Display apparatus

Abstract

A display device according to the present disclosure comprises: a backlight unit including a red light-emitting diode, a green light-emitting diode, and a blue light-emitting diode; and a liquid crystal panel through which light output from the backlight unit passes. The liquid crystal panel comprises: a liquid crystal layer including a plurality of liquid crystal cells that can be controlled independently of each other; and a color filter layer disposed on the liquid crystal layer and including a red filter, a green filter, a blue filter, and a transparent region. A first liquid crystal cell among the plurality of liquid crystal cells and the red filter are aligned to form a first subpixel, a second liquid crystal cell among the plurality of liquid crystal cells and the green filter are aligned to form a second subpixel, a third liquid crystal cell among the plurality of liquid crystal cells and the blue filter are aligned to form a third subpixel, and a fourth liquid crystal cell among the plurality of liquid crystal cells and the transparent region are aligned to form a fourth subpixel.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a display device comprising a transparent subpixel. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a display device is a type of output device that converts acquired or stored electrical information into visual information and displays it to a user, and is used in various fields such as homes and workplaces.

[0003] The display device includes a backlight unit (BLU) that provides light to a liquid crystal panel, and the backlight unit includes a plurality of light-emitting elements capable of emitting light independently. The light-emitting elements include, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).

[0004] Depending on the type of display device, the backlight unit may include a red light-emitting diode, a green light-emitting diode, and a blue light-emitting diode.

[0005] According to the present disclosure, a display device with improved light efficiency is provided.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, a display device capable of minimizing the number of light-emitting diodes is provided.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a display device capable of minimizing power consumption required to reproduce a specific brightness is provided.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a display device with improved light uniformity is provided.

[0009] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0010] A display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a backlight unit including a red light-emitting diode, a green light-emitting diode, and a blue light-emitting diode; and a liquid crystal panel through which light output from the backlight unit passes. The liquid crystal panel comprises: a liquid crystal layer including a plurality of liquid crystal cells that can be controlled independently of each other; and a color filter layer disposed on the liquid crystal layer and including a red filter, a green filter, a blue filter, and a transparent region. A first liquid crystal cell among the plurality of liquid crystal cells and the red filter are aligned to form a first subpixel, a second liquid crystal cell among the plurality of liquid crystal cells and the green filter are aligned to form a second subpixel, a third liquid crystal cell among the plurality of liquid crystal cells and the blue filter are aligned to form a third subpixel, and a fourth liquid crystal cell among the plurality of liquid crystal cells and the transparent region are aligned to form a fourth subpixel. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the appearance of a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the structure of a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a liquid crystal panel included in a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a backlight unit included in a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating that a plurality of light-emitting diodes of a backlight unit according to one embodiment are divided into dimming blocks. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a control block diagram of a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a display device according to one embodiment converting dimming data from image data. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a light-emitting element included in a backlight unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a light-emitting element included in a backlight unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the structure of a liquid crystal panel according to one embodiment. FIGS. 11 to 13 illustrate other examples of the structure of a liquid crystal panel according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal panel when a light-emitting element according to one embodiment outputs blue monochromatic light. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a liquid crystal panel when a light-emitting element according to one embodiment outputs green monochromatic light. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal panel when a light-emitting element according to one embodiment outputs red monochromatic light. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a liquid crystal panel when a light-emitting element according to one embodiment outputs mixed light. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0012] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0013] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0014] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0015] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0016] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0017] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0018] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0019] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0020] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0021] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the appearance of a display device according to one embodiment.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, the display device (10) is a device capable of processing a video signal received from the outside and visually displaying the processed video. In the following examples, the display device (10) is exemplified as a television (TV), but is not limited thereto. For example, the display device (10) can be implemented in various forms such as a monitor, a portable multimedia device, a portable communication device, etc., and the form of the display device (10) is not limited as long as it is a device that visually displays video.

[0025] In addition, the display device (10) may be a large format display (LFD) installed outdoors, such as on a building rooftop or at a bus stop. Here, the outdoor area is not necessarily limited to an open space; the display device (10) according to one embodiment may be installed in any indoor location where many people can enter and exit, such as a subway station, shopping mall, movie theater, company, or store.

[0026] The display device (10) receives content including video signals and audio signals from various content sources and can output video and audio corresponding to the video signals and audio signals. For example, the display device (10) can receive content data through a broadcast receiving antenna or a wired cable, receive content data from a content playback device, or receive content data from a content provider's content provision server.

[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the display device (10) may include a main body (11) and a screen (12) that displays an image (I).

[0028] The main body (11) forms the outer shape of the display device (10), and components for the display device (10) to display an image (I) or perform various functions may be provided inside the main body (11). The main body (11) shown in FIG. 1 is in the shape of a flat plate, but the shape of the main body (11) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. For example, the main body (11) may be in the shape of a curved plate.

[0029] A screen (12) is formed on the front of the main body (11) and can display an image (I). For example, the screen (12) can display a still image or a video. Additionally, the screen (12) can display a two-dimensional flat image or a three-dimensional stereoscopic image using the parallax of the user's two eyes.

[0030] The screen (12) may include a liquid crystal panel capable of passing through or blocking light emitted by a back light unit (BLU), etc.

[0031] A plurality of pixels (P) are formed on the screen (12), and an image (I) displayed on the screen (12) can be formed by light emitted by each of the plurality of pixels (P). For example, an image (I) can be formed on the screen (12) by combining the light emitted by each of the plurality of pixels (P) as if in a mosaic.

[0032] Each of the plurality of pixels (P) can emit light of various brightness and various colors. In order to emit light of various colors, each of the plurality of pixels (P) may include subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT).

[0033] The subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT) may include a red subpixel (PR) capable of selectively emitting red light, a green subpixel (PG) capable of selectively emitting green light, a blue subpixel (PB) capable of selectively emitting blue light, and a transparent subpixel (PT) capable of selectively emitting red light, green light, and blue light. For example, red light may represent light with a wavelength of approximately 700 nm (nanometer, one-billionth of a meter) to 800 nm. Green light may represent light with a wavelength of approximately 500 nm to 600 nm. Blue light may represent light with a wavelength of approximately 400 nm to 500 nm.

[0034] By combining the red light of the red subpixel (PR), the green light of the green subpixel (PG), the blue light of the blue subpixel (PB), and the monochromatic or mixed light of the transparent subpixel (PT), light of various brightness and various colors can be emitted from each of the multiple pixels (P).

[0035] In the present invention, mixed light may refer to light in which at least two of red light, green light, and blue light are mixed, and monochromatic light may refer to each of red light, green light, and blue light.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the structure of a display device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a liquid crystal panel included in a display device according to one embodiment.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, various components for generating an image (I) on a screen (12) may be provided inside the main body (11).

[0038] For example, the main body (11) is provided with a backlight unit (100) which is a surface light source, a liquid crystal panel (20) that blocks or passes light emitted from the backlight unit (100), a control assembly (50) that controls the operation of the backlight unit (100) and the liquid crystal panel (20), and a power assembly (60) that supplies power to the backlight unit (100) and the liquid crystal panel (20). Additionally, the main body (11) may include a bezel (13) for supporting the liquid crystal panel (20), the backlight unit (100), the control assembly (50), and the power assembly (60), a frame middle mold (14), a bottom chassis (15), and a rear cover (16).

[0039] The backlight unit (100) may include a point light source that emits mixed light (or white light). Additionally, the backlight unit (100) may refract, reflect, and scatter light to convert the light emitted from the point light source into uniform surface light. In this way, the backlight unit (100) may emit uniform surface light toward the front by refracting, reflecting, and scattering the light emitted from the point light source.

[0040] The backlight unit (100) may also be referred to as a light source device (100) in terms of being configured to output light.

[0041] The backlight unit (100) is described in more detail below.

[0042] A liquid crystal panel (20) is provided in front of a backlight unit (100) and blocks or passes light emitted from the backlight unit (100) to form an image (I).

[0043] The front surface of the liquid crystal panel (20) forms the screen (12) of the display device (10) described above, and the liquid crystal panel (20) can form a plurality of pixels (P). The plurality of pixels (P) of the liquid crystal panel (20) can each independently block or allow light from the backlight unit (100) to pass through. In addition, the light passed through the plurality of pixels (P) can form an image (I) displayed on the screen (12).

[0044] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the liquid crystal panel (20) may include a first polarizing film (21), a first transparent substrate (22), a pixel electrode (23), a thin film transistor (24), a liquid crystal layer (25), a common electrode (26), a color filter (27), a second transparent substrate (28), and a second polarizing film (29).

[0045] A color filter (27) may be provided on the second transparent substrate (28). For example, the color filter (27) may be provided on the front surface of the second transparent substrate (28) or on the rear surface of the second transparent substrate (28).

[0046] The layer formed by placing a color filter (27) on the second transparent substrate (28) can be referred to as a color filter layer (27, 28).

[0047] The first transparent substrate (22) and the second transparent substrate (28) can fix and support a pixel electrode (23), a thin-film transistor (24), a liquid crystal layer (25), a common electrode (26), and a color filter (27). These first and second transparent substrates (22, 28) may be composed of reinforced glass or a transparent resin. For example, the first and second transparent substrates (22, 28) may be referred to as glass substrates.

[0048] The first polarizing film (21) and the second polarizing film (29) may be provided on the outer side of the first and second transparent substrates (22, 28). The first polarizing film (21) and the second polarizing film (29) may each allow specific polarization to pass through and block (reflect or absorb) other polarization. For example, the first polarizing film (21) may allow polarization of a first direction to pass through and block (reflect or absorb) other polarization. Additionally, the second polarizing film (29) may allow polarization of a second direction to pass through and block (reflect or absorb) other polarization. At this time, the first direction and the second direction may be orthogonal to each other. As a result, polarization that has passed through the first polarizing film (21) cannot directly pass through the second polarizing film (29).

[0049] The color filter (27) may include, for example, a red filter (27R) that passes red light, a green filter (27G) that passes green light, and a blue filter (27B) that passes blue light.

[0050] The color filter (27) may be an absorption filter that transmits a specific wavelength band of incident light and absorbs the remaining wavelength band.

[0051] For example, the red filter (27R) can transmit light in the wavelength range from 700 nm to 800 nm and absorb light in the remaining wavelength range.

[0052] The green filter (27G) transmits light in the wavelength band from 500 nm to 600 nm and can absorb light in the remaining wavelength band.

[0053] The blue filter (27B) transmits wavelengths from 400 nm to 500 nm and can absorb the remaining wavelengths.

[0054] The color filter (27) can be distinguished from quantum dots that emit light of a specific wavelength after absorbing incident light, and accordingly, the color filter layer (27, 28) is configured to be distinct from the quantum dot sheet.

[0055] In one embodiment, the color filter layer (27, 28) includes a red filter (27R), a green filter (27G), and a blue filter (27B) disposed on a second transparent substrate (28), and may include a transparent region (27T) on the second transparent substrate (28) where the red filter (27R), the green filter (27G), and the blue filter (27B) are not formed.

[0056] The transparent area (27T) may refer to an area on the second transparent substrate (28) where the red filter (27R), green filter (27G), and blue filter (27B) are not formed.

[0057] According to various embodiments, a light-diffusing member may be disposed in the transparent area (27T).

[0058] In the present invention, the transparent region (27T) may be referred to as a transparent filter (27T) in that it transmits all incident light.

[0059] In one embodiment, the red filter (27R), green filter (27G), blue filter (27B) and transparent filter (27T) may be partitioned by a black matrix (BM).

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the light efficiency can be improved by including a transparent filter (27T) in the color filter layer (27, 28).

[0061] The red filter (27R), green filter (27G), blue filter (27B), and transparent filter (27T) can be arranged side by side. The arrangement order of the red filter (27R), green filter (27G), blue filter (27B), and transparent filter (27T) can be changed in various combinations.

[0062] The areas occupied by the color filter (27) and the transparent filter (27T) correspond to the previously described pixel (P). For example, the area occupied by the red filter (27R) corresponds to the red subpixel (PR), the area occupied by the green filter (27G) corresponds to the green subpixel (PG), the area occupied by the blue filter (27B) corresponds to the blue subpixel (PB), and the area occupied by the transparent filter (27T) corresponds to the transparent subpixel (PT).

[0063] The black matrix (BM) can define the boundaries between each subpixel (PR, PG, PB, PT). The width of each subpixel (PR, PG, PB, PT) can correspond to the width of each cell of the black matrix (BM).

[0064] The red subpixel (PR), green subpixel (PG), blue subpixel (PB), and transparent subpixel (PT) can form a single pixel (P).

[0065] The liquid crystal panel (20) may include a plurality of pixels (P) composed of a red subpixel (PR), a green subpixel (PG), a blue subpixel (PB), and a transparent subpixel (PT).

[0066] The red subpixel (PR), green subpixel (PG), blue subpixel (PB), and transparent subpixel (PT) can each be controlled independently of each other.

[0067] The pixel electrode (23) may be provided on the inner side of the first transparent substrate (22), and the common electrode (26) may be provided on the inner side of the second transparent substrate (28). The pixel electrode (23) and the common electrode (26) are made of an electrically conductive metal material and can generate an electric field to change the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules (115a) constituting the liquid crystal layer (25) described below.

[0068] A thin film transistor (TFT) (24) is provided on the inside of a transparent substrate (22, 28). The thin film transistor (24) can be turned on (closed) or turned off (open) by image data provided from a panel driver (30). Additionally, depending on whether the thin film transistor (24) is turned on (closed) or turned off (open), an electric field can be formed or removed between the pixel electrode (23) and the common electrode (26).

[0069] The liquid crystal layer (25) is formed between the pixel electrode (23) and the common electrode (26) and is filled with liquid crystal molecules (25a). The liquid crystal may exhibit an intermediate state between a solid (crystal) and a liquid. The liquid crystal may exhibit optical properties depending on changes in the electric field. For example, the direction of the molecular arrangement constituting the liquid crystal may change depending on changes in the electric field. Consequently, the optical properties of the liquid crystal layer (25) may vary depending on the presence or absence of the electric field passing through the liquid crystal layer (25). For example, the liquid crystal layer (25) may rotate the polarization direction of light around the optical axis depending on the presence or absence of the electric field. Accordingly, the polarization that has passed through the first polarizing film (21) has its polarization direction rotated while passing through the liquid crystal layer (25) and can pass through the second polarizing film (29).

[0070] The liquid crystal layer (25) may include a plurality of liquid crystal cells that can be controlled independently of each other. Each of the plurality of liquid crystal cells can be controlled independently of each other by a thin-film transistor (24).

[0071] In the present invention, the liquid crystal cell may refer to a part of the liquid crystal layer (25) that can be independently controlled by a thin-film transistor (24).

[0072] Each of the multiple liquid crystal cells can be aligned with a red filter (27R), a green filter (27G), a blue filter (27B), and a transparent filter (27T), respectively.

[0073] For example, a plurality of liquid crystal cells may include a first liquid crystal cell (25R) aligned with a red filter (27R), a second liquid crystal cell (25G) aligned with a green filter (27G), a third liquid crystal cell (25B) aligned with a blue filter (27B), and a fourth liquid crystal cell (25T) aligned with a transparent filter (27T).

[0074] Each of the multiple liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T) can be controlled by a corresponding thin-film transistor (24).

[0075] A red filter (27R) and a first liquid crystal cell (25R) can be aligned to form a red subpixel (PR), a green filter (27G) and a second liquid crystal cell (25G) can be aligned to form a green subpixel (PG), a blue filter (27B) and a third liquid crystal cell (25B) can be aligned to form a blue subpixel (PB), and a transparent filter (27T) and a fourth liquid crystal cell (25T) can be aligned to form a transparent subpixel (PT).

[0076] Depending on the turn-on (closed) or turn-off (open) of the corresponding thin-film transistor (24), the degree of opening of the red subpixel (PR), green subpixel (PG), blue subpixel (PB) and transparent subpixel (PT) can be controlled independently.

[0077] On one side of the liquid crystal panel (20), a cable (20a) for transmitting image data to the liquid crystal panel (20) and a display driver integrated circuit (DDI) (30) (hereinafter referred to as 'panel driver') for processing digital image data and outputting an analog image signal may be provided.

[0078] The cable (20a) electrically connects the control assembly (50) / power assembly (60) and the panel driver (30), and can also electrically connect the panel driver (30) and the liquid crystal panel (20). The cable (20a) may include a flexible flat cable or a film cable, etc.

[0079] The panel driver (30) can receive image data and power from the control assembly (50) / power assembly (60) through the cable (20a). Additionally, the panel driver (30) can provide image data and driving current to the liquid crystal panel (20) through the cable (20a).

[0080] Additionally, the cable (20a) and the panel driver (30) can be implemented as a single unit using a film cable, a chip on film (COF), a tape carrier packet (TCP), etc. In other words, the panel driver (30) can be placed on the cable (20b). However, it is not limited thereto, and the panel driver (30) can be placed on the liquid crystal panel (20).

[0081] The control assembly (50) may include a control circuit that controls the operation of the liquid crystal panel (20) and the backlight unit (100). For example, the control circuit may process video signals and / or audio signals received from an external content source. The control circuit may transmit video data to the liquid crystal panel (20) and dimming data to the backlight unit (100).

[0082] The power assembly (60) may include a power circuit that supplies power to the liquid crystal panel (20) and the backlight unit (100). The power circuit may supply power to the control assembly (50), the backlight unit (100), and the liquid crystal panel (20).

[0083] The control assembly (50) and the power assembly (60) may be implemented with a printed circuit board and various circuits mounted on the printed circuit board. For example, the power circuit may include a capacitor, a coil, a resistor, a processor, etc., and a power circuit board on which these are mounted. Additionally, the control circuit may include a memory, a processor, and a control circuit board on which these are mounted.

[0084] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a backlight unit (100) included in a display device (10) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining that a plurality of light-emitting diodes of the backlight unit (100) according to one embodiment are divided into dimming blocks.

[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the backlight unit (100) may include a light source module (110) that generates light, a reflective sheet (120) that reflects light, a diffuser plate (130) that diffuses light uniformly, and an optical sheet (140) that improves the brightness of the emitted light.

[0086] The light source module (110) may include a plurality of light-emitting elements (111) that emit light and a substrate (112) that supports / fixes the plurality of light-emitting elements (111).

[0087] A plurality of light-emitting elements (111) can be arranged in a predetermined pattern so that light is emitted with uniform brightness. A plurality of light-emitting elements (111) can be arranged so that the distance between one light source and adjacent light sources becomes equal.

[0088] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a plurality of light-emitting elements (111) can be arranged in rows and columns. For example, a plurality of light sources can be arranged so that a square is formed by four adjacent light sources. Also, one light source is arranged adjacent to four light sources, and the distance between one light source and the four light sources adjacent to it can be approximately the same.

[0089] In addition, according to an embodiment, a plurality of light sources may be arranged so that an approximately equilateral triangle is formed by three adjacent light sources. In this case, one light source may be arranged adjacent to six light sources. Also, the distance between one light source and the six light sources adjacent to it may be approximately the same.

[0090] However, the arrangement of the plurality of light-emitting elements (111) is not limited to the arrangement described above, and the plurality of light-emitting elements (111) can be arranged in various ways so that light is emitted with uniform brightness.

[0091] The light-emitting element (111) may employ a device capable of emitting monochromatic light (light of a specific wavelength, e.g., blue light) or white light (e.g., light mixed with red, green, and blue light) in various directions when power is supplied. For example, the light-emitting element (111) may include a light-emitting diode (LED). The light-emitting diode may be implemented in various sizes and may include, for example, Mini LEDs and / or Micro LEDs.

[0092] The substrate (112) can fix a plurality of light-emitting elements (111) so that the position of the light-emitting elements (111) is not changed. In addition, the substrate (112) can supply power to each light-emitting element (111) for the light-emitting elements (111) to emit light.

[0093] The substrate (112) may include a synthetic resin and / or reinforced glass and / or a printed circuit board (PCB) having a conductive power supply line formed therein to fix a plurality of light-emitting elements (111) and to supply power to the light-emitting elements (111).

[0094] The reflective sheet (120) can reflect light emitted from a plurality of light-emitting elements (111) forward or in a direction close to the forward.

[0095] A plurality of through holes (120a) are formed in the reflective sheet (120) at positions corresponding to each of the plurality of light-emitting elements (111) of the light source module (110). Additionally, the light-emitting elements (111) of the light source module (110) can pass through the through holes (120a) and protrude forward from the reflective sheet (120).

[0096] For example, during the assembly process of the reflective sheet (120) and the light source module (110), a plurality of light-emitting elements (111) of the light source module (110) are inserted into a plurality of through holes (120a) formed in the reflective sheet (120). As a result, the substrate (112) of the light source module (110) is located at the rear of the reflective sheet (120), but the plurality of light-emitting elements (111) of the light source module (110) can be located at the front of the reflective sheet (120).

[0097] Accordingly, a plurality of light-emitting elements (111) can emit light in front of the reflective sheet (120).

[0098] A plurality of light-emitting elements (111) can emit light in various directions in front of the reflective sheet (120). The light can be emitted from the light-emitting elements (111) toward the diffuser plate (130) as well as from the light-emitting elements (111) toward the reflective sheet (120), and the reflective sheet (120) can reflect the light emitted toward the reflective sheet (120) toward the diffuser plate (130).

[0099] Light emitted from the light-emitting element (111) passes through various objects such as a diffuser plate (130) and an optical sheet (140). When the light passes through the diffuser plate (130) and the optical sheet (140), some of the incident light is reflected from the surface of the diffuser plate (130) and the optical sheet (140). A reflective sheet (120) can reflect the light reflected by the diffuser plate (130) and the optical sheet (140).

[0100] A diffuser plate (130) can be provided in front of the light source module (110) and the reflective sheet (120) and can evenly disperse light emitted from the light-emitting element (111) of the light source module (110).

[0101] As previously explained, a plurality of light-emitting elements (111) are located at various points on the rear of the backlight unit (100). Although the plurality of light-emitting elements (111) are arranged at equal intervals on the rear of the backlight unit (100), non-uniformity in brightness may occur depending on the position of the plurality of light-emitting elements (111).

[0102] The diffuser plate (130) can diffuse light emitted from a plurality of light-emitting elements (111) within the diffuser plate (130) to eliminate non-uniformity in brightness caused by a plurality of light-emitting elements (111). In other words, the diffuser plate (130) can uniformly emit non-uniform light from a plurality of light-emitting elements (111) to the front.

[0103] The optical sheet (140) may include various sheets to improve brightness and uniformity of brightness. For example, the optical sheet (140) may include a diffusion sheet (141), a first prism sheet (142), a second prism sheet (143), a reflective polarizing sheet (144), etc.

[0104] The diffusion sheet (141) diffuses light for uniform brightness. Light emitted from the light-emitting element (111) is diffused by the diffusion plate (130) and can be diffused again by the diffusion sheet (141) included in the optical sheet (140).

[0105] The first and second prism sheets (142, 143) can increase brightness by concentrating light diffused by the diffusion sheet (141). The first and second prism sheets (142, 143) include a prism pattern in the shape of a triangular prism, and a plurality of these prism patterns are arranged adjacently to form a plurality of band shapes.

[0106] A reflective polarizing sheet (144) is a type of polarizing film that can transmit some of the incident light and reflect others to improve brightness. For example, it can transmit polarization in the same direction as a predetermined polarization direction of the reflective polarizing sheet (144) and reflect polarization in a direction different from the polarization direction of the reflective polarizing sheet (144). In addition, the light reflected by the reflective polarizing sheet (144) is recycled inside the backlight unit (100), and the brightness of the display device (10) can be improved through this light recycling.

[0107] The optical sheet (140) is not limited to the sheet or film shown in FIG. 4 and may include a wider variety of sheets or films, such as a protective sheet.

[0108] The backlight unit (100) includes a plurality of light-emitting elements (111) and can output surface light by diffusing light emitted from a plurality of light sources (111). The liquid crystal panel (20) includes a plurality of pixels and can control the plurality of pixels so that each of the plurality of pixels allows light to pass through or blocks light. An image can be formed by the light passing through each of the plurality of pixels.

[0109] At this time, the display device (10) can perform local dimming by varying the brightness of light in different areas of the backlight unit (100) in conjunction with the output image so as to increase the contrast ratio while improving power consumption.

[0110] For example, the display device (10) may reduce the brightness of the light of the light-emitting element (111) of the backlight unit (100) corresponding to the dark part of the image to make the dark part of the image darker, and may increase the brightness of the light-emitting element (111) of the backlight unit (100) corresponding to the bright part of the image to make the bright part of the image brighter. By doing so, the contrast ratio or brightness ratio of the image may be improved.

[0111] The display device (10) divides the backlight unit (100) into multiple blocks and independently controls the current for each block according to the input image. The image transmission of the display device (10) is carried out by a method of local dimming driving per frame, and the driving of the current is controlled according to the number of blocks of the light-emitting element (111) divided within the backlight unit (100).

[0112] As a result, the display device (10) can effectively improve the contrast ratio by lowering the supply current to the dimming block in the dark area of ​​the input image and increasing the supply current to the dimming block in the bright area of ​​the input image.

[0113] For local dimming, a plurality of light-emitting elements (111) included in the backlight unit (100) may be divided into a plurality of dimming blocks (200). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of dimming blocks (200) may be composed of 5 rows and 12 columns, for a total of 60. As another example, the plurality of dimming blocks (200) may be composed of 5 rows and 4 columns, for a total of 20. However, the number of dimming blocks (200) is not limited to the above examples.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 5, each of the plurality of dimming blocks (200) may include at least one light-emitting element (111). The backlight unit (100) may supply the same driving current to the light-emitting elements (111) belonging to the same dimming block (200), and the light-emitting elements (111) belonging to the same dimming block (200) may emit light of the same brightness.

[0115] Additionally, the backlight unit (100) can supply different driving currents to light-emitting elements (111) belonging to different dimming blocks (200) according to dimming data, and the light-emitting elements (111) belonging to different dimming blocks (200) can emit light of different brightness.

[0116] As will be explained below, among the light-emitting elements (111) belonging to the same dimming block (200), different driving currents can be supplied to light-emitting diodes that output light of different colors, and the same driving current can be supplied to light-emitting diodes that output light of the same color. To this end, the dimming data corresponding to one dimming block may include RGB color values.

[0117] Each of the plurality of dimming blocks (200) may include N*M light sources arranged in the form of an N*M matrix (N and M are natural numbers), for example. An N*M matrix means a matrix having N rows and M columns.

[0118] Since each light-emitting element (111) includes a light-emitting diode, each of the plurality of dimming blocks (200) may include N*M light-emitting diodes. That is, each of the plurality of dimming blocks (200) may include a predetermined number of light-emitting elements (111).

[0119] A plurality of dimming blocks (200) can be placed on the substrate (112). That is, N*M light-emitting diodes can be placed on the substrate (112).

[0120] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a control block diagram of a display device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a display device according to one embodiment converting dimming data from image data.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 6, the display device (10) may include a content receiving unit (80), an image processing unit (90), a panel driver (30), a liquid crystal panel (20), and a backlight unit (100). At this time, the backlight unit (100) may include a dimming driver (170) that performs local dimming and a driving element (300) that drives a light-emitting element (111). This driving element (300) may be placed on the upper surface of the substrate (112) or on the lower surface of the substrate (112).

[0122] The content receiving unit (80) may include a receiving terminal (81) and a tuner (82) for receiving content including video signals and / or audio signals from content sources.

[0123] The receiving terminal (81) can receive video and audio signals from content sources through a cable. For example, the receiving terminal (81) may include a component (YPbPr / RGB) terminal, a composite (composite video blanking and sync, CVBS) terminal, an audio terminal, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) terminal, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) terminal, etc.

[0124] The tuner (82) receives broadcast signals from a broadcast receiving antenna or a wired cable and can extract broadcast signals of a channel selected by the user among the broadcast signals. For example, the tuner (82) can pass broadcast signals having a frequency corresponding to a channel selected by the user among a plurality of broadcast signals received through a broadcast receiving antenna or a wired cable, and block broadcast signals having other frequencies.

[0125] In this way, the content receiving unit (80) can receive an image including video signals and audio signals from content sources through the receiving terminal (81) and / or tuner (82), and can output the input image received through the receiving terminal (81) and / or tuner (82) to the image processing unit (90).

[0126] The image processing unit (90) may include at least one processor (91) for processing an input image (image data) and a memory (92) for storing / remembering data.

[0127] The memory (92) stores programs and data for processing video signals and / or audio signals, and can temporarily store data generated while processing video signals and / or audio signals.

[0128] The memory (92) may include non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory, and volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory, S-RAM) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0129] At least one processor (91) receives an input image including a video signal and / or an audio signal from a content receiving unit (80), can decode the video signal into image data, and can generate dimming data from the image data. The image data and the dimming data can be output to a panel driver (30) and a dimming driver (170), respectively.

[0130] At least one processor (91) can provide dimming data for local dimming to a backlight unit (100). The dimming data may include information regarding the brightness of each of the plurality of dimming blocks (200). For example, the dimming data may include information regarding the intensity of light output by a light-emitting element (111) included in each of the plurality of dimming blocks (200). That is, the dimming data may include information regarding the magnitude of the current supplied to the light-emitting element (111) included in each of the plurality of dimming blocks (200).

[0131] The dimming data may include information regarding the magnitude of the current supplied to each of the red light-emitting diode (190R), green light-emitting diode (190G), and blue light-emitting diode (190B) included in the light-emitting element (111) included in each of the plurality of dimming blocks (200).

[0132] At least one processor (91) can calculate the average of the RGB color values ​​of each of the plurality of dimming blocks (200) based on image data and generate dimming data for each of the plurality of dimming blocks (200) based on the average of the RGB color values.

[0133] At least one processor (91) can obtain dimming data from video data decoded from a video signal.

[0134] The processor (91) can convert image data into dimming data in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the processor (91) can divide an image (I) based on image data into a plurality of image blocks (IB). The number of the plurality of image blocks (IB) is equal to the number of the plurality of dimming blocks (200), and each of the plurality of image blocks (IB) can correspond to the plurality of dimming blocks (200).

[0135] The processor (91) can obtain a luminance value (L) of a plurality of dimming blocks (200) from image data of a plurality of image blocks (IB). The luminance value (L) of the plurality of dimming blocks (200) may include RGB color values ​​of the plurality of dimming blocks (200).

[0136] The processor (91) can generate dimming data by combining the brightness values ​​(L) of a plurality of dimming blocks (200).

[0137] For example, the processor (91) can obtain the luminance value (L) of each of the plurality of dimming blocks (200) based on the maximum value among the luminance values ​​of the pixels included in each of the image blocks (IB).

[0138] A single image block includes a plurality of pixels (P), and the image data of a single image block may include image data of the plurality of pixels (P) (e.g., red data, green data, blue data, etc.). A processor (91) can calculate the luminance value of each pixel based on the image data of each pixel.

[0139] Image data may include red data values ​​corresponding to red data, green data values ​​corresponding to green data, and blue data values ​​corresponding to blue data. Each of the red data value, green data value, and blue data value may represent a luminance value included in a predetermined range (e.g., 0 to 255).

[0140] The processor (91) can set the maximum value among the luminance values ​​of each pixel included in the image block as the luminance value of the dimming block corresponding to the image block. For example, the processor (91) can set the maximum value among the luminance values ​​of the pixels included in the i-th image block (IB(i)) as the luminance value (L(i)) of the i-th dimming block, and the maximum value among the luminance values ​​of the pixels included in the j-th image block (IB(j)) as the luminance value (L(j)) of the j-th dimming block.

[0141] The processor (91) can generate dimming data by combining the brightness values ​​of a plurality of dimming blocks (200).

[0142] In this way, the image processing unit (90) can decode the video signal obtained by the content receiving unit (80) into image data and generate dimming data from the image data. Additionally, the image processing unit (90) can transmit the image data and dimming data to the liquid crystal panel (20) and the light source device (100), respectively.

[0143] The liquid crystal panel (20) includes a plurality of pixels (P) capable of transmitting or blocking light, and the plurality of pixels (P) can be arranged in a matrix form. In other words, the plurality of pixels (P) can be arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns.

[0144] As previously explained, each of the multiple pixels (P) may include a red subpixel (PR), a green subpixel (PG), a blue subpixel (PB), and a transparent subpixel (PT).

[0145] The panel driver (30) receives image data from the image processing unit (90) and can drive the liquid crystal panel (20) according to the image data. In other words, the panel driver (30) can convert image data (hereinafter referred to as 'digital image data'), which is a digital signal, into an analog image signal, which is an analog voltage signal, and provide the converted analog image signal to the liquid crystal panel (20). The optical properties (e.g., light transmittance) of a plurality of pixels (P) included in the liquid crystal panel (20) can change according to the analog image signal.

[0146] Driving the liquid crystal panel (20) according to image data may include controlling the opening amount of each of the red subpixel (PR), green subpixel (PG), blue subpixel (PB), and transparent subpixel (PT) according to the image data.

[0147] Controlling the opening amount of each of the red subpixel (PR), green subpixel (PG), blue subpixel (PB), and transparent subpixel (PT) may include controlling the opening amount of each of the first liquid crystal cell (25R), second liquid crystal cell (25G), third liquid crystal cell (25B), and fourth liquid crystal cell (25T).

[0148] The panel driver (30) may include, for example, a timing controller, a data driver, a scan driver, etc.

[0149] The timing controller receives image data from the image processing unit (90) and can output the image data and a drive control signal to the data driver and the scan driver. The drive control signal may include a scan control signal and a data control signal, and the scan control signal and the data control signal may be used to control the operation of the scan driver and the operation of the data driver, respectively.

[0150] The scan driver receives a scan control signal from the timing controller and can input-activate one of a plurality of rows in the liquid crystal panel (20) according to the scan control signal. In other words, the scan driver converts the pixels included in one of a row among a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns into a state where they can receive an analog image signal. At this time, pixels other than those input-activated by the scan driver cannot receive an analog image signal.

[0151] The data driver receives image data and a data control signal from the timing controller and can output the image data to the liquid crystal panel (20) according to the data control signal. For example, the data driver can receive digital image data from the timing controller and convert the digital image data into an analog image signal. Additionally, the data driver can provide an analog image signal to pixels included in any row that is input-activated by the scan driver. At this time, the pixels input-activated by the scan driver receive the analog image signal, and the optical properties (e.g., light transmittance) of the input-activated pixels change according to the received analog image signal.

[0152] In this way, the panel driver (30) can drive the liquid crystal panel (20) according to the image data. Accordingly, an image corresponding to the image data can be displayed on the liquid crystal panel (20).

[0153] The light source device (100) includes a plurality of light sources (111) that emit light, and the plurality of light sources (111) are arranged in a mastrick form. In other words, the plurality of light sources (111) can be arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. Additionally, the light source device (100) can be divided into a plurality of dimming blocks (200), and each of the plurality of dimming blocks (200) can include at least one light source.

[0154] The dimming driver (170) receives dimming data from the image processing unit (90) and can drive the light source device (100) according to the dimming data. Here, the dimming data may include information regarding the luminance of each of the plurality of dimming blocks (200) or information regarding the brightness of the light sources included in each of the plurality of dimming blocks (200).

[0155] The dimming driver (170) can convert dimming data, which is a digital signal, into an analog dimming signal, which is an analog voltage signal, and provide the analog dimming signal to the light source device (100). Depending on the analog dimming signal, the intensity of light emitted by the light sources included in each of the plurality of dimming blocks (200) can change.

[0156] In particular, the dimming driver (170) may not directly provide an analog dimming signal to all of the multiple dimming blocks (200), but may sequentially provide an analog dimming signal to the multiple dimming blocks (200) in an active matrix manner.

[0157] As previously described, a plurality of dimming blocks (200) can be arranged in a mastrick form in the light source device (100). In other words, a plurality of dimming blocks (200) can be arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns in the light source device (100).

[0158] The dimming driver (170) can sequentially provide analog dimming signals to dimming blocks belonging to each of a plurality of rows or sequentially provide analog dimming signals to dimming blocks belonging to each of a plurality of columns.

[0159] For example, the dimming driver (170) can input-activate dimming blocks belonging to one row of a plurality of dimming blocks (200) and provide an analog dimming signal to the input-activated dimming blocks. Subsequently, the dimming driver (170) can input-activate dimming blocks belonging to another row of a plurality of dimming blocks (200) and provide an analog dimming signal to the input-activated dimming blocks.

[0160] The dimming driver (170) receives dimming data from the image processing unit (90) and can drive the driving element (300) according to the dimming data.

[0161] The driving element (300) may be configured to control at least one dimming block among a plurality of dimming blocks (200). The driving element (300) may control the dimming block (200) based on a control signal received from the dimming driver (170).

[0162] The driving element (300) may be referred to as a driving IC or a pixel IC, etc., in the sense that it is an integrated circuit for driving at least one of the plurality of dimming blocks (200).

[0163] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a light-emitting element included in a backlight unit according to one embodiment.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 8, the light-emitting element (111) may include a red light-emitting diode (190R), a green light-emitting diode (190G), and a blue light-emitting diode (190B).

[0165] The light-emitting diode (190R, 190G, 190B; 190) may be a mini light-emitting diode with a size of 500 μm x 500 μm or less.

[0166] The red light-emitting diode (190R) may include at least one red light-emitting diode connected in series with each other. The green light-emitting diode (190G) may include at least one green light-emitting diode connected in series with each other. The blue light-emitting diode (190B) may include at least one blue light-emitting diode connected in series with each other.

[0167] A plurality of light-emitting diode groups (170) can be arranged in a two-dimensional matrix form on the upper surface of the substrate (112). That is, as shown in FIG. 4, as a plurality of light-emitting elements (111) are arranged in rows and columns, a plurality of light-emitting diode groups (170) can be arranged in a two-dimensional matrix form.

[0168] In addition, according to an embodiment, a plurality of light sources may be arranged so that an approximately equilateral triangle is formed by three adjacent light sources. In this case, one light source may be arranged adjacent to six light sources. Also, the distance between one light source and the six light sources adjacent to it may be approximately the same.

[0169] However, the arrangement of the plurality of light-emitting elements (111) is not limited to the arrangement described above, and the plurality of light-emitting elements (111) can be arranged in various ways so that light is emitted with uniform brightness.

[0170] The light-emitting element (111) may employ a device capable of emitting white light (light having multiple peak wavelengths, for example, light mixed with red light, green light, and blue light) in various directions when power is supplied.

[0171] That is, one light-emitting element (111) can emit white light by including a red light-emitting diode (190R), a green light-emitting diode (190G), and a blue light-emitting diode (190B).

[0172] The intensity of red light emitted by the red light-emitting diode (190R), the intensity of green light emitted by the green light-emitting diode (190G), and the intensity of blue light emitted by the blue light-emitting diode (190B) can each be changed independently based on dimming data.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 8, each of the plurality of light-emitting elements (111) may include a group of light-emitting diodes (170) and an optical dome (180).

[0174] The thickness of the backlight unit (100) can also be reduced so that the thickness of the display device (10) is reduced. Each of the plurality of light-emitting elements (111) is reduced so that the thickness of the backlight unit (100) is reduced, and the structure is simplified.

[0175] Each light-emitting diode included in the light-emitting diode group (170) may include a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor for emitting light by the recombination of holes and electrons. Additionally, the light-emitting diode (190) may be provided with a pair of electrodes for supplying holes and electrons to the P-type semiconductor and the N-type semiconductor, respectively.

[0176] Each of the light-emitting diodes (190R, 190G, 190B; 190) can be configured to convert electrical energy into light energy. Each of the light-emitting diodes (190R, 190G, 190B; 190) can emit light having a maximum intensity at a predetermined wavelength based on the supplied power. For example, a blue light-emitting diode (190B) can emit blue light having a peak value at a wavelength representing blue (e.g., a wavelength between 430 nm and 495 nm).

[0177] For example, a multilayer reflective structure may be provided on the upper and / or lower surfaces of each light-emitting diode (190R, 190G, 190B; 190) in which a plurality of insulating films having different refractive indices are alternately stacked. For example, such a multilayer reflective structure may be composed of a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR). A Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) is a structure in which two or more materials having different refractive indices are alternately stacked, and it may refer to an optical device that exhibits high reflectivity for light of a specific wavelength according to the principle of inducing strong reflection in a specific frequency band by forming an optical path difference for each wavelength.

[0178] Additionally, the light-emitting diodes (190R, 190G, 190B; 190) of the light-emitting diode group (170) can be directly attached to the substrate (112) in a Chip On Board (COB) manner. For example, the light-emitting element (111) may include a light-emitting diode (190) in which the light-emitting diode chip or light-emitting diode die is directly attached to the substrate (112) without separate packaging.

[0179] The light-emitting diode (190) can be manufactured as a flip-chip type. When attaching the light-emitting diode (190), which is a semiconductor device, to the substrate (112), the electrode pattern of the semiconductor device can be fused directly to the substrate (112) without using an intermediate medium such as a metal lead (wire) or a ball grid array (BGA). In this way, as the metal lead (wire) or ball grid array is omitted, the light-emitting device (111) including the flip-chip type light-emitting diode (190) can be miniaturized.

[0180] In the above description, a flip-chip type light-emitting diode (190) that is directly fused to a substrate (112) in a chip-on-board manner has been described, but the light-emitting element (111) is not limited to a flip-chip type light-emitting diode. For example, the light-emitting element (111) may include a package type light-emitting diode.

[0181] The optical dome (180) can cover the group of light-emitting diodes (170). That is, the optical dome (180) can cover the red light-emitting diode (190R), the green light-emitting diode (190G), and the blue light-emitting diode (190B) included in the group of light-emitting diodes (170).

[0182] The optical dome (180) causes the red light, green light, and blue light emitted from the red light-emitting diode (190R), green light-emitting diode (190G), and blue light-emitting diode (190B), respectively, to refract and mix, thereby allowing white light to be emitted.

[0183] In this way, the optical dome (180) emits white light by mixing red light, green light, and blue light, thereby reducing the distance at which the white light is mixed compared to when there is no optical dome (180), and thus reducing the optical distance (OD) for converting a point light source into a surface light source.

[0184] Additionally, the optical dome (180) can prevent or suppress damage to the light-emitting diode (190) caused by external mechanical action and / or damage to the light-emitting diode (190) caused by chemical action.

[0185] The optical dome (180) may have a dome shape, for example, by cutting a sphere with a surface that does not include its center, or a hemispherical shape, by cutting a sphere with a surface that includes its center. The vertical cross-section of the optical dome (180) may be, for example, arc-shaped or semicircular.

[0186] The optical dome (180) may be composed of silicone or epoxy resin. For example, molten silicone or epoxy resin may be discharged onto a light-emitting diode (190) through a nozzle, and then the discharged silicone or epoxy resin may be cured to form the optical dome (180).

[0187] The optical dome (180) may be optically transparent or translucent. Light emitted from the light-emitting diode (190) may pass through the optical dome (180) and be emitted to the outside.

[0188] At this time, the dome-shaped optical dome (180) can refract light like a lens. For example, light emitted from a light-emitting diode (190) can be dispersed by being refracted by the optical dome (180).

[0189] Thus, the optical dome (180) can not only protect the light-emitting diode (190) from external mechanical and / or chemical or electrical action, but also disperse the light emitted from the light-emitting diode (190).

[0190] In the above description, an optical dome (180) in the form of a silicon dome has been described, but the light-emitting element (111) is not limited to including the optical dome (180). For example, the light-emitting element (111) may include a lens for dispersing light emitted from a light-emitting diode.

[0191] As such, according to the present invention, by including a red light-emitting diode (190R), a green light-emitting diode (190G), and a blue light-emitting diode (190B) in the local dimming operation, it is possible to achieve higher color purity and contrast ratio than local dimming using a single light, and to achieve higher image quality.

[0192] FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a light-emitting element included in a backlight unit according to one embodiment.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the optical dome (180) may include a first optical dome (180R) covering a red light-emitting diode (190R) included in the light-emitting diode group (170), a second optical dome (180G) covering a green light-emitting diode (190G), and a third optical dome (180B) covering a blue light-emitting diode (190B).

[0194] The light source device (100) includes an optical dome (180R, 180G, 180B) covering each of the red light-emitting diode (190R), the green light-emitting diode (190G), and the blue light-emitting diode (190B), thereby improving the light emission stability of the light-emitting diode group (170).

[0195] Each of the plurality of dimming blocks (200) composed of a plurality of light-emitting elements (111) can correspond to a plurality of pixels (P).

[0196] A light-emitting element (111) composed of a red light-emitting diode (190R), a green light-emitting diode (190G), and a blue light-emitting diode (190B) can correspond to a plurality of pixels (P).

[0197] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the structure of a liquid crystal panel according to one embodiment.

[0198] Referring to FIG. 10, a liquid crystal panel (20) according to one embodiment may include a first subpixel (PR) formed by aligning a first liquid crystal cell (25R) and a red filter (27R), a second subpixel (PG) formed by aligning a second liquid crystal cell (25G) and a green filter (27G), a third subpixel (PB) formed by aligning a third liquid crystal cell (25B) and a blue filter (27B), and a fourth subpixel (PT) formed by aligning a fourth liquid crystal cell (25T) and a transparent area (27T).

[0199] The first subpixel (PR) may be referred to as a red subpixel (PR) in that it selectively emits red light output from a red light-emitting diode (190R).

[0200] The second subpixel (PG) may be referred to as a green subpixel (PG) in that it selectively emits green light output from a green light-emitting diode (190G).

[0201] The third subpixel (PB) may be referred to as a blue subpixel (PB) in that it selectively emits blue light output from a blue light-emitting diode (190B).

[0202] The fourth subpixel (PT) may be referred to as a transparent subpixel (PT) in that it selectively emits light output from the red light-emitting diode (190R), the green light-emitting diode (190G), and the blue light-emitting diode (190B).

[0203] The first to fourth subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT) can form one pixel (P1, P2, P3).

[0204] The arrangement order of the first to fourth subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT) within a single pixel (P1, P2, P3) may be changed according to various embodiments.

[0205] For example, the first to fourth subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT) within a single pixel (P1, P2, P3) are in the order of the first, second, third, and fourth subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT), the order of the first, second, fourth, and third subpixels (PR, PG, PT, PB), the order of the first, third, second, and fourth subpixels (PR, PB, PG, PT), the order of the first, third, fourth, and second subpixels (PR, PB, PT, PG), the order of the first, fourth, second, and third subpixels (PR, PT, PG, PB), the order of the first, fourth, third, and second subpixels (PR, PT, PB, PG), the order of the second, first, third, and fourth subpixels (PG, PR, PB, PT), and the second, first, fourth, and third subpixels (PG, PR, PT, The order of PB), the order of the 2nd, 3rd, 1st, and 4th subpixels (PG, PB, PR, PT), the order of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 1st subpixels (PG, PB, PT, PR), the order of the 2nd, 4th, 1st, and 3rd subpixels (PG, PT, PR, PB), the order of the 2nd, 4th, 3rd, and 1st subpixels (PG, PT, PB, PR), the order of the 3rd, 1st, 2nd, and 4th subpixels (PB, PR, PG, PT), the order of the 3rd, 1st, 4th, and 2nd subpixels (PB, PR, PT, PG), the order of the 3rd, 2nd, 1st, and 4th subpixels (PB, PG, PR, PT), the order of the 3rd, 2nd, 4th, and 1st subpixels (PB, PG, PT, PR), the order of the 3rd, 4th, 1st, and 2nd subpixels (PB, PT, PR, PG), The order of the 3rd, 4th, 2nd, and 1st subpixels (PB, PT, PG, PR), the order of the 4th, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd subpixels (PT, PR, PG, PB), the order of the 4th, 1st, 3rd, and 2nd subpixels (PT, PR, PB, PG), the order of the 4th, 2nd, 1st, and 3rd subpixels (PT, PG, PR, PB), the order of the 4th, 2nd, 3rd, and 1st subpixels (PT, PG, PB, PR), the 4th, 3rd, and 1st,They may be arranged in the order of the second subpixel (PT, PB, PR, PG) or the order of the fourth, third, second, and first subpixels (PT, PB, PG, PR) in the horizontal direction (e.g., the width direction or left-right direction of the display device (10)) or vertical direction (e.g., the length direction or up-down direction of the display device (10)) of the liquid crystal panel (20).

[0206] In one embodiment, the widths of each of the first to fourth subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT) may be equal to each other.

[0207] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal panel (20) can be simplified by forming the widths of each of the first to fourth subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT) equally.

[0208] In the present invention, the width of the subpixel (PR, PG, PB, PT) may refer to the length of the subpixel based on the horizontal direction of the liquid crystal panel (20) or the vertical direction of the liquid crystal panel (20).

[0209] In the present invention, the width of the subpixel (PR, PG, PB, PT) may refer to the width of liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T) that can be controlled independently of each other, or the width of the red filter (27R), green filter (27G), blue filter (27B) and transparent area (27T).

[0210] In the present invention, the width of the subpixel (PR, PG, PB, PT) may refer to the area occupied by the subpixel (PR, PG, PB, PT).

[0211] In one embodiment, the backlight unit (100) of the display device (10) includes a light-emitting element (111) composed of a red light-emitting diode (190R), a green light-emitting diode (190G), and a blue light-emitting diode (190B), so the color of the light can be controlled from the light output stage. However, since one light-emitting element (111) corresponds to a plurality of pixels (P), a color filter layer (27) for controlling the color of the light for each pixel is required.

[0212] Meanwhile, since the red filter (27R), green filter (27G) and blue filter (27B) are absorption filters, light loss may occur when transmitting light of a specific wavelength band.

[0213] A display device (10) according to one embodiment may include a transparent subpixel (PT) in addition to a red subpixel (PR), a green subpixel (PG), and a blue subpixel (PB) to compensate for light loss caused by a red filter (27R), a green filter (27G), and a blue filter (27B).

[0214] Since the transparent subpixel (PT) can be opened even when transmitting monochromatic light, when the widths of each of the first to fourth subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT) are equal to each other, there may be a tendency for the color of light corresponding to the fourth subpixel (PT) and the adjacent subpixel to be concentrated and output.

[0215] For example, in the structure of the liquid crystal panel (20) shown in FIG. 10, when green monochromatic light is output, the green monochromatic light is output through green subpixels (PG) and transparent subpixels (PT) that are spaced apart from each other by one subpixel unit, so the green monochromatic light can spread evenly.

[0216] On the other hand, when red monochromatic light is output in the structure of the liquid crystal panel (20) shown in FIG. 10, the red monochromatic light is output through red subpixels (PR) and transparent subpixels (PT) arranged adjacent to each other, so the red monochromatic light may tend to be concentrated and output in a specific part.

[0217] FIGS. 11 to 13 illustrate other examples of the structure of a liquid crystal panel according to one embodiment.

[0218] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, in one embodiment, the widths of at least two of the first to fourth subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT) may be different from each other.

[0219] For example, among the first to fourth subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT), the width of the fourth subpixel (PT) and the subpixel adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) may be smaller than the width of other subpixels not adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT).

[0220] Multiple pixels (P) may be arranged in a two-dimensional matrix form, and a subpixel adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) may mean a subpixel adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) in the row direction and / or column direction.

[0221] In the present invention, a subpixel adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) may refer to a subpixel placed immediately next to the fourth subpixel (PT). For example, no other subpixel may be placed between the fourth subpixel (PT) and the subpixel adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT).

[0222] In the present invention, another subpixel may be disposed between the fourth subpixel (PT) and a subpixel that is not adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT).

[0223] Referring to FIG. 11, the fourth subpixel (PT) may be positioned between the first subpixel (PR) and the third subpixel (PB), and the second subpixel (PG) may not be adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT).

[0224] When the fourth subpixel (PT) is placed between the first subpixel (PR) and the third subpixel (PB), the width of the first subpixel (PR) (a3, a7, a11), the width of the third subpixel (PB) (a5, a9), and the width of the fourth subpixel (PT) (a4, a8, a12) may each be smaller than the width of the second subpixel (PG) (a2, a6, a10).

[0225] For example, when a fourth subpixel (PT) is placed between a first subpixel (PR) and a third subpixel (PB), the width of the first subpixel (PR) (a3, a7, a11), the width of the third subpixel (PB) (a5, a9), and the width of the fourth subpixel (PT) (a4, a8, a12) may each be less than or equal to half the width of the second subpixel (PG) (a2, a6, a10).

[0226] In one embodiment, a subpixel (e.g., a third subpixel (PB)) provided at the edge of the liquid crystal panel (20) may not be adjacent to a fourth subpixel (PT). The width (a1) of the third subpixel (PB) provided at the edge of the liquid crystal panel (20) and not adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) may be the same as the width (a2, a6, a10) of the second subpixel (PG).

[0227] In one embodiment, a plurality of pixels (P), each comprising a first subpixel (PR), a second subpixel (PG), a third subpixel (PB), and a fourth subpixel (PT), may be arranged in a two-dimensional matrix form.

[0228] For example, the first pixel (Pa1) can be placed adjacent to the second pixel (Pa2), and the second pixel (Pa2) can be placed adjacent to the third pixel (Pa3).

[0229] The placement of the fourth subpixel (PT) between the first subpixel (PR) and the third subpixel (PB) may include the fourth subpixel (PT) being placed between the first subpixel (PR) and the third subpixel (PB) within a single pixel, the fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel (Pa1) being placed between the first subpixel (PR) of the first pixel (Pa1) and the third subpixel (PB) of the second pixel (Pa2), and / or the fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel (Pa1) being placed between the first subpixel (PR) of the second pixel (Pa2) and the third subpixel (PB) of the first pixel (Pa1).

[0230] In one embodiment, the widths (a3, a5) of the first subpixel (PR) of the first pixel (Pa1) and the third subpixel (PB) of the second pixel (Pa2), which are adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel (Pa1), may be smaller than the widths (a2, a6) of the second subpixel (PG) of the first pixel (Pa1) and the second subpixel (PG) of the second pixel (Pa2), which are not adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel (Pa1).

[0231] In one embodiment, the widths (a7, a9) of the first subpixel (PR) of the second pixel (Pa2) and the third subpixel (PB) of the third pixel (Pa3), which are adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the second pixel (Pa2), may be smaller than the widths (a6, a10) of the second subpixel (PG) of the second pixel (Pa2) and the second subpixel (PG) of the third pixel (Pa3), which are not adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the second pixel (Pa2).

[0232] In one embodiment, the width (a12) of the first subpixel (PR) of the third pixel (Pa3) adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the third pixel (Pa3) may be smaller than the width (a10) of the second subpixel (PG) of the third pixel (Pa3).

[0233] Referring to FIG. 12, the fourth subpixel (PT) may be positioned between the first subpixel (PR) and the second subpixel (PG), and the third subpixel (PB) may not be adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT).

[0234] When the fourth subpixel (PT) is placed between the first subpixel (PR) and the second subpixel (PG), the width of the first subpixel (PR) (b3, b7, b11), the width of the second subpixel (PG) (b5, b9), and the width of the fourth subpixel (PT) (b4, b8, b12) may each be smaller than the width of the third subpixel (PB) (b2, b6, b10).

[0235] For example, when a fourth subpixel (PT) is placed between a first subpixel (PR) and a third subpixel (PB), the width of the first subpixel (PR) (b3, b7, b11), the width of the third subpixel (PB) (b5, b9), and the width of the fourth subpixel (PT) (b4, b8, b12) may each be less than or equal to half the width of the second subpixel (PG) (b2, b6, b10).

[0236] In one embodiment, a subpixel (e.g., a second subpixel (PG)) provided at the edge of the liquid crystal panel (20) may not be adjacent to a fourth subpixel (PT). The width (b1) of the second subpixel (PG) provided at the edge of the liquid crystal panel (20) and not adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) may be the same as the width (b2, b6, b10) of the third subpixel (PB).

[0237] In one embodiment, a plurality of pixels (P), each comprising a first subpixel (PR), a second subpixel (PG), a third subpixel (PB), and a fourth subpixel (PT), may be arranged in a two-dimensional matrix form.

[0238] For example, the first pixel (Pb1) can be placed adjacent to the second pixel (Pb2), and the second pixel (Pb2) can be placed adjacent to the third pixel (Pb3).

[0239] The placement of the fourth subpixel (PT) between the first subpixel (PR) and the second subpixel (PG) may include the fourth subpixel (PT) being placed between the first subpixel (PR) and the second subpixel (PG) within a single pixel, the fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel (Pb1) being placed between the first subpixel (PR) of the first pixel (Pb1) and the second subpixel (PG) of the second pixel (Pb2), and / or the fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel (Pb1) being placed between the first subpixel (PR) of the second pixel (Pb2) and the second subpixel (PG) of the first pixel (Pb1).

[0240] In one embodiment, the widths (b3, b5) of the first subpixel (PR) of the first pixel (Pb1) and the second subpixel (PG) of the second pixel (Pb2), which are adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel (Pb1), may be smaller than the widths (b2, b6) of the third subpixel (PB) of the first pixel (Pb1) and the third subpixel (PB) of the second pixel (Pb2), which are not adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel (Pb1).

[0241] In one embodiment, the widths (b7, b9) of the first subpixel (PR) of the second pixel (Pb2) and the second subpixel (PG) of the third pixel (Pb3), which are adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the second pixel (Pb2), may be smaller than the widths (b6, b10) of the third subpixel (PB) of the second pixel (Pb2) and the third subpixel (PB) of the third pixel (Pb3), which are not adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the second pixel (Pb2).

[0242] In one embodiment, the width (b12) of the first subpixel (PR) of the third pixel (Pb3) adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the third pixel (Pb3) may be smaller than the width (b10) of the third subpixel (PB) of the third pixel (Pb3).

[0243] Referring to FIG. 13, the fourth subpixel (PT) may be positioned between the second subpixel (PG) and the third subpixel (PB), and the first subpixel (PR) may not be adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT).

[0244] When the fourth subpixel (PT) is placed between the second subpixel (PG) and the third subpixel (PB), the width of the third subpixel (PB) (c3, c7, c11), the width of the second subpixel (PG) (c5, c9), and the width of the fourth subpixel (PT) (c4, c8, c12) may each be smaller than the width of the first subpixel (PR) (c2, c6, c10).

[0245] For example, if the fourth subpixel (PT) is positioned between the second subpixel (PG) and the third subpixel (PB), the width of the third subpixel (PB) (c3, c7, c11), the width of the second subpixel (PG) (c5, c9), and the width of the fourth subpixel (PT) (c4, c8, c12) may each be less than or equal to half the width of the first subpixel (PR) (c2, c6, c10).

[0246] In one embodiment, a subpixel (e.g., a second subpixel (PG)) provided at the edge of the liquid crystal panel (20) may not be adjacent to a fourth subpixel (PT). The width (c1) of the second subpixel (PG) provided at the edge of the liquid crystal panel (20) and not adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) may be the same as the width (c2, c6, c10) of the first subpixel (PR).

[0247] In one embodiment, a plurality of pixels (P), each comprising a first subpixel (PR), a second subpixel (PG), a third subpixel (PB), and a fourth subpixel (PT), may be arranged in a two-dimensional matrix form.

[0248] For example, the first pixel (Pc1) can be placed adjacent to the second pixel (Pc2), and the second pixel (Pc2) can be placed adjacent to the third pixel (Pc3).

[0249] The placement of the fourth subpixel (PT) between the second subpixel (PG) and the third subpixel (PB) may include the fourth subpixel (PT) being placed between the second subpixel (PG) and the third subpixel (PB) within a single pixel, the fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel (Pc1) being placed between the second subpixel (PG) of the first pixel (Pc1) and the third subpixel (PB) of the second pixel (Pc2), and / or the fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel (Pc1) being placed between the second subpixel (PG) of the second pixel (Pc2) and the third subpixel (PB) of the first pixel (Pc1).

[0250] In one embodiment, the widths (c3, c5) of the third subpixel (PB) of the first pixel (Pc1) and the second subpixel (PG) of the second pixel (Pc2), which are adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel (Pc1), may be smaller than the widths (c2, c6) of the first subpixel (PR) of the first pixel (Pc1) and the first subpixel (PR) of the second pixel (Pc2), which are not adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel (Pc1).

[0251] In one embodiment, the widths (c7, c9) of the third subpixel (PB) of the second pixel (Pc2) and the second subpixel (PG) of the third pixel (Pc3), which are adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the second pixel (Pc2), may be smaller than the widths (c6, c10) of the first subpixel (PR) of the second pixel (Pc2) and the first subpixel (PR) of the third pixel (Pc3), which are not adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the second pixel (Pc2).

[0252] In one embodiment, the width (c12) of the third subpixel (PB) of the third pixel (Pc3) adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the third pixel (Pc3) may be smaller than the width (c10) of the first subpixel (PR) of the third pixel (Pc3).

[0253] According to one embodiment of the present invention, since the width of the subpixels adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) is smaller than the width of the subpixels not adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT), the output uniformity of monochromatic light can be improved.

[0254] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal panel when a light-emitting element according to one embodiment outputs blue monochromatic light. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal panel when a light-emitting element according to one embodiment outputs green monochromatic light. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal panel when a light-emitting element according to one embodiment outputs red monochromatic light. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal panel when a light-emitting element according to one embodiment outputs mixed light.

[0255] In one embodiment, the display device (10) may include a control unit that controls a light-emitting element (111) of a backlight unit (100) and a pixel (P) of a liquid crystal panel (20).

[0256] The control unit may include an image processing unit (90), a panel driver (30), a dimming driver (170) and / or a driving element (300).

[0257] Controlling the light-emitting element (111) of the backlight unit (100) may include controlling the driving current flowing through the light-emitting diode (190) (e.g., red light-emitting diode (190R), green light-emitting diode (190G), and blue light-emitting diode (190B) included in the light-emitting element (111) based on input data (or image data).

[0258] Controlling a pixel (P) of a liquid crystal panel (20) may include controlling the opening amount of subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT) included in the pixel (P).

[0259] Controlling the opening amount of each of the subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT) may mean controlling the opening amount of the liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T) corresponding to each of the subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT).

[0260] Controlling the opening amount of the liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T) may include controlling the light transmittance of the liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T), controlling the driving level of the liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T), and / or controlling the rotation angle of the liquid crystal molecules (25a) contained in the liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T).

[0261] The control unit can determine the brightness value (L) of each of the plurality of dimming blocks (200) based on input data.

[0262] The control unit can determine the luminance value of each of the multiple pixels (P) based on the input data.

[0263] The input data may include RGB color values, and the RGB color values ​​may include an R value corresponding to the luminance value of red light, a G value corresponding to the luminance value of green light, and a B value corresponding to the luminance value of blue light.

[0264] The R, G, and B values ​​can be defined as the red data value, green data value, and blue data value, respectively.

[0265] Each of the R, G, and B values ​​may have a data value (or luminance value) within a predetermined range (e.g., 0 to 255) corresponding to the luminance. Depending on the processing method of the input data, the range of each of the R, G, and B values ​​included in the input data may be changed (e.g., 0 to 1000).

[0266] A specific light-emitting element (hereinafter 'first light-emitting element (111)') included in a plurality of dimming blocks (200) can correspond to a specific pixel (hereinafter 'first pixel (P)') included in a plurality of pixels (P).

[0267] The fact that the first light-emitting element (111) corresponds to the first pixel (P) may mean that light output from the first light-emitting element (111) is projected onto the first pixel (P).

[0268] There may be multiple first pixels (P) corresponding to the first light-emitting element (111).

[0269] The control unit can control the driving current flowing through the light-emitting diodes (190) (e.g., red light-emitting diode (190R), green light-emitting diode (190G), and blue light-emitting diode (190B) included in the first light-emitting element (111) based on input data.

[0270] The control unit can control the opening amount of each of the subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT) included in the first pixel (P) based on input data.

[0271] Referring to FIG. 14, the control unit can control the first light-emitting element (111) to output blue monochromatic light when the input data corresponding to the first light-emitting element (111) contains only a B value.

[0272] Controlling the first light-emitting element (111) to output blue monochromatic light may include applying a driving current only to the blue light-emitting diode (190B) among the red light-emitting diode (190R), green light-emitting diode (190G), and blue light-emitting diode (190B) included in the first light-emitting element (111).

[0273] The fact that the input data contains only B values ​​may mean that among the RGB color values, the B value has a predetermined value that is not 0, and the R and G values ​​are 0.

[0274] When the control unit controls the first light-emitting element (111) to output blue monochromatic light, it may open only the third subpixel (PB) and the fourth subpixel (PT) among the first subpixel (PR), second subpixel (PG), third subpixel (PB), and fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel (P).

[0275] Opening only the third subpixel (PB) and the fourth subpixel (PT) among the first subpixel (PR), the second subpixel (PG), the third subpixel (PB), and the fourth subpixel (PT) may mean opening only the third liquid crystal cell (25B) and the fourth liquid crystal cell (25T) among the first to fourth liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T) corresponding to the first to fourth subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT).

[0276] Referring to FIG. 15, the control unit can control the first light-emitting element (111) to output green monochromatic light when the input data corresponding to the first light-emitting element (111) contains only a G value.

[0277] Controlling the first light-emitting element (111) to output green monochromatic light may include applying a driving current only to the green light-emitting diode (190G) among the red light-emitting diode (190R), green light-emitting diode (190G), and blue light-emitting diode (190B) included in the first light-emitting element (111).

[0278] The input data containing only G values ​​may mean that among the RGB color values, the G value has a predetermined value that is not 0, and the R and B values ​​are 0.

[0279] When the control unit controls the first light-emitting element (111) to output green monochromatic light, it may open only the second subpixel (PG) and the fourth subpixel (PT) among the first subpixel (PR), second subpixel (PG), third subpixel (PB) and fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel (P).

[0280] Opening only the second subpixel (PG) and the fourth subpixel (PT) among the first subpixel (PR), the second subpixel (PG), the third subpixel (PB), and the fourth subpixel (PT) may mean opening only the second liquid crystal cell (25G) and the fourth liquid crystal cell (25T) among the first to fourth liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T) corresponding to the first to fourth subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT).

[0281] Referring to FIG. 16, the control unit can control the first light-emitting element (111) to output red monochromatic light when the input data corresponding to the first light-emitting element (111) contains only an R value.

[0282] Controlling the first light-emitting element (111) to output red monochromatic light may include applying a driving current only to the red light-emitting diode (190R) among the red light-emitting diode (190R), green light-emitting diode (190G), and blue light-emitting diode (190B) included in the first light-emitting element (111).

[0283] The input data containing only R values ​​may mean that among the RGB color values, the R value has a predetermined value that is not 0, and the G value and B value are 0.

[0284] When the control unit controls the first light-emitting element (111) to output red monochromatic light, it may open only the first subpixel (PR) and the fourth subpixel (PT) among the first subpixel (PR), the second subpixel (PG), the third subpixel (PB), and the fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel (P).

[0285] Opening only the first subpixel (PR) and the fourth subpixel (PT) among the first subpixel (PR), the second subpixel (PG), the third subpixel (PB), and the fourth subpixel (PT) may mean opening only the first liquid crystal cell (25R) and the fourth liquid crystal cell (25T) among the first to fourth liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T) corresponding to the first to fourth subpixels (PR, PG, PB, PT).

[0286] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, when the first light-emitting element (111) outputs monochromatic light, it can be seen that the monochromatic light is not concentrated and output at a part of the pixels, but is output uniformly.

[0287] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by placing a fourth subpixel (PT) in which a color filter is not placed in the pixel, it is possible to compensate for the reduction in light efficiency caused by monochromatic light being absorbed by the color filter.

[0288] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the uniformity of light output can be improved by setting the width of the fourth subpixel (PT) and the subpixels adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) to be smaller than the width of other subpixels not adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT).

[0289] In one embodiment, the control unit can fully open the fourth subpixel (PT) when the first light-emitting element (111) outputs monochromatic light.

[0290] According to one embodiment of the present invention, light efficiency can be increased by outputting monochromatic light that has not passed through a color filter through a fourth subpixel (PT).

[0291] Referring to FIG. 17, the control unit can control the first light-emitting element (111) to output a mixed light in which at least two of red light, green light, and blue light are mixed, when the input data corresponding to the first light-emitting element (111) includes at least two of R value, G value, and B value.

[0292] Controlling the first light-emitting element (111) to output mixed light may include applying a driving current to at least two diodes (190) among the red light-emitting diode (190R), green light-emitting diode (190G), and blue light-emitting diode (190B) included in the first light-emitting element (111).

[0293] For example, if the input data corresponding to the first light-emitting element (111) includes only the R value and the G value among the R value, the G value, and the B value, the control unit may apply a driving current only to the red light-emitting diode (190R) and the green light-emitting diode (190G) among the red light-emitting diode (190R), the green light-emitting diode (190G), and the blue light-emitting diode (190B) included in the first light-emitting element (111). If the input data corresponding to the first light-emitting element (111) includes only the G value and the B value among the R value, the G value, and the B value, the control unit may apply a driving current only to the green light-emitting diode (190G) and the blue light-emitting diode (190B) among the red light-emitting diode (190R), the green light-emitting diode (190G), and the blue light-emitting diode (190B) included in the first light-emitting element (111). When the input data corresponding to the first light-emitting element (111) includes only the R value and the B value among the R value, the G value, and the B value, the control unit may apply a driving current only to the red light-emitting diode (190R) and the blue light-emitting diode (190B) among the red light-emitting diode (190R), the green light-emitting diode (190G), and the blue light-emitting diode (190B) included in the first light-emitting element (111). When the input data corresponding to the first light-emitting element (111) includes all of the R value, the G value, and the B value, the control unit may apply a driving current to the red light-emitting diode (190R), the green light-emitting diode (190G), and the blue light-emitting diode (190B) included in the first light-emitting element (111).

[0294] When the control unit controls the first light-emitting element (111) to output mixed light, it can open the subpixels corresponding to the color of the mixed light and the fourth subpixel (PT) among the first subpixel (PR), second subpixel (PG), third subpixel (PB) and fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel (P).

[0295] For example, when the control unit controls the first light-emitting element (111) to output a mixed light in which at least two of red light, green light, and blue light are mixed, it may open at least two liquid crystal cells and the fourth liquid crystal cell (25T) among the first to fourth liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T) that correspond to the color of the mixed light.

[0296] In one embodiment, the control unit can determine the opening amount of the first liquid crystal cell (25R), the opening amount of the second liquid crystal cell (25G), and the opening amount of the third liquid crystal cell (25B), respectively, based on the R value, G value, and B value corresponding to the first pixel, respectively.

[0297] Meanwhile, when outputting mixed light, unlike outputting monochromatic light, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the opening amount of the fourth subpixel (PT) in terms of color differentiation with adjacent pixels. For example, if the opening amount of each fourth subpixel (PT) of adjacent pixels is set excessively, the color differentiation from adjacent pixels is poor, and if the opening amount of each fourth subpixel (PT) of adjacent pixels is set small, more power must be consumed by the first light-emitting element (111).

[0298] As such, the opening amount of the fourth subpixel (PT) needs to be appropriately controlled in terms of contrast between pixels (or image clarity) and light efficiency.

[0299] In one embodiment, the control unit can determine the opening amount of the fourth subpixel (PT) by considering all R, G, and B values ​​corresponding to the first pixel (P).

[0300] For example, the control unit can determine a target value that is greater than the average value of the R value, G value, and B value and smaller than the maximum value among the R value, G value, and B value, and determine the opening amount of the fourth subpixel (PT) based on the target value.

[0301] For example, the control unit can open the fourth subpixel (PT) by a target opening amount that is greater than the average of the opening amounts of the first to third subpixels (PB) and smaller than the maximum opening amount of the first to third subpixels (PB).

[0302] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a display device (10) capable of securing both light efficiency and image clarity is provided.

[0303] A display device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a backlight unit (100) including a red light-emitting diode (190R), a green light-emitting diode (190G), and a blue light-emitting diode (190B); and a liquid crystal panel (20) through which light output from the backlight unit (100) passes, wherein the liquid crystal panel (20) comprises a liquid crystal layer (25) including a plurality of liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T) that can be controlled independently of each other; and a color filter layer (27, 28) disposed on the liquid crystal layer (25) and including a red filter (27R), a green filter (27G), a blue filter (27B), and a transparent region (27T); wherein among a plurality of liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T), a first liquid crystal cell (25R) and a red filter (27R) are aligned to form a first subpixel (PR), among a plurality of liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T), a second liquid crystal cell (25G) and a green filter (27G) are aligned to form a second subpixel (PG), among a plurality of liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T), a third liquid crystal cell (25B) and a blue filter (27B) are aligned to form a third subpixel (PB), and among a plurality of liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T) Among them, the fourth liquid crystal cell (25T) and the transparent area (27T) can be aligned to form the fourth subpixel (PT).

[0304] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid crystal cell (25T) and the transparent region (27T) are aligned to form a fourth subpixel (PT), thereby increasing light efficiency.

[0305] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the width of the fourth subpixel (PT) and the subpixel adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) may be smaller than the width of another subpixel not adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT).

[0306] According to one embodiment of the present invention, light uniformity can be improved by preventing the concentrated output of light of a specific color through the fourth subpixel (PT) and the subpixels adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT).

[0307] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a fourth subpixel (PT) is positioned between a second subpixel (PG) and a third subpixel (PB), and the width of each of the second subpixel (PG), the third subpixel (PB), and the fourth subpixel (PT) may be smaller than the width of the first subpixel (PR).

[0308] According to one embodiment of the present invention, light uniformity can be improved by preventing green light and blue light from being output intensively compared to red light.

[0309] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a fourth subpixel (PT) is positioned between a first subpixel (PR) and a third subpixel (PB), and the width of each of the first subpixel (PR), the third subpixel (PB), and the fourth subpixel (PT) may be smaller than the width of the second subpixel (PG).

[0310] According to one embodiment of the present invention, light uniformity can be improved by preventing red light and blue light from being output intensively compared to green light.

[0311] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a fourth subpixel (PT) is positioned between a first subpixel (PR) and a second subpixel (PG), and the width of each of the first subpixel (PR), the second subpixel (PG), and the fourth subpixel (PT) may be smaller than the width of the third subpixel (PB).

[0312] According to one embodiment of the present invention, light uniformity can be improved by preventing red light and green light from being output intensively compared to blue light.

[0313] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid crystal panel (20) may include a plurality of pixels (P) composed of a first sub-pixel (PR), a second sub-pixel (PG), a third sub-pixel (PB), and a fourth sub-pixel (PT).

[0314] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of pixels (P) include a first pixel and a second pixel arranged adjacent to each other, and the width of each of the fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel, the fourth subpixel (PT) of the second pixel, the subpixel adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel, and the subpixel adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the second pixel may be smaller than the width of each of the other subpixels that are not adjacent to the fourth subpixel (PT) of the first pixel and the fourth subpixel (PT) of the second pixel.

[0315] According to one embodiment of the present invention, light uniformity can be improved by preventing the concentrated output of light of a specific color through a fourth subpixel (PT) of a specific pixel and subpixels of a pixel different from the fourth subpixel (PT) of a specific pixel.

[0316] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the red filter (27R), the green filter (27G), and the blue filter (27B) may each be an absorption type filter that transmits a specific wavelength band of incident light and absorbs the remaining wavelength band.

[0317] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by providing a fourth subpixel (PT), the reduction in light efficiency due to light loss of the absorption filter can be compensated.

[0318] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the color filter layer (27, 28) includes a transparent substrate (28) and a red filter (27R), a green filter (27G), and a blue filter (27B) formed on the transparent substrate, and the transparent region (27T) may be a region on the transparent substrate (28) where the red filter (27R), the green filter (27G), and the blue filter (27B) are not formed.

[0319] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first subpixel (PR) selectively emits red light output from a red light-emitting diode (190R), a second subpixel (PG) selectively emits green light output from a green light-emitting diode (190G), a third subpixel (PB) selectively emits blue light output from a blue light-emitting diode (190B), and a fourth subpixel (PT) selectively emits light output from a red light-emitting diode (190R), a green light-emitting diode (190G), and a blue light-emitting diode (190B).

[0320] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first light-emitting element composed of a red light-emitting diode (190R), a green light-emitting diode (190G), and a blue light-emitting diode (190B) corresponds to a first pixel composed of a first subpixel (PR), a second subpixel (PG), a third subpixel (PB), and a fourth subpixel (PT), and the display device (10) may further include a control unit that controls the first light-emitting element and the first pixel.

[0321] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit controls the first light-emitting element to output red monochromatic light, it may open only the first liquid crystal cell (25R) and the fourth liquid crystal cell (25T) among the first to fourth liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T).

[0322] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when outputting red monochromatic light, the light output efficiency of the red light can be improved by opening the fourth liquid crystal cell (25T).

[0323] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit controls the first light-emitting element to output green monochromatic light, it may open only the second liquid crystal cell (25G) and the fourth liquid crystal cell (25T) among the first to fourth liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T).

[0324] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when outputting green monochromatic light, the light output efficiency of the green light can be improved by opening the fourth liquid crystal cell (25T).

[0325] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit controls the first light-emitting element to output blue monochromatic light, it may open only the third liquid crystal cell (25B) and the fourth liquid crystal cell (25T) among the first to fourth liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T).

[0326] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when outputting blue monochromatic light, the light output efficiency of the blue light can be improved by opening the fourth liquid crystal cell (25T).

[0327] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit controls the first light-emitting element to output a mixed light in which at least two of red light, green light, and blue light are mixed, it may open at least two liquid crystal cells corresponding to the color of the mixed light and the fourth liquid crystal cell (25T) among the first to fourth liquid crystal cells (25R, 25G, 25B, 25T).

[0328] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when outputting mixed light, the mixed light output efficiency can be improved by opening the fourth liquid crystal cell (25T).

[0329] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit determines the opening amount of the first liquid crystal cell (25R), the opening amount of the second liquid crystal cell (25G), and the opening amount of the third liquid crystal cell (25B) based on each of the red data value, the green data value, and the blue data value corresponding to the first pixel, and determines the opening amount of the fourth liquid crystal cell (25T) based on the red data value, the green data value, and the blue data value.

[0330] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit determines a target value that is greater than the average value of the red data value, the green data value, and the blue data value, and smaller than the maximum value among the red data value, the green data value, and the blue data value, and can determine the opening amount of the fourth liquid crystal cell (25T) based on the target value.

[0331] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the opening amount of the fourth subpixel (PT) can be appropriately controlled in terms of contrast between pixels (or image clarity) and light efficiency.

[0332] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the red light-emitting diode (190R), green light-emitting diode (190G), and blue light-emitting diode (190B) is a mini light-emitting diode with a size of 500 μm x 500 μm or less, and a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) may be formed on the upper and lower surfaces of each of the red light-emitting diode (190R), green light-emitting diode (190G), and blue light-emitting diode (190B).

[0333] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the efficiency of light output from a light-emitting diode can be increased.

[0334] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the backlight unit (100) may further include a first optical dome (180R) covering a red light-emitting diode (190R); a second optical dome (180G) covering a green light-emitting diode (190G); and a third optical dome (180B) covering a blue light-emitting diode (190B).

[0335] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an optical dome covering each light-emitting diode is provided so that light emission stability can be improved.

[0336] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the backlight unit (100) may further include an optical dome (180) that covers a red light-emitting diode (190R), a green light-emitting diode (190G), and a blue light-emitting diode (190B) together.

[0337] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code and, when executed by a processor, may generate a program module to perform the operation of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0338] Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording media that store instructions that can be decoded by a computer. Examples include ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage devices, etc.

[0339] Additionally, computer-readable recording media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, 'non-transitory storage media' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, 'non-transitory storage media' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0340] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0341] As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been explained with reference to the attached drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be practiced in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be interpreted restrictively.

Claims

Claim 1 A display device comprising: a backlight unit including a red light-emitting diode, a green light-emitting diode, and a blue light-emitting diode; and a liquid crystal panel through which light output from the backlight unit passes; wherein the liquid crystal panel comprises: a liquid crystal layer including a plurality of liquid crystal cells that can be controlled independently of each other; and a color filter layer disposed on the liquid crystal layer and including a red filter, a green filter, a blue filter, and a transparent region; wherein a first liquid crystal cell among the plurality of liquid crystal cells and the red filter are aligned to form a first subpixel, a second liquid crystal cell among the plurality of liquid crystal cells and the green filter are aligned to form a second subpixel, a third liquid crystal cell among the plurality of liquid crystal cells and the blue filter are aligned to form a third subpixel, and a fourth liquid crystal cell among the plurality of liquid crystal cells and the transparent region are aligned to form a fourth subpixel. Claim 2 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the fourth subpixel and the subpixel adjacent to the fourth subpixel is smaller than the width of another subpixel not adjacent to the fourth subpixel. Claim 3 A display device according to paragraph 2, wherein the fourth subpixel is positioned between the second subpixel and the third subpixel, and the width of each of the second subpixel, the third subpixel and the fourth subpixel is smaller than the width of the first subpixel. Claim 4 A display device according to paragraph 2, wherein the fourth subpixel is positioned between the first subpixel and the third subpixel, and the width of each of the first subpixel, the third subpixel and the fourth subpixel is smaller than the width of the second subpixel. Claim 5 A display device according to paragraph 2, wherein the fourth subpixel is positioned between the first subpixel and the second subpixel, and the width of each of the first subpixel, the second subpixel and the fourth subpixel is smaller than the width of the third subpixel. Claim 6 In claim 1, the liquid crystal panel is a display device comprising a plurality of pixels composed of the first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel, the third sub-pixel, and the fourth sub-pixel. Claim 7 A display device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of pixels includes a first pixel and a second pixel arranged adjacent to each other, and the width of each of the fourth subpixel of the first pixel, the fourth subpixel of the second pixel, the subpixel adjacent to the fourth subpixel of the first pixel, and the subpixel adjacent to the fourth subpixel of the second pixel is smaller than the width of each of the other subpixels not adjacent to the fourth subpixel of the first pixel and the fourth subpixel of the second pixel. Claim 8 A display device according to claim 1, wherein each of the red filter, the green filter, and the blue filter is an absorption type filter that transmits a specific wavelength band of incident light and absorbs the remaining wavelength band. Claim 9 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the color filter layer comprises a transparent substrate and the red filter, the green filter, and the blue filter formed on the transparent substrate, and the transparent region is a region on the transparent substrate where the red filter, the green filter, and the blue filter are not formed. Claim 10 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the first subpixel selectively emits red light output from the red light-emitting diode, the second subpixel selectively emits green light output from the green light-emitting diode, the third subpixel selectively emits blue light output from the blue light-emitting diode, and the fourth subpixel selectively emits light output from the red light-emitting diode, the green light-emitting diode, and the blue light-emitting diode. Claim 11 In claim 1, the first light-emitting element composed of the red light-emitting diode, the green light-emitting diode, and the blue light-emitting diode corresponds to a first pixel composed of the first subpixel, the second subpixel, the third subpixel, and the fourth subpixel, and the display device further comprises a control unit that controls the first light-emitting element and the first pixel. Claim 12 In claim 11, the control unit is a display device that, when controlling the first light-emitting element to output red monochromatic light, opens only the first liquid crystal cell and the fourth liquid crystal cell among the first to fourth liquid crystal cells. Claim 13 In claim 11, the control unit is a display device that, when controlling the first light-emitting element to output green monochromatic light, opens only the second liquid crystal cell and the fourth liquid crystal cell among the first to fourth liquid crystal cells. Claim 14 In claim 11, the control unit is a display device that, when controlling the first light-emitting element to output blue monochromatic light, opens only the third liquid crystal cell and the fourth liquid crystal cell among the first to fourth liquid crystal cells. Claim 15 In claim 11, the control unit controls the first light-emitting element to output a mixed light in which at least two of red light, green light, and blue light are mixed, and the display device opens at least two liquid crystal cells corresponding to the color of the mixed light among the first to fourth liquid crystal cells and the fourth liquid crystal cell. Claim 16 A display device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit determines the opening amount of the first liquid crystal cell, the opening amount of the second liquid crystal cell, and the opening amount of the third liquid crystal cell, respectively, based on the red data value, the green data value, and the blue data value corresponding to the first pixel, and determines the opening amount of the fourth liquid crystal cell based on the red data value, the green data value, and the blue data value. Claim 17 A display device according to claim 16, wherein the control unit determines a target value that is greater than the average value of the red data value, the green data value, and the blue data value, and less than the maximum value among the red data value, the green data value, and the blue data value, and determines the opening amount of the fourth liquid crystal cell based on the target value. Claim 18 A display device according to claim 1, wherein each of the red light-emitting diode, the green light-emitting diode, and the blue light-emitting diode is a mini light-emitting diode with a size of 500 μm x 500 μm or less, and a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) is formed on the upper and lower surfaces of each of the red light-emitting diode, the green light-emitting diode, and the blue light-emitting diode. Claim 19 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the backlight unit further comprises: a first optical dome covering the red light-emitting diode; a second optical dome covering the green light-emitting diode; and a third optical dome covering the blue light-emitting diode. Claim 20 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the backlight unit further comprises an optical dome covering the red light-emitting diode, the green light-emitting diode, and the blue light-emitting diode together.

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