Light source device and display apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a light source device and a display apparatus. The light source device of the present invention comprises: a plurality of scan groups each including a driving element for controlling at least one light source; a plurality of scan lines for transmitting a scan signal to each of the plurality of scan groups; a data line for transmitting a data signal to the plurality of scan groups; and a control unit for determining the time of generation of the scan signal and the period of the data signal on the basis of the number of the plurality of scan groups.

Description

Light source devices and display devices

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a light source device and a display device that output light using a plurality of light sources.

[0002] A display device is an output device that converts electrical information received from an external device or stored internally into visual information and displays it.

[0003] Display devices that are widely used include LCD (liquid crystal display), OLED (organic light emitting diode)-based display, mini LED (light emitting diode)-based display, and micro LED-based display.

[0004] Recently, display devices are using a large number of driving elements and light sources (e.g., light-emitting diodes) to implement high contrast ratios and improve image quality.

[0005] These driving elements and light sources can be placed on a substrate by surface mount technology (SMT) and connected to each other by wiring on the substrate.

[0006] As the number of light sources provided in a display device increases, the number of wires connected to the substrate increases, and as the number of wires increases, the complexity and cost of the manufacturing process increase.

[0007] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a light source device and a display device that divide a plurality of driving elements into a plurality of scan groups, include a plurality of scan lines and one data line respectively connected to the plurality of scan groups, and determine a transmission time of a scan signal and a period of a data signal for each scan group based on the number of scan groups.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a light source device comprising: a plurality of scan groups, each group including at least one of a plurality of driving elements for controlling at least one light source among a plurality of light sources; a plurality of scan lines for transmitting scan signals to each of the plurality of scan groups; a data line for transmitting data signals to the plurality of scan groups; and a control unit for determining a generation time of the scan signal and a period of the data signal based on the number of the plurality of scan groups.

[0009] The light source device further includes a carry line connected to the control unit; and a switch receiving a carry signal from the control unit through the carry line and transmitting the carry signal to each of a plurality of scan lines.

[0010] The switch determines the timing of transmitting a carry signal through each of the plurality of scan lines based on the number of scan groups. At least one driving element included in the plurality of scan groups generates a scan signal based on receiving a carry signal from the switch, and transmits an on signal to the light source based on the scan signal.

[0011] The switch transmits a carry signal to a plurality of scan lines every 1 / n cycles of a reference cycle, based on the number of scan groups being n. The reference cycle is the cycle of the scan signal. n is a natural number.

[0012] The control unit transmits a data signal to at least one driving element included in a plurality of scan groups based on the cycle of the determined data signal. The data signal includes a signal corresponding to the brightness of at least one light source.

[0013] The data lines connect the driving elements included in the plurality of scan groups. The control unit transmits data signals to the driving elements included in the plurality of scan groups based on the order in which they are connected by the data lines.

[0014] The control unit determines the cycle of a data signal to be 1 / n or less of a reference cycle based on the number of multiple scan groups being n, and transmits the determined data signal through a data line. n is a natural number.

[0015] Based on the fact that there are multiple driving elements included in each of the plurality of scan groups, the plurality of driving elements included in the same scan group among the scan groups are connected by the same scan line and generate scan signals at reference cycle intervals based on the order in which they are connected by the scan line.

[0016] Based on the light sources being connected by driving elements of multiple scan groups, the driving elements control the brightness of the light sources equally. The driving elements connected to the light sources are connected in series.

[0017] The present disclosure provides a display device including: a plurality of light sources corresponding to each of a plurality of pixels; a plurality of driving elements each connected to the plurality of light sources and divided into a plurality of data groups and a plurality of scan groups; a plurality of data lines each connected to the plurality of data groups; a plurality of scan lines each connected to the plurality of scan groups; and a control unit that determines a generation time of a scan signal for each of the plurality of scan groups and a cycle of a data signal transmitted through the data lines based on the number of the plurality of scan groups. Each of the plurality of data groups includes a plurality of scan groups. The number of the plurality of scan groups included in each of the plurality of data groups is the same for all of the data groups.

[0018] The display device further includes a carry line connected to a control unit; and a switch receiving a carry signal from the control unit through the carry line and transmitting the carry signal to each of a plurality of scan lines.

[0019] The switch transmits a carry signal to a plurality of scan lines every 1 / n cycles of a reference cycle based on the number of scan groups being n. At least one driving element generates a scan signal based on receiving a carry signal from the switch, and transmits an on signal to at least one light source based on the generated scan signal. The reference cycle is the cycle of the scan signal. n is a natural number.

[0020] The control unit determines a current to be applied to a plurality of light sources based on image data output through a plurality of pixels, and transmits a data signal to a driving element included in a plurality of scan groups for each data group based on the determined current and the cycle of the determined data signal.

[0021] A data line for each data group connects one or more driving elements included in a plurality of scan groups for each data group among a plurality of driving elements. The control unit transmits a data signal to one or more driving elements based on the order of one or more driving elements connected by one or more data lines.

[0022] The control unit determines the cycle of a data signal to be 1 / n or less of a reference cycle based on the number of multiple scan groups per data group being n, and transmits a data signal of the determined 1 / n cycle through a data line. n is a natural number.

[0023] According to the disclosed invention, the present invention can reduce the number of data lines connected to the substrate of the light source device by including a plurality of scan groups including at least one driving element, a plurality of scan lines respectively connected to the plurality of scan groups, and a single data line. Through this, the present invention can arrange the lines on only one side of the substrate, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the substrate, facilitating the design of the substrate, and reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0024] The present invention can maintain the number of gradations capable of expressing luminance by determining a shorter cycle of a data signal transmitted through a data line than before based on a reduction in the number of data lines. In other words, the present invention can reduce the number of lines without reducing the number of gradations capable of expressing luminance.

[0025] The present invention can effectively improve the contrast ratio or brightness ratio of an image through local dimming control.

[0026] The present invention can improve the marketability of light source devices and display devices, and further increase user satisfaction, improve user reliability, and secure product competitiveness.

[0027] The above and other aspects, features, and effects of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0028] FIG. 1 is an external view of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram of a light source device provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a control configuration diagram of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 6 is an example diagram of a frame displayed on a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram of the arrangement of a dimming block and a driving element of a light source device provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 8 is an example diagram of the arrangement of a light source of a light source device provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a modified example of the arrangement of a dimming block and a driving element of a light source device provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 10 is an example of a connection diagram of a scan line, a data line, and a carry line of a light source device provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 11 is an example of transmission of a carry signal and a data signal of a light source device provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 12 is an example diagram of grouping of data groups and scan groups of a light source device provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0040] Fig. 13 is an example of transmission of a scan signal and a data signal of the light source device illustrated in Fig. 12.

[0041] FIG. 14 is another example of grouping of data groups and scan groups of a light source device provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0042] Fig. 15 is an example of transmission of a scan signal and a data signal of the light source device illustrated in Fig. 14.

[0043] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0044] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0045] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0046] In this document, each of the phrases "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 that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0047] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0048] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0049] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0050] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0051] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0052] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0053] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0054] FIG. 1 is an external view of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0055] The display device (100) can receive content including video signals and audio signals from various content sources, and output video and audio corresponding to the video signals and audio signals. For example, the display device (100) can receive content data via a broadcast reception 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.

[0056] The display device (100) may include a non-luminescent display device. As an example, the non-luminescent display device may include a liquid crystal display device.

[0057] The display device (100) may include an outdoor display device (or large format display (LFD)) and an indoor display device.

[0058] Here, the outdoors is not necessarily limited to outdoors, but can also be any indoor place where many people come and go, such as a subway station, shopping mall, movie theater, company, or store.

[0059] The indoor display device may include a mini LED display device and a micro LED display device.

[0060] The display device (100) may include a display unit of a mobile device such as a television (TV), a laptop, a smart phone, a tablet, etc., a monitor of a PC, a display unit of a home appliance, and a display unit in a vehicle.

[0061] The display device (100) may be a flat display device with a flat screen, a curved display device with a curved screen, or a bendable (or flexible) display device whose screen shape can be changed between a flat state and a curved state.

[0062] The present disclosure can be applied to various display devices regardless of the screen size, shape or ratio of the display device.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the display device (100) may include a body (100a) that forms the exterior of the display device (100).

[0064] The display device (100) may further include a bezel (100b) provided on the edge of the main body (100a). The display device (100) may be protected from external force due to the bezel (100b).

[0065] The display device (100) may also be implemented in a bezel-less form.

[0066] The display device (100) may further include a stand that is provided at the lower portion of the main body (100a) to support the main body (100a) in accordance with the installation environment and function, or may further include a bracket that is provided at the rear portion of the main body (100a) to allow the main body (100a) to be mounted on a wall or the like.

[0067] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure illustrate a liquid crystal display device (LCD) that displays an image using light from a light source device as a display device (100).

[0068] Here, the light source device may be a backlight unit.

[0069] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0070] For convenience of explanation below, the direction in which an image is displayed on the display device (100) is described as the front, and the direction opposite to the front direction based on the display device (100) is described as the rear.

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the display device (100) may further include a case (100c) that is positioned at the rear of the main body (100a) and is combined with a bezel (100b) and forms the exterior of the rear of the display device (100).

[0072] The display device (100) includes a light source device (110) and a display panel (120) placed between a bezel (100b) and a case (100c).

[0073] Additionally, the display device (100) may further include a touch panel provided in front of the display panel (120).

[0074] The light source device (110) is placed between the display panel (120) and the case (100c), is placed at a certain distance from the display panel (120), and emits light toward the display panel (120). When the display panel (120) is a liquid crystal display panel, the light source device (110) may be a backlight unit.

[0075] This light source device (110) includes a light source (111), a reflective panel (112), a diffusion panel (113), and an optical sheet (114).

[0076] The light source (111) is placed adjacent to the case (100c) and emits light toward the display panel (120).

[0077] There may be multiple light sources (111) and may include light emitting diodes.

[0078] Multiple light sources can be fixed and supported on a substrate (see 111a in Fig. 4).

[0079] The multiple light sources can be arranged in a predetermined pattern so that light is emitted with a uniform brightness. The multiple light sources can be arranged at a certain distance apart.

[0080] The predetermined pattern may be, but is not limited to, a pattern of a regular square or a pattern of a regular triangle.

[0081] The distance between rows of multiple light sources can be the same, and the distance between columns of multiple light sources can also be the same.

[0082] The multiple light sources may employ devices that, when powered, can emit monochromatic light (light of a specific wavelength, e.g., blue light) or white light (e.g., light that is a mixture of red, green, and blue light) in various directions.

[0083] For example, the plurality of light sources may include light emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0084] The substrate of the light source device can supply power to multiple light sources.

[0085] The substrate of the light source device may include synthetic resin and / or tempered glass and / or a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0086] The board of the light source device may be provided with various types of wiring for supplying power to multiple light sources.

[0087] The substrate of such a light source device may comprise a printed circuit board of multiple layers.

[0088] The reflective panel (112) can be placed adjacent to the light source (111).

[0089] The reflective panel (112) may be provided with a plurality of through holes into which a plurality of light sources are inserted. That is, a plurality of light sources may be inserted and arranged in the through holes of the reflective panel (112), thereby exposing the plurality of light sources to the outside.

[0090] The reflective panel (112) reflects some of the light emitted from the light source (111) toward the display panel (120) when the light is incident thereon. Here, some of the light emitted from the light source (111) may be light emitted toward the case (100c) rather than toward the display panel, or light reflected from the diffusion panel (113).

[0091] The reflective panel (112) may be manufactured using a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate (PC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and may also be manufactured using various metal materials.

[0092] The diffusion panel (113) is a translucent panel that is placed between the display panel (120) and the light source (111) of the light source device and diffuses the light emitted from the light source (111) along the surface, thereby making the color and brightness of the entire screen of the display panel (120) appear uniform, thereby improving the brightness of the light emitted from the light source (111).

[0093] The light source device (110) may further include one or at least two optical sheets (114).

[0094] The optical sheet (114) improves optical characteristics by uniformly adjusting the brightness of incident light and by using methods such as diffusing or concentrating high-brightness light.

[0095] At least one of the two optical sheets (114) selectively transmits light according to its wavelength, and reflects light having a different wavelength from the selected light toward the light source device, thereby increasing the light transmission efficiency. This optical sheet may include a prism sheet having a prism formed therein.

[0096] At least one of the two optical sheets (114) can polarize light by preventing light other than light of a specific wavelength from being transmitted.

[0097] These optical sheets may include a reflective polarizing sheet (DBEF: Dual Brightness Enhancement Film) with a multilayer coating of birefringence.

[0098] The display panel (120) is a panel that is placed within a case (100c) and changes electrical information into image information by utilizing changes in liquid crystal transmittance according to an applied voltage. The display panel (120) includes a liquid crystal panel (120a), a first polarizing panel (120b), and a second polarizing panel (120c).

[0099] The liquid crystal panel (120a) includes liquid crystals, and changes the arrangement of the liquid crystals to control the transmittance of transmitted light, thereby allowing color to be formed for each pixel.

[0100] An image can be implemented on the display device (100) by a combination of colors for each pixel formed on the liquid crystal panel (120a).

[0101] The liquid crystal panel (120a) includes a substrate portion (121), a color filter portion (122), a first electrode portion (123), a second electrode portion (124), and a liquid crystal portion (125).

[0102] The substrate portion (121) may include a first substrate (121a) and a second substrate (121b) attached with a sealant.

[0103] A color filter unit (122), a first electrode unit (123), a second electrode unit (124), and a liquid crystal unit (125) can be provided between the first substrate (121a) and the second substrate (121b).

[0104] The first substrate (121a) and the second substrate (121b) may be glass substrates.

[0105] Here, the first substrate (121a), the second electrode portion (124), the liquid crystal portion (125), the first electrode portion (123), the color filter portion (122), and the second substrate (121b) can be sequentially laminated and formed in this order. However, the lamination order is not limited to that shown in Fig. 2.

[0106] The configuration of the liquid crystal panel (120a) will be described in detail later.

[0107] The first polarizing panel (120b) is positioned between the light source device (110) and the liquid crystal panel (120a), and when non-polarized light emitted from the light source device (110) is incident, only light having the first polarization axis among the incident light passes through it. At this time, light passing through the first polarizing panel (120b) can be incident on the liquid crystal panel (120a).

[0108] The second polarizing panel (120c) is provided to face the first polarizing panel (120b) with the liquid crystal panel (120a) interposed therebetween, and has a second polarizing axis that is perpendicular to the first polarizing axis of the first polarizing panel (120b). In other words, the second polarizing panel (120c) is arranged on one surface of the liquid crystal panel (120a) and polarizes image light output from the liquid crystal panel (120a) in one direction.

[0109] The display device (100) may further include a first support member that is positioned between the diffusion panel (113) and the light source (111) to maintain a gap between the diffusion panel (113) and the light source (111) and to fix the diffusion panel (113), and a second support member that is positioned between the first polarization panel (120b) and the optical sheet (114) to maintain a gap between the first polarization panel (120b) and the optical sheet (114) and to fix the diffusion panel (113), the optical sheet (114), and the display panel (120).

[0110] The display panel (120) may further include a cable for transmitting image data to the display panel (120) and a display driver integrated circuit (DDI) (hereinafter referred to as a “panel driver”) for processing digital image data and outputting an analog image signal.

[0111] The display device may further include a control assembly (130) and a power assembly (140) provided inside the case (100c).

[0112] The cable of the display panel can electrically connect the control assembly (130) and the panel driver and electrically connect the power assembly (140) and the panel driver.

[0113] The cable of the display panel may include a flexible flat cable or a film cable that can be bent.

[0114] The panel driver can receive image data and power from the control assembly (130) and the power assembly (140) via cables.

[0115] The control assembly (130) may include a control circuit that controls the operation of the display panel (120) and the light source device (110). For example, the control circuit may process video signals and / or audio signals received from an external content source. The control circuit may transmit image data to the display panel (120) and dimming data to the light source device (110).

[0116] The power assembly (140) may include a power circuit that supplies power to the display panel (120) and the light source device (110). The power circuit may supply power to the control assembly (130), the display panel (120), and the light source device (110).

[0117] The control assembly (130) and the power assembly (140) may be implemented as a printed circuit board and various circuits mounted on the printed circuit board. For example, the power circuit may include capacitors, coils, resistors, processors, etc., and a power circuit board on which these are mounted. In addition, the control circuit may include memory, a processor, and a control circuit board on which these are mounted.

[0118] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0119] The display panel (120) includes a liquid crystal panel (120a), a first polarizing panel (120b) provided on one side of the liquid crystal panel (120a), and a second polarizing panel (120c) provided on the other side of the liquid crystal panel (120a).

[0120] The liquid crystal panel (120a) includes a substrate portion (121), a color filter portion (122), a first electrode portion (123), a second electrode portion (124), and a liquid crystal portion (125) that are formed by stacking each other.

[0121] The first substrate (121a) of the substrate portion (121) can be provided adjacent to the first polarizing panel (120b).

[0122] The first substrate (121a) and the second substrate (121b) of the substrate portion (121) can support the first electrode portion (123), the second electrode portion (124) and the liquid crystal portion (125) so that the positions and states of the first electrode portion (123), the second electrode portion (124) and the liquid crystal portion (125) are maintained.

[0123] The substrate (121) may include a rigid substrate, a flexible substrate, or a rigid-flexible substrate, and may include a glass substrate.

[0124] When the substrate (121) is implemented as a flexible substrate, the display device (100) can be curved with a certain curvature.

[0125] The color filter unit (122) may be placed adjacent to the second polarizing panel (120c) or the second substrate (121b).

[0126] The color filter unit (122) can be placed adjacent to the first electrode unit (123).

[0127] The color filter unit (122) converts the incident light into red light, green light, and blue light, and emits the converted light.

[0128] The color filter unit (122) may include a red filter (R, 122a) that converts incident light into red light, a green filter (G, 122b) that converts incident light into green light, and a blue filter (B, 122c) that converts incident light into blue light.

[0129] Here, the red filter (122a), the green filter (122b), and the blue filter (122c) are arranged adjacent to each other to form one RGB filter. And one RGB filter can form one pixel.

[0130] A black matrix may be provided at the border of the RGB filter. This black matrix acts as a light shield between the color filters, preventing color reproduction and light leakage, and enhancing color contrast.

[0131] The color filter unit (122) can express a color by emitting at least one of red light emitted from a red filter (122a), green light emitted from a green filter (122b), and blue light emitted from a blue filter (122c) to the outside, or by mixing and emitting at least two of red light emitted from a red filter (122a), green light emitted from a green filter (122b), and blue light emitted from a blue filter (122c) to the outside.

[0132] The light converted in each filter of the color filter unit (122) can be emitted to the outside through the second polarizing panel (120c).

[0133] The first electrode portion (123) can be placed between the second substrate (121b) and the liquid crystal portion (125).

[0134] The first electrode part (123) can be placed between the color filter part (122) and the liquid crystal part (125).

[0135] The first electrode portion (123) may be a common electrode that does not include a common slit.

[0136] The first electrode portion (123) may be a ground electrode.

[0137] A preset reference voltage can be applied to the first electrode portion (123).

[0138] The first electrode part (123) causes an electric field to be formed between it and the second electrode part (124).

[0139] The first electrode part (123) causes the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal part (125) to be aligned by the electric field formed in the liquid crystal part (125).

[0140] The second electrode portion (124) can be placed adjacent to the first substrate (121a).

[0141] The second electrode portion (124) can be placed between the first substrate (121a) and the liquid crystal portion (125).

[0142] The second electrode unit (124) includes a pixel electrode that forms an electric field using the electrical force of the first electrode unit (123).

[0143] Pixel electrodes may be provided corresponding to pixels. Pixel electrodes may be provided corresponding to RGB filters.

[0144] The pixel electrode may include a sub-pixel electrode corresponding to a red filter, a sub-pixel electrode corresponding to a green filter, and a sub-pixel electrode corresponding to a blue filter. That is, the sub-pixel electrodes of the second electrode unit (124) may be arranged to correspond to the positions of the red filter, green filter, and blue filter of the color filter unit (122), respectively.

[0145] The voltages applied to the multiple sub-pixel electrodes of the second electrode unit (124) may be the same or different from each other.

[0146] A voltage that is the same as the reference voltage or a voltage that is different from the reference voltage can be applied to the subpixel electrode.

[0147] For example, if the reference voltage is voltage a, a voltage between voltage b and voltage c can be applied to the second electrode unit. Voltage b can be less than voltage a, and voltage c can be greater than voltage a. And voltage a can be any voltage between voltage b and voltage c.

[0148] An electric field can be formed in the liquid crystal portion (125) by the difference between the voltage applied to the sub-pixel electrode and the voltage applied to the common electrode.

[0149] The size of the electric field formed in the liquid crystal portion (125) can be determined by the difference between the voltage applied to the sub-pixel electrode and the voltage applied to the common electrode.

[0150] Depending on the voltage applied to the sub-pixel electrodes, the direction of the electric field lines formed in the liquid crystal portion (125) can be determined, and an electric field may not be formed in the liquid crystal portion (125).

[0151] A plurality of sub-pixel electrodes of the second electrode unit (124) can share the first electrode unit (123).

[0152] The second electrode part (124) can be provided opposite the first electrode part (123) with the liquid crystal part (125) in between.

[0153] The plurality of sub-pixel electrodes of the second electrode unit (124) can be implemented using a thin film transistor (TFT).

[0154] The liquid crystal portion (125) is positioned between the first electrode portion (123) and the second electrode portion (124) and may include a plurality of liquid crystals. Here, the liquid crystals may be liquid crystal molecules.

[0155] Liquid crystals can be randomly arranged internally when no electric field is formed. When an electric field is formed, liquid crystals can be aligned along the direction of the formed electric field.

[0156] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram of a light source device (110) provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments. The light source device (110) in the present embodiment may be a backlight unit.

[0157] The light source device (110) includes a plurality of light sources (111) arranged on a substrate (111a), and can output surface light by diffusing light emitted from the plurality of light sources (111).

[0158] The light source (111) may be a chip-on-board (COB) type light source. Chip-on-board type light sources may be directly attached to the substrate (111a). For example, the light source (111) may include a light-emitting diode in which a light-emitting diode chip or a light-emitting diode die is directly attached to the substrate (111a) without separate packaging.

[0159] The light source (111) may include a flip chip type light source. This flip chip type light source can directly fuse the electrode pattern of the semiconductor element to the substrate (111a) without using an intermediate medium such as a metal lead (wire) or a ball grid array (BGA) when attaching a light emitting diode, which is a semiconductor element, to the substrate (111a). In this case, since the metal lead (wire) or ball grid array is omitted, the miniaturization of the flip chip type light source is possible.

[0160] A plurality of light sources (111) can be arranged spaced apart from each other by a preset distance.

[0161] The light source device (110) can be divided into a plurality of blocks (B). Here, the divided blocks are described as dimming blocks.

[0162] Multiple dimming blocks (B) can be arranged in the form of an N*M matrix (N and M are natural numbers). Here, an N*M matrix means a matrix with N rows and M columns. The N rows may include row N1, row N2, etc., and the M columns may include column M1, column M2, etc.

[0163] Each of the plurality of dimming blocks may be provided with at least one light source (111).

[0164] When multiple light sources (111) are provided in each dimming block, the multiple light sources provided in each of the multiple dimming blocks may be spaced apart horizontally by a first reference distance and vertically by a second reference distance. Each light source may include a light emitting diode.

[0165] The first reference distance and the second reference distance may be the same or different.

[0166] When multiple light sources are provided in each dimming block, the multiple light sources (111) provided in each dimming block may be connected in series with each other.

[0167] The current applied to the plurality of light sources of each dimming block can be the same, so that the plurality of light sources of each dimming block can be illuminated with the same brightness.

[0168] The current applied to the light sources in each dimming block may be different, and as a result, the brightness of each dimming block may also be different.

[0169] The display device (100) can perform local dimming control to control the brightness of each dimming block of the light source device (110) differently in conjunction with image data.

[0170] For example, the display device (100) can reduce the brightness of light of the dimming block of the light source device (110) corresponding to a dark area of ​​the image by reducing the current applied to the dimming block of the light source device (110) corresponding to a dark area of ​​the image, and can increase the brightness of light of the dimming block of the light source device (110) corresponding to a bright area of ​​the image by increasing the current applied to the dimming block corresponding to a bright area of ​​the image.

[0171] Through this, the display device of the present embodiment can effectively improve the contrast ratio or brightness ratio of the image.

[0172] FIG. 5 is a control configuration diagram of a display device according to one or more embodiments, which is described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 to 15.

[0173] At least one component may be added or deleted to correspond to the performance of the components of the display device illustrated in FIG. 5. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the components may be altered to correspond to the performance or structure of the system.

[0174] Meanwhile, each component illustrated in FIG. 5 refers to software and / or hardware components such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0175] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the display device (100) may include a light source device (110), a display panel (120), a panel driver (150), a content receiving unit (160), and a control unit (170).

[0176] The light source device (110) may include a plurality of light sources (111) that emit light, and may diffuse the light emitted from the plurality of light sources (111) to output surface light.

[0177] The light source device (110) may be divided into a plurality of dimming blocks. Additionally, each of the plurality of dimming blocks may include at least one light source.

[0178] When multiple light sources are provided in each dimming block, the multiple light sources (111) provided in each dimming block can be connected in series with each other.

[0179] The light source device (110) may include a dimming driver (180) and a driving element (200) for controlling the on / off of light sources for each dimming block through local dimming control, or for controlling the brightness of light sources for each dimming block. The dimming driver (180) and the driving element (200) of the light source device will be described later.

[0180] The display panel (120) may be a panel that displays images using liquid crystals.

[0181] The display panel (120) may include a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix form. The plurality of pixels may be arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns.

[0182] The display panel (120) can control a plurality of pixels so that each of the pixels allows light to pass through or blocks light. An image can be formed by light passing through each of the plurality of pixels.

[0183] The panel driver (150) can receive image data from the control unit (170).

[0184] The panel driver (150) can drive the display panel (120) according to the received image data. In other words, the panel driver (150) can convert image data, which is a digital signal (hereinafter referred to as “digital image data”), into an analog image signal, which is an analog voltage signal.

[0185] The panel driver (150) can provide a converted analog image signal to the display panel (120). Depending on the analog image signal, the optical properties (e.g., light transmittance) of a plurality of pixels included in the display panel (120) can change.

[0186] The panel driver (150) may include, for example, a timing controller, a data driver, a scan driver, etc.

[0187] The timing controller can receive image data from the control unit (170).

[0188] The timing controller can output image data and drive control signals to the data driver and scan driver.

[0189] The drive control signal may include a scan control signal and a data control signal.

[0190] The scan control signal and the data control signal can be used to control the operation of the scan driver and the operation of the data driver, respectively.

[0191] The scan driver can receive scan control signals from the timing controller.

[0192] The scan driver can activate input of any one of a plurality of rows on the display panel (120) according to a scan control signal. In other words, the scan driver can convert pixels included in any one of a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns into a state capable of receiving an analog image signal. At this time, pixels other than the pixels whose input is activated by the scan driver may not be able to receive an analog image signal.

[0193] The data driver can receive image data and a data control signal from the timing controller. The data driver can output the image data to the display panel (120) according to the data control signal. For example, the data driver can receive digital image data from the timing controller. The data driver can convert the digital image data into an analog image signal.

[0194] Additionally, the data driver can provide analog image signals to pixels included in a row that has been input-activated by the scan driver. At this time, the pixels whose inputs have been activated by the scan driver can receive the analog image signals. Depending on the received analog image signals, the optical properties (e.g., light transmittance) of the pixels whose inputs have been activated change.

[0195] In this way, the panel driver (150) can drive the display panel (120) according to the image data. As a result, an image corresponding to the image data can be displayed on the display panel (120).

[0196] The content receiving unit (160) can receive content including video signals and / or audio signals from content sources and transmit the received content to the control unit (170).

[0197] Content sources may include set-top boxes, servers, and mobile devices.

[0198] The content receiving unit (160) can receive content from a storage device provided in the display device or a storage device detachably connected to the display device.

[0199] A storage device detachably connected to a display device can be connected to the display device via a terminal provided in the display device.

[0200] The terminals may include component (YPbPr / RGB) terminals, composite video blanking and sync (CVBS) terminals, audio terminals, High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) terminals, and Universal Serial Bus (USB) terminals.

[0201] The content receiving unit (160) may include a tuner that receives a broadcast signal from a broadcast receiving antenna or a wired cable.

[0202] The content receiving unit (160) can receive content from a content source via a communication device.

[0203] The communication device can perform communication between internal components of the display device (100) or communicate with an external device.

[0204] The communication device may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module).

[0205] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0206] The communication device may communicate with an external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network or a wide area network)).

[0207] The control unit (170) can generate image data and dimming data from a video signal received from the content receiving unit (160).

[0208] The control unit (170) can transmit image data to the display panel (120) and dimming data to the light source device (110).

[0209] The image data may include information about the intensity of light transmitted by each of a plurality of pixels (or a plurality of sub-pixels) included in the display panel (120).

[0210] Image data can be provided to the display panel (120) via the panel driver (150).

[0211] Dimming data may include information regarding the intensity of light emitted by each of the plurality of light sources (or the plurality of dimming blocks) included in the light source device (110). The dimming data may be provided to the light source device (110) via the dimming driver (180). Here, the intensity of light may be information corresponding to the brightness of light.

[0212] The control unit (170) can divide the image (I) by the image data into a plurality of image blocks. The number of the plurality of image blocks is the same as the number of the plurality of dimming blocks, and each of the plurality of image blocks can correspond to a plurality of dimming blocks.

[0213] One image block includes a plurality of pixels, and image data of one image block may include image data of a plurality of pixels (e.g., red data, green data, blue data, etc.).

[0214] The control unit (170) can calculate the luminance value of each pixel based on the image data of each pixel.

[0215] For example, the control unit (170) can obtain the luminance value of each of the plurality of dimming blocks based on the maximum value among the luminance values ​​of the pixels included in each of the image blocks.

[0216] As another example, the control unit (170) may set the maximum value among the luminance values ​​of each pixel included in the image block as the luminance value of the dimming block of the light source device corresponding to the image block. For example, the control unit (170) may set the maximum value among the luminance values ​​of the pixels included in the ith image block as the luminance value of the ith dimming block, and may set the maximum value among the luminance values ​​of the pixels included in the jth image block as the luminance value of the jth dimming block.

[0217] Here, the luminance value can be information corresponding to the brightness of light.

[0218] The control unit (170) may include a processor (171) that processes image data and a memory (172) that stores / remembers a program and data for processing the image data.

[0219] The processor (171) can receive a video signal and / or an audio signal from the content receiving unit (160). The processor (171) can decode the video signal into image data.

[0220] The processor (171) can generate dimming data from image data. In addition, the processor (171) can transmit the image data to the panel driver (150) and transmit the dimming data to the dimming driver (180).

[0221] As illustrated in Fig. 6, the processor (171) can divide one frame into 64 sub-frames, set the current differently for each sub-frame to generate dimming data, and transmit the generated dimming data to the dimming driver (180). At this time, the sum of the luminances of the 64 sub-frames can be equal to the overall luminance.

[0222] The processor (171) can perform the above-described operation using data stored in the built-in memory of the display device.

[0223] The processor (171) may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the processor (171) may include one or more processor chips that perform the aforementioned operations using an algorithm for controlling the operations of components within the display device, at least one memory that stores program-type data, and data stored in the at least one memory, or may include one or more processing cores.

[0224] The processor (171) may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of the artificial intelligence model, and may include a graphics-only processor (GPU), etc.

[0225] The memory (172) can store programs and data for processing video signals and / or audio signals. In addition, the memory (172) can temporarily store data generated while processing the video signal and / or audio signal.

[0226] The memory (172) may be implemented as at least one of a non-volatile memory element such as a cache, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable ROM), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and a flash memory, a volatile memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a CD-ROM, but is not limited thereto.

[0227] The dimming driver (180) can receive dimming data from the control unit (170).

[0228] The dimming driver (180) can also be provided as an integral part of the control unit (170).

[0229] The dimming driver (180) can transmit dimming data corresponding to the input image to a plurality of driving elements (200) through a data line.

[0230] The dimming driver (180) can drive the light source device (110) according to dimming data. Here, the dimming data can include information about the brightness of each of a plurality of dimming blocks or information about the brightness of light sources included in each of a plurality of dimming blocks.

[0231] The dimming driver (180) can convert dimming data, which is a digital voltage signal, into an analog current.

[0232] The dimming driver (180) can sequentially provide an analog dimming signal to the driving elements (200) corresponding to each dimming block, for example, in an active matrix manner.

[0233] The light source device (110) can supply the same current to light sources (111) belonging to the same dimming block, and the light sources (111) belonging to the same dimming block can emit light of the same brightness.

[0234] For example, light sources (111) belonging to the same dimming block are connected in series with each other, and thus the same current can be supplied to the light sources (111) belonging to the same dimming block.

[0235] The dimming driver (180) can transmit a carry signal for providing a scan signal to a plurality of driving elements (200), a plurality of data signals for providing analog dimming data to a plurality of driving elements, and a clock signal.

[0236] A carry signal can be transmitted over a carry line, a data signal can be transmitted over a data line, and a clock signal can be transmitted over a data clock line.

[0237] The dimming driver (180) can transmit a carry signal corresponding to the light emission timing of a plurality of dimming blocks to the driving element (200). At this time, the dimming driver (180) can transmit the carry signal to the switch (190) through the carry line.

[0238] The switch (190) can be connected to the dimming driver (180) via a carry line and can be connected to the driving elements (200) via a plurality of scan lines.

[0239] The switch (190) can sequentially transmit scan signals to the driving elements (200) through a plurality of scan lines based on reception of a carry signal.

[0240] The driving element (200) can control the current applied to the light sources included in each of the dimming blocks based on a scan signal received through a scan line and a data signal received through a data line.

[0241] The plurality of driving elements (200) may include circuits of various topologies to implement active matrix driving.

[0242] Each of the plurality of driving elements (200) may include a circuit of a 1C2T (one capacitor two transistor) topology. However, the circuit structure of the driving element (200) is not limited thereto. For example, the driving element (200) may include a circuit of a 3T1C topology with an additional transistor for compensating the body effect of the driving transistor.

[0243] The driving element (200) may be provided as a single chip with an integrated driving circuit, for example. In other words, the driving circuit may be integrated into one semiconductor chip.

[0244] Each of the driving elements (200) may be provided to correspond to at least one dimming block. In other words, each of the driving elements (200) may drive at least one dimming block. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9.

[0245] FIG. 7 is an example diagram of the arrangement of a dimming block and a driving element of a light source device provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments, and FIG. 8 is an example diagram of the arrangement of a light source of a light source device provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0246] FIG. 9 is a modified example of the arrangement of a dimming block and a driving element of a light source device provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0247] As illustrated in FIG. 7, each of the driving elements (200: a1, a2, a3, a4, b1, b2, b3, b4, c1, c2, c3, c4, d1, d2, d3, d4) can be connected to one dimming block. Each driving element (200) can control the brightness of the interconnected dimming block.

[0248] As illustrated in FIG. 8, each of the plurality of dimming blocks may include a plurality of light sources (light-emitting diodes) (111) connected in series with each other.

[0249] For example, assuming that one dimming block includes a first light-emitting diode, a second light-emitting diode, a third light-emitting diode, and a fourth light-emitting diode, the anode of the first light-emitting diode can be connected to a power wiring, the cathode of the first light-emitting diode can be connected to an anode of the second light-emitting diode, the cathode of the second light-emitting diode can be connected to an anode of the third light-emitting diode, the cathode of the third light-emitting diode can be connected to an anode of the fourth light-emitting diode, and the cathode of the fourth light-emitting diode can be connected to a driving element (200).

[0250] That is, among the plurality of light sources (111) connected in series and included in one dimming block, the first light source (111) of the series connection can be connected to a power wire to receive power (driving voltage; VLED), and the last light source (111) of the series connection can be connected to a driving element (200).

[0251] Here, the power wiring is a wiring for providing a driving voltage to a plurality of driving elements (200) and can be formed on the substrate (111a).

[0252] The driving element (200) can receive an analog dimming signal from the dimming driver (180) while the driving element (200) is input-activated by the dimming driver (180) and store the received analog dimming signal. In addition, while the driving element (200) is input-deactivated, the plurality of driving elements (200) can supply current corresponding to the stored analog dimming signal to the plurality of light sources (light-emitting diodes) (111).

[0253] The driving element (200) can control the current supplied to each of the plurality of dimming blocks when a driving voltage (VLED) is applied to the plurality of dimming blocks.

[0254] In this way, since the light sources belonging to the dimming block are connected in series with each other, the light sources included in the dimming block operate as one unit and can form a dimming block as one unit.

[0255] Hereinafter, “supplying current to the dimming block” may be interpreted as having the same meaning as “supplying current to the light sources included in the dimming block.”

[0256] As illustrated in Fig. 9, each of the driving elements (200), i.e., driving element (a1), driving element (a2), driving element (a3), driving element (a4), driving element (b1), driving element (b2), driving element (b3), and driving element (b4), may be connected to a plurality of dimming blocks. The dimming blocks controlled by each of the driving elements may not overlap with each other.

[0257] For example, the driving element (a1) may be connected to a dimming block (DB11) and a dimming block (DB12), the driving element (a2) may be connected to a dimming block (DB21) and a dimming block (DB22), the driving element (a3) ​​may be connected to a dimming block (DB31) and a dimming block (DB32), and the driving element (a4) may be connected to a dimming block (DB41) and a dimming block (DB42).

[0258] The driving element (b1) may be connected to the dimming block (DB13) and the dimming block (DB14), the driving element (b2) may be connected to the dimming block (DB23) and the dimming block (DB24), the driving element (b3) may be connected to the dimming block (DB33) and the dimming block (DB34), and the driving element (b4) may be connected to the dimming block (DB43) and the dimming block (DB44).

[0259] Although Fig. 7 illustrates an example in which one driving element is connected to two dimming blocks, it is also possible for one driving element to be connected to three or more dimming blocks.

[0260] Each driving element can control the brightness of multiple interconnected dimming blocks.

[0261] Multiple dimming blocks controlled by the same driving element can be classified into one dimming group.

[0262] For example, dimming blocks (DB11) and (DB12) can be divided into a first dimming group, dimming blocks (DB21) and (DB22) can be divided into a second dimming group, dimming blocks (DB31) and (DB32) can be divided into a third dimming group, and dimming blocks (DB41) and (DB42) can be divided into a fourth dimming group. In addition, dimming blocks (DB13) and (DB14) can be divided into a fifth dimming group, dimming blocks (DB23) and (DB24) can be divided into a sixth dimming group, dimming blocks (DB33) and (DB34) can be divided into a seventh dimming group, and dimming blocks (DB43) and (DB44) can be divided into an eighth dimming group.

[0263] That is, each dimming group can contain multiple dimming blocks.

[0264] Dimming blocks belonging to the same dimming group can be supplied with current simultaneously, and dimming blocks belonging to different groups can be supplied with current sequentially at different times.

[0265] The dimming driver (180) can activate dimming blocks belonging to one of a plurality of dimming groups and provide an analog dimming signal to the activated dimming blocks. Thereafter, the dimming driver (180) can activate dimming blocks belonging to another dimming group and provide an analog dimming signal to the activated dimming blocks.

[0266] The driving circuit of each dimming block can provide an analog current corresponding to an analog dimming signal to the light source device (110). By the analog current, the light sources (111) included in the light source device (110) can emit light.

[0267] Depending on the dimming data, light sources belonging to the same dimming block can emit light of the same intensity. Additionally, depending on the dimming data, light sources belonging to different dimming blocks can emit light of different intensities.

[0268] Figures 7, 8 and 9 are only examples of the connection relationship between the dimming block and the driving elements, and the connection relationship between the dimming block and the driving elements is not limited thereto.

[0269] The display device (100) may include a plurality of scan lines, i.e., a first scan line (SL1), a second scan line (SL2), and an n-th scan line (SLn), for providing scan signals to a plurality of driving elements (200), and a plurality of data lines (DL) for providing analog dimming signals to the plurality of driving elements (200), and may further include a carry line (CL) for transmitting a carry signal and a clock line (DCLK) for transmitting a clock signal.

[0270] A plurality of light sources, a plurality of driving elements, a plurality of data lines, a plurality of scan lines, and in addition, power wiring and ground wiring may be provided on a substrate (111a). Here, the substrate (111a) may be a printed circuit board.

[0271] A plurality of driving elements (200) can be connected to a dimming driver (180) and a switch (190) via a plurality of scan lines and a plurality of data lines.

[0272] The connection configuration of the carry line, scan line and data line between the dimming driver (180), the switch (190) and the plurality of driving elements (200), and the transmission configuration of the carry signal and the data signal are described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0273] FIG. 10 is a connection diagram of a scan line, a data line, and a carry line of a light source device provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments, and FIG. 11 is a transmission diagram of a carry signal and a data signal of a light source device provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0274] As illustrated in FIG. 10, a plurality of driving elements (200) can be divided into a plurality of data groups, namely, a first data group (DG1), a second data group (DG2), and an nth data group (DGn).

[0275] Each of the plurality of data groups, i.e., the first data group (DG1), the second data group (DG2), the nth data group (DGn), may include a plurality of driving elements (200).

[0276] Each of the plurality of data groups, i.e., the first data group (DG1), the second data group (DG2), the nth data group (DGn), can be connected to different data lines, i.e., the first data lane (DL1), the second data line (DL2), the nth data line (DLn). For example, the first data group (DG1) can be connected to the first data line (DL1), the second data group (DG2) can be connected to the second data line (DL2), and the nth data group (DGn) can be connected to the nth data line (DLn).

[0277] A plurality of driving elements (200) belonging to each data group may be connected to the same data line. For example, driving elements (200) belonging to a first data group (DG1) may be connected to a first data line (DL1), driving elements (200) belonging to a second data group (DG2) may be connected to a second data line (DL2), and driving elements (200) belonging to an n-th data group (DGn) may be connected to an n-th data line (DLn).

[0278] The dimming driver (180) can transmit data signals to multiple data groups (DG1, DG2, DGn) through each of the multiple data groups, i.e., the first data group (DG1), the second data group (DG2), and the nth data group (DGn).

[0279] For example, the dimming driver (180) can transmit a data signal to a first data group (DG1) through a first data line (DL1), to a second data group (DG2) through a second data line (DL2), and to an nth data group (DGn) through an nth data line (DLn).

[0280] The dimming driver (180) can transmit data signals having the same data cycle at the same time to multiple data groups, i.e., the first data group (DG1), the second data group (DG2), the n-th data group (DGn), through each data line, i.e., the first data line (DL1), the second data line (DL2), the n-th data line (DLn).

[0281] A data signal transmitted through a single data line may have a size corresponding to the brightness of the dimming block for each driving element. Here, the size of the data signal corresponding to the brightness of the dimming block for each driving element may include the value of the current for each driving element.

[0282] For example, the dimming driver (180) can transmit a data signal for a current of 3 mA to a first driving element connected to a first data line (DL1), a data signal for a current of 5 mA to a second driving element connected to the first data line (DL1), and a data signal for a current of 0 mA to a third driving element connected to the first data line (DL1).

[0283] A plurality of driving elements (200) belonging to a plurality of data groups, i.e., a first data group (DG1), a second data group (DG2), a second data group (DGn), and an n-th data group (DGn), can be divided into a plurality of scan groups, i.e., a first scan group (SG1), a second scan group (SG2), a second scan group (SGn).

[0284] Each scan group can be connected to a different scan line. For example, the first scan group (SG1) can be connected to the first scan line (SL1), the second scan group (SG2) can be connected to the second scan line (SL2), and the nth scan group (SGn) can be connected to the nth scan line (SLn).

[0285] A plurality of driving elements (200) per scan group may be connected to the same scan line. For example, driving elements belonging to a first scan group (SG1) may be connected to a first scan line (SL1), driving elements belonging to a second scan group (SG2) may be connected to a second scan line (SL2), and driving elements belonging to an n-th scan group (SGn) may be connected to an n-th scan line (SLn).

[0286] The switch (190) can receive a carry signal from the dimming driver (180) through the carry line (CL), and transmit the carry signal to the first scan line (SL1), the second scan line (SL2), and the n-th scan line (SLn) for each data group, and can sequentially transmit the carry signal to the first scan line (SL1), the second scan line (SL2), and the n-th scan line (SLn) for each data group.

[0287] That is, the switch (190) can sequentially transmit a carry signal to multiple scan groups for all data groups.

[0288] The switch (190) can recognize the point in time at which to transmit a carry signal per scan line based on the number of scan groups per data group. Here, the number of scan groups per data group may be the same.

[0289] When the number of scan groups included in one data group is n, the switch (190) can transmit a carry signal based on 1 / n cycle of the cycle (H) of the scan signal.

[0290] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the switch (190) can transmit a first carry signal through a first scan line (SL1), transmit a second carry signal through a second scan line (SL2) at a time point that is 1 / n of the cycle (H) of the scan signal from the time point that the first carry signal is transmitted, and transmit a third carry signal through a third scan line (SL3) at a time point that is 1 / n of the cycle of the scan signal from the time point that the second carry signal is transmitted.

[0291] The switch (190) can transmit the n-th carry signal through the n-th scan line after transmitting the n-1th carry signal through the n-th scan line at a point in time when 1 / n of the cycle of the scan signal has passed from the point in time at which the n-1th carry signal was transmitted.

[0292] Here, the point in time when 1 / n of the cycle of the scan signal (H) occurs may be the point in time when 1 / n of the time corresponding to the cycle of the scan signal (H) occurs.

[0293] The switch (190) can also sequentially transmit the carry signal from the second scan line to the nth scan line at a time point 1 / n of the scan signal period, 2 / n of the scan signal period, and (n-1) / n of the scan signal period from the time point at which the first carry signal is transmitted through the first scan line (SL1) based on the number of scan groups (n) and the period (H) of the scan signal.

[0294] Here, the period (H) of the scan signal is a preset period and may be a reference period for the scan signal. The period (H) of the scan signal may be approximately 6.5 μs.

[0295] A clock line may be connected to each of the plurality of driving elements. Each of the plurality of driving elements may receive a clock signal through the clock line.

[0296] Driver elements belonging to the same scan group can be connected through the same scan line.

[0297] The driving elements for each scan group may have a predetermined order for receiving the carry signal. Here, the order may be determined by the arrangement positions of the driving elements.

[0298] That is, the driving elements of each scan group can sequentially receive carry signals through the same scan line.

[0299] Each of the driving elements in each scan group can generate a scan signal based on the received carry signal and clock signal, recognize the transmission time of the carry signal based on the cycle of the generated scan signal, and transmit the carry signal to the next driving element at the transmission time of the recognized carry signal.

[0300] For example, the nth driving element of the scan group can generate a scan signal based on the received carry signal and a clock signal when a carry signal is received from the n-1th driving element, recognize the transmission point of the carry signal based on the period of the received scan signal, and transmit the carry signal to the n+1th driving element when the recognized transmission point of the carry signal is reached.

[0301] Here, the carry signal may be a signal that instructs the generation of a scan signal.

[0302] The scan signal may be a signal for activating each of a plurality of driving elements (200). The driving element receiving the scan signal may control the current applied to the dimming block based on dimming data received through the data line.

[0303] Each data group can be connected to a different data line.

[0304] Data lines can be connected between driving elements arranged in different scan groups. That is, data lines cannot be connected between driving elements within the same scan group.

[0305] For example, the driving element of the a-th row of the first scan group (SG1) can be connected to the driving element of the a-th row of the second scan group (SG2), and the driving element of the a-th row of the second scan group (SG2) can be connected to the driving element of the (a+1)-th row of the first scan group (SG1).

[0306] The driving elements of the a-th row of the first scan group (SG1), the driving elements of the a+1 row, the driving elements of the a+2 row, and the driving elements of the a+n row are not connected by a data line.

[0307] The driving elements of the a-th row of the second scan group (SG2), the driving elements of the a+1 row, the driving elements of the a+2 row, and the driving elements of the a+n row are also not connected by a data line.

[0308] That is, data lines can be connected between scan groups within a data group.

[0309] The driving elements for each data group can transmit data signals based on the connection order through the data lines.

[0310] The period of the data signal transmitted through the data line connected to each scan group may be shorter than the period of the scan signal.

[0311] Data signals transmitted through the data lines connected to each scan group can be transmitted at the same time.

[0312] The period of the data signal transmitted through the data line connected to each scan group may be equal to 1 / n of the period (H) of the scan signal, or may be shorter than 1 / n of the period (H) of the scan signal. Here, n may be the number of scan groups belonging to the same data group. n is a natural number.

[0313] Each of the plurality of driving elements per data group can transmit a scan signal of H cycles and a data signal of H / n cycles to other driving elements during the time it takes to output one sub-frame.

[0314] The scan signal may be a signal for activating each of a plurality of driving elements (200). The driving element receiving the scan signal may control the current applied to the dimming block based on dimming data received through the data line.

[0315] That is, each of the plurality of driving elements (200) is switched to a state in which dimming data can be received by a scan signal, and then the current applied to the light source within the dimming block can be controlled based on the data signal received through the data line.

[0316] Referring to FIGS. 12, 13, 14 and 15, the connection configuration of the scan line and data line between the dimming driver (180), the switch (190) and the plurality of driving elements (200), and the transmission configuration of the scan signal and the data signal will be described in more detail.

[0317] FIG. 12 is an example diagram of grouping of data groups and scan groups of a light source device provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments, and FIG. 13 is an example diagram of transmission of scan signals and data signals of the light source device illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0318] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are drawings showing the connection configuration of scan lines and data lines and the transmission configuration of scan signals and data signals when two scan groups are provided in one data group.

[0319] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the first data group (DG1) may include a plurality of driving elements (200) connected to the first data line (DL1), namely, driving element (a1), driving element (a2), driving element (b1), driving element (b2), driving element (c1), driving element (c2), driving element (d1), and driving element (d2).

[0320] The first data group (DG1) can be divided into two scan groups. That is, the first data group (DG1) can include the first scan group (SG1) and the second scan group (SG2).

[0321] A first scan group (SG1) belonging to a first data group (DG1) may include a plurality of driving elements (200) connected to a first scan line (SL1), namely a driving element (a1), a driving element (b1), a driving element (c1), and a driving element (d1).

[0322] The second scan group (SG2) belonging to the first data group (DG1) may include a plurality of driving elements (200) connected to the second scan line (SL2), namely, a driving element (a2), a driving element (b2), a driving element (c2), and a driving element (d2).

[0323] The second data group (DG2) may include a plurality of driving elements (200) connected to the second data line (DL2), namely, driving element (a3), driving element (a4), driving element (b3), driving element (b4), driving element (c3), driving element (c4), driving element (d3), and driving element (d4).

[0324] The second data group (DG2) may be divided into two scan groups. That is, the second data group (DG2) may include the first scan group (SG1) and the second scan group (SG2). The number of scan groups included in the second data group (DG2) may be the same as the number of scan groups included in the first data group (DG1).

[0325] A first scan group (SG1) belonging to a second data group (DG2) may include a plurality of driving elements (200) connected to a first scan line (SL1), namely a driving element (a3), a driving element (b3), a driving element (c3), and a driving element (d3). A second scan group belonging to a second data group (DG2) may include a plurality of driving elements (200) connected to a second scan line (SL2), namely a driving element (a4), a driving element (b4), a driving element (c4), and a driving element (d4).

[0326] The dimming driver (180) can transmit a data signal to a plurality of driving elements (200) belonging to the first data group (DG1), i.e., driving element (a1), driving element (a2), driving element (b1), driving element (b2), driving element (c1), driving element (c2), driving element (d1), and driving element (d2) through the first data line (DL1).

[0327] The dimming driver (180) can transmit a data signal to a plurality of driving elements (200) belonging to the second data group (DG2), namely, driving element (a1), driving element (a2), driving element (b1), driving element (b2), driving element (c1), driving element (c2), driving element (d1), and driving element (d2) through the second data line (DL2).

[0328] The dimming driver (180) can transmit a clock signal to a plurality of driving elements provided in the light source device, namely, driving element (a1), driving element (a2), driving element (a3), driving element (a4), driving element (b1), driving element (b2), driving element (b3), driving element (b4), driving element (c1), driving element (c2), driving element (c3), driving element (c4), driving element (d1), driving element (d2), driving element (d3), and driving element (d4).

[0329] The dimming driver (180) can transmit a carry signal to the switch (190) through the carry line (CL).

[0330] The switch (190) can transmit a first carry signal through a first scan line (SL1) and a second carry signal through a second scan line (SL2) based on the received carry signal.

[0331] The switch (190) can transmit a first carry signal through a first scan line (SL1) based on a received carry signal, and then transmit a second carry signal through a second scan line (SL2) based on a cycle corresponding to the number of scan groups.

[0332] When two scan groups are provided for each data group, the switch (190) can transmit a first carry signal through a first scan line (SL1) and then transmit a second carry signal through a second scan line (SL2) at half the cycle of the scan signal.

[0333] The transmission of the first carry signal is described when the driving element (a1, first driving element), the driving element (b1, second driving element), the driving element (c1, third driving element) and the driving element (d1, fourth driving element) are sequentially connected through the first scan line (SL1). The driving element (a1), the driving element (b1), the driving element (c1) and the driving element (d1) may be driving elements arranged in the same column.

[0334] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the driving element (a1) of the first scan group (SG1) generates a scan signal (S11) based on a clock signal received from a dimming driver (180) and a first carry signal received from a switch (190), recognizes a transmission time of the first carry signal based on a cycle of the scan signal, and transmits the first carry signal to the driving element (b1) based on the recognized transmission time of the first carry signal.

[0335] That is, the driving element (a1) can transmit the first carry signal to the driving element (b1) through the first scan line (SL1) at the time when the cycle of the scan signal (S11) ends.

[0336] The driving element (a1) can transmit an on signal to the dimming block connected to the driving element (a1) during the cycle of the scan signal (S11).

[0337] The driving element (b1) of the first scan group (SG1) generates a scan signal (S12) based on a clock signal received from a dimming driver (180) and a first carry signal received from the driving element (a1), recognizes the transmission time of the first carry signal based on the cycle of the scan signal, and transmits the first carry signal to the driving element (c1) based on the recognized transmission time of the first carry signal.

[0338] That is, the driving element (b1) can transmit the first carry signal to the driving element (c1) through the first scan line (SL1) at the time when the cycle of the scan signal (S12) ends.

[0339] The driving element (b1) can transmit an on signal to the dimming block connected to the driving element (b1) during the cycle of the scan signal (S12).

[0340] The period of the scan signals generated from the driving elements may be the same.

[0341] The driving element (c1) of the first scan group (SG1) generates a scan signal (S13) based on a clock signal received from a dimming driver (180) and a first carry signal received from the driving element (b1), recognizes the transmission time of the first carry signal based on the cycle of the scan signal, and transmits the first carry signal to the driving element (d1) based on the recognized transmission time of the first carry signal.

[0342] That is, the driving element (c1) can transmit the first carry signal to the driving element (d1) through the first scan line (SL1) at the time when the cycle of the scan signal (S13) ends.

[0343] The driving element (c1) can transmit an on signal to the dimming block connected to the driving element (c1) during the cycle of the scan signal (S13).

[0344] The driving element (d1) can generate a scan signal (S14) based on a clock signal received from the dimming driver (180) and a first carry signal received from the driving element (c1), and transmit an on signal to the dimming block connected to the driving element (d1) during the period of the generated scan signal (S14).

[0345] The transmission of a second carry signal is described when a driving element (a2, the fifth driving element), a driving element (b2, the sixth driving element), a driving element (c2, the seventh driving element), and a driving element (d2, the eighth driving element) are sequentially connected through a second scan line (SL2). The driving element (a2), the driving element (b2), the driving element (c2), and the driving element (d2) may be driving elements arranged in the same column.

[0346] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the driving element (a2) of the second scan group (SG2) generates a scan signal (S21) based on a clock signal received from a dimming driver (180) and a second carry signal received from a switch (190), recognizes the transmission time of the second carry signal based on the cycle of the scan signal, and transmits the second carry signal to the driving element (b2) based on the recognized transmission time of the second carry signal.

[0347] That is, the driving element (a2) can transmit a second carry signal to the driving element (b2) through the second scan line (SL2) at the time when the cycle of the scan signal (S21) ends.

[0348] The second carry signal received by the driving element (a2) may be a carry signal received at a point in time that is half the period of the scan signal from the transmission time of the first carry signal transmitted to the driving element (a1).

[0349] The driving element (a2) may be a driving element arranged in the same row as the driving element (a1).

[0350] The driving element (a2) can transmit an on signal to the dimming block connected to the driving element (a2) during the cycle of the scan signal (S21).

[0351] The driving element (b2) of the second scan group (SG2) generates a scan signal (S22) based on a clock signal received from a dimming driver (180) and a second carry signal received from the driving element (a2), recognizes the transmission time of the second carry signal based on the cycle of the scan signal, and transmits the second carry signal to the driving element (c2) based on the recognized transmission time of the second carry signal.

[0352] That is, the driving element (b2) can transmit a second carry signal to the driving element (c2) through the second scan line (SL2) at the time when the cycle of the scan signal (S22) ends.

[0353] The driving element (b2) can transmit an on signal to the dimming block connected to the driving element (b2) during the cycle of the scan signal (S22).

[0354] The second carry signal received by the driving element (b2) may be a carry signal received at a point in time that is half the period of the scan signal from the transmission time of the first carry signal transmitted to the driving element (b1).

[0355] The driving element (b2) may be a driving element arranged in the same row as the driving element (b1).

[0356] The driving element (c2) of the second scan group (SG2) generates a scan signal (S23) based on a clock signal received from the dimming driver (180) and a second carry signal received from the driving element (b2), recognizes the transmission time of the second carry signal based on the cycle of the scan signal, and transmits the second carry signal to the driving element (d2) based on the recognized transmission time of the second carry signal.

[0357] That is, the driving element (c2) can transmit a second carry signal to the driving element (d2) through the second scan line (SL2) at the time when the cycle of the scan signal (S23) ends.

[0358] The driving element (c2) may be a driving element arranged in the same row as the driving element (c1).

[0359] The driving element (c2) can transmit an on signal to the dimming block connected to the driving element (c2) during the cycle of the scan signal (S23).

[0360] The second carry signal received by the driving element (c2) may be a carry signal received at a point in time that is half the period of the scan signal from the transmission time of the first carry signal transmitted to the driving element (c1).

[0361] The driving element (d2) can generate a scan signal (S24) based on a clock signal received from the dimming driver (180) and a second carry signal received from the driving element (c2), and transmit an on signal to the dimming block connected to the driving element (d2) during the period of the generated scan signal (S24).

[0362] The driving element (d2) may be a driving element arranged in the same row as the driving element (d1).

[0363] The second carry signal received by the driving element (d2) may be a carry signal received at a point in time that is half the period of the scan signal from the transmission time of the first carry signal transmitted to the driving element (d1).

[0364] The transmission configuration of the carry signal and scan signal in the second data group (DG2) is the same as the transmission configuration of the carry signal and scan signal in the first data group (DG1), so description thereof is omitted.

[0365] The driving elements belonging to the first data group (DG1) can be connected to the first data line (DL1).

[0366] The first data line (DL1) can be connected between the dimming driver and any one of the driving elements in the first data group, and can be connected between the driving elements provided in the first scan group (SG1) and the driving elements provided in the second scan group (SG2).

[0367] The first data line (DL1) can be connected between driving elements within the same scan group. That is, the data line cannot be connected between driving elements within the first scan group (SG1), and the data line cannot be connected between driving elements within the second scan group (SG2).

[0368] For example, the first data line (DL1) can be connected between the dimming driver (180) and the driving element (a1) of the first scan group (SG1), can be connected between the driving element (a1) of the first scan group (SG1) and the driving element (a2) of the second scan group (SG2), can be connected between the driving element (a2) of the second scan group (SG2) and the driving element (b1) of the first scan group (SG1), can be connected between the driving element (b1) of the first scan group (SG1) and the driving element (b2) of the second scan group (SG2), and can be connected between the driving element (b2) of the second scan group (SG2) and the driving element (c1) of the first scan group (SG1).

[0369] Additionally, the first data line (DL1) can be connected between the driving element (c1) of the first scan group (SG1) and the driving element (c2) of the second scan group (SG2), can be connected between the driving element (c2) of the second scan group (SG2) and the driving element (d1) of the first scan group (SG1), and can be connected between the driving element (d1) of the first scan group (SG1) and the driving element (d2) of the second scan group (SG2).

[0370] The dimming driver (180) can transmit a data signal based on the connection order of the first data line (DL1) of the first data group (DG1).

[0371] For example, the dimming driver (180) can transmit data signals in the following order: a driving element (a1) of the first scan group (SG1), a driving element (a2) of the second scan group (SG2), a driving element (b1) of the first scan group (SG1), a driving element (b2) of the second scan group (SG2), a driving element (c1) of the first scan group (SG1), a driving element (c2) of the second scan group (SG2), a driving element (d1) of the first scan group (SG1), and a driving element (d2) of the second scan group (SG2).

[0372] The cycle of the data signal transmitted through the first data line (DL1) connected to the first data group (DG1) may be shorter than the cycles of the first scan signal and the second scan signal of the first scan group (SG1) and the second scan group (SG2).

[0373] The period of the data signal transmitted through the data line connected to the first scan group (SG1) may be equal to 1 / n of the period (H) of the first scan signal and the second scan signal of the first scan group (SG1) and the second scan group (SG2), or may be shorter than 1 / n of the period (H) of the first scan signal and the second scan signal of the first scan group (SG1) and the second scan group (SG2). Here, n may be the number of scan groups belonging to the first data group (DG1). n is a natural number.

[0374] The data signal of the second data line (DL2) can be transmitted at the same time as the data signal of the first data line (DL1). The cycle of the data signal transmitted through the data line connected to each scan group can be shorter than the cycle of the scan signal.

[0375] FIG. 14 is another example of grouping of data groups and scan groups of a light source device provided in a display device according to one or more embodiments, and FIG. 15 is an example of transmission of scan signals and data signals of the light source device illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0376] FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are drawings showing the connection configuration of scan lines and data lines and the transmission configuration of scan signals and data signals when three scan groups are provided in one data group.

[0377] A display device may include multiple data groups. The transmission configurations of the carry signals, scan signals, and data signals of the multiple data groups may be identical. Accordingly, only the transmission configurations of the carry signals, scan signals, and data signals of the first data group (DG1) will be described.

[0378] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the first data group (DG1) may include a plurality of driving elements (200) connected to the first data line (DL1), namely, driving element (a1), driving element (a2), driving element (a3), driving element (b1), driving element (b2), driving element (b3), driving element (c1), driving element (c2), and driving element (c3).

[0379] The first data group (DG1) can be divided into three scan groups. That is, the first data group (DG1) can include the first scan group (SG1), the second scan group (SG2), and the third scan group (SG3).

[0380] A first scan group (SG1) belonging to a first data group (DG1) may include a plurality of driving elements (200) connected to a first scan line (SL1), namely a driving element (a1), a driving element (b1), and a driving element (c1).

[0381] The second scan group (SG2) belonging to the first data group (DG1) may include a plurality of driving elements (200) connected to the second scan line (SL2), namely, a driving element (a2), a driving element (b2), and a driving element (c2).

[0382] The third scan group (SG3) belonging to the first data group (DG1) may include a plurality of driving elements (200) connected to the third scan line (SL3), namely, a driving element (a3), a driving element (b3), and a driving element (c3).

[0383] The number of scan groups included in the first data group (DG1) may be the same as the number of scan groups included in the remaining data groups.

[0384] The dimming driver (180) can transmit a data signal to a plurality of driving elements (200) belonging to the first data group (DG1), namely, driving element (a1), driving element (a2), driving element (a3), driving element (b1), driving element (b2), driving element (b3), driving element (c1), driving element (c2), and driving element (c3) through the first data line (DL1).

[0385] The dimming driver (180) can transmit a clock signal to a plurality of driving elements provided in the light source device, namely, driving element (a1), driving element (a2), driving element (a3), driving element (b1), driving element (b2), driving element (b3), driving element (c1), driving element (c2), and driving element (c3).

[0386] The dimming driver (180) can transmit a carry signal to the switch (190) through the carry line (CL).

[0387] The switch (190) can transmit a first carry signal through a first scan line (SL1), a second carry signal through a second scan line (SL2), and a third carry signal through a third scan line (SL3) based on the received carry signal.

[0388] The switch (190) can transmit a first carry signal through a first scan line (SL1) based on a received carry signal, and then transmit a second carry signal through a second scan line (SL2) based on a cycle corresponding to the number of scan groups, and can transmit a third carry signal through a third scan line (SL3) based on a cycle corresponding to the number of scan groups after transmitting the second carry signal through the second scan line (SL2).

[0389] When three scan groups are provided in the first data group (DG1), the switch (190) can transmit the first carry signal through the first scan line (SL1) and then transmit the second carry signal through the second scan line (SL2) at 1 / 3 of the cycle of the scan signal.

[0390] The switch (190) can transmit a second carry signal through the second scan line (SL2), and then transmit a third carry signal through the third scan line (SL3) at 1 / 3 of the cycle of the scan signal.

[0391] The switch (190) can also transmit the third carry signal through the third scan line (SL3) at 2 / 3 of the cycle of the scan signal after transmitting the first carry signal through the first scan line (SL1).

[0392] Transmission of a first carry signal is described when a driving element (a1), a driving element (b1), and a driving element (c1) are sequentially connected through a first scan line (SL1). The driving element (a1), the driving element (b1), and the driving element (c1) may be driving elements arranged in the same row on a substrate (111a).

[0393] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the driving element (a1) of the first scan group (SG1) generates a scan signal (S11) based on a clock signal received from a dimming driver (180) and a first carry signal received from a switch (190), recognizes a transmission time of the first carry signal based on a cycle of the scan signal, and transmits the first carry signal to the driving element (b1) based on the recognized transmission time of the first carry signal.

[0394] That is, the driving element (a1) can transmit the first carry signal to the driving element (b1) through the first scan line (SL1) at the time when the cycle of the scan signal (S11) ends.

[0395] The driving element (a1) can transmit an on signal to the dimming block connected to the driving element (a1) during the cycle of the scan signal (S11).

[0396] The driving element (b1) of the first scan group (SG1) generates a scan signal (S12) based on a clock signal received from a dimming driver (180) and a first carry signal received from the driving element (a1), recognizes the transmission time of the first carry signal based on the cycle of the scan signal, and transmits the first carry signal to the driving element (c1) based on the recognized transmission time of the first carry signal.

[0397] That is, the driving element (b1) can transmit the first carry signal to the driving element (c1) through the first scan line (SL1) at the time when the cycle of the scan signal (S12) ends.

[0398] The driving element (b1) can transmit an on signal to the dimming block connected to the driving element (b1) during the cycle of the scan signal (S12).

[0399] The driving element (c1) of the first scan group (SG1) can generate a scan signal (S13) based on the first carry signal received from the driving element (b1), and transmit an on signal to the dimming block connected to the third driving element during the cycle of the scan signal.

[0400] Here, the period of the scan signal may include the on period of the scan signal.

[0401] Transmission of a second carry signal is described when a driving element (a2), a driving element (b2), and a driving element (c2) are sequentially connected through a second scan line (SL2). The driving element (a2), the driving element (b2), and the driving element (c2) may be driving elements arranged in the same row on the substrate.

[0402] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the driving element (a2) of the second scan group (SG2) generates a scan signal (S21) based on a clock signal received from a dimming driver (180) and a second carry signal received from a switch (190), recognizes a transmission time of the second carry signal based on a cycle of the scan signal, and transmits the second carry signal to the driving element (b2) based on the recognized transmission time of the second carry signal.

[0403] That is, the driving element (a2) can transmit a second carry signal to the driving element (b2) through the second scan line (SL2) at the time when the cycle of the scan signal (S21) ends.

[0404] The second carry signal received by the driving element (a2) may be a carry signal received at a point in time that is 1 / 3 of the cycle of the scan signal from the transmission time of the first carry signal transmitted to the driving element (a1).

[0405] The driving element (a2) can transmit an on signal to the dimming block connected to the driving element (b1) during the cycle of the scan signal (S21).

[0406] The driving element (a2) may be a driving element arranged in the same row as the driving element (a1).

[0407] The driving element (b2) of the second scan group (SG2) generates a scan signal (S22) based on a clock signal received from a dimming driver (180) and a second carry signal received from the driving element (a2), recognizes the transmission time of the second carry signal based on the cycle of the scan signal, and transmits the second carry signal to the sixth driving element (c2) based on the recognized transmission time of the second carry signal.

[0408] That is, the driving element (b2) can transmit a second carry signal to the driving element (c2) through the second scan line (SL2) at the time when the cycle of the scan signal (S22) ends.

[0409] The driving element (b2) can transmit an on signal to the dimming block connected to the driving element (b1) during the cycle of the scan signal (S22).

[0410] The second carry signal received by the driving element (b2) may be a carry signal received at a point in time that is 1 / 3 of the cycle of the scan signal from the transmission time of the first carry signal transmitted to the driving element (b1).

[0411] The driving element (b2) may be a driving element arranged in the same row as the driving element (b1).

[0412] The driving element (c2) of the second scan group (SG2) generates a scan signal (S23) based on a clock signal received from the dimming driver (180) and a second carry signal received from the driving element (b2), and can transmit an on signal to the dimming block connected to the driving element (c2) during the period of the scan signal (S23).

[0413] The driving element (c2) may be a driving element arranged in the same row as the driving element (c1).

[0414] The second carry signal received by the driving element (c2) may be a carry signal received at a point in time that is 1 / 3 of the cycle of the scan signal from the transmission time of the first carry signal transmitted to the driving element (c1).

[0415] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the driving element (a3) ​​of the third scan group (SG3) generates a scan signal (S31) based on a clock signal received from a dimming driver (180) and a third carry signal received from a switch (190), recognizes the transmission time of the third carry signal based on the cycle of the scan signal, and transmits the third carry signal to the driving element (b3) based on the recognized transmission time of the third carry signal.

[0416] That is, the driving element (a3) ​​can transmit the third carry signal to the driving element (b3) through the third scan line (SL3) at the time when the cycle of the scan signal (S31) ends.

[0417] The third carry signal received by the driving element (a3) ​​may be a carry signal received at a point in time that is 1 / 3 of the cycle of the scan signal from the transmission time of the second carry signal transmitted to the driving element (a2).

[0418] The third carry signal received by the driving element (a3) ​​may be a carry signal received at a point in time that is 2 / 3 of the cycle of the scan signal from the transmission time of the first carry signal transmitted to the driving element (a1).

[0419] The driving element (a3) ​​may be a driving element arranged in the same row as the driving element (a2) and the driving element (a1).

[0420] The driving element (a3) ​​can transmit an on signal to the dimming block connected to the driving element (a3) ​​during the cycle of the scan signal (S31).

[0421] The driving element (b3) of the third scan group (SG3) generates a scan signal (S32) based on a clock signal received from a dimming driver (180) and a third carry signal received from the driving element (a3), recognizes the transmission time of the third carry signal based on the cycle of the scan signal, and transmits the third carry signal to the driving element (c3) based on the recognized transmission time of the third carry signal.

[0422] That is, the driving element (b3) can transmit the third carry signal to the driving element (c3) through the third scan line (SL3) at the time when the cycle of the scan signal (S32) ends.

[0423] The third carry signal received by the driving element (b3) may be a carry signal received at a point in time that is 1 / 3 of the cycle of the scan signal from the transmission time of the second carry signal transmitted to the driving element (b2).

[0424] The third carry signal received by the driving element (b3) may be a carry signal received at a point in time that is 2 / 3 of the cycle of the scan signal from the transmission time of the first carry signal transmitted to the driving element (b1).

[0425] The driving element (b3) may be a driving element arranged in the same row as the second driving element (b1) and the driving element (b2).

[0426] The driving element (b3) can transmit an on signal to the dimming block connected to the driving element (b3) during the cycle of the scan signal (S32).

[0427] The driving element (c3) of the second scan group (SG2) generates a scan signal (S33) based on a clock signal received from the dimming driver (180) and a third carry signal received from the driving element (b3), and can transmit an on signal to the dimming block connected to the driving element (c3) during the period of the scan signal (S33).

[0428] The driving element (c3) may be a driving element arranged in the same row as the driving element (c1) and the driving element (c6).

[0429] The third carry signal received by the driving element (c3) may be a carry signal received at a point in time that is 2 / 3 of the cycle of the scan signal from the transmission time of the first carry signal transmitted to the driving element (c1).

[0430] The third carry signal received by the driving element (c3) may be a carry signal received at a point in time that is 1 / 3 of the cycle of the scan signal from the transmission time of the second carry signal transmitted to the driving element (c2).

[0431] The driving elements belonging to the first data group (DG1) can be connected to the first data line (DL1).

[0432] The first data line (DL1) can be connected to the dimming driver and any one of the driving elements within the first data group (DG1), and can be connected between driving elements within different scan groups.

[0433] The first data line (DL1) can be connected between the driving elements provided in the first scan group (SG1) and the driving elements provided in the second scan group (SG2), can be connected between the driving elements provided in the second scan group (SG2) and the driving elements provided in the third scan group (SG3), and can be connected between the driving elements of the third scan group (SG3) and the driving elements of the first scan group (SG1).

[0434] The first data line (DL1) can be connected between driving elements within the same scan group. The first data line (DL1) cannot be connected between driving elements within the first scan group (SG1), cannot be connected between driving elements within the second scan group (SG2), and cannot be connected between driving elements within the third scan group (SG3).

[0435] For example, the first data line (DL1) can be connected between the dimming driver (180) and the first driving element (a1) of the first scan group (SG1), can be connected between the driving element (a1) of the first scan group (SG1) and the driving element (a2) of the second scan group (SG2), can be connected between the driving element (a2) of the second scan group (SG2) and the driving element (a3) ​​of the third scan group (SG3), and can be connected between the driving element (a3) ​​of the third scan group (SG3) and the driving element (b1) of the first scan group (SG1).

[0436] Additionally, the first data line (DL1) can be connected between the driving element (b2) of the first scan group (SG1) and the driving element (b2) of the second scan group (SG2), can be connected between the driving element (b2) of the second scan group (SG2) and the driving element (b3) of the third scan group (SG3), and can be connected between the driving element (b3) of the third scan group (SG3) and the driving element (c1) of the first scan group (SG1).

[0437] Additionally, the first data line (DL1) can be connected between the driving element (c1) of the first scan group (SG1) and the driving element (c2) of the second scan group (SG2), and can be connected between the driving element (c2) of the second scan group (SG2) and the driving element (c3) of the third scan group (SG3).

[0438] The dimming driver (180) can transmit a data signal based on the connection order of the first data line (DL1) of the first data group (DG1).

[0439] For example, the dimming driver (180) can transmit data signals in the following order: a driving element (a1) of the first scan group (SG1), a driving element (a2) of the second scan group (SG2), a driving element (a3) ​​of the third scan group (SG3), a driving element (b1) of the first scan group (SG1), a driving element (b2) of the second scan group (SG2), a driving element (b3) of the third scan group (SG3), a driving element (c1) of the first scan group (SG1), a driving element (c2) of the second scan group (SG2), and a driving element (c3) of the third scan group (SG3).

[0440] The cycle of the data signal transmitted through the first data line (DL1) connected to the first data group (DG1) may be shorter than the cycles of the first scan signal, the second scan signal, and the third scan signal of the first scan group (SG1), the second scan group (SG2), and the third scan group (SG3).

[0441] The period of the data signal transmitted through the first data line (DL1) may be equal to 1 / n of the period (H) of the first scan signal, the second scan signal, and the third scan signal, or may be shorter than 1 / n of the period (H) of the first scan signal, the second scan signal, and the third scan signal. Here, n may be the number of scan groups belonging to the first data group (DG1). n is a natural number.

[0442] The data signals of the data lines connected to the remaining data groups can be transmitted at the same time as the data signals of the first data line (DL1). The cycle of the data signals transmitted through the data lines connected to each scan group of the remaining data groups can be shorter than the cycle of the scan signals.

[0443] The light source device of the present embodiment is a light source device provided in a liquid crystal display device, but the light source device of the present embodiment is not limited to a light source device provided in a liquid crystal display device.

[0444] The light source device of the present embodiment can be applied to a display device based on a mini light emitting diode, a display device based on a micro light emitting diode, or an outdoor display device.

[0445] This embodiment describes a driving element that controls a dimming block including multiple light sources. Here, the object controlled by the driving element is not limited to the dimming block. That is, the driving element provided in the light source device of this embodiment can be applied to a driving element that controls a single light source.

[0446] In this case, there may be a plurality of driving elements connected to the light source. The plurality of driving elements may be divided into a plurality of data groups corresponding to the connection of the data lines, and each data group may include a plurality of scan groups corresponding to the connection of the plurality of scan lines. Such a display device may determine the generation time of scan signals of the driving elements included in each scan group based on the number of scan groups in the data group, and may determine the cycle of the data signal transmitted through the data line.

[0447] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0448] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0449] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A plurality of scan groups each including at least one of a plurality of driving elements for controlling at least one light source among a plurality of light sources; A plurality of scan lines for transmitting scan signals to each of the plurality of scan groups; a data line for transmitting a data signal to the plurality of scan groups; and A light source device including a control unit that determines the generation time of the scan signal and the cycle of the data signal based on the number of the plurality of scan groups.

2. In paragraph 1, A carry line connected to the above control unit; A light source device further comprising a switch that receives a carry signal from the control unit through the carry line and transmits the carry signal to each of the plurality of scan lines.

3. In paragraph 2, The switch determines the transmission timing of the carry signal through each of the plurality of scan lines based on the number of the plurality of scan groups, A light source device in which at least one driving element included in the plurality of scan groups generates a scan signal based on receiving a carry signal from the switch, and transmits an on signal to the light source based on the scan signal.

4. In paragraph 2, The switch transmits a carry signal to the plurality of scan lines every 1 / n cycles of the reference cycle based on the number of the plurality of scan groups being n, The above reference period is the period of the scan signal, The above n is a light source device where the number is a natural number.

5. In paragraph 1, The control unit transmits a data signal to at least one driving element included in the plurality of scan groups based on the cycle of the determined data signal, A light source device wherein the data signal includes a signal corresponding to the brightness of at least one light source.

6. In paragraph 5, The above data line connects the driving elements included in the plurality of scan groups, The control unit is a light source device that transmits the data signal to the driving elements included in the plurality of scan groups based on the order connected by the data lines.

7. In paragraph 5, The control unit determines the period of the data signal to be 1 / n or less of the reference period based on the number of the plurality of scan groups being n, and transmits the determined data signal through the data line. The above n is a light source device where the number is a natural number.

8. In paragraph 1, Based on the fact that there are multiple driving elements included in each of the above plurality of scan groups, A light source device in which a plurality of driving elements included in the same scan group among scan groups are connected by the same scan line and each generates a scan signal at a reference cycle interval based on the order in which they are connected by the scan line.

9. In paragraph 1, Based on the light sources being connected by the driving elements of the above plurality of scan groups, The above driving elements control the brightness of the light sources equally, The driving elements connected to the above light sources are serially connected light source devices.

10. Multiple light sources corresponding to each of multiple pixels; A plurality of driving elements each connected to the plurality of light sources and divided into a plurality of data groups and a plurality of scan groups; A plurality of data lines each connected to the plurality of data groups; a plurality of scan lines each connected to the plurality of scan groups; and A control unit that determines the generation time of a scan signal for each of the plurality of scan groups and the cycle of a data signal transmitted through the data line based on the number of the plurality of scan groups, Each of the plurality of data groups includes the plurality of scan groups, A display device wherein the number of the plurality of scan groups included in each of the plurality of data groups is the same for all of the data groups.

11. In paragraph 10, A carry line connected to the above control unit; A display device further comprising a switch that receives a carry signal from the control unit through the carry line and transmits the carry signal to each of the plurality of scan lines.

12. In paragraph 11, The switch transmits a carry signal to the plurality of scan lines every 1 / n cycles of the reference cycle based on the number of the plurality of scan groups being n, At least one driving element generates a scan signal based on receiving a carry signal from the switch, and transmits an on signal to at least one light source based on the generated scan signal, The above reference period is the period of the scan signal, A display device in which the above n is a natural number.

13. In paragraph 11, A display device in which the control unit determines a current to be applied to the plurality of light sources based on image data output through the plurality of pixels, and transmits a data signal to a driving element included in a plurality of scan groups for each data group based on the determined current and the cycle of the determined data signal.

14. In paragraph 13, The data line for each data group connects one or more driving elements included in each scan group for each data group among the plurality of driving elements, A display device in which the control unit transmits the data signal to one or more driving elements based on the order of the one or more driving elements connected by one or more data lines.

15. In paragraph 13, The control unit determines the cycle of the data signal to be 1 / n or less of the reference cycle based on the number of scan groups per data group being n, and transmits the data signal of the determined 1 / n cycle through the data line. A display device in which the above n is a natural number.

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