Patent Description:
In general, display apparatuses are a type of output devices for displaying obtained or stored electrical information for the user by converting the electrical information to visual information. Display apparatuses are used in various fields such as homes or work places.

There are many different display apparatuses such as monitor devices connected to personal computers (PCs) or server computers, portable computer systems, Global Positioning System (GPS) terminals, general television sets, Internet protocol televisions (IPTVs), portable terminals, e.g., smart phones, tablet PCs, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and cellular phones, other display devices for reproducing images like advertisements or films, or other various kinds of audio/video systems.

The display apparatus includes a light source module to convert electrical information to visual information, and the light source module includes a plurality of light sources to separately emit light. Each of the plurality of light sources may include, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) or an organic LED (OLED). For example, the LED or the OLED may be mounted on a circuit board or a board.

Thickness of display apparatuses is becoming thinner. To implement such a thin display apparatus, the light source module is getting thinner as well.

As the thickness of the light source module becomes thinner, the light source module may have an optical defect (e.g., mura) that is recognizable to the user. For example, the optical defect may be caused by an arrangement of LEDs or an arrangement of driving circuits in the thin light source module.

Provided are a display apparatus and light apparatus thereof, capable of preventing or suppressing an optical defect (e.g., mura).

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description that follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of presented embodiments. Features of the present invention are set out in the appended claims.

Like numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. Not all elements of embodiments of the disclosure will be described, and description of what are commonly known in the art or what overlap each other in the embodiments will be omitted. The terms as used throughout the specification, such as "~ part", "~ module", "~ member", "~ block", etc., may be implemented in software and/or hardware, and a plurality of "~ parts", "~ modules", "~ members", or "~ blocks" may be implemented in a single element, or a single "~ part", "~ module", "~ member", or "~ block" may include a plurality of elements.

It will be further understood that the term "connect" or its derivatives refer both to direct and indirect connection, and the indirect connection includes a connection over a wireless communication network.

The term "include (or including)" or "comprise (or comprising)" is inclusive or openended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, unless otherwise mentioned.

Throughout the specification, when it is said that a member is located "on" another member, it implies not only that the member is located adjacent to the other member but also that a third member exists between the two members.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections may not be limited by these terms.

Reference numerals used for method steps are just used for convenience of explanation, but not to limit an order of the steps. Thus, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the written order may be practiced otherwise.

The principle and embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with reference to accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is an exterior view of a display apparatus.

A display apparatus <NUM> is a device for processing image signals received from the outside and visually presenting the processed image. In the following description, it is assumed that the display apparatus <NUM> is a television (TV), but embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the display apparatus <NUM> may be implemented in various forms, such as a monitor, a portable multimedia device, a portable communication device, and any device capable of visually presenting images, without being limited thereto.

The display apparatus <NUM> may be a large format display (LFD) installed outdoors such as on a rooftop of a building or at a bus stop. The display apparatus <NUM> is not, however, exclusively installed outdoors, but may be installed at any place, even indoors with a lot of foot traffic, e.g., at subway stations, shopping malls, theaters, offices, stores, etc..

The display apparatus <NUM> may receive contents including video and audio signals from various content sources and output video and audio corresponding to the video and audio signals. For example, the display apparatus <NUM> may receive content data through a broadcast receiving antenna or a cable, receive content data from a content reproducing device, or receive content data from a content providing server of a content provider.

As shown in <FIG>, the display apparatus <NUM> includes a main body <NUM>, a screen <NUM> for displaying an image I, and a stand <NUM> supporting the main body <NUM> and the screen <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> forms the exterior of the display apparatus <NUM>, and components for the display apparatus <NUM> to display the image I or perform many different functions may be included in the main body <NUM>. Although the main body <NUM> of <FIG> is shaped like a flat plate, it is not limited thereto. For example, the main body <NUM> may have the form of a curved plate.

The screen <NUM> may be formed on the front of the main body <NUM> for displaying the image I. For example, the screen <NUM> may display still images or moving images. For example, the screen <NUM> may display two dimensional (2D) plane images, or three dimensional (3D) stereographic images using parallax of both eyes of the user.

The screen <NUM> may include, e.g., a self-luminous panel (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) panel or an organic LED (OLED) panel) capable of emitting light at first hand, or non-luminous panel (e.g., a liquid crystal panel) capable of passing or blocking light emitted from, e.g., a light apparatus (e.g., a backlight).

A plurality of pixels P are formed on the screen <NUM>, and the image I displayed on the screen <NUM> may be formed by the light emitted by each of the plurality of pixels P. For example, the light emitted by each of the plurality of pixels P may be combined like a mosaic into the image I on the screen <NUM>.

Each of the plurality of pixels P may emit light in various colors and brightnesses. Each of the plurality of pixels P may include subpixels PR, PG, and PB to emit different colors of light.

The subpixels PR, PG, and PB may include a red subpixel PR to emit red light, a green subpixel PG to emit green light, and blue subpixel PB to emit blue light PB. For example, the red light may have wavelengths of about <NUM> nanometers (nm, a billionth of a meter) to about <NUM>; green light may have wavelengths of about <NUM> to about <NUM>; blue light may have wavelengths of about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

By combinations of the red light of the red subpixel PR, the green light of the green subpixel PG, and the blue light of the blue subpixel PB, each of the plurality of pixels P may emit various brightnesses and colors of light.

<FIG> is an exploded view of a display apparatus. <FIG> is a plan view of a liquid crystal panel of a display apparatus.

As shown in <FIG>, the main body <NUM> may contain many different kinds of components to create the image I on the screen S.

For example, a light apparatus <NUM>, which is a surface light source, a liquid crystal panel <NUM> for blocking or passing the light emitted from the light apparatus <NUM>, a control assembly <NUM> for controlling operations of the light apparatus <NUM> and the liquid crystal panel <NUM>, and a power assembly <NUM> for supplying power to the light apparatus <NUM> and the liquid crystal panel <NUM> are equipped in the may body <NUM>. Furthermore, the main body <NUM> includes a bezel <NUM>, a frame middle mold <NUM>, a bottom chassis <NUM>, and a rear cover <NUM> to support and secure the liquid crystal panel <NUM>, the light apparatus <NUM>, the control assembly <NUM>, and the power assembly <NUM>. An opening 15a is formed at the bottom chassis <NUM> to electrically connect the light apparatus <NUM> to the control assembly <NUM> and the power assembly <NUM>.

The light apparatus <NUM> may include a point light source for emitting monochromatic light or white light, and refract, reflect, and scatter the light emitted from the point light source to convert the light to uniform surface light. In this way, the light apparatus <NUM> may emit the uniform surface light in a forward direction by refracting, reflecting and scattering the light emitted from the point light source.

The light apparatus <NUM> will now be described in more detail.

The liquid crystal panel <NUM> is arranged in front of the light apparatus <NUM> for blocking or passing the light emitted from the light apparatus <NUM> to produce the image I.

The front surface of the liquid crystal panel <NUM> may form the screen S of the aforementioned display apparatus <NUM>, and the liquid crystal panel <NUM> may include the plurality of pixels P. The plurality of pixels P included in the liquid crystal panel <NUM> may separately block or pass the light from the light apparatus <NUM>, and the light having passed the plurality of pixels P forms the image I to be displayed on the screen S.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the liquid crystal panel <NUM> may include a first polarizer film <NUM>, a first transparent substrate <NUM>, a pixel electrode <NUM>, a thin film transistor (TFT) <NUM>, a liquid crystal layer <NUM>, a common electrode <NUM>, a color filter <NUM>, a second transparent substrate <NUM>, and a second polarizer film <NUM>.

The first transparent substrate <NUM> and the second transparent substrate <NUM> may securely support the pixel electrode <NUM>, the TFT <NUM>, the liquid crystal layer <NUM>, the common electrode <NUM>, and the color filter <NUM>. The first and second transparent substrates <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of tempered glass or transparent resin.

The first polarizer film <NUM> and the second polarizer film <NUM> are arranged on outer sides of the first and second transparent substrates <NUM> and <NUM>. The first and second polarizer films <NUM> and <NUM> may each pass particular light while blocking the other light. For example, the first polarizer film <NUM> may pass polarized light in a first direction while blocking differently polarized light. Furthermore, the second polarizer film <NUM> may pass polarized light in a second direction while blocking differently polarized light. The first and second directions may be perpendicular to each other. As a result, the polarized light that has passed the first polarizer film <NUM> may not pass the second polarizer film <NUM>.

The color filter <NUM> may be arranged on the inner side of the second transparent substrate <NUM>. The color filter <NUM> may include, for example, a red color filter 27R for passing red light, a green color filter <NUM> for passing green light, and a blue color filter 27B for passing blue light, and the red, green, blue color filters 27R, <NUM>, and 27B may be arranged side by side. An area in which the color filter <NUM> is formed corresponds to the pixel P as described above. An area where the red color filter 27R is formed corresponds to the red subpixel PR; an area where the green color filter <NUM> is formed corresponds to the green subpixel PG; an area where the blue color filter 27B is formed corresponds to the blue subpixel PB.

The pixel electrode <NUM> may be arranged on the inner side of the first transparent substrate <NUM>, and the common electrode <NUM> may be arranged on the inner side of the second transparent substrate <NUM>. The pixel electrode <NUM> and the common electrode <NUM> are formed of a conductive metal material, and may produce an electric field to change arrangement of liquid crystal molecules 115a that form the liquid crystal layer <NUM>, which will be described below.

The thin film transistor (TFT) <NUM> is arranged on the inner side of the second transparent substrate <NUM>. The TFT <NUM> may pass or block the current flowing in the pixel electrode <NUM>. For example, depending on whether the TFT <NUM> is turned on (closed) or turned off (opened), an electric field may be formed or removed from between the pixel electrode <NUM> and the common electrode <NUM>.

The liquid crystal layer <NUM> is formed between the pixel electrode <NUM> and the common electrode <NUM> and filled with liquid crystal molecules 25a. The liquid crystals are in an intermediate state between solid (crystal) and fluid. The liquid crystals reveal an optical property according to a change in electric field. For example, the liquid crystal may have varying directions of arrangement of molecules that form the liquid crystal, according to a change in electric field. Consequently, the optical property of the liquid crystal layer <NUM> may be changed according to whether there is an electric field passing the liquid crystal layer <NUM>.

On one side of the liquid crystal panel <NUM>, provided are a cable 20a for transmitting image data to the liquid crystal panel <NUM> and a display driver integrated circuit (DDI) <NUM> (hereinafter, called a 'panel driver') for processing digital image data to output an analog image signal.

The cable 20a may electrically connect between the control assembly <NUM>/ the power assembly <NUM> and the panel driver <NUM> and further between the panel driver <NUM> and the liquid crystal panel <NUM>. The cable 20a may include, e.g., a bendable flexible flat cable or film cable.

The panel driver <NUM> may receive image data and power from the control assembly <NUM>/power assembly <NUM> through the cable 20a, and transmit image data and a driving current to the liquid crystal panel <NUM> through the cable 20a.

Furthermore, the cable 110b and the panel driver <NUM> may be integrally implemented as a film cable, a chip on film (COF), a table carrier package (TCP), etc. In other words, the panel driver <NUM> may be arranged on the cable 20b. It is not, however, limited thereto, and the panel driver <NUM> may be arranged on the liquid crystal panel <NUM>.

The control assembly <NUM> may include a control circuit for controlling operations of the liquid crystal panel <NUM> and the light apparatus <NUM>. The control circuit may process image data received from an external content source, transmit image data to the liquid crystal panel <NUM>, and transmit dimming data to the light apparatus <NUM>.

The power assembly <NUM> may supply power to the liquid crystal panel <NUM> and the light apparatus <NUM> so as for the light apparatus <NUM> to output surface light and for the liquid crystal panel <NUM> to block or pass the light from the light apparatus <NUM>.

The control assembly <NUM> and the power assembly <NUM> may be implemented with printed circuit boards (PCBs) and various circuits mounted on the PCBs. For example, a power circuit may include a power circuit board, and a capacitor, a coil, a resistor, a processor, etc., which are mounted on the power circuit board. Furthermore, the control circuit may include a control circuit board with a memory and a processor mounted thereon.

<FIG> is an exploded view of a light apparatus of a display apparatus. <FIG> is a perspective view of a light source included in a light apparatus. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting diode (LED) included in a light apparatus.

As shown in <FIG>, the light apparatus <NUM> includes a light source module <NUM> for generating light, a reflecting sheet <NUM> for reflecting light, a diffuser plate <NUM> for uniformly diffusing light, and an optical sheet <NUM> for enhancing brightness of output light.

The light source module <NUM> includes a plurality of light sources <NUM> for emitting light, and a substrate <NUM> for supporting/fixing the plurality of light sources <NUM>.

The plurality of light sources <NUM> may be arranged in a predefined pattern to emit light with uniform brightness. The plurality of light sources <NUM> may be arranged such that a light source is equi-distant from its neighboring light sources.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the plurality of light sources <NUM> may be arranged in rows and columns. Accordingly, the plurality of light sources may be arranged such that neighboring four light sources form almost a rectangle. Furthermore, a light source is located to be adjacent to four other light sources, and the distances between the light source and the four neighboring light sources are almost the same.

In another example, the plurality of light sources may be arranged in multiple rows, and a light source belonging to a row may be placed in the middle of two light sources belonging to two neighboring rows. Accordingly, the plurality of light sources may be arranged such that neighboring three light sources form almost a triangle. In this case, a light source is located to be adjacent to six other light sources, and the distances between the light source and the six neighboring light sources are almost the same.

The arrangement of the plurality of light sources <NUM> is not, however, limited thereto, and the plurality of light sources <NUM> may be arranged in various ways to emit light in even brightness.

The light sources <NUM> may employ devices capable of emitting monochromatic light (light having a particular wavelength, e.g., blue light) or white light (mixed light of red light, green light, and blue light) to various directions when powered.

Each of the plurality of light sources <NUM> includes an LED <NUM> and an optical dome <NUM>.

The thinner the thickness of the display apparatus <NUM>, the thinner the thickness of the light apparatus <NUM>. To make the light apparatus <NUM> become thinner, each of the plurality of light sources <NUM> gets thinner and the structure becomes simpler.

The LED <NUM> may be attached directly to the substrate <NUM> in a method of chip on board (COB). In other words, the light source <NUM> may include the LED <NUM> with an LED chip or an LED die attached directly to the substrate <NUM> without extra packaging.

The LED <NUM> may be manufactured in a flip chip type. The LED <NUM> of the flip chip type may not use an intermediate medium such as a metal lead (wire) or a ball grid array (BGA) to attach the LED, which is a semiconductor device, to the substrate <NUM>, but may fuse an electrode pattern of the semiconductor device onto the substrate <NUM> as it is. This may make it possible for the light source <NUM> including the LED <NUM> of the flip chip type to become smaller by omitting the metal lead (wire) or the ball grid array.

For example, the LED <NUM> may be a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) LED including a DBR as shown in <FIG>.

The LED <NUM> includes a transparent substrate <NUM>, an n-type semiconductor layer (e.g., n-type gallium nitride (n-type GaN)) <NUM> and a p-type semiconductor layer (e.g., p-type GaN) <NUM>. A multi quantum wells (MQW) layer <NUM> and an electron-blocking layer (EBL) <NUM> are formed between the n-type semiconductor layer <NUM> and the p-type semiconductor layer <NUM>. When a current is applied to the LED <NUM>, electrons and halls may be re-coupled in the MQW layer <NUM>, thereby emitting light.

A first electrode 191a of the LED <NUM> electrically contacts the p-type semiconductor layer <NUM>, and a second electrode 191b electrically contacts the n-type semiconductor layer <NUM>. The first electrode 191a and the second electrode 191b may serve not only as electrodes but also as reflectors that reflect light.

A DBR layer <NUM> is arranged on the outer side of the transparent substrate <NUM>. The DBR layer <NUM> may be formed by stacking up materials with different refractive indexes, and the DBR layer <NUM> may reflect incident light. As the DBR layer <NUM> is arranged on the outer side (upper side in the drawing) of the transparent substrate <NUM>, light entering perpendicularly to the DBR layer <NUM> may be reflected by the DBR layer <NUM>. Accordingly, the intensity of light emitted in a direction D1 perpendicular to the DBR layer <NUM> (in the upper direction of the LED in the drawing) is lower than the intensity of light emitted in a direction D2 slanted from the DBR layer <NUM> (e.g., a direction slanted from the upper direction in the drawing at about <NUM> degrees). In other words, the LED <NUM> may emit more intense light in a lateral direction than in the perpendicular direction.

The optical dome <NUM> may cover the LED <NUM>. The optical dome <NUM> may prevent or suppress damage to the LED <NUM> due to an external mechanical action and/or chemical action.

The optical dome <NUM> may be shaped like, for example, a dome obtained by cutting a sphere without including the center or a semi-sphere obtained by cutting the sphere with the center included. A vertical cross-section of the optical dome <NUM> may have, e.g., an arcuate form or a semicircular form.

The optical dome <NUM> may be formed of silicon or epoxy resin. For example, melted silicon or epoxy resin is discharged onto the LED <NUM> through, e.g., a nozzle, and then hardened to form the optical dome <NUM>.

Accordingly, depending on viscosity of the fluid silicon or epoxy resin, the shape of the optical dome <NUM> may be variously changed. For example, when the optical dome <NUM> is manufactured with silicon with a thixotropic index of about <NUM> to <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>), the optical dome <NUM> having a dome ratio of about <NUM> to <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>) representing a ratio of dome height to a diameter of the bottom side of the dome (dome height/diameter of bottom side) may be formed. For example, the optical dome <NUM> manufactured with the silicon having the thixotropic index of about <NUM> to <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>) may have a diameter of the bottom side of about <NUM> and height of about <NUM>.

The optical dome <NUM> may be optically transparent or translucent. Light emitted from the LED <NUM> may pass through the optical dome <NUM> to the outside.

In this case, the dome-shaped optical dome <NUM> may refract the light like a lens. For example, the light emitted from the LED <NUM> may be refracted and dispersed by the optical dome <NUM>.

As such, the optical dome <NUM> may not only protect the LED <NUM> from an external mechanical action and/or chemical action or electrical action, but also diffuse the light emitted from the LED <NUM>.

The substrate <NUM> may fix the plurality of light sources <NUM> to prevent the light sources <NUM> from being moved. In addition, the substrate <NUM> may supply power to each of the light sources <NUM> so that the light source <NUM> may emit light.

The substrate <NUM> may fix the plurality of light sources <NUM>, and may be formed of a synthetic resin, tapered glass or a printed circuit board (PCB) with conductive power supply lines formed therein to supply power to the light sources <NUM>.

The reflecting sheet <NUM> may reflect light emitted from the plurality of light sources <NUM> to a forward direction or to an approximate direction to the forward direction.

A plurality of through holes 120a are formed in the reflecting sheet <NUM> at positions corresponding to the plurality of light sources <NUM> of the light source module <NUM>. Furthermore, the light sources <NUM> of the light source module <NUM> may pass the through holes 120a and protrude forward from the reflecting sheet <NUM>. Accordingly, the plurality of light sources <NUM> may emit light from the front of the reflecting sheet <NUM>. The reflecting sheet <NUM> may reflect the light emitted from the plurality of light sources <NUM> toward the reflecting sheet <NUM> toward the diffuser plate <NUM>.

The diffuser plate <NUM> may be arranged in front of the light source module <NUM> and the reflecting sheet <NUM> to uniformly diffuse the light emitted from the light sources <NUM> of the light source module <NUM>.

As described above, the plurality of light sources <NUM> are equi-distantly arranged on the rear surface of the light apparatus <NUM>. This may cause different brightness depending on the locations of the plurality of light sources <NUM>.

To eliminate the difference in brightness due to the plurality of light sources <NUM>, the diffuser plate <NUM> may diffuse the light emitted from the plurality of light sources <NUM> within the diffuser plate <NUM>. In other words, the diffuser plate <NUM> may uniformly emit non-uniform light forward from the plurality of light sources <NUM>.

An optical sheet <NUM> may include various sheets to improve brightness and uniformity of the brightness. For example, the optical sheet <NUM> may include a diffuser sheet <NUM>, a first prism sheet <NUM>, a second prism sheet <NUM>, a reflective polarizer sheet <NUM>, etc. The optical sheet <NUM> is not limited to the sheets or films as illustrated in <FIG>, and may further include various other sheets or films such as protective sheets.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a display apparatus. <FIG> is a plan view of dimming blocks of a light apparatus included in a display apparatus. <FIG> is a diagram of an example in which a display apparatus converts image data to dimming data.

As shown in <FIG>, the display apparatus <NUM> includes a content receiver <NUM>, an image processor <NUM>, a panel driver <NUM>, a liquid crystal panel <NUM>, a dimming driver <NUM>, and a light apparatus <NUM>.

The content receiver <NUM> may include receiving terminals <NUM> and a tuner <NUM> for receiving contents including video signals and/or audio signals from content sources.

The receiving terminals <NUM> may receive video signals and audio signals from the content sources through a cable. For example, the receiving terminals <NUM> may include a component (YPbPr/RGB) terminal, a composite video blanking and sync (CVBS) terminal, an audio terminal, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) terminal, a universal serial bus (USB) terminal, etc..

The tuner <NUM> may receive broadcast signals through a broadcast receiving antenna or a cable, and extract a broadcast signal on a channel selected by the user from among the received broadcast signals. For example, the tuner <NUM> may pass a broadcast signal having a frequency corresponding to a channel selected by the user among the plurality of broadcast signals received through the broadcast receiving antenna or the cable, and block the other broadcast signals having different frequencies.

As such, the content receiver <NUM> may receive video signals and audio signals from the content sources through the receiving terminals <NUM> and/or the tuner <NUM>, and output the video signals and/or audio signals received through the receiving terminals <NUM> and/or the tuner <NUM> to the image processor <NUM>.

The image processor <NUM> may include a processor <NUM> for processing image data and a memory <NUM> for memorizing/storing data.

The memory <NUM> may store a program and data for processing video signals and/or audio signals, and temporarily store data generated in the process of handling the video signals and/or audio signals.

The memory <NUM> may include a non-volatile memory, such as a Read Only Memory (ROM), a flash memory, and/or the like, and a volatile memory, such as a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), or the like.

The processor <NUM> may receive video signals and/or audio signals from the content receiver <NUM>, decode the video signal to image data, and generate dimming data from the image data. The image data and the dimming data may be output to the panel driver <NUM> and the dimming driver <NUM>.

The display apparatus <NUM> may perform operations to improve a contrast ratio of an image.

As described above, the light apparatus <NUM> includes the plurality of light sources <NUM>, and diffuse light emitted from the plurality of light sources <NUM> to output surface light. The liquid crystal panel <NUM> may include a plurality of pixels, and control the plurality of pixels each to pass or block light. Light that has passed the plurality of pixels may form an image.

In this case, the display apparatus <NUM> may turn off light sources of the light apparatus <NUM> corresponding to dark portions of the image to further darken the dark portions of the image. Accordingly, the contrast ratio of the image may be enhanced.

As such, the operation performed by the display apparatus <NUM> to control the light apparatus <NUM> not to emit light from portions corresponding to dark portions of the image is called "local dimming".

For local dimming, the plurality of light sources <NUM> included in the light source module <NUM> are classified into a plurality of dimming blocks <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In the example of <FIG>, a total of <NUM> dimming blocks, which is <NUM> x <NUM> wide and long, are shown, but the number and arrangement of the dimming blocks is not limited to what is shown in <FIG>.

Each of the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM> may include at least one light source <NUM>. The light apparatus <NUM> may apply the same driving current to light sources belonging to the same dimming block, and the light sources belonging to the same dimming block may emit light with the same brightness.

Furthermore, the light apparatus <NUM> may apply different driving currents to light sources belonging to different dimming blocks depending on dimming data, and the light sources belonging to the different dimming blocks may emit light with different brightness.

The processor <NUM> may provide dimming data for local dimming to the light apparatus <NUM>. The dimming data may include information about brightness of each of the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM>. For example, the dimming data may include information regarding intensity of light output from light sources included in each of the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may obtain dimming data from image data decoded from a video signal.

The processor <NUM> may convert image data to dimming data in various methods. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the processor <NUM> may partition the image I from the image data into a plurality of image blocks IB. The number of the plurality of image blocks IB is the same as the number of the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM>, and the plurality of image blocks IB may correspond to the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM>, respectively.

The processor <NUM> may obtain brightness values L of the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM> from the image data of the plurality of image blocks IB. Furthermore, the processor <NUM> may generate dimming data by combining the brightness values L of the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM>.

For example, the processor <NUM> may obtain the brightness value L of each of the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM> based on a maximum value of brightness values of pixels included in each image block IB.

An image block includes a plurality of pixels, and image data of an image block may include image data of the plurality of pixels (e.g., red data, green data, blue data, etc.). The processor <NUM> may calculate a brightness value of each of the pixels based on image data of the pixel.

The processor <NUM> may determine a maximum value of brightness values of pixels included in an image block as a brightness value of a dimming block corresponding to the image block. For example, the processor <NUM> may determine a maximum value of brightness values of pixels included in an i-th image block IB(i) as a brightness value L(i) of an i-th dimming block, and determine a maximum value of brightness values of pixels included in an j-th image block IB(j) as a brightness value L(j) of an j-th dimming block.

The processor <NUM> may generate dimming data by combining the brightness values of the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM>.

As such, the image processor <NUM> may decode a video signal obtained by the content receiver <NUM> into image data, and generate dimming data from the image data. Furthermore, the image processor <NUM> may transmit the image data and the dimming data to the liquid crystal panel <NUM> and the light apparatus <NUM>, respectively.

The liquid crystal panel <NUM> includes a plurality of pixels capable of passing or blocking light, and the plurality of pixels are arranged in the form of a matrix. In other words, the plurality of pixels may be arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns.

The panel driver <NUM> may receive image data from the image processor <NUM>, and drive the liquid crystal panel <NUM> according to the image data. The panel driver <NUM> may convert the image data, which is a digital signal, (hereinafter, referred to as digital image data) to an analog image signal, which is an analog voltage signal, and provide the analog image signal to the liquid crystal panel <NUM>. According to the analog image signal, an optical property (e.g., light transmittance) of the plurality of pixels included in the liquid crystal panel <NUM> may be changed.

The panel driver <NUM> may include, for example, a timing controller, a data driver, a scan driver, etc..

The timing controller may receive image data from the image processor <NUM>, and output the image data and a driving control signal to the data driver and the scan driver. The driving control signal may include a scan control signal and a data control signal, which may be used to control operations of the scan driver and the data driver, respectively.

The scan driver may receive the scan control signal from the timing controller, and in response to the scan control signal, input-activate one of the plurality of rows in the liquid crystal panel <NUM>. In other words, the scan driver converts pixels included in a row among the plurality of pixels arranged in the plurality of rows and the plurality of columns into a state of being able to receive analog image signals. In this case, input-deactivated pixels other than the pixels input-activated by the scan driver are unable to receive analog image signals.

The data driver may receive image data and a data control signal from the timing controller, and output image data to the liquid crystal panel <NUM> according to the data control signal. For example, the data driver may receive digital image data from the timing controller, and convert the digital image data to an analog image signal. Furthermore, the data driver may provide the analog image signal to pixels included in a row input-activated by the scan driver. In this case, the pixels input-activated by the scan driver receive the analog image signal, which makes an optical property (e.g., light transmittance) of the input-activated pixels changed.

As such, the panel driver <NUM> may drive the liquid crystal panel <NUM> according to the image data. Accordingly, an image corresponding to the image data may be displayed on the liquid crystal panel <NUM>.

The light apparatus <NUM> includes the plurality of light sources <NUM> that emit light, and the plurality of light sources <NUM> are arranged in the form of a matrix. In other words, the plurality of light sources <NUM> may be arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. Furthermore, the light apparatus <NUM> may be divided into the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM>, each of which may include at least one light source.

The dimming driver <NUM> may receive dimming data from the image processor <NUM>, and drive the light apparatus <NUM> according to the dimming data. The dimming data may include information about brightness of each of the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM>, or information about brightness of light sources included in each of the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM>.

The dimming driver <NUM> may convert dimming data, which is a digital signal, (hereinafter, referred to as digital dimming data) to an analog dimming signal, which is an analog voltage signal, and provide the analog dimming signal to the light apparatus <NUM>. Depending on the analog dimming signal, intensity of light emitted by light sources included in each of the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM> may be changed.

The dimming driver <NUM> may not directly provide the analog dimming signal to all of the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM>, but may sequentially provide the analog dimming signal to the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM> in an active matrix scheme.

As described above, the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM> may be arranged in the light apparatus <NUM> in the form of a matrix. In other words, the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM> may be arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns in the light apparatus <NUM>.

The dimming driver <NUM> may sequentially provide the analog dimming signal to the dimming blocks belonging to each of the plurality of rows, or sequentially provide the analog dimming signal to dimming blocks belonging to each of the plurality of columns.

For example, the dimming driver <NUM> may input-activate dimming blocks belonging to a row among the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM>, and provide the analog dimming signal to the input-activated dimming blocks. Subsequently, the dimming driver <NUM> may input-activate dimming blocks belonging to a row among the plurality of dimming blocks, and provide the analog dimming signal to the input-activated dimming blocks.

The dimming driver <NUM> sequentially providing the analog dimming signal to the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM> in an active matrix scheme will now be described in detail.

<FIG> is a circuit block diagram of a dimming driver and a light apparatus included in a display apparatusnt. <FIG> is a circuit block diagram of a driving device included in a display apparatus.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the display apparatus <NUM> includes the dimming driver <NUM>, a plurality of driving devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, collectively <NUM>, and the plurality of light sources <NUM>.

The plurality of light sources may each include an LED, and may be classified into a plurality of dimming blocks <NUM>. A plurality of light sources belonging to the same dimming block may form a group.

The plurality of driving devices <NUM> may receive an analog dimming signal from the dimming driver <NUM>, and may apply a driving current to the plurality of light sources <NUM> according to the received analog dimming signal.

As shown in <FIG>, a plurality of light sources belonging to a dimming block may receive a current from the same driving device. For example, a plurality of light sources belonging to a first dimming block <NUM> may receive a driving current from the first driving device <NUM>. A plurality of light sources belonging to a second dimming block <NUM> may receive a driving current from the second driving device <NUM>. A plurality of light sources belonging to a third dimming block <NUM> may receive a driving current from the third driving device <NUM>. A plurality of light sources belonging to a fourth dimming block <NUM> may receive a driving current from the fourth driving device <NUM>. In this way, a plurality of light sources belonging to an n-th dimming block may receive a driving current from an n-th driving device.

Accordingly, a plurality of light sources belonging to a dimming block may receive the driving current with the same magnitude. Furthermore, a plurality of light sources belonging to a dimming block may emit light with the same intensity.

The driving devices <NUM> may receive the analog dimming signal from the dimming driver <NUM> and store the received analog dimming signal while being input-activated by the dimming driver <NUM>. Furthermore, while being input-activated, the plurality of driving devices <NUM> may apply a driving current corresponding to the stored analog dimming signal to the plurality of light sources.

There are a plurality of scan lines S1 and S2 for providing scan signals to the plurality of driving devices <NUM> from the dimming driver <NUM>, and a plurality of data lines D1 and D2 for providing analog dimming signals to the plurality of driving devices <NUM> from the dimming driver <NUM>.

The plurality of dimming blocks <NUM> may be arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. Driving devices that apply the driving current to light sources of dimming blocks belonging to the same row may share the same scan line. For example, the first driving device <NUM> and the second driving device <NUM> may share the first scan line S1, and the third driving device <NUM> and the fourth driving device <NUM> may share the second scan line S2.

Furthermore, driving devices that apply the driving current to light sources of dimming blocks belonging to the same column may share the same data line. For example, the first driving device <NUM> and the third driving device <NUM> may share the first data line D1, and the second driving device <NUM> and the fourth driving device <NUM> may share the second data line D2.

The plurality of driving devices <NUM> may be input-activated by scan signals of the dimming driver <NUM>, and may receive the analog dimming signal from the dimming driver <NUM>.

For example, while the dimming driver <NUM> is outputting a scan signal through the first scan line S1 for a first duration, the first driving device <NUM> and the second driving device <NUM> may receive analog dimming signals through the first data line D1 and the second data line D2, respectively. On the other hand, the third driving device <NUM> and the fourth driving device <NUM> are not able to receive the analog dimming signal.

Furthermore, while the dimming driver <NUM> is outputting a scan signal through the second scan line S2 for a second duration, the third driving device <NUM> and the fourth driving device <NUM> may receive analog dimming signals through the first data line D1 and the second data line D2, respectively. On the other hand, the first driving device <NUM> and the second driving device <NUM> are not able to receive the analog dimming signal.

On receiving the analog dimming signal, the plurality of driving devices <NUM> may store the received analog dimming signal, and may apply a driving current to the plurality of light sources according to the stored analog dimming signal.

For example, even while the dimming driver <NUM> is outputting a scan signal through the first scan line S1, the third driving device <NUM> and the fourth driving device <NUM> may apply driving currents to the plurality of light sources included in the third and fourth dimming blocks <NUM> and <NUM>.

Furthermore, even while the dimming driver <NUM> is outputting a scan signal through the second scan line S2, the first driving device <NUM> and the second driving device <NUM> may apply driving currents to the plurality of light sources included in the first and second dimming blocks <NUM> and <NUM>.

According to this active matrix scheme based operation, the plurality of driving devices <NUM> may sequentially receive analog dimming signals from the dimming driver <NUM>, and may apply a driving current to a plurality of light sources even while in an input-deactivated state in which no analog dimming signal is received from the dimming driver <NUM>.

Furthermore, according to the active matrix scheme based operation, the number of pins of the dimming driver <NUM> to provide analog dimming signals to the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM> is reduced. Moreover, the number of signal lines to provide analog dimming signals to the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM> from the dimming driver <NUM> is reduced. Accordingly, the number of dimming blocks may increase without limit to the number of pins of the dimming driver <NUM>.

The plurality of driving devices <NUM> may include various topology circuits to perform the active matrix scheme based operation.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, each of the plurality of driving devices <NUM> may include a one-capacitor two-transistor (1C2T) topology circuit.

Each of the plurality of driving devices <NUM> may include a driving transistor Tdr, a switching transistor Tsw, and a storage capacitor Cs.

The driving transistor Tdr includes an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal. The input terminal of the driving transistor Tdr may be connected to a power source Vdd, and the output terminal may be connected to a plurality of light sources. The driving transistor Tdr may apply a driving current to the plurality of light sources based on a voltage at the control terminal.

The storage capacitor Cs is provided between the output terminal and the control terminal of the driving transistor Tdr. The storage capacitor Cs may output a constant voltage by storing input charges. The driving transistor Tdr may apply a driving current to the plurality of light sources based on a voltage output by the storage capacitor Cs.

The switching transistor Tsw also includes an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal. The input terminal of the switching transistor Tsw may be connected to the data line D1 or D2, and the output terminal of the switching transistor Tsw may be connected to the control terminal of the driving transistor Tdr. The control terminal of the switching transistor Tsw may be connected to the scan line S1 or S2.

The switching transistor Tsw may be turned on by a scan signal of the scan line S1 or S2, and may deliver an analog dimming signal of the data line D1 or D2 to the storage capacitor Cs and the driving transistor Tdr. The analog dimming signal of the data line D1 or D2 is input to the control terminal of the driving transistor Tdr, and the driving transistor Tdr may apply a driving current corresponding to the analog dimming signal to the plurality of light sources. The storage capacitor Cs may store charges from the analog dimming signal, and output a voltage corresponding to the analog dimming signal.

After this, even when the inputting of the scan signal is stopped and the switching transistor Tsw is turned off, the storage capacitor Cs may still output the voltage corresponding to the analog dimming signal, and the driving transistor Tdr may still apply the driving current corresponding to the analog dimming signal to the plurality of light sources.

A circuit as shown in <FIG> is an example of the driving device <NUM>, without being limited thereto. For example, the driving device <NUM> may include a 3T1C topology circuit obtained by adding a transistor to compensate for body effect of the driving transistor Tdr.

The driving device <NUM> may be provided, for example, in a single chip in which the circuit shown in <FIG> is integrated. In other words, the circuit shown in <FIG> may be integrated in a single semiconductor chip.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a dimming driver, driving devices and light sources included in a display apparatus.

As described above, the plurality of light sources <NUM> are arranged on the substrate <NUM>. The plurality of light sources <NUM> are arranged on the front surface (a surface from which a light source module emits light) of the substrate <NUM>.

For efficient wiring, the dimming driver <NUM> may be arranged on the rear surface (a surface from which the light source module does not emit light, or an opposite surface of the surface from which the light source module emits light) of the substrate <NUM>. Turning back to <FIG>, the substrate <NUM> on which the driving devices <NUM>, the plurality of light sources <NUM> and the dimming driver <NUM> are mounted may be supported by the bottom chassis <NUM>. The bottom chassis <NUM> may also support the control assembly <NUM> and the power assembly <NUM>. The substrate <NUM> may be arranged on the front surface of the bottom chassis <NUM>, and the control assembly <NUM> may be arranged on the rear surface of the bottom chassis <NUM>.

The dimming driver <NUM> may receive dimming data from the image processor <NUM> included in the control assembly <NUM>, and receive power from the power assembly <NUM>. Accordingly, for efficient wiring, the dimming driver <NUM> may be arranged on the rear surface of the substrate <NUM>, and may be connected to the control assembly <NUM> and the power assembly <NUM> through a wire passing through the opening 15a formed at the bottom chassis <NUM>.

The dimming driver <NUM> arranged on the rear surface of the substrate <NUM> is arranged at a position corresponding to the location of the opening 15a. This may prevent the light apparatus <NUM> from growing thicker due to the dimming driver <NUM> arranged on the rear surface of the substrate <NUM>.

To minimize the thickness of the light apparatus <NUM>, the driving device <NUM> may be arranged on the same surface (front surface) as the plurality of light sources <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Thickness of the light source module <NUM> when the driving device <NUM> is mounted on the same surface as the plurality of light sources <NUM> is thinner than thickness of the light source module <NUM> when the driving device <NUM> is mounted on the different surface from the plurality of light sources <NUM>.

As such, when the driving device <NUM> is arranged on the same surface (front surface) as the plurality of light sources <NUM>, there may be an optical defect due to the driving device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the reflecting sheet <NUM> is arranged on the substrate <NUM>. To secure an optical distance between the reflecting sheet <NUM> and the diffuser plate <NUM>, the reflecting sheet <NUM> may be tightly adhered to the substrate <NUM>. Accordingly, a concave part <NUM> of the reflecting sheet <NUM> may be formed at where the driving device <NUM> is arranged.

The concave part <NUM> on the reflecting sheet <NUM> may cause an optical defect in the light apparatus <NUM>. As an example, as shown in <FIG>, part of the light emitted from a light source may reflect from the surface of the diffuser plate <NUM>. The light reflecting from the surface of the diffuser plate <NUM> may reflect again from the reflecting sheet <NUM>. In this case, the concave part <NUM> of the reflecting sheet <NUM> may make a region in which the light having reflected from the surface of the diffuser plate <NUM> does not arrive (or a region in which light of weak intensity arrives, which will be hereinafter referred to as a dark region).

When there are sporadic dark regions, diffusion of light on the diffuser plate <NUM> and the optical sheet <NUM> may prevent the dark region from being displayed on the screen <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM>. However, when there are regular dark regions, the dark region may be displayed on the screen <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM>.

The driving device <NUM> is arranged so that the dark region from the arrangement of the driving device <NUM> is not displayed on the screen <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of arrangement of driving devices included in a display apparatus.

Referring to <FIG>, the light source module <NUM> includes the plurality of light sources <NUM>, which are arranged on the substrate <NUM> in the form of a matrix.

In this case, the plurality of light sources <NUM> may be classified into the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM>. In other words, the front surface (the surface from which light is emitted) of the light source module <NUM> may be partitioned by the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM> into a plurality of dimming areas <NUM>.

Furthermore, the light source module <NUM> may further include the plurality of driving devices <NUM> for applying driving currents to light sources, and each of the plurality of driving devices <NUM> may apply a driving current to light sources included in a dimming block. Each of the driving devices <NUM> is located in a dimming area of a dimming block.

To prevent or suppress an optical defect due to arrangement of the driving devices <NUM>, the driving devices <NUM> may be irregularly arranged in the dimming areas. Relative positions of the driving devices in the different dimming blocks may be different from one another.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the front surface (a surface from which light is emitted) of the light source module <NUM> is partitioned into a first dimming area <NUM> corresponding to the first dimming block <NUM>, a second dimming area <NUM> corresponding to the second dimming block <NUM>, a third dimming area <NUM> corresponding to the third dimming block <NUM>, and a fourth dimming area <NUM> corresponding to the fourth dimming block <NUM>.

In each dimming area <NUM>, a driving device for applying a driving current to a plurality of light sources (twelve light sources as shown in <FIG>) is located. In the first dimming area <NUM>, the first driving device <NUM> may be arranged to apply a driving current to light sources belonging to the first dimming block <NUM>. In the same manner, in the second, third, and fourth dimming areas <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, the second, third, and fourth driving devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be arranged to apply driving currents to light sources belonging to the second, third, and fourth dimming blocks <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The first driving device <NUM> is arranged in a lower right portion from the center of the first dimming area <NUM>, and the second driving device <NUM> is arranged in an upper left portion from the center of the second dimming area <NUM>. Furthermore, the third driving device <NUM> is arranged in an upper right portion from the center of the third dimming area <NUM>, and the fourth driving device <NUM> is arranged in a lower left portion from the center of the fourth dimming area <NUM>.

Arrangement of the first driving device <NUM> in the first dimming area <NUM> is different from arrangement of the second and third driving devices <NUM> and <NUM> in the second and third dimming areas <NUM> and <NUM> adjacent to the first dimming area <NUM>. Furthermore, arrangement of the second driving device <NUM> in the second dimming area <NUM> is different from arrangement of driving devices in the adjacent dimming areas to the second dimming area <NUM>.

As such, arrangement of a driving device in a dimming area is different from arrangement of driving devices in other dimming areas adjacent to the former dimming area. Here, different arrangement represents that a relative location of a driving device from the center of a dimming area is different.

The first dimming area <NUM>, the second dimming area <NUM>, the third dimming area <NUM>, and the fourth dimming area <NUM> are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns.

Arrangement of the first driving device <NUM> in the first dimming area <NUM> is different from arrangement of the second driving device <NUM> in the second dimming area <NUM> belonging to the same column as the first dimming area <NUM> and adjacent to the first dimming area <NUM>. Furthermore, arrangement of the first driving device <NUM> in the first dimming area <NUM> is different from arrangement of the third driving device <NUM> in the third dimming area <NUM> belonging to the same row as the first dimming area <NUM> and adjacent to the first dimming area <NUM>.

As such, arrangement of a driving device in one of a plurality of dimming areas arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns is different from arrangement of a driving device in another dimming area belonging to the same row or column as the one dimming area and adjacent to the one dimming area.

Furthermore, a driving device in one of a plurality of dimming areas arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns is arranged out of (i.e., outside) a virtual line defined by two driving devices in two dimming areas belonging to the same row as the one dimming area and adjacent to the one dimming area.

The first driving device <NUM> in the first dimming area <NUM> in the first row and first column is arranged on the right from the center of the dimming area, and the second driving device <NUM> in the second dimming area <NUM> in the first row and second column is arranged on the left from the center of the dimming area.

As such, driving devices in a plurality dimming areas arranged in the same row are arranged alternately on the left and right from the center of the dimming area.

The first driving device <NUM> in the first dimming area <NUM> in the first row and first column is arranged in a lower portion from the center of the dimming area, and the third driving device <NUM> in the third dimming area <NUM> in the second row and first column is arranged in an upper portion from the center of the dimming area.

As such, driving devices in a plurality dimming areas arranged in the same column are arranged alternately above and below the center of the dimming area.

The first driving device <NUM> is arranged closest to the second driving device <NUM> and the third driving device <NUM>, and the first to third driving devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are not arranged in a straight line. In other words, the first driving device <NUM> is arranged out of (i.e., outside) a virtual line that connects the second driving device <NUM> and the third driving device <NUM> closest to the first driving device <NUM>.

As such, one of the plurality of driving devices is arranged out of a virtual line defined by two driving devices closest to the one driving device.

As described above, the plurality of driving devices may be arranged irregularly or in arbitrary positions in the plurality of dimming areas.

<FIG> is a plan view of an example arrangement of driving devices included in a display apparatus.

As shown in <FIG>, driving devices of four neighboring dimming areas in the same row may be arranged in different positions with respect to the center of the dimming areas.

The first, second, fifth and sixth dimming areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be arranged in the same row. The first driving device <NUM> may be located above the center of the first dimming area <NUM>, the second driving device <NUM> may be located on the left from the center of the second dimming area <NUM>, the fifth driving device <NUM> may be located below the center of the fifth dimming area <NUM>, and the sixth driving device <NUM> may be located on the right from the center of the sixth dimming area <NUM>.

Driving devices of four neighboring dimming areas in the same column may be arranged in different positions with respect to the center of the dimming areas.

The first, third, ninth and eleventh dimming areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and 490b may be arranged in the same column. The first driving device <NUM> may be located above the center of the first dimming area <NUM>, the third driving device <NUM> may be located on the right from the center of the third dimming area <NUM>, the ninth driving device <NUM> may be located below the center of the ninth dimming area <NUM>, and the eleventh driving device 390b may be located on the left from the center of the eleventh dimming area 490b.

As such, arrangement of a driving device in a dimming area is different from arrangement of driving devices in other dimming areas adjacent to the former dimming area.

Arrangement of a driving device in one of a plurality of dimming areas arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns is different from arrangement of a driving device in another dimming area belonging to the same row or column as the one dimming area and adjacent to the one dimming area.

One of the plurality of driving devices is arranged out of (i.e., outside) a virtual line defined by two driving devices closest to the one driving device.

As shown in <FIG>, driving devices of four neighboring dimming areas may be arranged in different positions with respect to the center of the dimming areas.

The first, second, third and fourth dimming areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be arranged to be adjacent to one another. The first driving device <NUM> may be located in a lower right portion from the center of the first dimming area <NUM>, the second driving device <NUM> may be located in an upper right portion from the center of the second dimming area <NUM>, the third driving device <NUM> may be located in an upper left portion from the center of the third dimming area <NUM>, and the fourth driving device <NUM> may be located in a lower left portion from the center of the fourth dimming area <NUM>.

The second, fourth, fifth and seventh dimming areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be arranged to be adjacent to one another. The second driving device <NUM> may be located in an upper right portion from the center of the second dimming area <NUM>, the fourth driving device <NUM> may be located in a lower left portion from the center of the fourth dimming area <NUM>, the fifth driving device <NUM> may be located in a lower right portion from the center of the fifth dimming area <NUM>, and the seventh driving device <NUM> may be located in an upper left portion from the center of the seventh dimming area <NUM>.

The third, fourth, ninth and tenth dimming areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and 490a may be arranged to be adjacent to one another. The third driving device <NUM> may be located in an upper left portion from the center of the third dimming area <NUM>, the fourth driving device <NUM> may be located in a lower left portion from the center of the fourth dimming area <NUM>, the ninth driving device <NUM> may be located in a lower right portion from the center of the ninth dimming area <NUM>, and the tenth driving device 390a may be located in an upper right portion from the center of the tenth dimming area 490a.

With this arrangement of the driving devices <NUM>, an optical defect due to the driving devices <NUM> may be prevented or suppressed.

Although it is described above that a driving device applies a driving current to light sources belonging to a dimming block, it is not limited thereto. For example, a driving device may apply a driving current to light sources belonging to a plurality of dimming blocks.

<FIG> is a circuit block diagram of a dimming driver and a light apparatus included in a display apparatus. <FIG> is a circuit block diagram of a driving device included in a display apparatus.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the display apparatus <NUM> includes the dimming driver <NUM>, a plurality of driving devices <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM>), and the plurality of light sources <NUM>.

The plurality of light sources <NUM> may be the same as the plurality of light sources shown in <FIG>.

According to what is shown in <FIG>, each the driving devices <NUM> may apply a driving current to light sources included in a plurality of dimming blocks <NUM>. For example, the first driving device <NUM> may apply a driving current to a plurality of light sources belonging to the first dimming block <NUM> and a plurality of light sources belonging to the second dimming block <NUM>. The second driving device <NUM> may apply a driving current to a plurality of light sources belonging to the third dimming block <NUM> and a plurality of light sources belonging to the fourth dimming block <NUM>. In the same manner, the n-th driving device may apply a driving current to a plurality of light sources belonging to a (2n-<NUM>)-th dimming block and a plurality of light sources belonging to a 2n-th dimming block.

In this case, the driving devices <NUM> may apply different driving currents to light sources belonging to different dimming blocks based on analog dimming signals. For example, the first driving device <NUM> may apply a first driving current to light sources belonging to the first dimming block <NUM> according to an analog dimming signal, and apply a second driving current to light sources belonging to the second dimming block <NUM> according to an analog dimming signal.

While input-activated by the dimming driver <NUM>, the plurality of driving devices <NUM> may receive analog dimming signal from the dimming driver <NUM> and store the received analog dimming signals. Furthermore, while being input-activated, the plurality of driving devices <NUM> may apply a driving current corresponding to the stored analog dimming signal to the plurality of light sources.

The plurality of driving devices <NUM> may be input-activated by scan signals of the dimming driver <NUM>, and may receive the analog dimming signal from the dimming driver <NUM>. On receiving the analog dimming signal, the plurality of driving devices <NUM> may store the received analog dimming signal, and may apply a driving current to the plurality of light sources according to the stored analog dimming signal.

For example, while the dimming driver <NUM> is outputting a scan signal through the first scan line S1, the first driving device <NUM> may receive an analog dimming signal through the first data line D1. The first driving device <NUM> may apply a driving current to light sources of the first dimming block <NUM> and light sources of the second dimming block <NUM> according to the received analog dimming signal. The second driving device <NUM> may not receive an analog dimming signal, but may still apply a driving current to light sources of the third dimming block <NUM> and light sources of the fourth dimming block <NUM>.

Furthermore, while the dimming driver <NUM> is outputting a scan signal through the second scan line S2, the second driving device <NUM> may receive an analog dimming signal through the first data line D1. The second driving device <NUM> may apply a driving current to light sources of the third dimming block <NUM> and light sources of the fourth dimming block <NUM> according to the received analog dimming signal. The second driving device <NUM> may not receive an analog dimming signal, but may still apply a driving current to light sources of the first dimming block <NUM> and light sources of the second dimming block <NUM>.

According to this active matrix scheme based operation, the number of pins of the dimming driver <NUM> to provide analog dimming signals to the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM> is reduced.

Further, the number of driving devices is reduced as one driving device applies a driving current to light sources of a plurality of dimming blocks. Furthermore, an optical defect due to the arrangement of the driving devices may also be reduced.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, each of the plurality of driving devices <NUM> may include a pair of 1C2T topology circuits.

Each of the driving devices <NUM> may include a first driving transistor Tdr1, a first switching transistor Tsw1, a first storage capacitor Cs1, a second driving transistor Tdr2, a second switching transistor Tsw2, and a second storage capacitor Cs2.

Each of the first and second driving transistors Tdr1 and Tdr2, the first and second switching transistors Tsw1 and Tsw2, and first and second storage capacitors Cs1 and Cs2 may be the same as the driving transistor Tdr, the switching transistor Tsw, and the storage capacitor Cs as shown in <FIG>.

The first driving transistor Tdr1, the first switching transistor Tsw1, and the first storage capacitor Cs1 may apply a driving current to light sources of a different dimming block from that of the second driving transistor Tdr2, the second switching transistor Tsw2, and the second storage capacitor Cs2.

A circuit as shown in <FIG> is an example of the driving device <NUM>, without being limited thereto. For example, the driving device <NUM> may include a 3T1C topology circuit obtained by adding a transistor to compensate for body effect of the driving transistors Tdr1 and Tdr2.

<FIG> is a plan view of driving devices included in a display apparatus, according to an embodiment.

In this case, the plurality of light sources <NUM> are classified into the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM>. In other words, the front surface (the surface from which light is emitted) of the light source module <NUM> may be partitioned into the plurality of dimming areas <NUM> occupied by the plurality of dimming blocks <NUM>.

Furthermore, the light source module <NUM> may further include the plurality of driving devices <NUM> for applying driving currents to light sources, and each of the plurality of driving devices <NUM> may apply a driving current to light sources included in two dimming blocks. Each of the driving devices <NUM> is located within two dimming areas of two dimming blocks. Put another way, a single driving device applies driving currents to light sources within an area (i.e. a driving area) corresponding to two dimming areas of two dimming blocks.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the front surface (a surface from which light is emitted) of the light source module <NUM> is partitioned into the first dimming area <NUM>, the second dimming area <NUM>, the third dimming area <NUM>, the fourth dimming area <NUM>, the fifth dimming area <NUM>, the sixth dimming area <NUM>, the seventh dimming area <NUM>, the eighth dimming area <NUM>, etc..

Light sources in two dimming areas are driven by a single driving device. In other words, a driving device may apply a driving current to a plurality of light sources (<NUM> light sources as shown in <FIG>) arranged in two dimming areas. The first driving device <NUM> may apply a driving current to light sources in the first and second dimming areas <NUM> and <NUM>, the second driving device <NUM> may apply a driving current to light sources in the third and fourth dimming areas <NUM> and <NUM>, the third driving device <NUM> may apply a driving current to light sources in the fifth and sixth dimming areas <NUM> and <NUM>, and the fourth driving device <NUM> may apply a driving current to light sources in the seventh and eighth dimming areas <NUM> and <NUM>.

In this case, the first driving device <NUM> is located in the second dimming area <NUM>, the second driving device <NUM> is located in the third dimming area <NUM>, the third driving device <NUM> is located in the sixth dimming area <NUM>, and the fourth driving device <NUM> is located in the seventh dimming area <NUM>.

As such, no driving device is located in an adjacent dimming area to a dimming area where a driving device is located. Furthermore, a driving device is located in an adjacent dimming area to a dimming area where no driving device is located.

In other words, in the same row, dimming areas where driving devices are located and dimming areas where no driving device is located are alternately arranged. Furthermore, in the same column, dimming areas where driving devices are located and dimming areas where no driving device is located are alternately arranged.

The first driving device <NUM> is located on the left from the center of the second dimming area <NUM>, and the second driving device <NUM> is located on the right from the center of the third dimming area <NUM>. Furthermore, the third driving device <NUM> is located on the left from the center of the sixth dimming area <NUM>, and the fourth driving device <NUM> is located on the right from the center of the seventh dimming area <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, driving devices may be arranged in a zigzag form along a pair of neighboring columns of dimming areas.

As such, arrangement of a driving device in a dimming area may be different from arrangement of the other driving device adjacent to the one driving device in another dimming area.

As shown in <FIG>, the first driving device <NUM> may be located in a lower portion of the first dimming area <NUM>, the second driving device <NUM> may be located in an upper portion of the fourth dimming area <NUM>, the third driving device <NUM> may be located in a lower portion of the fifth dimming area <NUM>, and the fourth driving device <NUM> may be located in an upper portion of the eighth dimming area <NUM>.

As such, dimming areas where driving devices are located and dimming areas where no driving device is located are alternately arranged.

Furthermore, arrangement of a driving device in a dimming area may be different from arrangement of the other driving device adjacent to the one driving device in another dimming area.

As shown in <FIG>, the first driving device <NUM> may be located in a lower portion of the first dimming area <NUM>, the second driving device <NUM> may be located in an upper portion of the fourth dimming area <NUM>, the third driving device <NUM> may be located in an upper portion of the fifth dimming area <NUM>, and the fourth driving device <NUM> may be located in a lower portion of the eighth dimming area <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the display apparatus <NUM> includes a plurality of driving devices <NUM> (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) for driving a plurality of driving areas <NUM> (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>), and the plurality of light sources <NUM>. That is, a driving device of the plurality of driving devices <NUM> may apply a driving current to light sources <NUM> included in a driving area <NUM>. Put another way, a driving area <NUM> comprises a number of dimming blocks driven by a single driving device.

Each of the driving devices <NUM> may apply a driving current to light sources included in four dimming blocks. For example, an area defined by light sources included in four dimming blocks driven by a single driving device may be defined as a driving area <NUM>.

For example, the first driving device <NUM>, disposed at a first position in a first driving area <NUM>, may apply a driving current to light sources arranged in the first driving area <NUM> including four dimming blocks, and the second driving device <NUM>, disposed at a second position in a second driving area <NUM>, may apply a driving current to light sources arranged in the second driving area <NUM> including four dimming blocks. As shown, the first driving area is adjacent to the second driving area. Furthermore, the third driving device <NUM>, disposed at a third position in a third driving area <NUM>, may apply a driving current to light sources arranged in the third driving area <NUM> including four dimming blocks, and the fourth driving device <NUM>, disposed at a fourth position in a fourth driving area <NUM>, may apply a driving current to light sources arranged in the fourth driving area <NUM> including four dimming blocks.

Arrangement of driving devices <NUM> is different depending on the driving area <NUM>. A location of a driving device in a driving area is different from a location of a driving device in another driving area adjacent to the former driving area. In the case of the first driving device <NUM> and second driving device <NUM>, the first and second position are located in relatively different areas of the first driving area <NUM> and the second driving area <NUM>, respectively. That is, consistent with the above discussion at e.g. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, & <FIG>, the first driving device <NUM> and second driving device <NUM> are irregularly arranged with respect to the front surface (from which light is emitted) of the display apparatus.

For example, the first driving device <NUM> may be located in an upper left portion of the first driving area <NUM>, and the second driving device <NUM> may be located in a lower left portion of the second driving area <NUM>. The third driving device <NUM> may be located in an upper right portion of the third driving area <NUM>, and the fourth driving device <NUM> may be located in a lower right portion of the fourth driving area <NUM>.

A display apparatus according to this disclosure includes a liquid crystal panel and a light apparatus. In this case, the light apparatus may include a substrate; a plurality of dimming blocks, each of the plurality of dimming blocks including at least one light source provided on a first surface of the substrate; and a plurality of driving devices provided on the first surface of the substrate, each of the plurality of driving devices applying a driving current to the at least one light source included in each of the plurality of dimming blocks. Furthermore, the plurality of driving devices may be arranged at different relative locations within a plurality of dimming areas defined by the plurality of dimming blocks, respectively.

For example, an arrangement of a driving device in one dimming area of the plurality of dimming areas is different from arrangements of driving devices in other dimming areas adjacent to the one dimming area.

For example, the plurality of dimming areas may be arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and an arrangement of a driving device in one dimming area of the plurality of dimming areas may be different from arrangements of driving devices in other dimming areas arranged in the same row or column as the one dimming area and adjacent to the one dimming area.

For example, one driving device of the plurality of driving devices may be arranged out of (i.e., outside) a virtual line defined by two driving devices closest to the one driving device.

Accordingly, an optical defect due to the plurality of driving devices may be prevented or suppressed.

The plurality of dimming blocks may emit light with at least different brightnesses. In other words, local dimming is implemented.

Each of the plurality of driving devices may apply a driving current to light sources included in at least two dimming blocks.

Accordingly, the number of the plurality of driving devices may be reduced, and furthermore, an optical defect due to the plurality of driving devices may be reduced as well.

One driving device of the plurality of driving devices may be arranged in a dimming area defined by one dimming block of the at least two dimming blocks.

In this case, a dimming area where the driving device is arranged and a dimming area where the one driving device is not arranged may be alternately arranged.

Furthermore, an arrangement of a driving device in a driving area defined by the at least two dimming blocks may be different from arrangements of driving devices in other driving areas adjacent to the driving area.

A dimming driver may be further included on a second surface of the substrate to provide a dimming signal to the plurality of driving devices.

Accordingly, efficient wiring between the dimming driver and a control assembly/power assembly may be possible.

The dimming driver may provide the dimming signal to the plurality of driving devices in an active matrix scheme.

For example, the plurality of driving devices may be arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and the dimming driver may provide a scan signal to driving devices arranged in one of the plurality of rows and provide the dimming signal to driving devices arranged in the plurality of columns.

Accordingly, the number of pins for the dimming driver to provide a dimming signal to a plurality of driving devices is reduced.

The at least one light source may include an LED directly contacting wiring on the substrate and an optical dome covering the LED. The LED has a DBR formed on a surface from which light is emitted.

Accordingly, the LED may emit more intense light in a lateral direction than in the perpendicular direction.

Claim 1:
A display device (<NUM>) comprising:
a liquid crystal panel;
a plurality of light sources (<NUM>) configured to emit light;
a substrate comprising a plurality of driving areas (<NUM>) on a first side of the substrate, each driving area (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the plurality of driving areas (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of dimming blocks (<NUM>), and each dimming block of the plurality of dimming blocks (<NUM>) comprising at least one light source of the plurality of light sources (<NUM>); and
a plurality of driving devices (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) on the first side of the substrate, each driving device of the plurality of driving devices (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) being provided in one respective driving area (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the plurality of driving areas (<NUM>) and being configured to control a driving current of the at least one light source in each dimming block in the respective driving area (<NUM>-<NUM>),
wherein a first driving device (<NUM>) of the plurality of driving devices (<NUM>) is disposed at a first position in a first driving area (<NUM>) of the plurality of driving areas (<NUM>),
wherein a second driving device (<NUM>) of the plurality of driving devices (<NUM>) is disposed at a second position in a second driving area (<NUM>) of the plurality of driving areas (<NUM>),
wherein a third driving device (<NUM>) of the plurality of driving devices (<NUM>) is disposed at a third position in a third driving area (<NUM>) of the plurality of driving areas,
wherein the second driving area (<NUM>) is adjacent to the first driving area (<NUM>) in row direction, and
the third driving area (<NUM>) is adjacent to the first driving area (<NUM>) in column direction,
wherein
the first position and the third position are located in relatively different areas of the first driving area (<NUM>) and the third driving area (<NUM>), respectively,
and characterised in that:
the first position and the second position are located in relatively different areas of the first driving area (<NUM>) and the second driving area (<NUM>), respectively.