TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device for a liquid crystal display panel,
which drives a liquid crystal display panel by column inversion driving.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] When a liquid crystal display panel using TFT (Thin Film Transistor) is to be driven,
a gate-on voltage V
GH to switch on a TFT gate provided for every pixel at an intersection of a gate wiring
and a source wiring, a gate-off voltage V
GL to switch off the TFT gate, a data voltage (source voltage) V
D to be applied to a TFT source and a common voltage V
COM to be applied to a common electrode, are required.
[0003] If a liquid crystal display panel is driven by a DC voltage, its useful life tends
to be short. For such a reason, it is common to use an AC voltage in a drive method
for driving a liquid crystal display panel. AC driving includes, for example, line
inversion driving, column inversion driving and dot inversion driving (e.g. Patent
Document 1).
[0004] Column inversion driving is a drive method wherein in a liquid crystal display panel
having pixels arranged in a matrix form, when pixel groups in a horizontal direction
(lines: rows) are to be driven, for example, sequentially from the upper side towards
the lower side, in one frame, the data voltage is made to be, for example, from a
left hand side source wiring (column) towards a right hand side column, positive polarity,
negative polarity, positive polarity, negative polarity, ···, and in the next frame,
the polarity of the data voltage in each column is made to be opposite to the polarity
in the last frame.
[0005] Hereinafter, a state where the potential of a source electrode is higher than the
common voltage is regarded as a positive polarity state, and a state where the potential
of a source electrode is lower than the common voltage is regarded as a negative polarity
state.
[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a method wherein in order to reduce power consumption
of the drive device, the voltage applied to source wirings during the vertical blanking
period is inverted, or when the vertical blanking period is started, the source wirings
are once charged to the common potential. By such a construction, a rush current (inrush
current) flowing in the source driver at the time of changing the polarity, can be
reduced.
[0007] Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a method wherein in the vertical blanking period,
charge sharing is carried out to short-circuit adjacent source wirings, then positively
and negatively polarized data voltages with prescribed voltages are supplied to source
wirings, and further charge sharing is carried out to bring the potential of the source
wirings close to the common voltage. Here, a data voltage with a prescribed voltage
to be supplied to a source wiring, is supplied to a source driver which outputs the
data voltage to the source wiring, in the first horizontal effective period in the
vertical blanking period.
PRIOR ART DOCUMENT
PATENT DOCUMENT
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
TECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0009] However, if the drive device for a liquid crystal display panel disclosed in Patent
Document 1 is to be used, it is necessary to preliminarily determine by calculation,
etc. the voltage value for the data voltage to be output in the first horizontal effective
period in the vertical blanking period. Further, the number of types of the voltage
values for the data voltages which can be used, is usually limited to a number corresponding
to the number of gradations and cannot be set to be an optional desired value. Further,
in order to make it possible for the data voltages to be output in the first horizontal
effective period in the vertical blanking period, the construction of a timing control
circuit to supply a clock signal or a latch signal to a source driver or a gate driver,
has to be substantially changed from a common construction of a timing control circuit.
Further, power consumption is not reduced in a period wherein driving is carried out
for actual display (hereinafter referred to as a display period).
[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to further reduce power consumption
by a simple construction in a drive device for driving a liquid crystal display panel
by column inversion driving.
SOLUTION TO PROBLEM
[0011] The drive device for a liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention
is a drive device for a liquid crystal display panel having a plurality of gate wirings
and a plurality of source wirings arranged to intersect with each other, which drive
device is provided with a source driver to drive the source wirings by column inversion
driving, wherein the source driver makes, as compared with the driving ability in
at least an initial period (a period for at least one line) to drive a first one line
in each frame, the driving ability to be low in at least a part of a period subsequent
to the initial period in each frame.
[0012] The source driver is constructed, for example, to make the driving ability to be
low over the entire period in the period subsequent to the initial period.
[0013] The source driver is constructed, for example, to make, in the period subsequent
to the initial period, as compared with the driving ability in a preceding prescribed
interval (first half interval) in each periodically occurring period (e.g. a period
for each line), the driving ability to be low in an interval (second half interval)
subsequent to the prescribed interval. By such a construction, it is possible to reduce
consumption current while preventing deterioration of the display quality, taking
into consideration the properties of the liquid crystal display panel. Further, the
driving ability in the preceding prescribed interval may be made to be lower than
the driving ability in the initial period. Further, the source driver may include
an interval adjusting means to adjust the length of the preceding prescribed interval.
[0014] The source driver is constructed, for example, to include an output pathway setting
unit which sets either one of a state where a voltage signal corresponding to a data
signal is applied to a source wiring via an amplifier and a state where the voltage
signal is applied to the source wiring without via the amplifier; when the driving
ability is to be made low, the output pathway setting unit sets the state where the
voltage signal corresponding to the data signal is applied to the source wiring without
via the amplifier; and when the driving ability is to be made high, the output pathway
setting unit sets the state where the voltage signal corresponding to the data signal
is applied to the source wiring via the amplifier, and the amplifier increases an
output current as compared with an output current in the state where the voltage signal
corresponding to the data signal is applied, as it is, to the source wiring.
[0015] The source driver may be constructed to include an amplifier which is capable of
changing an output current; a voltage signal corresponding to a data signal may be
applied to a source wiring via the amplifier; when the driving ability is to be made
high, the amplifier may be constructed to apply to the source wiring the voltage signal
corresponding to the data signal in a state where the output current is increased
as compared with an output current when the driving ability is to be made low.
[0016] The source driver may include a source wiring initial setting unit which, in a vertical
blanking period, short-circuits adjacent source wirings, or connects each source wiring
to a prescribed potential. By such a construction, it is possible to reduce power
consumption, with a simpler construction, by suppressing a rush current which flows
in the source driver when the polarity is changed over.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION
[0017] According to the present invention, in a drive device for driving a liquid crystal
display panel by column inversion driving, it is possible to further reduce power
consumption by a simple construction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018]
Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a construction example of a liquid crystal
display device to which a drive device of the present invention is applied.
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating data voltages.
Fig. 3 is a timing diagram illustrating an operation example in the first embodiment
of the drive device according to the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a timing diagram illustrating an operation example in the first embodiment
of the drive device according to the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a construction example of an output buffer.
Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a relation between a signal
state of a control signal Cont 2 and an output state of an amplifier, and an example
of an output state of the amplifier.
Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a construction of the output side of the output
buffer.
Fig. 8 is a schematic view illustrating a relation between the control signal Cont
1 and a state of each switch.
Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram which schematically illustrates a consumption current
when column inversion driving is employed.
Fig. 10 is a timing diagram illustrating an operation example in the second embodiment
of the drive device according to the present invention.
Fig. 11 is a timing diagram illustrating, as enlarged, an operation example in the
second embodiment.
Fig. 12 is a timing diagram illustrating, as enlarged, another operation example in
the second embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the
drawings.
EMBODIMENT 1
[0020] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a construction example of a liquid crystal
display device to which the drive device of the present invention is applied. In the
liquid crystal display device shown in Fig. 1, many pixels 12 are formed in a matrix
form on a liquid display panel 10. To form the pixels, many gate wirings 13 are provided
in a horizontal direction (row direction), and many source wirings 14 are provided
in a column direction to intersect with the gate wirings 13. And, TFT15 is formed
at an intersection of a gate wiring 13 and a source wiring 14. A drain electrode 16
of TFT 15 is connected to a pixel electrode.
[0021] A facing substrate (not shown) is provided to face the substrate having the gate
wirings 13, the source wirings 14 and the pixels 12 formed thereon, and liquid crystal
is sandwiched between the substrate having the pixels 12 formed, and the facing substrate.
On the facing substrate, a counter electrode (common electrode) is formed, and the
counter electrode is set at a common potential V
COM. Here, electrically, liquid crystal may be regarded as an element having a capacity,
and in Fig. 1, a capacitor 17 is shown, of which one end is connected to a pixel electrode
and the potential of the other end becomes the common potential V
COM.
[0022] A gate driver 30 drives gate wirings 13, for example, line-sequentially. To a pixel
electrode of a pixel connected to a selected gate wiring 13 i.e. a gate wiring 13
to which a gate-on voltage V
GH is applied, a data voltage (voltage corresponding to a data signal) V
D is applied via a source wiring 14.
[0023] In the construction example shown in Fig. 1, the source driver 20 to drive the source
wirings 14, comprises a shift resistor 21, a first latch circuit 22 which sequentially
latches and outputs data signal DATA, a second latch circuit 23 which collectively
takes in the output from the first latch circuit 22, a D-A converter 24 which outputs
an analog signal (analog voltage) corresponding to the value of the output (digital
data) from the second latch circuit 23, and a buffer circuit 25 which current-amplifies
the output from the D-A converter 24.
[0024] Taking as a starting point a horizontal start pulse STH corresponding to a signal
for initiation of a selected period output by a control unit (timing control circuit)
40, the shift resistor 21 forms a data taking-in signal from a clock signal CLK for
data shift and outputs it. In this embodiment, the number of source wirings 14 is
assumed to be m (m: a positive integer in multiples of 3). With respect to the data
signals, data corresponding to one clock signal CLK in the case of RGB parallel, are
three RGB. Accordingly, the number of output signals of the shift resistor 21 is m/3.
For example, in response to the Ith clock (I:1 to m/3) of the clock signal CLK, the
shift resistor 21 brings a first set of outputs to an on-state (data taking-in state).
Here, in this embodiment, the liquid crystal display panel 10 is driven by a line
sequential driving method, and the selected period corresponds to a period for driving
one line.
[0025] To the first latch circuit 22, data signals DATA from the timing control circuit
40 are sequentially output. Further, to the first latch circuit 22, m/3 signal is
input from the shift resistor 21. When among m signals, the Ith set (I:1 to m/3) of
signals become an on-state, the first latch circuit 22 latches and outputs the first
set of data (data signals DATA).
[0026] The second latch circuit 23 collectively takes in signals latched by the first latch
circuit 22, for example, at the time of falling of a strobe signal STB (hereinafter
referred to as a latch signal STB) output from the timing control circuit 40.
[0027] To the D-A converter 24, e.g. a voltage V
n (n: 0 to 15) is supplied from a power source circuit (not shown) included in the
timing control circuit 40. As shown in Fig. 2, V
8 to V
15 are voltages higher than the common voltage V
COM, and V
0 toV
7 are voltages lower than the common voltage V
COM. Here, V
8 to V
15 are voltages for positive polarity driving, and V
0 to V
7 are voltages for negative polarity driving.
[0028] From the D-A converter 24, m signals are output which show values appropriate for
the level (a high level or a low level) of a polarity inversion signal POL output
from the timing control circuit 40. For example, in a case where the level of the
polarity inversion signal POL is a high level, among m signals, odd-numbered signals
are made to be signals with a value appropriate for positive polarity and the level
of a signal input from the second latch circuit 23, and among the m signals, even-numbered
signals are made to be signals with a value appropriate for negative polarity and
the level of a signal input from the second latch circuit 23. Whereas, in a case where
the level of the polarity conversion signal POL is a low level, among the m signals,
odd-numbered signals are made to be signals with a value appropriate for negative
polarity and the level of a signal input from the second latch circuit 23, and among
the m signals, even-numbered signals are made to be signals with a value appropriate
for positive polarity and the level of a signal input from the second latch circuit
23.
[0029] Further, in this embodiment, to simplify the description, the source driver 20 realizes
64 tones by means of a register ladder in the driver by inputting eight standard voltages
in positive polarity by using voltages V
8 to V
15 and displays 64 tones by eight standard voltages in negative polarity by using voltages
V
0 toV
7. The present invention may be applied to a case where a larger number of tones are
to be realized. Further, the D-A converter 24 is provided with a register ladder at
the input portion to realize multi-tone.
[0030] Further, in the construction shown in Fig. 1, the power source circuit is included
in the timing control circuit 40, but the power source circuit may be provided separately
from the timing control circuit 40.
[0031] The D-A converter 24 outputs signals of voltage (voltage signals) corresponding to
the values shown respectively by the m signals output from the second latch circuit
23, to the buffer circuit 25.
[0032] The buffer circuit 25 applies the respective m voltage signals output from the D-A
converter 24 to m source wirings 14.
[0033] Further, the source driver 20, the gate driver 30 and the timing control circuit
40 shown in Fig. 1 are constituting elements of the drive device for a liquid crystal
display panel.
[0034] Figs. 3 and 4 are timing diagrams illustrating operation examples in the first embodiment
of the drive device according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 3, the timing
control circuit 40 outputs a control signal Cont 1 before the control for an image
display in each frame is initiated. Specifically, the control signal Cont 1 is made
to be a significant level for a period of at least one horizontal period (a period
between two horizontal synchronizing signals) in the vertical blanking period. In
the example shown in Fig. 3, the significant level is a high level. The source driver
20 carries out the control as described hereinafter, based on the control signal Cont
1. The maximum value of the period wherein the control signal Cont 1 can be made to
be a significant level, is the vertical blanking period.
[0035] Further, as shown in Fig. 3, the level of the polarity inversion signal POL is inverted
every one frame. When the polarity inversion signal POL is at a high level, odd-numbered
source wirings S(
2n-1) are subjected to positive polarity driving, and even-numbered source wirings S(
2n) are subjected to negative polarity driving. When the polarity inversion signal POL
is at a low level, odd-numbered source wirings S(
2n-1) are subjected to negative polarity driving, and even―numbered source wirings S
(2n) are subjected to positive polarity driving. Here, n is from 1 to (m/2), and m is
an even number.
[0036] Further, in this embodiment, the timing control circuit 40 outputs a control signal
Cont 2 as shown in Fig. 4. Specifically, the level of the control signal Cont 2 is
made to be a prescribed level for a period of at least one horizontal period (corresponding
to one selected period) (e.g. from 1 to 3 horizontal periods) from the time when the
control for an image display in each frame is initiated. Fig. 4 illustrates an example
wherein the level of the control signal Cont 2 is made to be a prescribed level for
a period corresponding to two horizontal periods. The source driver 20 carries out
the special control as described hereinafter, based on the control signal Cont 2.
[0037] In Fig. 4, the period wherein the level of the control signal Cont 2 is at a prescribed
level, is shown as the high level period. However, as described hereinafter, the prescribed
level may not practically be a high level. Further, the period wherein the level is
not a prescribed level is shown as a low level period, but it may not practically
be a low level.
[0038] Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a construction example of one output buffer
251 in buffer circuit 25. The buffer circuit 25 is provided with the same number as
the source wirings 14 i.e. m output buffers. The construction of each output buffer
in the buffer circuit 25 is the same as the construction shown in Fig. 5.
[0039] In the example shown in Fig. 5, the output buffer 251 comprises an amplifier 261
having a variable driving ability, to which a signal output from the D-A converter
24 is input, a first switch 263 to make either a state where the input to the amplifier
261 is supplied to an output terminal or a state where such an input is not supplied
to the output terminal, a second switch 264 to make either a state where an output
of the amplifier 261 is supplied to the output terminal or a state where such an output
is not supplied to the output terminal, and a bias circuit 262 to change the output
current (the maximum output current) of the amplifier 261 depending upon the control
signal Cont 2. Here, the output terminal is an output terminal to a source wiring
14.
[0040] Further, the first switch 263 and the second switch 264 realize an output pathway
setting unit which sets either one of a state where a voltage signal corresponding
to a data signal is applied to a source wiring 14 via the amplifier 261 and a state
where the voltage signal is applied to the source wiring without via the amplifier
261.
[0041] The control signal Cont 2 is, for example, a 2 bit signal. Fig. 6(A) is a schematic
diagram illustrating an example of a relation between a signal state of the control
signal Cont 2 and the output state of the amplifier 261. Fig. 6(B) is a schematic
diagram illustrating a specific example of the output state of the amplifier 261.
The control signal Cont 2 may be 1 bit, but it is preferably a 2 bit signal in view
of the applicability due to the size of the liquid crystal display panel or improvement
in the selection range of the power consumption.
[0042] As shown in Fig. 6, when the level of the control signal Cont 2 is (L, L), the driving
ability of the amplifier 261 is 130%; when the level of the control signal Cont 2
is (L, H), the driving ability is 100%; and when the level of the control signal Cont
2 is (H, L), the driving ability is 80%. Further, when the level of the control signal
Cont 2 is (H, H), the voltage signal from the D-A converter 24 is, as it is, output
to the output terminal. Here, "H" means a high level, and "L" means a low level.
[0043] Here, the driving ability of 130% or 80% represents a relative maximum output current
based on the driving ability when the level of the control signal Cont 2 is (L, H).
[0044] Further, the driving ability by the voltage signal from the D-A converter 24 is lower
than the driving ability when the level of the control signal Cont 2 is (H, L) (corresponding
to output C shown in Fig. 6(A)). Accordingly, as compared with the output current
in a case where a signal of a voltage corresponding to a data signal is, as it is,
applied to a source wiring 14 (in a case where the first switch 261 is a closed state,
and the second switch 264 is an open state), the output current is higher in a case
where a signal of a voltage corresponding to a data signal is applied to a source
wiring 14 via the amplifier 261 when the level of the control signal Cont 2 is (H,
L).
[0045] Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating output side constructions of output buffers
251 and 252 which drive adjacent two source wirings 14 in the buffer circuit 25. The
output buffer 251 is to drive an odd-numbered source wiring 14 (e.g. the first line
source wiring 14), and the output buffer 252 is to drive an even-numbered source wiring
14 (e.g. a second line source wiring 14).
[0046] As shown in Fig. 7, on the output side of the output buffer 251, a first output switch
266 is provided to switch to a state where the output of the output buffer 251 is
permitted to pass or a state where such an output is not permitted to pass. On the
output side of the output buffer 252, a second output switch 268 is provided to switch
to a state where the output of the output buffer 252 is permitted to pass or a state
where such an output is not permitted to pass. Further, a third switch 267 is provided
to switch to a state where the adjacent two source wirings 14 are connected or a state
where they are not connected.
[0047] Here, the first output switch 266, the second output switch 268 and the third switch
267 are an example of a source wiring initial setting unit to short-circuit the adjacent
source wirings 14.
[0048] Further, the internal construction of the output buffer 252 is the same as the internal
construction of the output buffer 251 shown in Fig. 5. Further, in the buffer circuit
25, the first output switch 266 is provided as shown in Fig. 7 on the output side
of all output buffers for driving source wirings S
(2n-1). Further, the second output switch 268 is provided as shown in Fig. 7 on the output
side of all output buffers for driving source wirings S(
2n). Further, the third switch 267 is provided as shown in Fig. 7 between an output
buffer for driving a source wiring S
(2n-1) and an output buffer for driving a source wiring S(
2n) (n: 1 to (m/2)).
[0049] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a relation between the control signal
Cont 1 and the state of each switch (first output switch 266, second output switch
268 and third switch 267). As shown in Fig. 8, when the control signal Cont 1 is at
a low level, the first output switch 266 and the second output switch 268 become an
on-state (closed state), and the third switch 267 becomes an off-state (open state).
When the control signal Cont 1 is at a high level, the first output switch 266 and
the second output switch 268 become an off-state, and the third switch 267 becomes
an on-state.
[0050] Now, the operation of the source driver 20 will be described with reference to the
timing diagram in Fig. 4, etc. Hereinafter, the description will be made by paying
attention to two output buffers 251 and 252 in the buffer circuit 25, but output buffers
other than the two buffers 251 and 252 in the buffer circuit 25 will also be operated
in the same manner as the output buffers 251 and 252.
[0051] As shown in Fig. 4, the timing control circuit 40 controls the control signal Cont
1 to be at a high level during a period of at least one horizontal period in the vertical
blanking period. Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, when the control signal Cont 1 becomes
a high level, in the buffer circuit 25, the first output switch 266 provided on the
output side of an output buffer for driving an odd-numbered source wiring S(
2n-1) becomes an open state, and the second output switch 268 provided on the output side
of an output buffer for driving an even-numbered source wiring S(
2n) becomes an open state. Further, the third switch 267 provided between the output
buffer for driving a source wiring S(
2n-1) and the output buffer for driving a source wiring S(
2n) becomes a closed state.
[0052] That is, each odd-numbered source wirings S(
2n-1) will be connected to the adjacent even-numbered source wiring S(
2n). Further, each source wiring 14 is cut off from the output buffer 251 or 252.
[0053] As a result, charge sharing is carried out by the potential of source wirings 14
which have been driven at a voltage higher than the common voltage V
COM and the potential of source wirings 14 which have been driven at a voltage lower
than the common voltage V
COM are neutralized. That is, the potential of each source wiring 14 becomes close to
the common voltage V
COM.
[0054] The charge sharing is carried out in the vertical blanking period. Thus, when a display
period in one frame is to be initiated, the potential of each source wiring 14 is
close to the common voltage V
COM, whereby a rush current at the initiation of the display period can be reduced, for
example, as compared with a case where the driving state is directly changed from
a state of driving with negative polarity to a state of driving with positive polarity.
[0055] Further, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the timing control circuit 40 controls
the level of the control signal Cont 2 to be at a prescribed level over a described
period of at least one horizontal period from the initiation of the control for an
image display in each frame i.e. in a prescribed period after initiation of the driving
in the first frame (period wherein at least one line is driven). In this embodiment,
the prescribed level is (H, L).
[0056] Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, in the output buffer 251 in the buffer circuit 25, a
bias circuit 262 gives a bias voltage depending upon the level of the control signal
Cont 2 so that the driving ability of the amplifier 261 is made to be 80%. Further,
depending upon the level of the control signal Cont 2, the first switch 263 becomes
an open state (a state where the input to the amplifier 261 will not be supplied to
the output terminal), and the second switch 264 becomes a closed state (a state where
the output of the amplifier 261 is supplied to the output terminal).
[0057] Thus, the source wiring 14 is driven in the state of the driving ability of 80% during
the prescribed period where the level of the control signal Cont 2 is at a prescribed
level.
[0058] Upon completion of the prescribed period, the timing control circuit 40 controls
the level of the control signal Cont 2 to be at a level other than the prescribed
level, in this embodiment, the level other than the prescribed level is (H, H).
[0059] Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, in the output buffer 251 in the buffer circuit 25, the
first switch 263 becomes a closed state (a state where the input to the amplifier
261 is supplied to the output terminal), and the second switch 264 becomes an open
state (a state where the output of the amplifier 261 will not be supplied to the output
terminal). Accordingly, the source wiring 14 is driven by a voltage signal from the
D-A converter 24.
[0060] The driving ability by the voltage signal from the D-A converter 24 is lower than
the driving ability when the level of the control signal Cont 2 is (H, L), and accordingly,
after completion of the prescribed period, the source wiring 14 is driven by a lower
driving ability. As a result, consumption current of the source driver 20 becomes
low.
[0061] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram which schematically illustrates consumption current
when column inversion driving is employed. As shown in Fig. 9, when column inversion
driving is employed as AC driving, consumption current during the display period is
small as compared with the case of employing other AC driving such as dot inversion
driving. That is, as in this embodiment, the source wiring 14 can be driven even in
a state where the driving ability is low in the display period. Further, in a case
where dot inversion driving is employed to carry out polarity inversion for every
pixel, the output voltage amplitude of the source driver 20 becomes large, and the
consumption power increases.
[0062] As shown in Fig. 9, in the column inversion driving, the polarity of source lines
is inverted for every frame. That is, at the time of initiation of the display period,
for example, transfer from positive polarity to negative polarity is required, and
a rush current will flow (see A in Fig. 9). If the driving ability of the output buffer
251 is low, it becomes difficult to deal with the rush current, and the driving voltage
of the source driver 20 decreases for a moment, thus leading to a deterioration of
the display quality. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, for a prescribed
period after initiation of the display period, the driving ability (output current)
of the source driver 20 is made high. And, thereafter, the source wiring 14 can be
driven by a low driving ability, whereby consumption current can be reduced.
[0063] Further, as described above, in this embodiment, the potential of each source wiring
14 is adjusted to be close to the common voltage V
COM before initiation of the display period, by the charge sharing in the vertical blanking
period, whereby the rush current at the initiation of the display period is reduced.
Thus, it is possible to reduce the degree of rising of the driving ability in the
prescribed period after initiation of the display period. That is, in the prescribed
period after initiation of the display period, the driving ability of the output buffer
251 is increased, but is not required to be increased so much.
[0064] However, even in a case where no charge sharing is carried out in the vertical blanking
period, it is effective to control the driving ability of the source driver 20 to
be high in a prescribed period after initiation of the display period.
[0065] Further, in this embodiment, in a prescribed period (e.g. a period of at least one
horizontal period) after initiation of the display period, the source wiring 14 is
driven at 80% of the driving ability exemplified in Fig. 6(B), but in the example
shown in Fig. 6(B), the source wiring 14 may be driven by a driving ability of 100%
or 130%. Further, in this embodiment, in a prescribed period after initiation of the
display period, the source wiring is driven in a state of a driving ability of 80%,
and after expiration of the prescribed period, the source wiring 14 is driven by a
voltage signal from the D-A converter 24, but so long as the driving ability in the
prescribed period is higher than the driving ability after expiration of the prescribed
period, a combination other than the combination of the driving ability of 80% and
the driving ability of a voltage signal from the D-A converter 24, may be used.
[0066] As one example, in a prescribed period after initiation of the display period, driving
is carried out in a state of a driving ability of 130% or 100% (see Fig. 6), and after
expiration of the prescribed period, driving may be carried by a driving ability of
80%. In such a case, the first switch 263 and the second switch 264 shown in Fig.
5 are unnecessary, and a voltage signal from the D-A converter 24 is always applied
to the source wiring 14 via the amplifier 261, and in the period where the driving
ability is made high, the amplifier 261 applies a signal of a voltage corresponding
to a data signal to the source wiring 14 in a state where the output current is increased
as compared with the output current in the period after such a period.
[0067] Further, in this embodiment, charge sharing is carried out in the vertical blanking
period, but instead of the charge sharing, precharging may be carried out wherein
a prescribed precharge voltage (e.g. the common voltage V
COM) is applied to the source wiring 14. In a case where such precharging is to be carried
out, in the construction shown in Fig. 7, instead of the third switch 267, a fourth
switch is provided to switch the state to a state where the precharge voltage is connected
to the source wiring 14 or a state where the precharge potential is not connected
to the source wiring 14. And, when the control signal Cont 1 becomes a high level,
in the buffer circuit 25, the first output switch 266 becomes an open state (the same
applies to the second output switch 268) (see Fig. 7), and the fourth switch becomes
a state where the source wiring 14 is connected to the precharge voltage.
[0068] In such a case, the first output switch 266, the second output switch 268 and the
fourth switch, correspond to a source wiring initial setting unit to connect each
source wiring 14 to a prescribed potential.
[0069] As described in the foregoing, in this embodiment, the source driver 20 makes, as
compared with the driving ability in at least a period to drive the first one line
in each frame i.e. in a period of at least a period to drive one line, the driving
ability to be low in a period after such a period. In other words, the driving ability
in at least a period to drive the first one line in each frame, is made to be higher
than the driving ability in a period after such a period, whereby with a simple construction,
it is possible to reduce power consumption while preventing deterioration of the display
quality.
EMBODIMENT 2
[0070] In the above described embodiment, the drive device is designed to carry out a control
in such a manner that in a prescribed period (specifically an initial period being
a period of at least a period to drive one line) after initiation of the display period,
a source wiring 14 is driven by e.g. a driving ability of 80% as shown in Fig. 6(B)
(corresponding to a high driving ability), and upon expiration of the prescribe period,
the source wiring 14 is driven by a voltage signal from the D-A converter 24 (corresponding
to a low driving ability). While in the prescribed period (initial period), the control
is carried out by such a high driving ability, in a period after expiration of the
prescribed period, a control different from the case after expiration of the prescribed
period in the first embodiment may be carried out.
[0071] In the second embodiment, in the period subsequent to the prescribed period, while
in a first half interval in each periodically occurring period, a source wiring 14
is driven by a high driving ability, in a second half interval, the source wiring
14 is driven by a low driving ability as compared with the first half interval.
[0072] Here, in order to make the description simple, in the following description, each
periodically occurring period is regarded as a period to drive each line (a period
for each line).
[0073] The operation of the source driver 20 in the second embodiment will be described
with reference to the timing diagrams in Figs. 10 and 11. The timing diagram in Fig.
11 is one wherein the periods for the first to third lines in each frame disclosed
in Fig. 10 are shown as enlarged. Here, in Fig. 10, the control signal Cont 2 is at
a prescribed level only in the period for the first line. However, in this embodiment,
the control signal Cont 2 is utilized to realize such a control that in a period subsequent
to the period for the first line, in the first half interval, the source wiring 14
is driven by a high driving ability, and in the second half interval, the source wiring
14 is driven by a low driving ability, and accordingly, in an actual operation, the
control signal becomes a prescribed level also in the period for the second and subsequent
line periods as shown in Fig. 11.
[0074] Further, in Figs. 10 and 11, a period wherein the level of the control signal Cont
2 is at a prescribed level is shown as a high level period, but as described hereinafter,
the prescribed level may not practically be a high level. Further, a period wherein
the level is not a prescribed level is shown as a low level period, but such a period
may not practically be a low level. Further, "change" indicated in Fig. 11 means that
the length of the first half interval may optionally be set.
[0075] The constructions of the source driver 20 and the gate driver 30 are the same as
their constructions in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. The constructions of
the amplifier 261 and its output side are the same as their constructions in the first
embodiment shown in Figs. 5 and 7. The construction of the timing control circuit
40 is the same as the construction of the timing control circuit 40 in the first embodiment
shown in Fig. 1 except that the manner of the output of the control signal in periods
for the second line and subsequent lines is partially different, as will be described
hereinafter. Further, the examples shown in Fig. 6 are used for the relation between
the signal state of the control signal Cont 2 and the output state of the amplifier
261, and the output state of the amplifier 261.
[0076] Hereinafter, description will be made by paying attention to two output buffers 251
and 252 (see Figs. 5 and 7) in the buffer circuit 25, but output buffers other than
the two output buffers 251 and 252 in the buffer circuit 25 will operate in the same
manner as the output buffers 251 and 252.
[0077] As shown in Fig. 10, the timing control circuit 40 controls the control signal Cont
1 to be at a high level during at least for one horizontal period in the vertical
blanking period. Depending upon the state of the control signal Cont 1, charge sharing
may be carried out by setting the contact state of the output buffers 251 and 252
in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
[0078] Further, also in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, the timing control circuit
40 controls the level of the control signal Cont 2 to be a prescribed level over a
prescribed period of at least one horizontal period from the initiation of the control
for the image display in each frame i.e. in a prescribed period (a period for the
first line) after initiation of driving in the first frame. In this embodiment, the
prescribed level is (H, L).
[0079] Thus, in the same manner as in the case of the first embodiment, the source wiring
14 is driven in a state of the driving ability of 80% during a prescribed period wherein
the level of the control signal Cont 2 is a prescribed level.
[0080] In the first embodiment, the timing control circuit 40 controls the level of the
control signal Cont 2 to be a level other than the prescribed level upon completion
of the prescribed period. Specifically, the level of the control signal Cont 2 is
adjusted to be (H, H). Thus, the source wiring 14 is driven by a voltage signal from
the D-A converter 24 (see Fig. 6).
[0081] That is, in the first embodiment, the timing control circuit 40 is controlled so
that the source wiring 14 is driven by a low driving ability over the entire period
in the period for the second line et seq.
[0082] However, in this embodiment, in each period for the second line or subsequent line,
in the first half interval, the source wiring 14 is driven by a high driving ability,
but in a second half interval, the source wiring 14 is driven by a low driving ability
as compared with the first half interval, and accordingly, the manner for the output
of the control signal Cont 2 is made different from the case of the first embodiment.
[0083] That is, as shown in Fig. 11, in the second and subsequent lines, in a prescribed
period (a first half interval) from initiation of the driving of each line, the timing
control circuit 40 adjusts the level of the control signal Cont 2 to a prescribed
level. In this embodiment, the prescribed level is (H, L) (see Figs. 6(A) and (B)).
Further, upon completion of the first half interval, the level of the control signal
Cont 2 is adjusted to (H, H). Thus, in the second half interval, the source wiring
14 is driven by a low driving ability (see Figs. 6(A) and (B)).
[0084] In this embodiment, as compared with the first embodiment, power consumption is reduced
in consideration of the properties of the liquid crystal display panel 10. That is,
in a case where if the first embodiment is applied, the electric current tends to
be inadequate, thus leading to a phenomenon such as deterioration of the display quality,
due to such a cause that the size or the number of pixels of the liquid crystal display
panel 10 is large, by applying this embodiment, an increase of the power consumption
can be controlled by not driving by a high driving ability over the entire period
of one frame, while preventing deterioration of the display quality by prolonging
the period of driving at a high driving ability, as compared with the first embodiment.
[0085] Further, in the periods of the second and subsequent lines, after the timing control
circuit 40 has adjusted the output level of the control signal Cont 2, by changing
the period to release the prescribed level output (corresponding to the timing of
completion of the first half interval), it is possible to change the length of the
period where the driving ability is made high (i.e. the first half interval). Thus,
depending upon e.g. the size or the number of pixels of the liquid crystal display
panel 10, it is possible to adjust the length of the first half interval. That is,
it becomes possible to realize a fine control to reduce consumption current while
preventing deterioration of the display quality. For example, the first half interval
is prolonged, in a case where if the period where the driving ability is made high,
is shortened too much in order to reduce consumption current, the display quality
becomes lower than the desired quality.
[0086] As a construction to realize the control to adjust the length of the first half interval,
there is, for example, a construction wherein a control input terminal is provided
in the timing control circuit 40. In such a case, the timing control circuit 40, after
adjusting the output level of the control signal Cont 2 to a prescribed level, counts
the number of pulses of the block signal and releases the prescribed level output
when the counted value becomes a preliminarily determined value corresponding to the
type of signal (specifically the type of the signal level) input in the control input
terminal. When such a construction is taken, by the timing control circuit 40, the
interval adjusting means to adjust the length of the first half interval, is realized.
[0087] Further, in this embodiment, the control signal Cont 2 is utilized to realize the
control to drive a source wiring 14 by a high driving ability in the first half interval
and to drive the source wiring 14 by a low driving ability in the second half interval.
However, a practical method is not limited to such a method of using the control signal
Cont 2. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, the timing control circuit 40 may be designed
so that in the periods of the second and subsequent lines, the first half interval
or the second half interval is set by a control signal Cont 3 separate from the control
signal Cont 2.
[0088] When the control signal Cont 3 is used, the timing control circuit 40 adjusts the
level of the control signal Cont 3 to a prescribed level in a prescribed period (the
first half interval). In this embodiment, the prescribed level is (H, L) (see Figs.
6(A) and (B)). Further, upon completion of the first half interval, the level of the
control signal Cont 3 is adjusted to (H, H). Thus, in the second half interval, the
source wiring 14 is driven by a low driving ability (see Figs. 6(A) and (B)).
[0089] Further, in the periods of the second and subsequent lines, without using the control
signal Cont 2 or the control signal Cont 3, the buffer circuit 25 may input e.g. a
clock signal CLK for data shift and counts the number of times of rising or falling
of the clock signal CLK, whereby the timing for completion of the first half interval
may be independently set. When such a construction is adopted, it is possible that
by the buffer circuit 25, an interval-adjusting means to adjust the length of the
first half interval, is realized.
[0090] Further, in this embodiment, in the first half interval, the source wiring 14 is
driven by a driving ability of 80% as exemplified in Fig. 6(B), but the source wiring
14 may be driven by a driving ability of 100% or 130% in an example shown in Fig.
6(B). Further, in this embodiment, driving is carried out in a state of a driving
ability of 80% in the first half interval, and in the second half interval, the source
wiring 14 is driven by a voltage signal from the D-A converter 24, but provided that
the driving ability in the second half interval is higher than the driving ability
in a prescribed period after initiation of the display period (e.g. the first line
period) and the driving ability in the first half interval, a combination other than
the combination of the driving ability of 80% and the driving ability of the voltage
signal from the D-A converter 24, may be employed.
[0091] As an example, the combination may be such that in the first half interval, driving
is carried out in a state of a driving ability of 130% or 100% (see Fig. 6), and in
the second half interval, the driving is carried out in a state of a driving ability
of 80%.
[0092] Further, in this embodiment, the driving ability in a prescribed period (initial
period) after initiation of the display period and the driving ability in the first
half interval in a period subsequent to the prescribed period, are made to be the
same, but the driving ability in the first half interval may be made lower than the
driving ability in the initial period. Further, in a case where the first half interval
or the second half interval is designed to be set by a control signal Cont 3 separate
from the control signal Cont 2, it is easier to carry out such a control that the
driving ability in the first half interval is made different from the driving ability
in the initial period.
[0093] Further, in the foregoing description, the liquid crystal display panel 10 may be
either a monochromatic panel or a color panel.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0094] The present invention is applicable to a liquid crystal display device to be mounted
on portable devices, in-vehicle devices, image display devices, etc.
REFERENCE SYMBOLS
[0096]
10: Liquid crystal display panel
20: Source driver
21: Shift resistor
22: First latch circuit
23: Second latch circuit
24: D-A converter
25: Buffer circuit
30: Gate driver
40: Control unit (timing control circuit)
251, 252: Output buffer
261: Amplifier
262: Bias circuit
263: First switch
264: Second switch
266: First output switch
267: Third switch
268: Second output switch