Display assembly and its electrostatic protection circuit, display screen, electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses a display assembly and an electrostatic protection circuit, a display screen and an electronic device thereof. The circuit comprises a detection unit configured to output a fault signal when it is detected that a source driving chip in the display assembly is disturbed by static electricity; and a timing controller configured to reacquire programmable gamma information when the fault signal is received and send the programmable gamma information to each source driving chip. The electrostatic protection circuit of the application can quickly make the display assembly automatically restore normal display when the display assembly is disturbed by static electricity, so that the display of the display assembly is not affected by static electricity, the disturbance of static electricity can be effectively protected, and the use experience of users is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of display technology, and more particularly to an electrostatic discharge protection circuit for a display component, a display component, a display screen, and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, medium-sized display panels mostly adopt a driving method of "one timing controller + multiple source driver chips". When the display panel is subjected to electrostatic discharge, the register potential related to the gamma circuit inside the source driver chip is easily disturbed and becomes inaccurate, resulting in split screen or even local high brightness, which seriously affects the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in related technologies. Therefore, the first objective of this invention is to provide an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit for a display component that quickly and automatically restores the display component to normal operation when it is subjected to electrostatic discharge, thereby protecting the display from the effects of static electricity and effectively protecting against ESD interference, thus ensuring a superior user experience.

[0004] A second objective of this invention is to provide a display component.

[0005] The third objective of this invention is to provide a display screen.

[0006] The fourth objective of this invention is to provide an electronic device.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of the present invention provides an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit for a display component, comprising: a detection unit configured to output a fault signal when a source driver chip in the display component is detected to be disturbed by electrostatic charge; and a timing controller configured to reacquire programmable gamma information upon receiving the fault signal and send the programmable gamma information to each source driver chip.

[0008] The electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit of the display component according to an embodiment of the present invention outputs a fault signal when a source driver chip in the display component is detected to be disturbed by electrostatic charge via a detection unit. Upon receiving the fault signal, a timing controller reacquires programmable gamma information and sends the programmable gamma information to each source driver chip, thereby restoring the display component to normal display. Thus, this circuit quickly and automatically restores the display component to normal display when it is disturbed by electrostatic charge, thereby protecting the display from the influence of electrostatic discharge and effectively protecting against ESD disturbances, ensuring a superior user experience.

[0009] In addition, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit of the display component according to the above embodiments of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit includes a comparison submodule, which is configured to compare the gamma voltages output by any two source driver chips in the display component to determine whether there is a source driver chip in the display component that is disturbed by electrostatic charge.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the comparison submodule is further configured to compare the gamma voltages output by two adjacent source driver chips in the display component to determine whether there is a source driver chip in the display component that is disturbed by electrostatic charge.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the comparison submodule includes multiple comparators, the positive and negative input terminals of each comparator are connected to the output terminals of two adjacent sequential source driver chips, and the output terminals of the multiple comparators are connected together as the output terminal of the detection unit.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the comparison submodule includes multiple comparators and AND gates. The positive and negative input terminals of each comparator are connected to the output terminals of two adjacent sequential source driver chips. The output terminals of the multiple comparators are respectively connected to the multiple input terminals of the AND gates. The output terminal of the AND gates serves as the output terminal of the detection unit.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the comparison submodule is further configured to determine that there is a source driver chip in the display component that is disturbed by electrostatic charge when the voltage difference between the gamma voltages output by any two source driver chips is greater than or equal to a preset voltage threshold.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit described above further includes a memory, wherein a timing controller is connected to the memory and is configured to retrieve programmable gamma information from the memory when a fault signal is received.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each source driver chip has a built-in programmable gamma circuit, and the programmable gamma circuit generates a corresponding gamma voltage.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the timing controller is connected to each source driver chip and sends programmable gamma information to each source driver chip in a point-to-point manner.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, a second aspect of the present invention provides a display component including the electrostatic discharge protection circuit described in the above embodiment.

[0019] According to the present invention, the display component can effectively protect against electrostatic charge interference through the electrostatic protection circuit described above, thus ensuring the user's experience.

[0020] To achieve the above objectives, a third aspect of the present invention provides a display screen including the display components described above.

[0021] According to the display screen of the present invention, the display components described above can effectively protect against electrostatic discharge and ensure the user's experience.

[0022] To achieve the above objectives, a fourth aspect of the present invention provides an electronic device including the aforementioned display screen.

[0023] The electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention, through the aforementioned display screen, can effectively protect against electrostatic discharge and ensure the user's experience.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an electrostatic discharge protection circuit for a display component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an electrostatic discharge protection circuit for a display component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of an electrostatic discharge protection circuit for a display component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of an electrostatic discharge protection circuit for a display component according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of an electrostatic discharge protection circuit for a display component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a display component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0034] The electrostatic discharge protection circuit, display component, display screen, and electronic device of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit for a display component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 100 of the display component in this embodiment of the invention may include: a detection unit 110 and a timing controller 120.

[0037] The detection unit 110 is configured to output a fault signal when it detects a source driver chip in the display component that is affected by electrostatic charge. The timing controller 120 is configured to reacquire programmable gamma information upon receiving the fault signal and send the programmable gamma information to each source driver chip.

[0038] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the display component consists of multiple display areas, each connected to a source driver chip. Each source driver chip generates a voltage signal, which is sent to the detection unit 110. The detection unit 110 detects each voltage signal. The display component is connected to the timing controller 120 via the source driver chips. The timing controller 120, also known as a timing control circuit or logic board circuit, is a key component for displaying the current video image signal on the LCD screen. It converts the video data intended for display on a cathode ray tube monitor into pixel data for display on the LCD screen. The timing controller 120 is located between the display component and the front-end signal processing circuit. The video data processed by the front-end signal processing circuit is converted by the timing controller 120 before being applied to the display component to reproduce the image.

[0039] When electrostatic charge is released onto a display area of ​​the display component via air or contact, it enters the source driver chip corresponding to that area. Due to the influence of the electrostatic charge, the gamma voltage output by the source driver chip of that display area changes. At this time, the detection unit 110 detects the change in the gamma voltage signal, generates and outputs a fault signal to the timing controller 120. When the timing controller 120 receives the fault signal, it can retrieve the programmable gamma information from its internal storage and send the programmable gamma information to each source driver chip, so that the display of the display component automatically returns to normal. The recovery process is very short and almost imperceptible to the naked eye, ensuring the user's viewing experience.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the timing controller 120 is connected to each source driver chip and sends programmable gamma information to each source driver chip in a point-to-point manner.

[0041] In other words, after acquiring the programmable gamma information, the timing controller 120 can send the programmable gamma information to each source driver chip in a point-to-point manner.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the detection unit 110 includes a comparison submodule 111, which is configured to compare the gamma voltages output by any two source driver chips in the display component to determine whether there is a source driver chip in the display component that is disturbed by electrostatic charge.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the comparison submodule 111 is further configured to determine that there is a source driver chip in the display component that is disturbed by electrostatic charge when the voltage difference between the gamma voltages output by any two source driver chips is greater than or equal to a preset voltage threshold. The preset voltage threshold can be calibrated according to actual conditions; for example, the preset voltage threshold can be 5mV.

[0044] Specifically, when electrostatic charge is released onto a display area of ​​the display component via air or contact, it then enters the source driver chip corresponding to that display area. Due to the influence of the electrostatic charge, the gamma voltage output by the source driver chip corresponding to that display area changes. The comparison submodule 111 can compare the gamma voltages output by any two source driver chips in the display component, and calculate the difference between the gamma voltages output by any two source driver chips. When the difference between the gamma voltages output by any two source driver chips is greater than or equal to 5mV (a preset voltage threshold), the comparison submodule 111 can determine that there is a source driver chip in the display component that has been disturbed by electrostatic charge.

[0045] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the comparison submodule 111 is also configured to compare the gamma voltages output by two adjacent source driver chips in the display component to determine whether there is a source driver chip in the display component that is disturbed by electrostatic charge.

[0046] Specifically, when comparing the gamma voltage output by the source driver chips in the display component, the comparison submodule 111 can compare the gamma voltages output by two adjacent source driver chips to determine whether there is a source driver chip in the display component that is affected by electrostatic charge. When the gamma voltages output by two adjacent source driver chips are both normal, the comparison submodule 111 can sequentially compare the gamma voltages output by the next two adjacent source driver chips until the voltage difference between the gamma voltages output by two adjacent source driver chips is greater than or equal to a preset voltage threshold, thus confirming that there is a source driver chip in the display component that is affected by electrostatic charge. This shortens the detection time of the comparison submodule 111.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the comparison submodule 111 includes multiple comparators 1111. The positive and negative input terminals of each comparator 1111 are connected to the output terminals of two adjacent source driver chips in sequence. The output terminals of the multiple comparators 1111 are connected together as the output terminal of the detection unit 110.

[0048] Specifically, for ease of understanding, with Figure 3 The diagram shows a module with four source driver chips and a comparator submodule 111 with two comparators 1111. Figure 3 As shown, the outputs of two adjacent source driver chips are connected to the positive and negative inputs of a comparator 1111, and the outputs of the two comparators 1111 are connected together, serving as the output of the detection unit 110 and connected to the timing controller 120. If the voltage difference between the gamma outputs of two adjacent source driver chips is greater than or equal to 5mV (a preset voltage threshold), it is determined that there is a source driver chip in the display component that is disturbed by electrostatic charge, and the output of comparator 1111 outputs a low-level signal; otherwise, it outputs a high-level signal. Since the outputs of the two comparators 1111 are connected together, if either comparator 1111 is determined to be abnormal, i.e., outputs a low-level signal, the timing controller 120 receives a low-level signal (fault signal), and the timing controller 120 reacquires the programmable gamma information and sends the programmable gamma information to each source driver chip.

[0049] According to another embodiment of the invention, such as Figure 4As shown, the comparison submodule 111 includes multiple comparators 1111 and AND gates 1112. The positive and negative input terminals of each comparator 1111 are connected to the output terminals of two adjacent source driver chips in sequence. The output terminals of the multiple comparators 1111 are respectively connected to the multiple input terminals of the AND gate 1112. The output terminal of the AND gate 1112 serves as the output terminal of the detection unit 110.

[0050] Specifically, for ease of understanding, with Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a module with four source driver chips, a comparator submodule 111 with two comparators 1111 and an AND gate 1112. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 4 As shown, the outputs of two adjacent source driver chips are connected to the positive and negative inputs of a comparator 1111. The outputs of the two comparators 1111 are respectively connected to the two inputs of an AND gate 1112. The output of the AND gate 1112 serves as the output of the detection unit 110 and is connected to the timing controller 120. If the voltage difference between the gamma outputs of two adjacent source driver chips is greater than or equal to 5mV (a preset voltage threshold), it is determined that there is a source driver chip in the display component that is disturbed by electrostatic charge, and the output of comparator 1111 outputs a low-level signal; otherwise, it outputs a high-level signal. Since the outputs of the two comparators 1111 are respectively connected to the two inputs of the AND gate 1112, if either comparator 1111 is determined to be abnormal, it outputs a low-level signal, and the output of the AND gate 1112 outputs a low-level signal to the timing controller 120. The timing controller 120 receives a low-level signal (fault signal), reacquires the programmable gamma information, and sends the programmable gamma information to each source driver chip.

[0051] It should be noted that the above embodiments use four source driver chips and two comparators as examples for ease of understanding and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. The technical solutions with more source driver chips and comparators are based on the same principle as the above embodiments and will not be described in detail here.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 100 also includes a memory 130, wherein a timing controller 120 is connected to the memory 130, and the timing controller 120 is configured to retrieve programmable gamma information from the memory 130 when a fault signal is received.

[0053] Specifically, when it is determined that there is a source driver chip in the display component that is disturbed by electrostatic charge, the detection unit 110 outputs a fault signal to the timing controller 120. When the timing controller 120 receives the fault signal, it loads programmable gamma information from the memory 130 and sends the programmable gamma information to each source driver chip, so that the display of the display component returns to normal.

[0054] In another embodiment of the present invention, the timing controller 120 may also reacquire programmable gamma information from a programmable gamma information table stored within the timing controller 120.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each source driver chip has a built-in programmable gamma circuit, and the programmable gamma circuit generates a corresponding gamma voltage.

[0056] Specifically, when each source driver chip receives programmable gamma information sent by the timing controller 120, the programmable gamma circuit built into each source driver chip can generate a corresponding gamma voltage from the programmable gamma information.

[0057] In summary, the electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit of the display component according to embodiments of the present invention outputs a fault signal when a source driver chip in the display component is detected to be affected by electrostatic charge. Upon receiving the fault signal, the timing controller reacquires programmable gamma information and sends it to each source driver chip, thereby restoring the display component to normal operation. Thus, this circuit quickly and automatically restores the display component to normal operation when it is affected by ESD, effectively protecting the display from electrostatic discharge and ensuring a superior user experience.

[0058] Corresponding to the above embodiments, the present invention also proposes a display component.

[0059] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a display component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, the display component 200 of this embodiment includes the electrostatic discharge protection circuit 100 of the above embodiment.

[0061] According to the present invention, the display component can effectively protect against electrostatic charge interference through the electrostatic protection circuit described above, thus ensuring the user's experience.

[0062] Corresponding to the above embodiments, the present invention also proposes a display screen.

[0063] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] like Figure 7 As shown, the display screen 300 of this embodiment includes the display component 200 of the above embodiment.

[0065] According to the display screen of the present invention, the display components described above can effectively protect against electrostatic discharge and ensure the user's experience.

[0066] Corresponding to the above embodiments, the present invention also proposes an electronic device.

[0067] Figure 8 This is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] like Figure 8 As shown, the electronic device 400 of this embodiment includes the display screen 300 of the above embodiment.

[0069] The electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention, through the aforementioned display screen, can effectively protect against electrostatic discharge and ensure the user's experience.

[0070] It should be noted that the logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-included system, or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device). For the purposes of this specification, "computer-readable medium" can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires (electronic device), a portable computer disk drive (magnetic device), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable and editable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), fiber optic devices, and portable optical disc read-only memory (CDROM). Alternatively, the computer-readable medium may be paper or other suitable media on which the program can be printed, since the program can be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium, followed by editing, interpreting, or otherwise processing as necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0071] It should be understood that various parts of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented in software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0072] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0073] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0074] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0075] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrostatic discharge protection circuit for a display component, characterized in that, include: The detection unit is configured to output a fault signal when it detects the presence of a source driver chip in the display component that is affected by electrostatic charge. The timing controller is configured to reacquire programmable gamma information upon receiving the fault signal and send the programmable gamma information to each of the source driver chips; The detection unit includes a comparison submodule, which is configured to compare the gamma voltages output by any two source driver chips in the display component to determine whether there is a source driver chip in the display component that is disturbed by electrostatic charge. Each of the source driver chips has a built-in programmable gamma circuit, which generates a corresponding gamma voltage.

2. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The comparison submodule is also configured to compare the gamma voltages output by two adjacent source driver chips in the display component to determine whether there is a source driver chip in the display component that is disturbed by electrostatic charge.

3. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The comparison submodule includes multiple comparators. The positive and negative input terminals of each comparator are connected to the output terminals of two adjacent source driver chips in sequence. The output terminals of the multiple comparators are connected together to serve as the output terminal of the detection unit.

4. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The comparison submodule includes multiple comparators and AND gates. The positive and negative input terminals of each comparator are connected to the output terminals of two adjacent source driver chips in sequence. The output terminals of the multiple comparators are respectively connected to the multiple input terminals of the AND gates. The output terminal of the AND gates serves as the output terminal of the detection unit.

5. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The comparison submodule is further configured to determine that there is a source driver chip in the display component that is disturbed by electrostatic charge when the voltage difference between any two gamma voltages output by the source driver chips is greater than or equal to a preset voltage threshold.

6. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, It also includes a memory, wherein the timing controller is connected to the memory and is configured to retrieve programmable gamma information from the memory upon receiving the fault signal.

7. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The timing controller is connected to each of the source driver chips and sends the programmable gamma information to each of the source driver chips in a point-to-point manner.

8. A display component, characterized in that, Includes the electrostatic discharge protection circuit according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. A display screen, characterized in that, Includes the display component as described in claim 8.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, Includes the display screen according to claim 9.

Images