KR102600973B1 - Display device and method and apparatus for compensating degradation of display device - Google Patents

Abstract

This specification relates to a display device and a method and device for compensating for deterioration of the display device. More specifically, a display device capable of compensating for an input image by determining the deterioration state of the display panel based on an image taken from outside the display device. and a method and device for compensating for deterioration of a display device. A deterioration compensation method according to an embodiment of the present specification includes obtaining a compensation image generated by photographing a display panel, detecting a deterioration position in the compensation image, and performing a plurality of modifications to compensate for the deterioration position. Generating a gain data set, generating a plurality of candidate images based on a reference gain data set and the plurality of modified gain data sets, and gain data applied to a candidate image selected by a user from among the plurality of candidate images. and generating final gain data of the display panel based on the set.

Description

Display device and deterioration compensation method and device for display device {DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPENSATING DEGRADATION OF DISPLAY DEVICE}

This specification relates to a display device and a method and device for compensating for deterioration of the display device. More specifically, a display device capable of compensating for an input image by determining the deterioration state of the display panel based on an image taken from outside the display device. and a method and device for compensating for deterioration of a display device.

As we enter the information age, the importance of display technology that visually displays electrical information signals is increasing. Accordingly, research is continuing to improve image quality while reducing the thickness and power consumption of display devices.

Representative examples of display devices include Liquid Crystal Display device (LCD), Plasma Display Panel device (PDP), Field Emission Display device (FED), and Electro Luminescence. Display device (ELD), Electro-Wetting Display device (EWD), and Organic Light Emitting Display device (OLED).

Among these, organic light emitting display devices display images using organic light emitting devices, which are self-luminous devices. Therefore, compared to other display devices, organic light emitting display devices have the advantage of having a thinner thickness, a wider viewing angle, and faster response speed. However, the organic light emitting device of the organic light emitting display device deteriorates due to various causes, and when the organic light emitting device deteriorates, normal image display becomes difficult and the lifespan of the organic light emitting display device is shortened.

For example, when a specific image (for example, a logo or a subtitle) is displayed statically in a specific area of an organic light emitting display device, organic light emitting elements placed in that area experience greater stress than organic light emitting elements placed in other areas. As a result, the deterioration rate of the organic light emitting device placed in the corresponding area increases.

In this way, when an image is displayed through an organic light emitting display device having a deteriorated area of the organic light emitting element, that is, a deteriorated area, there is a problem that the deteriorated area appears as an afterimage to the user's eyes.

For this reason, various methods have been proposed to solve the problem of deteriorating image quality of display devices due to deterioration of organic light-emitting devices. For example, conventionally, the voltage or current flowing to a specific element inside the display device is measured, or the stress data applied to the organic light-emitting element is measured inside the display device every time an image is displayed to estimate the deterioration state of the organic light-emitting element. , a method of supplying compensation data according to the estimated deterioration state of the organic light emitting device was used.

However, even if the above-mentioned method is applied, it is difficult to completely compensate for the deterioration of the organic light-emitting device due to internal or external factors of the display device. Therefore, when an afterimage phenomenon occurs in the display device, the user requests repair from the manufacturer. However, the repair process is complicated, takes a long time, and costs a lot of money for repair, which causes high user dissatisfaction.

The purpose of the present specification is to check the deterioration state of the display device and to compensate for the deterioration of the display device more quickly and easily, thereby reducing the time and cost required for the repair process of the display device and a method for compensating for the deterioration of the display device. The device is provided.

In addition, the purpose of the present specification is to provide a display device and a method and device for compensating for deterioration of the display device that can increase user satisfaction by improving the image quality of the display device based on the deterioration state of the display panel that is actually recognized from the outside of the display device. It is done.

The purposes of the present specification are not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and other purposes and advantages of the present specification that are not mentioned can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood by the examples of the present specification. Additionally, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present specification can be realized by the means and combinations thereof indicated in the patent claims.

According to an embodiment of the present specification, a compensation image generated by photographing the display panel is obtained. When a user requests execution of a deterioration compensation function of a display device through the display device or a user terminal, a pre-stored compensation image is displayed on the display panel of the display device.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the compensation image includes a first compensation image including a predetermined pattern and a second compensation image that is a monochromatic image. Depending on the embodiment, a plurality of second compensation images may be displayed and captured on the display panel.

Meanwhile, the resolution of the compensation image obtained by the user terminal and the resolution of the display panel may not match each other. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present specification, the pixel coordinate value of the compensation image may be set to correspond to the pixel coordinate value of the display panel.

When the compensation image is acquired, the location of the deteriorated area of the display panel is detected based on the compensation image. In one embodiment of the present specification, the location of the deteriorated area may be determined by comparing the luminance value of each pixel of the compensation image with a predetermined reference range.

When the location of the deteriorated area of the display panel is detected based on the compensation image, a plurality of modified gain data sets are generated to compensate for the detected deteriorated area. In order to generate multiple modified gain data sets, a reference gain data set for compensation of the deterioration location may be generated. The reference data set is a set of gain data for compensating the image data applied to the deteriorated location in order to prevent the image displayed at the deteriorated location from being perceived as an afterimage by the user.

When a reference gain data set is created, a number of modified gain data sets are created based on the reference gain data set. Then, multiple candidate images are generated based on multiple transformed gain data sets by applying each gain data set to the compensation image.

A number of generated candidate images are provided to the user. Final gain data to be applied to the display panel is generated based on a gain data set applied to a candidate image selected by the user from among a plurality of candidate images.

As described above, the resolution of the compensation image obtained by the user terminal and the resolution of the display panel may not match each other. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present specification, after the coordinate value of each pixel of the compensation image is mapped with the coordinate value of each pixel of the display panel, final gain data may be assigned to each pixel of the display panel.

According to the present specification, there is an advantage in that the time and cost required for the repair process of the display device can be reduced by checking the deterioration state of the display device and compensating for image quality according to the deterioration more quickly and easily.

Additionally, according to the present specification, there is an advantage in that user satisfaction can be further increased by improving the image quality of the display device based on the deterioration state of the display panel that is actually recognized from the outside of the display device.

1 is a configuration diagram of a system for compensating for deterioration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present specification.
Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of a system for compensating for deterioration of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification.
Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present specification.
Figure 4 is a configuration diagram of a deterioration compensation device for a display device according to an embodiment of the present specification.
Figure 5 shows a pattern image displayed through a display panel of a display device in one embodiment of the present specification.
FIG. 6 illustrates a compensation image generated by photographing the display panel when a monochromatic image is displayed through the display panel of the display device according to an embodiment of the present specification.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a process of setting pixel coordinate values of a compensation image to correspond to pixel coordinate values of a display panel in one embodiment of the present specification.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a process of allocating final gain data to each pixel of the display panel by mapping the coordinate value of each pixel of the compensation image with the coordinate value of each pixel of the display panel in one embodiment of the present specification. am.
Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method for compensating for deterioration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present specification.

The advantages and features of the present specification and methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present specification is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but will be implemented in various different forms, and the present embodiments only serve to ensure that the disclosure of the present specification is complete and that common knowledge in the technical field to which the present specification pertains is provided. It is provided to fully inform those who have the scope of the invention, and this specification is only defined by the scope of the claims.

The shape, size, ratio, angle, number, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining the embodiments of the present specification are illustrative, and the present specification is not limited to the matters shown. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. Additionally, in describing the present specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present specification, the detailed description will be omitted. When 'includes', 'has', 'consists of', etc. mentioned in this specification are used, other parts may be added unless 'only' is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, the plural is included unless specifically stated otherwise.

When interpreting a component, it is interpreted to include the margin of error even if there is no separate explicit description.

Although first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another. Accordingly, the first component mentioned below may be the second component within the technical idea of the present specification.

Each feature of the various embodiments of the present specification can be combined or combined with each other, partially or entirely, and various technological interconnections and operations are possible, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other or together in a related relationship. It may be possible.

1 is a configuration diagram of a system for compensating for deterioration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present specification. Additionally, Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of a system for compensating for deterioration of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification.

As shown in FIG. 1, a system for compensating for degradation of a display device according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a display device 10, a user terminal 20, and a degradation compensation device 30. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, a system for compensating for deterioration of a display device according to another embodiment of the present specification includes a display device 10 and a user terminal 20.

First, referring to FIG. 1, the display device 10 displays an image input from the outside. The display device 10 includes a display panel 102 including a plurality of pixels, and a panel driver 104 that supplies image data to be displayed on the display panel 102 to the display panel 102.

As described above, when a specific image (for example, a logo or a subtitle) is fixedly displayed in a specific area of the display panel 102, the organic light emitting elements included in the pixels disposed in the corresponding area, that is, the deteriorated area, are displayed in other areas. It is subjected to greater stress than the organic light emitting device placed in the area, and as a result, the deterioration rate of the organic light emitting device placed in the corresponding area is accelerated. When a deteriorated area is formed in the display panel 102 like this, the image displayed in the deteriorated area appears as an afterimage to the user's eyes. In this specification, in order to compensate for the deterioration of the display device 10 including the display panel 102 in which deterioration has occurred, a user photographs the display device 10 using the user terminal 20, as described later.

The user terminal 20 has a photographing function for generating an image by photographing an object and a communication function for transmitting the image generated by photographing to the display device 10 or the deterioration compensation device 30. As will be described later, when a user photographs the display device 10 using the user terminal 20 while a pattern image or a monochromatic image is displayed on the display panel 102 of the display device 10, a compensation image is generated. The compensation image generated by the user terminal 20 may be transmitted to the display device 10 or the deterioration compensation device 30.

In this specification, a user who uses the user terminal 20 may be a general consumer or a repair technician or engineer who repairs the display device 10. Examples of the user terminal 20 include a mobile terminal, camera, remote control, laptop computer, tablet computer, etc., but are not limited thereto.

The deterioration compensation device 30 generates final gain data to compensate for the deterioration of the display panel 102 using the compensation image transmitted from the user terminal 20. In one embodiment of the present specification, final gain data refers to data for compensating image data supplied to each pixel in order to prevent the image displayed by each deteriorated pixel from being perceived as an afterimage to the user's eyes.

More specifically, the degradation compensation device 30 generates reference gain data based on the compensation image transmitted from the user terminal 20 and generates a plurality of modified gain data sets based on the reference data. The degradation compensation device 30 generates a plurality of candidate images by applying each gain data set to the compensation image, and transmits the generated plurality of candidate images to the display device 10 . The display device 10 sequentially displays multiple candidate images through the display panel 102. When a user selects one of a plurality of candidate images, the gain data set corresponding to the selected candidate image is determined as the final gain data set.

The degradation compensation device 30 transmits the final gain data set to the display device 10. The display device 10 applies the final gain data set when displaying an image through the display panel 102. Accordingly, the afterimage phenomenon caused by deterioration of the display panel 102 may be improved.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the degradation compensation device 30 is implemented as a separate device from the display device 10 . An example of the deterioration compensation device 30 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is a server capable of communicating with the display device 10 and the user terminal 20 and operated by a manufacturer or an after-sales service management company. It is not limited.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 2 , in another embodiment of the present specification, the degradation compensation device 30 may be implemented as some components of the display device 10 and may be included in the display device 10 . When the degradation compensation device 30 is included in the display device 10 as in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the degradation compensation device 30 is referred to as a degradation compensation unit 30. The configuration and functions of the display device 10, the user terminal 20, and the degradation compensation unit 30 shown in FIG. 2 are similar to those of the display device 10, the user terminal 20, and the degradation compensation device 30 shown in FIG. 1. ) is substantially the same as the composition and function of.

Hereinafter, a process for compensating for degradation of the display device will be described based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, that is, an embodiment in which the degradation compensation device 30 is implemented as a separate device from the display device 10. However, the method for compensating for deterioration of the display device according to the present specification can be equally applied to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present specification. Additionally, Figure 4 is a configuration diagram of a deterioration compensation device for a display device according to an embodiment of the present specification.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the display device 10 according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a display panel 102 and a panel driver 104.

The display panel 102 includes a plurality of pixels including organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). Each pixel includes a W/R/G/B or R/G/B subpixel connected to a data line (DL), a gate line (GL), and a power line (PL). Each subpixel includes a switching transistor (SM), a driving transistor (DM) for driving an organic light emitting device (OLED), and at least one capacitor (Cst).

The panel driver 104 includes a data driver 114 that drives the data line DL of the display panel 100 and a gate driver 116 that drives the gate line GL of the display panel 100. In addition, the panel driver 104 supplies output image data provided from the degradation compensation device 30 to the data driver 114 and includes a timing controller 112 that controls the operation of the data driver 114 and the gate driver 116. Includes.

The timing controller 112 sorts the output image data and supplies it to the data driver 200. In addition, the timing controller 112 includes a data control signal that controls the driving timing of the data driver 114 using a plurality of synchronization signals, that is, a dot clock, a data enable signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and a vertical synchronization signal, and a gate driver. A gate control signal that controls the driving timing of 116 is generated and output.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the timing controller 112 receives input image data and reflects final gain data to compensate for deterioration of the display panel 102 to the input image data to generate output image data. The timing controller 112 may receive final gain data from the degradation compensation device 30, which will be described later.

The data driver 114 converts the output image data supplied by the timing controller 112 into an analog data signal (current or voltage signal) in response to the data control signal from the timing controller 112, and converts the converted data signal into an analog data signal. It is supplied to the data line (DL) of the display panel 102.

The gate driver 116 sequentially drives the gate lines GL of the display panel 102 in response to a gate control signal from the timing controller 112.

When the gate driver 116 supplies the gate turn-on voltage to the gate line (DL), the switching transistor (SM) turns on and the data signal supplied to the data line (DL) is supplied to the capacitor (C) with a driving voltage ( It is charged with the difference voltage of VDD) and data signal. The driving transistor (DM) supplies a driving current according to the differential voltage charged in the capacitor (C) to cause the organic light emitting device (OLED) to emit light, and the organic light emitting device (OLED) displays grayscale proportional to the driving current.

The deterioration compensation device 30 generates final gain data to compensate for the deterioration of the display panel 102 and supplies the generated final gain data to the timing controller 112. In the embodiment of FIG. 3 , like the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the degradation compensation device 30 is implemented as a separate device from the display device 10 . However, as in the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the degradation compensation device 30 may be implemented as a degradation compensation unit 30 and included in the display device 10 .

Referring to FIG. 4, the deterioration compensation device 30 includes a deterioration position detection unit 302 that detects the location of deteriorated pixels or the area of deteriorated pixels in the display panel based on a compensation image generated by photographing the display panel; Generating a plurality of modified gain data sets to compensate for deteriorated pixels, and generating final gain data to be applied to the display panel 102 based on the gain data set applied to the candidate image selected by the user from among the plurality of candidate images. It includes a gain data generator 306, an image generator 304 that generates a plurality of candidate images based on a reference gain data set and a plurality of modified gain data sets.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the deterioration position detection unit 302 may determine the location of the deterioration area by comparing the luminance value of each pixel of the compensation image with a predetermined reference range.

Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the deterioration position detection unit 302 may set the pixel coordinate value of the compensation image to correspond to the pixel coordinate value of the display panel 102.

Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the gain data generator 306 generates a reference gain data set for compensation of the deterioration area and may generate a plurality of modified gain data sets based on the reference gain data set. .

In addition, in one embodiment of the present specification, the gain data generator 306 maps the coordinate value of each pixel of the compensation image with the coordinate value of each pixel of the display panel 102 to display each pixel of the display panel 102. Final gain data can be assigned to .

In addition, in one embodiment of the present specification, the deterioration position detection unit 302 determines whether to use the compensation image based on at least one of a pattern displayed in the compensation image, a chromaticity value of the compensation image, and a luminance value of the compensation image. You can.

Hereinafter, a deterioration compensation process of a display device according to an embodiment of the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The user, who recognizes that the display panel 102 of the display device 10 is deteriorated and an afterimage is displayed on the display panel 102, executes an application for compensating for the deterioration of the display device installed on the user terminal 20. When the application is executed, the user terminal 20 communicates with the display device 10 to notify the user that there is a request to execute a deterioration compensation process.

When a request to execute a deterioration compensation process is received, the display device 10 displays a pre-stored pattern image through the display panel 102. Figure 5 shows a pattern image displayed through a display panel of a display device in one embodiment of the present specification.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pattern image 50 displayed through the display panel 102 includes a plurality of dots. Here, the spacing between multiple dots included in the pattern image is set to be the same. Additionally, the pattern image 50 is set to have predetermined luminance and chromaticity values, respectively. In Figure 5, the background color of the pattern image 50 is shown as white and the color of the multiple dots is shown as black, but the background color of the pattern image 50 and the color of the multiple dots may vary depending on the embodiment. there is.

When the pattern image 50 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display panel 102, the deterioration compensation application of the user terminal 20 instructs the user to photograph the display panel 102 on which the pattern image 50 is displayed. request. At this time, a guide line or a photographing method corresponding to the shape of the display panel may be provided on the photographing screen of the user terminal 20 so that the display panel 102 can be photographed accurately.

When a user photographs the display panel 102 on which the pattern image 50 is displayed using the user terminal 20, the photographed image is generated on the user terminal 20. In this specification, the image generated by the user taking a picture of the pattern image 50 is referred to as the first compensation image. The user terminal 20 transmits the first compensation image generated by photographing the pattern image 50 to the deterioration compensation device 30.

The deterioration position detection unit 302 determines whether the user has accurately photographed the display panel 102 based on the first compensation image. In one embodiment, the deterioration position detection unit 302 may determine whether the user has accurately photographed the display panel 102 based on the pattern displayed in the first compensation image.

For example, when a user photographs the display panel 102 at an angle, the spacing between each dot displayed in the first compensation image may be different. Therefore, the deterioration position detection unit 302 measures the distance between each point displayed in the first compensation image, and determines that the user has accurately photographed the display panel 102 only when the distance between each measured point is constant. You can.

As another example, some points may not be displayed in the first compensation image due to the user taking an incorrect photo of the display panel 102 or indoor or outdoor lighting. Therefore, the deterioration position detection unit 302 checks the number of each dot displayed in the first compensation image, and determines that the user has accurately photographed the display panel 102 only when the number of confirmed dots matches the predetermined reference number. You can judge.

If the preset conditions as above are not satisfied, the display panel 102 has not been captured accurately, so the deterioration position detection unit 302 determines not to use the first compensation image and displays it through the user terminal 20. The user may be requested to retake the panel 102.

Conversely, if the above conditions are satisfied, the deterioration position detection unit 302 determines to use the first compensation image for deterioration compensation.

If it is determined to use the first compensation image for deterioration compensation, the user terminal 20 requests the display device 10 to display a monochromatic image. Accordingly, a single color image having predetermined chromaticity and luminance values, that is, a monochromatic image, is displayed on the display panel 102 of the display device 10. Below, for convenience of explanation, an embodiment in which one type of monochromatic image is displayed on the display panel 102 will be described. However, depending on the embodiment, several different types of monochromatic images may be displayed on the display panel 102.

When a monochromatic image is displayed on the display panel 102, the deterioration compensation application of the user terminal 20 requests the user to photograph the display panel 102 on which the monochromatic image is displayed. At this time, a guide line or a photographing method corresponding to the shape of the display panel may be provided on the photographing screen of the user terminal 20 so that the display panel 102 can be photographed accurately.

When a user photographs the display panel 102 on which a monochromatic image is displayed using the user terminal 20, the photographed image is generated on the user terminal 20. In this specification, an image generated by a user taking a monochromatic image is referred to as a second compensation image. The user terminal 20 transmits the second compensation image generated by photographing the pattern image 50 to the deterioration compensation device 30.

The deterioration position detection unit 302 may determine whether the user has accurately photographed the display panel 102 based on the second compensation image. In one embodiment, the deterioration position detection unit 302 may calculate the chromaticity value or luminance value of the second compensation image and determine whether the calculated chromaticity value or luminance value is within a predetermined reference range.

For example, if the display panel 102 is photographed in a state where the lighting is too dark or the light is reflected on the display panel 102, the second compensation image may not accurately reflect the deterioration state of the display panel 102. You can. Therefore, the deterioration position detection unit 302 accurately captures the display panel 102 if either the chromaticity value or the luminance value of the second compensation image, or at least one of the chromaticity value and the luminance value, is not within a predetermined reference range. Since this has not been done, the deterioration position detection unit 302 may determine not to use the second compensation image and request the user to rephotograph the display panel 102 through the user terminal 20. Conversely, if either the calculated chromaticity value or the luminance value, or at least one of the chromaticity value and the luminance value, falls within a predetermined reference range, the deterioration position detection unit 302 determines to use the second compensation image for deterioration compensation. do.

Meanwhile, the second compensation image generated when the user photographs the display panel 102 includes elements other than the display panel 102, such as the bezel portion of the display device 10 or the wall behind the display device 10. may be included. More accurate deterioration compensation can be achieved only when elements other than the display panel 102 are excluded from the second compensation image. In one embodiment of the present specification, the deterioration position detection unit 302 performs preprocessing on the second compensation image using the first compensation image and the second compensation image to remove elements other than the display panel 102. 2 Can be excluded from compensation images.

For example, the deterioration position detection unit 302 may extract only the portion corresponding to the display panel 102 from the second compensation image using a pattern included in the first compensation image. For example, when the first compensation image includes a pattern as shown in FIG. 5, the deterioration position detection unit 302 detects lines connecting positions spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the outermost points on the display panel 102. It can be set as a boundary line. The deterioration position detection unit 302 may perform preprocessing on the second compensation image by cropping the second compensation image based on the boundary line of the display panel 102 determined as described above.

FIG. 6 illustrates a compensation image generated by photographing the display panel when a monochromatic image is displayed through the display panel of the display device according to an embodiment of the present specification.

As shown in FIG. 6, when deterioration occurs in the display panel 102, deteriorated areas 502 and 504, which are recognized as afterimages by the user's eyes, appear in the second compensation image 52. The deterioration position detection unit 302 checks the positions of each deterioration area 502 and 504 shown in the second compensation image 52 in order to compensate for the deterioration area 502 and 504.

In one embodiment, the deterioration location detection unit 302 may check the location of each deterioration area 502 and 504 on a pixel basis. In this case, the location of each deteriorated area can be specified by the coordinate value of each pixel.

After the positions of the deteriorated pixels or the areas of the deteriorated pixels are determined, the gain data generator 306 generates a final gain data set for compensating for the deteriorated pixels. However, a problem may occur in which the resolution of the display panel 102 and the resolution of the compensation image do not match each other. To solve this problem, final gain data to be applied to the display panel 102 can be generated by any one of the two embodiments described below in this specification.

<First Example>

In the first embodiment, when the second compensation image 52 as shown in FIG. 6 is acquired, the deterioration position detection unit 302 displays the pixel coordinate value of the second compensation image 52 on the display panel 102. Set to correspond to the pixel coordinate value of .

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a process of setting pixel coordinate values of a compensation image to correspond to pixel coordinate values of a display panel in one embodiment of the present specification.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the resolution of the second compensation image 52a acquired by the deterioration position detection unit 302 is 2560×1920 (2560 horizontal pixels, 1920 vertical pixels). Also, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, the resolution of the display panel 102 is 3840×2160.

In this way, since the resolution of the second compensation image 52a and the resolution of the display panel 102 may not match each other, the deterioration position detection unit 302 detects the second compensation image 52a at the resolution of the display panel 102. Divide according to (3840×2160). Therefore, the second compensation image 52b is divided into 3840 horizontal pixels and 2160 vertical pixels, and the coordinate value of each pixel of the second compensation image 52b matches the coordinate value of the display panel 102. . As a result, the coordinate value of each pixel of the second compensation image 52b corresponds to the coordinate value of each pixel of the display panel 102 in a 1:1 ratio.

As shown in FIG. 7 , when setting pixel coordinate values for the second compensation image 52b is completed, the deterioration position detection unit 302 calculates the luminance value of each pixel. The deterioration position detection unit 302 determines the location of the deterioration area by comparing the calculated luminance value of each pixel with a predetermined reference range.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the reference range for determining the location of the deteriorated area may be determined based on the luminance value of the second compensation image 52b. For example, the reference range may be determined based on one of the average, maximum, or minimum luminance values of all pixels of the second compensation image 52b. For example, if the average luminance value of all pixels of the second compensation image 52b is 100 cd/m 2, the reference range may be determined as (100±k)cd/m 2. Here, k is an arbitrary value and may be set differently depending on the embodiment.

The deterioration position detection unit 302 determines that the pixel is not deteriorated if the luminance value of each pixel does not exceed the reference range, and determines that the pixel is deteriorated if the luminance value of each pixel does not exceed the reference range. In other words, the deterioration position detection unit 302 determines a pixel that displays an image relatively brighter or relatively darker than other pixels as a deteriorated pixel, even though it displays image data with the same chromaticity and luminance values. The deterioration position detection unit 302 determines the coordinate value of each pixel determined to be deteriorated as the location of the deterioration area of the compensation image 52b.

Once the location of the deteriorated area is determined, the gain data generator 306 generates reference gain data to compensate for image data to be displayed in each deteriorated pixel. In this specification, the gain data generator 306 generates a reference gain to be applied to each deteriorated pixel based on a gain data table in which gain data corresponding to the luminance value of each pixel is recorded or a relationship between the luminance value of each pixel and the gain data. Data can be generated. In this specification, a set of reference gain data corresponding to each pixel is referred to as a reference gain data set. Therefore, the reference gain data set includes the same number of gain data as the number of deteriorated pixels.

Subsequently, the gain data generator 306 generates a plurality of modified gain data sets based on the generated reference gain data set. For example, the gain data generator 306 may generate a plurality of modified gain data sets by increasing or decreasing each gain data included in the reference gain data set by a predetermined value (e.g., 2% or ±10). there is.

For example, the gain data generator 306 generates a first gain data set in which each reference gain data included in the reference gain data set is increased by 2%, a second gain data set in which the reference gain data is increased by 4%, and a third gain that is decreased in the reference gain data set by 2%. A data set and a fourth gain data set reduced by 4% can be generated, respectively.

As another example, the gain data generator 306 generates a first gain data set in which each reference gain data included in the reference gain data set is increased by 5, a second gain data set in which the reference gain data is increased by 10, and a third gain data set in which each reference gain data included in the reference gain data set is decreased by 5. A gain data set and a fourth gain data set reduced by 10 can be generated, respectively.

Here, the method by which the gain data generator 306 generates a plurality of modified gain data sets is not limited to the above-described method, and the modified gain data sets may be generated by other methods depending on the embodiment.

Next, the image generator 304 generates a plurality of candidate images based on the reference gain data set and the plurality of modified gain data sets. Specifically, the image generator 304 predicts that the user will recognize a monochromatic image when it is displayed on the display panel 102 with the reference gain data set and a plurality of modified gain data sets applied to the display panel 102, respectively. Each candidate image, which is the expected compensation image, is generated.

The image generator 304 applies a reference gain data set and a plurality of modified gain data sets to the second compensation image 52 as shown in FIG. 6 using a predetermined image processing algorithm, thereby generating a plurality of candidates. Images can be created. For example, as in the above-mentioned example, when four modified gain data sets (first to fourth gain data sets) are generated based on the reference gain data set, the image generator 304 generates five candidate images.

The image generator 304 delivers a plurality of generated candidate images to the display device 10 . The display device 10 sequentially displays each candidate image and requests the user to select one candidate image.

In another embodiment of the present specification, the degradation compensation device 30 may transmit a reference gain data set and a plurality of modified gain data sets to the display device 10, respectively, instead of directly generating the candidate image. The display device 10 may generate a candidate image by displaying a monochromatic image while actually reflecting the received reference gain data set and the plurality of modified gain data sets, respectively.

A user who observes each candidate image displayed on the display device 10 selects one image among the candidate images displayed on the display device 10 through the user terminal 20 .

When the user selects one of the candidate images, the gain data generator 306 determines the gain data set corresponding to the candidate image selected by the user as the final gain data set for compensating for deterioration of the display panel 102. The gain data generator 306 transmits the generated final gain data set to the timing controller 112 of the display device 10. The timing controller 112 receives input image data and supplies output image data generated by reflecting final gain data to the input image data to the data driver 114. Accordingly, the afterimage phenomenon caused by deterioration of the display panel 102 is improved.

<Second Embodiment>

In the second embodiment, when the second compensation image 52 as shown in FIG. 6 is acquired, the deterioration position detection unit 302 calculates the luminance value of each pixel of the second compensation image 52. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the resolution of the second compensation image 52 is 1920×1080.

The deterioration position detection unit 302 determines the location of the deterioration area by comparing the calculated luminance value of each pixel with a predetermined reference range.

In one embodiment of the present specification, a reference range for determining the location of a deteriorated area may be determined based on the luminance value of the second compensation image 52. For example, the reference range may be determined based on one of the average, maximum, or minimum luminance values of all pixels of the second compensation image 52. For example, if the average luminance value of all pixels of the second compensation image 52 is 100 cd/m 2, the reference range may be determined as (100±k)cd/m 2. Here, k is an arbitrary value and may be set differently depending on the embodiment.

The deterioration position detection unit 302 determines that the pixel is not deteriorated if the luminance value of each pixel does not exceed the reference range, and determines that the pixel is deteriorated if the luminance value of each pixel does not exceed the reference range. In other words, the deterioration position detection unit 302 determines a pixel that displays an image relatively brighter or relatively darker than other pixels as a deteriorated pixel, even though it displays image data with the same chromaticity and luminance values. The deterioration position detection unit 302 determines the coordinate value of each pixel determined to be deteriorated as the location of the deterioration area of the compensation image 52.

Once the deterioration location is determined, the gain data generator 306 generates reference gain data to compensate for image data to be displayed in each deteriorated pixel. In this specification, the gain data generator 306 generates a reference gain to be applied to each deteriorated pixel based on a gain data table in which gain data corresponding to the luminance value of each pixel is recorded or a relationship between the luminance value of each pixel and the gain data. Data can be generated.

Subsequently, the gain data generator 306 generates a plurality of modified gain data sets based on the generated reference gain data set. For example, the gain data generator 306 may generate a plurality of modified gain data sets by increasing or decreasing each gain data included in the reference gain data set by a predetermined value (e.g., 2% or ±10). there is.

For example, the gain data generator 306 generates a first gain data set in which each reference gain data included in the reference gain data set is increased by 2%, a second gain data set in which the reference gain data is increased by 4%, and a third gain that is decreased in the reference gain data set by 2%. A data set and a fourth gain data set reduced by 4% can be generated, respectively.

As another example, the gain data generator 306 generates a first gain data set in which each reference gain data included in the reference gain data set is increased by 5, a second gain data set in which the reference gain data is increased by 10, and a third gain data set in which each reference gain data included in the reference gain data set is decreased by 5. A gain data set and a fourth gain data set reduced by 10 can be generated, respectively.

Here, the method by which the gain data generator 306 generates a plurality of modified gain data sets is not limited to the above-described method, and the modified gain data sets may be generated by other methods depending on the embodiment.

Next, the image generator 304 generates a plurality of candidate images based on the reference gain data set and the plurality of modified gain data sets. Specifically, the image generator 304 predicts that the user will recognize a monochromatic image when it is displayed on the display panel 102 with the reference gain data set and a plurality of modified gain data sets applied to the display panel 102, respectively. Each candidate image, which is the expected compensation image, is generated.

The image generator 304 applies a reference gain data set and a plurality of modified gain data sets to the second compensation image 52 as shown in FIG. 6 using a predetermined image processing algorithm, thereby generating a plurality of candidates. Images can be created. For example, as in the above-mentioned example, when four modified gain data sets (first to fourth gain data sets) are generated based on the reference gain data set, the image generator 304 generates five candidate images.

The image generator 304 delivers a plurality of generated candidate images to the display device 10 . The display device 10 sequentially displays each candidate image and requests the user to select one candidate image.

A user who observes each candidate image displayed on the display device 10 selects one image among the candidate images displayed on the display device 10 through the user terminal 20 .

When the user selects one of the candidate images, the gain data generator 306 determines the gain data set corresponding to the candidate image selected by the user as the final gain data set for compensating for deterioration of the display panel 102.

Meanwhile, as described above, the resolution of the second compensation image 52 and the resolution of the display panel 102 may not match each other. Therefore, in the second embodiment, as will be described later, each final gain data included in the final gain data set determined based on the second compensation image 52 is displayed on the display panel 102 according to the resolution of the display panel 102. The process of assigning to each pixel is performed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a process of allocating final gain data to each pixel of the display panel by mapping the coordinate value of each pixel of the compensation image with the coordinate value of each pixel of the display panel in one embodiment of the present specification. am.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the resolution of the second compensation image 52 is 1920 × 1080 and the resolution of the display panel 102 is 3840 × 2160, the resolution of the second compensation image 52 is 1920 × 1080. The coordinate value of each pixel and the coordinate value of each pixel of the display panel 102 do not match each other. Therefore, the previously determined final gain data set cannot be directly applied to the display panel 102.

To solve this problem, the gain data generator 306 maps the coordinate value of each pixel of the compensation image 52 with the coordinate value of each pixel of the display panel 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the gain data generator 306 converts the coordinate value of the pixel P1 of the second compensation image 52 into the pixels P3, P4, P7, and P7 of the display panel 102. Map with the coordinate values of P8). Likewise, the gain data generator 306 maps the coordinate values of the pixel P2 of the second compensation image 52 with the coordinate values of the pixels P5, P6, P9, and P10 of the display panel 102.

The gain data generator 306 allocates final gain data to each pixel of the display panel 102 according to the above-described mapping result. For example, gain data corresponding to the pixel P1 of the second compensation image 52 is assigned to each of the pixels P3, P4, P7, and P8 of the display panel 102. Likewise, gain data corresponding to the pixel P2 of the second compensation image 52 is assigned to each of the pixels P5, P6, P9, and P10 of the display panel 102.

When allocation of the final gain data is completed, the gain data generator 306 transfers the final gain data set to the timing controller 112 of the display device 10. The timing controller 112 receives input image data and supplies output image data generated by reflecting final gain data to the input image data to the data driver 114.

Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method for compensating for deterioration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present specification.

The deterioration compensation device 30 according to an embodiment of the present specification first acquires a compensation image generated by photographing the display panel 102 (902). In this specification, a compensation image captured and generated when a pattern is displayed on the display panel 102 is referred to as a first compensation image. Additionally, in this specification, a compensation image captured and generated when a monochromatic image is displayed on the display panel 102 is referred to as a second compensation image.

Although not shown in the drawings, a method of compensating for deterioration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present specification involves compensating based on at least one of a pattern displayed in a compensation image, a chromaticity value of the compensation image, and a luminance value of the compensation image. A step of determining whether to use the dragon image may be further included.

Next, the deterioration compensation device 30 detects the location of the deteriorated area of the display panel 10 based on the compensation image (904). In one embodiment of the present specification, the step of detecting the location of the deteriorated area of the display panel 10 based on the compensation image (904) includes comparing the luminance value of each pixel of the compensation image with a predetermined reference range to determine whether the deteriorated area is deteriorated. It includes determining the location of the area. Additionally, in one embodiment of the present specification, the step of detecting the location of the deteriorated area of the display panel 10 based on the compensation image (904) includes setting the pixel coordinate value of the compensation image to correspond to the pixel coordinate value of the display panel. It further includes a setting step.

Next, the degradation compensation device 30 generates a plurality of modified gain data sets to compensate for the degradation area (906). In one embodiment of the present specification, generating a plurality of modified gain data sets (906) includes generating a reference gain data set for compensation of deteriorated areas and generating a plurality of modified gain data sets based on the reference gain data set. It includes creating a data set.

Next, the degradation compensation device 30 generates a plurality of candidate images based on the reference gain data set and the plurality of transformed gain data sets (908).

Next, the degradation compensation device 30 generates final gain data to be applied to the display panel 102 based on the gain data set applied to the candidate image selected by the user from among the plurality of candidate images (910). In one embodiment of the present specification, the step of generating final gain data (910) is to map the coordinate value of each pixel of the compensation image with the coordinate value of each pixel of the display panel 102 to give the final gain data to each pixel of the display panel 102. It may include the step of allocating gain data.

According to the above-described embodiment of the present specification, there is an advantage in that the time and cost required for the repair process of the display device can be reduced by checking the deterioration state of the display device and compensating for image quality according to the deterioration more quickly and easily.

As described above, embodiments of the present specification have been described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present specification is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and various modifications may be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present specification. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present specification, but rather to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of the present specification is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of protection of this specification should be interpreted in accordance with the claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of this specification.

Claims (18)

Obtaining a compensation image generated by photographing a display panel;
detecting the location of a deteriorated area of the display panel based on the compensation image;
generating a reference gain data set to compensate for the deterioration area;
generating a plurality of modified gain data sets by increasing or decreasing each reference gain data included in the generated reference gain data set by a predetermined value;
generating a plurality of candidate images based on the generated reference gain data set and the generated plurality of modified gain data sets; and
Comprising the step of generating final gain data to be applied to the display panel based on a gain data set applied to a candidate image selected by a user among the plurality of candidate images.
Method of compensating for deterioration of display device.
According to paragraph 1,
Detecting the location of the deteriorated area of the display panel based on the compensation image
Comprising the step of determining the location of the deteriorated area of the display panel by comparing the luminance value of each pixel of the compensation image with a predetermined reference range.
Method of compensating for deterioration of display device.
According to paragraph 1,
Detecting the location of the deteriorated area of the display panel based on the compensation image
Further comprising setting the pixel coordinate value of the compensation image to correspond to the pixel coordinate value of the display panel.
Method of compensating for deterioration of display device.
delete According to paragraph 1,
The step of generating final gain data to be applied to the display panel based on the gain data set applied to the candidate image selected by the user among the plurality of candidate images.
Comprising the step of mapping the coordinate value of each pixel of the compensation image with the coordinate value of each pixel of the display panel and allocating the final gain data to each pixel of the display panel.
Method of compensating for deterioration of display device.
According to paragraph 1,
Further comprising determining whether to use the compensation image based on at least one of a pattern displayed in the compensation image, a chromaticity value of the compensation image, and a luminance value of the compensation image.
Method of compensating for deterioration of display device.
A display panel consisting of a plurality of pixels;
a deterioration compensation unit that receives input image data and generates output image data by reflecting gain data on the input image data;
A panel driver that supplies the output image data to the display panel,
The deterioration compensation unit
a deterioration position detection unit that detects the position of a deteriorated area of the display panel based on a compensation image generated by photographing the display panel;
Gain data for generating a reference gain data set for compensating for the deterioration area, and generating a plurality of modified gain data sets by increasing or decreasing each reference gain data included in the generated reference gain data set by a predetermined value. generation unit;
An image generator that generates a plurality of candidate images based on the generated reference gain data set and the generated plurality of modified gain data sets,
The gain data generator
Generating final gain data to be applied to the display panel based on a gain data set applied to a candidate image selected by a user among the plurality of candidate images.
display device.
In clause 7,
The deterioration position detection unit
Determining the location of the deterioration by comparing the luminance value of each pixel of the compensation image with a predetermined reference range.
display device.
In clause 7,
The deterioration position detection unit
Setting the pixel coordinate value of the compensation image to correspond to the pixel coordinate value of the display panel.
display device.
In clause 7,
The gain data generator
Generating the reference gain data set for compensating for the deterioration area, and generating the plurality of modified gain data sets based on the reference gain data set.
display device.
In clause 7,
The gain data generator
Allocating the final gain data to each pixel of the display panel by mapping the coordinate value of each pixel of the compensation image with the coordinate value of each pixel of the display panel.
display device.
In clause 7,
The deterioration position detection unit
Determining whether to use the compensation image based on at least one of a pattern displayed in the compensation image, a chromaticity value of the compensation image, and a luminance value of the compensation image.
display device.
a deterioration position detection unit that detects a deterioration area of the display panel based on a compensation image generated by photographing the display panel;
Gain data for generating a reference gain data set for compensating for the deterioration area, and generating a plurality of modified gain data sets by increasing or decreasing each reference gain data included in the generated reference gain data set by a predetermined value. generation unit;
An image generator that generates a plurality of candidate images based on the generated reference gain data set and the generated plurality of modified gain data sets,
The gain data generator
Generating final gain data to be applied to the display panel based on a gain data set applied to a candidate image selected by a user among the plurality of candidate images.
Deterioration compensation device for display devices.
According to clause 13,
The deterioration position detection unit
Determining the location of the deterioration by comparing the luminance value of each pixel of the compensation image with a predetermined reference range.
Deterioration compensation device for display devices.
According to clause 13,
The deterioration position detection unit
Setting the pixel coordinate value of the compensation image to correspond to the pixel coordinate value of the display panel.
Deterioration compensation device for display devices.
According to clause 13,
The gain data generator
Generating the reference gain data set for compensating for the deterioration area, and generating the plurality of modified gain data sets based on the reference gain data set.
Deterioration compensation device for display devices.
According to clause 13,
The gain data generator
Allocating the final gain data to each pixel of the display panel by mapping the coordinate value of each pixel of the compensation image with the coordinate value of each pixel of the display panel.
Deterioration compensation device for display devices.
According to clause 13,
The deterioration position detection unit
Determining whether to use the compensation image based on at least one of a pattern displayed in the compensation image, a chromaticity value of the compensation image, and a luminance value of the compensation image.
Deterioration compensation device for display devices.

Images