Patent ID: 8242700
Filing Date: 2012-08-14
Classification: G02B,G09G

Abstract:
1. A backlight unit, comprising: a light source formed with a plurality of light emitting-diode groups each including a predetermined number of serially-connected light emitting diodes; and a lighting circuit that is connected to the light source to light the light source according to a received light control signal, wherein the lighting circuit is so configured to switch between, according to the light control signal, all light emitting diodes included in the plurality of light emitting-diode groups or only light emitting diodes included in a predetermined light emitting-diode group of the plurality of light emitting-diode groups emitting light, wherein light emitting diodes included in one light emitting-diode group of the plurality of light emitting-diode groups are so configured as to continuously emit light regardless of the light control signal, wherein the light emitting diodes are classified into a low-brightness light emitting diode and a high-brightness light emitting diode having emission brightness higher than emission brightness of the low-brightness light emitting diode, and the light emitting diodes that are included in the one light emitting-diode group of the plurality of light emitting-diode groups and that are so configured as to continuously emit light are the low-brightness light emitting diode.