The present invention requires respectively on June 9th, 2004 and the korean patent application 10-2004-0042302 of submission on April 21st, 2005 and the right of priority of 10-2005-0033249, and the content of its disclosure is incorporated into this paper as a reference.
Embodiment
, can have more in depth the present invention and understand with reference to accompanying drawing and DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED by following.The present invention can multiple different form realize, and the present invention should not be limited to embodiment described here.In addition, specific embodiment mode described herein is in order to understand the present invention for a full due, and can know from experience aim of the present invention fully for the person of ordinary skill of the art.Identical drawing reference numeral is represented components identical in the instructions in the whole text.
With reference to Fig. 2 A, LCD comprises liquid crystal panel 100, gate drivers 200, data driver 300, reaches timing controller 400.
Liquid crystal panel 100 comprises and being arranged in rows and columns respectively and many gate lines G 1~Gn intersected with each other and many data line D1~Dn, a plurality of pixels of being connected to the control element M of many gate lines G 1~Gn and many data line D1~Dn and being connected to a plurality of control element M.A plurality of pixels can comprise first pixel groups and second pixel groups.First pixel groups and second pixel groups are alternately arranged mutually and are formed matrix pattern, and their arrangement can change according to more detailed description hereinafter.First pixel groups and second pixel groups, perhaps one or another comprise one or three pixels.For example, when pixel is used as the base unit of matrix pattern of first pixel groups or second pixel groups, first pixel groups is that the row and column sum of pixel ranks is one group of pixel of even number, and second pixel groups is that the row and column sum of pixel ranks is one group of pixel of odd number.Alternatively, the row and column sum that also may first pixel groups be the pixel ranks is that one group of pixel of odd number, the row and column sum that second pixel groups is the pixel ranks are one group of pixel of even number.
Each pixel comprises the control element M that is connected to many gate lines G 1~Gn and many data line D1~Dn, liquid crystal capacitor Clc that is connected with control element M and holding capacitor Cst.
Many the gate lines G 1 to Gn of aligning transmit signal to control element M, and many data line D1 to Dm are to the grayscale voltage of control element M transmission corresponding to data-signal.Each control element M is three terminal components, and its control end is connected on gate lines G 1~Gn, and input end is connected on data line D1~Dm, and output terminal is connected liquid crystal capacitor Clc or is connected on the holding capacitor Cst.Control element M can adopt metal oxide semiconductor transistor, in this metal oxide semiconductor transistor, amorphous silicon or polysilicon as channel layer to realize thin film transistor (TFT).Liquid crystal capacitor Clc can be connected between the output terminal and common electrode (not shown) of control element M, and holding capacitor Cst connects (separate cabling mode) between the output terminal and common electrode of control element M, maybe can be connected between among the output terminal of each control element M and the gate lines G 1~Gn.
Gate drivers 200 is connected to many gate lines G 1~Gn, and provides signal to many gate lines G 1~Gn.The combination that the grid turning-on voltage Von that provided by drive voltage controller 500 and grid are closed voltage Voff is provided signal.Data driver 300 is connected to many data line D1~Dm, and produces grayscale voltage so that the first data-signal Data1 and the second control signal Data2 that is produced by timing controller 400 to be provided to many data line D1-Dm.
Timing controller 400 receives R, G, the B signal from external image source (not shown) and has the first data-signal Data1 and the second data-signal Data2 of different gamma constants to data driver 300 transmissions.Here, the first data-signal Data1 is sent to the pixel that belongs to first pixel groups, and the second data-signal Data2 is sent to the pixel that belongs to second pixel groups.And timing controller 400 produces grid selection signal Gate CLK or CPV, vertical synchronization commencing signal STV and output permission signal OE and other signal that is used to control grid ON/OFF voltage Von/Voff, and they are offered gate drivers 200.
Describe in detail below from timing controller 400 outputs, the first data-signal Data1 of corresponding different gamma constants and the process of the second data-signal Data2.
Timing controller 400 receives the external image signal of first pixel groups and the first data-signal Data1 is outputed to data driver 300 from image source.Obtain the first data-signal Data1 so that its gamma curve conforms to the gamma curve of the first gamma constant γ 1 by the gamma characteristic that changes external image signal.Timing controller 400 also receives the external image signal of second pixel groups and the second data-signal Data2 is outputed to data driver 300 from image source.Obtain the second data-signal Data2 so that its gamma curve conforms to the second gamma constant γ, 2 gamma curves by the gamma characteristic that changes external image signal.Here, the first gamma constant γ 1 is different with the second gamma constant γ 2, and corresponds respectively to the first data-signal Data1 and the second data-signal Data2.Keep the constant of the first data-signal Data1 and the second data-signal Data2 irrelevant with predetermined period with the first gamma constant γ 1 and the second gamma constant γ 2.And the first data-signal Data1 is sent to the pixel that belongs to first pixel groups, and the second data-signal Data2 is sent to the pixel that belongs to second pixel groups.
And, when timing controller 400 output during, can change the gamma constant mutually to provide the identical cycle with the second data-signal Data1 to the first data-signal Data1 at every predetermined period corresponding to the first data-signal Data1 of different gamma constants and the second data-signal Data2.For example, in the period 1, timing controller 400 receives the external image signal for first pixel groups, and its gamma characteristic conversion meeting the gamma curve of the first gamma constant γ 1, and is exported it subsequently as the first data-signal Data1.In same period, timing controller 400 receives the external image signal for the image sets of second pixel groups, and its gamma characteristic conversion meeting the gamma curve of the second gamma constant γ 2, and is exported it subsequently as the second data-signal Data2.Then, in second round, timing controller 400 receive for the external image signal of first pixel groups and with its gamma characteristic conversion with the gamma curve that meets the second gamma constant γ 2 and subsequently it export as the first data-signal Data1, and timing controller 400 receptions for the external image signal of second pixel groups and with its gamma characteristic conversion with the gamma curve that meets the first gamma constant γ 1 and subsequently it is exported as the second data-signal Data2.Here, the period 1 may be identical with second round.For example, period 1 and second round can be a frame.
Utilize question blank (Look-Up Table; LUT) or calculating operation, the timing controller 400 exportable first data-signal Data1 and the second data-signal Data2 that alternately have the first gamma constant γ 1 and the second gamma constant γ 2.This question blank is stored in the internal memory of timing controller 400, for example, can be stored in the Nonvolatile memory devices such as ROM (ROM (read-only memory)).At this moment, under the situation of the structure that does not change liquid crystal panel 100, also can adjust the gamma constant.
Fig. 2 B is the block scheme according to the liquid crystal indicator of the embodiment of the invention.Shown in Fig. 2 B, independently memory storage 450 is connected on the timing controller 400 of storing queries table.At this moment, owing to can change or replace memory storage 450, therefore can use multiple question blank according to user's needs.In addition, when using new liquid crystal panel, can adopt new liquid crystal panel by only using best question blank.Here, memory storage 450 can use multiple memory storage apparatus; For example, memory storage 450 can use ROM, EEPROM (electricallyerasable ROM (EEROM)) or similar storer.
Shown in Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B, it shows in detail the front and the side gamma characteristic of liquid crystal indicator according to an embodiment of the invention.Fig. 3 A is the front gamma curve of liquid crystal indicator, and Fig. 3 B is the side gamma curve of liquid crystal indicator.Although the gamma characteristic curve shown in Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B describes with 256 grey levels of enumerating in scheming, the present invention is not limited thereto, also goes for using the liquid crystal indicator of 64 grey levels, 1024 grey levels or other grey level.
Between liquid crystal indicator brightness and grey level, set up following relation.
Wherein, γ is the gamma constant,
Similarly, γ power of standardized brightness and grey level is proportional.Therefore, the gamma curve shown in Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B is represented the exponential function relation between brightness and the grey level.
Shown in Fig. 3 A, the figure shows positive gamma curve, gamma curve F4 shows between the grey level of the gamma constant that uses in the common liquid crystal indicator (for example, 2.2,2.4 or 2.6 etc., hereinafter to be referred as standard gamma constant (γ normal)) and the brightness and concerns.Shown in Fig. 3 B, it shows the gamma curve of side, and gamma curve S4 use standard gamma constant γ shows the relation between grey level and the brightness.Gamma curve F4 shown in comparison diagram 3A and Fig. 3 B and gamma curve S4, when observing liquid crystal indicator from the side, in use between under common standard gamma constant (γ normal) situation in the grey level, can see that brightness significantly increases.When common liquid crystal indicator has good front visuality, but the significantly increase of lateral luminance can cause visual reduction.
In Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B, gamma curve F1 and gamma curve S1 observe the use first gamma constant γ 1 to top view and side, and gamma curve F2 and gamma curve S2 observe the use second gamma constant γ 2 to top view and side.Can limit the first gamma constant γ 1 and the second gamma constant γ 2, in fact the gamma curve F4 with application standard gamma constant γ normal is identical to make the gamma curve F1 of expression top view and the gamma curve F3 of gamma curve F2 mean flow rate.Gamma curve S3 represents the gamma curve S1 of side observation and the mean flow rate of gamma curve S2, and the luminance difference between its gamma curve S3 and the gamma curve F3 may be less than the luminance difference between gamma curve S4 and the gamma curve F3.
Describe the method that is used to limit the first gamma constant γ 1 and the second gamma constant γ 2 below in detail.As the second gamma constant γ 2 during less than the first gamma constant γ 1, shown in Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B, gamma curve F1, S1 are positioned at gamma curve F2, S2 below.In gamma curve F4, the S4 of application standard gamma constant γ normal, has significant difference at the gamma curve that hangs down the observation of grey level top view and side.In order to prevent that the first gamma constant γ 1 can be configured to multiple value according to grey level in the increase of the brightness of low grey level side observation.That is, in the low grey level, the first gamma constant γ 1 is set at low value, and is approximately zero at this interval luminance difference.
Suppose that in gamma curve F1 or S1 brightness is approximately zero maximum grey level and is made as critical grey level gray scale C, the first gamma constant γ 1 can change according to critical grey level.Preferentially, the first gamma constant γ 1 has bigger value in the period 1 than in second round.Here, period 1 subcritical grey level gray scale C and be higher than critical grey level gray scale C second round.If the first gamma constant γ 1 is not more than critical grey level gray scale C, they can be greater than 3.
As mentioned above, set the first gamma constant γ 1 and the second gamma constant γ 2, make according to the brightness of the first gamma γ 1 and average and basic identical according to the brightness of the second gamma constant γ 2, thereby top view and the side gamma characteristic difference between observing is minimized according to standard gamma constant γ normal brightness.Therefore, each pixel does not need to form a plurality of sub-pixels.
Fig. 4 shows the curve map of relation between user's range of vision and the effective PPI of liquid crystal indicator (pixel of per inch).Here, PPI represents the resolution capability of liquid crystal indicator; Especially, the quantity of representing the pixel of each inch formation.Usually, object is the closer to observer's eyes, and the object of seeing will be clear more, and this is because more information has arrived the retina of observer's eyes.The minimum distance that eyes can focus on is as near point or clear vision point, and produces maximum resolution characteristic at this point.For most of people, near point is about 30cm, and is 1/60 ° (0.0167 ° of ≈) at the angle resoluting ability of near point.People's eyes have maximum resolution capability near point.Object is when near point is near or far away, and the resolution capability of eyes descends.For at the object from 1.5 meters of eyes, the distance of the angle capacity of decomposition of eyes is 436 μ m.The corresponding resolution that is about the liquid crystal indicator of 58PPI between the pixel of 436 μ m.
Under timing controller 400 provides situation with the irrelevant first data-signal Data1 that corresponds respectively to the first gamma constant γ 1 and the second gamma constant γ 2 of predetermined frame and the second data-signal Data2, when liquid crystal panel 100 has the data-signal of different gamma constants by the demonstration of adjacent pixels group, in the high meticulous liquid crystal indicator of about 58PPI people's eyes imperceptible it the time, can realize having the image of improved side visibility.
Embodiments of the invention can be applied to any liquid crystal indicator.For the high precision liquid crystal indicator, except improving side visibility, also can prevent the coarse of image by the gamma constant that each predetermined period alternately changes corresponding to each data-signal.For example, timing controller 400 sends to data driver 300 with the frame of the first data-signal Data1 and the second data-signal Data2.The odd-numbered frame of the first data-signal Data1 has the first gamma constant γ 1 and its even frame has the second gamma constant γ 2.The odd-numbered frame of the second data-signal Data2 has the second gamma constant γ 2 and its even frame has the first gamma constant γ 1.By this way, can effectively suppress the generation of phosphere or striped, and improve contrast.Yet liquid crystal indicator is described to have the frame with different gamma constants according to an embodiment of the invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto, the cycle that it can use multiple mode to change to be used for the gamma constant to change.If the cycle is a plurality of frames, can produce phosphere or striped.Therefore, as long as can prevent this disadvantageous phenomenon, the period of change of gamma constant can change in several ways.For simplicity, utilize the embodiments of the invention of data-signal of the frame of different gamma constants to be described following with alternate.
In common liquid crystal indicator, wherein use coupling condenser to improve side visibility between pixel and the sub-pixel, because occupied very large tracts of land as the organic insulator of dielectric substance, its aspect ratio descends.On the contrary, in liquid crystal indicator according to the embodiment of the invention, owing to do not use coupling condenser, so can improve aspect ratio.In addition, in the liquid crystal indicator according to the embodiment of the invention, do not need to form independent sub-pixel in a pixel, therefore strengthened the overall brightness of liquid crystal indicator 100, the gamma characteristic that has compensated liquid crystal indicator 100 according to process variations changes.
Can represent frame by two dimensional surface X and Y.Here, X represents transverse axis, and Y represents Z-axis.It is the unit with the frame that the Z axle is represented time and Z value.Pixel is with X, Y, Z value representation.At this moment, by fixedly X and Y value and separate the number of times of opening pixel, predetermined frame is repeated pre-determined number simultaneously, limits duty ratio (duty rate) with this.For example, if the grayscale voltage level loading coefficient of locating data-signal in (1,1) is 1/2, then be opened at a frame interior pixel in 2 frames.Therefore, show multiple grayscale voltage level, can use Frame-rate Control (FRC) type liquid crystal indicator in order to use liquid crystal indicator; In Frame-rate Control type liquid crystal indicator, be provided with for the loading coefficient of each grayscale voltage level and open/close the frame of pixel according to these loading coefficients.Except the data-signal with different gamma constants was provided, the shake of pixel helped to produce the image that improves side visibility.
The data-signal of pixel groups of the liquid crystal panel of disclosed liquid crystal indicator according to the embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 8 B.
Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show the chart that applies the data-signal with different gamma constants to each pixel groups with the irrelevant liquid crystal indicator of frame.
Specifically, Fig. 5 shows first pixel groups and second pixel groups that is alternately arranged with each other into matrix pattern and is made up of R, G and B pixel.As shown in Figure 5, the first data-signal Data1 that will have the first gamma constant γ 1 offers the pixel of first pixel groups, the second data-signal Data2 that will have the second gamma constant γ 2 offers the pixel of second pixel groups, can exchange the position of first pixel groups and second pixel groups here.
Fig. 6 shows respectively to have a pixel and is alternately arranged with each other as the base unit of matrix pattern and forms first pixel groups and second pixel groups of matrix pattern.As shown in Figure 6, first pixel groups is that pixel row and column sum is one group of pixel of odd number, is one group of pixel of even number and second pixel groups is the row and column sum of pixel ranks.Can provide the first data-signal Data1 to the pixel that belongs to first pixel groups (for example, even number time row C2, C4, C6, the C8 pixel of odd number time row C1, the C3 of odd number time row R1, R3, C5, C7, C9 pixel and even number time row R2, R4) with first gamma constant γ 1.In addition, can provide the second data-signal Data2 to the pixel that belongs to second pixel groups (for example, even number time row C1, C3, C5, the C7 pixel of odd number time row C2, the C4 of odd number time row RI, R3, C6, C8 pixel and even number time row R2, R4) with second gamma constant γ 2.Can exchange the position of first pixel groups and second pixel groups here.
Fig. 7 A to Fig. 8 B shows the liquid crystal panel that provides the data-signal with different gamma constants for each predetermined frame.
Specifically, to show with a frame be the liquid crystal panel that the cycle provides data-signal for Fig. 7 A and Fig. 7 B.Fig. 7 A shows the data-signal and Fig. 7 B that offer odd number time frame and shows the data-signal that offers even number time frame.First pixel groups and second pixel groups are alternately arranged to form matrix pattern and to be made up of the pixel of R, G and B.
In the odd number time frame, shown in Fig. 7 A, provide the first data-signal Data1, and provide the second data-signal Data2 to the pixel that belongs to second pixel groups to the pixel that belongs to first pixel groups.
In the even number time frame, shown in Fig. 7 B, apply the second data-signal Data2, provide the first data-signal Data1 corresponding to the first gamma constant γ 1 to the pixel that belongs to second pixel groups corresponding to the second gamma constant γ 2 to the pixel that belongs to first pixel groups.
Here, can the translation data signal.
It is the liquid crystal panel that the cycle provides data-signal that Fig. 8 A and Fig. 8 B show with a frame.Fig. 8 A shows the data-signal that offers odd number time frame, and Fig. 8 B shows the data-signal that offers even number time frame.
Here, first pixel groups and second pixel groups are alternately arranged to form matrix pattern and to be made up of a pixel.
Shown in Fig. 8 A, in odd number time frame, provide the first data-signal Data1 to the pixel that belongs to first pixel groups (for example, even number time row C2, C4, C6, the C8 pixel of odd number time row C1, the C3 of odd number time row R1, R3, C5, C7, C9 pixel and even number time row R2, R4).In addition, provide the second data-signal Data2 to the pixel that belongs to second pixel groups (even number time row C1, C3, C5, the C7 pixel of odd number time row C2, the C4 of odd number time row R1, R3, C6, C8 pixel and even number time row R2, R4).
In the even number time frame, provide the first data-signal Data1 to the pixel that belongs to first pixel groups (that is, even number time row C2, C4, C6, the C8 pixel of odd number time row C 1, the C3 of odd number time row R1, R3, C5, C7, C9 pixel and even number time row R2, R4).In addition, provide the second data-signal Data2 to the pixel that belongs to second pixel groups (that is, even number time row C1, C3, C5, the C7 pixel of odd number time row C2, the C4 of odd number time row R1, R3, C6, C8 pixel and even number time row R2, R4).
Not needing provides data-signal corresponding to the gamma constant shown in Fig. 8 A to odd number time frame, and does not need to provide data-signal corresponding to the gamma constant shown in Fig. 8 B to even number time frame.Can provide data-signal to odd number time frame, and can provide data-signal to even number time frame corresponding to the gamma constant shown in Fig. 8 A corresponding to the gamma constant shown in Fig. 8 B.
When being cyclomorphosis gamma constant with a frame, embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto, as long as and prevent flash of light or striped, can use multiple mode to change the cycle.
The data-signal inversion driving that is applicable to according to the liquid crystal indicator of the embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to Fig. 9 A to Figure 10 B.For simplicity, utilize the liquid crystal panel shown in Fig. 8 A and Fig. 8 B that the data-signal inversion driving is described.Embodiments of the invention go for aforesaid have use first pixel groups that multiple mode arranges and the plurality of liquid crystals panel of second pixel groups.
Fig. 9 A and Fig. 9 B show an inversion driving signal.Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B show (1+2) some inversion driving signal.In Fig. 9 A to Figure 10 B, (+), (-) symbol show the polarity of each pixel.
Offer data-signal according to each pixel of liquid crystal indicator of the embodiment of the invention and be not limited to a reverse signal or (1+2) some reverse signal, and can use multiple inversion driving form.Preferentially, when this data-signal is some inversion driving signal, can suppresses to produce the generation of phosphere and improve contrast.
Figure 11 A and Figure 11 B are the views about variable quantity in the chromaticity coordinates of visual angle change (below be called colourity) according to the embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 A shows the colourity correlativity at visual angle in common vertical direction distributing type liquid crystal indicator, and Figure 11 B shows the colourity correlativity at visual angle in the liquid crystal indicator according to an embodiment of the invention.Here, the colourity of RGB color of (192,128,64) that curve A represents to have grey level, the colourity of RGB color of (217,172,144) that the colourity of RGB color of (64,192,128) that curve B represents to have grey level, curve C represent to have grey level.
Shown in Figure 11 A and Figure 11 B, in liquid crystal indicator according to the embodiment of the invention, alternately arrange first pixel groups that forms matrix pattern towards each other and provide first data-signal and second data-signal that corresponds respectively to different gamma constants with second pixel groups, thereby, reduce the colourity of side in a large number.
Drive above-mentioned liquid crystal indicator by the first data-signal Data1 and the second data-signal Data2 with different gamma constants.
Figure 12 is the liquid crystal indicator block scheme according to the embodiment of the invention.The picture quality of user's may command liquid crystal indicator.That is, by the identical or different picture quality of the gamma constant that makes the first data-signal Data1 and the second data-signal Data2 with the control liquid crystal indicator.
When only considering positive visual (below be called general modfel), the selection signal SS that makes first data-signal and second data-signal corresponding to identical gamma constant can be provided for timing controller 440.When only considering side visibility (below be called side strengthen pattern), the selection signal that makes the first data-signal Data1 and the second data-signal Data2 corresponding to different gamma constants is offered timing controller 400.
As mentioned above, when timing controller 400 received the selection signal SS of user's startup (user-initiated), it can provide the first data-signal Data1 and the second data-signal Data2 with identical gamma constant.For example, when the user utilizes remote controllers or similar device when timing controller 400 sends selection signal SS, timing controller 400 provides the first data-signal Data1 and the second data-signal Data2 that is suitable for general modfel or side reinforcement pattern, thereby adjusts the picture quality of liquid crystal indicator.
As mentioned above, select general modfel or side to strengthen pattern by selection signal SS from the outside; Can use other method realizes selecting.For example, according to select general modfel or side to strengthen pattern automatically from the kind of the external image signal (RGB) of external graphics source.Generally speaking, live image is considered side visibility and it is the factor of less consideration in rest image.Similarly, if show rest image, timing controller 400 is used general modfel.Yet, if during the show events image, timing controller 400 application side surface strengthening patterns.
Above-mentioned liquid crystal indicator according to the embodiment of the invention is not only applicable to vertical alignment mode, also applicable to the TN that needs the strengthened side visuality (twisted nematic) pattern.
As mentioned above, liquid crystal indicator according to the present invention offers adjacent pixels and offers with the predetermined frame by the data-signal that will have different gamma constants by the data-signal that will have different gamma constants is pixel of unit, can effectively improve visuality.
And, in liquid crystal indicator, do not need the group of independent sub-pixel, and improved aspect ratio, therefore the variation that has increased the overall brightness of liquid crystal panel 100 and compensated liquid crystal panel 100 gamma characteristics according to the embodiment of the invention.Particularly, when using organic insulator to form liquid crystal panel, can increase the brightness of liquid crystal panel effectively.
As mentioned above, be the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, be not limited to the present invention, for a person skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and variation.Within the spirit and principles in the present invention all, any modification of being done, be equal to replacement, improvement etc., all should be included within protection scope of the present invention.