Method of modifying pixel data, control unit for performing the method and display apparatus having the control unit

A control unit for a display panel, the control unit comprising:

• a representative value obtaining part configured to obtain representative values of image blocks from pixel data of input images applied to the display panel, wherein the image blocks respectively correspond to a plurality of light-emitting blocks disposed adjacent a side surface of a light guide plate;
• a duty determining part configured to determine duty cycles of the light-emitting blocks using the representative values;
• a pixel brightness values calculating part calculating pixel brightness values, using the duty cycles of the light-emitting blocks and boundary brightness values for boundary regions of the display panel between adjacent light-emitting blocks that are illuminated by light emitted by the light guide plate, wherein the light is emitted from the light guide plate when a representative light-emitting block of the light-emitting blocks is driven;
• and
• a pixel data compensating part configured to compensate the pixel data of the input images based on the pixel brightness values.

A display apparatus comprising:

• a display panel;
• a backlight unit configured to provide the display panel with light, the backlight unit including a light guide plate and a plurality of light-emitting blocks disposed adjacent a side surface of the light guide plate;
• and
• a control unit configured to obtain representative values of image blocks from pixel data of input images to determine duty cycles of the light-emitting blocks and compensate the pixel data of the input images using the duty cycles and boundary brightness values for boundary regions of the display panel between adjacent light-emitting blocks that are illuminated by light emitted by the light guide plate, wherein the light is emitted from the light guide plate when a representative light-emitting block of the light-emitting blocks is driven.