KR20210082846A - Display device and method and apparatus for compensating degradation of display device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present specification relates to a display device, and a method and an apparatus for compensating for deterioration of the display device and, more specifically, to a display device, and a method and an apparatus for compensating for deterioration of the display device, capable of compensating for an input image by checking a deterioration state of a display panel based on an image photographed from the outside of the display device. A deterioration compensation method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: acquiring an image for compensation generated by photographing the display panel; detecting a deterioration position in the image for compensation; generating a plurality of modified gain datasets for compensating for the deterioration position; generating a plurality of candidate images based on a reference gain dataset and the plurality of modified gain datasets; and generating final gain data of the display panel based on the gain dataset applied to the candidate image selected by a user among the plurality of candidate images.

Description

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

The present specification relates to a display device and a method and apparatus for compensating for deterioration of the display device, and more particularly, a display device capable of compensating for an input image by recognizing a deterioration state of a display panel based on an image photographed from the outside of the display device and a method and apparatus for compensating for deterioration of a display device.

As we enter the information age in earnest, the importance of display technology for visually displaying electrical information signals is increasing. Accordingly, research is continuing to reduce the thickness and power consumption of a display device and to improve image quality.

Representative examples of the display device include a liquid crystal display device (LCD), a plasma display panel device (PDP), a field emission display device (FED), and an electroluminescence display device (Electro Luminescence). display device: ELD), electro-wetting display device (EWD), organic light emitting display device (OLED), and the like.

Among them, an organic light emitting display displays an image using an organic light emitting device that is a self-luminous device. Accordingly, the organic light emitting diode display has an advantage in that it has a smaller thickness than other display devices, a wide viewing angle, and a fast response speed. However, the organic light emitting diode of the organic light emitting diode display deteriorates due to various causes, and when the organic light emitting diode deteriorates, it becomes difficult to display a normal image, thereby shortening the lifespan of the organic light emitting diode display.

For example, when a specific image (eg, a logo or caption) is fixedly displayed in a specific area of the organic light emitting diode display, the organic light emitting diode disposed in the corresponding area may be subjected to greater stress than the organic light emitting diode disposed in another area. As a result, the degradation rate of the organic light emitting diode disposed in the corresponding region is increased.

As such, when an image is displayed through the organic light emitting diode display having the degraded region, that is, the degraded region, the degraded region appears as an afterimage to the user's eyes.

For this reason, various methods have been proposed to solve the problem of image quality degradation of the display device due to deterioration of the organic light emitting diode. For example, in the related art, the deterioration state of the organic light emitting diode is estimated by measuring a voltage or current flowing through a specific element inside the display device, or by measuring stress data applied to the organic light emitting device whenever an image is displayed inside the display device. , a method of supplying compensation data according to the estimated deterioration state of the organic light emitting diode was used.

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

An object of the present specification is to provide a display device, a method for compensating for deterioration of a display device, and a method for compensating for deterioration of a display device, which can reduce the time and cost required for a repair process of a display device by more quickly and easily performing a display device deterioration state check and image quality compensation according to deterioration; to provide the device.

Another object of the present specification is to provide a display device and a method and apparatus for compensating for deterioration of a display device, which can improve user satisfaction by improving image quality of a display device based on a deterioration state of a display panel actually recognized from the outside of the display device will do

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

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification, a compensation image generated by photographing a display panel is obtained. When the user requests the execution of the degradation compensation function of the display device through the display device or the 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 image for compensation includes a first image for compensation including a predetermined pattern and a second image for compensation that is a monochromatic image. According to an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of second compensation images may be displayed on the display panel and photographed.

Meanwhile, the resolution of the compensation image obtained by the user terminal may not match the resolution of the display panel. Accordingly, in the exemplary 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 obtained, the position of the degradation region of the display panel is detected based on the compensation image. In an embodiment of the present specification, the position of the degradation region may be determined by comparing the luminance value of each pixel of the image for compensation with a predetermined reference range.

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

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

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

As described above, the resolution of the compensation image obtained by the user terminal may not match the resolution of the display panel. Accordingly, in the exemplary 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 allocated 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.

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

1 is a block diagram of a system for compensating for deterioration of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification.
2 is a block diagram of a system for compensating for deterioration of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present specification.
3 is a block diagram of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification.
4 is a configuration diagram of a degradation compensating device for a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification.
5 illustrates a pattern image displayed through a display panel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification.
6 illustrates a compensation image generated by photographing the display panel when a monochrome image is displayed through the display panel of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification.
7 is a diagram for explaining a process of setting pixel coordinate values of an image for compensation to correspond to pixel coordinate values of a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification.
8 is a view for explaining a process of allocating final gain data to each pixel of a display panel by mapping a coordinate value of each pixel of the compensation image with a coordinate value of each pixel of the display panel according to an embodiment of the present specification to be.
9 is a flowchart of a method of compensating for deterioration of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification.

Advantages and features of the present specification and methods of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present specification is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but will be implemented in various different forms, only these embodiments allow the disclosure of the present specification to be complete, and common knowledge in the technical field to which this specification belongs It is provided to fully inform the possessor of the scope of the invention, and this specification is only defined by the scope of the claims.

The shapes, sizes, proportions, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining the embodiments of the present specification are illustrative and the present specification is not limited to the illustrated matters. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In addition, in the description of the present specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. When 'including', 'having', 'consisting', 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 case in which the plural is included is included unless otherwise explicitly stated.

In interpreting the components, it is interpreted as including an error range even if there is no separate explicit description.

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

Each feature of the various embodiments of the present specification may be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, technically various interlocking and driving are possible, and each of the embodiments may be independently implemented with respect to each other or may be implemented together in a related relationship. may be

1 is a block diagram of a system for compensating for deterioration of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification. Also, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a system for compensating for deterioration of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present specification.

As shown in FIG. 1 , a system for compensating for degradation of a display device according to an exemplary 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 exemplary 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 for supplying image data to be displayed on the display panel 102 to the display panel 102 .

As described above, when a specific image (eg, a logo or caption) is fixedly displayed in a specific area of the display panel 102 , the organic light emitting diode included in the pixel disposed in the corresponding area, that is, the deteriorated area, is displayed in another area. It receives a greater stress than the disposed organic light emitting device, and as a result, the degradation rate of the organic light emitting device disposed in the corresponding region is increased. When the deterioration region is formed in the display panel 102 as described above, the image displayed in the deterioration region appears as an afterimage to the user's eyes. In the present specification, as described below, a user photographs the display device 10 using the user terminal 20 to compensate for deterioration of the display device 10 including the display panel 102 .

The user terminal 20 has a photographing function for generating an image by photographing an object and a communication function for transmitting an image generated by photographing to the display device 10 or the deterioration compensation apparatus 30 . As will be described later, when a user takes a picture of 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 , an image for compensation is generated. The compensation image generated by the user terminal 20 may be transmitted to the display device 10 or the degradation 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 repairing the display device 10 . Examples of the user terminal 20 include, but are not limited to, a mobile terminal, a camera, a remote control, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and the like.

The degradation compensator 30 generates final gain data for compensating for degradation of the display panel 102 using the compensation image transmitted from the user terminal 20 . In one embodiment of the present specification, the final gain data means data for compensating for image data supplied to each pixel so that an image displayed by each pixel in which deterioration occurs is not recognized as an afterimage to the user's eyes.

More specifically, the degradation compensation apparatus 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 deterioration compensation apparatus 30 applies each gain data set to the image for compensation to generate a plurality of candidate images, and transmits the generated candidate images to the display device 10 . The display device 10 sequentially displays a plurality of candidate images through the display panel 102 . When the user selects any one of a plurality of candidate images, a gain data set corresponding to the selected candidate image is determined as a final gain data set.

The degradation compensator 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, an afterimage phenomenon due to deterioration of the display panel 102 may be improved.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the degradation compensating 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 that can communicate with the display device 10 and the user terminal 20 and is operated by a manufacturer or an after-sales service management company. It is not limited.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 2 , in another exemplary embodiment of the present specification, the deterioration 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 compensator 30 is included in the display device 10 as in the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the degradation compensator 30 is referred to as a degradation compensator 30 . The configuration and functions of the display device 10 , the user terminal 20 , and the degradation compensator 30 shown in FIG. 2 are the display device 10 , the user terminal 20 , and the degradation compensation device 30 shown in FIG. 1 . ) is substantially the same as the configuration and function of

Hereinafter, a process of compensating for deterioration of the display device based on the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , that is, the deterioration compensating device 30 and the display device 10 as a separate device, will be described. However, the method of compensating for deterioration of the display device according to the present specification may be equally applied to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 .

3 is a block diagram of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification. Also, FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a deterioration compensation apparatus of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the display device 10 according to the exemplary 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 an organic light emitting diode (OLED). Each pixel includes a W/R/G/B or R/G/B sub-pixel connected to a data line DL, a gate line GL, and a power line PL. Each sub-pixel includes a switching transistor SM for driving the organic light emitting diode OLED, a driving transistor DM, and at least one capacitor Cst.

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

The timing controller 112 aligns the output image data and supplies it to the data driver 200 . In addition, the timing controller 112 includes a data control signal for controlling 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 for controlling the driving timing of 116 is generated and output.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present specification, the timing controller 112 receives input image data and reflects final gain data for compensating for deterioration of the display panel 102 to the input image data to generate output image data. The timing controller 112 may receive the final gain data from the deterioration compensation device 30 to 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 a 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 line 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 is turned on so that the data signal supplied to the data line DL is applied to the capacitor C with the driving voltage ( VDD) and the difference voltage of the data signal. The driving transistor DM supplies a driving current according to the differential voltage charged to the capacitor C to emit light to the organic light emitting diode OLED, and the organic light emitting diode OLED displays a gray scale proportional to the driving current.

The degradation compensator 30 generates final gain data for compensating for degradation 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 deterioration compensation device 30 is implemented as a separate device from the display device 10 . However, as in the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the degradation compensator 30 may be implemented as the degradation compensator 30 and included in the display device 10 .

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

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

Also, in an exemplary embodiment of the present specification, the deterioration position detector 302 may set the pixel coordinate value of the compensation image to correspond to the pixel coordinate value of the display panel 102 .

In addition, in one embodiment of the present specification, the gain data generator 306 may generate a reference gain data set for compensating the deterioration region, and 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 values of each pixel of the compensation image with the coordinate values of each pixel of the display panel 102 to each pixel of the display panel 102 . You can assign final gain data to .

Also, 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 on the compensation image, a chromaticity value of the compensation image, and a luminance value of the compensation image. can

Hereinafter, a deterioration compensation process of a display device according to an exemplary 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 deterioration of the display device installed in 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 an execution request for the degradation compensation process.

When an execution request for the degradation compensation process is received, the display device 10 displays a pre-stored pattern image through the display panel 102 . 5 illustrates a pattern image displayed through a display panel of a display device according to an exemplary 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, intervals between a plurality of points included in the pattern image are set to be the same, respectively. Also, the pattern image 50 is set to have predetermined luminance values and chromaticity values, respectively. In FIG. 5 , the background color of the pattern image 50 is white and the colors of the plurality of dots are respectively illustrated in black, but the background color of the pattern image 50 and the colors of the plurality of dots may vary depending on the embodiment. have.

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

When the user uses the user terminal 20 to photograph the display panel 102 on which the pattern image 50 is displayed, the photographed image is generated in the user terminal 20 . In this specification, an image generated by a user photographing the pattern image 50 is referred to as a first compensation image. The user terminal 20 transmits the first compensation image generated by photographing the pattern image 50 to the deterioration compensation apparatus 30 .

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

For example, when the user photographs the display panel 102 at an angle, the intervals between points displayed in the first compensation image may be different from each other. 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 measured distances between the respective points are constant. can

As another example, some points may not be displayed in the first compensation image due to a user taking a wrong photograph of the display panel 102 or due to indoor or outdoor lighting. Accordingly, the deterioration position detecting unit 302 checks the number of each point displayed in the first compensation image, and only when the number of the checked points matches the predetermined reference number, it is determined that the user has accurately photographed the display panel 102 . can judge

If the above preset conditions are not satisfied, since the display panel 102 has not been accurately photographed, the deterioration position detection unit 302 determines not to use the first compensation image, and displays the image through the user terminal 20 . The user may be requested to re-photograph 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.

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

When a monochromatic image is displayed on the display panel 102 , the degradation compensation application of the user terminal 20 requests the user to photograph the display panel 102 on which the monochromatic image is displayed. In this case, a guide line corresponding to the shape of the display panel or a photographing method 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 monochrome image is displayed using the user terminal 20 , the photographed image is generated in the user terminal 20 . In this specification, an image generated by a user photographing a monochrome 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 apparatus 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 an embodiment, the deterioration position detection unit 302 may calculate a chromaticity value or a 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 in which the lighting is too dark or the display panel 102 reflects the light, the second compensation image may not accurately reflect the deterioration state of the display panel 102 . can Accordingly, the deterioration position detection unit 302 accurately captures the display panel 102 when any one of 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. Therefore, the deterioration position detection unit 302 may determine not to use the second compensation image, and may request the user to re-photograph the display panel 102 through the user terminal 20 . Conversely, when any one of the calculated chromaticity values or luminance values, or at least one of the chromaticity values and luminance values, falls within a predetermined reference range, the deterioration position detection unit 302 determines that the second compensation image is used for deterioration compensation. do.

Meanwhile, in the second compensation image generated by the user photographing the display panel 102 , elements other than the display panel 102 , such as the bezel portion of the display device 10 or the wall surface of the rear surface of the display device 10 , are included. may be included. More accurate degradation 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 removes elements other than the display panel 102 by performing pre-processing on the second compensation image using the first compensation image and the second compensation image. 2 It can be excluded from the image for compensation.

For example, the deterioration position detector 302 may extract only a portion corresponding to the display panel 102 from the second compensation image by 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 detecting unit 302 generates lines connecting the positions spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the outermost points of the display panel 102 . It can be defined 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.

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

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

In an exemplary embodiment, the deterioration position detection unit 302 may check the position of each deterioration region 502 and 504 in units of pixels. In this case, the position of each degradation region may be specified by a coordinate value of each pixel.

After the position of the deteriorated pixels or the area of the deteriorated pixels is determined, the gain data generator 306 generates a final gain data set for compensating for the deterioration. However, there may be a problem that the resolution of the display panel 102 does not match the resolution of the compensation image. In order to solve this problem, in the present specification, final gain data to be applied to the display panel 102 may be generated by any one of the following two embodiments.

<First embodiment>

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

7 is a diagram for explaining a process of setting pixel coordinate values of an image for compensation to correspond to pixel coordinate values of a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification.

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

As such, 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 with the resolution of the display panel 102 . It is divided according to (3840×2160). Accordingly, the second compensation image 52b is divided into 3840 horizontal pixels and 2160 vertical pixels, and the coordinate values of each pixel of the second compensation image 52b coincide with the coordinate values of the display panel 102 . . Accordingly, 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 pixel coordinate values for the second compensation image 52b are set, the deterioration position detection unit 302 calculates a luminance value of each pixel. The deterioration position detection unit 302 determines the position of the deterioration region by comparing the calculated luminance value of each pixel with a predetermined reference range.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present specification, the reference range for determining the position of the degradation region may be determined based on the luminance value of the second compensation image 52b. For example, the reference range may be determined based on any one of an average value, a maximum value, or a minimum value of luminance values of all pixels of the second compensation image 52b. For example, when the average value of the luminance values 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 according to embodiments.

The deterioration position detection unit 302 determines that the corresponding pixel is not deteriorated if the luminance value of each pixel does not exceed the reference range, and determines that the corresponding pixel is deteriorated when the luminance value of each pixel exceeds the reference range. In other words, the deterioration position detecting unit 302 determines a pixel on which an image is displayed relatively brighter or relatively darker than other pixels despite displaying image data having the same chromaticity value and luminance value as the deteriorated pixel. The deterioration position detection unit 302 determines the coordinate values of each pixel determined to be deteriorated as the positions of the deterioration regions of the compensation image 52b, respectively.

When the position of the degradation region is determined, the gain data generator 306 generates reference gain data for compensating for image data to be displayed on each degraded pixel. In the present specification, the gain data generator 306 is a reference gain to be applied to each degraded pixel based on a gain data table in which gain data corresponding to the luminance value of each pixel is recorded or a relational expression between the luminance value of each pixel and the gain data, etc. 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. Accordingly, the reference gain data set includes a number of gain data equal to the number of deteriorated pixels.

Then, the gain data generating unit 306 generates a plurality of modified gain data sets based on the generated reference gain data sets. For example, the gain data generation unit 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 (eg, 2% or ±10). have.

For example, the gain data generating unit 306 may include 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 each reference gain data is increased by 4%, and a third gain decreased by 2%. A data set and a fourth gain data set reduced by 4% may be generated, respectively.

As another example, the gain data generator 306 may include 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 increased by 10, and a third 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 may 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 a modified gain data set may be generated by other methods according to embodiments.

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 generating unit 304 may be recognized by the user when a single-color image is displayed on the display panel 102 in a state where the reference gain data set and the plurality of modified gain data sets are respectively applied to the display panel 102 . Candidate images that are expected compensation images are generated, respectively.

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 by using a predetermined image processing algorithm, respectively, to obtain a plurality of candidates. You can create an image. For example, when four modified gain data sets (first to fourth gain data sets) are generated based on the reference gain data set as in the above example, the image generator 304 generates five candidate images.

The image generator 304 transmits a plurality of generated candidate images to the display device 10 . The display device 10 requests the user to select one candidate image while sequentially displaying each candidate image.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the degradation compensator 30 may transmit the reference gain data set and the 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 of the candidate images displayed on the display device 10 through the user terminal 20 .

When the user selects any 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 the input image data and supplies the output image data generated by reflecting the final gain data to the input image data to the data driver 114 . Accordingly, an afterimage phenomenon due to 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 obtained, the deterioration position detection unit 302 calculates a 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 position of the deterioration region by comparing the calculated luminance value of each pixel with a predetermined reference range.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present specification, the reference range for determining the position of the degradation region may be determined based on the luminance value of the second compensation image 52 . For example, the reference range may be determined based on any one of an average value, a maximum value, or a minimum value of luminance values of all pixels of the second compensation image 52 . For example, when the average value of the luminance values 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 according to embodiments.

The deterioration position detection unit 302 determines that the corresponding pixel is not deteriorated if the luminance value of each pixel does not exceed the reference range, and determines that the corresponding pixel is deteriorated when the luminance value of each pixel exceeds the reference range. In other words, the deterioration position detecting unit 302 determines a pixel on which an image is displayed relatively brighter or relatively darker than other pixels despite displaying image data having the same chromaticity value and luminance value as the deteriorated pixel. The deterioration position detection unit 302 determines the coordinate values of each pixel determined to be deteriorated as the positions of the deterioration regions of the compensation image 52 .

When the degradation position is determined, the gain data generator 306 generates reference gain data for compensating for image data to be displayed on each degraded pixel. In the present specification, the gain data generator 306 is a reference gain to be applied to each degraded pixel based on a gain data table in which gain data corresponding to the luminance value of each pixel is recorded or a relational expression between the luminance value of each pixel and the gain data, etc. data can be generated.

Then, the gain data generating unit 306 generates a plurality of modified gain data sets based on the generated reference gain data set. For example, the gain data generation unit 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 (eg, 2% or ±10). have.

For example, the gain data generator 306 may include 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 each reference gain data is increased by 4%, and a third gain decreased by 2%. A data set and a fourth gain data set reduced by 4% may be generated, respectively.

As another example, the gain data generator 306 may include 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 increased by 10, and a third 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 may 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 a modified gain data set may be generated by other methods according to embodiments.

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 generating unit 304 may be recognized by the user when a single-color image is displayed on the display panel 102 in a state where the reference gain data set and the plurality of modified gain data sets are respectively applied to the display panel 102 . Candidate images that are expected compensation images are generated, respectively.

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 by using a predetermined image processing algorithm, respectively, to obtain a plurality of candidates. You can create an image. For example, when four modified gain data sets (first to fourth gain data sets) are generated based on the reference gain data set as in the above example, the image generator 304 generates five candidate images.

The image generator 304 transmits a plurality of generated candidate images to the display device 10 . The display device 10 requests the user to select one candidate image while sequentially displaying each candidate image.

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

When the user selects any one of the candidate images, the gain data generator 306 determines a 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 may not match the resolution of the display panel 102 . 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 of

8 is a view for explaining a process of allocating final gain data to each pixel of a display panel by mapping a coordinate value of each pixel of the compensation image with a coordinate value of each pixel of the display panel according to an embodiment of the present specification to be.

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 second compensation image 52 is The coordinate value of each pixel and the coordinate value of each pixel of the display panel 102 do not coincide with 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 values of each pixel of the compensation image 52 with the coordinate values of each pixel of the display panel 102 . For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , the gain data generator 306 converts the coordinate values of the pixel P1 of the second compensation image 52 to the pixels P3, P4, P7, and P3 of the display panel 102 . It is mapped with the coordinate value of P8). Similarly, the gain data generator 306 maps the coordinate values of the pixel P2 of the second compensation image 52 to 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 allocated to pixels P3 , P4 , P7 , and P8 of the display panel 102 , respectively. Similarly, gain data corresponding to the pixel P2 of the second compensation image 52 is allocated to the pixels P5 , P6 , P9 , and P10 of the display panel 102 , respectively.

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

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

The degradation compensating apparatus 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification first acquires a compensation image generated by photographing the display panel 102 ( S902 ). In the present specification, a compensation image generated by photographing when a pattern is displayed on the display panel 102 is referred to as a first compensation image. Also, in this specification, a compensation image generated by photographing when a monochrome image is displayed on the display panel 102 is referred to as a second compensation image.

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

Next, the deterioration compensation apparatus 30 detects the position of the deterioration region of the display panel 10 based on the compensation image ( S904 ). In the exemplary embodiment of the present specification, the step of detecting the position of the degradation region of the display panel 10 based on the compensation image ( 904 ) may include comparing the luminance value of each pixel of the compensation image with a predetermined reference range to determine the degradation. determining the location of the region. Also, in the exemplary embodiment of the present specification, the step of detecting the position of the degradation region of the display panel 10 based on the compensation image ( 904 ) is such that the pixel coordinate values of the compensation image correspond to the pixel coordinate values of the display panel. It further includes the step of setting.

Next, the deterioration compensation apparatus 30 generates a plurality of modified gain data sets for compensating the deterioration region ( 906 ). In an embodiment of the present specification, generating 906 a plurality of modified gain data sets includes generating a reference gain data set for compensation of a deterioration region and a plurality of modified gains based on the reference gain data set. generating a data set.

Next, the degradation compensation apparatus 30 generates a plurality of candidate images based on the reference gain data set and the plurality of modified gain data sets ( S908 ).

Next, the deterioration compensation apparatus 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 ( S910 ). In one embodiment of the present specification, the step of generating the final gain data 910 is to map the coordinate values of each pixel of the compensation image with the coordinate values of each pixel of the display panel 102 to obtain the final result for each pixel of the display panel. Allocating gain data may be included.

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 more quickly and easily performing the check of the deterioration state of the display device and the compensation of the image quality according to the deterioration.

Embodiments of the present specification have been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as described above. However, the present specification is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification are for explanation rather than limiting the technical spirit of the present specification, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present specification is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The protection scope of the present specification should be construed by the claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present specification.

Claims (18)

acquiring an image for compensation generated by photographing the display panel;
detecting a position of a deterioration region of the display panel based on the compensation image;
generating a plurality of modified gain data sets for compensating for the degradation region;
generating a plurality of candidate images based on a reference gain data set and the plurality of modified gain data sets; and
generating final gain data to be applied to the display panel based on a set of gain data applied to a candidate image selected by a user from among the plurality of candidate images;
A method of compensating for deterioration of a display device.
According to claim 1,
The step of detecting the position of the deterioration region of the display panel based on the compensation image may include:
determining a position of a deterioration region of the display panel by comparing a luminance value of each pixel of the compensation image with a predetermined reference range;
A method of compensating for deterioration of a display device.
According to claim 1,
The step of detecting the position of the deterioration region of the display panel based on the compensation image may include:
The method further comprising the step of setting pixel coordinate values of the compensation image to correspond to pixel coordinate values of the display panel
A method of compensating for deterioration of a display device.
According to claim 1,
The step of generating a plurality of modified gain data sets for compensating for the deterioration region comprises:
generating the reference gain data set for compensating for the deterioration region; and
generating the plurality of modified gain data sets based on the reference gain data sets.
A method of compensating for deterioration of a display device.
According to claim 1,
generating final gain data to be applied to the display panel based on a set of gain data applied to a candidate image selected by a user from among the plurality of candidate images;
allocating the final gain data to each pixel of the display panel by mapping a coordinate value of each pixel of the compensation image with a coordinate value of each pixel of the display panel
A method of compensating for deterioration of a display device.
According to claim 1,
determining whether to use the compensation image based on at least one of a pattern displayed on the compensation image, a chromaticity value of the compensation image, and a luminance value of the compensation image
A method of compensating for deterioration of a display device.
a display panel composed of a plurality of pixels;
a degradation compensator for receiving input image data and generating output image data by reflecting gain data to the input image data;
a panel driver supplying the output image data to the display panel;
the deterioration compensator
a deterioration position detection unit configured to detect a position of a deterioration region of the display panel based on a compensation image generated by photographing the display panel;
a gain data generator generating a plurality of modified gain data sets for compensating for the deterioration region;
An image generator for generating a plurality of candidate images based on a reference gain data set and the plurality of modified gain data sets,
The gain data generating unit
generating final gain data to be applied to the display panel based on a set of gain data applied to a candidate image selected by a user from among the plurality of candidate images;
display device.
8. The method of claim 7,
The deterioration position detection unit
comparing the luminance value of each pixel of the compensation image with a predetermined reference range to determine the degradation position
display device.
8. The method of claim 7,
The deterioration position detection unit
setting a pixel coordinate value of the compensation image to correspond to a pixel coordinate value of the display panel;
display device.
8. The method of claim 7,
The gain data generating unit
generating the reference gain data set for compensating for the deterioration region, and generating the plurality of modified gain data sets based on the reference gain data set
display device.
8. The method of claim 7,
The gain data generation unit
allocating the final gain data to each pixel of the display panel by mapping a coordinate value of each pixel of the compensation image with a coordinate value of each pixel of the display panel;
display device.
8. The method of claim 7,
The deterioration position detection unit
determining whether to use the compensation image based on at least one of a pattern displayed on 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 configured to detect a deterioration region of the display panel based on a compensation image generated by photographing the display panel;
a gain data generator generating a plurality of modified gain data sets for compensating for the deterioration region;
An image generator for generating a plurality of candidate images based on a reference gain data set and the plurality of modified gain data sets,
The gain data generation unit
generating final gain data to be applied to the display panel based on a set of gain data applied to a candidate image selected by a user from among the plurality of candidate images;
A device for compensating for deterioration of a display device.
14. The method of claim 13,
The deterioration position detection unit
comparing the luminance value of each pixel of the compensation image with a predetermined reference range to determine the degradation position
A device for compensating for deterioration of a display device.
14. The method of claim 13,
The deterioration position detection unit
setting a pixel coordinate value of the compensation image to correspond to a pixel coordinate value of the display panel;
A device for compensating for deterioration of a display device.
14. The method of claim 13,
The gain data generating unit
generating the reference gain data set for compensating for the deterioration region, and generating the plurality of modified gain data sets based on the reference gain data set
A device for compensating for deterioration of a display device.
14. The method of claim 13,
The gain data generating unit
allocating the final gain data to each pixel of the display panel by mapping a coordinate value of each pixel of the compensation image with a coordinate value of each pixel of the display panel;
A device for compensating for deterioration of a display device.
14. The method of claim 13,
The deterioration position detection unit
determining whether to use the compensation image based on at least one of a pattern displayed on the compensation image, a chromaticity value of the compensation image, and a luminance value of the compensation image
A device for compensating for deterioration of a display device.

Images