KR102661070B1 - Display apparatus and light apparatus thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The light source device includes a liquid crystal panel; and a light source device. The light source device includes: a substrate; a plurality of dimming blocks each including at least one light source provided on the first side of the substrate; and a plurality of driving elements provided on the first surface of the substrate, each of which provides driving current to at least one light source included in each of the plurality of dimming blocks, wherein the plurality of driving elements include The plurality of dimming blocks may be disposed at different relative positions within a plurality of dimming areas each defined by the plurality of dimming blocks.

Description

Display device and its light source device {DISPLAY APPARATUS AND LIGHT APPARATUS THEREOF}

The disclosed invention relates to a display device and its light source device, and relates to a thin display device and its light source module.

In general, a display device is a type of output device that converts acquired or stored electrical information into visual information and displays it to a user, and is used in various fields such as homes and businesses.

Display devices include monitor devices connected to personal computers or server computers, portable computer devices, navigation terminal devices, general television devices, Internet Protocol television (IPTV) devices, smart phones, tablet PCs, etc. Portable terminal devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) or cellular phones, various display devices used to play images such as advertisements or movies in industrial settings, or various types of audio/video systems etc.

The display device includes a light source module to convert electrical information into visual information, and the light source module includes a plurality of light sources to independently emit light. Each of the plurality of light sources includes, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) or an organic light emitting diode (OLED). For example, a light emitting diode or organic light emitting diode may be mounted on a circuit board or substrate.

Recently, display devices are becoming increasingly thinner. In order to implement thin display devices, the thickness of light source modules is also becoming thinner.

As the thickness of the light source module becomes thinner, optical defects (for example, mura) that can be visible to the user may occur in the light source module. For example, optical defects may occur due to the arrangement of light emitting diodes or the arrangement of the driving circuit in a thin light source module.

One aspect of the disclosed invention seeks to provide a display device and a light source device that can prevent or suppress optical defects (eg, mura).

A display device according to one aspect of the disclosed outbreak includes a liquid crystal panel; and a light source device. The light source device includes: a substrate; a plurality of dimming blocks each including at least one light source provided on the first side of the substrate; and a plurality of driving elements provided on the first surface of the substrate, each of which provides driving current to at least one light source included in each of the plurality of dimming blocks, wherein the plurality of driving elements include The plurality of dimming blocks may be disposed at different relative positions within a plurality of dimming areas each defined by the plurality of dimming blocks.

A light source device according to one aspect of the disclosed invention includes a substrate; a plurality of dimming blocks each including at least one light source provided on the first side of the substrate; and a plurality of driving elements provided on the first surface of the substrate, each of which provides driving current to at least one light source included in each of the plurality of dimming blocks, wherein the plurality of driving elements include The plurality of dimming blocks may be disposed at different relative positions within a plurality of dimming areas each defined by the plurality of dimming blocks.

A display device according to one aspect of the disclosed outbreak includes a liquid crystal panel; and a light source device. The light source device includes: a substrate; a plurality of dimming blocks each including at least one light source provided on the first side of the substrate; and a plurality of driving elements provided on the first surface of the substrate, each of which provides a driving current to at least one light source included in each of the plurality of dimming blocks, and the plurality of driving elements Any one of the driving elements may be disposed outside of an imaginary line defined by the two driving elements most adjacent to the one driving element.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a display device and a light source device capable of preventing or suppressing optical defects (eg, mura) can be provided.

Figure 1 shows the appearance of a display device according to one embodiment.
Figure 2 is an exploded view of a display device according to an embodiment.
Figure 3 shows a liquid crystal panel of a display device according to one embodiment.
Figure 4 is an exploded view of a light source device of a display device according to an embodiment.
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a light source included in a light source device according to an embodiment.
Figure 6 shows an example of a light emitting diode included in a light source device according to an embodiment.
Figure 7 shows the configuration of a display device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 8 shows a dimming block of a light source device included in a display device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 9 illustrates an example in which a display device converts dimming data from image data according to an embodiment.
Figure 10 shows an example of a dimming driver and a light source device included in a display device according to an embodiment.
Figure 11 shows an example of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.
Figure 12 shows the arrangement of a dimming driver, a driving element, and a light source included in a display device according to an embodiment.
Figure 13 shows an example of the arrangement of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.
Figure 14 shows an example of the arrangement of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.
Figure 15 shows an example of the arrangement of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.
Figure 16 shows an example of a dimming driver and a light source device included in a display device according to an embodiment.
Figure 17 shows an example of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.
Figure 18 shows an example of the arrangement of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.
Figure 19 shows an example of the arrangement of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.
Figure 20 shows an example of the arrangement of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.
Figure 21 shows an example of the arrangement of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. This specification does not describe all elements of the embodiments, and general content or overlapping content between the embodiments in the technical field to which the present invention pertains is omitted. The term 'part, module, member, block' used in the specification may be implemented as software or hardware, and depending on the embodiment, a plurality of 'part, module, member, block' may be implemented as a single component, or It is also possible for one 'part, module, member, or block' to include multiple components.

Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be “connected” to another part, this includes not only direct connection but also indirect connection, and indirect connection includes connection through a wireless communication network. do.

Additionally, when a part "includes" a certain component, this means that it may further include other components rather than excluding other components, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Throughout the specification, when a member is said to be located “on” another member, this includes not only cases where a member is in contact with another member, but also cases where another member exists between the two members.

Terms such as first and second are used to distinguish one component from another component, and the components are not limited by the above-mentioned terms.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly makes an exception.

The identification code for each step is used for convenience of explanation. The identification code does not explain the order of each step, and each step may be performed differently from the specified order unless a specific order is clearly stated in the context. there is.

Hereinafter, the operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 shows the appearance of a display device according to one embodiment.

The display device 10 is a device that processes image signals received from the outside and visually displays the processed images. Below, the case where the display device 10 is a television (TV) is illustrated, but is not limited thereto. For example, the display device 10 can be implemented in various forms such as a monitor, a portable multimedia device, and a portable communication device, and the form of the display device 10 is not limited as long as it is a device that visually displays images. .

In addition, the display device 10 may be a large format display (LFD) installed outdoors, such as on the roof of a building or at a bus stop. Here, the outdoors is not necessarily limited to the outdoors, and the display device 10 according to an embodiment can be installed in any place where many people can come and go even indoors, such as a subway station, shopping mall, movie theater, company, or store.

The display device 10 may receive content including video signals and audio signals from various content sources, and output video and audio corresponding to the video signals and audio signals. For example, the display device 10 may receive content data through a broadcast reception antenna or a wired cable, receive content data from a content playback device, or receive content data from a content provision server of a content provider.

As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 10 includes a main body 11 and a screen 12 that displays an image I.

The main body 11 forms the exterior of the display device 10, and parts for the display device 10 to display an image I or perform various functions may be provided inside the main body 11. The main body 11 shown in FIG. 1 has a flat plate shape, but the shape of the main body 11 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. For example, the main body 11 may have a curved plate shape.

The screen 12 is formed on the front of the main body 11 and can display an image (I). For example, screen 12 can display still images or moving images. Additionally, the screen 12 can display a two-dimensional flat image or a three-dimensional stereoscopic image using parallax between both eyes of the user.

The screen 12 includes, for example, a self-luminous panel (e.g., a light-emitting diode panel or an organic light-emitting diode panel) capable of directly emitting light, or emits light emitted by a light source device (e.g., a backlight unit), etc. It may include a non-emissive panel (eg, a liquid crystal panel) that can pass or block light.

A plurality of pixels P are formed on the screen 12, and the image I displayed on the screen 12 may be formed by light emitted from each of the plurality of pixels P. For example, the image I may be formed on the screen 12 by combining the light emitted from each of the plurality of pixels P like a mosaic.

Each of the plurality of pixels P may emit light of various brightnesses and colors. In order to emit light of various colors, each of the plurality of pixels P may include subpixels P _R , P _G , and P _B .

The subpixels (P _R , P _G , P _B ) include a red subpixel (P R ) capable of emitting red light, a green subpixel (P _G ) capable of emitting green light, and a green subpixel (P _G ) capable of emitting blue light. It may include a blue subpixel (P _B ). For example, red light can represent light with a wavelength of approximately 620 nm (billionth of a meter) to 750 nm, green light can represent light with a wavelength of approximately 495 nm to 570 nm, and blue light can represent light with a wavelength of approximately 495 nm to 570 nm. It can represent light with a wavelength ranging from approximately 430 nm to 495 nm.

By combining the red light of the red subpixel (PR), the green light of the green subpixel (PG), and the blue light of the blue subpixel (PB), light of various brightnesses and colors is emitted from each of the plurality of pixels (P). can do.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 3 shows a liquid crystal panel of a display device according to one embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, various component parts for generating an image (I) on the screen (S) may be provided inside the main body (11).

For example, the main body 11 includes a light source device 100 that is a surface light source, a liquid crystal panel 20 that blocks or passes light emitted from the light source device 100, and a light source device 100. And a control assembly 50 that controls the operation of the liquid crystal panel 20 and a power assembly 60 that supplies power to the light source device 100 and the liquid crystal panel 20 are provided. In addition, the main body 11 includes a bezel 13, a frame middle mold 14, and a bottom chassis for supporting and fixing the liquid crystal panel 20, the light source device 100, the control assembly 50, and the power assembly 60. Includes (15) and rear cover (16). An opening 15a is formed in the bottom chassis 15 to electrically connect the light source device 100 to the control assembly 50 and the power assembly 60.

The light source device 100 may include a point light source that emits monochromatic light or white light, and may refract, reflect, and scatter the light to convert the light emitted from the point light source into uniform surface light. In this way, the light source device 100 can emit uniform surface light toward the front by refracting, reflecting, and scattering light emitted from a point light source.

The light source device 100 is described in more detail below.

The liquid crystal panel 20 is provided in front of the light source device 100 and blocks or passes light emitted from the light source device 100 to form an image I.

The front surface of the liquid crystal panel 20 forms the screen S of the display device 10 described above, and the liquid crystal panel 20 may form a plurality of pixels P. The liquid crystal panel 20 has a plurality of pixels (P) that can independently block or pass light from the light source device (100), and the light passed by the plurality of pixels (P) is transmitted to the screen (S). A displayed image (I) can be formed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the liquid crystal panel 20 includes a first polarizing film 21, a first transparent substrate 22, a pixel electrode 23, a thin film transistor 24, and a liquid crystal layer 25. , it may include a common electrode 26, a color filter 27, a second transparent substrate 28, and a second polarizing film 29.

The first transparent substrate 22 and the second transparent substrate 28 can fix and support the pixel electrode 23, thin film transistor 24, liquid crystal layer 25, common electrode 26, and color filter 27. there is. These first and second transparent substrates 22 and 28 may be made of tempered glass or transparent resin.

The first polarizing film 21 and the second polarizing film 29 are provided outside the first and second transparent substrates 22 and 28. The first polarizing film 21 and the second polarizing film 29 can respectively pass certain polarized light and block other polarized light. For example, the first polarizing film 21 may pass polarized light in the first direction and block other polarized light. Additionally, the second polarizing film 29 may pass polarized light in the second direction and block other polarized light. At this time, the first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other. Therefore, polarized light that has passed through the first polarizing film 21 cannot pass through the second polarizing film 29.

The color filter 27 may be provided inside the second transparent substrate 28. The color filter 27 may include, for example, a red filter 27R that passes red light, a green filter 27G that passes green light, and a blue filter 27G that passes blue light. The filter 27R, green filter 27G, and blue filter 27B may be arranged side by side with each other. The area where the color filter 27 is formed corresponds to the pixel P described above. The area where the red filter 27R is formed corresponds to the red subpixel P _R , the area where the green filter 27G is formed corresponds to the green subpixel P _G , and the area where the blue filter 27B is formed corresponds to the blue subpixel. Corresponds to the subpixel (P _B ).

The pixel electrode 23 may be provided inside the first transparent substrate 22, and the common electrode 26 may be provided inside the second transparent substrate 28. The pixel electrode 23 and the common electrode 26 are made of a metal material that conducts electricity, and can generate an electric field to change the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules 115a constituting the liquid crystal layer 25, which will be described below. there is.

A thin film transistor (TFT) 24 is provided inside the second transparent substrate 22. The thin film transistor 24 can pass or block the current flowing through the pixel electrode 23. For example, an electric field may be created or removed between the pixel electrode 23 and the common electrode 26 depending on whether the thin film transistor 24 is turned on (closed) or turned off (open).

The liquid crystal layer 25 is formed between the pixel electrode 23 and the common electrode 26 and is filled with liquid crystal molecules 25a. Liquid crystals represent an intermediate state between a solid (crystal) and a liquid. Liquid crystals also exhibit optical properties depending on changes in the electric field. For example, in liquid crystals, the direction of the molecular arrangement that makes up the liquid crystal may change depending on changes in the electric field. Therefore, the optical properties of the liquid crystal layer 25 may vary depending on the presence or absence of an electric field passing through the liquid crystal layer 25.

On one side of the liquid crystal panel 20, there is a cable 20a that transmits image data to the liquid crystal panel 20, and a display driver integrated circuit (DDI) that processes digital image data and outputs an analog image signal. (30) (hereinafter referred to as ‘panel driver’) is provided.

The cable 20a may electrically connect the control assembly 50/power assembly 60 and the panel driver 30, and may also electrically connect the panel driver 30 and the liquid crystal panel 20. The cable 20a may include a flexible flat cable or a film cable that can be bent.

The panel driver 30 receives image data and power from the control assembly 50/power assembly 60 through the cable 20a, and provides image data and driving current to the liquid crystal panel 20 through the cable 20a. Can be transmitted.

Additionally, the cable 20a and the panel driver 30 may be integrated into a film cable, chip on film (COF), tape carrier package (TCP), etc. In other words, the panel driver 30 may be placed on the cable 20b. However, the present invention is not limited to this and the panel driver 30 may be disposed on the liquid crystal panel 20 .

The control assembly 50 may include a control circuit that controls the operation of the liquid crystal panel 20 and the light source device 100. The control circuit may process image data received from an external content source, transmit image data to the liquid crystal panel 20, and transmit dimming data to the light source device 100.

The power assembly 60 supplies power to the liquid crystal panel 20 and the light source device 100 so that the light source device 100 outputs surface light and the liquid crystal panel 20 blocks or passes the light of the light source device 100. You can.

The control assembly 50 and the power assembly 60 may be implemented with a printed circuit board and various circuits mounted on the printed circuit board. For example, the power circuit may include a condenser, coil, resistance element, processor, etc., and a power circuit board on which they are mounted. Additionally, the control circuit may include a memory, a processor, and a control circuit board on which they are mounted.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of a light source device of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a light source included in a light source device according to an embodiment. Figure 6 shows an example of a light emitting diode included in a light source device according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the light source device 100 includes a light source module 110 that generates light, a reflective sheet 120 that reflects light, and a diffuser plate 130 that uniformly diffuses the light. , and includes an optical sheet 140 that improves the brightness of the emitted light.

The light source module 110 may include a plurality of light sources 111 that emit light, and a substrate 112 that supports/fixes the plurality of light sources 111.

The plurality of light sources 111 may be arranged in a predetermined pattern so that light is emitted with uniform luminance. The plurality of light sources 111 may be arranged so that the distance between one light source and adjacent light sources is the same.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of light sources 111 may be arranged in rows and columns. Thereby, a plurality of light sources can be arranged so that an approximately square is formed by four adjacent light sources. Additionally, one light source is disposed adjacent to four light sources, and the distance between one light source and the four light sources adjacent to it may be approximately the same.

As another example, a plurality of light sources may be arranged in a plurality of rows, and a light source belonging to each row may be placed in the center of two light sources belonging to an adjacent row. Thereby, a plurality of light sources can be arranged so that an approximately equilateral triangle is formed by three adjacent light sources. At this time, one light source is placed adjacent to six light sources, and the distance between one light source and six light sources adjacent to it may be approximately the same.

However, the arrangement of the plurality of light sources 111 is not limited to the arrangement described above, and the plurality of light sources 111 may be arranged in various ways so that light is emitted with uniform luminance.

When power is supplied, the light source 111 can emit monochromatic light (light of a specific wavelength, for example, blue light) or white light (for example, a mixture of red light, green light, and blue light) in various directions. elements can be employed.

Each of the plurality of light sources 111 includes a light emitting diode (LED) 190 and an optical dome 180.

In order for the display device 100 to become thinner, the optical device 100 may also become thinner. To reduce the thickness of the optical device 100, each of the plurality of light sources 111 becomes thinner and its structure is simplified.

The light emitting diode 190 may be directly attached to the substrate 112 using a chip on board (COB) method. In other words, the light source 111 may include a light emitting diode 190 in which a light emitting diode chip or light emitting diode die is directly attached to the substrate 112 without separate packaging.

The light emitting diode 190 may be manufactured as a flip chip type. The flip chip type light emitting diode 190 does not use an intermediate medium such as a metal lead (wire) or ball grid array (BGA) when attaching the light emitting diode, which is a semiconductor device, to the substrate 112. The electrode pattern of the semiconductor device can be fused to the substrate 112 as is. In this way, by omitting the metal lead (wire) or ball grid array, it is possible to miniaturize the light source 111 including the flip chip type light emitting diode 190.

For example, the light emitting diode 190 may be a DBR light emitting diode including a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR), as shown in FIG. 6 .

The light emitting diode 190 includes a transparent substrate 195, an n-type semiconductor layer (e.g., n-type GaN, n-type gallium nitride) 193, and a p-type semiconductor layer (e.g., p-type GaN). , p-type gallium nitride) (192). A multi quantum well (MQW) layer 194 and an electron-blocking layer (EBL) 197 are formed between the n-type semiconductor layer 193 and the p-type semiconductor layer 192. When current is supplied to the light emitting diode 190, light may be emitted as electrons and holes recombine in the multi-quantum well layer 194.

The first electrode 191a of the light emitting diode 190 is in electrical contact with the p-type semiconductor layer 192, and the second electrode 191b is in electrical contact with the n-type semiconductor layer 193. The first electrode 191a and the second electrode 191b may function not only as electrodes but also as reflectors that reflect light.

A DBR layer 196 is provided outside the transparent substrate 195. The DBR layer 196 may be formed by stacking materials with different refractive indices, and the DBR layer 196 may reflect incident light. Since the DBR layer 196 is provided on the outside (upper side in the drawing) of the transparent substrate 195, light incident perpendicularly to the DBR layer 196 may be reflected by the DBR layer 196. As a result, the intensity of light emitted in a direction perpendicular to the DBR layer 196 (the upper direction of the light emitting diode in the drawing) (D1) is increased in a direction inclined with respect to the DBR layer 196 (for example, in the upper direction in the drawing). It is smaller than the intensity of light emitted in (D2) (a direction inclined approximately 60 degrees from the direction). In other words, the light emitting diode 190 may emit stronger light in the lateral direction than in the vertical direction.

The optical dome 180 may cover the light emitting diode 190. The optical dome 180 can prevent or suppress damage to the light emitting diode 190 due to external mechanical action and/or damage to the light emitting diode 190 due to chemical action.

For example, the optical dome 180 may have a dome shape obtained by cutting a sphere into a plane not including its center, or a hemisphere shape obtained by cutting a sphere into a plane including its center. The vertical cross-section of the optical dome 180 may be arcuate or semicircular, for example.

The optical dome 180 may be made of silicone or epoxy resin. For example, molten silicon or epoxy resin is discharged onto the light emitting diode 190 through a nozzle, etc., and then the discharged silicon or epoxy resin is cured, thereby forming the optical dome 180.

Accordingly, the optical dome 180 may have various shapes depending on the viscosity of the liquid silicone or epoxy resin. For example, if the optical dome 180 is manufactured using silicon with a thixotropic index of approximately 2.7 to 3.3 (preferably 3.0), the ratio of the height of the dome to the diameter of the bottom of the dome (of the dome) The optical dome 180 may be formed with a dome ratio (height/base diameter) of approximately 0.25 to 0.31 (preferably 0.28). For example, the optical dome 180 made of silicon with a thixotropy index of approximately 2.7 to 3.3 (preferably 3.0) may have a base diameter of approximately 2.5 mm and a height of approximately 0.7 mm.

Optical dome 180 may be optically transparent or translucent. Light emitted from the light emitting diode 190 may pass through the optical dome 180 and be emitted to the outside.

At this time, the dome-shaped optical dome 180 can refract light like a lens. For example, light emitted from the light emitting diode 190 may be dispersed by being refracted by the optical dome 180.

In this way, the optical dome 180 not only protects the light emitting diode 190 from external mechanical and/or chemical or electrical actions, but also disperses light emitted from the light emitting diode 190.

The substrate 112 may fix the plurality of light sources 111 so that the positions of the light sources 111 do not change. Additionally, the substrate 112 may supply power to each light source 111 so that the light source 111 emits light.

The substrate 112 may be made of synthetic resin or tempered glass or a printed circuit board (PCB) on which a conductive power supply line is formed to secure a plurality of light sources 111 and supply power to the light sources 111. You can.

The reflective sheet 120 may reflect light emitted from the plurality of light sources 111 forward or in a direction close to the front.

A plurality of through holes 120a are formed in the reflective sheet 120 at positions corresponding to each of the plurality of light sources 111 of the light source module 110. Additionally, the light source 111 of the light source module 110 may pass through the through hole 120a and protrude in front of the reflective sheet 120. Accordingly, the plurality of light sources 111 may emit light in front of the reflective sheet 120. The reflective sheet 120 may reflect light emitted from the plurality of light sources 111 toward the reflective sheet 120 toward the diffusion plate 130 .

The diffusion plate 130 may be provided in front of the light source module 110 and the reflective sheet 120 and can evenly disperse the light emitted from the light source 111 of the light source module 110.

As described above, the plurality of light sources 111 are disposed at equal intervals on the rear of the light source device 100. As a result, unevenness in luminance may occur depending on the positions of the plurality of light sources 111.

The diffusion plate 130 may diffuse the light emitted from the plurality of light sources 111 within the diffusion plate 130 in order to eliminate uneven luminance due to the plurality of light sources 111 . In other words, the diffusion plate 130 can uniformly emit uneven light from the plurality of light sources 111 to the entire surface.

The optical sheet 140 may include various sheets to improve luminance and uniformity of luminance. For example, the optical sheet 140 may include a diffusion sheet 141, a first prism sheet 142, a second prism sheet 143, a reflective polarizing sheet 144, etc. The optical sheet 140 is not limited to the sheet or film shown in FIG. 4 and may include more various sheets or films, such as a protective sheet.

Figure 7 shows the configuration of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 8 shows a dimming block of a light source device included in a display device according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates an example in which a display device converts dimming data from image data according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the display device 10 includes a content receiver 80, an image processor 90, a panel driver 30, a liquid crystal panel 20, a dimming driver 170, and a light source. Includes device 100.

The content receiving unit 80 may include a receiving terminal 81 and a tuner 82 that receive content including video signals and/or audio signals from content sources.

The receiving terminal 81 can receive video signals and audio signals from content sources through a cable. For example, the receiving terminal 81 is a component (YPbPr/RGB) terminal, a composite (composite video blanking and sync, CVBS) terminal, an audio terminal, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) terminal, and a universal serial terminal. It may include a bus (Universal Serial Bus, USB) terminal, etc.

The tuner 82 may receive a broadcast signal from a broadcast reception antenna or a wired cable, and extract a broadcast signal of a channel selected by the user from among the broadcast signals. For example, the tuner 82 may pass a broadcast signal having a frequency corresponding to a channel selected by the user among a plurality of broadcast signals received through a broadcast reception antenna or a wired cable and block broadcast signals having a different frequency. there is.

In this way, the content receiver 80 can receive video signals and audio signals from content sources through the reception terminal 81 and/or the tuner 82, and uses the reception terminal 81 and/or the tuner 82. Video signals and/or audio signals received through the video processing unit 90 may be output.

The image processing unit 90 may include a processor 91 that processes image data and a memory 92 that memorizes/stores the data.

The memory 92 stores programs and data for processing video signals and/or audio signals, and can temporarily store data issued while processing video signals and/or audio signals.

The memory 92 includes non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory, and volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory, S-RAM) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). It can be included.

The processor 91 may receive a video signal and/or an audio signal from the content receiver 80, decode the video signal into image data, and generate dimming data from the image data. Image data and dimming data may be output to the panel driver 30 and dimming driver 170, respectively.

The display device 10 may perform an operation to improve the contrast ratio of the image.

As described above, the light source device 100 includes a plurality of light sources 111 and can output surface light by diffusing light emitted from the plurality of light sources 111. The liquid crystal panel 20 includes a plurality of pixels, and each of the plurality of pixels can be controlled to pass light or block light. An image may be formed by light passing through each of a plurality of pixels.

At this time, the display device 10 may turn off the light source of the light source device 100 corresponding to the dark part of the image in order to make the dark part of the image darker. Thereby, the contrast ratio of the image can be improved.

In this way, the operation of controlling the light source device 100 so that the display device 10 does not emit light in a portion corresponding to a dark portion of the image is hereinafter referred to as “local dimming.”

For local dimming, the plurality of light sources 111 included in the light source module 110 may be divided into a plurality of dimming blocks 200 as shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, a total of 49 dimming blocks (7 horizontal x 7 vertical) are shown, but the number and arrangement of dimming blocks are not limited to those shown in FIG. 8.

Each of the plurality of dimming blocks 200 may include at least one light source 111. The light source device 100 may supply the same driving current to light sources belonging to the same dimming block, and the light sources belonging to the same dimming block may emit light of the same brightness.

Additionally, the light source device 100 may supply different driving currents to light sources belonging to different dimming blocks according to dimming data, and light sources belonging to different dimming blocks may emit light of different brightness.

The processor 91 may provide dimming data for local dimming to the light source device 100. Dimming data may include information about the luminance of each of the plurality of dimming blocks 200. For example, the dimming data may include information about the intensity of light output from light sources included in each of the plurality of dimming blocks 200.

The processor 91 may obtain dimming data from image data decoded from a video signal.

The processor 91 can convert image data into dimming data in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , the processor 91 may divide an image I of image data into a plurality of image blocks IB. The number of image blocks IB is equal to the number of dimming blocks 200, and each of the image blocks IB may correspond to a plurality of dimming blocks 200.

The processor 91 may obtain the luminance value L of the plurality of dimming blocks 200 from the image data of the plurality of image blocks IB. Additionally, the processor 91 may generate dimming data by combining the luminance values (L) of the plurality of dimming blocks 200.

For example, the processor 91 may obtain the luminance value L of each of the plurality of dimming blocks 200 based on the maximum value among the luminance values of pixels included in each of the image blocks IB.

One image block includes a plurality of pixels, and image data of one image block may include image data of a plurality of pixels (eg, red data, green data, blue data, etc.). The processor 91 may calculate the luminance value of each pixel based on the image data of each pixel.

The processor 91 may set the maximum value among the luminance values of each pixel included in the image block as the luminance value of the dimming block corresponding to the image block. For example, the processor 91 may set the maximum value among the luminance values of pixels included in the ith image block (IB(i)) as the luminance value (L(i)) of the ith dimming block, and The maximum value among the luminance values of pixels included in the image block (IB(j)) can be set as the luminance value (L(j)) of the jth dimming block.

The processor 91 may generate dimming data by combining the luminance values of the plurality of dimming blocks 200.

In this way, the image processing unit 90 can decode the video signal acquired by the content receiving unit 80 into image data and generate dimming data from the image data. Additionally, the image processing unit 90 may transmit image data and dimming data to the liquid crystal panel 20 and the light source device 100, respectively.

The liquid crystal panel 20 includes a plurality of pixels capable of transmitting or blocking light, and the plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix form. In other words, multiple pixels may be arranged in multiple rows and multiple columns.

The panel driver 30 may receive image data from the image processing unit 90 and drive the liquid crystal panel 20 according to the image data. In other words, the panel driver 30 converts image data, which is a digital signal (hereinafter referred to as 'digital image data'), into an analog image signal, which is an analog voltage signal, and provides the converted analog image signal to the liquid crystal panel 20. can do. The optical properties (eg, light transmittance) of a plurality of pixels included in the liquid crystal panel 20 may change depending on the analog image signal.

The panel driver 30 may include, for example, a timing controller, a data driver, a scan driver, etc.

The timing controller may receive image data from the image processing unit 90 and output the image data and driving control signal to the data driver and scan driver. The drive control signal may include a scan control signal and a data control signal, and the scan control signal and data control signal may be used to control the operation of the scan driver and the data driver, respectively.

The scan driver may receive a scan control signal from the timing controller and input-activate one of a plurality of rows in the liquid crystal panel 20 according to the scan control signal. In other words, the scan driver converts pixels included in one row among a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns into a state capable of receiving an analog image signal. At this time, other input-deactivated pixels other than the input-activated pixels by the scan driver do not receive the analog image signal.

The data driver may receive image data and a data control signal from the timing controller, and output the image data to the liquid crystal panel 20 according to the data control signal. For example, a data driver may receive digital image data from a timing controller and convert the digital image data into an analog image signal. Additionally, the data driver may provide an analog image signal to pixels included in any one input-activated row by the scan driver. At this time, the input-activated pixels by the scan driver receive an analog image signal, and the optical properties (eg, light transmittance) of the input-activated pixels are changed according to the received analog image signal.

In this way, the panel driver 30 can drive the liquid crystal panel 20 according to image data. As a result, an image corresponding to the image data can be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 20.

The light source device 100 includes a plurality of light sources 111 that emit light, and the plurality of light sources 111 are arranged in a mastic form. In other words, the plurality of light sources 111 may be arranged in multiple rows and multiple columns. Additionally, the light source device 100 may be divided into a plurality of dimming blocks 200, and each of the plurality of dimming blocks 200 may include at least one light source.

The dimming driver 170 may receive dimming data from the image processor 90 and drive the light source device 100 according to the dimming data. Here, the dimming data may include information about the brightness of each of the plurality of dimming blocks 200 or information about the brightness of light sources included in each of the plurality of dimming blocks 200.

The dimming driver 170 may convert dimming data, which is a digital signal (hereinafter referred to as 'digital dimming data'), into an analog dimming signal, which is an analog voltage signal, and provide the analog dimming signal to the light source device 100. Depending on the analog dimming signal, the intensity of light emitted by light sources included in each of the plurality of dimming blocks 200 may change.

In particular, the dimming driver 170 does not directly provide an analog dimming signal to all of the plurality of dimming blocks 200, but sequentially provides an analog dimming signal to the plurality of dimming blocks 200 in an active matrix manner. can be provided.

As described above, the plurality of dimming blocks 200 may be arranged in a mastic form in the light source device 100. In other words, the plurality of dimming blocks 200 may be arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns in the light source device 100.

The dimming driver 170 may sequentially provide an analog dimming signal to dimming blocks belonging to each of a plurality of rows or sequentially provide an analog dimming signal to dimming blocks belonging to each of a plurality of columns.

For example, the dimming driver 170 may input-activate dimming blocks belonging to one row among the plurality of dimming blocks 200 and provide an analog dimming signal to the input-activated dimming blocks. Thereafter, the dimming driver 170 may input-activate dimming blocks belonging to another row among the plurality of dimming blocks 200 and provide an analog dimming signal to the input-activated dimming blocks.

How the dimming driver 170 sequentially provides analog dimming signals to the plurality of dimming blocks 200 in an active matrix manner will be described in more detail below.

Figure 10 shows an example of a dimming driver and a light source device included in a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 11 shows an example of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.

10 and 11, the display device 10 includes a dimming driver 170, a plurality of driving elements 310, 320, 330, 340: 300, and a plurality of light sources 111.

Each of the plurality of light sources includes a light emitting diode and may be divided into a plurality of dimming blocks 200. A plurality of light sources belonging to the same dimming block may form one group.

The plurality of driving elements 300 may receive an analog dimming signal from the dimming driver 170 and supply driving current to the plurality of light sources 111 according to the received analog dimming signal.

As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of light sources belonging to one dimming block can receive current from the same driving element. For example, a plurality of light sources belonging to the first dimming block 210 may receive driving current from the first driving element 310. A plurality of light sources belonging to the second dimming block 220 may receive driving current from the second driving element 320. A plurality of light sources belonging to the third dimming block 230 may receive driving current from the third driving element 330. A plurality of light sources belonging to the fourth dimming block 240 may receive driving current from the fourth driving element 340. In the same way, a plurality of light sources belonging to the nth dimming block can receive driving current from the nth driving element.

As a result, a plurality of light sources belonging to one dimming block can be supplied with the same size of driving current. Additionally, a plurality of light sources belonging to one dimming block may emit light of the same intensity.

The driving elements 300 may receive an analog dimming signal from the dimming driver 170 while input-activated by the dimming driver 170 and store the received analog dimming signal. Additionally, while the input is inactive, the plurality of driving elements 300 may supply driving current corresponding to the stored analog dimming signal to the plurality of light sources.

A plurality of scan lines (S1, S2) for providing scan signals from the dimming driver 170 to the plurality of driving elements 300 and analog dimming signals from the dimming driver 170 to the plurality of driving elements 300. A plurality of data lines (D1, D2) are provided to provide data.

The plurality of dimming blocks 200 may be arranged in multiple rows and multiple columns. Driving elements that supply driving current to light sources of dimming blocks belonging to the same row may share the same scan line. For example, the first driving element 310 and the second driving element 320 may share the first scan line S1, and the third driving element 330 and the fourth driving element 340 may share the first scan line S1. 2 Scan lines (S2) can be shared.

Additionally, driving elements that supply driving current to light sources of dimming blocks belonging to the same row may share the same data line. For example, the first driving element 310 and the third driving element 330 may share the first data line D1, and the second driving element 320 and the fourth driving element 340 may share the first data line D1. 2 The data line (D2) can be shared.

The plurality of driving elements 300 are input-activated by a scan signal from the dimming driver 170 and may receive an analog dimming signal from the dimming driver 170.

For example, while the dimming driver 170 outputs a scan signal through the first scan line (S1), the first driving element 310 and the second driving element 320 each output a scan signal through the first data line (D1). An analog dimming signal can be received through the second data line D2. On the other hand, the third driving element 330 and the fourth driving element 340 do not receive the analog dimming signal.

Additionally, while the dimming driver 170 outputs a scan signal through the second scan line S2, the third driving element 330 and the fourth driving element 340 are connected to the first data line D1 and the fourth driving element 340, respectively. 2 An analog dimming signal can be received through the data line (D2). On the other hand, the first driving element 310 and the second driving element 320 do not receive the analog dimming signal.

When receiving an analog dimming signal, the plurality of driving elements 300 may store the received analog dimming signal and supply driving current to a plurality of light sources according to the stored analog dimming signal.

For example, while the dimming driver 170 outputs a scan signal through the first scan line S1, the third driving element 330 and the fourth driving element 340 operate on the third dimming block 230. And a driving current may be supplied to a plurality of light sources included in the fourth dimming block 240.

In addition, while the dimming driver 170 outputs a scan signal through the second scan line S2, the first driving element 310 and the second driving element 320 are connected to the first dimming block 210 and the second driving element 320. 2 Driving current can be supplied to a plurality of light sources included in the dimming block 220.

By driving in this active matrix method, the plurality of driving elements 300 can sequentially receive an analog dimming signal from the dimming driver 170, and an input that does not receive an analog dimming signal from the dimming driver 170 -Driving current can be supplied to multiple light sources even while inactive.

In addition, by driving in the active matrix method, the number of pins of the dimming driver 170 for providing analog dimming signals to the plurality of dimming blocks 200 is reduced. Additionally, the number of signal lines for providing analog dimming signals from the dimming driver 170 to the plurality of dimming blocks 200 is reduced. Thereby, the number of dimming blocks can be increased without limiting the number of pins of the dimming driver 170.

The plurality of driving elements 300 may include circuits of various topologies to implement active matrix driving.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, each of the plurality of driving elements 300 may include a circuit of a 1C2T (one capacitor two transistor) topology.

Each of the plurality of driving elements 300 may include a driving transistor (Tdr), a switching transistor (Tsw), and a storage capacitor (Cs).

The driving transistor Tdr includes an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal. The input terminal of the driving transistor (Tdr) may be connected to the power source (Vdd), and the output terminal may be connected to a plurality of light sources. The driving transistor Tdr can supply driving current to a plurality of light sources according to the voltage of the control terminal.

The storage capacitor (Cs) is provided between the driving transistor (Tdr) and the output terminal and control terminal. The storage capacitor (Cs) can output a constant voltage by storing the input charge. The driving transistor Tdr can supply driving current to a plurality of light sources according to the voltage output by the storage capacitor Cs.

The switching transistor (Tsw) also includes an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal. The input terminal of the switching transistor (Tsw) may be connected to the data lines (D1 and D2), and the output terminal of the switching transistor (Tsw) may be connected to the control terminal of the driving transistor (Tdr). The control terminal of the switching transistor (Tsw) may be connected to the scan lines (S1 and S2).

The switching transistor Tsw is turned on by the scan signal of the scan lines S1 and S2, and can transmit the analog dimming signal of the data lines D1 and D2 to the storage capacitor Cs and the driving transistor Tdr. The analog dimming signals of the data lines D1 and D2 are input to the control terminal of the driving transistor Tdr, and the driving transistor Tdr can supply a driving current corresponding to the analog dimming signal to a plurality of light sources. The storage capacitor Cs may store charge generated by the analog dimming signal and output a voltage corresponding to the analog dimming signal.

Afterwards, even if the input of the scan signal is stopped and the switching transistor (Tsw) is turned off, the storage capacitor (Cs) still outputs a voltage corresponding to the analog dimming signal, and the driving transistor (Tdr) still outputs a voltage corresponding to the analog dimming signal. Driving current can be supplied to a plurality of light sources.

The circuit shown in FIG. 11 is only an example of the driving element 300, and is not limited thereto. For example, the driving element 300 may include a 3T1C topology circuit with an added transistor to correct the body effect of the driving transistor Tdr.

For example, the driving element 300 may be provided as a single chip on which the circuit shown in FIG. 11 is integrated. In other words, the circuit shown in FIG. 11 can be integrated into one semiconductor chip.

Figure 12 shows the arrangement of a dimming driver, a driving element, and a light source included in a display device according to an embodiment.

As previously described, a plurality of light sources 111 are disposed on the substrate 112 . Specifically, the plurality of light sources 111 are disposed on the front surface of the substrate 112 (the surface where the light source module emits light).

The dimming driver 170 for efficient wiring may be disposed on the rear side of the substrate 112 (the side where the light source module does not emit light, or the side opposite to the side where the light source module emits light). Referring again to FIG. 2 , the substrate 112 on which the driving element 300, the plurality of light sources 111, and the dimming driver 170 are mounted may be supported by the bottom chassis 15. Additionally, bottom chassis 15 may also support control assembly 50 and power assembly 60. Specifically, the substrate 112 may be placed on the front of the bottom chassis 15, and the control assembly 50 may be placed on the rear of the bottom chassis 15.

The dimming driver 170 may receive dimming data from the image processing unit 90 included in the control assembly 50 and receive power from the power assembly 60 . Therefore, for efficient wiring, the dimming driver 170 is disposed on the rear side of the board 112, and the control assembly 50 and the power assembly 60 are connected through a wire passing through the opening 15a formed in the bottom chassis 15. can be connected with

The dimming driver 170 disposed on the rear surface of the substrate 112 is disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the opening 15a. As a result, an increase in the thickness of the light source device 100 due to the dimming driver 170 disposed on the rear surface of the substrate 112 is prevented.

The driving element 300 may be disposed on the same surface (front) as the plurality of light sources 111 as shown in FIG. 12 in order to minimize the thickness of the light source device 100. The thickness of the light source module 110 when the driving element 300 is mounted on the same surface as the plurality of light sources 111 is different from that of the plurality of light sources 111 when the driving element 300 is mounted on a different surface. is thinner than the thickness of the light source module 110.

As such, when the driving element 300 is disposed on the same surface (front) as the plurality of light sources 111, optical defects may occur due to the driving element 300.

As shown in FIG. 12, a reflective sheet 120 is disposed on the substrate 112. In order to secure the optical distance between the reflective sheet 120 and the diffusion plate 130, the reflective sheet 120 may be in close contact with the substrate 112. As a result, the convex portion 301 of the reflective sheet 120 may be formed in the portion where the driving element 300 is disposed.

The convex portion 301 on the reflective sheet 120 may cause optical defects in the light source device 100. As a simple example, as shown in FIG. 12, some of the light emitted from the light source may be reflected from the surface of the diffusion plate 130. Light reflected from the surface of the diffusion plate 130 may be reflected again from the reflective sheet 120. At this time, the convex portion 301 of the reflective sheet 120 is a portion where the light reflected on the surface of the diffusion plate 130 does not reach (or a portion where the intensity of the arriving light is weak) (hereinafter referred to as a 'dark region') ' can occur.

If a 'dark area' occurs sporadically, the 'dark area' may not be displayed on the screen 12 of the display device 10 due to the diffusion of light in the diffusion plate 130 and the optical sheet 140. However, if a 'dark area' occurs regularly, a 'dark area' may be displayed on the screen 12 of the display device 10.

The driving element 300 is arranged so that a 'dark area' due to the arrangement of the driving element 300 is not displayed on the screen 12 of the display device 10.

Figure 13 shows an example of the arrangement of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13, the light source module 110 includes a plurality of light sources 111, and the plurality of light sources 111 are arranged in a matrix form on the substrate 112.

At this time, the plurality of light sources 111 may be classified into a plurality of dimming blocks 200. In other words, the front surface (the surface emitting light) of the light source module 110 may be divided into a plurality of dimming areas 400 by a plurality of dimming blocks 200.

In addition, the light source module 110 further includes a plurality of driving elements 300 that supply driving current to the light sources, and each of the plurality of driving elements 300 is driven by the light sources included in one dimming block. Current can be supplied. Each of the driving elements 300 is located within a dimming area by a dimming block.

In order to prevent or suppress optical defects due to the arrangement of the driving elements 300, the driving elements 300 may be arranged irregularly in the dimming area. In different dimming blocks, the relative positions of the driving elements may be different.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the front surface (the surface emitting light) of the light source module 110 includes a first dimming area 410 corresponding to the first dimming block 210, and a second dimming block ( A second dimming area 420 corresponding to 220, a third dimming area 430 corresponding to the third dimming block 230, and a fourth dimming area 440 corresponding to the fourth dimming block 240. It is divided into

One driving element that supplies driving current to a plurality of light sources (12 light sources as shown in FIG. 13) is disposed in each dimming area 400. A first driving element 310 is disposed in the first dimming area 410 to supply driving current to light sources belonging to the first dimming block 210. In the same way, the second, third, and fourth driving elements 320, 330, and 340 are disposed in the second, third, and fourth dimming areas 440 to form the second, third, and fourth dimming blocks 420. , 430, 440), a driving current can be supplied to the light sources.

The first driving element 310 is disposed at the lower right of the center of the first dimming area 410, and the second driving element 320 is disposed at the upper left of the center of the second dimming area 420. Additionally, the third driving element 330 is disposed at the upper right of the center of the third dimming area 430, and the fourth driving element 340 is disposed at the lower left of the center of the fourth dimming area 440.

The arrangement of the first driving element 310 in the first dimming area 410 is such that the second and third driving elements ( 320, 330) is different from the arrangement. Additionally, the arrangement of the second driving element 320 in the second dimming area 420 is different from the arrangement of the driving elements in dimming areas adjacent to the second dimming area 420.

As such, the arrangement of driving elements within one dimming area is different from the arrangement of driving elements in other dimming areas adjacent to one dimming area. Here, different arrangements indicate that the relative positions of the driving elements from the center of the dimming area are different.

The first dimming area 410, the second dimming area 420, the third dimming area 430, and the fourth dimming area 440 are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns.

The arrangement of the first driving element 310 in the first dimming area 410 belongs to the same column as the first dimming area 410 and the second driving element 310 in the second dimming area 420 is adjacent to the first dimming area 410. The arrangement of the driving element 320 is different. In addition, the arrangement of the first driving element 310 in the first dimming area 410 belongs to the same row as the first dimming area 410 and is located in the third dimming area 430 adjacent to the first dimming area 410. It is different from the arrangement of the third driving element 330.

In this way, among the plurality of dimming areas arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, the arrangement of the driving element within any one dimming area belongs to the same row or column as any one dimming area and is adjacent to any one dimming area. It is different from the arrangement of the driving element within the dimming area.

In addition, among the plurality of dimming areas arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, the driving element in any one dimming area belongs to the same row as any one dimming area and is adjacent to any one dimming area. It is placed outside the imaginary line defined by the two driving elements of the area.

In the first dimming area 410 of the first row and first column, the first driving element 310 is disposed to the right of the center of the dimming area, and in the second dimming area 420 of the first row and second column, the second driving element 310 is disposed to the right of the center of the dimming area. The driving element 320 is disposed to the left of the center of the dimming area.

In this way, in the plurality of dimming areas arranged in the same row, the driving elements are alternately arranged to the left and right of the center of the dimming area.

In the first dimming area 410 in the first row and first column, the first driving element 310 is disposed below the center of the dimming area, and in the third dimming area 430 in the second row and first column, the third driving element 310 is disposed below the center of the dimming area. The driving element 330 is disposed above the center of the dimming area.

In this way, in the plurality of dimming areas arranged in the same row, the driving elements are alternately arranged above and below the center of the dimming areas.

The first driving element 310 is disposed closest to the second driving element 320 and the third driving element 330, and the first driving element 310, the second driving element 320, and the third driving element (330) is not arranged in a straight line. In other words, the first driving element 310 is disposed away from the imaginary line connecting the second driving element 320 and the third driving element 330, which are closest to the first driving element 310.

In this way, among the plurality of driving elements, one driving element is disposed outside of an imaginary line defined by the two driving elements most adjacent to the driving element.

As described above, the plurality of driving elements may be arranged irregularly or at random positions within the plurality of dimming areas.

Figure 14 shows an example of the arrangement of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14, driving elements of four adjacent dimming areas in the same row may be arranged at different positions with respect to the center of the dimming area.

The first dimming area 410, the second dimming area 420, the fifth dimming area 450, and the sixth dimming area 460 may be arranged in the same row. The first driving element 310 is located above the center of the first dimming area 410, the second driving element 320 is located to the left of the center of the second dimming area 420, and the fifth driving element 350 ) may be located below the center of the fifth dimming area 450, and the sixth driving element 360 may be located to the right of the center of the sixth dimming area 460.

Driving elements of four dimming areas adjacent to each other in the same row may be arranged at different positions with respect to the center of the dimming area.

The first dimming area 410, the third dimming area 430, the ninth dimming area 490, and the eleventh dimming area 490b may be arranged in the same row. The first driving element 310 is located above the center of the first dimming area 410, the third driving element 330 is located to the right of the center of the third dimming area 430, and the ninth driving element 390 ) may be located below the center of the ninth dimming area 490, and the 11th driving element 390b may be located to the left of the center of the 11th dimming area 490b.

Accordingly, the arrangement of driving elements in one dimming area is different from the arrangement of driving elements in other dimming areas adjacent to one dimming area.

Among the plurality of dimming areas arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, the arrangement of the driving element within any one dimming area belongs to the same row or column as any one dimming area and is adjacent to any one dimming area. It is different from the arrangement of the driving elements within.

Among the plurality of driving elements, one driving element is disposed outside of an imaginary line defined by the two driving elements closest to the driving element.

Figure 15 shows an example of the arrangement of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 15, driving elements of four different dimming areas adjacent to each other may be arranged at different positions with respect to the center of the dimming area.

The first dimming area 410, the second dimming area 420, the third dimming area 430, and the fourth dimming area 440 may be disposed adjacent to each other. The first driving element 310 is located at the lower right of the center of the first dimming area 410, the second driving element 320 is located at the upper right of the center of the second dimming area 420, and the third driving element 330 may be located at the upper left of the center of the third dimming area 430, and the fourth driving element 340 may be located at the lower left of the center of the fourth dimming area 440.

The second dimming area 420, the fourth dimming area 440, the fifth dimming area 450, and the seventh dimming area 470 may be disposed adjacent to each other. The second driving element 320 is located at the upper right of the center of the second dimming area 420, the fourth driving element 340 is located at the lower left of the center of the fourth dimming area 440, and the fifth driving element 350 may be located at the lower right of the center of the fifth dimming area 450, and the seventh driving element 370 may be located at the upper left of the center of the seventh dimming area 470.

The third dimming area 430, fourth dimming area 440, ninth dimming area 490, and tenth dimming area 490a may be disposed adjacent to each other. The third driving element 330 is located at the upper left of the center of the third dimming area 430, the fourth driving element 340 is located at the lower left of the center of the fourth dimming area 440, and the ninth driving element 390 may be located at the lower right of the center of the ninth dimming area 490, and the tenth driving element 390a may be located at the upper right of the center of the tenth dimming area 490a.

Accordingly, the arrangement of driving elements in one dimming area is different from the arrangement of driving elements in other dimming areas adjacent to one dimming area.

Among the plurality of dimming areas arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, the arrangement of the driving element within any one dimming area belongs to the same row or column as any one dimming area and is adjacent to any one dimming area. It is different from the arrangement of the driving elements within.

Among the plurality of driving elements, one driving element is disposed outside of an imaginary line defined by the two driving elements closest to the driving element.

By arranging the driving elements 300, optical defects caused by the driving elements 300 can be prevented or suppressed.

In the above, it has been described that one driving element supplies driving current to light sources belonging to one dimming block, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one driving element can supply driving current to light sources belonging to a plurality of dimming blocks.

Figure 16 shows an example of a dimming driver and a light source device included in a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 17 shows an example of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17 , the display device 10 includes a dimming driver 170, a plurality of driving elements 510, 520: 500, and a plurality of light sources 111.

The plurality of light sources 111 may be the same as the plurality of light sources shown in FIG. 10 .

The plurality of driving elements 500 may receive an analog dimming signal from the dimming driver 170 and supply driving current to the plurality of light sources 111 according to the received analog dimming signal.

As shown in FIG. 16, each of the driving elements 500 can supply driving current to light sources included in the plurality of dimming blocks 200. For example, the first driving element 510 may supply driving current to a plurality of light sources belonging to the first dimming block 210 and a plurality of light sources belonging to the second dimming block 220. The second driving element 520 may supply driving current to a plurality of light sources belonging to the third dimming block 230 and a plurality of light sources belonging to the fourth dimming block 240. In the same manner, the nth driving element may supply driving current to a plurality of light sources belonging to the 2n-1th dimming block and a plurality of light sources belonging to the 2nth dimming block.

At this time, the driving elements 500 may supply different driving currents to light sources belonging to different dimming blocks according to the analog dimming signal. For example, the first driving element 310 supplies the first driving current to the light sources belonging to the first dimming block 210 according to the analog dimming signal, and to the second dimming block 220 according to the analog dimming signal. A second driving current can be supplied to the light sources belonging to the light source.

The plurality of driving elements 500 may receive an analog dimming signal from the dimming driver 170 while input-activated by the dimming driver 170 and store the received analog dimming signal. Additionally, while the input is inactive, the plurality of driving elements 500 may supply driving current corresponding to the stored analog dimming signal to the plurality of light sources.

The plurality of driving elements 500 are input-activated by a scan signal from the dimming driver 170 and may receive an analog dimming signal from the dimming driver 170. When receiving an analog dimming signal, the plurality of driving elements 500 may store the received analog dimming signal and supply driving current to a plurality of light sources according to the stored analog dimming signal.

For example, while the dimming driver 170 outputs a scan signal through the first scan line (S1), the first driving element 510 may receive an analog dimming signal through the first data line (D1). there is. The first driving element 510 may supply driving current to the light sources of the first dimming block 210 and the light sources of the second dimming block 220 according to the received analog dimming signal. Although the second driving element 520 does not receive the analog dimming signal, it can still supply driving current to the light sources of the third dimming block 230 and the light sources of the fourth dimming block 240.

Additionally, while the dimming driver 170 outputs a scan signal through the second scan line S2, the second driving element 520 may receive an analog dimming signal through the first data line D1. The second driving element 520 may supply driving current to the light sources of the third dimming block 230 and the fourth dimming block 240 according to the received analog dimming signal. Although the second driving element 520 does not receive the analog dimming signal, it can still supply driving current to the light sources of the first dimming block 210 and the light sources of the second dimming block 220.

By driving in this active matrix method, the number of pins of the dimming driver 170 for providing analog dimming signals to the plurality of dimming blocks 200 is reduced.

Moreover, because one driving element supplies driving current to the light sources of a plurality of dimming blocks, the number of driving elements is reduced. Furthermore, optical defects due to the arrangement of the driving elements can also be reduced.

The plurality of driving elements 500 may include circuits of various topologies to implement active matrix driving.

For example, as shown in FIG. 17, each of the plurality of driving elements 500 may include a pair of 1C2T topology circuits.

Each of the driving elements 500 includes a first driving transistor (Tdr1), a first switching transistor (Tsw1), a first storage capacitor (Cs1), a second driving transistor (Tdr2), and a second switching transistor (Tsw2). ) and a second storage capacitor (Cs2).

The first and second driving transistors (Tdr1, Tdr2), the first and second switching transistors (Tsw1, Tsw2), and the first and second storage capacitors (Cs1, Cs2) are the driving transistors (Tdr) shown in FIG. 11, respectively. , may be the same as the switching transistor (Tsw) and the storage capacitor (Cs).

The first driving transistor (Tdr1), the first switching transistor (Tsw1), and the first storage capacitor (Cs1) are different from the second driving transistor (Tdr2), the second switching transistor (Tsw2), and the second storage capacitor (Cs2). Driving current can be supplied to the light sources of the dimming block.

The circuit shown in FIG. 17 is only an example of the driving element 500, and is not limited thereto. For example, the driving element 500 may include a 3T1C topology circuit with an added transistor for correcting the body effect of the driving transistors Tdr1 and Tdr2.

The driving element 500 may be provided, for example, as a single chip on which the circuit shown in FIG. 17 is integrated. In other words, the circuit shown in FIG. 17 can be integrated into one semiconductor chip.

The driving element 500 is arranged so that a 'dark area' due to the arrangement of the driving element 500 is not displayed on the screen 12 of the display device 10.

Figure 18 shows an example of the arrangement of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 18 , the light source module 110 includes a plurality of light sources 111 , and the plurality of light sources 111 are arranged in a matrix form on the substrate 112 .

At this time, the plurality of light sources 111 may be classified into a plurality of dimming blocks 200. In other words, the front surface (the surface emitting light) of the light source module 110 may be divided into a plurality of dimming areas 400 occupied by a plurality of dimming blocks 200.

In addition, the light source module 110 further includes a plurality of driving elements 500 that supply driving current to the light sources, and each of the plurality of driving elements 500 is driven by the light sources included in the two dimming blocks. Current can be supplied. Each of the driving elements 500 is located within two dimming areas by two dimming blocks.

In order to prevent or suppress optical defects caused by the arrangement of the driving elements 500, the driving elements 500 may be arranged irregularly in the dimming area. In different dimming blocks, the relative positions of the driving elements may be different.

For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the front surface (the surface emitting light) of the light source module 110 includes a first dimming area 410, a second dimming area 420, and a third dimming area ( 430), a fourth dimming area 440, a fifth dimming area 450, a sixth dimming area 460, a seventh dimming area 470, an eighth dimming area 480, etc. do.

The light sources of the two dimming areas are driven by one driving element. In other words, the driving element can supply driving current to a plurality of light sources (24 light sources as shown in FIG. 18) arranged in two dimming areas. The first driving element 510 supplies driving current to the light sources of the first and second dimming areas 410 and 420, and the second driving element 520 supplies driving current to the third and fourth dimming areas 430 and 440. The third driving element 530 supplies driving current to the light sources of the fifth and sixth dimming areas 450 and 460, and the fourth driving element 540 supplies driving current to the light sources of the seventh and sixth dimming areas 450 and 460. And a driving current may be supplied to the light sources of the eighth dimming areas 470 and 480.

At this time, the first driving element 510 is placed in the second dimming area 420, the second driving element 520 is placed in the third dimming area 430, and the third driving element 530 is placed in the sixth dimming area 430. It is disposed in the dimming area 460, and the fourth driving element 540 is disposed in the seventh dimming area 470.

In this way, the driving element is not disposed in the dimming area adjacent to the dimming area where the driving element is disposed. Additionally, a driving element is disposed in a dimming area adjacent to a dimming area where the driving element is not disposed.

In other words, in the same row, dimming areas in which driving elements are arranged and dimming areas in which driving elements are not arranged are alternately arranged. Additionally, in the same row, dimming areas in which driving elements are arranged and dimming areas in which driving elements are not arranged are alternately arranged.

The first driving element 510 is placed to the left of the center of the second dimming area 420, and the second driving element 520 is placed to the right of the center of the third dimming area 430. Additionally, the third driving element 530 is placed to the left of the center of the sixth dimming area 460, and the fourth driving element 540 is placed to the right of the center of the seventh dimming area 470.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, the driving elements may be arranged in a zigzag shape along a row of a pair of adjacent dimming areas.

In this way, the arrangement of one driving element within the dimming area may be different from the arrangement of another driving element adjacent to the one driving element within another dimming area.

Figure 19 shows an example of the arrangement of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 19, the first driving element 510 is disposed below the first dimming area 410, and the second driving element 520 is disposed above the fourth dimming area 440, The third driving element 530 may be placed below the fifth dimming area 450, and the fourth driving element 540 may be placed above the eighth dimming area 480.

In this way, the dimming areas where the driving elements are arranged and the dimming areas where the driving elements are not arranged are alternately arranged.

Additionally, the arrangement of one driving element within a dimming area may be different from the arrangement of another driving element adjacent to one driving element within another dimming area.

By arranging the driving elements 500, optical defects caused by the driving elements 500 can be prevented or suppressed.

Figure 20 shows an example of the arrangement of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 20, the first driving element 510 is disposed below the first dimming area 410, and the second driving element 520 is disposed above the fourth dimming area 440, The third driving element 530 may be placed above the fifth dimming area 450 and the fourth driving element 540 may be placed below the eighth dimming area 480 .

In this way, the dimming areas where the driving elements are arranged and the dimming areas where the driving elements are not arranged are alternately arranged.

Additionally, the arrangement of one driving element within a dimming area may be different from the arrangement of another driving element adjacent to one driving element within another dimming area.

Figure 21 shows an example of the arrangement of a driving element included in a display device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 21 , the display device 10 includes a plurality of driving elements 610, 620, 630, 640: 600 and a plurality of light sources 111.

Each of the driving elements 600 may supply driving current to light sources included in the four dimming blocks. Here, the area defined by the light sources included in the four dimming blocks and driven by one driving element can be defined as the driving area 700.

For example, the first driving element 610 supplies driving current to light sources arranged in the first driving area 710 including four dimming blocks, and the second driving element 620 supplies four dimming blocks. Driving current may be supplied to light sources disposed in the second driving area 720 including the light sources. In addition, the third driving element 630 supplies driving current to light sources arranged in the third driving area 730 including four dimming blocks, and the fourth driving element 640 includes four dimming blocks. Driving current may be supplied to light sources arranged in the fourth driving area 740.

The arrangement of the driving elements 600 is different for each driving area 700. The position of the driving element in one driving area is different from the position of the driving element in another driving area adjacent to the driving area.

For example, the first driving element 610 may be located at the upper left of the first driving area 710, and the second driving element 620 may be located at the lower left of the second driving area 710. The third driving element 630 may be located at the upper right of the third driving area 730, and the fourth driving element 640 may be located at the lower right of the fourth driving area 410.

By arranging the driving elements 600, optical defects caused by the driving elements 600 can be prevented or suppressed.

A display device according to one embodiment includes a liquid crystal panel; and a light source device. At this time, the light source device includes: a substrate; a plurality of dimming blocks each including at least one light source provided on the first side of the substrate; and a plurality of driving elements provided on the first surface of the substrate, each of which provides driving current to at least one light source included in each of the plurality of dimming blocks. Additionally, the plurality of driving elements may be arranged at different relative positions within a plurality of dimming areas each defined by the plurality of dimming blocks.

For example, the arrangement of driving elements in one of the plurality of dimming areas may be different from the arrangement of driving elements in other areas adjacent to one of the dimming areas.

For example, the plurality of dimming areas are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and the arrangement of the driving element in any one of the plurality of dimming areas is arranged in the same row or one of the dimming areas. The arrangement of the driving elements may be different from the arrangement of the driving elements in other dimming areas arranged in a row and adjacent to one of the dimming areas.

For example, one of the plurality of driving elements may be disposed outside of an imaginary line defined by the two driving elements most adjacent to the one driving element.

Thereby, optical defects caused by a plurality of driving elements can be prevented or suppressed.

The plurality of dimming blocks may emit light of at least different brightnesses. In other words, local dimming is implemented.

Each of the plurality of driving elements may provide driving current to light sources included in at least two dimming blocks.

Thereby, the number of the plurality of driving elements can be reduced, and further, optical defects caused by the plurality of driving elements can also be reduced.

Any one of the plurality of driving elements may be disposed in a dimming area defined by one of the at least two dimming blocks.

At this time, a dimming area in which any one of the driving elements is disposed and a dimming area in which any of the driving elements is not disposed may be alternately arranged.

Additionally, the arrangement of driving elements in a driving area defined by the at least two dimming blocks may be different from the arrangement of driving elements in another driving area adjacent to the driving area.

Thereby, optical defects caused by a plurality of driving elements can be prevented or suppressed.

It may further include a dimming driver provided on the second surface of the substrate and providing a dimming signal to the plurality of driving elements.

Thereby, efficient wiring between the dimming driver and the control assembly/power assembly is possible.

The dimming driver may provide the dimming signal to the plurality of driving elements in an active matrix manner.

For example, the plurality of driving elements are arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows, and the dimming driver provides a scan signal to the driving elements arranged in one of the plurality of rows, and the dimming driver is arranged in the plurality of columns. The dimming signal can be provided to driving elements.

As a result, the number of pins for the dimming driver to provide dimming signals to a plurality of driving elements is reduced.

The at least one light source may include a light emitting diode that is in direct contact with the wiring of the substrate, and an optical dome that covers the light emitting diode. The light emitting diode has a distributed Bragg reflector formed on the surface from which light is emitted.

Thereby, the light emitting diode can emit stronger light in the lateral direction than in the vertical direction.

As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings. A person skilled in the art to which the disclosed embodiments belong will understand that the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical idea or essential features of the disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

10: display device 11: main body
12: Screen 20: Liquid crystal panel
30: panel driver 50: control assembly
60: Power assembly 80: Content receiving unit
81: Receiving terminal 82: Tuner
90: Image processing unit 91: Processor
92: Memory 100: Light source device
110: light source module 111: light source
112: substrate 120: reflective sheet
120a: Through hole 130: Diffusion plate
140: Optical sheet 141: Diffusion sheet
142: first prism sheet 143: second prism sheet
144: Reflective polarizing sheet 170: Dimming driver
180: transparent dome 190: light emitting diode
200: dimming block 300: driving element
400: dimming area 500: driving element
600: driving element 700: driving area

Claims (16)

liquid crystal panel;
A substrate comprising a plurality of driving regions, each of the plurality of driving regions including a plurality of light sources; and
and a plurality of driving elements provided one by one in each of the plurality of driving regions,
Each of the plurality of driving areas includes a plurality of dimming blocks, and each of the plurality of dimming blocks includes at least one light source among the plurality of light sources,
Each of the plurality of driving elements controls driving current of light sources included in a plurality of dimming blocks in each driving area,
Each of the plurality of driving elements is disposed between light sources in each driving area,
A first driving element among the plurality of driving elements is provided at a first position in a first driving area among the plurality of driving areas,
A second driving element among the plurality of driving elements is provided at a second position in a second driving area among the plurality of driving areas, and the second driving area is adjacent to the first driving area,
A third driving element among the plurality of driving elements is provided at a third position in a third driving area among the plurality of driving areas, and the third driving area is adjacent to the second driving area,
The first driving area, the second driving area, and the third driving area are provided in one column or one row,
The first position and the second position are located in relatively different areas within the first driving area and the second driving area, respectively,
The second position and the third position are located in relatively different areas within the second driving area and the third driving area, respectively. According to paragraph 1,
A display device in which each driving element among the plurality of driving elements controls driving current of light sources included in each driving area. According to paragraph 1,
A display device wherein each driving element of the plurality of driving elements controls a driving current so as to supply the same driving current to at least one light source included in the same dimming block within each driving area. According to paragraph 1,
A display device wherein each driving element among the plurality of driving elements controls a driving current so as to supply different driving currents to light sources included in different dimming blocks within each driving area. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of driving regions is:
A display device containing four or more dimming blocks. According to paragraph 1,
The first position is located in the upper half of the first driving area,
The second position is located in the lower half of the second driving area,
The third position is a display device located in an upper half of the third driving area. According to paragraph 1,
The first location is located in the right half area of the first driving area,
The second location is located in the left half area of the second driving area,
The third position is a display device located in a right half area of the third driving area. According to paragraph 1,
The second position is a display device that deviates from an imaginary straight line passing through the first position and the third position. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of driving elements is:
first transistor;
a capacitor connected to the control terminal of the first transistor; and
A display device including a second transistor connected to a control terminal of the first transistor. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of driving elements are:
A display device controlled by an active matrix method. According to paragraph 1,
A fourth driving element among the plurality of driving elements is provided at a fourth position in the fourth driving area among the plurality of driving areas,
A fifth driving element among the plurality of driving elements is provided at a fifth position in the fifth driving area among the plurality of driving areas,
The first driving area and the second driving area are provided in a first row,
The fourth driving area and the fifth driving area are provided in a second row,
The first driving area and the fourth driving area are provided in a first row,
The second driving area and the fifth driving area are provided in a second row,
The first position and the second position are located in relatively different areas within the first driving area and the second driving area,
The first position and the fourth position are located in relatively different areas within the first driving area and the fourth driving area,
The second position and the fifth position are located in relatively different areas within the second driving area and the fifth driving area,
The fourth position and the fifth position are located in relatively different areas within the fourth driving area and the fifth driving area. The method of claim 11, wherein the display device
a first scan line connected to the first driving element and the second driving element;
a second scan line connected to the fourth driving element and the fifth driving element;
a first data line connected to the first driving element and the fourth driving element;
A display device further comprising a second data line connected to the second driving element and the fifth driving element. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the display device further includes a dimming driver,
The dimming driver is,
For a first time, the first driving element and the second driving element are activated through the first scan line, and the first driving element and the second driving element are activated through the first data line and the second data line. Provide a dimming signal to the device,
For a second time, the fourth driving element and the fifth driving element are activated through the second scan line, and the fourth driving element and the fifth driving element are activated through the first data line and the second data line. A display device that provides a dimming signal to the device. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of light sources is:
A display device including a light emitting diode provided on a substrate using a chip on board (COB) method and an optical dome with an arcuate or semicircular cross section. According to clause 14,
The intensity of a first light beam emitted from the light emitting diode in a first direction perpendicular to the substrate is smaller than the intensity of a second light beam emitted from the light emitting diode in a second direction different from the first direction. A substrate comprising a plurality of driving regions, each of the plurality of driving regions including a plurality of light sources; and
It includes a plurality of driving elements provided one by one in each of the plurality of driving regions,
Each of the plurality of driving areas includes a plurality of dimming blocks, and each of the plurality of dimming blocks includes at least one light source among the plurality of light sources,
Each of the plurality of driving elements controls driving current of light sources included in a plurality of dimming blocks in each driving area,
Each of the plurality of driving elements is disposed between light sources in each driving area,
A first driving element among the plurality of driving elements is provided at a first position in a first driving area among the plurality of driving areas,
A second driving element among the plurality of driving elements is provided at a second position in a second driving area among the plurality of driving areas, and the second driving area is adjacent to the first driving area,
A third driving element among the plurality of driving elements is provided at a third position in a third driving area among the plurality of driving areas, and the third driving area is adjacent to the second driving area,
The first driving area, the second driving area, and the third driving area are provided in one column or one row,
The first position and the second position are located in relatively different areas within the first driving area and the second driving area,
The second position and the third position are located in relatively different areas within the second driving area and the third driving area.

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