KR102502723B1 - Display device - Google Patents

Abstract

A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a display area including a first pixel area and second and third pixel areas spaced apart from each other on one side of the first pixel area; a first dummy region disposed between the second and third pixel regions; first, second and third pixels disposed in the first, second and third pixel areas, respectively; a data converter configured to receive first image data including valid data corresponding to the display area and dummy data corresponding to the first dummy area, and convert the first image data to generate second image data; and a data driver for generating a data signal corresponding to the second image data and supplying the data signal to the first to third pixels. The data conversion unit converts a grayscale value of dummy data corresponding to at least one region of the first dummy region among the first image data into a predetermined first grayscale value between a lowest grayscale value and a highest grayscale value.

Description

Display device {DISPLAY DEVICE}

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a display device.

Recently, screens of display devices have been implemented in various shapes according to various demands of consumers. For example, the display device may have a display area that is out of a typical shape such as a rectangle or a square, and has a shape in which one area partially protrudes or is recessed.

A technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a display device including a plurality of pixel areas and capable of securing excellent image quality.

A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a display area including a first pixel area and second and third pixel areas spaced apart from each other on one side of the first pixel area; a first dummy region disposed between the second and third pixel regions; first, second and third pixels disposed in the first, second and third pixel areas, respectively; a data converter configured to receive first image data including valid data corresponding to the display area and dummy data corresponding to the first dummy area, and convert the first image data to generate second image data; and a data driver for generating a data signal corresponding to the second image data and supplying the data signal to the first to third pixels. The data conversion unit converts a grayscale value of dummy data corresponding to at least one region of the first dummy region among the first image data into a predetermined first grayscale value between a lowest grayscale value and a highest grayscale value.

According to an embodiment, the display device includes a conversion area set as a predetermined area within the first dummy area, and the data conversion unit converts a grayscale value of dummy data corresponding to the conversion area among the first image data into the first dummy area. It can be converted into a grayscale value.

Depending on the embodiment, the conversion area may include at least an area between the second and third pixels disposed on the last Nth horizontal line (where N is a natural number equal to or greater than 2) of the second and third pixel areas. .

According to an embodiment, the conversion area may include first and second coordinate points located between second and third pixels of the last Nth (N is a natural number equal to or greater than 2) horizontal line of the second and third pixel areas. and third and fourth coordinate points located between second and third pixels disposed on a K-th horizontal line (where K is a natural number smaller than N) of the second and third pixel areas. .

Depending on the embodiment, the data converter may convert all of the grayscale values of the dummy data included in the first image data into the first grayscale values at once.

In some embodiments, the display device may include a second dummy area disposed on one side of the second pixel area and spaced apart from the first dummy area with the second pixel area interposed therebetween; and the third pixel area. It may further include at least one of a third dummy region disposed on one side, interposed between the third pixel region, and spaced apart from the first dummy region.

In some embodiments, the first image data may further include dummy data corresponding to at least one of the second and third dummy areas.

According to an embodiment, the data conversion unit may convert a grayscale value of dummy data corresponding to at least one of the second and third dummy regions among the first image data into the first grayscale value.

In some embodiments, the data conversion unit may maintain grayscale values of dummy data corresponding to the second and third dummy areas among the first image data, and may maintain grayscale values of dummy data corresponding to at least one area of the first dummy area. Only the grayscale value of can be changed to the first grayscale value.

In some embodiments, grayscale values of dummy data corresponding to the second and third dummy areas may be the lowest grayscale values.

According to an embodiment, the data conversion unit maintains the grayscale value of the valid data among the first image data and changes only the grayscale value of the dummy data corresponding to at least one region of the first dummy region to change the second image data can create

In some embodiments, the display device may further include data lines connected to the first to third pixels. In addition, during a K-th horizontal period corresponding to a K-th horizontal line (where K is a natural number) of the second and third pixel areas, data lines connected to the second and third pixels of the K-th horizontal line have the effective A data signal corresponding to data may be supplied, and a data signal corresponding to the first grayscale value may be supplied to at least some of the remaining data lines.

In some embodiments, the first grayscale value is set as a grayscale value of a data signal having an average voltage value of a voltage value of the data signal corresponding to the lowest grayscale value and a voltage value of the data signal corresponding to the highest grayscale value. Alternatively, it may be set to a grayscale value of a data signal having a voltage value closest to the average voltage value among a plurality of intermediate grayscale values between the lowest grayscale value and the highest grayscale value.

According to an embodiment, the data conversion unit converts dummy data corresponding to the first dummy area among N-th line data corresponding to the last N-th horizontal line (where N is a natural number equal to or greater than 2) of the second and third pixel areas. A grayscale value may be converted into the first grayscale value.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first dummy area may be implemented as a concave portion or an opening.

A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first pixel area; a second pixel area and a first dummy area disposed on one side of the first pixel area and each having a narrower width than the first pixel area; first pixels disposed in the first pixel area; second pixels disposed in the second pixel area; and data lines connected to the first and second pixels. During the K-th horizontal period in which the second pixels disposed on the K (K is a natural number)-th horizontal line of the second pixel area are selected, data signals corresponding to input image data are transmitted through data lines connected to the selected second pixels. is supplied, and a data signal corresponding to a predetermined first grayscale value between a lowest grayscale value and a highest grayscale value may be supplied to at least some of the remaining data lines.

In some embodiments, the display device may include: a third pixel area disposed to be spaced apart from the second pixel area at one side of the second pixel area with the first dummy area interposed therebetween; and It may further include disposed third pixels.

According to an embodiment, during the K-th horizontal period, a data signal corresponding to the input image data is supplied to data lines connected to third pixels disposed on the K-th horizontal line, and the second pixel of the K-th horizontal line A data signal corresponding to the first grayscale value may be supplied to a plurality of data lines disposed between data lines connected to third pixels.

Depending on the embodiment, the first grayscale value is set to a grayscale value of a data signal having a voltage value of the data signal corresponding to the lowest grayscale value and an average voltage value of the voltage values of the data signal at the highest grayscale value; It may be set as a grayscale value of a data signal having a voltage value closest to the average voltage value among a plurality of intermediate grayscale values between the lowest grayscale value and the highest grayscale value.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in a display device including a plurality of pixel areas disposed adjacent to each other, deterioration in image quality that may occur in a boundary area between the pixel areas may be prevented or reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a display device that exhibits excellent picture quality characteristics while implementing screens of various shapes.

1 to 12 each show a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
13 shows a pixel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 shows a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
15A to 15C illustrate a method of driving a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.
16A and 16B illustrate a method of driving a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
17 illustrates a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
18A to 18C illustrate a method of driving a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.
19A and 19B illustrate a method of driving a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.
20A and 20B illustrate a method of driving a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.
21A and 21B illustrate a method of driving a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention and other matters necessary for those skilled in the art to easily understand the contents of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments described below are only examples regardless of whether they are expressed or not. That is, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be changed and implemented in various forms. In addition, in the following description, when a part is said to be connected to another part, this includes not only a case where it is directly connected but also a case where another element is interposed therebetween.

Meanwhile, in the drawings, some elements not directly related to the features of the present invention may be omitted to clearly show the present invention. In addition, the size or ratio of some components in the drawings may be slightly exaggerated. For the same or similar components throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals and symbols have been given as much as possible even though they are shown on different drawings. In addition, in describing each embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings, detailed descriptions of similar or identical parts to the previously described embodiments are omitted.

1 to 12 each show a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIGS. 1 to 12 show different embodiments of display panels that may be included in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 1 , a display panel 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a display area DA including a plurality of pixel areas AA1 , AA2 , and AA3 , and the display area DA It may include a first dummy area DMA1 and a peripheral area NA disposed around the .

According to an embodiment, the display area DA includes a first pixel area AA1, a second pixel area AA2 and a third pixel area AA2 and a third pixel area ( AA3) may be included. For example, the second pixel area AA2 may be disposed on the upper left side of the first pixel area AA1, and the third pixel area AA3 may be disposed on the upper right side of the first pixel area AA1.

At least two of the first to third pixel areas AA1 , AA2 , and AA3 may have different widths and/or areas. For example, the first pixel area AA1 has the first width W1 and occupies the largest area in the display area DA, and the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3 respectively have the first pixel area AA1. It may have a smaller area than the first pixel area AA1 while having a second width W2 and a third width W3 narrower than the width W1 . Also, the second pixel area AA2 and the third pixel area AA3 may have the same width/and/or area or different widths/and/or areas.

First pixels PXL1 , second pixels PXL2 , and third pixels PXL3 are disposed in the first pixel area AA1 , the second pixel area AA2 , and the third pixel area AA3 , respectively. It can be. The first pixels PXL1 , the second pixels PXL2 , and the third pixels PXL3 may have the same structure or at least some of them may have different structures. That is, in the present invention, structures of the first, second, and third pixels PXL1 , PXL2 , and PXL3 are not particularly limited. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the first, second, and third pixels PXL1 , PXL2 , and PXL3 may be self-emission type pixels including organic light emitting diodes, but are not limited thereto.

The first, second, and third pixels PXL1 , PXL2 , and PXL3 are provided on the substrate 101 in which the first to third pixel areas AA1 , AA2 , and AA3 are defined. For example, the first, second, and third pixels PXL1 , PXL2 , and PXL3 may be formed on one surface of the substrate 101 .

A first dummy area DMA1 may be disposed between the second pixel area AA2 and the third pixel area AA3. For example, the first dummy area DMA1 may be disposed in a concave portion (eg, a notch area) defined by the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3 . For example, the second pixel area AA2 protrudes from the upper left corner of the first pixel area AA, and the third pixel area AA3 protrudes from the upper right corner of the first pixel area AA. , the first dummy area DMA1 may be positioned at the top center of the first pixel area AA1, that is, between the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3. In this case, the first dummy area DMA1 may be positioned between the first to third pixel areas AA1 , AA2 , and AA3 to contact the first to third pixel areas AA1 , AA2 , and AA3 . .

Also, the first dummy area DMA1 has a fourth width W4, and the fourth width W4 may be determined according to the first, second, and/or third widths W1, W2, and W3. . For example, the fourth width W4 may be a value obtained by subtracting the second and third widths W2 and W3 from the first width W1 .

Pixels may not be disposed in the first dummy area DMA1. That is, the first dummy area DMA1 may be a non-display area that does not include pixels. Also, driving wires such as scan lines and/or data lines may not be disposed in the first dummy area DMA1 .

Meanwhile, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first dummy area DMA1 is an area that actually exists between the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3, or the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3. ) may comprehensively mean a virtual area between For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first dummy area DMA1 may be an area actually present on the substrate 101 . Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, when a concave portion (eg, a groove) or an opening is formed between the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3, at least a portion of the first dummy area DMA1 is formed. , may be a virtual region (eg, a region implemented as a concave portion or an opening) that does not actually exist on the substrate 101 .

The peripheral area NA is disposed outside the display area DA and the first dummy area DMA. For example, the peripheral area NA may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the display area DA and the first dummy area DMA.

The substrate 101 is a base substrate of the display panel 100 and may be a glass or plastic substrate, but is not limited thereto. For example, the substrate 101 may include polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate, polyetherimide (PECLI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), terephthalate), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate (PAR), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (TAC) and cellulose acetate propio It may be a flexible substrate including at least one of cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). Also, the substrate 101 may be a rigid substrate including one of glass and tempered glass. In addition, the substrate 101 may be a substrate made of a transparent material, that is, a light-transmitting substrate, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the substrate 101 may be configured to have different materials and/or structures according to regions to exhibit different characteristics according to regions. In addition, the substrate 101 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure, and the structure is not particularly limited.

The substrate 101 may have various shapes in which at least the first to third pixel areas AA1 , AA2 , and AA3 may be set. For example, the substrate 101 includes the first to third pixel areas AA1 , AA2 , and AA3 and the first dummy area DMA1 , and may include a rectangular or square area surrounding the first dummy area DMA1 . It may be a substrate of However, the shape of the substrate 101 is not limited thereto, and the shape of the substrate 101 may be variously changed.

For example, at least one corner of the substrate 101 may have a curved shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , all four corners of the substrate 101 may have a curved shape. Meanwhile, although FIG. 2 discloses that the substrate 101 may have a curved shape, not only the substrate 101 but also at least one area (eg, at least one corner portion) of the display area DA may have a curved shape. there is. For example, four corners of the display area DA may have a curved shape.

Also, according to embodiments, the substrate 101 may have at least one protrusion and/or concave portion (or opening). For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the substrate 101 includes first and second protrusions 101a1 and 101a2 corresponding to the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3 , respectively, and the first and second protrusions 101a1 and 101a2 . A concave portion (or opening) 101b between the protruding portions 101a1 and 101a2 may be included.

That is, according to embodiments, the substrate 101 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the display area DA. In this case, at least a portion of the first dummy area DMA1 may be a virtual area that does not actually exist on the substrate 101 and may be implemented as a concave portion 101b or an opening. In this way, when the substrate 101 has the concave portion 101b, the internal space of the display device can be used more efficiently by arranging a speaker or receiving speaker in the concave portion 101b.

Meanwhile, in the present invention, the shapes of the first pixel area AA1 , the second pixel area AA2 , the third pixel area AA3 , and/or the first dummy area DMA1 may be variously changed. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 , at least one of the first pixel area AA1 , the second pixel area AA2 , the third pixel area AA3 , and/or the first dummy area DMA1 The region may have an inclined shape (or a stepped shape). For example, the first pixel area AA1 , the second pixel area AA2 , the third pixel area AA3 , and/or the first dummy area DMA1 have a shape in which the width gradually changes in at least one area. can have

In addition, the display panel 100 includes a second dummy area DMA2 disposed on one side of the second pixel area AA2 and third dummy areas DMA2 and DMA3 disposed on one side of the third pixel area AA3. At least one dummy area may be further included. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , when the outer corners of the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3 have an inclined shape, the display panel 100 has a second pixel area AA2 . ) and a second dummy area DMA2 spaced apart from the first dummy area DMA1 and a third dummy area DMA2 spaced apart from the first dummy area DMA1 with a third pixel area AA3 interposed therebetween At least one of the areas DMA3 may be further included.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5 , when the outer corner of the first pixel area AA1, for example, both corner portions of the lower end have an inclined shape, the display panel 100 may have the first pixel area AA1. ) may further include fourth and fifth dummy regions DMA4 and DMA5 respectively disposed at the two outer corner portions of . Meanwhile, in an embodiment of the present invention, the second to fifth dummy regions DMA2 to DMA5 are regions that actually exist on the substrate 101 or are virtual regions implemented as concave portions (eg, grooves) or openings. It will be able to mean comprehensively the area of .

7 to 10, at least one of the first pixel area AA1, the second pixel area AA2, the third pixel area AA3, and the first dummy area DMA1 is It may have a curved shape in some edge regions (eg, at least some corners). For example, the first pixel area AA1 , the second pixel area AA2 , the third pixel area AA3 , and/or the first dummy area DMA1 may have a polygonal shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a combination thereof. can In this case, the first pixel area AA1 , the second pixel area AA2 , the third pixel area AA3 , and/or the first dummy area DMA1 may be straight or curved boundary lines, or straight and curved lines. It can have a boundary line of this combined shape.

In addition, in the above-described embodiments, it has been described that the display area DA includes three pixel areas, that is, the first to third pixel areas AA1, AA2, and AA3, but the present invention is not limited thereto. does not For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , the display area DA may include only two pixel areas. For example, the display area DA may include only the first and second pixel areas AA1 and AA2 . In this case, the first dummy area DMA1 may be disposed parallel to the second pixel area AA2 on one side (eg, upper end) of the first pixel area AA1. For example, the first dummy area DMA1 is formed in a concave portion formed by the second pixel area AA2 having a narrower width (second width W2) than the first pixel area AA1, and the first and second pixels. It may be disposed to be in contact with the areas AA1 and AA2. In this case, the first dummy area DMA1 may have a fifth width W5 determined according to the first and second widths W1 and W2. For example, the fifth width W5 may be a value obtained by subtracting the second width W2 from the first width W1.

Also, the display area DA may be divided into at least four pixel areas. For example, as shown in FIG. 12 , the display area DA may further include a fourth pixel area AA4 in which the fourth pixels PXL4 are disposed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the fourth pixel area AA4 is disposed to face the first pixel area AA1 with the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3 and the first dummy area DMA1 interposed therebetween. It can be. In this case, the first dummy area DMA1 may be disposed in the center of the display area DA and surrounded by a plurality of pixel areas, for example, first to fourth pixel areas AA1 , AA2 , AA3 , and AA4 . there is.

13 shows a pixel according to an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, in FIG. 13 , arbitrary pixels PXLij disposed on the I (I is a natural number)-th horizontal line (horizontal pixel row) and the J (J is a natural number)-th vertical line (vertical pixel column) of the display area DA are to be shown As an example, the pixel PXLij illustrated in FIG. 13 may be any one of the first to third pixels PXL1 , PXL2 , and PXL3 described above.

Referring to FIG. 13 , a pixel PXLij according to an exemplary embodiment may include an organic light emitting diode (OLED), first to seventh transistors T1 to T7, and a storage capacitor Cst.

An anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED may be connected to the first transistor T1 via a sixth transistor T6 , and a cathode electrode may be connected to the second power source ELVSS. The organic light emitting diode (OLED) generates light with a predetermined luminance in response to the amount of current supplied from the first transistor (T1).

The seventh transistor T7 may be connected between the initialization power source Vint and the anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED. Also, the gate electrode of the seventh transistor T7 may be connected to the I+1 th scan line SLi+1. The seventh transistor T7 is turned on when a scan signal is supplied to the I+1th scan line SLi+1 to supply the voltage of the initialization power source Vint to the anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED. . Here, the voltage of the initialization power supply (Vint) may be set to be less than or equal to the voltage of the data signal. That is, the voltage of the initialization power supply (Vint) may be set below the lowest voltage of the data signal. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the case where the anode initialization control line to which the gate electrode of the seventh transistor T7 is connected is the I+1 th scan line SLi+1 is disclosed as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, the gate electrode of the seventh transistor T7 may be connected to the I-th scan line (ie, the current scan line) SLi. In this case, when a scan signal is supplied to the I-th scan line SLi, the voltage of the initialization power source Vint may be supplied to the anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED via the seventh transistor T7.

The sixth transistor T6 may be connected between the first transistor T1 and the organic light emitting diode OLED. Also, a gate electrode of the sixth transistor T6 may be connected to the I-th emission control line ECLi. The sixth transistor T6 is supplied with an emission control signal (eg, a high-level gate-off voltage capable of turning off the fifth and sixth transistors T5 and T6) to the I-th emission control line ECLi. It is turned off when it is, and it can be turned on in other cases.

The fifth transistor T5 is connected between the first power line PL1 and the first transistor T1, and a gate electrode of the fifth transistor T5 may be connected to the Tth emission control line ECLi. . The fifth transistor T5 may be turned off when an emission control signal is supplied to the T th emission control line ECLi, and may be turned on in other cases. Meanwhile, the first power source ELVDD having a higher voltage level than the voltage level of the second power source ELVSS may be supplied to the first power line PL1 . That is, the first power source ELVDD may be set as a high-potential pixel power source, and the second power source ELVSS may be set as a low-potential pixel power source.

The first electrode of the first transistor T1 (driving transistor) is connected to the first power line PL1 via the fifth transistor T5, and the second electrode is connected to the organic light emitting diode via the sixth transistor T6. (OLED) can be connected to the anode electrode. Also, a gate electrode of the first transistor T1 may be connected to the first node N1. The first transistor T1 may control the amount of current flowing from the first power source ELVDD to the second power source ELVSS via the organic light emitting diode OLED in response to the voltage of the first node N1.

The third transistor T3 may be connected between the second electrode of the first transistor T1 and the first node N1. Also, a gate electrode of the third transistor T3 may be connected to the I-th scan line SLi. The third transistor T3 is turned on when a scan signal is supplied to the I-th scan line SLi to electrically connect the second electrode of the first transistor T1 to the first node N1. Accordingly, when the third transistor T3 is turned on, the first transistor T1 may be connected in a diode form.

The fourth transistor T4 may be connected between the first node N1 and the initialization power source Vint. Also, a gate electrode of the fourth transistor T4 may be connected to the I-1th scan line SLi-1. The fourth transistor T4 may be turned on when a scan signal is supplied to the I−1 th scan line SLi−1 to supply the voltage of the initialization power source Vint to the first node N1. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the I-1 th scan line SLi-1 is used as an initialization control wire for initializing the gate node of the first transistor T1, that is, the first node N1, but the present invention is limited thereto. It doesn't work. For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, another control line such as the I-2th scan line SLi-2 may be used as an initialization control line for initializing the gate node of the first transistor T1.

The second transistor T2 may be connected between the J-th data line DLj and the first electrode of the first transistor T1. Also, a gate electrode of the second transistor T2 may be connected to the I-th scan line SLi. The second transistor T2 is turned on when a scan signal is supplied to the I-th scan line SLi, so that the J-th data line DLj and the first electrode of the first transistor T1 can be electrically connected. . Therefore, when the second transistor T2 is turned on by the scan signal supplied to the current scan line of the corresponding pixel PXLij, that is, the I-th scan line SLi, the J-th data line (which is the data line of the pixel PXLij) ( A data signal is transmitted to the inside of the pixel PXLij through DLj).

The storage capacitor Cst may be connected between the first power source ELVDD and the first node N1. The storage capacitor Cst may store a data signal and a voltage corresponding to the threshold voltage of the first transistor T1.

Meanwhile, in the present invention, the structure of the pixel PXLij is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 . For example, the pixel PXLij may be implemented with pixels having various currently known structures.

14 shows a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, in FIG. 14 , the display area DA described above is illustrated as having the same shape as the embodiment of FIG. 4 , but the shape of the display area DA may be variously changed.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the display device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a display area DA and first to third pixels PXL1 , PXL2 , and PXL3 disposed in the display area DA. ), scan lines SL1 to SLn+r and data lines DL1 to DLm+s+u connected to the first to third pixels PXL1 , PXL2 , and PXL3 , and the scan lines SL1 to SLn+r SLn+r) and at least one scan driver 210 and 220 and a data driver 250 for driving the data lines DL1 to DLm+s+u. Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, the display device 10 may include emission control lines ECL1 to ECLn+r connected to the first to third pixels PXL1 , PXL2 , and PXL3 , and the emission control lines ECL1 to ECLn +r) may further include at least one emission control driver 230 or 240 for driving.

First, second, and/or third pixels PXL1 , PXL2 , and PXL3 are disposed on each horizontal line of the display area DA. For example, each of the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3 includes N (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) horizontal lines, and the first pixel area AA1 includes R (R is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) horizontal lines. When the lines are included, at least one second pixel PXL2 and at least one third pixel PXL3 may be disposed on the first to Nth horizontal lines of the display area DA, respectively. Also, a plurality of first pixels PXL1 may be disposed on each of the N+1th to N+Rth horizontal lines of the display area DA.

Meanwhile, pixels or driving wires may not be disposed in the first dummy area DMA1 . For example, scan lines SL1 to SLn and emission control lines ECL1 to ECLn corresponding to the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3 may be disconnected from the first dummy area DMA1 . In this case, the first and second scan drivers 210 and 220 are disposed on both sides of the display area DA, and the first and second emission control drivers 230 and 240 are disposed, so that the second and second scan drivers 210 and 220 are disposed. A scan signal and an emission control signal may be supplied to the third pixel areas AA2 and AA3.

In addition, data lines DL1 to DLm+s+u are disposed on each vertical line of the display area DA. The data lines DL1 to DLm+s+u may extend in a vertical direction in the display area DA to cross the scan lines SL1 to SLn+r and the emission control lines ECL1 to ECLn+r. . Depending on embodiments, the lengths of the data lines DL1 to DLm+s+u may be different. For example, the data lines (eg, DLm+1 to DLm+s) connected only to the first pixels PXL1 in the lower portion of the first dummy area DMA1 are connected to the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3. and data lines (eg, DL1 to DLm, DLm+s+1 to DLm+s+u) extending to the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3 to be connected to the third pixels PXL2 and PXL3. can be shorter than

The first and second scan drivers 210 and 220 supply scan signals to the scan lines SL1 to SLn+r during each frame period. For example, the first and second scan drivers 210 and 220 supply a scan signal to one of the scan lines SL1 to SLn+r during each horizontal period, so that the first scan signal of the horizontal line selected by the scan signal is displayed. , so that a data signal can be supplied to the second and/or third pixels PXL1 , PXL2 , and PXL3 .

The first and second light emission control drivers 230 and 240 supply light emission control signals to the light emission control lines ECL1 to ECLn+r during each frame period. For example, the first and second light emission control drivers 230 and 240 may control the first, second, and/or third pixels PXL1 , PXL2 , and PXL3 so that pixels selected by the scan signal do not emit light during each horizontal period. ) can control the emission of light.

The data driver 250 receives input image data (hereinafter referred to as "first image data DATA1") through a host processor and/or timing controller, and receives a data signal corresponding to the first image data DATA1. generate For example, the data driver 250 generates a data signal corresponding to each line data included in the first image data DATA1 and distributes the generated data signal to the data lines DL1 to DLm+s for each horizontal period. +u). Depending on the embodiment, the first image data DATA1 may be digital data, and the data driver 250 converts the first image data DATA1 to analog voltage type data by applying a predetermined gamma value (gamma voltage). can be converted into signals.

The first to third pixels PXL1 , PXL2 , and PXL3 are configured by the first and second scan drivers 210 and 220 , the first and second emission control drivers 230 and 240 , and/or the data driver 250 . ) is driven. Accordingly, an image corresponding to the first image data DATA1 is displayed in the display area DA.

Specifically, the first, second, and third pixels PXL1, PXL2, and PXL3 are selected by a scan signal supplied from a corresponding scan line (any one of SL1 to SLn+r) during a corresponding horizontal period of each frame period. , Data signals may be supplied from the data lines DL1 to DLm+s+u. For example, the first to third pixels PXL1 , PXL2 , and PXL3 may be sequentially selected and supplied with data signals for each horizontal line during one frame period. In addition, the first to third pixels PXL1 , PXL2 , and PXL3 may receive the first power source ELVDD and the second power source ELVSS, and may further receive the initialization power source Vint according to an embodiment. can The first to third pixels PXL1 , PXL2 , and PXL3 may emit light with luminance corresponding to the data signal in each frame period (not emitting light when the data signal corresponding to the black grayscale value is supplied). Accordingly, a predetermined image may be displayed in the display area DA.

15A to 15C illustrate a method of driving a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. For convenience, it is assumed in FIGS. 15A to 15C that the display area DA displays a full-white screen (image). Meanwhile, no image is displayed in the first dummy area DMA1 where pixels are not disposed. However, in FIG. 15C , in order to represent grayscale values of dummy data corresponding to the first dummy area DMA1, a virtual image (eg, a black image) corresponding to the grayscale values of the dummy data is displayed in the first dummy area (eg, a black image). It will be shown on DMA1).

15A to 15C , the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, the data enable signal DE, and the first image data DATA1 are supplied to the data driver 250 during each frame period 1F. Then, the data driver 250 generates a data signal corresponding to each line data LD included in the first image data DATA1 and transmits the data signal to the data lines DL for each horizontal period 1H. ) is supplied.

The first image data DATA1 may include valid data De corresponding to the display area DA and dummy data Dd corresponding to the first dummy area DMA1 . For convenience of explanation, hereinafter, the second and third pixels PXL2 and PXL3 are disposed on the first to N (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) horizontal lines of the display area DA, and the first pixels It is assumed that PXL1 is disposed on the N+1th to last Rth (R is a natural number greater than N)th horizontal lines of the display area DA.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 15B , each of the line data LD1 to LDn corresponding to the first to Nth horizontal lines of the first image data DATA1 includes the second and third pixel areas AA2, It may include valid data De(AA2) and De(AA3) corresponding to each horizontal line of AA3) and dummy data Dd(DMA1) corresponding to each horizontal line of the first dummy area DMA1. there is. Line data LDn+1 to LDn+r corresponding to the N+1th to last Rth horizontal lines of the first image data DATA1 are provided on each horizontal line of the first pixel area AA1. It may include corresponding valid data De(AA1).

Depending on the embodiment, when a full-white image is displayed in the display area DA during the corresponding frame period 1F, the effective data De corresponding to each of the first to third pixels PXL1 to PXL3 is All may have a white grayscale value (ie, the highest grayscale value) Dwhi corresponding to the white grayscale. On the other hand, according to an exemplary embodiment, all of the dummy data Dd may have a black grayscale value (ie, the lowest grayscale value) Dblk corresponding to the black grayscale. For example, when it is assumed that 256 luminance (brightness) levels are expressed by controlling light emission of each of the first to third pixels PXL1 to PXL3 in the display device 10, the darkest luminance (eg, black) is expressed. Luminance may be expressed by assigning a grayscale value of “0” to “255” to each luminance step from the luminance step to the brightest luminance step (eg, luminance for expressing white). For example, when a full-white image is to be displayed in the display area DA, the effective data De corresponding to each of the first to third pixels PXL1 to PXL3 all have a grayscale value of “255”. can On the other hand, all of the dummy data Dd corresponding to the area other than the display area DA (eg, the first dummy area DMA1) may have a grayscale value of “0”.

The data driver 250 receiving the first image data DATA1 generates a data signal corresponding to the first image data DATA1, and transmits the corresponding horizontal line to the data lines DL during each horizontal period 1H. A data signal for a period of 1H is supplied. Therefore, during the first to Nth horizontal periods in which the second to third pixels PXL2 and PXL3 are selected, the data lines DL(A,C) disposed in area A and area C correspond to white gradations. The voltage level Lev(W) is charged, and the data lines DL(B) disposed in region B are charged to the voltage level Lev(B) corresponding to the black gradation. Here, regions A, B, and C are represented by roughly dividing an area where the data lines DL connected to the second and third pixels PXL2 and PXL3 are disposed and an area where the remaining data lines DL are disposed. it did For example, the data lines DL(B) disposed in area B are M+1th to M+Sth data lines (DLm+1 to DLm+s) at the bottom of the first dummy area DMA1 shown in FIG. 14 . ) can be.

At the N+1th horizontal period, the data signal corresponding to the white grayscale is supplied to all the data lines DL(A, B, C) of the display area DA. At this time, the voltage level of the data lines DL(B) disposed in area B is wide from the voltage level Lev(B) corresponding to the black gradation to the voltage level Lev(W) corresponding to the white gradation. is changed to Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 13 , the first power line PL1 is connected to each of the pixels of the display area DA, that is, the first to third pixels PXL1 , PXL2 , and PXL3 . To this end, in the display area DA, the first power line PL1 branched into several sub-wires may be disposed around the data lines DL. Therefore, when the voltage level of the data lines DL(B) disposed in region B is significantly changed, a relatively large voltage exists between the data lines DL(B) of region B and the first power line PL1. A coupling effect occurs, and a voltage fluctuation (eg, a voltage drop) of the first power line PL1 is caused due to crosstalk. According to the voltage variation of the first power line PL1 , the driving current flowing through the first pixels PXL1 of the N+1th horizontal line is reduced. Accordingly, as the luminance of the first pixels PXL1 of the N+1th horizontal line decreases, the boundary area between the first pixel area AA1 and the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3, for example, A dark line defect in the form of a horizontal line may occur in the N+1th horizontal line.

16A and 16B illustrate a method of driving a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 16A and 16B , detailed descriptions of components similar to or identical to those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B , when the second and/or third dummy areas DMA2 and DMA3 are further disposed on one side of the display area DA, the first image data DATA1 corresponds to the second and/or third dummy areas DMA2 and DMA3. Dummy data Dd corresponding to at least one of the third dummy areas DMA2 and DMA3 may be further included. Depending on the embodiment, the dummy data Dd may have a black grayscale value Dblk like the dummy data Dd corresponding to the first dummy area DMA1.

17 illustrates a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 17 , the same reference numerals are given to elements similar or identical to those of the previously described embodiment (eg, the embodiment of FIG. 14 ), and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 17 , the display device 10' according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention further includes a data converter 260. The data conversion unit 260 receives first image data DATA1 from a host processor and/or timing controller, and converts the first image data DATA1 to generate second image data DATA2. According to an embodiment, the data conversion unit 260 changes dummy data Dd corresponding to at least one area of the first dummy area DMA1 among the first image data DATA1.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the data converter 260 converts dummy data Dd corresponding to at least one area of the first dummy area DMA1 among the dummy data Dd included in the first image data DATA1. The lowest grayscale value (eg, the black grayscale value Dblk) of , may be converted into a predetermined first grayscale value between the lowest grayscale value and the highest grayscale value (eg, the white grayscale value Dwhi). For example, when the entire first dummy area DMA1 or a partial area of the first dummy area DMA1 is set as a predetermined conversion area to be data converted, the data conversion unit 260 converts the first image data ( Among DATA1), the second image data DATA2 may be generated by changing the gradation value of the dummy data Dd corresponding to the conversion area.

Depending on the embodiment, the conversion area may be a previously set fixed area. For example, information on the conversion area is stored in a non-volatile memory provided in the data conversion unit 260, the timing controller, and/or the host processor, and the data conversion unit 260 refers to the memory to perform a dummy corresponding to the conversion area. By changing the data Dd, the second image data DATA2 may be generated. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the conversion area may be set to be changeable by the data conversion unit 260, the timing controller, and/or the host processor according to predetermined conditions or rules.

Meanwhile, the data converter 260 may maintain the original grayscale values of the effective data De corresponding to the first to third pixel areas AA1 to AA3 among the first image data DATA1. Accordingly, the grayscale value of the effective data De may be maintained at the same grayscale value as that of the first image data DATA1.

That is, according to an exemplary embodiment, the data conversion unit 260 maintains the grayscale value of the effective data De of the first image data DATA1 and at least one area of the first dummy area DMA1 (eg, the first image data DATA1). The second image data DATA2 may be generated by changing only the gray level value of the dummy data Dd corresponding to the entire or partial area of the dummy area DMA1 .

Accordingly, the display device 10' according to the embodiment of FIG. 17 displays an image corresponding to the first image data DATA1 regardless of whether the dummy data Dd is converted or not. That is, the display device 10' according to the embodiment of FIG. 17 can display substantially the same image as the display device 10 according to the embodiment of FIG. 14 .

However, according to the display device 10' according to the present exemplary embodiment, at least a partial area of the first dummy area DMA1, particularly a boundary between pixel areas (eg, the first pixel area AA1 and the second and second The grayscale value of the dummy data Dd corresponding to the boundary between the three-pixel areas AA2 and AA3 or at least a portion adjacent thereto is changed to a predetermined first grayscale value. Here, the first grayscale value may be any one of grayscale values between the lowest grayscale value (eg, black grayscale value) and the highest grayscale value (eg, white grayscale value). For example, the data converter 260 may convert the black grayscale value Dblk of the dummy data Dd corresponding to at least one area of the first dummy area DMA1 into a predetermined first grayscale value. Accordingly, for example, it is possible to prevent a dark line defect in the form of a horizontal stripe from occurring in the N+1th horizontal line.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 17 , the data driver 250 and the data converter 260 are shown separately, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the data converter 260 may be configured inside the data driver 250 or may be integrated inside the display driver together with the data driver 250 and/or the timing controller. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the data conversion unit 260 may be configured inside the timing control unit or the host processor.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first image data DATA1 supplied by the host processor is converted into the second image data DATA2 inside the display driver, and corresponds to the second image data DATA2. data signals may be output to the data lines DL1 to DLm+s+u. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, after the host processor converts the first image data DATA1 generated corresponding to the image to be displayed into the second image data DATA2, the second image data DATA2 It can be supplied to the display driver. Then, the display driver may output data signals corresponding to the second image data DATA2 to the data lines DL1 to DLm+s+u. That is, in the present invention, the position of the data conversion unit 260 is not particularly limited, and it may be variously changed.

18A to 18C illustrate a method of driving a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, FIGS. 18A to 18C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a method for driving a display device including a data converter, like the display device shown in FIG. 17 . In FIGS. 18A to 18C , detailed descriptions of components similar to or identical to those of the above-described embodiment (eg, the embodiment of FIGS. 15A to 15C ) will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 18A to 18C , the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, the data enable signal DE, and the second image data DATA2 are supplied to the data driver 250 during each frame period 1F. Then, the data driver 250 generates a data signal corresponding to each line data LD included in the second image data DATA2, and transmits the data signal to the data lines DL for each horizontal period 1H. ) is supplied.

Depending on the embodiment, the second image data DATA2 may be data converted by the data converter 260 . For example, the data converter 260 collectively converts all of the grayscale values of the dummy data Dd corresponding to the entire first dummy area DMA1 among the first image data DATA1 to a predetermined first grayscale value Dgr1. By converting to , second image data DATA2 may be generated.

In this case, each line data LD1 to LDn corresponding to the first to Nth horizontal lines of the second image data DATA2 corresponds to each horizontal line of the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3. and the converted dummy data Dd'(DMA1) corresponding to each horizontal line of the first dummy area DMA1. Here, each of the converted dummy data Dd'(DMA1) may have a first grayscale value Dgr1. Meanwhile, each of the line data LDn+1 to LDn+r corresponding to the N+1th to last horizontal lines of the second image data DATA2 corresponds to each horizontal line of the first pixel area AA1. Valid data De(AA1) may be included.

That is, according to an exemplary embodiment, the data conversion unit 260 may output data corresponding to horizontal lines of the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3 among the line data LD included in the first image data DATA1. For each of the line data LD1 to LDn, the grayscale value of at least a part (eg, all) of the dummy data Dd(DMA1) corresponding to the first dummy area DMA1 is set as the first grayscale value Dgr1. The gradation value of the first image data DATA1 may be maintained for the gradation value of the remaining data (eg, at least the valid data De).

Depending on the embodiment, the first grayscale value Dgr1 may be set to a grayscale value between the lowest grayscale value (eg, black grayscale value) and the highest grayscale value (eg, white grayscale value). Also, the first grayscale value may be set to a grayscale value of a data signal having an average voltage value of a voltage value of the data signal corresponding to the lowest grayscale value and a voltage value of the data signal corresponding to the highest grayscale value. Alternatively, the first grayscale value may be set to a grayscale value of a data signal having a voltage value closest to the average voltage value among a plurality of intermediate grayscale values between the lowest grayscale value and the highest grayscale value. That is, the first grayscale value Dgr1 may be set to a grayscale value corresponding to any one data voltage having a middle voltage or an average voltage among data voltages corresponding to each grayscale. Also, according to an embodiment, the data converter 260 converts a grayscale value corresponding to at least a part of the dummy data Dd included in the first image data DATA1 into the first grayscale value Dgr1, The grayscale value of the dummy data Dd may be converted into a predetermined first grayscale value Dgr1 set for each sub-pixel data. For example, the first grayscale value Dgr1 may be set to have a predetermined value for each of red, green, and blue sub-pixel data.

As in the above-described embodiment, when the grayscale value of the dummy data Dd corresponding to the entire first dummy area DMA1 is converted to the first grayscale value Dgr1, the second and third pixel areas AA2 to AA3 During the K-th horizontal period corresponding to the K (K is a natural number less than or equal to N)-th horizontal line of , the data lines DL(A, C) connected to the second and third pixels PXL2 and PXL3 of the K-th horizontal line )), data signals corresponding to the valid data De(AA2) and De(AA3) of the corresponding line data LD are supplied, and the remaining data lines DL(B) are supplied with the first grayscale value Dgr1. A corresponding data signal is supplied. Here, the remaining data lines DL(B) are data lines corresponding to the first dummy area DMA1, and for example, the second and second pixels of the K-th horizontal line are selected based on the K-th horizontal line. It may be the remaining data lines not connected to the 3 pixels PXL2 and PXL3 .

That is, during the first to Nth horizontal periods in which the second to third pixels PXL2 and PXL3 are selected, the data lines DL(A,C) disposed in area A and area C are provided with first image data DATA1. Like the gradation value included in ), for example, the voltage level Lev(W) corresponding to the white gradation value Dwhi is charged. On the other hand, the data lines DL(B) disposed in area B have an intermediate voltage level Lev( It is charged with gr1)).

Thereafter, when the N+1 th horizontal period arrives, data of the voltage level (Lev(W)) corresponding to the white grayscale value (Dwhi) is transmitted to all the data lines (DL(A, B, C)) of the display area (DA). signal is supplied. At this time, the voltage level of the data lines DL(B) disposed in area B corresponds to the middle voltage level Lev(gr1) corresponding to the first grayscale value Dgr1 (eg, corresponding to the black grayscale value Dblk). At the intermediate level or average level of the voltage level Lev(B) corresponding to the white gradation value Dwhi and the voltage level Lev(W) corresponding to the white gradation value Dwhi, the voltage level Lev corresponding to the white gradation value Dwhi (W)).

Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, compared to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 15A to 15C , the voltage fluctuation value of the data lines DL(B) disposed in region B is reduced, and accordingly, the first power line PL1 voltage fluctuations are mitigated. Accordingly, the decrease in luminance of the first pixels PXL1 of the N+1th horizontal line is prevented or reduced. According to this embodiment of the present invention, a dark line defect that may occur in a boundary area between the first pixel area AA1 and the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3 can be prevented or alleviated.

Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the display device 10' including a plurality of pixel areas, for example, first to third pixel areas AA1 to AA3 disposed adjacent to each other, the pixels Deterioration in image quality that may occur in a boundary region between regions may be prevented or reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a display device 10' that exhibits excellent picture quality characteristics while implementing screens of various shapes.

19A and 19B illustrate a method of driving a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate an embodiment of a method for driving a display device including a data converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 19A and 19B , a detailed description of components similar to or identical to those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B , when the second and/or third dummy areas DMA2 and DMA3 are further disposed on one side of the display area DA, the data converter 260 converts the first image data ( Among the dummy data Dd included in DATA1), only the grayscale values of a portion of the dummy data Dd corresponding to at least one area of the first dummy area DMA1 are changed, and the second and/or third dummy area Grayscale values of the remaining dummy data Dd corresponding to (DMA2 and DMA3) may maintain their original values. For example, the grayscale value of the dummy data Dd corresponding to the second and/or third dummy areas DMA2 and DMA3 may be maintained as a black grayscale value Dblk.

Additionally, according to an exemplary embodiment, even when the fourth and/or fifth dummy areas DMA4 and DMA5 are further disposed as shown in FIG. 5 , the data converter 260 converts the first dummy area DMA1 Only the gradation value of the dummy data Dd corresponding to at least one area of . For example, grayscale values of dummy data corresponding to the fourth and/or fifth dummy areas DMA4 and DMA5 of the second image data DATA2 may be maintained as black grayscale values Dblk.

That is, according to an exemplary embodiment, the data converter 260 may perform at least one area (eg, the first dummy area) of the first dummy area DMA1 among the dummy data Dd included in the first image data DATA1. It is possible to change grayscale values only for a portion of the dummy data Dd corresponding to the entire area DMA1) and maintain original grayscale values for the remaining dummy data Dd.

20A and 20B illustrate a method of driving a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate an embodiment of a method for driving a display device including a data converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 20A and 20B , a detailed description of components similar to or identical to those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 20A and 20B , when the second and/or third dummy areas DMA2 and DMA3 are further disposed on one side of the display area DA, the data converter 260 converts the first image data ( All grayscale values of the dummy data Dd included in DATA1) may be changed. For example, the data converter 260 converts the grayscale values of all the dummy data Dd included in the first image data DATA1 to a predetermined first grayscale value (a predetermined grayscale value between the lowest grayscale value and the highest grayscale value). value) (Dgr1) to generate the second image data DATA2.

21A and 21B illustrate a method of driving a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate an embodiment of a method for driving a display device including a data conversion unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 21A and 21B , a detailed description of components similar to or identical to those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 21A and 21B , according to exemplary embodiments, only a portion of the first dummy area DMA1 may be set as the conversion area CA. In this case, the data conversion unit 260 selects the first grayscale value ( Dgr1) to generate converted dummy data Dd′, and the original grayscale values included in the first image data DATA1 may be maintained for the remaining dummy data Dd.

According to an embodiment, the conversion area CA includes an area between the second and third pixels PXL2 and PXL3 disposed on the last N-th horizontal line of the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3. can do. For example, the conversion area CA may include first and second coordinate points (P1 or P1', P2 or P2') located between the second and third pixels PXL2 and PXL3 of the Nth horizontal line. ) and the third pixels PXL2 and PXL3 disposed on the K-th horizontal line (where K is a natural number smaller than N) of the second and third pixel areas AA2 and AA3. and a fourth coordinate point (P3 or P3', P4 or P4').

Depending on the embodiment, X coordinates (x1 or x1') of the first coordinate point (P1 or P1') and X coordinates (x1, x2') of the third or fourth coordinate point (P3 or P3', P4 or P4') , x3, or x4) may be the same or different. The X coordinate (x1 or x1') of the first coordinate point P1 or P1' is the X coordinate of the starting point of the first dummy area DMA1 on the Nth horizontal line, or the X coordinate of the starting point on the Nth horizontal line. It may be the X coordinate between the end point where the first dummy area DMA1 ends and the start point.

In addition, the X coordinate (x2 or x2′) of the second coordinate point (P2 or P2′) and the X coordinate (x1, x2, x3, or x4) may be the same or different. The X coordinate (x2 or x2′) of the second coordinate point P2 is the X coordinate of the end point of the first dummy area DMA1 on the Nth horizontal line or the first dummy area on the Nth horizontal line. It may be the X coordinate between the start point where (DMA1) starts and the end point.

Also, according to embodiments, the third and fourth coordinate points P3 or P3', P4 or P4' are located between the second and third pixels PXL2 and PXL3 disposed on the first horizontal line, or , or between the second and third pixels PXL2 and PXL3 disposed between the first horizontal line and the Nth horizontal line. For example, the positions of the third and fourth coordinate points P3 or P3', P4 or P4' vary within a range belonging to the first dummy area DMA1 based on the first to N-1th horizontal lines. can be changed. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the third and fourth coordinate points (P3 or P3', P4 or P4') are the same as the first and second coordinate points (P1 or P1', P2 or P2'). It can also be placed on a line. In this case, only the grayscale value of the dummy data Dd corresponding to the last N-th horizontal line may be changed.

On the other hand, the K-th horizontal line on which the third and fourth coordinate points (P3 or P3', P4 or P4') are located and the first and second coordinate points (P1 or P1', P2 or P2') are located on N For the horizontal lines between the first to fourth horizontal lines, the transformation area CA on each horizontal line through linear interpolation between the X coordinates and/or the Y coordinates of the first to fourth coordinate points P1 to P4. You can determine the starting point and ending point. That is, the transformation area CA may be defined by the first to fourth coordinate points P1 to P4 disposed in the first dummy area DMA1, and its position, shape and/or area may be variously changed. You will be able to. For example, the transformation area CA may be implemented in various shapes including a rectangle, a square, a trapezoid, an inverted trapezoid, and the like, and its location and/or area may be variously changed.

In addition, as described in the previous embodiment, when at least one of the second to fifth dummy areas DMA2 to DMA5 is further provided, the second to fifth dummy areas DMA2 to DMA5 are further provided. The gradation value of the dummy data Dd for at least one area of DMA5) may also be changed. In this case, another conversion area may be set inside at least one of the second to fifth dummy areas DMA2 to DMA5 in the same manner as the method of setting the conversion area CA in the first dummy area DMA1. will be.

In the above-described embodiment, the data converter 260 corresponds to the first dummy area DMA1 of at least N-th line data LDn among the line data LD included in the first image data DATA1. Grayscale values of at least a portion of the dummy data Dd to be converted into first grayscale values Dgr1. For example, the data converter 260 converts the grayscale values of at least some dummy data Dd corresponding to the first dummy area DMA1 of the Kth to Nth line data LDk to LDn into the first grayscale value ( Dgr1). Accordingly, during the K-th to N-th horizontal periods, the data lines DL(A, C) connected to the second and third pixels PXL2 and PXL3 of the K-th to N-th horizontal lines provide effective data De (That is, the gradation value of the effective data De) is supplied. During the K-th to N-th horizontal periods, a data signal corresponding to a predetermined first grayscale value Dgr1 is supplied to at least some of the remaining data lines DL(B).

That is, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a data signal corresponding to a predetermined first grayscale value is supplied to at least some of the data lines DL(B) at the lower end of the first dummy area DMA1 during at least the Nth horizontal period. . Accordingly, even if only a part of the first dummy area DMA1 is set as the conversion area CA, the aforementioned dark line defect or the like can be prevented.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure as described above, in a display device including a plurality of pixel areas disposed adjacent to each other, for example, first to third pixel areas AA1 to AA3, the pixel areas It is possible to prevent or reduce image quality deterioration that may occur in the boundary area between the images. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a display device 10' that exhibits excellent picture quality characteristics while implementing screens of various shapes.

In addition, the position and/or area (size) of the conversion area CA set to at least one area of the first dummy area DMA1 and the first grayscale value Dgr1 (eg, dummy data Dd) corresponding to By adjusting the voltage value of the data signal corresponding to the luminance value or the first grayscale value, deterioration in image quality due to crosstalk is prevented and power consumption can be easily controlled.

Although the technical spirit of the present invention has been specifically described according to the foregoing embodiments, it should be noted that the above embodiments are for explanation and not for limitation. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention.

The scope of the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the claims. In addition, all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

10, 10': display device 100: display panel
210, 220: scan driver 230, 240: emission control driver
250: data driving unit 260: data conversion unit
AA1, AA2, AA3: pixel area DA: display area
CA: conversion area DMA1: first dummy area

Claims (19)

a display area including a first pixel area and second and third pixel areas spaced apart from each other on one side of the first pixel area;
a first dummy region disposed between the second and third pixel regions;
first, second and third pixels disposed in the first, second and third pixel areas, respectively;
a data converter configured to receive first image data including valid data corresponding to the display area and dummy data corresponding to the first dummy area, and convert the first image data to generate second image data; and
a data driver for generating a data signal corresponding to the second image data and supplying the data signal to the first to third pixels;
The data conversion unit converts a grayscale value of dummy data corresponding to at least one region of the first dummy region among the first image data into a predetermined first grayscale value between a lowest grayscale value and a highest grayscale value;
a conversion region set to a predetermined region within the first dummy region;
wherein the data converter converts a grayscale value of dummy data corresponding to the conversion area among the first image data into the first grayscale value. delete According to claim 1,
The conversion area includes an area between second and third pixels disposed on at least an N-th horizontal line (where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) of the second and third pixel areas. According to claim 1,
The transformation area includes first and second coordinate points located between second and third pixels of the last Nth horizontal line (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) of the second and third pixel areas, and the second and third and fourth coordinate points located between second and third pixels disposed on a K-th horizontal line (where K is a natural number smaller than N) of the third pixel area. According to claim 1,
The data conversion unit converts all of the grayscale values of the dummy data included in the first image data into the first grayscale values at once. According to claim 1,
a second dummy area disposed on one side of the second pixel area and spaced apart from the first dummy area with the second pixel area interposed therebetween; and
The display device further includes at least one of a third dummy region disposed on one side of the third pixel region, interposed therebetween and spaced apart from the first dummy region. According to claim 6,
The first image data further includes dummy data corresponding to at least one of the second and third dummy areas. According to claim 7,
wherein the data conversion unit converts a grayscale value of dummy data corresponding to at least one of the second and third dummy regions among the first image data into the first grayscale value. According to claim 7,
The data converter maintains grayscale values of dummy data corresponding to the second and third dummy areas among the first image data, and only stores grayscale values of dummy data corresponding to at least one area of the first dummy area. 1 A display device that changes to a gradation value. According to claim 9,
The grayscale value of the dummy data corresponding to the second and third dummy areas is the lowest grayscale value. According to claim 1,
The data conversion unit maintains the grayscale value of the valid data among the first image data and changes only the grayscale value of the dummy data corresponding to at least one region of the first dummy region to generate the second image data. . According to claim 1,
Further comprising data lines connected to the first to third pixels,
During the K-th horizontal period corresponding to the K (K is a natural number)-th horizontal line of the second and third pixel areas, data lines connected to the second and third pixels of the K-th horizontal line provide the valid data. A display device wherein a corresponding data signal is supplied, and a data signal corresponding to the first grayscale value is supplied to at least some of the remaining data lines. According to claim 1,
The first grayscale value is set to a grayscale value of a data signal having an average voltage value of the voltage value of the data signal corresponding to the lowest grayscale value and the voltage value of the data signal corresponding to the highest grayscale value, or the lowest grayscale value. and the grayscale value of a data signal having a voltage value closest to the average voltage value among a plurality of intermediate grayscale values between the grayscale value and the highest grayscale value. According to claim 1,
The data converter converts a grayscale value of dummy data corresponding to the first dummy area among N-th line data corresponding to the last N-th horizontal line (where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) of the second and third pixel areas to the first dummy area. 1 Display device that converts to gradation values. According to claim 1,
At least a portion of the first dummy area is implemented as a concave portion or an opening. a first pixel area;
a second pixel area and a first dummy area disposed on one side of the first pixel area and each having a narrower width than the first pixel area;
first pixels disposed in the first pixel area;
second pixels disposed in the second pixel area; and
including data lines connected to the first and second pixels;
During the K-th horizontal period in which the second pixels disposed on the K (K is a natural number)-th horizontal line of the second pixel area are selected, data signals corresponding to input image data are transmitted through data lines connected to the selected second pixels. is supplied, and a data signal corresponding to a predetermined first grayscale value between the lowest grayscale value and the highest grayscale value is supplied to at least some of the remaining data lines;
a third pixel area disposed at one side of the second pixel area and spaced apart from the second pixel area with the first dummy area interposed therebetween; and
The display device further comprising third pixels disposed in the third pixel area. delete According to claim 16,
During the K-th horizontal period, a data signal corresponding to the input image data is supplied to data lines connected to third pixels disposed on the K-th horizontal line, and the second and third pixels of the K-th horizontal line A data signal corresponding to the first grayscale value is supplied to a plurality of data lines disposed between data lines connected to the display device. According to claim 16,
The first grayscale value is set to a grayscale value of a data signal having an average voltage value of the voltage value of the data signal corresponding to the lowest grayscale value and the voltage value of the data signal corresponding to the highest grayscale value, or the lowest grayscale value. and the grayscale value of a data signal having a voltage value closest to the average voltage value among a plurality of intermediate grayscale values between the grayscale value and the highest grayscale value.

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