Display module, display device, electronic equipment, and method for driving display module

A display module of the present invention includes first through third source drivers (6-1 through 6-3) (i) which are provided for respective regions into which a display region is divided and (ii) each of which includes an analysis circuit and receives a video signal for a corresponding one of the regions but receives no video signal for the regions other than the corresponding one of the regions. The third source driver (6-3) supplies, to the first and second source drivers (6-1 and 6-2), gamma (γ) setting information (19) for generating a source signal to be outputted from each of the first and second source drivers (6-1 and 6-2). The first and second source drivers (6-1 and 6-2) output respective analysis results (5a and 5b) from the respective analysis circuits. The third source driver (6-3) outputs a PWM signal (14) for controlling the light irradiation section.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to (i) a display module including a plurality of source drivers which are provided for respective regions into which a display region is divided, (ii) a display device including the display module, (iii) an electronic device including the display device, and (iv) a method of driving the display module.

BACKGROUND ART

Since most electric power for a display device that is provided with a backlight is consumed by the backlight, power consumption of the display device is reduced by reducing power consumption of the backlight.

Under the circumstances, in recent years, known is a display device which has a CABC (Contents Adaptive Backlight Control) function which controls a backlight in accordance with an image so as to reduce power consumption of the backlight.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 7, an image display device, disclosed in Patent Literature 1, includes (i) a light modulating value deciding circuit113for deciding a light modulating value for a backlight117on the basis of an input image signal, (ii) an image signal correcting circuit120for correcting, in accordance with a light modulating value, an input image signal to be supplied to a liquid crystal panel122, and (iii) a backlight driving circuit116for controlling driving of the backlight117in accordance with a light modulating value. The backlight driving circuit116delays timing at which a light modulating value for a current frame is applied, in a case where a luminance of the backlight117during the current frame is higher than that of the backlight117during the previous frame. This makes it possible to alleviate a deterioration in image quality and reduce power consumption of the backlight117, even in a case of a rapid change in luminance of an image displayed on the liquid crystal panel122while the luminance of the backlight117is being controlled.

Further, for example, a conventional configuration, illustrated inFIG. 8, is known.FIG. 8is an exploded perspective view illustrating a large-sized display device having the conventional configuration. The display device, illustrated inFIG. 8, is a relatively large-sized display device including a plurality of source drivers which enable the display device to display an image in a display region131of a liquid crystal panel125.

Most conventional display devices include a timing controller123illustrated inFIG. 8. A typical timing controller (i) receives an externally supplied video signal, (ii) analyzes an image, (iii) generates a control signal (PWM signal) on the basis of a result obtained by analyzing the image, and (iv) supplies the control signal to a backlight driving circuit. The typical timing controller further (i) functions to convert the externally supplied video signal into a signal which allows each source driver to supply a voltage to signal lines with a minimum circuit configuration, and (ii) supplies the signal to the each source driver.

The timing controller123, which is included in the display device illustrated inFIG. 8, (i) controls timings at which a gate driver121and a plurality of source drivers130-1through130-3are driven, and (ii) supplies pixel data stream to the plurality of source drivers130-1through130-3. The timing controller123generates a PWM signal125, and supplies the PWM signal125to a backlight driving circuit136for controlling a backlight unit137.

The timing controller123is a circuit provided on a timing control substrate.

On the other hand, recently, display devices including no timing controller (timing control substrate) have been developed.

FIG. 9is an exploded perspective view illustrating how a conventional small-sized display device is configured. The small-sized display device, illustrated inFIG. 9, includes a liquid crystal panel150and a backlight unit167. The liquid crystal panel150includes one (1) source driver153and one (1) gate driver (not illustrated). The gate driver can be monolithically configured on a glass substrate of a display panel. Upon reception of a video signal, the source driver153analyzes an image, generates a PWM signal156on the basis of a result obtained by analyzing the image, and then supplies the PWM signal156to a backlight driving circuit157. That is, the source driver153serves as a timing controller.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

Recently, large-sized display devices, which have a large-sized screen, have been required in accordance with, for example, widespread use of digital terrestrial broadcasting. In addition, reduction in thickness of the display devices has been remarkably required.

The small-sized display device, illustrated inFIG. 9, includes no timing controller (timing control substrate), thereby reducing its thickness.

There is a tendency that even a middle-sized or large-sized display device, such as the large-sized display device illustrated inFIG. 8, which (i) has a plurality of display regions and (ii) includes a plurality of source drivers provided for the respective plurality of display regions, reduces its thickness by including no timing controller.

However, in a case where such a middle-sized or large-sized display device, which includes the plurality of source drivers, is realized just by being configured to include a plurality of display devices connected to each other each of which is the small-sized display device illustrated inFIG. 9, the plurality of source drivers cannot share an integration result based on video analysis results. This causes the plurality of source drivers to supply different signals to respective target areas, thereby causing a deterioration in display quality of a liquid crystal panel. That is, according to the above configuration including no timing controller, it is not possible to unify a function of integrating image analysis results of video signals. This makes it impossible to sufficiently perform the aforementioned CABC function.

The present invention was made to address the problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide (i) a display module which (a) reduces its thickness by including no timing controller but including a plurality of source drivers and (b) can carry out satisfactory display and reduce power consumption, (ii) a display device including the display module, (iii) an electronic device including the display device, and (iv) a method of driving the display module.

Solution to Problem

In order to attain the object, a display module of the present invention is configured to include a plurality of source drivers provided for respective regions into which a display region is divided, each of the plurality of source drivers including: an analysis circuit for (i) making an image analysis of a supplied video signal, (ii) supplying a source signal to a corresponding one of the regions, and (iii) outputting an information signal (analysis result information) for controlling a light irradiation section, at least one of the plurality of source drivers being configured to receive a video signal for a corresponding one of the regions but receive no video signal for the region(s) other than the corresponding one of the regions, the display module further including: an output section for outputting one (1) control signal for controlling the light irradiation section, in accordance with the information signals supplied from the respective plurality of source drivers.

According to the configuration, analysis results generated in the respective plurality of source drivers are integrated even in a case where no timing controller is provided. It is therefore possible to provide a middle-sized to large-sized display module which (i) suppresses variation in display among the plurality of source drivers and (ii) carries out satisfactory display.

Further, with the configuration, it is possible to effectively perform a CABC function for controlling the light irradiation section (such as a backlight) which is provided outside of the display module. It is therefore possible to provide a display module capable of reducing power consumption.

Further, according to the configuration, no timing controller (timing control substrate) is necessitated. It is therefore possible to reduce a manufacturing cost of a display module, as compared with a conventional display module including a timing controller (timing control substrate).

The present invention encompasses a display device, including: a display module having the above configuration; and a light irradiation module provided behind the display module, the light irradiation module including a light source.

The present invention also encompasses an electronic device including the display device.

In order to attain the object, a display module driving method of the present invention is configured to be a method of driving a display module which includes (i) a plurality of source drivers provided for respective regions into which a display region is divided and (ii) analysis circuits provided in the respective plurality of source drivers, each of the analysis circuits (i) making an image analysis of a supplied video signal, (ii) supplying a source signal to a corresponding one of the regions and (iii) outputting an information signal (analysis result information) for controlling a light irradiation section, the method including the steps of: supplying, to at least one of the plurality of source drivers, a video signal for a corresponding one of the regions but no video signal for the region(s) other than the corresponding one of the regions; and outputting one (1) control signal for controlling the light irradiation section, in accordance with the information signals supplied from the respective plurality of source drivers.

According to the configuration, image analysis results, which are generated in the respective plurality of source drivers each including the analysis circuit, are integrated. On the basis of an integrated result, the information, which is necessary for the plurality of source drivers to generate the respective source signals, is generated. The information is supplied to the plurality of source drivers.

It is therefore possible to drive a middle-sized to large-sized display module which (i) suppresses variation in display among the plurality of source drivers and (ii) carries out satisfactory display.

Further, with the configuration, it is possible to effectively perform the CABC function. It is therefore possible to drive a display module capable of reducing power consumption.

Further, according to the configuration, no timing controller (timing control substrate) is necessitated. It is therefore possible to reduce a manufacturing cost of a display module, as compared with a conventional display module including a timing controller (timing control substrate).

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide (i) a display module which (a) includes a plurality of source drivers but includes no timing controller and (b) can carry out satisfactory display and reduce power consumption, (ii) a display device including the display module, and (iii) an electronic device including the display device.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following description will discuss in detail an embodiment of a display device of the present invention.

The embodiment of the display device of the present invention will be described below with reference toFIG. 1.

FIG. 1is an exploded perspective view illustrating the display device of the present embodiment.

A display device99of the present embodiment can be for use in (i) a portable electronic device such as a car navigation system or (ii) an electronic device such as a portable video game terminal, a recorder, a smart phone, or an electronic book reader. The display device99includes a display module1and a backlight module10(a light irradiation section and a light irradiation module) that is provided behind the display module1(seeFIG. 1).

The display module1includes a display panel2and a control substrate3(seeFIG. 1). The display panel2includes a pixel array8, a gate driver7, a first source driver6-1, a second source driver6-2, and a third source driver6-3. The control substrate3includes (i) a receiver circuit for receiving video signals which are externally supplied and (ii) a backlight light source driving section9.

Pixel Array

The pixel array8is configured so that pixels are arranged in a matrix manner at intersections of a plurality of gate bus lines and a plurality of source bus lines. Each of the pixels is connected to (i) a corresponding one of the plurality of gate bus lines and (ii) a corresponding one of the plurality of source bus lines, which are adjacent to each other.

According to, for example, a liquid crystal display device which carries out color display with use of primary colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue), one (1) color is expressed by three pixels R, G, and B illustrated inFIG. 1.

A substrate structure, which constitutes the pixel array8, includes, for example, (i) an active matrix substrate in which pixel electrodes and an alignment film are provided on an electrically insulating substrate, (ii) a counter substrate in which a common electrode and an alignment film are provided on another electrically insulating substrate, and (iii) a liquid crystal layer provided between the active matrix substrate and the counter substrate. A polarizing plate (not illustrated) can be further provided on each of the active matrix substrate and the counter substrate. The pixels are defined by the respective pixel electrodes. The display panel2can operate, for example, in VA mode.

Note that the pixel array8, the gate driver7, and the first through third source drivers6-1through6-3are provided on an identical substrate.

Note also that, according to the present embodiment, a display region, which is constituted by the pixel array8, is divided into a plurality of regions. Specifically, according to the present embodiment, the display region is divided into three regions. Hereinafter, “divided” is not intended to mean that a panel is structurally divided but is intended to mean that a plurality of source drivers are provided for respective sets of source bus lines, into which a plurality of source bus lines, in a display region, are divided (later described).

Hereinafter, it is assumed that the three regions are a first display region8a, a second display region8b, and a third display region8c. The first display region8a, the second display region8b, and the third display region8care arranged along the gate bus lines in this order, the first display region8abeing farthest from the gate driver7.

Three Source Drivers

The first through third source drivers6-1through6-3are provided for the first through third display regions8a,8band8c, respectively. That is, the first source driver6-1is provided for the first display region8a, the second source driver6-2is provided for the second display region8b, and the third source driver6-3is provided for the third display region8c.

Therefore, the source bus lines in the first display region8aare connected to the first source driver6-1so that a video signal (data) supplied from the first source driver6-1is written via the source bus lines. The source bus lines in the second display region8bare connected to the second source driver6-2so that a video signal (data) supplied from the second source driver6-2is written via the source bus lines. The source bus lines in the third display region8care connected to the third source driver6-3so that a video signal (data) supplied from the third source driver6-3is written via the source bus lines.

A structural feature of the present embodiment resides in the first through third source drivers6-1through6-3.

The first through third source drivers6-1through6-3directly receive externally supplied video signals for images to be displayed in the respective first through third display regions8a,8band8c(step of supplying).

Specifically, the first through third source drivers6-1, through6-3receive respective video signals which are externally supplied based on a Point-to-Point system.

Note that the “Point-to-Point system” is intended to mean a system in which video signals for respective display regions are supplied to respective source drivers. That is, according to the present embodiment, video signals are (i) a first video signal11afor the first display region8a, (ii) a second video signal11bfor the second display region8b, and (iii) a third video signal11cfor the third display region8c. The first through third video signals11athrough11care for the first through third source drivers6-1through6-3, respectively. The first through third source drivers6-1through6-3receive the first through third video signals11athrough11c, respectively. By employing the Point-to-Point system, each of the first through third source drivers6-1through6-3can receive a corresponding one of the first through third video signals11athrough11c, without being affected by the other two source drivers.

According to the present embodiment, as with a general configuration, timing, at which each video signal is supplied to a corresponding one of the first through third source drivers6-1through6-3, is controlled on a set-side (on an output side).

Each of the first through third source drivers6-1through6-3includes an image analysis circuit (not illustrated) for analyzing an image in response to a corresponding one of supplied video signals.

Note that each of the image analysis circuits generates image analysis result information as analysis result information.

The image analysis result information contains at least one of a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal, duty ratio information, and other information. For example, a configuration can be employed in which duty ratio information is communicated between source drivers, via a serial interface.

However, in a case where a PWM signal is directly communicated between source drivers, the source drivers each should include analog circuits. This causes circuit configurations to be complex, and may cause such communication to be affected by, for example, (i) a variation in circuit configurations and (ii) wire resistances. According to the configuration in which image analysis result information and/or information such as duty ratio information are/is communicated between the source drivers, information is merely communicated between the source drivers. This configuration brings about an effect that loss of signals is hardly caused.

Another structural feature of the present embodiment resides in that (i) a PWM signal to be supplied to the backlight light source driving section9(later described) reflects all analysis results, which are obtained in the respective first through third source drivers6-1through6-3and (ii) gamma (γ) setting information to be applied to the first through third display regions8athrough8cis generated by one of the first through third source drivers6-1through6-3and is then supplied to the others of the first through third source drivers6-1through6-3.

The following description will discuss, with reference toFIG. 2, processes which are carried out by the respective first through third source drivers6-1through6-3.FIG. 2is an enlarged view illustrating flows of signals between (i) the respective first through third source drivers6-1through6-3in the display panel2and (ii) a peripheral configuration, illustrated inFIG. 1. Note that, for convenience,FIG. 2does not illustrate the video signals illustrated inFIG. 1.

First Source Driver6-1

The first source driver6-1includes a circuit (not illustrated) for making an image analysis of a first video signal11a(seeFIG. 1) and then generating a first image analysis result5a.

The first image analysis result5agenerated by the circuit of the first source driver6-1is supplied to the second source driver6-2.

Second Source Driver6-2

The second source driver6-2includes a circuit for making an image analysis of a second video signal11b(seeFIG. 1) and then generating a 2'nd image analysis result.

The second source driver6-2further includes a circuit for generating a second image analysis result5bon the basis of the first image analysis result5aand the 2'nd image analysis result.

The second image analysis result5bthus generated is supplied to the third source driver6-3.

Third Source Driver6-3

The third source driver6-3includes a circuit for making an image analysis of a third video signal11c(seeFIG. 1) and then generating a 3'rd image analysis result.

The third source driver6-3further includes a circuit for generating a third image analysis result on the basis of the second image analysis result5band the 3'rd image analysis result.

The third source driver6-3further includes a circuit for generating a PWM single14on the basis of the third image analysis result.

The third source driver6-3then supplies the PWM signal14to the backlight light source driving section9(step of outputting).

The PWM signal14, to be supplied to the backlight light source driving section9, thus reflects the image analysis results of the respective source drivers. It is therefore possible to carry out display without contradiction among the source drivers, even in a case where no timing control substrate is provided.

The third source driver6-3further includes a circuit for setting a gamma characteristic on the basis of the third image analysis result. A parameter setting is carried out with respect to the circuit in advance so that the circuit sets an appropriate gamma characteristic in response to a supplied third image analysis result. The gamma characteristic thus set is supplied, as gamma setting information19, to the first source driver6-1and the second source driver6-2.

Each of the first through third source drivers6-1through6-3carries out an image process based on the gamma setting information19so as to generate a source signal. The gamma setting information19is information for generating the source signal.

That is, the gamma setting information19is a gamma characteristic which is set on the basis of the third image analysis result which reflects the image analysis results of all the display regions. Since the image processes are carried out with respect to the respective display regions based on the gamma setting information19, no contradiction is caused among the display regions. It follows that no variation in brightness of images is caused. This allows satisfactory display over the display regions.

Gate Driver

The gate driver7, illustrated inFIG. 1, selects in sequence a gate bus line so as to control ON/OFF of switching elements in the pixels. This causes (i) a video signal (data), which is supplied to the source bus lines, to be written in corresponding pixels and (ii) the corresponding pixels to keep the data.

Gate driver control signals (generally, GSP/GCK/GOE) for controlling the gate driver7are generated by one of the first through third source drivers6-1through6-3. In synchronization with the gate driver control signals, the gate driver7selects in sequence a gate bus line so as to control ON/OFF of the switching elements in the pixels. This causes (i) a video signal (data), which is supplied to the source bus lines, to be written in corresponding pixels and (ii) the corresponding pixels to keep the data.

Backlight Light Source Driving Section

The backlight light source driving section9is provided on the control substrate3(seeFIG. 1). The backlight light source driving section9is configured so as to (i) receive a PWM signal14from the third source driver6-3, (ii) receive a driving voltage from a power supply (not illustrated), and (iii) carry out a duty control with respect to the driving voltage in accordance with the PWM signal14. Note that the duty control is a conventionally well-known duty control based on which driving of a backlight is carried out in accordance with a PWM signal.FIG. 3illustrates a duty ratio for the duty control.

Wires of anodes of LEDs in the backlight module10and wires of cathodes of the LEDs in the backlight module10are extended to the backlight light source driving section9.

The backlight module10is a planar light source device which is, as has been described, provided behind the display module1. The backlight module10includes a light guide plate (not illustrated) and the LEDs (not illustrated). The backlight module10has an edge light type (also referred to as “side light type”) structure in which the LEDs are provided on a side end part of the light guide plate. Note that the present invention is not limited to such, and therefore the backlight module10can have a direct type structure in which the LEDs are provided behind the light guide plate. The edge light type structure is preferable in view of the fact that the edge light type structure can contribute to a reduction in thickness of the display device.

Effect Brought about by the Present Embodiment

According to the present embodiment, the display device, which has the plurality of display regions, includes no timing control substrate. This allows a reduction in thickness of the display device.

Furthermore, the display device of the present embodiment, which includes no timing control substrate, can reduce manufacturing cost, as compared with a conventional display device (display module) which includes a timing control substrate.

According to the present embodiment, the plurality of source drivers analyze images to be displayed in their respective display regions. On the basis of results obtained by analyzing the respective images, a PWM signal, which reflects the results, is generated. This makes it possible to retain a satisfactory display quality in all of the display regions without contradiction among the source drivers, even in a case where no timing control substrate is provided.

According to the present embodiment, each of the plurality of source drivers analyzes only an image to be displayed in a corresponding one of the display regions. Therefore, the burden of each of the source drivers is reduced, as compared with a case where each of the source drivers analyzes an image to be displayed in all of the display regions. This allows power consumption to be reduced, as compared with a case where each of the source drivers carries out an image analysis with respect to a supplied video signal for all of the display regions.

According to the present embodiment, (i) the first image analysis result5a, which is generated by the circuit of the first source driver6-1, is supplied to the second source driver6-2, (ii) the second image analysis result5b, which is generated by the circuit of the second source driver6-2, is supplied to the third source driver6-3, and then (iii) the PWM signal14and the third image analysis result are generated in the third source driver6-3. That is, the analysis results are supplied from one source driver to another. Note, however, that the present invention is not limited to such, and can therefore employ, for example, a configuration of Modification 1 illustrated inFIG. 4.FIG. 4corresponds toFIG. 2.

According to the configuration of Modification 1 illustrated inFIG. 4, a third source driver6-3receives a first image analysis result5aand a second image analysis result5bfrom a first source driver6-1and a second source driver6-2, respectively. Therefore, the third source driver6-3has two input terminals via which the respective first and second image analysis results5aand5bare supplied.

The third source driver6-3of Modification 1 has the input terminals which are larger in number than that of the third source driver6-3illustrated inFIG. 2. This causes an increase in chip surface area of the third source driver6-3of Modification 1. This ultimately causes a rise in manufacturing cost. On the contrary, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the second source driver6-2receives the first image analysis result5a, and the third source driver6-3receives the second image analysis result5b. This eliminates the necessity that one (1) source driver has two input terminals.

It is therefore more preferable, in terms of (i) chip surface area and (ii) manufacturing cost, that the present invention employs the configuration illustrated inFIG. 2than the configuration illustrated inFIG. 4.

According to a configuration of Modification 2 illustrated inFIG. 5, a third source driver6-3is connected to a wire obtained by connecting a wire of a first source driver6-1to a wire of a second source driver6-2.

The configuration, illustrated inFIG. 5, addresses a problem that the number of terminals is increased in Modification 1 illustrated inFIG. 4.

According to Modification 2 illustrated inFIG. 5, however, it is necessary to alternately supply a first image analysis result5aand a second image analysis result5bto the third source driver6-3from the first and second source drivers6-1and6-2, respectively. It is therefore necessary to separately provide a circuit for controlling timings at which the respective first and second image analysis results5aand5bare supplied, which circuit is not required to be provided in the configuration of the present embodiment. This causes a rise in manufacturing cost. On this account, the configuration illustrated inFIG. 2is more preferable than that illustrated inFIG. 5in terms of manufacturing cost.

According to the present embodiment, the third source driver6-3for supplying gamma setting information19and a PWM single14is located at an end of the first through third source drivers6-1through6-3(seeFIG. 2). Note, however, that the present embodiment is not limited to such.

According to a configuration of Modification 3 illustrated inFIG. 6, a third source driver6-3for supplying gamma setting information19and a PWM single14is located between a first source driver6-1and a second source driver6-2.

According to the configuration of Modification 3, it is possible to shorten a wire which is used to supply gamma setting information19from the third source driver6-3to the first and second source drivers6-1and6-2, as compared with a case where the third source driver6-3is provided at an end. According to the configuration of Modification 3, particularly in a case where the gamma setting information19is an analog voltage signal, it is possible to minimize a voltage drop across wire resistance.

The configuration of Modification 3 means, in other words, that the third source driver6-3for supplying gamma setting information19is provided in the middle of a row of the source drivers. According to Modification 3, since such three source drivers are provided, one of the three source drivers, which one is located in the middle, servers as the third source driver6-3. Note, however, that, in a case where a display region is divided into regions other than three regions, a source driver, which is provided for one of the regions which is located in the middle (center), serves as the third source driver6-3. The configuration of Modification 3 is effective particularly for a display module including a large-sized display panel.

According to the present embodiment, video signals to be supplied to the source drivers are for the respective display regions. Note, however, that the present invention is not limited to such. An alternative configuration can be employed in which one or some of the plurality of source drivers receive(s) a video signal for all of the display regions.

A source driver, to which a video signal for a whole display region is supplied, can carry out an image process for the whole display region in response to the video signal.

In this case, it is possible to generate a gamma characteristic (gamma setting information19) without using image process results which are supplied from the other source drivers.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the description of the embodiment and Modifications above, and can therefore be modified by a skilled person in the art within the scope of the claims. Namely, a new embodiment is obtained by combining technical means modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims. That is, the embodiment and specific examples described in the Detailed Description of Invention serve solely to illustrate the technical details of the present invention, which should not be narrowly interpreted within the limits of such embodiments and specific examples, but rather may be applied in many variations within the spirit of the present invention, provided that such variations do not exceed the scope of the patent claims set forth below.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A display module of the present invention is configured to include a plurality of source drivers provided for respective regions into which a display region is divided, each of the plurality of source drivers including: an analysis circuit for (i) making an image analysis of a supplied video signal, (ii) supplying a source signal to a corresponding one of the regions, and (iii) outputting an information signal (analysis result information) for controlling a light irradiation section, at least one of the plurality of source drivers being configured to receive a video signal for a corresponding one of the regions but receive no video signal for the region(s) other than the corresponding one of the regions, the display module further including: an output section for outputting one (1) control signal for controlling the light irradiation section, in accordance with the information signals supplied from the respective plurality of source drivers.

According to the configuration, analysis results generated in the respective plurality of source drivers are integrated even in a case where no timing controller is provided. It is therefore possible to provide a middle-sized to large-sized display module which (i) suppresses variation in display among the plurality of source drivers and (ii) carries out satisfactory display.

Further, with the configuration, it is possible to effectively perform a CABC function for controlling the light irradiation section (such as a backlight) which is provided outside of the display module. It is therefore possible to provide a display module capable of reducing power consumption.

Further, according to the configuration, no timing controller (timing control substrate) is necessitated. It is therefore possible to reduce a manufacturing cost of a display module, as compared with a conventional display module including a timing controller (timing control substrate).

It is preferable to further configure the display module of the present invention such that some of the plurality of source drivers are configured to (i) generate information which is necessary for the plurality of source drivers to generate respective source signals and (ii) supply the information to remaining one(s) of the plurality of source drivers, and the plurality of source drivers are configured to supply, from the respective analysis circuits, the respective source signals generated on the basis of the information.

According to the configuration, image analysis results, which are generated in the respective plurality of source drivers each including the analysis circuit, are integrated. On the basis of the integrated result, the information, which is necessary for the plurality of source drivers to generate the respective source signals, is generated. The information is supplied to the plurality of source drivers.

It is therefore possible to provide a middle-sized to large-sized display module which (i) suppresses variation in display among the plurality of source drivers and (ii) carries out satisfactory display.

Further, with the configuration, it is possible to effectively perform the CABC function. It is therefore possible to provide a display module capable of reducing power consumption.

Further, according to the configuration, no timing controller (timing control substrate) is necessitated. It is therefore possible to reduce a manufacturing cost of a display module, as compared with a conventional display module including a timing controller (timing control substrate).

It is preferable to further configure the display module of the present invention such that the plurality of source drivers are arranged along a side of the display region, and the some of the plurality of source drivers are located in the middle of a row of the plurality of source drivers.

According to the configuration, it is possible to shorten a wire between the source drivers, as compared with a case where the some of the plurality of source drivers are located at an end of the plurality of source drivers. This makes it possible to prevent delay of signal transmission.

According to the configuration, it is further possible to shorten a transmission time period which is required for an analysis result to be supplied, as compared with a configuration in which analysis results are supplied from one source driver to another source driver.

It is preferable to further configure the display module of the present invention such that the output section is some of the plurality of source drivers.

According to the configuration, it is not necessary to provide, separately from the source drivers, a configuration (circuit) for generating one (1) control signal for controlling the light irradiation section. This allows a reduction in manufacturing cost, as compared with a configuration which requires separate provision of the circuit.

It is preferable to further configure the display module of the present invention such that the output section is one of the plurality of source drivers, remaining ones other than the one of the plurality of source drivers are at least two source drivers, a first source driver of the at least two source drivers supplies, to a second source driver of the at least two source drivers, a first analysis result generated by one of the analysis circuits, which one is included in the first source driver, and the second source driver supplies, to a third source driver of the at least two source drivers or to the output section, a second analysis result generated by integrating the first analysis result with an analysis result that is generated by one of the analysis circuits, which one is included in the second source driver.

According to the configuration, the analysis results are supplied from one source driver to another source driver.

This makes it possible to reduce the number of input terminals of one (1) source driver, as compared with a configuration in which one source driver has input terminals via which the respective other source drivers supply analysis results to the one source driver.

It is therefore possible to reduce a chip surface area which is required for an input terminal to be provided. This ultimately allows (i) a reduction in size of a chip and (ii) a reduction in manufacturing cost, which is accompanied by the size reduction.

It is preferable to further configure the display module of the present invention such that the output section is one of the plurality of source drivers, and the one of the plurality of source drivers is configured to (i) generate information which is necessary for the plurality of source drivers to generate respective source signals and (ii) supply the information to remaining one(s) of the plurality of source drivers.

According to the configuration, the plurality of source drivers can generate the respective source signals on the basis of an image analysis result which reflects all of the analysis results generated in the respective plurality of source drivers. It is therefore possible to effectively perform the CABC function without deteriorating display quality.

It is preferable to further configure the display module of the present invention such that each of the plurality of source drivers is configured to receive a video signal for a corresponding one of the regions but receive no video signal for the region(s) other than the corresponding one of the regions.

According to the configuration, the each of the plurality of source drivers is configured to receive a video signal for the corresponding one of the regions. It is therefore possible to make a logic size of the each of the plurality of source drivers appropriate, as compared with a configuration in which the each of the plurality of source drivers receives a video signal for the whole display region. This makes it possible to attain a reduction in size and power consumption of the each of the plurality of source drivers.

The present invention encompasses a display device, including: a display module having the above configuration; and a light irradiation module provided behind the display module, the light irradiation module including a light source.

The present invention also encompasses an electronic device including the display device.

In order to attain the object, a display module driving method of the present invention is configured to be a method of driving a display module which includes (i) a plurality of source drivers provided for respective regions into which a display region is divided and (ii) analysis circuits provided in the respective plurality of source drivers, each of the analysis circuits (i) making an image analysis of a supplied video signal, (ii) supplying a source signal to a corresponding one of the regions and (iii) outputting an information signal for controlling a light irradiation section, the method including the steps of: supplying, to at least one of the plurality of source drivers, a video signal for a corresponding one of the regions but no video signal for the region(s) other than the corresponding one of the regions; and outputting one (1) control signal for controlling the light irradiation section, in accordance with the information signals supplied from the respective plurality of source drivers.

According to the configuration, image analysis results, which are generated in the respective plurality of source drivers each including the analysis circuit, are integrated. On the basis of the integrated result, the information, which is necessary for the plurality of source drivers to generate the respective source signals, is generated. The information is supplied to the plurality of source drivers.

It is therefore possible to drive a middle-sized to large-sized display module which (i) suppresses variation in display among the plurality of source drivers and (ii) carries out satisfactory display.

Further, with the configuration, it is possible to effectively perform the CABC function. It is therefore possible to drive a display module capable of reducing power consumption.

Further, according to the configuration, no timing controller (timing control substrate) is necessitated. It is therefore possible to reduce a manufacturing cost of a display module, as compared with a conventional display module including a timing controller (timing control substrate).

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is applicable to a display device, such as a 10 to 13 inch display device, which includes a display panel having a plurality of display regions for which respective source drivers are provided.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1: display module2,2′, and2″: display panel3: control substrate5a: first image analysis result5b: second image analysis result6-1: first source driver6-2: second source driver6-3: third source driver (output section)7: gate driver8: pixel array8a: first display region (divided region)8b: second display region (divided region)8c: third display region (divided region)9: backlight light source driving section10: backlight module (light irradiation section, light irradiation module)11a: first video signal11b: second video signal11c: third video signal14: PWM signal19: gamma setting information99: display device