Display device and method for driving the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a display device and a method for driving the display device, wherein the display device includes a light source module, a plurality of light source drivers, a timing controller, a signal converter and a plurality of switches, wherein the light source module includes a plurality of light source blocks configured to provide light to a display panel, the plurality of light source drivers are configured to drive the plurality of light source blocks, the timing controller is configured to generate a dimming level signal of a corresponding light source block among the light source blocks and to generate a dimming selection signal configured to select a corresponding light source driver among the light source drivers corresponding to the dimming level signal, the signal converter is configured to convert an n-bit dimming selection signal into an m-bit switch control signal, "n" and "m" are natural numbers, and n is less than m, and the plurality of switches are connected between the timing controller and the plurality of light source drivers and are configured to provide the plurality of dimming level signals to the corresponding light source drivers based on the switch control signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device and a method of driving the display device. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a display device includes a display panel that displays an image by using light transmittance of liquid crystals, and a backlight assembly located under the display panel to provide light to the display panel.

[0003] The display panel includes an array substrate, a pixel electrode, a color filter substrate and a liquid crystal layer, wherein the array substrate has a thin film transistor electrically connected to the pixel electrode, the color filter substrate has a color filter and a common electrode, and the liquid crystal layer is located between the array substrate and the color filter substrate.

[0004] The arrangement of the liquid crystal layer is changed by an electric field formed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode, thereby changing the transmittance of light passing through the liquid crystal layer. When the transmittance of light increases (e.g., increases to a maximum), the display panel can realize a white image with high brightness. On the other hand, when the transmittance of light decreases (e.g., decreases to a minimum), the display panel can realize a black image with low brightness.

[0005] The backlight assembly includes a plurality of light source blocks, and the plurality of light source blocks operate according to a local dimming method that controls the amount of light of each light source block according to the grayscale of an image displayed on the display panel. Summary of the invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display device for reducing the number of output pins corresponding to a control signal, and provide a method of driving the display device.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device is provided, which includes a light source module, a plurality of light source drivers, a timing controller, a signal converter and a plurality of switches, wherein the light source module includes a plurality of light source blocks configured to provide light to a display panel, the plurality of light source drivers are configured to drive the plurality of light source blocks, the timing controller is configured to generate a dimming level signal for a corresponding light source block in the light source blocks and to generate a dimming selection signal configured to select a corresponding light source driver in the light source drivers corresponding to the dimming level signal, the signal converter is configured to convert an n-bit dimming selection signal into an m-bit switch control signal, "n" and "m" are natural numbers, and n is less than m, and the plurality of switches are connected between the timing controller and the plurality of light source drivers and are configured to provide the plurality of dimming level signals to the corresponding light source drivers based on the switch control signal.

[0008] The signal converter may include a decoder and an operator, wherein the decoder is configured to convert the n-bit dimming selection signal into an m-bit decoded signal, and the operator is configured to perform a logic operation on the m-bit decoded signal and generate an m-bit switch control signal.

[0009] The switch control signal generated based on the m-bit decoded signal may be applied to a control terminal of each of the plurality of switches.

[0010] The operator may include multiple AND gates respectively connected to multiple switches, wherein the kth AND gate among the multiple AND gates includes a first input terminal for receiving the kth bit signal of the m-bit decoded signal, a second input terminal for receiving and inverting the (k-1)th bit signal of the m-bit decoded signal, and an output terminal connected to the control terminal of the kth switch among the multiple switches, and "k" is a natural number.

[0011] A second input terminal of a first AND gate of the plurality of AND gates may be configured to receive and invert a ground signal.

[0012] The timing controller may be configured to transmit a plurality of dimming level signals to a plurality of light source drivers via a serial peripheral interface.

[0013] The display device may further include a first printed circuit board on which the light source block is mounted, a second printed circuit board on which the timing controller is mounted, and a third printed circuit board on which a plurality of switches, a decoder, and an operator are mounted.

[0014] The display device may further include a first printed circuit board on which the light source block is mounted, and a second printed circuit board on which the timing controller, a plurality of switches, a decoder, and an operator are mounted.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for driving a display device is provided, wherein the display device includes: a light source module including a plurality of light source blocks configured to provide light to a display panel; and a plurality of light source drivers configured to drive the plurality of light source blocks, the method including: outputting a dimming selection signal for selecting a light source driver corresponding to a dimming level signal among the light source drivers, and outputting a dimming level signal of a corresponding light source block among the light source blocks; converting an n-bit dimming selection signal into an m-bit switch control signal, where "n" and "m" are natural numbers, and n is less than m; applying the m-bit switch control signal to a plurality of switches connected to the plurality of light source drivers, respectively; and applying a plurality of dimming level signals to the corresponding light source drivers based on driving of the plurality of switches.

[0016] Converting the n-bit dimming selection signal may include converting the n-bit dimming selection signal into an m-bit decoded signal, and generating the m-bit switch control signal by performing an AND operation on the m-bit decoded signal.

[0017] The method may also include: performing an AND operation on the k-th signal of the m-bit decoded signal and the inverted signal of the (k-1)-th signal of the m-bit decoded signal; generating the k-th signal of the m-bit switch control signal; and applying the k-th signal of the m-bit switch control signal to the control terminal of the k-th switch, where "k" is a natural number and k is greater than 1 and less than or equal to m.

[0018] The method may further include generating a first bit signal of the m-bit switch control signal applied to the control terminal of the first switch by performing an AND operation on a first bit signal of the m-bit decoded signal and an inverted signal of the ground signal.

[0019] The method may further include transmitting the dimming level signal to a corresponding one of the light source drivers through the serial peripheral interface.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device is provided, which includes a light source module, a plurality of light source drivers, a timing controller and a serial-to-parallel converter, wherein the light source module includes a plurality of light source blocks configured to provide light to a display panel, the plurality of light source drivers are configured to drive the plurality of light source blocks, the timing controller is configured to transmit dimming level signals of corresponding light source blocks in the light source blocks as serial signals and is configured to transmit dimming selection signals for selecting corresponding light source drivers in the light source drivers to which the dimming level signals are applied as serial signals, and the serial-to-parallel converter is configured to convert the dimming level signals and the dimming selection signals transmitted in the serial signals into parallel signals, and transmit the parallel signals in parallel to the plurality of light source drivers.

[0021] The timing controller may be configured to transmit the dimming level signal and the dimming selection signal as differential signals to the serial-to-parallel converter.

[0022] The serial-to-parallel converter may be configured to convert the differential signal into a plurality of single signals, and transmit the plurality of single signals to a plurality of light source drivers.

[0023] The timing controller may be configured to transmit signals to the serial-to-parallel converter through a high-speed differential signal interface, and the serial-to-parallel converter may be configured to transmit signals to the plurality of light source drivers through a serial peripheral interface.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for driving a display device is provided, wherein the display device includes: a light source module including a plurality of light source blocks configured to provide light to a display panel; and a plurality of light source drivers configured to drive the plurality of light source blocks, the method including: generating a dimming level signal of the light source block and a dimming selection signal for selecting a light source driver to apply the dimming level signal; transmitting the dimming level signal and the dimming selection signal as a serial signal; and transmitting the dimming level signal and the dimming selection signal transmitted as a serial signal to the plurality of light source drivers in parallel.

[0025] The method may further include transmitting the dimming level signal and the dimming selection signal as differential signals through a differential signal interface.

[0026] The method may further include converting the differential signal into a plurality of single signals, and transmitting the plurality of single signals to a plurality of light source drivers through a serial peripheral interface.

[0027] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, in a local dimming mode, by reducing the number of pins of control signals between a timing controller and a plurality of LED drivers, manufacturing costs may be reduced and signal quality may be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a display device according to one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A block diagram of a light source assembly as shown in ;

[0031] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A conceptual diagram of input signals and output signals of a light source driving controller shown in FIG.

[0032] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A flowchart of a local dimming method for a display device shown in ;

[0033] Figure 5 is a plan view showing a light source assembly device according to one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 6 is a plan view showing a light source assembly device according to one embodiment;

[0035] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a display device according to one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 A block diagram of the light source assembly shown in ; and

[0037] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 7 Flowchart of a local dimming method for a display device shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The features of the present invention and the methods for implementing the same can be more easily understood by referring to the detailed description and drawings of the embodiments. Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. However, the described embodiments can be implemented in a variety of different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. More specifically, these embodiments are provided as examples so that the disclosure will be comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the aspects and features of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Therefore, unnecessary processes, elements and techniques may not be described for a person of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the aspects and features of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, in all drawings and written descriptions, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements, and therefore, their descriptions will not be repeated. In addition, in order to make the description clear, parts not related to the description of the embodiments may not be shown. In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0039] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views as schematic diagrams of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. As such, variations in the shapes in the figures, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, should be expected. In addition, the specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely illustrative for the purpose of describing embodiments conceived according to the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific illustrated regional shapes, but should include deviations in shapes, for example, caused by manufacturing. For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will typically have rounded or curved features and / or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges, rather than a binary change from an implanted region to a non-implanted region. Similarly, a buried region formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation occurs. Therefore, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shapes of the regions of the device, and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] In the detailed description, for the purpose of illustration, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, it is apparent that various embodiments can be implemented without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other examples, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various embodiments.

[0041] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the first element, first component, first region, first layer or first part described below may be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer or second part.

[0042] It will be understood that when an element, layer, region or component is referred to as being "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, layer, region or component, it may be directly on, directly connected to or directly coupled to the other element, layer, region or component, or there may be one or more intervening elements, layers, regions or components. However, "direct connection / direct coupling" means that one component is directly connected or coupled to another component without an intermediate component. At the same time, other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between", "directly between" or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to", can be similarly interpreted. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it may be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or there may also be one or more intervening elements or layers.

[0043] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "one" and "an" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly states otherwise. It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "have", "having", "includes" and "including" represent the existence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components described, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0044] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," "approximately," and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than as terms of degree, and are intended to allow for inherent deviations in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the value and the average value within the acceptable deviation range of the specific value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the specific quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the value. In addition, "may" used in describing embodiments of the present disclosure means "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure."

[0045] When a specific embodiment can be implemented differently, the specific process order can be performed differently from the described order. For example, two processes described in succession can be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of the described order.

[0046] The electronic device or electrical device and / or any other related device or component according to the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein may be implemented using any appropriate hardware, firmware (e.g., application specific integrated circuit), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, the various components of these devices may be formed on an integrated circuit (IC) chip or on separate IC chips. In addition, the various components of these devices may be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or formed on a substrate. In addition, the various components of these devices may be processes or threads that are run on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, execute computer program instructions, and interact with other system components for performing the various functions described herein. Computer program instructions are stored in a memory that can be implemented in a computing device using a standard storage device, such as, for example, a random access memory (RAM). Computer program instructions may also be stored in other non-temporary computer-readable media, such as, for example, a CD-ROM, a flash drive, etc. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the functions of various computing devices may be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or the functions of a specific computing device may be distributed to one or more other computing devices.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the inventive concept belongs. It should also be understood that, unless explicitly defined as such herein, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalized sense.

[0048] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a display device according to one embodiment.

[0049] refer to Figure 1 , the display device 1000 may include a display panel 100 , a light source module 200 , a timing controller 300 , a panel driver 400 , a light source driver 500 , and a light source driving controller 600 .

[0050] The display panel 100 includes a plurality of pixels P for displaying an image. Each pixel P includes a pixel switching element TR connected to a gate line GL and a data line DL, a liquid crystal capacitor CLC connected to the pixel switching element TR, and a storage capacitor CST.

[0051] The light source module 200 provides light to the display panel 100. The light source module 200 includes a plurality of light source blocks LB1, LB2, ..., LBm. The light source block includes a light emitting diode board on which light emitting diodes are mounted. The light source blocks LB1, LB2, ..., LBm may be arranged in a linear structure. Alternatively, the light source blocks LB1, LB2, ..., LBm may be arranged in a matrix structure. The plurality of light source blocks LB1, LB2, ..., LBm may each be driven in a local dimming mode.

[0052] The timing controller 300 receives a synchronization signal SY and an image signal DS (e.g., from an external device). The timing controller 300 generates a timing control signal TCS for controlling the panel driver 400 using the synchronization signal SY. The timing control signal TCS includes a clock signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a vertical synchronization signal Vsync, a vertical start signal, and / or a data enable signal.

[0053] In the case of the local dimming mode, the timing controller 300 divides the image signal of a frame into a plurality of image blocks DB. The timing controller 300 calculates representative gray data for each image block DB. The timing controller 300 generates a plurality of dimming level signals DLS for controlling the brightness of a plurality of light source blocks LB1, LB2, ..., LBm by using the plurality of representative gray data corresponding to the plurality of image blocks DB. The plurality of dimming level signals DLS are signals respectively applied to the plurality of LED drivers LD1, LD2, ..., LDm, and the plurality of LED drivers LD1, LD2, ..., LDm drive the light source blocks LB1, LB2, ..., LBm respectively.

[0054] The timing controller 300 generates a dimming selection signal DSS for selecting the plurality of LED drivers to which the plurality of dimming level signals DLS are applied.

[0055] The timing controller 300 provides the dimming selection signal DSS and the plurality of dimming level signals DLS to the light source drive controller 600.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the number of output pins of the timing controller 300 for outputting the dimming selection signal DSS can be set to the number "n", and the number "n" is less than the number "m" of the plurality of light source blocks LB1, LB2, ..., LBm (where n < m, and n and m are each natural numbers).

[0057] The panel driver 400 drives the display panel 100 by using the timing control signal TCS and the image signal DS provided from the timing controller 300. For example, the panel driver 400 includes a data driver that generates a data signal by using a horizontal synchronization signal and provides the data signal to the data line DL. The panel driver 400 includes a gate driver that generates a gate signal by using a vertical start signal and provides the gate signal to the gate line GL.

[0058] The light source driver 500 includes a plurality of LED drivers LD1, LD2, LD3, ..., LDm that individually drive the plurality of light source blocks LB1, LB2, ..., LBm.

[0059] The light source drive controller 600 provides the plurality of dimming level signals DLS to the plurality of LED drivers LD1, LD2, LD3, ..., LDm based on the dimming selection signal DSS. Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 the detailed description of the light source drive controller 600.

[0060] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing Figure 1 the light source assembly shown in Figure 3 is a block diagram showing Figure 2A conceptual diagram of input signals and output signals of a light source driving controller shown in FIG.

[0061] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the light source assembly includes a light source driver 500 and a light source driving controller 600 .

[0062] The light source driver 500 includes, for example, 16 LED drivers 510, 520, 530, and 540. The LED drivers 510, 520, 530, and 540 are connected to the timing controller 300 through a serial peripheral interface bus (SPIB).

[0063] The serial peripheral interface bus (SPIB) can transmit a plurality of transmission signals TSS. The transmission signal TSS may include a serial clock SCLK output from the host, a host output signal MOSI output from the host, a master input signal MISO input to the host, a slave select signal SS output from the host, and a vertical synchronization signal Vsync.

[0064] The timing controller 300 may operate as a master, and the 16 LED drivers 510 , 520 , 530 , and 540 may respectively operate as slaves.

[0065] The timing controller 300 can select an LED driver for transmitting a signal through a slave selection signal SS. The timing controller 300 can transmit a signal synchronized with the serial clock SCLK through a master output signal MOSI. When the LED driver is activated to receive a signal through the slave selection signal SS, the LED driver receives a signal transmitted through the master output signal MOSI of its own slave in synchronization with the serial clock SCLK. The master output signal MOSI synchronized with the serial clock SCLK can be a dimming level signal DLS for driving the LED driver.

[0066] The light source driving controller 600 includes a selector 610 and a signal converter 670 .

[0067] The selector 610 includes sixteen switches 611, 612, 613, and 614. The sixteen switches 611, 612, 613, and 614 are connected to the sixteen LED drivers 510, 520, 530, and 540 using a serial peripheral interface bus (SPIB).

[0068] The signal converter 670 includes a decoder 630 and an operator 650. The 4-bit dimming selection signal DSS is converted into a 16-bit switch control signal SWC.

[0069] The decoder 630 receives a 4-bit dimming selection signal DSS from the timing controller 300 .

[0070] For example, Figure 3As shown in , the timing controller 300 generates 4-bit dimming selection signals "0000" to "1111" corresponding to the numbers of the 16 LED drivers 510, 520, 530 and 540, respectively. The timing controller 300 can sequentially provide the 4-bit dimming selection signals "0000" to "1111" according to the order set in the decoder 630.

[0071] The decoder 630 converts the 4-bit dimming selection signal DSS into a 16-bit decoding signal DCS. Figure 3 As shown in , 4-bit dimming selection signals C1, ..., C4 are used to convert the signals into 16-bit decoded signals A1, A2, ..., A16.

[0072] The operator 650 includes sixteen AND gates AND1, AND2, ..., AND16 connected to sixteen switches 611, 612, 613, and 614. The sixteen AND gates AND1, AND2, ..., AND16 perform logical multiplication of the 16-bit decoded signal DCS and output a 16-bit switch control signal SWC that controls the sixteen switches 611, 612, 613, and 614. The 16-bit switch control signal SWC controls the sixteen switches 611, 612, 613, and 614, respectively.

[0073] For example, the kth AND gate includes a first input terminal I1 for receiving a kth bit signal of the decoding signal DCS, a second input terminal I2 for receiving and inverting a (k-1)th bit signal of the decoding signal DCS, and an output terminal O for outputting a kth control signal to the kth switch (“k” is a natural number, where 1 <k≤16)。

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the operator 650 includes sixteen AND gates AND1, AND2, ..., AND16. The sixteen AND gates AND1, AND2, ..., AND16 receive 16-bit signals A1, A2, ..., A16 of the decoded signal DCS, respectively. The sixteen AND gates AND1, AND2, ..., AND16 output 16-bit signals B1, B2, ..., B16 of the switch control signal SWC to sixteen switches 611, 612, 613, and 614, respectively.

[0075] For example, the first AND gate AND1 includes a first input terminal for receiving the first bit signal A1 of the decoding signal DCS, a second input terminal for receiving and inverting a ground signal, and an output terminal for outputting the first bit signal B1 to the first switch 611 .

[0076] The second AND gate AND2 includes a first input terminal for receiving the second bit signal A2 of the decoding signal DCS, a second input terminal for receiving and inverting the first bit signal A1 of the decoding signal DCS, and an output terminal for outputting the second bit signal B2 to the second switch 612 .

[0077] As described above, the fifteenth AND gate AND15 includes a first input terminal for receiving the fifteenth bit signal A15 of the decoding signal DCS, a second input terminal for receiving and inverting the fourteenth bit signal A14 of the decoding signal DCS, and an output terminal for outputting the fifteenth bit signal B15 to the fifteenth switch 613.

[0078] The sixteenth AND gate as the ending AND gate includes a first input terminal I1 for receiving the sixteenth bit signal A16 of the decoding signal DCS, a second input terminal I2 for receiving and inverting the fifteenth bit signal A15 of the decoding signal DCS, and an output terminal O for outputting the sixteenth bit signal B16 to the sixteenth switch 614.

[0079] As described above, the timing controller 300 can individually control a plurality of LED drivers using a 4-bit dimming selection signal DSS which is less than the number of 16 LED drivers. Therefore, the timing controller 300 can reduce manufacturing costs by controlling 16 LED drivers using only 4 output pins. In addition, by using a signal line connected to 4 output pins, interference noise can be reduced and signal quality can be improved.

[0080] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 Flowchart of a local dimming method for a display device shown in .

[0081] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the timing controller 300 divides the image signal of the frame into multiple image blocks DB for the local dimming mode. The timing controller 300 calculates representative grayscale data for each image block DB. The timing controller 300 generates multiple dimming level signals DLS for controlling the brightness of multiple light source blocks LB1, LB2, ..., LBm using multiple representative grayscale data corresponding to the multiple image blocks DB (operation S110). The multiple dimming level signals DLS are signals applied to multiple LED drivers LD1, LD2, ..., LDm for driving the light source blocks LB1, LB2, ..., LBm. The timing controller 300 generates a dimming selection signal DSS for selecting the corresponding LED drivers LD1, LD2, ..., LDm to which the dimming level signal DLS is applied (operation S110).

[0082] For example, when the number of light source blocks is 16, the timing controller 300 sequentially generates a 4-bit dimming selection signal DSS from '0000' to '1111' or sequentially generates a 4-bit dimming selection signal DSS from '1111' to '0000' (operation S110 ).

[0083] The timing controller 300 sequentially transmits the dimming selection signal DSS of 4 bits to the decoder 630 through the transmission bus TB connected to 4 output pins corresponding to 4 bits (operation S120 ).

[0084] In addition, the timing controller 300 transmits the dimming level signal DLS of the LED driver corresponding to the dimming selection signal DSS to the serial peripheral interface bus (SPIB) (operation S120 ).

[0085] The decoder 630 converts the 4-bit dimming selection signal DSS into a 16-bit decoding signal DCS (operation S130 ). The decoder 630 outputs the 16-bit decoding signal DCS to the operator 650 .

[0086] The operator 650 performs a logic operation on the 16-bit decoded signal DCS to generate a 16-bit switch control signal SWC (operation S140 ).

[0087] The 16-bit signal of the switch control signal SWC is provided as a control signal to the sixteen switches 611 , 612 , 613 , and 614 connected to the sixteen LED drivers 510 , 520 , 530 , and 540 (step S150 ).

[0088] Therefore, the dimming selection signal DSS transmitted from the timing controller 300 is converted into the switch control signal SWC, which turns on only the switch connected to the LED driver corresponding to the dimming selection signal DSS through the decoder 630 and the operator 650. Therefore, the dimming level signal DLS of the LED driver corresponding to the dimming selection signal DSS may be transmitted to the LED driver connected to the turned-on switch (operation S160).

[0089] For example, when the timing controller 300 transmits the dimming selection signal DSS (“0000”) to the decoder 630, the decoder 630 converts the dimming selection signal DSS into a decoding signal DCS (“00000000000000001”), and outputs the decoding signal DCS (“0000000000000001”) to the operator 650. The operator 650 calculates the decoding signal DCS (“0000000000000001”) and generates a switch control signal SWC (“0000000000000001”). The first to sixteenth bit signals (“0000000000000001”) of the switch control signal SWC are output to the control terminals of the first to sixteenth switches 611, 612, 613, and 614, respectively. Therefore, the sixteenth switch 614 is turned on, and the remaining first to fifteenth switches are turned off.

[0090] The dimming level signal DLS corresponding to the sixteenth LED driver 540 output from the timing controller 300 is provided to the sixteenth LED driver 540 through the turned-on sixteenth switch 614 .

[0091] like Figure 3 As shown in , in the same manner, when receiving the dimming selection signal DSS ("1111") from the timing controller 300, the light source driving controller 600 outputs the decoding signal DCS ("1111111111111111"), and the operator 650 generates the switch control signal SWC ("1000000000000000"). Accordingly, the first switch 611 is turned on, and the remaining second to sixteenth switches are turned off.

[0092] The dimming level signal DLS corresponding to the first LED driver 510 output from the timing controller 300 is provided to the first LED driver 510 through the turned-on first switch 611 .

[0093] As described above, the light source driving controller 600 selects an LED driver corresponding to the dimming selection signal DSS from the first to sixteenth LED drivers 510, 520, 530, and 540 using the 4-bit dimming selection signal DSS provided from the timing controller 300 to apply the dimming level signal DLS. Therefore, the light source driving controller 600 can perform the local dimming mode.

[0094] Figure 5 is a plan view showing a light source assembly apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0095] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5, a light source assembly BLA_1 of the display device includes a first printed circuit board 200A, a second printed circuit board 300A, a third printed circuit board 600A, a first flexible circuit film FF1, and a second flexible circuit film FF2.

[0096] The first printed circuit board 200A includes m light source blocks LB1, LB2, ..., LBm-1, and LBm mounted thereon. The m light source blocks LB1, LB2, ..., LBm-1, and LBm each include a light emitting diode board. For example, the first light source block LB1 includes a first light emitting diode board LED PL1.

[0097] The timing controller 300 is mounted on the second printed circuit board 300A.

[0098] The third printed circuit board 600A has the light source driver 500 and the light source driving controller 600 mounted thereon.

[0099] The light source driver 500 includes m LED drivers LD1, LD2, ..., LDm-1, LDm which provide a driving signal to each of the m light emitting diode panels LED PL1, LED PL2, ..., LED PLm-1, LED PLm.

[0100] The light source driving controller 600 includes: Figure 2 The selector 610, decoder 630 and operator 650 shown in FIG.

[0101] The first flexible circuit film FF1 connects the second printed circuit board 300A and the third printed circuit board 600A to each other.

[0102] The second flexible circuit film FF2 connects the first printed circuit board 200A and the third printed circuit board 600A to each other.

[0103] Figure 6 is a plan view showing a light source assembly apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0104] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6 , the light source assembly BLA_2 includes a first printed circuit board 200B, a second printed circuit board 300B and a flexible circuit film FF.

[0105] The first printed circuit board 200B includes m light source blocks LB1, LB2, ..., LBm-1, and LBm mounted thereon. Each of the m light source blocks LB1, LB2, ..., LBm-1, and LBm includes a light emitting diode board and an LED driver providing a driving signal to the light emitting diode board.

[0106] For example, the first light source block LB1 includes a first light emitting diode panel LED PL1 and a first LED driver LD1 for providing a driving signal to the first light emitting diode panel LED PL1 .

[0107] The second printed circuit board 300B includes a timing controller 300 and a light source driving controller 600. The light source driving controller 600 includes Figure 2 The selector 610, decoder 630 and operator 650 shown in FIG.

[0108] The flexible circuit film FF connects the first printed circuit board 200B and the second printed circuit board 300B to each other.

[0109] Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar components as those described in the previous embodiment, and the same detailed description is generally not repeated.

[0110] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a display device according to one embodiment. Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 Block diagram of the light source assembly shown in .

[0111] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the display device 2000 includes a display panel 100 , a light source module 200 , a timing controller 300 , a panel driver 400 , a light source driver 500 , and a serial-to-parallel converter 700 .

[0112] The timing controller 300 and the serial-to-parallel converter 700 transmit signals using a serial transmission method (e.g., a USI-T interface (unified standard interface) (i.e., represented by USI-T I / F) as a high-speed differential signal interface. For example, the timing controller 300 and the serial-to-parallel converter 700 may be connected using an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) bus (i.e., represented by I2C).

[0113] Signals are transmitted between the serial-to-parallel converter 700 and the plurality of LED drivers 510 , 520 , 530 , and 540 of the light source driver 500 through a parallel transmission method such as a serial peripheral interface (SPI) (ie, represented by SPI I / F).

[0114] The timing controller 300 may transmit the differential signal in series to the serial-to-parallel converter 700 through two output pins according to the differential signal interface. The differential signal may include a dimming level signal for performing local dimming driving on the light source blocks LB1, ..., LBm of the plurality of LED drivers 510, 520, 530, and 540. The differential signal may include a dimming selection signal for selecting an LED driver corresponding to the dimming level signal.

[0115] The serial-to-parallel converter 700 converts the received differential signal into a single signal. The serial-to-parallel converter 700 converts the single signal into a parallel transmission signal to be transmitted to the plurality of LED drivers 510, 520, 530 and 540 of the light source driver 500 through the serial peripheral interface.

[0116] The serial-to-parallel converter 700 and the plurality of LED drivers 510, 520, 530, and 540 transmit dimming level signals and dimming selection signals to each other through a serial peripheral interface bus (SPIB) using five transmission signals TSS. The five transmission signals TSS may include a serial clock SCLK, a master output signal MOSI, a master input signal MISO, a slave selection signal SS, and a vertical synchronization signal Vsync.

[0117] According to one embodiment, by using the serial-to-parallel converter 700, the signal lines between the timing controller 300 and the serial-to-parallel converter 700 can be reduced to simplify the circuit implementation. In addition, the serial-to-parallel converter 700 and the plurality of LED drivers 510, 520, 530, and 540 can transmit the dimming level signal and the dimming selection signal to each other through a point-to-point serial interface. Therefore, the signal quality can be improved.

[0118] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 7 Flowchart of a local dimming method for a display device shown in .

[0119] refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the timing controller 300 generates a plurality of dimming level signals for controlling the plurality of light source blocks LB1, LB2, ..., LBm based on the image signal of the frame (operation S210). The plurality of dimming level signals are signals applied to the plurality of LED drivers LD1, LD2, ..., LDm for driving the light source blocks LB1, LB2, ..., LBm. The timing controller 300 generates a dimming selection signal for selecting the plurality of LED drivers to which the plurality of dimming level signals are applied (operation S210).

[0120] The timing controller 300 serially transmits the dimming level signal and the dimming selection signal as differential signals to the serial-to-parallel converter 700 through the differential signal interface (operation S220 ).

[0121] The serial-to-parallel converter 700 converts the received differential signal into a single signal. The serial-to-parallel converter 700 converts the single signal into a parallel transmission signal to be transmitted to the plurality of LED drivers 510, 520, 530, and 540 through the serial peripheral interface (operation S230).

[0122] The serial-to-parallel converter 700 and the plurality of LED drivers 510, 520, 530, and 540 transmit the dimming level signal and the dimming selection signal to each other through the serial peripheral interface bus (SPIB) using five transmission signals TSS. The five transmission signals TSS may include a serial clock SCLK, a master output signal MOSI, a master input signal MISO, a slave selection signal SS, and a vertical synchronization signal Vsync (operation S240).

[0123] According to one embodiment, by using the serial-to-parallel converter 700, the signal lines between the timing controller 300 and the serial-to-parallel converter 700 can be reduced to simplify the circuit implementation. In addition, the serial-to-parallel converter 700 and the plurality of LED drivers 510, 520, 530, and 540 can transmit the dimming level signal and the dimming selection signal to each other through a point-to-point serial interface. Therefore, the signal quality can be improved.

[0124] According to an embodiment, in a local dimming mode, by reducing the number of control signal pins between a timing controller and a plurality of LED drivers, manufacturing costs may be reduced and signal quality may be improved.

[0125] The present disclosure may be applied to display devices and electronic devices having display devices. For example, the present disclosure may be applied to computer displays, laptop computers, digital cameras, cellular phones, smart phones, smart boards, televisions, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), MP3 players, navigation systems, game consoles, video phones, etc.

[0126] The above content is an illustration of the present disclosure and should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure. Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made in the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. In the claims, the device-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the functions, and not only structural equivalence but also equivalent structures. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing is an illustration of the present disclosure and should not be construed as being limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications to the disclosed exemplary embodiments and other exemplary embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is defined by the functional equivalence of the claims included in the appended claims and the claims.

Claims

1. Display device, include: a light source module including a plurality of light source blocks configured to provide light to the display panel; a plurality of light source drivers configured to drive the plurality of light source blocks; a timing controller configured to generate a dimming level signal of a corresponding light source block among the light source blocks and to generate a dimming selection signal configured to select a corresponding light source driver among the light source drivers corresponding to the dimming level signal; A signal converter configured to convert an n-bit dimming selection signal into an m-bit switch control signal, where "n" and "m" are natural numbers and n is less than m; as well as a plurality of switches connected between the timing controller and the plurality of light source drivers and configured to provide a plurality of dimming level signals to the corresponding light source drivers based on the switch control signal, Wherein, the signal converter comprises: a decoder configured to convert the n-bit dimming selection signal into an m-bit decoded signal; and The operator is configured to perform a logic operation on the m-bit decoded signal and generate the m-bit switch control signal.

2. The display device according to claim 1, in, The switch control signal generated based on the m-bit decoded signal is applied to a control terminal of each of the plurality of switches.

3. The display device according to claim 1, in, The operator includes a plurality of AND gates respectively connected to the plurality of switches, and Wherein, the kth AND gate among the multiple AND gates includes a first input terminal for receiving the kth bit signal of the m-bit decoded signal, a second input terminal for receiving and inverting the k-1th bit signal of the m-bit decoded signal, and an output terminal connected to the control terminal of the kth switch among the multiple switches, and "k" is a natural number.

4. The display device according to claim 3, in, A second input terminal of a first AND gate of the plurality of AND gates is configured to receive and invert a ground signal.

5. The display device according to claim 1, in, The timing controller is configured to transmit the plurality of dimming level signals to the plurality of light source drivers through a serial peripheral interface.

6. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: include: a first printed circuit board, on which the light source block is mounted; a second printed circuit board, on which the timing controller is mounted; as well as A third printed circuit board, on which the plurality of switches, the decoder and the operator are mounted.

7. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: include: a first printed circuit board, on which the light source block is mounted; as well as A second printed circuit board, on which the timing controller, the plurality of switches, the decoder and the operator are mounted.

8. A method for driving a display device, the display device comprising a light source module and a plurality of light source drivers, the light source module comprising a plurality of light source blocks configured to provide light to a display panel, the plurality of light source drivers configured to drive the plurality of light source blocks, the method include: outputting a dimming selection signal for selecting a light source driver corresponding to the dimming level signal among the light source drivers, and outputting the dimming level signal of a corresponding light source block among the light source blocks; Converting the n-bit dimming selection signal into an m-bit switch control signal, where "n" and "m" are natural numbers and n is less than m; applying the m-bit switch control signal to a plurality of switches connected to the plurality of light source drivers respectively; as well as applying a plurality of dimming level signals to corresponding light source drivers based on driving of the plurality of switches, The process of converting the n-bit dimming selection signal into the m-bit switch control signal includes: Convert the n-bit dimming selection signal into an m-bit decoding signal; and The m-bit switch control signal is generated by performing an AND operation on the m-bit decoded signal.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: include: Performing the AND operation on the k-th bit signal of the m-bit decoded signal and the inverted signal of the k-1-th bit signal of the m-bit decoded signal; generating a k-th signal of the m-bit switch control signal; and The k-th bit signal of the m-bit switch control signal is applied to the control terminal of the k-th switch, “k” is a natural number, and k is greater than 1 and less than or equal to m.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising generating a first bit signal of the m-bit switch control signal applied to a control terminal of the first switch by performing an AND operation on a first bit signal of the m-bit decoded signal and an inverted signal of a ground signal. 11 . The method of claim 8 , further comprising transmitting the dimming level signal to the corresponding one of the light source drivers via a serial peripheral interface.

12. Display devices, include: a light source module including a plurality of light source blocks configured to provide light to the display panel; a plurality of light source drivers configured to drive the plurality of light source blocks; a timing controller configured to transmit, as a serial signal, a dimming level signal of a corresponding one of the light source blocks and a dimming selection signal including digital data for selecting a corresponding one of the light source drivers to which the dimming level signal is applied; and a serial-to-parallel converter configured to convert the dimming level signal and the dimming selection signal transmitted in a serial signal into a parallel signal, and transmit the parallel signal in parallel to the plurality of light source drivers, The timing controller is configured to transmit the dimming level signal and the dimming selection signal to the serial-to-parallel converter as differential signals.

13. The display device according to claim 12, in, The serial-to-parallel converter is configured to convert the differential signal into a plurality of single signals and transmit the plurality of single signals to the plurality of light source drivers.

14. The display device according to claim 12, in, The timing controller is configured to transmit the signal to the serial-to-parallel converter through a high-speed differential signal interface, and The serial-to-parallel converter is configured to transmit signals to the plurality of light source drivers via a serial peripheral interface.

15. A method for driving a display device, the display device comprising a light source module and a plurality of light source drivers, the light source module comprising a plurality of light source blocks configured to provide light to a display panel, the plurality of light source drivers configured to drive the plurality of light source blocks, the method include: generating a dimming level signal of the light source block and a dimming selection signal including digital data for selecting a light source driver to which the dimming level signal is applied; transmitting the dimming level signal and the dimming selection signal as a serial signal; as well as transmitting the dimming level signal and the dimming selection signal transmitted in the serial signal to the plurality of light source drivers in parallel, The method further includes transmitting the dimming level signal and the dimming selection signal as differential signals through a differential signal interface.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: include: converting the differential signal into a plurality of single signals; as well as The plurality of individual signals are transmitted to the plurality of light source drivers via a serial peripheral interface.

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