KR102228626B1 - Display device and timing controller - Google Patents

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a display device driving a display panel such that at least one of all subpixels formed on the display panel is turned off or at least one of all pixels defined by all subpixels is turned off, and a timing controller included therein.

Description

DISPLAY DEVICE AND TIMING CONTROLLER

The present invention relates to a display device and a timing controller.

As the information society develops, demands for display devices for displaying images are increasing in various forms, and liquid crystal display devices (LCDs), plasma display devices, and organic light-emitting display devices ( Various types of display devices such as OLED: Organic Light Emitting Display Device) are being used.

In this way, circuit elements such as transistors and capacitors are formed in each pixel formed on a display panel of various display devices. For example, when the display panel is an organic light emitting display panel, circuit elements such as an organic light emitting diode, two or more transistors, and one or more capacitors are formed in each pixel.

The circuit elements formed in each of these pixels may be degraded more seriously if the driving time is increased or the driving voltage is increased due to various factors, and in this case, the life of the circuit elements is shortened and the display The life of the device is also shortened.

An object of the present embodiments is to provide a timing controller that reduces power consumption and a display device including the same.

Another object of the present embodiments is to provide a timing controller capable of reducing device deterioration and extending device life, and a display device including the same.

Another object of the present embodiments is to provide a timing controller that controls power saving driving capable of reducing device deterioration, extending device life, and reducing power consumption without significant deterioration in visual quality, and a display device including the same. .

An embodiment includes a display panel in which a plurality of data lines and a plurality of gate lines are formed, and a plurality of pixels are formed; A data driver driving the plurality of data lines; A gate driver driving the plurality of gate lines; And a timing controller for controlling the data driver and the gate driver, wherein a region in which two or more pixels are formed as one unit region, and at least one of the two or more pixels formed in each unit region is an off pixel. Provides a display device.

In another embodiment, a display panel in which a plurality of data lines and a plurality of gate lines are formed, and a plurality of sub-pixels are formed; A data driver driving the plurality of data lines; A gate driver driving the plurality of gate lines; And a timing controller controlling the data driver and the gate driver, wherein at least one of the plurality of subpixels is turned off, or at least one of the plurality of pixels defined by the plurality of subpixels is turned off. It provides a display device.

In another embodiment, a power saving control unit for outputting a power saving driving control signal for turning off at least one of two or more pixels formed in each unit area and turning on only the remaining pixels when the power saving mode is entered; And a panel driving control unit controlling at least one of a data driving unit and a gate driving unit according to the power saving driving control signal.

According to these embodiments, there is an effect of providing a timing controller that reduces power consumption and a display device including the same.

In addition, according to the present embodiments, there is an effect of providing a timing controller capable of reducing device deterioration and extending a device lifespan, and a display device including the same.

In addition, according to the present embodiments, the effect of providing a timing controller for controlling power saving driving capable of reducing device deterioration, extending device life, and reducing power consumption without significant deterioration of image quality to the naked eye, and a display device including the same. There is.

1 is a schematic system configuration diagram of a display device according to exemplary embodiments.
2 is a diagram illustrating a mode and a drive of a display device according to exemplary embodiments.
3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating driving timings according to modes of the display device 100 according to exemplary embodiments.
4 is a diagram illustrating a unit area UA for power saving driving of a display device according to exemplary embodiments.
5 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a unit area size (UA Size) for power saving driving of a display device according to exemplary embodiments.
6A and 6B are exemplary views for explaining an off pixel rate for power saving driving of the display device 100 according to exemplary embodiments.
7 is a diagram illustrating positions of off-pixels between each unit area UA when power saving is driven in the display device 100 according to exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of changing a position of an off-pixel in each unit area UA as time elapses when power saving of the display device according to the exemplary embodiments is driven.
9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating a pattern of changing a position of an off-pixel in each unit area UA as time elapses when power saving of the display device according to the exemplary embodiments is driven.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an off pixel rate is changed when power saving is driven in the display device 100 according to exemplary embodiments.
12 is a diagram illustrating an off-sub-pixel ratio among all sub-pixels constituting each off-pixel when power saving is driven in a display device according to exemplary embodiments.
13 is a diagram illustrating positions of off sub-pixels between each off-pixel when power saving is driven in the display device 100 according to exemplary embodiments.
14 is a diagram illustrating an example of changing a position of an off sub-pixel in each off-pixel as time elapses when power-saving driving of the display device according to the exemplary embodiments.
15 is a diagram illustrating a method of changing a mode of a display device to a power saving mode according to exemplary embodiments.
16 to 18 are diagrams illustrating a method of changing to a power saving mode using a sensor 1510 in the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiments.
19 is a block diagram of a timing controller that controls power saving driving of a display device according to exemplary embodiments.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to elements of each drawing, the same elements may have the same numerals as possible even if they are indicated on different drawings. In addition, in describing the present invention, when it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description may be omitted.

In addition, in describing the constituent elements of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the component from other components, and the nature, order, order, or number of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being "connected", "coupled" or "connected" to another component, the component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but other components between each component It should be understood that "interposed" or that each component may be "connected", "coupled" or "connected" through other components.

1 is a schematic system configuration diagram of a display device 100 according to exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, a display device 100 according to embodiments includes m data lines DL1, ..., DLm, m: natural numbers and n gate lines GL1, ..., GLn, n : A display panel 110 on which a natural number) is formed, a data driver 120 driving m data lines DL1, ..., DLm, and n gate lines GL1, ..., GLn are sequentially And a gate driver 130 that is driven by the method, and a timing controller 140 that controls the data driver 120 and the gate driver 130.

In the display panel 110, a sub pixel (SP) is formed at each point where m data lines DL1, ..., DLm and n gate lines GL1, ..., GLn cross each other. And, it is composed of three or four sub-pixels SP to define a pixel (P: Pixel).

The timing controller 140 starts scanning according to the timing implemented in each frame, converts the image data input from the interface according to the data signal format used by the data driver 120 to convert the converted image data (Data). It outputs and controls the data drive at the appropriate time according to the scan.

The timing controller 140 receives various control signals such as a data control signal (DCS) and a gate control signal (GCS) in order to control the data driver 120 and the gate driver 130. Can be printed.

The gate driver 130 sequentially supplies an on voltage or an off voltage scan signal to the n gate lines GL1, ..., GLn under the control of the timing controller 140 The n gate lines GL1, ..., GLn are sequentially driven.

The data driver 120 stores the input image data in a memory (not shown) under the control of the timing controller 140, and when a specific gate line is opened, the corresponding image data Data is stored in an analog form. By converting the data voltage Vdata and supplying it to m data lines DL1, ..., DLm, m data lines DL1, ..., DLm are driven.

The data driver 120 may include a plurality of data driving integrated circuits (Data Driver ICs, also referred to as source driver ICs), and such a plurality of data driving integrated circuits include tape automated bonding (TAB). : Tape Automated Bonding) or chip-on-glass (COG) is connected to the bonding pad of the display panel 110, or may be formed directly on the display panel 110. In some cases, the display panel ( 110).

The gate driver 130 may be positioned on only one side of the display panel 110 as shown in FIG. 1, or may be divided into two and positioned on both sides of the display panel 110, depending on the driving method.

In addition, the gate driver 130 may include a plurality of gate driver ICs, such as a plurality of gate driving integrated circuits, a tape automated bonding (TAB) method or a chip-on. It may be connected to a bonding pad of the display panel 110 in a glass (COG) method, or implemented in a GIP (Gate In Panel) type to be formed directly on the display panel 110. In some cases, the display panel It may be formed by being integrated in (110).

The display device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device (LCD), a plasma display device, and an organic light emitting display device (OLED). ), etc.

In each pixel formed in the above-described display panel 110, circuit elements such as transistors and capacitors are formed. For example, when the display panel 110 is an organic light-emitting display panel, circuit elements such as an organic light-emitting diode, two or more transistors, and one or more capacitors are formed in each pixel.

The circuit elements formed in each pixel may be degraded more seriously if the driving time is increased or the driving voltage is increased due to various factors, and in this case, the life of the circuit elements is shortened and the display device The life of (100) will also be shortened.

Accordingly, the display device 100 according to the embodiments provides a new mode called Power Saving Mode, in addition to the General Mode corresponding to the normal display mode, and performs in such a power saving mode period. It can provide a power saving drive (Power Saving Drive) that can be.

Here, in the present embodiments, the power saving mode is completely different from the normal sleep mode in which an unused internal device other than the main board, memory, etc. is turned off when the user does not use the device. It's a different concept of mode.

In the following, a power saving mode provided by the display device 100 according to exemplary embodiments and power saving driving therefor will be described in more detail.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a mode and a drive of the display device 100 according to exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 2, the display device 100 according to embodiments may operate in one of a general mode and a power saving mode.

When the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiments operates in the normal mode, all pixels of the display panel 110 and all sub-pixels constituting the same may be normally driven. In this way, normal driving of all sub-pixels is referred to as “general drive” or “full drive”. Here, a pixel that can be normally driven is referred to as “on pixel” or “on pixel”, and a sub pixel that can be normally driven is “on sub pixel” or “on sub pixel”. It is called "On Sub Pixel."

On the other hand, when the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiments operates in the power saving mode, not all pixels in the display panel 110 can be normally driven, but some of the pixels are not driven normally. Power Saving Drive)" or "Partial Drive" may be performed.

Alternatively, when the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiments operates in the power saving mode, not all sub-pixels in the display panel 110 can be normally driven, but some sub-pixels are not normally driven. Driving (Power Saving Drive)" or "Partial Drive" may be performed.

Here, among all the pixels, a pixel that can be normally driven is referred to as an on pixel or an on pixel, and a pixel that cannot be normally driven is an "off pixel" or an "off pixel. Pixel)".

Among all sub-pixels, a sub-pixel that can be normally driven is referred to as an “on sub-pixel” or an “on sub-pixel”, and a pixel that cannot be normally driven is an “off sub-pixel”. It is referred to as “pixel” or “off sub pixel”.

As described above, in the display device 100 according to the embodiments, not all sub-pixels and all pixels are driven through a power saving drive, but some pixels or some sub-pixels are turned off. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the degradation of devices (eg, organic light emitting diodes, transistors, etc.) in each sub-pixel, and thus, the life of the device can be greatly increased. Not only this, but also the effect of reducing power consumption can be obtained.

3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating driving timings according to modes of the display device 100 according to exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 3A, during a power saving mode period changed from a normal mode according to a power saving mode signal, at least one of all subpixels is turned off, or at least one of all pixels defined by all subpixels is turned off. Drive) can be performed continuously.

In this case, the time T during which power saving driving is performed in one power saving mode section is the same as the time during the power saving mode section.

As shown in FIG. 3A, power consumption can be reduced as much as possible by continuously performing power saving driving during the power saving mode period.

Referring to FIG. 3B, during the power saving mode period changed from the normal mode according to the power saving mode signal, power saving driving may not be continuously performed, but may be performed only for a predetermined period of time (T) one or more times.

Here, the time (T) at which one power saving driving is performed may be fixedly set or variably set in consideration of a power saving request amount and an acceptable degree of resolution reduction.

As shown in FIG. 3B, since the power saving driving is performed one or more briefly during the power saving mode period, the time during which only some pixels are driven is shortened, so that power consumption can be reduced without significantly lowering the resolution.

Meanwhile, the power saving drive as described above may be controlled by the timing controller 140.

In this regard, the timing controller 140 may turn off at least one of all sub-pixels SP formed on the display panel 110 or all pixels P defined by a plurality of sub-pixels SP. A power saving drive control signal that turns at least one of them off may be output to at least one of the data driver 120 and the gate driver 130.

Accordingly, the data driver 120 may supply the data voltage to the On Sub Pixel according to the power saving driving control signal.

In this case, the data driver 120 does not supply the data voltage to the off sub pixel or the data voltage at which the off sub pixel is not turned on according to the power saving driving control signal. You can also supply.

In addition, the gate driver 120 sequentially turns on the gate lines corresponding to the sub-pixel columns, so that a sub pixel row connected to one gate line is turned off. In the case of a row of ), a scan signal may not be output to a corresponding gate line, or a scan signal having a voltage level at which the corresponding gate line is turned off may be output.

Meanwhile, the timing controller 140 may control power saving driving by outputting a power saving driving control signal according to the presence or movement of a viewer, for example.

For example, when it is detected that a viewer who is watching an image output from the display device 100 disappears, or if a viewer who is watching an image output from the display device 100 is not watching, such as asleep, is detected, in the normal mode. The mode is changed to power saving mode. Accordingly, the timing controller 140 may perform power saving driving control to perform power saving driving for the power saving mode.

In this way, when the user disappears or does not view, the mode is changed to the power saving mode and power saving driving is performed, thereby reducing unnecessary display driving to display an image that cannot be viewed, thereby reducing device deterioration. It can be done, and the life of the device can be extended that much. In addition, it will be able to significantly reduce power consumption.

In the following, the above-described power saving driving and power saving driving control therefor will be described in more detail below, embodiments thereof.

4 is a diagram illustrating a unit area (UA) for power saving driving of the display device 100 according to exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 4, the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiments introduces a concept of a unit area UA for effective power saving driving.

Referring to FIG. 4, in the display panel 110 according to exemplary embodiments, a plurality of unit areas UA may be defined by using an area in which two or more pixels are formed as one unit area UA.

Taking such a unit area UA as an example, in the case of UHD (Ultra High Definition) resolution, 3840×2160×4 sub-pixels SP exist in the display panel 110.

If it is assumed that each pixel P is composed of four sub-pixels SP corresponding to red (R), white (W), green (G), and blue (B), the display panel 110 There are 3840×2160 pixels (P).

For example, if one unit area UA can be defined as an area in which four pixels P are formed, 1/4×3840×2160 unit areas UA will exist on the display panel 110. As another example, if one unit area UA can be defined as an area in which 25 pixels P are formed, 1/25×3840×2160 unit areas UA exist on the display panel 110.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4, each unit area UA includes i×j pixels P11 ... P1j, P21 ... P2j, ..., Pi1 ... consisting of i rows and j columns. It may be a region where Pij) is formed. Here, i and j are natural numbers, and at least one of i and j is 2 or more.

In this way, by defining each unit area UA in a matrix type, efficient power saving driving is possible without significantly affecting the image quality.

Meanwhile, the unit area size (UA Size) may be defined as the number of formed pixels.

4, each unit area UA has i×j pixels (P11 ... P1j, P21 ... P2j, ..., Pi1 ... Pij) consisting of i rows and j columns. Speaking of the formed area, the unit area size (UA Size) is i×j.

Meanwhile, each pixel P formed in the unit area UA may be composed of three sub-pixels SP corresponding to red (R), green (G), and blue (B), or red (R). , May be composed of four sub-pixels SP corresponding to white (W), green (G), and blue (B).

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4, at least one of two or more pixels P11 ... P1j, P21 ... P2j, ..., Pi1 ... Pij formed in each unit area UA (eg, Pi1, ...) may be an off pixel according to the power saving driving control.

As described above, through Power Saving Drive, not all pixels in each unit area UA are driven, but at least one pixel (eg, Pi1, ...) is turned off. , Degradation of devices (eg, organic light-emitting diodes, transistors, etc.) formed in the sub-pixel area forming the off-pixel (eg, Pi1, ...) can be reduced, and thus, device life can be greatly increased. have. Not only this, but also the effect of reducing power consumption can be obtained.

5 is an exemplary view illustrating a unit area size (UA Size) for power saving driving of the display device 100 according to exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 5, the unit area size (UA Size) may be arbitrarily or fixedly determined according to a desired resolution, a desired amount of power saving, and the like.

FIG. 5 exemplarily shows unit area sizes of four cases.

CASE 1 is a case in which the area in which the pixels P11, P12, P21, and P22 of 2 rows and 2 columns are formed is defined as a unit area UA, and in this case, the unit area size (UA Size) is 2×2.

CASE 2 is a case in which the area in which the pixels (P11, P12, P13, P21, P22, P23, P31, P32, P33) are formed in 3 rows and 3 columns is defined as a unit area (UA). In this case, the unit area size (UA Size ) Is 3×3.

CASE 3 is the unit area (UA) where the pixels (P11, P12, P13, P14, P21, P22, P23, P24, P31, P32, P33, P34, P41, P42, P43, P44) are formed. This is the case defined as, and in this case, the unit area size (UA Size) is 4×4.

CASE 4 has 5 rows and 5 columns (P11, P12, P13, P14, P15, P21, P22, P23, P24, P25, P31, P32, P33, P34, P34, P34, P41, P42, P43, P44, P45. , P51, P52, P53, P54, P55) is defined as a unit area UA, and in this case, the unit area size is 5×5.

6A and 6B are exemplary views for explaining an off pixel rate for power saving driving of the display device 100 according to exemplary embodiments.

6A illustrates a unit area UA having a unit area size of 2×2 as an example, and an Off Pixel Rate in the unit area UA having a unit area size of 2×2. ) Is a diagram showing an example.

6B illustrates an example of a unit area UA having a unit area size of 5×5, and an Off Pixel Rate in the unit area UA having a unit area size of 5×5. ) Is a diagram showing an example.

6A and 6B, an off pixel rate representing the ratio of off pixels among all pixels in each unit area UA may be arbitrarily or fixedly determined according to a desired resolution, a desired amount of power saving, and the like. have.

In FIG. 6A, CASE 1 is a case in which the off pixel rate in the unit area UA of which the unit area size is 2×2 is 3/4. Here, when the Off Pixel Rate is 3/4, it means that 3 of the 4 pixels are off pixels.

In FIG. 6A, CASE 2 is a case in which an off pixel rate in a unit area UA having a unit area size of 2×2 is 1/4. Here, when the off pixel rate is 1/4, it means that one of the four pixels is an off pixel.

Referring to FIG. 6A, in terms of reducing device deterioration, increasing device life, and reducing power consumption, CASE 1 having an Off Pixel Rate of 3/4 is an Off Pixel Rate. It is more advantageous than CASE 2, which is 3/4.

However, in terms of resolution, CASE 2 with an Off Pixel Rate of 3/4 shows better resolution than CASE 1 with an Off Pixel Rate of 3/4.

For example, when there is no user temporarily watching an image displayed on the display device 100, CASE 1, that is, an off-pixel ratio, is more advantageous in terms of device deterioration, device life, and power consumption rather than resolution. It would be better to adopt the case where the rate) is large and power-saving operation.

On the other hand, the unit area size (UA Size) and Off Pixel Rate described above with reference to FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B are fixed in consideration of a desired resolution and a desired amount of power saving when power saving is driven. It may be a value, or it may be a value that changes adaptively even after the product is shipped.

Here, when power saving driving is performed, a decrease in resolution is inevitable. Accordingly, the level to which the resolution deterioration is tolerated during power saving operation may be set as a default value as "desired resolution during power saving operation" as a default value, or in some cases, according to a user's selection. During power saving operation, the level to which power consumption is reduced can be set as a "desired power saving amount" as a default value, and in some cases, it can be set according to the user's selection.

In power saving operation, the unit area size (UA Size) corresponding to the total number of pixels in each unit area (UA) and off-pixels in each unit area (UA) according to the setting values such as the desired resolution and the desired power saving amount. At least one of the ratios (Off Pixel Rate) may be changed.

In this way, by changing at least one of the unit area size (UA Size) and the off pixel rate (Off Pixel Rate), it is possible to obtain a desired power consumption reduction effect according to a desired resolution.

7 is a diagram illustrating positions of off-pixels between each unit area UA when power saving is driven in the display device 100 according to exemplary embodiments.

In FIG. 7, for convenience of description, four unit areas (UA 11, UA 12, UA 21, and a unit area size of 2×2 and an Off Pixel Rate of 3/4) Take UA 22) as an example.

Referring to FIG. 7, like CASE 1, when power saving is driven in the display device 100 according to embodiments, an off-pixel between four unit areas UA 11, UA 12, UA 21, and UA 22 at the same time point. Alternatively, the positions of the on-pixels may be the same.

In Fig. 7, in case of CASE 1, at the same time point, in all of UA 11, UA 12, UA 21 and UA 22, the on pixel is P11 and the off pixel is P12, P21, P22.

Alternatively, referring to FIG. 7, when power saving is driven in the display device 100 according to embodiments, as in CASE 2, the positions of off-pixels between the four unit areas UA 11 and UA are identical to each other at the same time point. They don't, and they can be different.

In FIG. 7, in case of CASE 2, at the same time point, in UA 11, on pixels are P12 and off pixels are P11, P21, P22, and in UA 11, on pixels are P22 and off pixels are P11, P12, P21. , In UA 11, on pixels are P11 and off pixels are P12, P21, P22, and in UA 11, on pixels are P21 and off pixels are P11, P12, P22.

Like CASE 2, when the positions of the off-pixels between the four unit areas UA 11 and UA are different, the positions of the on-pixels or the off-pixels are determined by the on-pixels in the entire display panel 110 in consideration of image quality. It can be determined to be distributed and distributed.

As described above, by varying the positions of off-pixels or on-pixels in each unit area UA, it is possible to efficiently perform power saving driving control.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of changing a position of an off-pixel in each unit area UA as time elapses when power saving of the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiments is driven.

In FIG. 8, for convenience of description, four unit areas (UA 11, UA 12, UA 21, and a unit area size of 2×2 and an Off Pixel Rate of 3/4). Take UA 22) as an example.

In addition, in FIG. 8, it is exemplified that the positions of the on and off pixels of the four unit areas UA 11, UA 12, UA 21, and UA 22 are the same at the same time point.

Referring to FIG. 8, when power saving is driven in the display device 100 according to embodiments, the position of the off-pixel or the on-pixel in each unit area UA may be fixed, but may be changed over time. have.

Here, the lapse of time may be expressed in the order of frames, for example.

Referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the on-pixels of each of the four unit areas UA 11, UA 12, UA 21, and UA 22 change in the order of P11, P12, P21, and P22 over time.

As described above, if the position of the off-pixel or the on-pixel is fixed without changing the position of the on-pixel over time, compared to the off-pixel, the on-pixel has a longer driving time and deteriorates more severely, and the sub-pixels constituting the on-pixel The device life of my circuit will be further reduced.

However, by changing the position of the off-pixel or on-pixel over time, even if the off-pixel rate is constant and the amount of reduction in power consumption (power savings) is the same, the degree of deterioration of the elements formed in each pixel can be controlled. It is possible to equalize by dispersing about it, and thus, by making the lifespan of the devices formed in each pixel equal, it will be possible to increase the overall lifespan of the device.

9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating a pattern of changing a position of an off-pixel in each unit area UA as time elapses when power saving of the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiments is driven.

In FIGS. 9 and 10, for convenience of explanation, one unit area UA having a unit area size of 2×2 and an off pixel rate of 3/4 is exemplified.

Referring to FIG. 9, when power saving is driven in the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiments, a position of an off-pixel in each unit area UA may be changed in a random manner over time.

For example, in one unit area (UA), only randomly selected P11 becomes an on pixel in the kth frame, only randomly selected P22 becomes an on pixel in the k+1th frame, and randomly selected P12 in the k+2th frame. Only the randomly selected P21 may become ON pixels in the k+3th frame.

Referring to FIG. 10, when power saving is driven in the display device 100 according to embodiments, the position of the off-pixel in each unit area UA may be changed according to a round robin method over time. .

For example, in one unit area (UA), only P11 becomes an on pixel in the kth frame, only P12 in the clockwise direction based on P11 becomes an on pixel in the k+1th frame, and the k+2th frame Only P22 in the clockwise direction based on P12 may be an ON pixel, and in the k+3th frame, only P21 randomly selected in the clockwise direction based on P22 may be an ON pixel.

Meanwhile, when power saving is driven in the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiments, an off pixel rate in each unit area UA may be constant or changed over time.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an off pixel rate is changed when power saving is driven in the display device 100 according to exemplary embodiments.

In FIG. 11, for convenience of explanation, one unit area UA having a unit area size of 2×2 is taken as an example.

Referring to FIG. 11, when power saving is driven in the display device 100 according to embodiments, an off pixel rate in each unit area UA may be changed over time.

For example, in one unit area UA, one pixel P22 is an off-pixel in a k-th frame, two pixels P11 and P22 are off-pixels in a k+1th frame, and k+2 In the first frame, three pixels P12, P21, and P22 may be off-pixels.

That is, in FIG. 11, as time elapses, that is, as the frame changes, the off-pixel ratio is changed while increasing to 1/4, 2/4, and 3/4.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, by gradually increasing and changing the off pixel rate, a situation in which the resolution is rapidly deteriorated even when power saving driving is performed can be prevented.

On the other hand, in the k+3th frame, the off-pixel ratio is the same as that of the k+2th frame, but the positions of the off-pixels are changed in order to use the same pixels.

Meanwhile, each pixel may be composed of three or four sub-pixels. Control of on-off of the sub-pixels constituting the off-pixel will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an off sub-pixel rate among all sub-pixels constituting each off-pixel when power saving is driven in the display device 100 according to exemplary embodiments.

In FIG. 12, for convenience of explanation, taking one unit area UA having a unit area size of 2×2 and an off pixel rate of 3/4 as an example, in the unit area Each of the four pixels P11, P12, P21, and P22 of is composed of four sub-pixels SP corresponding to red (R), white (W), green (G), and blue (B).

In addition, for convenience of description, in the unit area UA having an off pixel rate of 3/4, it is assumed that the off pixels are P12, P21, and P22.

Referring to FIG. 12, when power saving of the display device 100 according to the embodiments is driven, a plurality of subs constituting each off-pixel P12, P21, P22 in each unit area UA, like CASE 1 The pixels R, W, G, and B may all be off sub pixels.

Referring to FIG. 12, when power saving of the display device 100 according to the embodiments is driven, a plurality of subs constituting each off-pixel P12, P21, P22 in each unit area UA, like CASE 2 The pixels R, W, G, and B are not all off sub pixels, and only some of the pixels R, G, and B may be off sub pixels.

In FIG. 12, CASE 1, which turns off all sub-pixels constituting an off-pixel, has significant advantages in terms of reducing device deterioration, extending device life, and reducing power consumption.

CASE 2, which turns off only some of the sub-pixels constituting the off-pixel, is less advantageous than CASE 1 in terms of reducing device deterioration, extending device life, and reducing power consumption. There is an advantage in that you can do it.

13 is a diagram illustrating positions of off sub-pixels between each off-pixel when power saving is driven in the display device 100 according to exemplary embodiments.

In FIG. 13, for convenience of explanation, taking one unit area UA having a unit area size of 2×2 and an off pixel rate of 3/4 as an example, in the unit area Each of the four pixels P11, P12, P21, and P22 of is composed of four sub-pixels SP corresponding to red (R), white (W), green (G), and blue (B).

In addition, for convenience of explanation, in FIG. 13, in the unit area UA having an off pixel rate of 3/4, it is assumed that the off pixels are P12, P21, and P22.

In addition, for convenience of description, in FIG. 13, it is assumed that the number of off subpixels is 3 in each of the three off pixels P12, P21, and P22. That is, it is assumed that the Off Sub Pixel Rate is 3/4.

Referring to FIG. 13, as in CASE 1, a plurality of sub-pixels R, W, G, and B constituting each of the number of off-pixels P12, P21, and P22 in each unit area UA are off-sub-pixels. When the on-sub-pixels and on-sub-pixels are mixed, the positions of the off-sub-pixels R, G, and B and the on-sub-pixels W between the three off-pixels P12, P21, and P22 may be the same at the same time point. have.

Referring to FIG. 13, as in CASE 2, a plurality of sub-pixels R, W, G, and B constituting each of the number of off-pixels P12, P21, and P22 in each unit area UA are off-sub-pixels. When the and on subpixels are mixed, positions of the off subpixel and the on subpixel between the three off pixels P12, P21, and P22 may be different from each other at the same time point.

Like CASE 2, when the positions of the off sub-pixels and the on-sub-pixels between the three off-pixels P12, P21, and P22 are different, the positions of the off-sub-pixels or the on-sub-pixels are determined by considering the image quality. (110) It may be determined that pixels from the whole are distributed and uniformly distributed.

As shown in CASEs 1 and 2 of FIG. 13, power saving driving can be effectively controlled by making the positions of off sub pixels in each off pixel the same or differently.

14 is a diagram illustrating an example of changing a position of an off sub-pixel in each off-pixel as time elapses when power saving of the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiments is driven.

In FIG. 14, for convenience of explanation, taking one unit area UA with a unit area size of 2×2 and an off pixel rate of 3/4 as an example, in the unit area Each of the four pixels P11, P12, P21, and P22 of is composed of four sub-pixels SP corresponding to red (R), white (W), green (G), and blue (B).

In addition, for convenience of explanation, in FIG. 14, in the unit area UA having an off pixel rate of 3/4, it is assumed that the off pixels are P12, P21, and P22.

In addition, for convenience of description, in FIG. 14, it is assumed that the number of off sub-pixels is 3 in each of the three off pixels P12, P21, and P22. That is, it is assumed that the Off Sub Pixel Rate is 3/4.

Referring to FIG. 14, a plurality of sub-pixels R, W, G, and B constituting each of the three off-pixels P12, P21, and P22 in each unit area UA are off-sub-pixels and on-sub-pixels. When these are mixed, the positions of the off sub-pixels or the on sub-pixels in each of the three off-pixels P12, P21, and P22 may be changed over time.

In the case of FIG. 14, as time elapses, the subpixels from each of the three off pixels P12, P21, and P22 are changed in the order of R, W, G, and B subpixels.

If the position of the off-subpixel or the on-subpixel is fixed without changing the position over time, compared to the off-subpixel, the driving time of the on-subpixel becomes longer and the deterioration proceeds more severely. The device life will be further reduced.

However, by changing the position of the off sub-pixel or the on-sub-pixel over time, the device formed in each sub-pixel is the same even if the off-sub-pixel rate is constant and the amount of reduction in power consumption (power saving amount) is the same. The degree of deterioration of the fields can be distributed to some extent to make them even, and thus, the lifetime of the elements formed in each sub-pixel can be made equal, thereby increasing the overall life of the elements.

The power saving drive described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14 may be performed by the timing controller 140.

15 is a diagram illustrating a method of changing a mode of the display device 100 to a power saving mode according to exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 15, when a mode is changed from a normal mode to a power saving mode, the power saving drive according to the present embodiments may be performed for the entire time or for a portion of the power saving mode period.

Referring to FIG. 15, a power saving drive according to the present embodiments is performed when a power saving mode signal is generated and the mode is changed from a normal mode to a power saving mode.

Referring to FIG. 15, when the timing controller 140 receives a power saving mode signal and changes to a power saving mode according to the input power saving mode signal, at least one of two or more pixels formed in each unit area UA is an off pixel. Power Saving Drive Control to achieve this can be performed.

As described above, since the timing controller 140 performs power saving driving control, it is possible to enable efficient power saving driving control in connection with the panel driving control that is basically performed.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 15, the timing controller 140 may receive a power saving mode signal from the sensor 1510 or from an input device 1520 such as a remote control.

The sensor 1510 interlocking with the timing controller 140 of the display device 100 according to the embodiments may be mounted on the display device 100 and changes the mode from a normal mode to a power saving mode through a sensing operation. It can generate a power-saving mode signal.

In this way, when a mode change to the power saving mode is provided using the sensor 1510, the power saving mode is automatically triggered, thereby enabling an automated power saving operation.

This has an aspect consistent with the present embodiments in which the user changes to a power saving mode and performs power saving driving in a situation where the user is not around or does not watch.

That is, in the case of a situation where the user is not around or is not watching, at the time of the power saving mode change, there is no user input for changing the power saving mode and driving the power saving, so an automated power saving mode trigger using the sensor 1510 and power saving driving accordingly This would be very effective.

Of course, referring to FIG. 15, a user generates a user input for changing the mode to a power saving mode through an input device 1520 such as a remote control, and accordingly, the input device 1520 sets a power saving mode according to a user input. According to the information, by generating a power saving mode signal and outputting it to the timing controller 140, the power saving mode may be manually triggered.

In addition, referring to FIG. 15, if the user sets a reservation time for changing the mode to the power saving mode through an input device 1520 such as a remote control as power saving mode setting information, the display device 100 may display the power saving mode setting information. Accordingly, while changing the mode to the power saving mode at the corresponding reservation time, the power saving mode signal is generated and output to the timing controller 140, thereby manually triggering the power saving mode.

As described above, when the user inputs to change the mode directly to the power saving mode through the input device 1520 such as a remote control or inputs to change the mode at a desired reservation time, the power saving mode according to the input By setting, a power saving mode signal is generated, and the power saving mode can be manually triggered to cause power saving driving.

This has the advantage of being able to trigger the power saving mode in a manual manner according to a time desired by the user.

16 to 18 are diagrams illustrating a method of changing to a power saving mode using a sensor 1510 in the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 16, a sensor 1510 mounted on the display device 100 senses whether or not a user 1500 viewing an image displayed on the display device 100 is nearby or a nearby user ( 1500) senses whether or not the image is viewed, and as a result, when it is determined that the user in the vicinity has disappeared or it is determined that the user in the vicinity is not watching, a power saving mode signal is generated and output to the timing controller 140.

In the present embodiments, the sensor 1510 may include at least one of a thermal sensor, an infrared sensor, a photo sensor, and a distance sensor.

In more detail, the sensor 1510 determines whether the user 1500 exists within a predetermined distance based on the sensing data, and when it is determined that the user 1500 exists within a predetermined distance, outputs a power saving mode signal.

For example, when the sensor 1510 is a thermal sensor or an infrared sensor, the sensor 1510 can detect the user's presence by searching for body temperature from the sensing data, as shown in FIG. 17, and determine that the user has disappeared. If so, a power saving mode signal can be output.

In addition, the sensor 1510 may sense the movement of the user 1500 to determine whether the user 1500 is watching, and when it is determined that the user 1500 is not watching, may output a power saving mode signal.

For example, when the sensor 1510 is a photosensor, the sensor 1510 obtains the N-1th image 1810, then the Nth image 1820, and the difference between the two images 1810 and 1820. By calculating the value 1830, it is possible to calculate the presence or absence of the user, the user's blinking, breathing, etc., and when it is determined that the user has disappeared or that the user is not watching , Can output power saving mode signal.

Accordingly, when the user 1500 viewing an image displayed on the display device 100 disappears or does not view the image, driving a display for displaying the image and power consumption accordingly may be unnecessary. In this situation, there is an effect of reducing power consumption, reducing device deterioration due to unnecessary display driving, and consequently extending device life.

On the other hand, even in a situation where the user 1500 watching the image displayed on the display device 100 disappears or does not view the image, the user 1500 may return or watch again. A power saving drive is performed in which only some pixels in the display panel 110 are driven without operating in a sleep mode, but a certain degree of resolution is deteriorated.

Meanwhile, in some cases, even if a user is not in the vicinity, a distant user may view the display device 100, so the unit area size, the off-pixel ratio, and the off-sub-pixel ratio are performed through power saving driving according to the present embodiments. By setting the lights appropriately, it will be possible to ensure that there is no significant deterioration in resolution to the naked eye when viewed from a distance.

This may be utilized when the display device 100 is installed in a living room and a user in another space (eg, a kitchen, a bathroom, etc.) watches the display device 100.

In addition, when the display device 100 is a public display device installed in a public place such as a station or a terminal, since it is turned on for a long time and there are many users watching from a distance, the power saving drive according to the present embodiments By appropriately setting the unit area size, the off-pixel ratio, and the off-sub-pixel ratio, etc., when viewed from a distance, it will be possible to prevent a large decrease in resolution with the naked eye.

All of the above-described power saving driving control may be performed by the timing controller 140. The timing controller 140 is again briefly displayed with reference to FIG. 19.

19 is a block diagram of a timing controller 140 that controls power saving driving of the display device 100 according to exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 19, when the timing controller 140 for controlling power saving driving of the display device 100 according to the embodiments is in a power saving mode, at least one of two or more pixels formed in each unit area UA is turned off. And a power saving control unit 1910 that outputs a power saving driving control signal that turns on only the rest and a panel driving control unit 1920 that controls at least one of the data driving unit 120 and the gate driving unit 130 according to the power saving driving control signal. Can include.

Referring to FIG. 19, the timing controller 140 for controlling power saving driving of the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiments includes characteristics of the display panel 110 (eg, a threshold voltage of a transistor in a subpixel, a mobility, etc.). A compensation unit 1930 for sensing ), calculating compensation data for compensating for the change and deviation between sub-pixels, and inputting it to the data driving unit 120 through the panel driving control unit 1920 may be further included. .

As described above, since the timing controller 140 performs power saving driving control, it is possible to enable efficient power saving driving control in connection with the panel driving control that is basically performed.

The power saving control unit 1910 includes the total number of pixels in each unit area UA and the total number of pixels in each unit area UA in relation to various power saving driving controls described above with reference to the drawings (especially FIGS. 2 to 14). ), the off-pixel position in each unit area (UA), the off-subpixel ratio in each off-pixel, the off-subpixel position in each off-pixel, etc. A power saving driving control signal (also referred to as a mask signal) for controlling one or more may be output.

The power saving control unit 1910 includes a unit area size corresponding to the total number of pixels in each unit area UA, an off pixel rate in each unit area UA, and an off pixel rate in each unit area UA. At least one of Off Sub Pixel Rate may be controlled.

During the power saving mode period, the power saving control unit 1910 may control a timing in which at least one of two or more pixels formed in each unit area UA is continuously performed or only for a predetermined period of time during the power saving mode period. have.

20 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the display panel 110 when power saving driving and normal driving according to the present embodiments are performed.

In FIG. 20, the display device 100 is exemplified as a device supporting Ultra High Definition (UHD) resolution.

Accordingly, in the display panel 110, 3840×2160 subpixels SP exist in the display panel 110, and 3840×2160×4 subpixels SP exist.

In FIG. 20, for convenience of explanation, each unit area UA is a unit area size of 2×2, and an off pixel rate in each unit area UA is 3/4. Is assumed to be. Accordingly, in the display panel 110, there are 1/4×3840×2160 unit areas UA.

Referring to FIG. 20, when normal driving is performed, all 3840×2160 pixels are driven, but when power saving driving is performed, only 1/4×3840×2160 (=1920×1080) pixels are driven.

Therefore, in the case of normal driving, images can be displayed in UHD resolution that is basically supported. However, in the case of power saving driving, an image is displayed in full high definition (FHD) resolution equivalent to 1/4 of the UHD resolution. That is, during power saving operation, the sharpness of image quality is reduced to 1/4.

In this way, when power saving driving is performed, a decrease in resolution occurs.

Nevertheless, when the viewer is far away, the difference in resolution may not be significantly perceived by the naked eye for the screen 2010 when the normal driving is performed and the screen 2020 when the power saving driving is performed.

In addition, if you want to display an image with a higher resolution than the FHD resolution (for example, QHD (Quad High Definition)) during power saving driving, you can perform power saving driving control to reduce the off pixel rate.

According to the exemplary embodiments described above, there is an effect of providing the timing controller 140 that reduces power consumption and the display device 100 including the same.

In addition, according to the present exemplary embodiments, there is an effect of providing a timing controller 140 capable of reducing device deterioration and extending a device lifetime, and a display device 100 including the same.

In addition, according to the present embodiments, the timing controller 140 for controlling power saving driving capable of reducing device deterioration, extending device life, and reducing power consumption without significant deterioration of image quality to the naked eye, and the display device 100 including the same. ) Has the effect of providing.

The display device 100 according to the present exemplary embodiments may be applied to various models such as a television, a notebook computer, a mobile terminal, and an electric sign.

The description above and the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains, combinations of configurations within the scope not departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Various modifications and variations, such as separation, substitution, and alteration, will be possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but to explain the technical idea, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

100: display device
110: display panel
120: data driver
130: gate driver
140: timing controller

Claims (18)

A display panel on which a plurality of data lines and a plurality of gate lines are formed, and a plurality of pixels are formed;
A data driver driving the plurality of data lines;
A gate driver driving the plurality of gate lines; And
A timing controller that controls the data driver and the gate driver,
Using an area in which two or more pixels are formed as one unit area, the unit area size and the off-pixel ratio in each unit area are changed according to resolution or power saving amount,
At the same time, the positions of the off-pixels between the unit regions are different from each other. The method of claim 1,
Each of the unit areas,
A display device comprising: an area in which i×j pixels consisting of i rows and j columns are formed. delete delete The method of claim 1,
The display device according to claim 1, wherein, as time elapses, positions of off-pixels or on-pixels in each unit area are changed. The method of claim 1,
The display device, wherein the off-pixel ratio in each unit area is constant or changed as time elapses. The method of claim 1,
And a plurality of sub-pixels constituting each off-pixel in each unit area are all off-sub-pixels or partially off-sub-pixels. The method of claim 7,
When a plurality of sub-pixels constituting each off-pixel in each unit area are mixed with an off-subpixel and an on-subpixel,
The display device, wherein the positions of the off sub-pixels or the on sub-pixels between the respective off-pixels are the same or different from each other at the same viewpoint. The method of claim 7,
When a plurality of sub-pixels constituting each off-pixel in each unit area are mixed with an off-subpixel and an on-subpixel,
The display device according to claim 1, wherein a position of an off sub-pixel or an on sub-pixel in each of the off-pixels is changed over time. The method of claim 1,
A display device, characterized in that a power saving drive is performed in which at least one of two or more pixels formed in each unit area is changed to a power saving mode according to a power saving mode signal. The method of claim 10,
A display device comprising a sensor that generates the power saving mode signal for changing to the power saving mode. The method of claim 11,
The sensor,
A display device comprising: determining whether a user exists within a predetermined distance based on sensing data, and outputting the power saving mode signal when it is determined that the user exists within a predetermined distance. The method of claim 11,
The sensor,
And outputting the power saving mode signal when it is determined that the user is not watching by sensing the movement of the user. The method of claim 10,
The power saving mode signal,
A display device, characterized in that generated according to power saving mode setting information according to a user input. The method of claim 10,
During a power saving mode period according to the power saving mode signal, the power saving driving is continuously performed or is performed only once or more for a predetermined period of time. delete delete An area in which two or more pixels are formed is set as one unit area, and the size of the unit area and the off-pixel in each unit area according to resolution or power saving amount so that the positions of off-pixels between the unit areas are different from each other at the same time point. A power saving control unit outputting a power saving driving control signal for changing a ratio; And
A timing controller including a panel driving control unit controlling at least one of a data driving unit and a gate driving unit according to the power saving driving control signal.

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