Display device

Abstract

A display device is disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of the display device according to this disclosure includes: a backlight unit comprising a plurality of blocks for driving each block, each block comprising a plurality of light source packages; a display panel disposed above the backlight unit; a controller that outputs local dimming data corresponding to the brightness of some of the plurality of blocks based on an image displayed on the display panel; and a backlight unit (BLU) driver that uses the local dimming data to generate additional local dimming data corresponding to the brightness of each of the remaining blocks adjacent to the plurality of blocks. Therefore, the same number of LEDs as in the prior art is used, but more precise control is possible, thereby improving display quality.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0189418, filed on December 28, 2021, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to display devices, and more specifically, to display devices that use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as backlights. Background Technology

[0004] Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) use an electric field to adjust the light transmittance to display images. Since LCDs are not self-emissive display devices, a backlight unit is provided to supply light to the rear surface of the liquid crystal display panel.

[0005] Based on the arrangement of the light sources, backlight units are mainly divided into direct-lit and edge-lit types. In the direct-lit type, light is emitted from multiple light source packages mounted on the rear surface of the LCD onto the liquid crystal panel. In the edge-lit type, light is emitted from multiple light source packages mounted on the sidewall of the light guide plate (LGP) to the liquid crystal display panel. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a display device that overcomes the limitations of selecting LED driver ICs.

[0007] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a display device that allows for more precise control using the same number of LEDs.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned purposes, and other purposes not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0009] To achieve one of the above objectives, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a display device includes: a backlight unit comprising a plurality of blocks for driving each block, each block comprising a plurality of light source packages; a display panel disposed above the backlight unit; a controller that outputs local dimming data corresponding to the brightness of each of some of the plurality of blocks based on an image displayed on the display panel; and a backlight unit (BLU) driver that uses the local dimming data to generate additional local dimming data corresponding to the brightness of each of the remaining blocks adjacent to some of the plurality of blocks.

[0010] Further details of exemplary embodiments are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0011] According to this disclosure, the number of light source packages in the block is reduced, and insufficient local dimming data in existing local dimming data is generated and supplemented to overcome the selection limitations of LED driver ICs.

[0012] According to this disclosure, the same number of LEDs as in the prior art can be used, but more precise control can be achieved, thereby improving display quality.

[0013] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those exemplified above, and this specification includes a variety of other effects. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of this disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A plan view of the backlight unit;

[0017] Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A block diagram showing the configuration of the display device;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the backlight driver;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a block diagram that shows the configuration of the backlight driver in more detail;

[0020] Figure 6A This is a view that schematically illustrates the block arrangement of a comparative example;

[0021] Figure 6B This is a view that schematically illustrates the block arrangement of an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] Figure 7A This is a view showing a portion of the arrangement of a light source package in a comparative example;

[0023] Figure 7B This is a view illustrating a portion of the arrangement of a light source package according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0024] Figure 8 It is shown schematically. Figure 5 A block diagram showing the configuration of the brightness controller. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as methods for achieving these advantages and features, will become clear from the exemplary embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but will be implemented in various forms. These exemplary embodiments are provided by way of example only so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the disclosure and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure will be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0026] The shapes, dimensions, scales, angles, numbers, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings to describe exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are merely examples, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals generally denote the same elements. Furthermore, in the following description of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of known related technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of this disclosure. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” and “consisting of” as used herein are generally intended to allow for the addition of additional components, unless these terms are used in conjunction with the term “only.” Unless otherwise expressly stated, any reference to the singular may include the plural.

[0027] Even without explicit explanation, components are interpreted as including the normal tolerance range.

[0028] When using terms such as “on top of,” “above,” “below,” and “adjacent” to describe the positional relationship between two parts, one or more parts may be located between the two parts, unless these terms are used in conjunction with the terms “immediately adjacent” or “directly.”

[0029] When one element or layer is placed "on" another element or layer, the other layer or element may be placed directly on or between the other element.

[0030] Although the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. Therefore, the first component referred to below may be the second component in the technical concept of this disclosure.

[0031] Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals generally denote the same elements.

[0032] The dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the accompanying drawings are for ease of description and this disclosure is not limited to the dimensions and thicknesses of the components shown.

[0033] Features of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be partially or wholly dependent on or combined with each other, and may be technically interlocked and operated in various ways, and the embodiments may be performed independently or in association with each other.

[0034] In the following, various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 The display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel 110 and a backlight unit 120 disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 110.

[0037] Furthermore, even if not shown, the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may also include a top housing and a bottom cover as a housing structure.

[0038] The top housing protects the display panel 110 from external influences. The top housing may be configured to cover the upper edge and side surfaces of the display panel 110. The top housing includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The horizontal portion of the top housing surrounds the upper edge of the display panel 110, and the vertical portion is configured to surround, but is not limited to, the side surfaces of the display panel 110 surrounded by the guide panel. The top housing may be formed of a high-strength plastic or metal material to protect the display panel 110, but is not limited to this.

[0039] Display panel 110 is a panel for displaying images. For example, display panel 110 may be a liquid crystal panel 110 that adjusts the light transmittance of liquid crystal to display images. Liquid crystal panel 110 may include a lower substrate, an upper substrate, and a liquid crystal layer filled between the lower substrate and the upper substrate.

[0040] In the lower substrate, multiple gate lines and data lines intersect to define pixels. Thin-film transistors are disposed at each intersection point of the pixel to connect to the pixel electrode formed in each pixel.

[0041] The common electrode, together with the pixel electrode, forms an electric field to control the liquid crystal. Depending on the liquid crystal alignment control method of the liquid crystal layer, the common electrode can be formed on either the lower or upper substrate. For example, when the liquid crystal is controlled in a twisted nematic (TN) mode or a vertical alignment (VA) mode, the common electrode is disposed on the upper substrate, and the pixel electrode and the common electrode form a vertical electric field to control the liquid crystal. When the liquid crystal is controlled in a rim field switching (FFS) mode or an in-plane switching (IPS) mode, the common electrode is disposed on the lower substrate, and the pixel electrode and the common electrode form a horizontal electric field to control the liquid crystal.

[0042] A color filter and a black matrix can be disposed on the upper substrate. Light emitted from the backlight unit 120 passes through the liquid crystal layer and color filter between the lower and upper substrates and can be converted into various colors of light. The black matrix can be hidden within gate lines, data lines, or thin-film transistors disposed on the lower substrate, thus making it difficult to detect.

[0043] A driver can be disposed along one side of the display panel 110 to drive the display panel 110. The driver may include various ICs such as gate driver ICs or data driver ICs, as well as driving circuitry. The driver applies signals to the gate lines and data lines to drive the display panel 110. The driver may be electrically connected to the display panel 110 by means of a connection member. For example, the connection member may be configured as a chip-on-film (COF) or a tape-on-package (TCP), but is not limited thereto.

[0044] A guide panel supports the display panel 110 below it. Specifically, the guide panel is formed with a rectangular frame to support the lower edge of the display panel 110. The guide panel may include a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. The vertical portion of the guide panel is configured to surround the side of the display panel to contact the vertical portion of the top housing, and the horizontal portion protrudes from the vertical portion to surround the lower edge of the display panel 110, but is not limited thereto.

[0045] The backlight unit 120 can supply light to the display panel 120. The backlight unit 120 may include multiple optical sheets, diffusers, multiple light source packages, and printed circuit boards. Figure 1 The backlight unit 120 is a direct-lit backlight unit, which allows multiple light source packages to be positioned below the display panel 110.

[0046] According to this disclosure, the direct-lit backlight unit 120 is configured such that multiple light source packages point towards the display panel 110, allowing for more light sources to be provided compared to an edge-lit backlight unit. Furthermore, in the direct-lit backlight unit 120, multiple light source packages 160 can be driven individually.

[0047] Therefore, the direct-lit backlight unit 120 can achieve excellent contrast through local dimming drive. Furthermore, the direct-lit backlight unit 120 can achieve high-brightness dynamic images by increasing the brightness of the light source package corresponding to the area displaying a bright image, through high dynamic range (HDR) drive, where high dynamic range (HDR) increases the contrast between bright and dark images.

[0048] Multiple optical sheets diffuse or converge light emitted from multiple light source packages so that light with a uniform planar shape can be incident on the display panel 110. The multiple optical sheets may include a diffuser and at least one concentrator.

[0049] A diffuser can be positioned between multiple optical plates and multiple light source packages. The diffuser diffuses the light emitted from the multiple light source packages so that the light can be incident on the multiple optical plates.

[0050] Multiple light source packages emit white light. The light emitted from the multiple light source packages passes through a diffuser and multiple optical sheets, and can be uniformly provided on the entire surface of the display panel 110. Specifically, the light source packages can be used as surface-emitting light source packages to uniformly provide light to the entire surface of the display panel 110. Reference will be made below. Figure 2 The light source packaging is described in detail.

[0051] Multiple light source packages can be mounted on a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is electrically connected to each of the multiple light source packages to apply voltage to the light source packages.

[0052] The bottom of the cover can accommodate the backlight unit 120. Furthermore, the bottom of the cover can dissipate heat generated within the light source package to the outside. A reflective sheet is attached to the bottom surface of the cover to reflect light from the light source package to the front.

[0053] Figure 2 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A plan view of the backlight unit.

[0054] Figure 2 The schematic diagram illustrates multiple light source packages 180 in... Figure 1 The arrangement of the backlight unit 120.

[0055] Reference Figure 2 The backlight unit 120 is constructed from multiple blocks 170, and each block 170 includes multiple light source packages 180. That is, one block 170 includes multiple light source packages 180, and in the backlight unit 120, the multiple blocks 170 can be arranged in an N × M matrix (N and M are natural numbers of 1 or greater) in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. For example, the X-axis and Y-axis can be the horizontal axis and the vertical axis, respectively. Figure 2 As shown.

[0056] Each block 170 is driven as a direct-lit backlight and operates as a light source, such that multiple blocks 170 are set up in a direct-lit backlight manner to configure the backlight unit 120.

[0057] Therefore, the thickness of the backlight unit 120 is reduced, and the number of optical films is reduced, so as to achieve a thinner backlight unit 120.

[0058] Specifically, according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, four (= 2 × 2) light source packages 180 are provided in each block 170, but this is not the only option, allowing for a smaller number of light source packages 180 to be provided. Therefore, compared to the prior art, the total number of blocks can be increased.

[0059] For example, multiple blocks 170 are configured such that 60 blocks are arranged in the X-axis direction and 39 blocks are arranged in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, a total of 2,340 blocks 170, more than the prior art (approximately 1,560 units), can be arranged in matrix form.

[0060] For each block 170, four light source packages 180 are arranged in a 2 × 2 matrix, and the four light source packages 180 can be connected in series. One side of the four series-connected light source packages 180 is connected to the anode, and the other side can be connected to the LED driver IC.

[0061] Furthermore, each block 170 can be manufactured as an independent component and arranged close to each other to configure the modular backlight unit 120 and supply light to the display panel as a backlight device.

[0062] The backlight unit 120 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure can be driven in a fully driven mode or a partially driven mode (such as local dimming or pulsed). The driving method of the light source package can be varied in various ways depending on the circuit design, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] In the partial driving mode, contrast is increased and the bright and dark areas of the screen are clearly represented, thus improving image quality. Specifically, the backlight unit 120 is divided into multiple blocks 170, and each block 170 is driven, such that the brightness of each block 170 is correlated with the brightness of the image signal, thereby reducing the brightness of dark areas and increasing the brightness of bright areas. By doing so, both contrast and resolution are improved.

[0064] Furthermore, when the backlight unit 120 is driven by a local dimming method, the display panel can have multiple partitioned areas corresponding to each block 170 of the backlight unit 120. Additionally, the brightness of the light emitted from each block 170 of the backlight unit 120 can be adjusted according to the brightness level (e.g., the peak value of the grayscale level or a color coordinate signal) of each partitioned area of ​​the display panel.

[0065] The backlight unit 120 according to the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure applies a partial driving method to reduce power consumption and save costs. Furthermore, by assembling multiple blocks 170 to manufacture the backlight unit 120 according to the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the manufacturing process of the backlight unit 120 is simplified, and losses during the assembly process are minimized, thereby improving productivity. In addition, defects caused by scratches on the LGP that may occur during the assembly process of the backlight unit 120 are reduced, and optical non-uniformity is improved, thereby improving process reliability and quality.

[0066] Furthermore, the block 170 of the backlight unit 120 according to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure is standardized for mass production to make it suitable for backlight units of various sizes.

[0067] Furthermore, when a defect occurs in any block 170 of the backlight unit 120 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, only the defective block 170 can be replaced without replacing the entire backlight unit 120, thus simplifying the replacement task and saving costs associated with component replacement.

[0068] Furthermore, the backlight unit 120 according to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure is robust and durable against external impacts or environmental changes.

[0069] Furthermore, the backlight unit 120 of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure is easily applied to large-size display panels and is beneficial for the thinning of display devices.

[0070] Block 170 is a basic unit to which driving power is supplied to enable the backlight unit 120 (more specifically, a plurality of light source packages 180 disposed in the backlight unit 120) to emit light. The plurality of light source packages 180 included in one block 170 can be simultaneously turned on or off, and when the light source packages are on, they can emit light with the same brightness. Furthermore, the plurality of light source packages 180 included in different blocks 170 of the backlight unit 120 are supplied with different driving powers to emit light with different brightnesses.

[0071] As described above, according to this disclosure, the number of light source packages 180 in block 170 is reduced, and the same number of light source packages 180 as in the prior art are used to perform fine control, thereby improving display quality.

[0072] In other words, for example, in the case of a 12.9-inch mini LED backlight unit, a total of six (= 2 × 3) light source packages can be placed in one block. In this case, 1560 blocks are provided, but the controller can handle up to 2048 local dimming data. At this point, the more light source packages in one block, i.e., the more LEDs, the higher the voltage applied to the anode (approximately 20V), thus limiting the selection of LED driver ICs suitable for this specification.

[0073] Therefore, according to this disclosure, in a 12.9-inch mini LED backlight unit, a total of four (= 2 × 2) light source packages 180 are arranged in one block 170 to reduce the voltage applied to the anode (approximately 14V). For example, 60 blocks 170 are arranged in the X-axis direction and 39 blocks 170 are arranged in the Y-axis direction, resulting in a total of 2340 blocks 170 arranged in a matrix, which is more than in the prior art.

[0074] Furthermore, the controller generates the same number of local dimming data as in the prior art, and the brightness controller generates and supplements insufficient dimming data based on adjacent dimming data. Therefore, according to this disclosure, the selection limitations of the LED driver IC can be overcome, and more blocks 170 can be used for finer control while using the same number of light source packages 180 as in the prior art, thereby improving display quality.

[0075] Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A block diagram showing the configuration of the display device.

[0076] exist Figure 3 In the configuration of the display device shown, references will be omitted. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A description of the same configuration as described.

[0077] Reference Figure 3 A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a controller 160, a backlight unit (hereinafter referred to as "BLU") driver 140, a panel driver 130, a backlight unit 120, and a display panel 110.

[0078] The display panel 110 can display images at a rate of 60, 120 or 240 frames per second, and the higher the frame rate, the shorter the frame scan cycle.

[0079] At this time, the panel driver 130 receives various control signals and image signals from the controller 160 to generate drive signals to drive the display panel 110, and supplies the generated drive signals to the display panel 110. For example, the panel driver 130 may be configured to include a gate driver connected to the gate line of the display panel 110, a data driver connected to the data line, and a timing controller that controls the gate driver and the data driver.

[0080] Meanwhile, the controller 160 can output a local dimming value to the BLU driver 140 according to the image signal to control the brightness of the backlight unit 120 (i.e., the light source package included in the backlight unit 120) in accordance with the image signal.

[0081] In addition, the controller 160 can provide the BLU driver 140 with information about the scan cycle of displaying a frame on the display panel 110, such as the vertical sync signal.

[0082] At this time, the BLU driver 140 drives the light source package included in the backlight unit 120 according to the input scan cycle, so as to control the light source package to emit light synchronously with the image displayed on the display panel 110.

[0083] Meanwhile, each light source package included in the backlight unit 120 may include multiple point light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and the multiple point light sources included in a block may be turned on or off simultaneously.

[0084] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, multiple light source packages disposed in the backlight unit 120 are divided into multiple blocks using a partitioning driving method such as local dimming. Additionally, the brightness of the light source package belonging to each block can be adjusted based on the brightness level (e.g., grayscale peak value or color coordinate signal) of the display panel 110 area corresponding to each partitioned block.

[0085] For example, when an image is displayed in a first area of ​​the display panel 110 and the image is not displayed in a second area that is to be displayed in black, the BLU driver 140 can control the light source package included in the backlight unit 120. Therefore, in the partitioned blocks, the light emitted by the light source package belonging to the block corresponding to the second area has a lower brightness than the light source package belonging to the block corresponding to the first area.

[0086] Meanwhile, the light source package of the block belonging to the backlight unit 120 corresponding to the second area of ​​the display screen of the display panel 110 can be turned off, so as to further reduce the power consumption of the display device, wherein no image is displayed in the second area and black is displayed instead.

[0087] The controller 160 generates local dimming values ​​corresponding to the brightness of each block of the backlight unit 120 based on the brightness level of the input image signal, such as the brightness level of the entire image or the brightness level of a specific area. In other words, the controller 160 generates local dimming values ​​for each block and outputs these values ​​to the BLU driver 140. The BLU driver 140 can use the input local dimming values ​​for each block to control the brightness of each block of the backlight unit 120.

[0088] As described above, according to this disclosure, reducing the number of light source packages disposed in a block increases the total number of blocks for the same number of light source packages, which may result in insufficient local dimming data required by the BLU driver 140. Therefore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, the brightness controller of the BLU driver 140 generates and supplements the insufficient local dimming data based on adjacent local dimming data.

[0089] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 4 to 8 A brightness control method for a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0090] Figure 4 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the backlight driver.

[0091] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the backlight driver in more detail.

[0092] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the configuration of the display device shown, references will be omitted. Figures 1 to 3 A description of the same configuration as described.

[0093] First, refer to Figure 4 The BLU driver 140 receives local dimming values ​​for each block from the controller, which represent the brightness of each partitioned block of the backlight unit, and the BLU driver 140 can use the received local dimming values ​​for each block to output multiple drive signals, such as a first drive signal to the m-th drive signal.

[0094] In other words, the controller divides the image area used to input RGB image signals into multiple regions and can provide the brightness controller of the BLU driver 140 with information about the brightness level of the image, i.e., the local dimming value, to determine the brightness of the light source belonging to the backlight unit block corresponding to each region.

[0095] The information about the image's brightness level provided from the controller to the brightness controller includes not only the average brightness level of the region corresponding to the block whose brightness needs to be determined (average block level, ABL), but also the average brightness level of other adjacent regions or the entire region of the image (average picture level, APL). However, it is not limited to this.

[0096] In other words, the controller divides an image frame into multiple regions and can provide the brightness controller not only with the average brightness level of the first divided region, but also with information about the average brightness level of other regions adjacent to the first region. Furthermore, when the brightness controller determines the brightness of a specific block of the backlight unit, it can provide corresponding information to utilize the average brightness level of the entire image.

[0097] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a lookup table is required to determine the brightness of a specific block of the backlight unit based on the average brightness level of the entire measured image or a portion of the area. The brightness controller reads from the lookup table and outputs the light source brightness corresponding to the average brightness level measured by the controller.

[0098] For example, when the average brightness level of the entire image is equal to or higher than a predetermined value "B", the entire image needs to be represented using a bright grayscale level, and the brightness of the corresponding block of the backlight unit can be determined. In this case, the image to be displayed on the display panel is completely bright, so darkening the image is not a problem, while maximizing the local dimming effect of the backlight unit. In other words, when the image as a whole needs to be represented using a bright grayscale level, the higher the average brightness level measured for each segment of the image, the higher the brightness of the corresponding block; the lower the average brightness level of the segment, the lower the brightness of the block.

[0099] Simultaneously, when the entire image needs to be represented in dark grayscale, that is, when the average brightness level of the entire image is lower than the value "A", local dimming can be performed only on the regions with an average brightness level lower than a predetermined brightness value. In other words, the proposed lookup table can be configured to perform local dimming by changing the brightness of the light source enclosure only for regions with an average brightness level lower than a predetermined brightness value. This is because when the image is completely dark, if the brightness of the light source is determined based on the local dimming map, the image brightness will be too dark, resulting in significant color gamut degradation.

[0100] Therefore, when the overall brightness level of the image is low, local dimming can be omitted from the segmented areas that have an average brightness level higher than or equal to the predetermined brightness.

[0101] When the average brightness level of the entire image is between values ​​"A" and "B", if the average brightness level of the measured segmented region is higher than a predetermined value, the brightness variation of the light source enclosure is set to small. Conversely, if the average brightness level of the segmented region is lower than the predetermined value, the brightness variation of the light source enclosure can be set to large. In other words, for segmented regions with bright gray levels, the local dimming value corresponding to the light source is set to low, while for segmented regions with lower gray levels, the local dimming value corresponding to the light source can be set to relatively high.

[0102] At the same time, each of the multiple drive signals output from the BLU driver 140 can control the brightness of two or more blocks in the partitioned blocks of the backlight unit.

[0103] In other words, the BLU driver 140 generates a first drive signal to control the brightness of n blocks (e.g., the first to the nth blocks) in the backlight unit block, so as to provide the first drive signal to the light source package belonging to the first to the nth blocks. For this purpose, the first drive signal can be generated using the local dimming value corresponding to the first to the nth blocks from the local dimming values ​​for each block input from the controller.

[0104] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the controller and BLU driver 140 can use Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) communication to send and receive signals.

[0105] In other words, the BLU driver 140 can use SPI communication to receive local dimming values ​​for each block from the controller.

[0106] In addition, refer to Figure 5 The BLU driver 140 can be configured to include a plurality of drive units 141 and 145, and each of the plurality of drive units 141 and 145 may include brightness controllers 142 and 146 and a plurality of driver ICs 143 and 147.

[0107] For example, brightness controllers 142 and 146 can be configured by a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), but are not limited to this.

[0108] An FPGA is a semiconductor device that includes designable logic elements and programmable internal circuitry. Designable logic elements can be programmed by replicating the functionality of AND, OR, XOR, NOT, more complex decoders, or basic logic gates. Most FPGAs include memory elements configured from simple flip-flops or more complete blocks of memory within programmable logic elements.

[0109] At this time, for example, the first driving unit 141 includes a first brightness controller 142 and a plurality of driver ICs 143. The first brightness controller 142 receives the local dimming value of each block serially from the controller and outputs the input local dimming value in parallel to send the local dimming value of the corresponding block to each of the plurality of driver ICs 143.

[0110] Meanwhile, each of the multiple driver ICs 143 controls the brightness of n blocks in the partitioned block of the backlight unit. For this purpose, n channels can be used to output drive signals to each of the n LED blocks 171, 172, 173 and 174 to control the brightness of the n blocks.

[0111] For example, the first driving unit 141 may include four driver ICs 143, and each of the four driver ICs 143 outputs driving signals using 16 channels to control the brightness of the light source package belonging to 16 blocks. Therefore, the first driving unit 141 can control the brightness of 64 (= 4 × 16) sub-blocks of the backlight unit, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0112] Furthermore, for example, the second drive unit 145 includes a second brightness controller 146 and a plurality of driver ICs 147. The second brightness controller 146 receives local dimming values ​​for each block serially from the controller and outputs local dimming values ​​in parallel to send the local dimming values ​​of the corresponding blocks to each of the plurality of driver ICs 147.

[0113] Meanwhile, each of the multiple driver ICs 147 can control the brightness of n blocks in the partitioned blocks of the backlight unit. To this end, n channels can be used to output drive signals for controlling the brightness of the n blocks to each of the n LED blocks 175, 176, 177 and 178.

[0114] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The configuration of the BLU driver 140 shown is merely an exemplary embodiment according to this disclosure, and therefore the display device according to this disclosure is not limited to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The configuration shown is as described above. That is, the BLU driver 140 can be configured to include three or more drive units, and the number of backlight unit blocks that control the brightness of each drive unit can vary.

[0115] Meanwhile, as described above, according to this disclosure, by means of the brightness controllers 142 and 146 of the BLU driver 140, insufficient local dimming data is generated and supplemented based on adjacent local dimming data.

[0116] Figure 6AThis is a view that schematically illustrates the block arrangement of a comparative example.

[0117] Figure 6B This is a view that schematically illustrates the block arrangement of an exemplary embodiment.

[0118] Figure 7A This is a view showing a portion of the arrangement of a light source package in a comparative example.

[0119] Figure 7B This is a view showing a portion of the arrangement of a light source package according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0120] Figure 8 It is shown schematically. Figure 5 A block diagram showing the configuration of the brightness controller.

[0121] In the following text, for ease of description, a 12.9-inch mini LED model will be used as an example for comparison.

[0122] Reference Figure 6A and Figure 7A In the backlight unit of the comparative example, multiple blocks 70 are arranged in a matrix of 60 × 26 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0123] In other words, the backlight unit of the comparative example is constructed from a total of 1560 blocks 70.

[0124] In each block 70, six (= 2 × 3) light source packages 80 are set.

[0125] In the display panel opposite the backlight unit in the comparative example, 2580 × 1920 pixels are arranged in a matrix. That is, the panel resolution of the comparative example is 2580 × 1920.

[0126] Therefore, in the case of the comparison example, 3552 (= 48 × 74) subpixels can be set accordingly in a block 70.

[0127] In comparison, refer to Figure 6B and Figure 7B In the backlight unit of the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of blocks 170 are arranged in a matrix of 60 × 39 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0128] In other words, the backlight unit of the exemplary embodiment is constructed from a total of 2340 blocks 170.

[0129] In each block 170, four (= 2 × 2) light source packages 180 are set.

[0130] In the display panel opposite the backlight unit in the exemplary embodiment, 2580 × 1920 sub-pixels are arranged in a matrix. That is, the panel resolution of the exemplary embodiment is 2580 × 1920, which is the same as in the comparative example.

[0131] Therefore, in the exemplary embodiment, 2352 (= 48 × 49) subpixels can be set in a block 170. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, a smaller number of subpixels are set in a block 170 compared to the comparative example, allowing for finer control to improve display quality.

[0132] Furthermore, according to the exemplary embodiment, the number of blocks 170 is greater than the number in the comparative example, which makes it possible to improve the halo problem as a blurring phenomenon.

[0133] As described in the comparative example, the more light source packages 80 in a block 70, the higher the voltage applied to the anode (approximately 20 V), which may limit the selection of LED driver ICs suitable for that specification. In contrast, as described in the exemplary embodiment, the limitation on the selection of LED driver ICs can be overcome when a total of four (= 2 × 2) light source packages 180 are arranged in a block 170 to reduce the voltage applied to the anode (approximately 14 V).

[0134] Simultaneously, the controller generates local dimming data, and the brightness controller performs data mapping and Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) conversion to send signals to the LED driver IC.

[0135] In the comparative example, the controller generates 1560 local dimming data points, which are then sent to a microcontroller unit (hereinafter referred to as the MCU). The MCU performs mapping and SPI conversion on the received 1560 local dimming data points to send signals to the LED driver IC. Based on the local dimming data, the LED driver IC is controlled to be on / off in blocks.

[0136] At this point, some controllers can process up to 2048 blocks of data (64 horizontally and 23 vertically). Therefore, in the comparative example, the data can be processed, but in the exemplary implementation, some controllers cannot.

[0137] Therefore, according to an exemplary implementation, for example, the controller generates 1560 local dimming data points to send the generated local dimming data to the FPGA. The FPGA further generates new local dimming data for the total of 1560 local dimming data points to perform mapping and SPI conversion of a total of 2340 local dimming data points, thereby sending the data to the LED driver IC. Based on the local dimming data, the LED driver IC controls the on / off state on a block-by-block basis.

[0138] Next, refer to Figure 8 For example, a first brightness controller 142 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a local dimming data storage unit 142-1, a local dimming data generation unit 142-2, a local dimming data alignment unit 142-3, and a local dimming data mapping unit 142-4.

[0139] The local dimming data storage unit 142-1 can store local dimming data (LD data) for each block, which is sequentially input from the controller.

[0140] For example, a local dimming data storage unit 142-1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure stores 1,560 local dimming data input from a controller.

[0141] The local dimming data storage unit 142-1 can be of the line memory type, but is not limited to this.

[0142] At this point, only 1560 local dimming data points are input from the controller, which is insufficient to match the 780 local dimming data points corresponding to the number of added blocks.

[0143] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, 780 local dimming data points can be generated by the local dimming data generation unit 142-2 using 1560 adjacent (nearby) local dimming data points.

[0144] Refer to together Figure 7B For example, in a plurality of blocks 170 arranged in a 4 × 3 configuration, local dimming data can be provided to the first row block 170 and the third row block 170. In this case, for ease of description, the horizontal direction is defined as a row and the vertical direction is defined as a column, but it is not limited thereto.

[0145] For example, when the local dimming data values ​​of the first row block 170 are D1, D2, D3 and D4 in sequence, and the local dimming data values ​​of the third row block 170 are D5, D6, D7 and D8, the local dimming data values ​​of the second row block 170 are N15, N26, N37 and N48 in sequence.

[0146] The local dimming data values ​​N15, N26, N37, and N48 of the second row block 170 can be generated using the local dimming data values ​​of adjacent blocks.

[0147] In other words, for example, the local dimming data values ​​D1, D2, D3 and D4 of the first row of block 170 and the local dimming data values ​​D5, D6, D7 and D8 of the third row of block 170 can be used to generate new local dimming data values ​​N15, N26, N37 and N48 of the second row of block 170.

[0148] For example, the mean, minimum fill, maximum fill, or sigmoid function of the local dimming data values ​​D1, D2, D3, D4 of the adjacent first row block 170 and the local dimming data values ​​D5, D6, D7, and D8 of the third row block 170 can be used to generate new local dimming data values ​​N15, N26, N37, and N48 of the second row block 170.

[0149] When using the mean, the local dimming data values ​​N15, N26, N37 and N48 of the second row block 170 can be generated according to N15 = (D1+D5) / 2, N26 = (D2+D6) / 2, N37 = (D3+D7) / 2 and N48 = (D4+D8) / 2 respectively.

[0150] When using the minimum fill method, the local dimming data values ​​N15, N26, N37 and N48 of the second row block 170 can be generated according to N15 = min(D1, D5), N26 = min(D2, D6), N37 = min(D3, D7) and N48 = min(D4, D8) respectively.

[0151] When using the maximum fill method, the local dimming data values ​​N15, N26, N37 and N48 of the second row block 170 can be generated according to N15 = max(D1, D5), N26 = max(D2, D6), N37 = max(D3, D7), and N48 = max(D4, D8), respectively.

[0152] When using the sigmoid function, local dimming data values ​​N15, N26, N38, and N48 are generated based on N15 = sigmoid(min(D1, D5), max(D1, D5), sigma), N26 = sigmoid(min(D2, D6), max(D2, D6), sigma), N37 = sigmoid(min(D3, D7), max(D3, D7), sigma), and N48 = sigmoid(min(D4, D8), max(D4, D8), sigma), respectively.

[0153] Reference Figure 8 The newly generated 780 local dimming data are aligned by the local dimming data alignment unit 142-3 and stored together with the existing 1560 local dimming data in the local dimming data storage unit 142-1.

[0154] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the 780 local dimming data points aligned by the local dimming data alignment unit 142-3 can be stored together with the existing 1560 local dimming data points in the new local dimming data storage unit.

[0155] The total of 2340 local dimming data stored in the local dimming data storage unit 142-1 are mapped and SPI converted by the local dimming data mapping unit 142-4 to be sent to the LED driver IC of each block.

[0156] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be described as follows:

[0157] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a display device is provided. The display device includes: a backlight unit comprising a plurality of blocks for driving each block, each block comprising a plurality of light source packages; a display panel disposed above the backlight unit; a controller that outputs local dimming data corresponding to the brightness of each of some of the plurality of blocks based on an image displayed on the display panel; and a backlight unit (BLU) driver that uses the local dimming data to generate additional local dimming data corresponding to the brightness of each of the remaining blocks adjacent to some of the plurality of blocks.

[0158] A BLU driver may include multiple driver units, and each driver unit may include a brightness controller that receives local dimming data from a controller, and multiple driver ICs that output local dimming data and additional local dimming data.

[0159] The brightness controller can output serially input local dimming data and additional local dimming data in parallel, so as to send the corresponding local dimming data and additional local dimming data to each of the multiple driver ICs.

[0160] The brightness controller can be configured by a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0161] Each block can include four light source packages.

[0162] The brightness controller includes: a local dimming data storage unit, a local dimming data generation unit, a local dimming data alignment unit, and a local dimming data mapping unit.

[0163] The local dimming data storage unit can store local dimming data that is sequentially input from the controller.

[0164] The local dimming data generation unit can use local dimming data to generate additional local dimming data.

[0165] The local dimming data alignment unit can align local dimming data and additional local dimming data.

[0166] The local dimming data storage unit can store local dimming data aligned by the local dimming data alignment unit and additional local dimming data.

[0167] The local dimming data mapping unit can map the local dimming data and additional local dimming data stored in the local dimming data storage unit and perform serial peripheral interface (SPI) conversion to send the data to the LED driver IC of each block.

[0168] Multiple blocks can be set up as an N × M matrix (N and M are natural numbers 1 or greater). Local dimming data can refer to the local dimming data in the odd row corresponding to the brightness of each block in the odd row, and additional local dimming data can refer to the local dimming data in the even row corresponding to the brightness of each block in the even row adjacent to the odd row.

[0169] The local dimming data generation unit can use local dimming data in adjacent odd-numbered rows to generate local dimming data in even-numbered rows.

[0170] The local dimming data generation unit can use the average of the local dimming data in adjacent odd-numbered rows to generate local dimming data in even-numbered rows.

[0171] The local dimming data generation unit can use the minimum value of the local dimming data in adjacent odd-numbered rows to generate local dimming data in even-numbered rows.

[0172] The local dimming data generation unit can use the maximum value of the local dimming data in adjacent odd-numbered rows to generate local dimming data in even-numbered rows.

[0173] The local dimming data alignment unit can align with local dimming data in odd-numbered rows and local dimming data in even-numbered rows.

[0174] The local dimming data storage unit can store local dimming data in odd-numbered rows and local dimming data in even-numbered rows aligned by the local dimming data alignment unit.

[0175] The local dimming data mapping unit can map and convert local dimming data in odd-numbered rows and even-numbered rows stored in the local dimming data storage unit to the serial peripheral interface (SPI) to send the data to the LED driver IC of each block.

[0176] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be implemented in many different forms without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are exemplary in all respects and do not limit the present disclosure. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope thereof should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: The backlight unit comprises multiple blocks for driving each block, and each block comprises four or fewer light source packages; A display panel is disposed above the backlight unit; The controller outputs local dimming data corresponding to the brightness of each of some of the plurality of blocks, based on the image displayed on the display panel. as well as A backlight unit (BLU) driver uses the local dimming data to generate additional local dimming data corresponding to the brightness of each of the remaining blocks adjacent to some of the blocks. The plurality of blocks are configured in a matrix form. The local dimming data refers to the local dimming data in the odd-numbered rows that corresponds to the brightness of each block in the odd-numbered rows. The additional local dimming data refers to the local dimming data in the even-numbered rows that corresponds to the brightness of each block in the even-numbered rows adjacent to the odd-numbered rows. The local dimming data in the even-numbered rows is generated using the local dimming data in the adjacent odd-numbered rows. The BLU driver includes multiple driving units, each including a brightness controller that receives the local dimming data from the controller, and multiple driver integrated circuits (ICs) that output the local dimming data and the additional local dimming data. In each block, the light source packages are connected in series, with one side of the series-connected light source packages connected to the anode and the other side connected to each driver IC.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The brightness controller outputs the serially input local dimming data and the additional local dimming data in parallel to send the corresponding local dimming data and the additional local dimming data to each of the plurality of driver ICs.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The brightness controller is configured by a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The brightness controller includes: Local dimming data storage unit; Local dimming data generation unit; Local dimming data alignment unit; and Local dimming data mapping unit.

5. The display device of claim 4, wherein, The local dimming data storage unit stores the local dimming data that is sequentially input from the controller.

6. The display device according to claim 4, wherein The local dimming data generation unit uses the local dimming data to generate the additional local dimming data.

7. The display device according to claim 4, wherein The local dimming data alignment unit aligns the local dimming data and the additional local dimming data.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The local dimming data storage unit stores local dimming data aligned by the local dimming data alignment unit and additional local dimming data.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, The local dimming data mapping unit maps the local dimming data and additional local dimming data stored in the local dimming data storage unit and performs serial peripheral interface (SPI) conversion to send the data to the LED driver IC of each block.

10. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The local dimming data generation unit uses the average of the local dimming data in adjacent odd-numbered rows to generate the local dimming data in the even-numbered rows.

11. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The local dimming data generation unit uses the minimum value of the local dimming data in adjacent odd-numbered rows to generate the local dimming data in the even-numbered rows.

12. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The local dimming data generation unit uses the maximum value of the local dimming data in adjacent odd-numbered rows to generate the local dimming data in the even-numbered rows.

13. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The local dimming data alignment unit aligns with the local dimming data in odd-numbered rows and the local dimming data in even-numbered rows.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein, The local dimming data storage unit stores local dimming data in the odd-numbered rows and local dimming data in the even-numbered rows, which are aligned by the local dimming data alignment unit.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, The local dimming data mapping unit maps and performs SPI conversion on the local dimming data in the odd-numbered rows and the local dimming data in the even-numbered rows stored in the local dimming data storage unit, so as to send the data to the LED driver IC of each block.

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