P3(or a third outermost point) may be a point farthest from the reference point P0among points within the third area AA3, but the location of the third point P3is not limited thereto. When the image is shifted along the third path SP_S3, the image may move from the reference point P0to the third point P3in the third movement direction SDR3, and then may move from the third point P3to the reference point P0in the first movement direction SDR1.

Similarly, the fourth path SP_S4may be a substantially reciprocating path from the reference point P0to a fourth point P4disposed in a lower left corner of the display unit110. Here, the fourth point P4(or a fourth outermost point) may be a point farthest from the reference point P0among points within the fourth area AA4, but the location of the fourth point P4is not limited thereto. When the image is shifted along the fourth path SP_S4, the image may move from the reference point P0to the fourth point P4in the fourth movement direction SDR4, and then may move from the fourth point P4to the reference point P0in the second movement direction SDR2.

When the shift path SP has a plurality of points such as an “X” shape, the image may be alternately shifted to a central area and a peripheral area of the display unit110as compared to a shift path of a spiral shape or a zigzag shape, Therefore, a deviation of a driving time between the central area and the peripheral area (or between the pixels) of the display unit110may be reduced, and thus deterioration of an image in a specific area may be prevented.

According to an embodiment, the shift path SP may sequentially include the first path SP_S1, the second path SP_S2, the third path SP_S3, and the fourth path SP_S4, but the shift path SP is not limited thereto.

The timing controller140ofFIG.1(or the image converter150ofFIGS.2and3) may select one of the first path SP_S1, the second path SP_S2, the third path SP_S3, and the fourth path SP_S4when the display device100is powered on. For example, the timing controller140may shift the image along the shift path SP and may select or update the path (the initial path, or the initial movement direction) through which the image is to be initially shifted whenever the display device100is powered on.

Referring toFIGS.4and7, an initial image IMAGED indicates a case in which a center of the image is positioned at the reference point P0. A black image may be displayed on a remaining area of the display unit110(or the display area of the display unit110) on which an image (or a valid image) is not displayed, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

A first image IMAGE1indicates a case in which the center of the image is disposed at an upper-left quadrant, for example, a case in which an upper left end point of the image is displayed on an upper left end point of the display unit110. A second image IMAGE2indicates a case in which the center of the image is disposed at an upper-right quadrant, for example, a case in which an upper right end point of the image is displayed on an upper right end point of the display unit110.

For reference, when the image is displayed and shifted from a previous point where the image was displayed when the display device100was powered off, the user may recognize that the display device100displays the image abnormally. Since the user generally focuses on the center of the display unit110while the display device100is continuously driven, the user may not recognize a bias (or shift) of the image such as the first image IMAGE1. However, when the display device100is initially driven, for example, when the display device is powered-on, since the user does not focus on the center of the display unit110, the bias of the image may be recognized by the user. Therefore, when the display device100is powered on, the center of the image may be displayed on the reference point P0and shifted therefrom.

Meanwhile, when the display device100is repeatedly powered-on and powered-off (or driven) during a relatively short time, deterioration may not be effectively prevented from occurring. For example, this is because when the display device100is repeatedly powered-on and powered-off during a time less than a time required for the image to be shifted from an initial point to an end point of the first path SP_S1, the image is repeatedly displayed only within the first path SP_S1and is not shifted to a remaining path (that is, the second path SP_S2and the like), and a deviation of a driving time occurs between the areas AA1to AA4.

Therefore, the display device100(the timing controller140, or the image converter150) may determine or set the initial path (that is, the path or the movement direction in which the image is to be shifted initially when the display device100is powered-on) differently whenever the display device100is powered-on.

FIG.8is a block diagram schematically illustrating an embodiment of the image converter ofFIGS.2and3.FIG.9is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an operation of the image converter ofFIG.8.FIG.10is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the operation of the image converter ofFIG.8.FIG.10shows a change of information on the initial path according to a driving time.

Referring toFIGS.1to8, the image converter150(or the timing controller140) may include a path setting block410and an image correction block420. In addition, the image converter150may further include a memory430(or a memory device).

The path setting block410may update (or reset) the shift path SP based on a power enable signal PES. Here, the power enable signal PES may indicate power-on of the display device100. For example, when the display device100is powered on, the power enable signal PES may be provided from a power supply (for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC)) of the display device100. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the power enable signal PES may be a power voltage itself required for driving of the image converter150or a signal obtained by sensing the power voltage. That is, various signals capable of indicating the power-on of the display device100may be used as the power enable signal PES, and the power enable signal PES is not particularly limited.

In addition, the path setting block410may change an application order of the paths SP_S1to SP_S4in the shift path SP whenever the display device100is powered on.

In an embodiment, the path setting block410may update an initial path SP_INIT (that is, the path or the movement direction in which the image is initially shifted when the display device100is powered on) based on the power enable signal PES.

Referring toFIG.9, for example, when the display device100is powered on for the first time, the path setting block410may set an initial movement direction SDR_INIT to a first movement direction SDR1or set the initial path SP_INIT to the first path SP_S1. For example, when the display device100is powered on for the first time, the path setting block410may update information on the initial movement direction SDR_INIT or the initial path SP_INIT to a value of 1. When the display device100is powered on for the second time, the path setting block410may set the initial movement direction SDR_INIT to a second movement direction SDR2or set the initial path SP_INIT to the second path SP_S2. For example, when the display device100is powered on for the second time, the path setting block410may update the information on the initial movement direction SDR_INIT or the initial path SP_INIT to a value of 2. When the display device100is powered on for the third time, the path setting block410may set the initial movement direction SDR_INIT to a third movement direction SDR3or set the initial path SP_INIT to the third path SP_S3, and update the information on the initial movement direction SDR_INIT or the initial path SP_INIT to a value of 3. When the display device100is powered on for the fourth time, the path setting block410may set the initial movement direction SDR_INIT to a fourth movement direction SDR4or set the initial path SP_INIT to the fourth path SP_S4, and update the information on the initial movement direction SDR_INIT or the initial path SP_INIT to a value of 4. In such a method, when the display device100is powered on (4k+1)-th, (4k+2)-th, (4k+3)-th, and (4k+4)-th, the path setting block410may set the initial movement direction SDR_INIT to the first movement direction SDR1, the second movement direction SDR2, the third movement direction SDR3, and the fourth movement direction SDR4, respectively. Here, k may be a positive integer.

Meanwhile, the order shown inFIG.9(that is, the application order of the paths SP_S1to SP_S4) is exemplary and is not limited thereto. For example, the fourth path SP_S4, the third path SP_S3, the second path SP_S2, and the first path SP_S1may be sequentially applied whenever the display device100is powered on. According to an embodiment, the application order of the paths SP_S1to SP_S4may be random. For example, any one of remaining paths (for example, the second, third, and fourth paths SP_S2, SP_S3, and SP_S4) except for a path (for example, the first path SP_S1) selected in a previous driving period of the display device100may be selected as a current driving period of the display device100.

In an embodiment, the path setting block410may update the initial movement direction SDR_INIT or the initial path SP_INIT (or information thereon) based on a driving time of the display device100.

Referring toFIG.10, for example, when the display device100is powered on for the first time, the path setting block410may update the information on the initial movement direction SDR_INIT or the initial path SP_INIT to a value of 1.

After the display device100is powered on for the first time, when the driving time of the display device100exceeds a reference time T_REF, the path setting block410may update the information on the initial movement direction SDR_INIT or the initial path SP_INIT to a value of 2. For example, the path setting block410may count or measure the driving time of the display device100using a counter. For example, the reference time T_REF may be about a half of a time required for one cycle of the image shifts along the entire shift path SP, but the reference time T_REF is not limited thereto. For example, when the display device100is driven more than the reference time T_REF after the display device100is powered on for the first time, the image may complete shift along the first path SP_S1and the third path SP_S3, and may be shifting along the second path SP_S2among the shift paths SP ofFIG.4. In a state in which the information on the initial movement direction SDR_INIT or the initial path SP_INIT is not updated (for example, a dotted line ofFIG.10), when the display device100is powered on for the second time, the information may be updated to a value of 2, and the image may be shifted again along the second path SP_S2. Therefore, when the driving time of the display device100exceeds the reference time T_REF, the information on the initial movement direction SDR_INIT or the initial path SP_INIT may be updated to a value of 2 (or another value) even while the display device100is driven so that the image is not shifted again along the second path SP_S2. In this case, when the display device100is powered on for the second time, the information may be updated to a value of 3 and the image may be shifted along the initial path other than the second path SP_S2.

The image correction block420may convert the first data DATA1(or the fourth data DATA4ofFIG.3) into the third data DATA3(or the second data DATA2ofFIG.3) based on the initial movement direction SDR_INIT or the initial path SP_INIT (or the information thereon).

For example, when the second path SP_S2is set as the initial path SP_INIT, the image correction block420may receive a value of 2 as the information on the initial path SP_INIT, and may convert the first data DATA1into the third data DATA3so that the image is shifted in an order of the second path SP_S2, the fourth path SP_S4, the first path SP_S1, and the third path SP_S3. As another example, when the third path SP_S3is set as the initial path SP_INIT, the image correction block420may receive a value of 3 as the information on the initial path SP_INIT, and may convert the first data DATA1into the third data DATA3so that the image is shifted in an order of the third path SP_S3, the second path SP_S2, the fourth path SP_S4, and the first path SP_S1.

The memory430may store data for the shift path SP and may provide the data for the shift path SP to the image correction block420. The shift path SP may include the first path SP_S1, the second path SP_S2, the third path SP_S3, and the fourth path SP_S4. Each of the first path SP_S1, the second path SP_S2, the third path SP_S3, and the fourth path SP_S4may include information about the location of the image, or information on a shifting direction and/or a shifting order of the image.

Meanwhile, although it has been described that the data for the shift path SP is provided from the memory430to the image correction block420, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the data for the shift path SP may be provided from the memory430to the image correction block420through the path setting block410. As another example, the memory430may be omitted or included in the path setting block410, and the data for the shift path SP may be provided from the path setting block410to the image correction block420.

As described above, the image converter150(or the timing controller140) may determine or set the initial movement direction SDR_INIT or the initial path SP_INIT differently whenever the display device100is powered on. Therefore, a deviation of a driving time between the areas AA1to AA4(or the pixels) of the display unit110may be reduced, and deterioration of the performance of the display unit110may be prevented.

FIG.11is a flowchart illustrating an image display method of a display device according to embodiments of the disclosure.FIG.12is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the image display method of the display device ofFIG.11.

Referring toFIGS.1to11, the method ofFIG.11may be performed in the display device100ofFIG.1.

The method ofFIG.11may update or change a path (or information on the path) whenever the display device100is powered on and may shift the image according to the updated/changed path.

In embodiments, when the display device100is powered on for the (4k+1)-th time, the method ofFIG.11may shift the image along the first path (or the first movement direction) (S100). When the display device100is powered on for the (4k+2)-th time, the method ofFIG.11may shift the image along the second path (or the second movement direction) different from the first path (S200). When the display device100is powered on for the (4k+3)-th time, the method ofFIG.11may shift the image along the third path (or the third movement direction) different from the first and second paths (S300). When the display device100is powered on for the (4k+4)-th time, the method ofFIG.11may shift the image along the fourth path (or the fourth movement direction) (S400).

As described with reference toFIGS.4,8, and9, when the display device100is powered on for the (4k+1)-th time, the method ofFIG.11may set (update, or reset) the initial path SP_INIT (or the initial movement direction SDR_INIT) to the first path SP_S1(or the first movement direction SDR1), and shift the image along the shift path SP starting from the first path SP_S1. In addition, when the display device100is powered on for the (4k+2)-th time, the method ofFIG.11may set the initial path SP_INIT (or the initial movement direction SDR_INIT) to the second path SP_S2(or the second movement direction SDR2), and shift the image along the shift path SP starting from the second path SP_S2. When the display device100is powered on for the (4k+3)-th time, the method ofFIG.11may set the initial path SP_INIT (or the initial movement direction SDR_INIT) to the third path SP_S3(or the third movement direction SDR3), and shift the image along the shift path SP starting from the third path SP_S3. When the display device100is powered on for the (4k+4)-th time, the method ofFIG.11may set the initial path SP_INIT (or the initial movement direction SDR_INIT) to the fourth path SP_S4(or the fourth movement direction SDR4), and shift the image along the shift path SP starting from the fourth path SP_S4.

Referring toFIGS.4,8,9, and12, when the display device100is powered on for the (4k+1)-th time, the method ofFIG.12may display the image so that the image is positioned at the reference point P0of the display unit110(S110), and shift the image along the shift path SP starting from the first path SP_S1over time (S120). Here, the reference point P0may correspond to the area center CP of the display unit110. For example, the method ofFIG.12may display the image in the screen center in response to the reset of the shift path SP during the power-on of the display device100.

Thereafter, when the display device100is powered on for the (4k+2)-th time, the method ofFIG.12may display the image so that the image is positioned at the reference point P0of the display unit110(S210), and shift the image along the shift path SP starting from the second path SP_S2(S220).

That is, whenever the display device100is powered on, the method ofFIG.12may display the image so that the image is positioned at the reference point P0of the display unit110(S110and S210), and then shift the image along the shift path SP starting a path different from an initial path in a previous driving period (or a previous power-on period) (S120and S220).

As described above, the image display method of the display device may update or change the path (or the information on the path) differently from a previous path whenever the display device100is powered on. Therefore, a deviation of a driving time between the areas AA1to AA4(or the pixels) of the display unit110may be reduced, and deterioration of the performance of the display unit110may be improved.

FIG.13is a block diagram schematically illustrating another embodiment of the image converter ofFIGS.2and3.FIG.14is a diagram schematically illustrating the pixels included in the display unit ofFIG.1.FIG.15is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a first accumulated stress map used in the image converter ofFIG.13.FIG.16is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a shift path set by the image converter ofFIG.13.

First, referring toFIGS.1to3and13, the image converter150_1(or the timing controller140) may set a shift path SP_1based on a deterioration amount of the pixels PX of the display unit110, and shift the image according to a shift path SP_1. For example, the image converter150_1may set the shift path SP_1so that the image is shifted to an area including a pixel of which a deterioration amount is small (that is, a pixel that is not deteriorated).

The image converter150_1may include a path setting block410_1, an image correction block420, and a stress calculation block440. In addition, the image converter150_1may further include a memory430. Since the image correction block420and the memory430ofFIG.13are substantially identical or similar to the image correction block420and the memory430ofFIG.8, respectively, an overlapping description is not repeated.

The stress calculation block440may analyze a luminance distribution of a current frame image (or an image of a current frame) based on the first data DATA1(or the fourth data DATA4) to generate a stress map SMAP.

In an embodiment, the stress calculation block440may generate the stress map SMAP of the current frame image by grouping the pixels PX included in the display unit110into pixel blocks and calculating an average luminance value (or an average grayscale value) of each of the pixel blocks. Here, the stress map SMAP may mean an index indicating a degree of deterioration of the pixels included in the pixel blocks displaying the current frame image. The pixel block may include at least one pixel PX.

Referring toFIG.14, for example, the stress calculation block440may group 4×4 pixels PX1to PX16into one pixel block BL, and also group remaining pixels PX into pixel blocks BL including 4×4 pixels. For example, the stress calculation block440may calculate the average luminance value of the current frame image by averaging luminance values of the pixels PX included in each of the pixel blocks BL, and generate the stress map SMAP of the current frame image including the average luminance value of each pixel block BL. That is, the stress map SMAP may mean a set of luminance values to be emitted by each of the pixel blocks BL to display the current frame image.

In addition, the stress calculation block440may generate a second accumulated stress map ASMAP2based on the stress map SMAP and a first accumulated stress map ASMAP1. The first accumulated stress map ASMAP1may be provided from the memory430. The second accumulated stress map ASMAP2may indicate the degree of the deterioration of the pixels included in the pixel blocks displaying the current frame image as an accumulated index and may be generated by applying (or accumulating) the stress map SMAP of the current frame image to the first accumulated stress map ASMAP1for previous frame images.

Referring toFIG.14, for example, the stress calculation block440may calculate the average luminance value of each of the pixel blocks BL for each frame image and accumulate the average luminance value calculated for each frame image to calculate the accumulated average luminance value for each of the pixel blocks BL. That is, the first accumulated stress map ASMAP1may mean a set of accumulated average luminance values emitted by each of the pixel blocks BL from an initial frame image to the previous frame image. Referring toFIG.15, for example, the first accumulated stress map ASMAP1may include accumulated average luminance values LU1to LU9of pixel blocks BL1to BL9.

For example, the stress calculation block440may generate the second accumulated stress map ASMAP2by applying the average luminance value of the current frame image to the accumulated average luminance value of the first accumulated stress map ASMAP1. In other words, the stress calculation block440may generate the second accumulated stress map ASMAP2by calculating the accumulated average luminance values emitted by each of the pixel blocks BL from the display of initial frame image to the display of the current frame image.

According to an embodiment, the stress calculation block440may supply the stress map SMAP to the path setting block410_1.

The path setting block410_1may reset or initialize the shift path SP_1based on the power enable signal PES. In this case, when the display device100is powered on, the image may be displayed so as to be positioned at the reference point P0of the display unit110ofFIG.4(for example, the area center of the display unit110).

The path setting block410_1may set the shift path SP_1by analyzing the first accumulated stress map ASMAP1.

In an embodiment, the path setting block410_1may determine the least deteriorated pixel block based on the first accumulated stress map ASMAP1and set the shift path SP_1so that the current frame image is shifted toward the least deteriorated pixel block. That is, the path setting block410_1may set the shift path SP_1based on an absolute value of the deterioration amount of the pixel block (or the pixel).

Referring toFIGS.15and16, for example, when the accumulated average luminance value LU1of the first pixel block BL1disposed in an upper left corner of the display unit110is the smallest (that is, when the first pixel block BL1is not deteriorated the most), the path setting block410_1may set the shift path SP_1so that the frame image (or the image) is shifted toward the upper left corner of the display unit110. For example, the path setting block410_1may set a fifth path SP S5ofFIG.16as the shift path SP_1. In this case, the frame image (or the image) may be shifted toward the upper left corner of the display unit110along an arrow direction of the fifth path SP S5. For example, when the display device100is powered on, the frame image may be displayed so that a center portion of the frame image is positioned at coordinates (0,0). After a specific time elapses, the frame image may be shifted in the first direction DR1so that the center portion of the frame image is positioned at coordinates (−1,0). After a specific time elapses again, the frame image may be shifted in the second direction DR2so that the center portion of the frame image is positioned at coordinates (−1,+1). In such a method, the frame image may be shifted along the fifth path SP S5.

According to an embodiment, when the shift of the image along the set shift path SP_1(for example, the fifth path SP S5) is ended, the path setting block410_1may reset the shift path SP_1based on the first accumulated stress map ASMAP1at a corresponding time point.

In an embodiment, the path setting block410_1may set the shift path SP_1based on the first accumulated stress map ASMAP1and the stress map SMAP. For example, when the current frame image is a still image, the path setting block410_1may set the shift path SP_1based on the first accumulated stress map ASMAP1and the stress map SMAP. For example, the path setting block410_1may determine the least deteriorated first pixel block based on the first accumulated stress map ASMAP1, determine a second pixel block of which the average luminance value of the current frame image is the highest based on the stress map SAMP, and set the shift path SP_1so that the current frame image is shifted from the second pixel block toward the least deteriorated first pixel block.

Referring toFIGS.15and16, for example, when the accumulated average luminance value LU3of the third pixel block BL3is the smallest and the average luminance value of the first pixel block BL1(that is, the average luminance value of the current frame image) is the largest, the path setting block410_1may be set the shift path SP_1so that the frame image (or image) is shifted in a right direction from the first pixel block BL1toward the third pixel block BL3. For example, the path setting block410_1may set a sixth path SP S6ofFIG.16as the shift path SP_1. In this case, the frame image (or the image) may be sequentially shifted toward the right along an arrow direction of the sixth path SP S6.

In another embodiment, the path setting block410_1may calculate a luminance difference between the accumulated average luminance values of the pixel blocks included in the first accumulated stress map ASMAP1and set the shift path SP_1based on the luminance difference. That is, the path setting block410_1may set the shift path SP_1based on a relative value of the deterioration amount of the pixel blocks (or the pixels).

As a luminance difference between accumulated average luminance values of a specific pixel block and adjacent pixel blocks increases, a degree of deterioration of pixels of the specific pixel block may increase. Therefore, the path setting block410_1may set the shift path SP_1so that the current frame image is shifted from the specific pixel block toward the adjacent pixel block.

Referring toFIGS.15and16, for example, the path setting block410_1may calculate a luminance difference between the pixel blocks BL1to BL9. For example, the path setting block410_1may calculate a twelfth luminance difference between the first pixel block BL1and the second pixel block BL2by comparing the accumulated average luminance value LU1of the first pixel block BL1with the accumulated average luminance value LU2of the second pixel block BL2. Similarly, the path setting block410_1may calculate a fourteenth luminance difference between the first pixel block BL1and the fourth pixel block BL4by comparing the accumulated average luminance value LU1of the first pixel block BL1with the accumulated average luminance value LU4of the fourth pixel block BL4. In such a method, luminance differences between the remaining pixel blocks BL2to BL9may also be calculated. For example, when the fourteenth luminance difference between the first pixel block BL1and the fourth pixel block BL4is greatest, in particular, when the first pixel block BL1is deteriorated compared to the fourth pixel block BL4, the path setting block410_1may set the shift path SP_1so that the frame image (or image) is shifted in a downward direction from the first pixel block BL1to the fourth pixel block BL4. For example, the path setting block410_1may set a seventh path SP_S7ofFIG.16as the shift path SP_1. In this case, the frame image (or the image) may be sequentially shifted downward along an arrow direction of the seventh path SP_S7.

The image correction block420may convert the first data DATA1(or the fourth data DATA4ofFIG.3) into the third data DATA3(or the second data DATA2ofFIG.3) so that the current frame image is shifted along the shift path SP_1.

The memory430may store the accumulated stress map ASMAP2. For example, the memory430may provide the first accumulated stress map ASMAP1for the previous frame images to the path setting block410_1directly or through the stress calculating block440, and store the second accumulated stress map ASMAP2provided directly from the path setting block410_1or via the stress calculating block440, or update the first accumulated stress map ASMPA1based on the second accumulated stress map ASMAP2.

As described above, the image converter150_1(or the timing controller140ofFIG.1) may set the shift path SP_1so that the image is shifted to an area including a pixel which is not deteriorated. Therefore, deterioration of the performance of the display unit110may be prevented.

FIG.17is a flowchart illustrating an image display method of a display device according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.1to3and13to17, the method ofFIG.17may be performed in the display device100ofFIG.1.

The method ofFIG.17may reset or initialize the shift path SP_1when the display device100is powered on (S1100). In this case, when the display device100is powered on, the image may be displayed to be positioned at the reference point P0of the display unit110ofFIG.4.

The method ofFIG.17may set the shift path SP_1by analyzing the first accumulated stress map ASMAP1(S1200). For example, the method ofFIG.17may set the shift path SP_1so that the image is shifted to an area including a pixel of which a deterioration amount is small (that is, a pixel which is not deteriorated).

In an embodiment, the method ofFIG.17may generate the first accumulated stress map ASMAP1by accumulating the first data DATA1(or image data). The first accumulated stress map ASMAP1may indicate the degree of the deterioration of the pixels.

As described with reference toFIGS.13to15, the method ofFIG.17may generate first accumulated stress map ASMAP1by grouping the pixels of the display unit110into the pixel blocks BL, calculating the average luminance value of each of the pixel blocks BL based on the first data DATA1, and accumulating the average luminance value for each pixel block BL.

In an embodiment, the method ofFIG.17may determine the least deteriorated pixel block based on the first accumulated stress map ASMAP1and set the shift path SP_1so that the current frame image is shifted toward the least deteriorated pixel block.

In another embodiment, the method ofFIG.17may calculate the luminance difference between the accumulated average luminance values of the pixel blocks included in the first accumulated stress map ASMAP1, and set the shift path SP_1based on the luminance difference.

Thereafter, the method ofFIG.17may convert the first data DATA1(or the fourth data DATA4ofFIG.3) into the third data DATA3(or the second data DATA2ofFIG.3) so that the current frame image is shifted along the shift path SP_1(S1300).

Although the technical spirit of the disclosure has been described in detail in accordance with the above-described embodiments, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are for the purpose of description and not of limitation. In addition, those skilled in the art may understand that various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the disclosure.

The scope of the disclosure is not limited to the details described in the detailed description of the specification but should be defined by the claims. In addition, it is to be construed that all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts thereof are included in the scope of the disclosure.