Display device and alarm system

Abstract

To provide a display device capable of sensing the damage of a substrate.SOLUTION: A display device includes a substrate 10 sectioned into a plurality of divisional regions 21 each having a rectangular shape, a display region 16 provided in each of the divisional regions 21 and having a plurality of pixels, a gate driver 17 connected to the display region 16 and provided adjacent to the display region 16 in a first direction, a source driver 18 connected to the display region 16 and provided adjacent to the display region in a second direction, an FPC 20 connected to the substrate 10, a sensing wire 30 provided along an outer periphery of the substrate 10 and having one end connected to a power source terminal, and a sensing circuit 31 provided in the FPC 20, connected to the other end of the sensing wire 30, and outputting a sensing signal representing the disconnection of the sensing wire 30 on the basis of the potential of the sensing wire 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device and a notification system. [Background technology]

[0002] A liquid crystal display device has a structure in which a liquid crystal material is injected between a glass substrate (TFT substrate) on which transistors made of TFTs are formed and a glass substrate on which color filters are formed. The TFT substrate is provided with multiple wirings connected to the transistors.

[0003] If the TFT substrate is damaged or cracked, the wiring provided on the TFT substrate may be broken, which may cause the liquid crystal display device to lose its display function.

[0004] Furthermore, if damage to the TFT substrate progresses over time, it can suddenly cause abnormalities in the market, such as display failures. Large panels in particular display a variety of information, so if an LCD display device suddenly loses its display function, it could lead to an accident depending on the application. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-15287 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention provides a display device and a notification system that can detect damage to a substrate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device comprising: a substrate divided into a plurality of rectangular divided regions; a display region provided in each of the plurality of divided regions and having a plurality of pixels; a gate driver connected to the display region and provided adjacent to the display region in a first direction; a source driver connected to the display region and provided adjacent to the display region in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) connected to the substrate; a first detection wiring provided along the outer periphery of the substrate and having one end connected to a power supply terminal; and a first detection circuit provided on the FPC and connected to the other end of the first detection wiring, which outputs a first detection signal indicating that the first detection wiring has been broken based on the potential of the first detection wiring.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the display device according to the first aspect, wherein the first detection wiring is arranged along two perpendicular sides of the divided region.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the display device according to the first aspect, wherein the first detection wiring is arranged to pass between the gate driver and an edge of the substrate, and between the source driver and an edge of the substrate.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the display device according to the first aspect, wherein the first detection wiring is provided so as to surround an outer periphery of the substrate.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the display device according to the first aspect, wherein the plurality of divided areas include four divided areas arranged in a matrix.

[0012] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device according to the first aspect, wherein the first detection circuit includes a transistor, a pull-down resistor, and a pull-up resistor, the gate of the transistor is connected to the first detection wiring, one end of the transistor is connected to a ground terminal, and the other end of the transistor is connected to a first terminal that outputs the first detection signal, the pull-down resistor is connected between the gate of the transistor and the one end of the transistor, and the pull-up resistor is connected between the power supply terminal and the other end of the transistor.

[0013] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device according to the first aspect, further comprising: a second detection wiring arranged inside the first detection wiring along the outer periphery of the substrate, one end of which is connected to the power supply terminal; and a second detection circuit arranged on the FPC, connected to the other end of the second detection wiring, and outputting a second detection signal indicating that the second detection wiring has been broken based on the potential of the second detection wiring.

[0014] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the display device according to the first aspect, wherein each of the plurality of pixels includes a liquid crystal layer.

[0015] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an alarm system comprising: a display device according to the first aspect; and a control circuit connected to the FPC, receiving the first detection signal from the first detection circuit, and outputting a first alarm signal based on the first detection signal.

[0016] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an alarm system comprising: a display device according to the seventh aspect; and a control circuit connected to the FPC, receiving the first and second detection signals from the first and second detection circuits, and outputting first and second alarm signals based on the first and second detection signals.

[0017] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an alarm system according to the ninth or tenth aspect, further comprising a sub-display device arranged to overlap the main display device consisting of the display device and which can be set to a transparent state and a scattering state.

[0018] According to a 12th aspect of the present invention, there is provided an alarm system according to the 11th aspect, wherein, when the first detection signal is output, the control circuit displays an image in an area of ​​the sub-display device that overlaps with the display area corresponding to the first alarm signal, and sets the other areas to a transparent state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display device and a notification system that can detect damage to a substrate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a notification system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a general configuration of a liquid crystal display device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of a liquid crystal display device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a liquid crystal display device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of one divided region of the liquid crystal display device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a part of the detection wiring. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the detection wiring taken along line AA′ in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the detection wiring taken along line BB′ in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the notification system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the state of the disconnection detection signal. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a liquid crystal display device according to a comparative example. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view illustrating one divided region of a liquid crystal display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a notification system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of one divided region of a liquid crystal display device. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the notification system. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the states of the first to third disconnection detection signals. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view of a liquid crystal display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a notification system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of the main display device and the sub-display device. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the notification system. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display operation of the main display device and the sub-display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the dimensions and proportions of each drawing are not necessarily the same as those of the actual drawing. Furthermore, even when the same parts are shown in different drawings, the dimensional relationships and proportions may be different. In particular, the following embodiments are illustrative of devices and methods for embodying the technical concept of the present invention, and the shape, structure, arrangement, etc. of the components do not specify the technical concept of the present invention. In the following description, elements having the same function and configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0022] In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device will be described as an example of the display device.

[0023] [1] First embodiment [1-1] Configuration of Notification System 1 1 is a block diagram of an alarm system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The alarm system 1 includes a liquid crystal display device 2 and a control circuit 3. The liquid crystal display device 2 and the control circuit 3 are electrically connected using wiring. The liquid crystal display device 2 displays an image on its screen.

[0024] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the general configuration of the liquid crystal display device 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display device 2.

[0025] The liquid crystal display device 2 includes a TFT substrate 10 and a CF substrate 11 arranged opposite each other. The TFT substrate 10 and the CF substrate 11 are each made of a transparent insulating substrate, such as a glass substrate. A liquid crystal layer 12 is provided between the TFT substrate 10 and the CF substrate 11. The liquid crystal layer 12 is sealed between the TFT substrate 10 and the CF substrate 11 by a sealant 13.

[0026] The liquid crystal display device 2 includes a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix. A plurality of switching elements 14 are provided for each pixel PX on a TFT substrate 10. The switching elements 14 are formed, for example, by TFTs (Thin Film Transistors). The switching elements 14 are connected to pixel electrodes provided for each pixel PX. In FIG. 3, the switching elements 14 and pixel electrodes provided on the TFT substrate 10 are not shown.

[0027] A color filter 15 is provided on the CF substrate 11. The color filter 15 includes a plurality of red filters 15R, a plurality of green filters 15G, and a plurality of blue filters 15B. A common electrode and the like provided on the CF substrate 11 are not shown in FIG.

[0028] 4 is a diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the liquid crystal display device 2. The liquid crystal display device 2 includes a display area 16, a gate driver 17, a source driver 18, and an FPC 20.

[0029] A pixel array is arranged in the display region 16. A plurality of scanning lines GL each extending in the X direction and a plurality of signal lines SL each extending in the Y direction (a direction perpendicular to the X direction) are arranged in the display region 16. A plurality of pixels PX are arranged in each of a plurality of intersection regions between the plurality of scanning lines GL and the plurality of signal lines SL. The scanning lines GL are connected to the gates of the TFTs 14, and the signal lines SL are connected to one end of the TFTs 14.

[0030] The gate drivers 17 are arranged adjacent to the display area 16 in the X direction. The gate drivers 17 are connected to a plurality of scanning lines GL. The gate drivers 17 sequentially supply scanning signals to the plurality of scanning lines GL to scan the display area 16 in the Y direction.

[0031] The source drivers 18 are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y direction of the display area 16. The source drivers 18 are connected to a plurality of signal lines SL. The source drivers 18 supply grayscale signals based on video signals to each of the plurality of signal lines SL.

[0032] On the TFT substrate 10, a plurality of wirings 19 connected to a gate driver 17 and a source driver 18 are provided.

[0033] The FPC 20 is a type of printed circuit board and is called a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The FPC 20 is also called a flexible printed circuit board. The FPC 20 is composed of a base film, a metal wiring layer, and a cover film laminated in this order. The base film and the cover film are each made of a thin, soft insulating material. The wiring layer has multiple wires. The wiring layer may also have an electric circuit. The FPC 20 may have multiple levels of wiring layers with insulating layers interposed between them.

[0034] The FPC 20 is connected to a source driver 18 and the like mounted on the TFT substrate 10 via a terminal portion (not shown) provided on the TFT substrate 10. The liquid crystal display device 2 can be connected to an external device using the FPC 20. In this embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 2 is connected to a control circuit 3 using the FPC 20.

[0035] The control circuit 3 controls the operation of the liquid crystal display device 2. The control circuit 3 supplies a video signal (also called an image signal) and power to the liquid crystal display device 2. The control circuit 3 receives a disconnection detection signal DET from the liquid crystal display device 2. Based on the disconnection detection signal DET, the control circuit 3 outputs an alarm signal ALM to an external device. The alarm signal ALM may be output by lighting up a light-emitting element such as an LED and / or emitting an alarm sound.

[0036] [1-2] Specific configuration of the liquid crystal display device 2 Next, a specific configuration of the liquid crystal display device 2 will be described.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a liquid crystal display device 2. The TFT substrate 10 has a rectangular shape. The liquid crystal display device 2 includes a plurality of divided regions 21. Each of the plurality of divided regions 21 has a rectangular shape. In this embodiment, four divided regions 21-1 to 21-4 are used as an example. The liquid crystal display device 2 is divided into four divided regions 21-1 to 21-4, each of which includes display regions 16-1 to 16-4. The divided regions 21-1 to 21-4 are arranged in a matrix. The number of divided regions 21 is not limited to four, and may be two, or three or more. This embodiment is intended for a liquid crystal display device with a large screen size, and the screen is driven by being divided into a plurality of display regions.

[0038] Display regions 16-1 to 16-4, gate drivers 17-1 to 17-4, source drivers 18-1 to 18-4, and FPCs 20-1 to 20-4 are arranged in divided regions 21-1 to 21-4, respectively. The combined area of ​​the four display regions 16-1 to 16-4 makes up the entire display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 2. A pixel array is arranged in each of the display regions 16-1 to 16-4. Figure 5 shows an example of a configuration in which the source driver 18 provided for each display region 16 is divided into two.

[0039] Next, the configuration of one of the divided regions 21 of the liquid crystal display device 2 will be described in detail. In this specification, explanations common to reference symbols with subscripts will be given using reference symbols without the subscripts. Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of one divided region 21 of the liquid crystal display device 2.

[0040] To be precise, Fig. 6 corresponds to the configuration of divided region 21-3 in Fig. 5. The configuration of divided region 21-1 corresponds to the configuration in Fig. 6 arranged in line symmetry with respect to a line extending in the X direction. The configuration of divided region 21-2 corresponds to the configuration in Fig. 6 arranged in rotational symmetry. The configuration of divided region 21-4 corresponds to the configuration in Fig. 6 arranged in line symmetry with respect to a line extending in the Y direction.

[0041] The detection wiring 30 is provided on the TFT substrate 10. The detection wiring 30 is made of a conductive material, for example, metal. The detection wiring 30 is made of thin wiring, and is made of the same material and has the same width as the display wiring provided on the TFT substrate 10, for example.

[0042] The detection wiring 30 is arranged along the outer periphery of the TFT substrate 10 in the divided region 21. In the example of FIG. 6 , the outer periphery of the TFT substrate 10 is the left side and the lower side of the divided region 21. The detection wiring 30 is configured in an L-shape along two orthogonal sides of the divided region 21. The detection wiring 30 is arranged to pass between the end of the TFT substrate 10 and the gate driver 17, and between the end of the TFT substrate 10 and the source driver 18. The detection wiring 30 is routed so as to be folded back at the end in the Y direction on the gate driver 17 side and the end in the X direction on the source driver 18 side. The lengths of the detection wiring 30 in the X direction and the Y direction can be designed as appropriate. Desirably, the detection wiring 30 is routed so as to extend to the boundary of the divided region 21.

[0043] When the detection wirings 30 provided in the divided regions 21-1 to 21-4 are all collected together, the four detection wirings 30 are arranged to surround the entire outer periphery of the TFT substrate 10. When there are two divided regions 21, the detection wirings 30 are arranged along three sides of the divided region 21.

[0044] The FPC 20 is provided with a detection circuit 31. The detection circuit 31 is connected to the detection wiring 30. The detection circuit 31 is configured to output a detection signal DET indicating that the detection wiring 30 is broken, based on the potential of the detection wiring 30. The detection circuit 31 includes a transistor 32, a pull-down resistor 33, and a pull-up resistor 34. The transistor 32 is configured, for example, by an N-channel MOSFET.

[0045] One end of the detection wiring 30 is connected to a power supply terminal VCC. The power supply terminal VCC is also connected to the source driver 18 and the gate driver 17. A power supply voltage VCC is supplied to the power supply terminal VCC. The power supply voltage VCC is, for example, 3.3V.

[0046] The gate of the transistor 32 is connected to the other end of the detection wiring 30. The source of the transistor 32 is connected to a ground terminal GND. 0 V is applied to the ground terminal GND. The drain of the transistor 32 is connected to an open circuit detection terminal DET. An open circuit detection signal DET is output from the open circuit detection terminal DET.

[0047] One end of the pull-down resistor 33 is connected to the gate of the transistor 32, and the other end of the pull-down resistor 33 is connected to the source of the transistor 32. One end of the pull-up resistor 34 is connected to the power supply terminal VCC, and the other end of the pull-up resistor 34 is connected to the drain of the transistor 32.

[0048] Fig. 7 is a plan view of a portion of the detection wiring 30. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the detection wiring 30 taken along line AA' in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the detection wiring 30 taken along line BB' in Fig. 7. Although Fig. 7 shows the FPC 20 and the TFT substrate 10 separated from each other, the FPC 20 is connected and bonded to the TFT substrate 10 such that the wiring of the FPC 20 and the wiring of the TFT substrate 10 are connected via terminals.

[0049] The FPC 20 includes a power line 40 and a plurality of wires 41. The power line 40 and the plurality of wires 41 extend in the Y direction. The power line 40 is a power line for a power supply voltage VCC. The plurality of wires 41 are wires for transmitting video signals. In FIG. 7, three wires 41 are shown as an example.

[0050] The TFT substrate 10 includes a detection wiring 30, a power supply line 42, and a plurality of wirings 43. The power supply line 42 and the plurality of wirings 43 extend in the Y direction. The power supply line 42 is a power supply line for a power supply voltage VCC. The plurality of wirings 43 are wirings for transmitting video signals. FIG. 7 shows three wirings 43 as an example. The power supply line 42 is connected to the power supply line 40 via a terminal. The plurality of wirings 43 are each connected to the plurality of wirings 41 via a terminal.

[0051] The detection wiring 30 includes wiring portions 30A and 30B and a contact 30C. The wiring portions 30A and 30B extend in the X direction. The wiring portion 30A is disposed on the edge side of the TFT substrate 10, and the wiring portion 30B is disposed more inward on the TFT substrate 10 than the wiring portion 30A. The wiring portion 30A is folded back at the edge of the divided region 21 and connected to the wiring portion 30B.

[0052] The wiring portion 30A, the power supply line 42, and the plurality of wirings 43 are provided on the TFT substrate 10. An insulating layer 44 is provided on the wiring portion 30A, the power supply line 42, and the plurality of wirings 43. The wiring portion 30B is provided on the insulating layer 44. An insulating layer 45 is provided on the wiring portion 30B.

[0053] The wiring portion 30A and the wiring portion 30B are connected using a contact 30C. The wiring portion 30B is arranged above the power supply line 42 and the plurality of wirings 43, straddling them. In this way, by using multilayer wiring, the detection wiring 30 can be routed along a predetermined path. In areas where the wirings do not intersect, the detection wiring 30 is provided on the TFT substrate 10.

[0054] [1-3] Operation Next, a description will be given of the operation of the notification system 1 configured as above. FIG.

[0055] The liquid crystal display device 2 and the control circuit 3 perform normal operation (step S100). Specifically, the control circuit 3 transmits video signals and control signals to the liquid crystal display device 2. The liquid crystal display device 2 displays images in the display areas 16-1 to 16-4 based on the video signals and control signals.

[0056] Next, the control circuit 3 monitors whether the disconnection detection signal DET is at a high level or not (step S101).

[0057] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the state of the disconnection detection signal DET, which shows the voltage waveform of the disconnection detection signal DET and the power supply. The power supply voltage is VCC.

[0058] 6, when the detection wiring 30 is not broken, the power supply voltage VCC is supplied from the power supply terminal to the detection wiring 30. Therefore, a high-level voltage is applied to the gate of the transistor 32, turning the transistor 32 on. In this case, the break detection signal DET becomes low level (0 V).

[0059] The detection wiring 30 breaks when damage or a crack occurs in the TFT substrate 10. Assume that the detection wiring 30 breaks at time T in Fig. 11. When the detection wiring 30 breaks, a low-level voltage is applied to the gate of the transistor 32, turning the transistor 32 off. In this case, the break detection signal DET becomes high level (VCC).

[0060] When the disconnection detection signal DET becomes high level (step S101=Yes), the control circuit 3 outputs an alarm signal ALM to an external device (step S102). The process of outputting the alarm signal ALM includes notifying the user by lighting up a light-emitting element such as an LED and / or emitting an alarm sound. Based on the alarm signal ALM, the user can recognize that a break or crack has occurred in the TFT substrate 10, and can also recognize that a break or crack has occurred in the liquid crystal display device 2.

[0061] 12 is a plan view of a liquid crystal display device 2A according to a comparative example. The liquid crystal display device 2A according to the comparative example does not include detection wiring 30 and detection circuit 31. If a break or crack 46 occurs in the TFT substrate 10, the display wiring may be broken. If the display wiring is broken, no signal is supplied to the display area 16 connected to the broken wiring, and the display area 16 becomes non-display. If the liquid crystal display device 2A suddenly loses its display function, this can be very dangerous depending on the application of the liquid crystal display device 2A.

[0062] In this embodiment, it is possible to detect breakage or cracks in the TFT substrate 10 depending on the state of the detection wiring 30 arranged on the outer periphery of the TFT substrate 10. That is, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the liquid crystal display device 2 before the display wiring is broken. Therefore, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the liquid crystal display device 2 before the display function of the liquid crystal display device 2 is lost.

[0063] [1-4] Effects of the first embodiment According to the first embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 2 includes the detection wiring 30 and the detection circuit 31, and thus can detect that a break or crack has occurred in the TFT substrate 10. Furthermore, by outputting an alarm signal ALM to a user, it is possible to realize an alarm system 1 that can notify a user that a break or crack has occurred in the TFT substrate 10.

[0064] Furthermore, it is possible to notify the user that the TFT substrate 10 has been damaged or cracked before the display wiring of the liquid crystal display device 2 is broken, thereby enabling the user to take measures to deal with the abnormality of the liquid crystal display device 2 before the display function of the liquid crystal display device 2 is lost.

[0065] Furthermore, even if the FPC 20 connected to the TFT substrate 10 is partially peeled off and the detection wiring 30 is broken, the failure caused by the peeling of the FPC 20 can be detected.

[0066] Furthermore, it is possible to notify the user of the portion of the screen where damage is progressing before the display function of the liquid crystal display device 2 is lost, thereby realizing a highly reliable notification system 1. This is particularly effective for large panels that display important information.

[0067] [2] Second embodiment In the second embodiment, a detection circuit 31 for detecting disconnection is provided on the TFT substrate 10.

[0068] 13 is a schematic plan view of one divided region 21 of a liquid crystal display device 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The liquid crystal display device 2 includes, for example, four divided regions 21. The configuration of each of the four divided regions 21 is the same as that shown in FIG.

[0069] The detection circuit 31 is provided on the TFT substrate 10. The circuit configuration of the detection circuit 31 is the same as that shown in FIG. 6. The detection circuit 31 is connected to the detection wiring 30, a power supply terminal VCC, and an open circuit detection terminal DET. For example, the detection circuit 31 is connected to the power supply terminal VCC via the source driver 18. The detection circuit 31 is capable of outputting an open circuit detection signal DET. The transistor 32 included in the detection circuit 31 is formed of a TFT having the same configuration as the TFT included in the pixel PX, for example.

[0070] According to the second embodiment, the detection circuit 31 for detecting disconnection can be disposed on the TFT substrate 10. Furthermore, the TFT included in the detection circuit 31 can be formed using the same manufacturing process as the TFT included in the pixel PX. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0071] [3] Third embodiment In the third embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 2 includes a plurality of detection wirings 30 and a plurality of detection circuits 31. The plurality of detection circuits 31 are configured to output a plurality of disconnection detection signals according to the degree of risk based on the potentials of the plurality of detection wirings 30, respectively.

[0072] [3-1] Configuration of the liquid crystal display device 2 14 is a block diagram of an alarm system 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. A liquid crystal display device 2 outputs first to third disconnection detection signals DET1 to DET3 based on the potentials of a plurality of detection wirings 30. A control circuit 3 receives the first to third disconnection detection signals DET1 to DET3 from the liquid crystal display device 2. The control circuit 3 outputs first to third alarm signals ALM1 to ALM3 to an external device based on the first to third disconnection detection signals DET1 to DET3.

[0073] 15 is a schematic plan view of one divided region 21 of the liquid crystal display device 2. The liquid crystal display device 2 includes, for example, four divided regions 21. The configuration of each of the four divided regions 21 is the same as that shown in FIG.

[0074] The liquid crystal display device 2 includes first to third detection wirings 30-1 to 30-3. The first to third detection wirings 30-1 to 30-3 are provided on the TFT substrate 10. The first to third detection wirings 30-1 to 30-3 are arranged along the outer periphery of the TFT substrate 10 in the divided region 21. The first detection wiring 30-1 is arranged on the outermost side of the TFT substrate 10. The second detection wiring 30-2 is arranged more inward than the first detection wiring 30-1. The third detection wiring 30-3 is arranged more inward than the second detection wiring 30-2.

[0075] The liquid crystal display device 2 includes first to third detection circuits 31-1 to 31-3. The first to third detection circuits 31-1 to 31-3 are provided on the FPC 20. The first to third detection wirings 30-1 to 30-3 are connected to the first to third detection circuits 31-1 to 31-3, respectively. The configuration of each of the first to third detection circuits 31-1 to 31-3 is the same as that of the detection circuit 31 in FIG. 6. The first to third detection circuits 31-1 to 31-3 output first to third disconnection detection signals DET1 to DET3, respectively.

[0076] The number of detection wirings 30 is not limited to three, and may be two or four or more. The liquid crystal display device 2 outputs a plurality of disconnection detection signals DET corresponding to the number of detection wirings 30. The control circuit 3 outputs a plurality of alarm signals ALM corresponding to the number of disconnection detection signals DET.

[0077] [3-2] Operation Next, a description will be given of the operation of the notification system 1 configured as above. Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the notification system 1.

[0078] The liquid crystal display device 2 and the control circuit 3 perform normal operations (step S200).

[0079] Next, the control circuit 3 monitors whether the first disconnection detection signal DET1 is at a high level or not (step S201).

[0080] When the first disconnection detection signal DET1 becomes high level (step S201=Yes), the control circuit 3 outputs a first alarm signal ALM1 to an external device (step S202).

[0081] Next, the control circuit 3 monitors whether the second disconnection detection signal DET2 is at a high level or not (step S203).

[0082] When the second disconnection detection signal DET2 becomes high level (step S203=Yes), the control circuit 3 outputs a second alarm signal ALM2 to the external device (step S204).

[0083] Next, the control circuit 3 monitors whether the third disconnection detection signal DET3 is at a high level or not (step S205).

[0084] When the third disconnection detection signal DET3 becomes high level (step S205=Yes), the control circuit 3 outputs a third alarm signal ALM3 to an external device (step S206).

[0085] Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the states of the first to third disconnection detection signals DET1 to DET3. Fig. 17 shows the first to third disconnection detection signals DET1 to DET3 and the voltage waveform of a power supply. The power supply voltage is VCC.

[0086] Assume that only the first detection wiring 30-1 is broken at time T. In this case, the first break detection signal DET1 goes high. The second and third break detection signals DET2 and DET3 remain low. Based on the first to third break detection signals DET1 to DET3, the control circuit 3 can determine that only the first detection wiring 30-1 is broken.

[0087] The state of disconnection of the first to third detection wirings 30-1 to 30-3 differs depending on the degree of damage or cracking of the TFT substrate 10. When the degree of damage or cracking of the TFT substrate 10 is relatively small, only the first detection wiring 30-1 is disconnected. When the degree of damage or cracking of the TFT substrate 10 is relatively medium, the second detection wiring 30-2 is also disconnected. When the degree of damage or cracking of the TFT substrate 10 is relatively large, the third detection wiring 30-3 is also disconnected. In other words, the degree of risk can be determined using the first to third disconnection detection signals DET1 to DET3.

[0088] The control circuit 3 outputs a plurality of alarm signals ALM as information to notify the degree of danger. That is, the control circuit 3 outputs a first alarm signal ALM1 as information to notify the degree of danger 1. The control circuit 3 outputs a second alarm signal ALM2 as information to notify the degree of danger 2. The control circuit 3 outputs a third alarm signal ALM3 as information to notify the degree of danger 3. The degrees of danger increase in the order of danger levels 1 to 3.

[0089] For example, risk level 1 is used as information to notify confirmation of damage. Risk level 2 is used as information to recommend replacement of the liquid crystal display device 2. Risk level 3 is used as information indicating loss of display function and instructing replacement of the liquid crystal display device 2. The user can take appropriate action depending on risk levels 1 to 3.

[0090] [3-3] Effects of the third embodiment According to the third embodiment, it is possible to notify the user with a plurality of alarm signals ALM depending on the degree of damage or cracking of the TFT substrate 10. Furthermore, for progressive damage or cracking, it is possible to notify the user of the degree of danger without losing the display function.

[0091] [4] Fourth embodiment In the fourth embodiment, the detection wiring 30 is arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the TFT substrate 10.

[0092] 18 is a schematic plan view of a liquid crystal display device 2 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The liquid crystal display device 2 includes, for example, four divided regions 21-1 to 21-4.

[0093] The liquid crystal display device 2 includes detection wiring 30. The detection wiring 30 is arranged along the outer periphery of the TFT substrate 10 so as to surround the outer periphery of the TFT substrate 10. One end of the detection wiring 30 is connected to a power supply terminal VCC.

[0094] The liquid crystal display device 2 includes a detection circuit 31. The detection circuit 31 is provided on one of the FPCs 20, for example, FPC 20-3. The detection circuit 31 is connected to the other end of the detection wiring 30. The circuit configuration of the detection circuit 31 is the same as that shown in FIG. 6. The detection circuit 31 outputs a disconnection detection signal DET in accordance with the potential of the detection wiring 30.

[0095] According to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to more simply configure the detection wiring 30. Furthermore, it is possible to notify the user that the TFT substrate 10 has been damaged or cracked.

[0096] [5] Fifth embodiment The fifth embodiment includes two display devices, a main display device and a sub-display device, and when a part of the display area of ​​the main display device becomes non-display, the sub-display device compensates for the display function.

[0097] [5-1] Configuration of Notification System 1 19 is a block diagram of an alarm system 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The alarm system 1 includes a main display device 2, a sub-display device 4, and a control circuit 3. The main display device 2 has the same configuration as the liquid crystal display device 2 shown in the first embodiment.

[0098] The sub-display device 4 is configured as a transmissive display device, such as a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) display device or a polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) display device.

[0099] The control circuit 3 controls the operation of the sub-display device 4. The control circuit 3 supplies a video signal and power to the sub-display device 4. The control of the main display device 2 by the control circuit 3 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0100] 20 is a schematic perspective view of the main display device 2 and the sub-display device 4. The liquid crystal display device 2 includes, for example, four display areas 16-1 to 16-4. The number of divisions of the display area 16 may be two or more.

[0101] The sub-display device 4 is disposed so as to overlap the main display device 2. The main display device 2 and the sub-display device 4 are integrally configured using a fixing member (not shown).

[0102] The sub-display device 4 has four display areas 50-1 to 50-4. The display areas 50-1 to 50-4 have the same area as the display areas 16-1 to 16-4, respectively. The display areas 50-1 to 50-4 are arranged so as to overlap the display areas 16-1 to 16-4, respectively, in a plan view. The display areas 50-1 to 50-4 can be driven individually and can perform display operations individually. The control circuit 3 can control the display areas 50-1 to 50-4 individually. The sub-display device 4 can also display one image across the entire display areas 50-1 to 50-4.

[0103] The sub-display device 4 has a plurality of pixels. The sub-display device 4 can be set to a transparent state that transmits light and a scattering state that scatters light. Areas in the scattering state are visually recognized as white display. The sub-display device 4 can display images and characters using the white display.

[0104] [5-2] Operation The operation of the notification system 1 configured as above will be described below. Fig. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the notification system 1.

[0105] The main display device 2 and the control circuit 3 perform normal operation (step S300). Specifically, the control circuit 3 transmits a video signal and a control signal to the main display device 2. The main display device 2 displays an image in the display areas 16-1 to 16-4 based on the video signal and the control signal.

[0106] Next, the control circuit 3 sets the entire sub-display device 4 to a transparent state (step S301), which allows the user to view the image displayed by the main display device 2.

[0107] Next, the control circuit 3 monitors whether the disconnection detection signal DET is at a high level (step S302). When the disconnection detection signal DET becomes a high level (step S302=Yes), the control circuit 3 outputs an alarm signal ALM to an external device (step S303). Based on the alarm signal ALM, the user can recognize that the TFT substrate 10 is damaged or cracked.

[0108] Next, the control circuit 3 determines the display area 16 of the main display device 2 that corresponds to the high-level disconnection detection signal DET (step S304). The display area 16 determined in step S304 has damage or a crack in the corresponding portion of the substrate, and is, for example, in a non-display state.

[0109] Next, the control circuit 3 displays an image in the display area 50 of the sub-display device 4 that corresponds to the display area 16 determined in step S304 (step S305). The image displayed on the sub-display device 4 is, for example, the same as the image displayed on the main display device 2.

[0110] 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display operation of the main display device 2 and the sub-display device 4. A break or crack occurs in the substrate of the main display device 2 corresponding to display area 16-4, causing display area 16-4 to go into a non-display state. In this case, the control circuit 3 causes an image to be displayed in display area 50-4 of the sub-display device 4. This prevents the screen corresponding to display area 16-4 from going into a non-display state.

[0111] [5-3] Effects of the fifth embodiment According to the fifth embodiment, even if one display area 16 of the main display device 2 becomes non-displayable, the sub-display device 4 can display an image in the non-displayable area. This prevents a part of the screen from becoming non-displayable.

[0112] In the above embodiments, a liquid crystal display device has been described as an example of a display device, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to other types of display devices having a configuration in which a plurality of wirings for controlling a display area are arranged on a substrate. The present invention can also be applied to organic EL (electroluminescence) display devices, etc.

[0113] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining selected elements from the disclosed elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the desired effect can be obtained even if some elements are deleted from all elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1...alarm system, 2...liquid crystal display device, 3...control circuit, 4...sub-display device, 10...TFT substrate, 11...CF substrate, 12...liquid crystal layer, 13...sealing material, 14...switching element, 15...color filter, 15B...blue filter, 15G...green filter, 15R...red filter, 16...display area, 17...gate driver, 18...source driver, 19...wiring, 20...FPC, 21...division area, 30...detection wiring, 30A, 30B...wiring portion, 30C...contact, 31...detection circuit, 32...transistor, 33...pull-down resistor, 34...pull-up resistor, 40, 42...power supply line, 41, 43...wiring, 44, 45...insulating layer, 50...display area, ALM...alarm signal, DET...disconnection detection signal

Claims

1. a substrate divided into a plurality of divided regions each having a rectangular shape; a display area provided in each of the plurality of divided areas and having a plurality of pixels; a gate driver connected to the display area and provided adjacent to the display area in a first direction; a source driver connected to the display area and provided adjacent to the display area in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) connected to the substrate; a first detection wiring provided along an outer periphery of the substrate, the first detection wiring having one end connected to a power supply terminal; a first detection circuit provided on the FPC, connected to the other end of the first detection wiring, and configured to output a first detection signal indicating that the first detection wiring has been broken based on a potential of the first detection wiring; A display device comprising:

2. The first detection wiring is arranged along two perpendicular sides of the divided region. The display device according to claim 1 .

3. The first detection wiring is provided to pass between the gate driver and an edge of the substrate, and between the source driver and an edge of the substrate. The display device according to claim 1 .

4. The first detection wiring is provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the substrate. The display device according to claim 1 .

5. The plurality of divided regions includes four divided regions arranged in a matrix. The display device according to claim 1 .

6. the first detection circuit includes a transistor, a pull-down resistor, and a pull-up resistor; a gate of the transistor is connected to the first detection wiring, one end of the transistor is connected to a ground terminal, and the other end of the transistor is connected to a first terminal that outputs the first detection signal; the pull-down resistor is connected between the gate of the transistor and the one end of the transistor; The pull-up resistor is connected between the power supply terminal and the other end of the transistor. The display device according to claim 1 .

7. a second detection wiring provided along the outer periphery of the substrate, inside the first detection wiring, and having one end connected to the power supply terminal; a second detection circuit provided on the FPC, connected to the other end of the second detection wiring, and configured to output a second detection signal indicating that the second detection wiring has been broken based on a potential of the second detection wiring; Further comprising The display device according to claim 1 .

8. Each of the plurality of pixels includes a liquid crystal layer. The display device according to claim 1 .

9. The display device according to claim 1; a control circuit connected to the FPC, receiving the first detection signal from the first detection circuit, and outputting a first alarm signal based on the first detection signal; An alarm system comprising:

10. The display device according to claim 7; a control circuit connected to the FPC, receiving the first and second detection signals from the first and second detection circuits, and outputting first and second alarm signals based on the first and second detection signals; An alarm system comprising:

11. The display device further includes a sub-display that is arranged to overlap the main display device and can be set to a transparent state or a scattering state. The notification system according to claim 9 or 10.

12. When the first detection signal is output, the control circuit displays an image in an area of ​​the sub-display device that overlaps with a display area corresponding to the first alarm signal, and sets the other area to a transparent state. The notification system according to claim 11.

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