Patent ID: 12249276

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to the drawings, a display device100may include a display unit180.

Meanwhile, the display unit180may be implemented with any one of various panels. For example, the display unit180may be any one of a liquid crystal display panel (LCD panel), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED panel), and an inorganic light emitting diode panel (LED panel).

In the present disclosure, it is assumed that the display unit180includes an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED panel). It should be noted that this is only exemplary, and the display unit180may include a panel other than an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED panel).

Meanwhile, the display device100ofFIG.1may be a monitor, a TV, a tablet PC, or a mobile terminal.

FIG.2is a block diagram showing a configuration of the display device ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIG.2, the display device100may include a broadcast receiving unit130, an external device interface unit135, a storage unit140, a user input interface unit150, a control unit170, and a wireless communication unit173, a display unit180, an audio output unit185, and a power supply unit190.

The broadcast receiving unit130may include a tuner131, a demodulator132, and a network interface unit133.

The tuner131may select a specific broadcast channel according to a channel selection command. The tuner131may receive a broadcast signal for the selected specific broadcast channel.

The demodulator132may separate the received broadcast signal into a video signal, an audio signal, and a data signal related to a broadcast program, and restore the separated video signal, audio signal, and data signal to a format capable of being output.

The network interface unit133may provide an interface for connecting the display device100to a wired/wireless network including an Internet network. The network interface unit133may transmit or receive data to or from other users or other electronic devices through a connected network or another network linked to the connected network.

The network interface unit133may access a predetermined web page through the connected network or the other network linked to the connected network. That is, it is possible to access a predetermined web page through a network, and transmit or receive data to or from a corresponding server.

In addition, the network interface unit133may receive content or data provided by a content provider or a network operator. That is, the network interface unit133may receive content such as a movie, advertisement, game, VOD, broadcast signal, and related information provided by a content provider or a network provider through a network.

In addition, the network interface unit133may receive update information and update files of firmware provided by the network operator, and may transmit data to an Internet or content provider or a network operator.

The network interface unit133may select and receive a desired application from among applications that are open to the public through a network.

The external device interface unit135may receive an application or a list of applications in an external device adjacent thereto, and transmit the same to the control unit170or the storage unit140.

The external device interface unit135may provide a connection path between the display device100and the external device. The external device interface unit135may receive one or more of video and audio output from an external device wirelessly or wired to the display device100and transmit the same to the control unit170. The external device interface unit135may include a plurality of external input terminals. The plurality of external input terminals may include an RGB terminal, one or more High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) terminals, and a component terminal.

The video signal of the external device input through the external device interface unit135may be output through the display unit180. The audio signal of the external device input through the external device interface unit135may be output through the audio output unit185.

The external device connectable to the external device interface unit135may be any one of a set-top box, a Blu-ray player, a DVD player, a game machine, a sound bar, a smartphone, a PC, a USB memory, and a home theater, but this is only an example.

In addition, a part of content data stored in the display device100may be transmitted to a selected user among a selected user or a selected electronic device among other users or other electronic devices registered in advance in the display device100.

The storage unit140may store programs for signal processing and control of the control unit170, and may store video, audio, or data signals, which have been subjected to signal-processed.

In addition, the storage unit140may perform a function for temporarily storing video, audio, or data signals input from an external device interface unit135or the network interface unit133, and store information on a predetermined video through a channel storage function.

The storage unit140may store an application or a list of applications input from the external device interface unit135or the network interface unit133.

The display device100may play back a content file (a moving image file, a still image file, a music file, a document file, an application file, or the like) stored in the storage unit140and provide the same to the user.

The user input interface unit150may transmit a signal input by the user to the control unit170or a signal from the control unit170to the user. For example, the user input interface unit150may receive and process a control signal such as power on/off, channel selection, screen settings, and the like from the remote control device200in accordance with various communication methods, such as a Bluetooth communication method, a WB (Ultra Wideband) communication method, a ZigBee communication method, an RF (Radio Frequency) communication method, or an infrared (IR) communication method or may perform processing to transmit the control signal from the control unit170to the remote control device200.

In addition, the user input interface unit150may transmit a control signal input from a local key (not shown) such as a power key, a channel key, a volume key, and a setting value to the control unit170.

The video signal image-processed by the control unit170may be input to the display unit180and displayed with video corresponding to a corresponding video signal. Also, the video signal image-processed by the control unit170may be input to an external output device through the external device interface unit135.

The audio signal processed by the control unit170may be output to the audio output unit185. Also, the audio signal processed by the control unit170may be input to the external output device through the external device interface unit135.

In addition, the control unit170may control the overall operation of the display device100.

In addition, the control unit170may control the display device100by a user command input through the user input interface unit150or an internal program and connect to a network to download an application a list of applications or applications desired by the user to the display device100.

The control unit170may allow the channel information or the like selected by the user to be output through the display unit180or the audio output unit185along with the processed video or audio signal.

In addition, the control unit170may output a video signal or an audio signal through the display unit180or the audio output unit185, according to a command for playing back a video of an external device through the user input interface unit150, the video signal or the audio signal being input from an external device, for example, a camera or a camcorder, through the external device interface unit135.

Meanwhile, the control unit170may allow the display unit180to display a video, for example, allow a broadcast video which is input through the tuner131or an external input video which is input through the external device interface unit135, a video which is input through the network interface unit or a video which is stored in the storage unit140to be displayed on the display unit180. In this case, the video displayed on the display unit180may be a still image or a moving image, and may be a 2D image or a 3D image.

In addition, the control unit170may allow content stored in the display device100, received broadcast content, or external input content input from the outside to be played back, and the content may have various forms such as a broadcast video, an external input video, an audio file, still images, accessed web screens, and document files.

The wireless communication unit173may communicate with an external device through wired or wireless communication. The wireless communication unit173may perform short range communication with an external device. To this end, the wireless communication unit173may support short range communication using at least one of Bluetooth™, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technologies. The wireless communication unit173may support wireless communication between the display device100and a wireless communication system, between the display device100and another display device100, or between the display device100and a network in which the display device100(or an external server) is located through wireless area networks. The wireless area networks may be wireless personal area networks.

Here, the another display device100may be a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch, smart glasses or a head mounted display (HMD), a mobile terminal such as a smart phone, which is able to exchange data (or interwork) with the display device100according to the present disclosure. The wireless communication unit173may detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communication around the display device100. Furthermore, when the detected wearable device is an authenticated device to communicate with the display device100according to the present disclosure, the control unit170may transmit at least a portion of data processed by the display device100to the wearable device through the wireless communication unit173. Therefore, a user of the wearable device may use data processed by the display device100through the wearable device.

The display unit180may convert a video signals, data signal, or OSD signal processed by the control unit170, or a video signal or data signal received from the external device interface unit135into R, G, and B signals, and generate drive signals.

Meanwhile, the display device100illustrated inFIG.2is only an embodiment of the present disclosure, and therefore, some of the illustrated components may be integrated, added, or omitted depending on the specification of the display device100that is actually implemented.

That is, two or more components may be combined into one component, or one component may be divided into two or more components as necessary. In addition, a function performed in each block is for describing an embodiment of the present disclosure, and its specific operation or device does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, unlike the display device100shown inFIG.2, the display device100may receive a video through the network interface unit133or the external device interface unit135without a tuner131and a demodulator132and play back the same.

For example, the display device100may be divided into an image processing device, such as a set-top box, for receiving broadcast signals or content according to various network services, and a content playback device that plays back content input from the image processing device.

In this case, an operation method of the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below may be implemented by not only the display device100as described with reference toFIG.2and but also one of an image processing device such as the separated set-top box and a content playback device including the display unit180the audio output unit185.

The audio output unit185may receive a signal audio-processed by the control unit170and output the same with audio.

The power supply unit190may supply corresponding power to the display device100. Particularly, power may be supplied to the control unit170that may be implemented in the form of a system on chip (SOC), the display unit180for video display, and the audio output unit185for audio output.

Specifically, the power supply unit190may include a converter that converts AC power into DC power, and a dc/dc converter that converts a level of DC power.

The remote control device200may transmit a user input to the user input interface unit150. To this end, the remote control device200may use Bluetooth, Radio Frequency (RF) communication, Infrared (IR) communication, Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, or the like. In addition, the remote control device200may receive a video, audio, or data signal or the like output from the user input interface unit150, and display or output the same through the remote control device200by video or audio.

FIG.3is an example of an internal block diagram of the controller ofFIG.2.

Referring to the drawings, the control unit170according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a demultiplexer310, an image processing unit320, a processor330, an OSD generator340, a mixer345, a frame rate converter350, and a formatter360. In addition, an audio processing unit (not shown) and a data processing unit (not shown) may be further included.

The demultiplexer310may demultiplex input stream. For example, when MPEG-2 TS is input, the demultiplexer310may demultiplex the MPEG-2 TS to separate the MPEG-2 TS into video, audio, and data signals. Here, the stream signal input to the demultiplexer310may be a stream signal output from the tuner131, the demodulator132or the external device interface unit135.

The image processing unit320may perform image processing on the demultiplexed video signal. To this end, the image processing unit320may include an image decoder325and a scaler335.

The image decoder325may decode the demultiplexed video signal, and the scaler335may scale a resolution of the decoded video signal to be output through the display unit180.

The video decoder325may be provided with decoders of various standards. For example, an MPEG-2, H.264 decoder, a 3D video decoder for color images and depth images, and a decoder for multi-view images may be provided.

The processor330may control the overall operation of the display device100or of the control unit170. For example, the processor330may control the tuner131to select (tune) an RF broadcast corresponding to a channel selected by a user or a pre-stored channel.

In addition, the processor330may control the display device100by a user command input through the user input interface unit150or an internal program.

In addition, the processor330may perform data transmission control with the network interface unit135or the external device interface unit135.

In addition, the processor330may control operations of the demultiplexer310, the image processing unit320, and the OSD generator340in the control unit170.

The OSD generator340may generate an OSD signal according to a user input or by itself. For example, based on a user input signal, a signal for displaying various information on a screen of the display unit180as a graphic or text may be generated. The generated OSD signal may include various data such as a user interface screen, various menu screens, widgets, and icons of the display device100. In addition, the generated OSD signal may include a 2D object or a 3D object.

In addition, the OSD generator340may generate a pointer that may be displayed on the display unit180based on a pointing signal input from the remote control device200. In particular, such a pointer may be generated by the pointing signal processing unit, and the OSD generator340may include such a pointing signal processing unit (not shown). Of course, the pointing signal processing unit (not shown) may be provided separately, not be provided in the OSD generator340

The mixer345may mix the OSD signal generated by the OSD generator340and the decoded video signal image-processed by the image processing unit320. The mixed video signal may be provided to the frame rate converter350.

The frame rate converter (FRC)350may convert a frame rate of an input video. On the other hand, the frame rate converter350may output the input video as it is, without a separate frame rate conversion.

On the other hand, the formatter360may change the format of the input video signal into a video signal to be displayed on the display and output the same.

The formatter360may change the format of the video signal. For example, it is possible to change the format of the 3D video signal to any one of various 3D formats such as a side by side format, a top/down format, a frame sequential format, an interlaced format, a checker box and the like.

Meanwhile, the audio processing unit (not shown) in the control unit170may perform audio processing of a demultiplexed audio signal. To this end, the audio processing unit (not shown) may include various decoders.

In addition, the audio processing unit (not shown) in the control unit170may process a base, treble, volume control, and the like.

The data processing unit (not shown) in the control unit170may perform data processing of the demultiplexed data signal. For example, when the demultiplexed data signal is an encoded data signal, the demultiplexed data signal may be decoded. The coded data signal may be electronic program guide information including broadcast information such as a start time and an end time of a broadcast program broadcast on each channel.

Meanwhile, a block diagram of the control unit170illustrated inFIG.3is a block diagram for an embodiment of the present disclosure. The components of the block diagram may be integrated, added, or omitted depending on the specification of the control unit170that is actually implemented.

In particular, the frame rate converter350and the formatter360may not be provided in the control unit170, and may be separately provided or separately provided as a single module.

FIG.4Ais a diagram illustrating a control method for a remote control device ofFIG.2.

In (a) ofFIG.4A, it is illustrated that a pointer205corresponding to the remote control device200is displayed on the display unit180.

The user may move or rotate the remote control device200up and down, left and right (FIG.4A(b)), and forward and backward ((c) ofFIG.4A). The pointer205displayed on the display unit180of the display device may correspond to the movement of the remote control device200. The remote control device200may be referred to as a spatial remote controller or a 3D pointing device, as the corresponding pointer205is moved and displayed according to the movement on a 3D space, as shown in the drawing.

In (b) ofFIG.4A, it is illustrated that that when the user moves the remote control device200to the left, the pointer205displayed on the display unit180of the display device moves to the left correspondingly.

Information on the movement of the remote control device200detected through a sensor of the remote control device200is transmitted to the display device. The display device may calculate the coordinates of the pointer205based on information on the movement of the remote control device200. The display device may display the pointer205to correspond to the calculated coordinates.

In (c) ofFIG.4A, it is illustrated that a user moves the remote control device200away from the display unit180while pressing a specific button in the remote control device200. Accordingly, a selected region in the display unit180corresponding to the pointer205may be zoomed in and displayed to be enlarged. Conversely, when the user moves the remote control device200close to the display unit180, the selected region in the display unit180corresponding to the pointer205may be zoomed out and displayed to be reduced. On the other hand, when the remote control device200moves away from the display unit180, the selected region may be zoomed out, and when the remote control device200moves close to the display unit180, the selected region may be zoomed in.

Meanwhile, in a state in which a specific button in the remote control device200is being pressed, recognition of up, down, left, or right movements may be excluded. That is, when the remote control device200moves away from or close to the display unit180, the up, down, left, or right movements are not recognized, and only the forward and backward movements may be recognized. In a state in which a specific button in the remote control device200is not being pressed, only the pointer205moves according to the up, down, left, or right movements of the remote control device200.

Meanwhile, the movement speed or the movement direction of the pointer205may correspond to the movement speed or the movement direction of the remote control device200.

FIG.4Bis an internal block diagram of the remote control device ofFIG.2.

Referring to the drawing, the remote control device200may include a wireless communication unit420, a user input unit430, a sensor unit440, an output unit450, a power supply unit460, a storage unit470, ad a control unit480.

The wireless communication unit420may transmit and receive signals to and from any one of the display devices according to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above. Among the display devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure, one display device100will be described as an example.

In the present embodiment, the remote control device200may include an RF module421capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device100according to the RF communication standard. In addition, the remote control device200may include an IR module423capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device100according to the IR communication standard.

In the present embodiment, the remote control device200transmits a signal containing information on the movement of the remote control device200to the display device100through the RF module421.

Also, the remote control device200may receive a signal transmitted by the display device100through the RF module421. In addition, the remote control device200may transmit a command regarding power on/off, channel change, volume adjustment, or the like to the display device100through the IR module423as necessary.

The user input unit430may include a keypad, a button, a touch pad, or a touch screen. The user may input a command related to the display device100to the remote control device200by operating the user input unit430. When the user input unit430includes a hard key button, the user may input a command related to the display device100to the remote control device200through a push operation of the hard key button. When the user input unit430includes a touch screen, the user may input a command related to the display device100to the remote control device200by touching a soft key of the touch screen. In addition, the user input unit430may include various types of input means that may be operated by a user, such as a scroll key or a jog key, and the present embodiment does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

The sensor unit440may include a gyro sensor441or an acceleration sensor443. The gyro sensor441may sense information on the movement of the remote control device200.

For example, the gyro sensor441may sense information on the operation of the remote control device200based on the x, y, and z axes. The acceleration sensor443may sense information on the movement speed of the remote control device200and the like. Meanwhile, a distance measurement sensor may be further provided, whereby a distance to the display unit180may be sensed.

The output unit450may output a video or audio signal corresponding to the operation of the user input unit430or a signal transmitted from the display device100. The user may recognize whether the user input unit430is operated or whether the display device100is controlled through the output unit450.

For example, the output unit450may include an LED module451that emits light, a vibration module453that generates vibration, a sound output module455that outputs sound, or a display module457that outputs a video when the user input unit430is operated or a signal is transmitted and received through the wireless communication unit420.

The power supply unit460supplies power to the remote control device200. The power supply unit460may reduce power consumption by stopping power supply when the remote control device200has not moved for a predetermined time. The power supply unit460may restart power supply when a predetermined key provided in the remote control device200is operated.

The storage unit470may store various types of programs and application data required for control or operation of the remote control device200. When the remote control device200transmits and receives signals wirelessly through the display device100and the RF module421, the remote control device200and the display device100transmit and receive signals through a predetermined frequency band. The control unit480of the remote control device200may store and refer to information on a frequency band capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device100paired with the remote control device200in the storage unit470.

The control unit480may control all matters related to the control of the remote control device200. The control unit480may transmit a signal corresponding to a predetermined key operation of the user input unit430or a signal corresponding to the movement of the remote control device200sensed by the sensor unit440through the wireless communication unit420.

The user input interface unit150of the display device100may include a wireless communication unit411capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals to and from the remote control device200, and a coordinate value calculating unit415capable of calculating coordinate values of a pointer corresponding to the operation of the remote control device200.

The user input interface unit150may transmit and receive signals wirelessly to and from the remote control device200through the RF module412. In addition, signals transmitted by the remote control device200according to the IR communication standard may be received through the IR module413.

The coordinate value calculating unit415may correct a hand shake or an error based on a signal corresponding to the operation of the remote control device200received through the wireless communication unit411, and calculate the coordinate values (x, y) of the pointer205to be displayed on the display unit180.

The transmission signal of the remote control device200input to the display device100through the user input interface unit150may be transmitted to the control unit170of the display device100. The control unit170may determine information on the operation and key operation of the remote control device200based on the signal transmitted by the remote control device200, and control the display device100in response thereto.

As another example, the remote control device200may calculate pointer coordinate values corresponding to the operation and output the same to the user input interface unit150of the display device100. In this case, the user input interface unit150of the display device100may transmit information on the received pointer coordinate values to the control unit170without a separate process of correcting a hand shake or error.

In addition, as another example, the coordinate value calculating unit415may be provided in the control unit170instead of the user input interface unit150unlike the drawing.

FIG.5is an internal block diagram of the display unit ofFIG.2.

Referring to the drawing, the display unit180based on an organic light emitting panel may include a panel210, a first interface unit230, a second interface unit231, a timing controller232, a gate driving unit234, a data driving unit236, a memory240, a processor270, a power supply unit290, and the like.

The display unit180may receive a video signal Vd, first DC power V1, and second DC power V2, and display a predetermined video based on the video signal Vd.

Meanwhile, the first interface unit230in the display unit180may receive the video signal Vd and the first DC power V1 from the control unit170.

Here, the first DC power supply V1 may be used for the operation of the power supply unit290and the timing controller232in the display unit180.

Next, the second interface unit231may receive the second DC power V2 from the external power supply unit190. Meanwhile, the second DC power V2 may be input to the data driving unit236in the display unit180.

The timing controller232may output a data driving signal Sda and a gate driving signal Sga based on the video signal Vd.

For example, when the first interface unit230converts the input video signal Vd and outputs the converted video signal val, the timing controller232may output the data driving signal Sda and the gate driving signal Sga based on the converted video signal val.

The timing controller232may further receive a control signal, a vertical synchronization signal Vsync, and the like, in addition to the video signal Vd from the control unit170.

In addition, the timing controller232may output the gate driving signal Sga for the operation of the gate driving unit234and the data driving signal Sda for operation of the data driving unit236based on a control signal, the vertical synchronization signal Vsync, and the like, in addition to the video signal Vd.

In this case, the data driving signal Sda may be a data driving signal for driving of RGBW subpixels when the panel210includes the RGBW subpixels.

Meanwhile, the timing controller232may further output the control signal Cs to the gate driving unit234.

The gate driving unit234and the data driving unit236may supply a scan signal and the video signal to the panel210through a gate line GL and a data line DL, respectively, according to the gate driving signal Sga and the data driving signal Sda from the timing controller232. Accordingly, the panel210may display a predetermined video.

Meanwhile, the panel210may include an organic light emitting layer and may be arranged such that a plurality of gate lines GL intersect a plurality of data lines DL in a matrix form in each pixel corresponding to the organic light emitting layer to display a video.

Meanwhile, the data driving unit236may output a data signal to the panel210based on the second DC power supply V2 from the second interface unit231.

The power supply unit290may supply various levels of power to the gate driving unit234, the data driving unit236, the timing controller232, and the like.

The processor270may perform various control of the display unit180. For example, the gate driving unit234, the data driving unit236, the timing controller232or the like may be controlled.

FIGS.6A to6Bare views referred to for description of the organic light emitting panel ofFIG.5.

First,FIG.6Ais a diagram showing a pixel in the panel210. The panel210may be an organic light emitting panel.

Referring to the drawing, the panel210may include a plurality of scan lines (Scan1to Scan n) and a plurality of data lines (R1, G1, B1, W1to Rm, Gm, Bm and Wm) intersecting the scan lines.

Meanwhile, a pixel is defined at an intersection region of the scan lines and the data lines in the panel210. In the drawing, a pixel having RGBW sub-pixels SPr1, SPg1, SPb1, and SPw1is shown.

InFIG.6A, although it is illustrated that the RGBW sub-pixels are provided in one pixel, RGB subpixels may be provided in one pixel. That is, it is not limited to the element arrangement method of a pixel.

FIG.6Billustrates a circuit of a sub pixel in a pixel of the organic light emitting panel ofFIG.6A.

Referring to the drawing, an organic light emitting sub-pixel circuit CRTm may include a scan switching element SW1, a storage capacitor Cst, a driving switching element SW2, and an organic light emitting layer OLED, as active elements.

The scan switching element SW1may be connected to a scan line at a gate terminal and may be turned on according to a scan signal Vscan, which is input. When the scan switching element SW1is turned on, the input data signal Vdata may be transferred to the gate terminal of the driving switching element SW2or one terminal of the storage capacitor Cst.

The storage capacitor Cst may be formed between the gate terminal and the source terminal of the driving switching element SW2, and store a predetermined difference between the level of a data signal transmitted to one terminal of the storage capacitor Cst and the level of the DC power Vdd transferred to the other terminal of the storage capacitor Cst.

For example, when the data signals have different levels according to a Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) method, the level of power stored in the storage capacitor Cst may vary according to a difference in the level of the data signal Vdata.

As another example, when the data signals have different pulse widths according to the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) method, the level of the power stored in the storage capacitor Cst may vary according to a difference in the pulse width of the data signal Vdata.

The driving switching element SW2may be turned on according to the level of the power stored in the storage capacitor Cst. When the driving switching element SW2is turned on, a driving current IDLED, which is proportional to the level of the stored power, flows through the organic light emitting layer OLED. Accordingly, the organic light emitting layer OLED may perform a light emitting operation.

The organic light emitting layer (OLED) includes a light emitting layer (EML) of RGBW corresponding to a subpixel, and may include at least one of a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL) and may further include a hole blocking layer.

On the other hand, the sub pixels may emit white light in the organic light emitting layer (OLED) but, in the case of green, red, blue sub-pixels, a separate color filter is provided for realization of color. That is, in the case of green, red, and blue subpixels, green, red, and blue color filters are further provided, respectively. Meanwhile, since a white sub-pixel emits white light, a separate color filter is unnecessary.

On the other hand, although p-type MOSFETs are illustrated as the scan switching element SW1and the driving switching element SW2in the drawing, n-type MOSFETs or other switching elements such as JFETs, IGBTs, or SICs may be used.

FIGS.7A to7Bare diagrams for explaining a procedure of calculating an average picture level (APL) and current of image data using a frame memory for storing image data therein by a conventional OLED display device.

ReferringFIG.7A, the conventional OLED display device700may include a main system on chip (Soc)710, a memory720, a first timing controller730-1, a second timing controller730-2, a first frame memory740-1, a first compensation processing memory750-1, a second frame memory740-2, and a second compensation processing memory750-2.

The main SoC710may control a frame rate of an input image.

The main SoC710may control the frame rate of the input image according to an output frequency of a display panel (not shown).

The memory720may store image data for one image frame. The image data may be one of RGB data or WRGB data.

The main SoC710may communicate with the first timing controller730-1and the second timing controller730-2through the Vx1 standard.

The main SoC710may transfer image data to each of the first timing controller730-1and the second timing controller730-2through the Vx1 standard.

Each of the first timing controller730-1and the second timing controller730-2may calculate an APL value of an image frame based on image data received from the main SoC710.

Each of the first timing controller730-1and the second timing controller730-2may determine luminance of a display panel, corresponding to an APL value calculated through a peak luminance control (PLC) curve.

Each of the first timing controller730-1and the second timing controller730-2may determine a current value to be supply to the display panel according to the determined luminance.

Each of the first frame memory740-1and the second frame memory740-2may store image data for one image frame.

That is, in order for each of the first timing controller730-1and the second timing controller730-2to calculate an APL value, luminance, and a current value, each of the first frame memory740-1and the second frame memory740-2may store image data for one image frame.

However, as the resolution of the display panel increases, the processing speed and capacity of image data increases, and accordingly, it may be difficult to implement the first frame memory740-1and the second frame memory740-2as one chip, and the hardware configuration may be complicated.

The first compensation processing memory750-1may store a compensation amount of each of the plurality of pixels, to be transferred to the first timing controller730-1. The compensation amount of each pixel may be calculated based on a degradation amount of a pixel.

The second compensation processing memory750-2may store a compensation amount of each of the plurality of pixels, to be transferred to the second timing controller730-2. The compensation amount of each pixel may be calculated based on a degradation amount of a pixel.

FIG.7Bis a diagram for explaining an operation of a conventional timing controller.

A timing controller730may include an APL/current calculator731and an output level adjuster733.

The APL/current calculator731may calculate an APL value of an image frame, a luminance value of a display panel, and a current value to be supplied to the display panel using image data stored in a frame memory740.

The output level adjuster733may determine an output level of an image frame corresponding to the luminance value of the display panel and may apply a compensation level of a pixel, stored in a compensation processing memory750to the determined output level to generate final image data.

The compensation processing memory750may store a compensation level corresponding to a degradation amount indicating a degree of degradation of each pixel.

The output level adjuster733may determine a final output level of the image frame to be output by subtracting or adding the compensation level to the determined output level.

The final output level may be expressed as RGB data or WRGB data.

As such, conventionally, the frame memory740may be required to calculate an APL value of an image frame and a current value to be supplied to the display panel.

However, there is a problem in that a chip size increases due to existence of the frame memory740, and there is a problem in that hardware configuration becomes complicated.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an APL of an image frame and current to be supplied to the display panel may be calculated without the configuration of the frame memory740.

FIG.8is a diagram for explaining the configuration of an OLED display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.8, an OLED display device100may include a processor270, a memory240, a timing controller232, a compensation processing memory810, and a display panel210.

The processor270may acquire image data of an image frame from the memory240.

The processor270may calculate an APL value of the image frame based on the acquired image data.

The processor270may transfer the image data and the calculated APL value to the timing controller232.

The processor270may transfer the image data and the APL value to the timing controller232through the Vx1 standard.

The memory240may store image data in one image frame.

The processor270may determine luminance of the display panel210and a current value to be supplied to the display panel210using the APL value of the image frame.

The processor270may transfer the calculated APL value and current value to the timing controller232.

The timing controller232may determine the luminance of display panel210based on the APL value received from the processor270.

The timing controller232may adjust the output level of the image data based on the determined luminance and the compensation level read from the compensation processing memory810.

The timing controller232may provide the output image data with the adjusted output level to the display panel210.

The timing controller232may adjust the output level of the image data based on the determined luminance and the compensation level read from the compensation processing memory810and may adjust the current value received from the processor270.

The timing controller232may provide the output image data with the adjusted output level and the adjusted current value to the display panel210.

The compensation processing memory810may store a degradation amount of each of pixels configuring the display panel210and a compensation level corresponding to the degradation amount.

The display panel210may be an RGB-based OLED panel or a WRGB-based OLED panel.

The display panel210may output an image according to driving of the timing controller232.

FIG.9is a flowchart for explaining an operating method of an OLED display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The processor270may acquire the image data of the image frame from the memory240(S901).

According to an embodiment, the memory240may store image data of one image frame. The memory240may store image data of one image frame for frame rate control performed by the processor270.

According to an embodiment, in the case of an RGB-based OLED display device, image data may include RGB data.

According to another embodiment, in the case of a WRGB-based OLED display device, image data may include WRGB data.

The processor270may calculate an APL value of an image frame based on the acquired image data (S903).

When image data is RGB data, the processor270may calculate an APL value of a frame using Equation 1 below.

APL⁡(%)=SUM⁢{Max,(R,G,B)/255}Total⁢number⁢of⁢pixels×100[Equation⁢1]

The processor270may transfer the calculated APL value to the timing controller232(S905).

The processor270may transfer the APL value to the timing controller232using the Vx1 standard. The Vx1 standard may be interface standard for transmitting a signal for a flat panel display. The Vx1 standard may be image transmission interface standard for adding a clock signal to image data and transmitting the image data.

The timing controller232may determine the luminance of the display panel210based on the APL value (S907).

The timing controller232may determine the luminance of the display panel210using a peak luminance control (PLC) curve.

The PLC curve may be a curve that applies an algorithm for lowering luminance to lower power consumption as the APL value increases.

Pixels of the display panel210emits with the maximum luminance or less limited by the PLC curve. The PLC curve may define luminance values according to an APL to increase the maximum luminance of pixels to the peak luminance value at a low APL and to lower the maximum luminance of pixels at a high APL.

According to another embodiment, the processor270may determine the luminance of the display panel210through the PLC curve based on the APL value and may transfer the APL value and the determined luminance to the timing controller232.

The processor270may store the PLC curve in the memory240and may also determine luminance corresponding to the APL value through the PLC curve.

The timing controller232may adjust an output level of image data based on the determined luminance and the compensation level read from the compensation processing memory810(S909).

In some embodiments, the compensation level may indicate a compensation amount corresponding to a degradation degree of each of a plurality of pixels configuring the display panel210.

The compensation level may represent a data value to be subtracted from RGB data.

The timing controller232may adjust an output level of RGB data by applying a compensation level from RGB data corresponding to the determined luminance.

The timing controller232may provide the output image data with the adjusted output level to the display panel210(S911).

The timing controller232may provide final RGB data with the adjusted output level to the display panel210.

In more detail, the timing controller232may transfer the final RGB data with the adjusted output level to a data driver236.

As such, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, unlike the prior art, there is no need for a frame memory to store image data, and thus there is an advantage in cost and the size of a chip may be reduced.

FIG.10is a flowchart for explaining an operating method of an OLED display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

In particular,FIG.10shows an embodiment in which the processor270calculates an APL value of image and a current value to be supplied to the display panel210and transfers the same to the timing controller232.

Referring toFIG.10, the processor270may acquire image data of an image frame from the memory240(S1001).

According to an embodiment, the memory240may store image data of one image frame.

According to an embodiment, in the case of an RGB-based OLED display device, image data may include RGB data.

According to another embodiment, in the case of a WRGB-based OLED display device, image data may include WRGB data.

The processor270may calculate an APL value of an image frame based on acquired image data (S1003).

When image data is RGB data, the processor270may calculate an APL value of a frame using the aforementioned [Equation 1].

The processor270may determine luminance of the display panel210and a current value to be supplied to the display panel210based on the APL value of the image frame (S1005).

The processor270may determine luminance of the APL value through the PLC curve stored in the memory240or the processor270.

The processor270may calculate a current value to be supplied to lines or pixels corresponding to the determined luminance.

According to an embodiment, when the display panel210includes RGB pixels or WRGB pixels, the processor270may calculate a current value to be supplied to the display panel210.

According to another embodiment, only when the display panel210includes WRGB pixels, the processor270may calculate a current value to be provided to the display panel210. This is to limit MAX current provided to the WRGB pixel.

The processor270may transfer the calculated APL value and current value to the timing controller232(S1007).

The processor270may transfer the APL value and the current value to the timing controller232using the Vx1 standard. The Vx1 standard may be interface standard for transmitting a signal for a flat panel display. The Vx1 standard may be image transmission interface standard for adding a clock signal to image data and transmitting the image data.

The timing controller232may adjust an output level of image data based on the determined luminance and a compensation level read from the compensation processing memory810and may adjust the current value received from the processor270(S1009).

According to an embodiment, the compensation level may indicate a compensation amount corresponding to a degradation degree of each of a plurality of pixels configuring the display panel210.

The compensation level may represent a data value to be subtracted from RGB data.

The timing controller232may adjust an output level of RGB data by applying a compensation level from RGB data corresponding to the determined luminance.

The timing controller232may determine whether the current value received from the processor270is greater than a preset current value (MAX current value).

When the current value received from the processor270is greater than a preset current value (MAX current value), the timing controller232may adjust the current value to be equal to or less than the preset current value.

When the current value received from the processor270is not greater than a preset current value (MAX current value), the timing controller232may not adjust the current value. That is, a procedure of adjusting the current value may be optional.

The timing controller232may provide output image data with the adjusted output level and the adjusted current value to the display panel210(S1011).

The timing controller232may provide final RGB data with the adjusted output level to the display panel210.

In more detail, the timing controller232may transfer the final RGB data with the adjusted output level to the data driver236.

The timing controller232may provide the adjusted current value to the display panel210.

As such, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, unlike the prior art, there is no need for a frame memory to store image data, and thus there is an advantage in cost and the size of a chip may be reduced.

FIG.11is a diagram for explaining a procedure in which a processor transfers an APL value or an APL value and a current value to a timing controller via the Vx1 standard according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.11shows an active period1110of a previous image frame, a blank period1120, and an active period1130of a current image frame, transferred to the timing controller232by the processor270via Vx1 standard.

The active period1110of the previous image frame may be a period including image data of the previous image frame.

The active period1130of the current image frame may be a period including image data of the current image frame.

The blank period1120may be present between the active period1110of the previous image frame and the active period1130of the current image frame. The blank period1120may be a period without image data.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor270may insert the APL value of the current image frame in the blank period1120and may transfer the APL value to the timing controller232.

The processor270may calculate the APL value based on image data of the current image frame stored in the memory240, may insert the calculated APL value in the blank period1120before the active period1130of the current image frame, and may transfer the APL value to the timing controller232.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor270may insert the APL value and luminance value of the current image frame and the current value supplied to the display panel210in the blank period1120and may transfer the same to the timing controller232.

The processor270may calculate the APL value based on image data of the current image frame stored in the memory240and may calculate luminance using the calculated APL value.

The processor270may calculate the current value to be supplied to the display panel210, corresponding to the calculated luminance, may insert the APL value, the luminance, and the current value in the blank period1120before the active period1130of the current image frame, and may transfer the same to the timing controller232.

As such, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor270may transfer the APL value, the luminance, and the current value to the timing controller232without an additional interface. Thus, efficiency may be increased in terms of cost or processing speed due to an additional interface.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as a frame memory is removed, a chip size may be reduced and the cost may be reduced.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when data such as APL value is transmitted, no additional interface may be required, and thus the existing Vx1 standard may be efficiently used.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-described method may be implemented with codes readable by a processor on a medium in which a program is recorded. Examples of the medium readable by the processor include a ROM (Read Only Memory), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage device, and the like.

The display device described above is not limited to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments, and the above embodiments may be configured by selectively combining all or some of embodiments such that various modifications may be made.