JP2000267614A - Display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to simultaneously control a plurality of the brightness and current values of plural light source parts varied in luminance according to the current values to the same value by providing a display device with these light source parts and current control parts of the same number as the number of the light source parts for controlling the current values of the light source and an operating section for simultaneously operating a plurality of the current control parts. SOLUTION: This display device has LEDs 2 to 8 which are the light source parts, variable resistors 11 to 17 which are the current control parts connected in series to the LEDs 2 to 8 and an operating knob as an operating section for simultaneously changing the resistance values thereof. Since, when the adjusting knob is operated, an interlocking device 18 moves, and when the interlocking device 18 moves, the variable resistors 11 to 17 respectively attain the same resistance value and move, the LEDs 2 to 8 are lighted with the same luminance. The variable resistors 11 to 17 changed to the same resistance value through the interlocking device 18 are respectively connected in series to the LEDs 2 to 8, by which the respective LEDs have the same luminance regardless of the number of the LEDs to be lighted even if the luminance of the respective LEDs is changed by operating the operating knob communicating with the interlocking device 18.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display device for displaying symbols and figures by using a plurality of light emitting elements or light emitting diodes (LEDs) or light bulbs whose luminance changes according to a current value.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a display device using a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) or light bulbs as light source units, light source units are arranged in a line, and all light source units arranged from one side to a predetermined position are turned on. There are display devices that display bar graphs, and display devices that display characters and figures by turning on or off a plurality of light source units arranged in a grid.

In particular, when displaying numerical values, a 7-segment LED composed of 7-segment LEDs is often used, and a display device having a plurality of 7-segment LEDs can display a numerical value of a plurality of digits.

[0004] 7-segment LED as a conventional display device
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a display device using the.

[0005] In FIG.
3 indicates LEDs 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 5
A number from 0 to 9 can be expressed by using seven segment LEDs of 0 and turning on several segment LEDs at the same time.

[0006] By the way, LEDs and light bulbs have a large luminance when the current value is large, and have a small luminance when the current value is small.

Here, when displaying using the LED,
When the luminance is high, it is easy to see, but when the luminance is low, power consumption can be reduced, so that power can be saved.

A plurality of LEDs such as a 7-segment LED
Is used as a single component, it is desirable that the luminance of each LED be the same regardless of the number of LEDs to be turned on.

For this purpose, in the conventional display device, as shown in FIG. 5, a resistor 51 is connected in series to the LED 44, and similarly, the LEDs 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 and 50 are connected.
, The resistors 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 5
7 were connected in series.

By operating the switch 58, the LE
D44 can be turned on or off, and similarly, by operating switches 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, LEDs 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 can be turned on or off, respectively. .

Here, the battery 65 is a power source for lighting the LED.

Therefore, the resistors 51, 52, 53, 5
By adjusting the resistance values of 4, 55, 56, and 57, the segment LED 4
4, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, and 50 can represent numbers with the same luminance.

[0013] In addition, in the case of a single LED, the actual value is 3-2395.
As disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 3 (1999), a variable resistor in which a fixed resistor and a variable resistor are connected in series to a light emitting element, and the brightness is adjusted by operating the variable resistor from the light emitting surface of the light emitting element. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a conventional LED with a variable resistor.

In FIG. 6, an LED main body 6 with a variable resistor
Reference numeral 6 denotes an LED 67 which is a light emitter, a fixed resistor 68 and a variable resistor 69 connected in series to the LED 67, and an adjustment knob 70 attached to the variable resistor 69.

By operating the adjustment knob 68, the resistance value of the variable resistor 69 is changed.
Since the value of the current flowing through the pixel changes, the luminance changes.

The LED main body 66 with a variable resistor shown in FIG.
When used for the LEDs 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, the LED 4 is operated by operating the adjustment knob 70.
The brightness of 4, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 can be individually adjusted.

[0017]

However, the conventional 7
In order to obtain the optimum brightness according to the use environment such as external light or installation location, or to reduce power consumption, a resistor inserted in series with each segment LED constituting the 7-segment LED is used. The vessel needs to be replaced.

Here, in order to replace the resistor, a space for installing the resistor is required in advance. To simplify the replacement work, a larger space for installing the resistor is required.

If the use environment cannot be specified at the time of design, the optimum brightness changes according to the use environment, and the chance of changing the resistor increases.

Here, the LEDs 44, 45, 46, 4 in FIG.
L with variable resistor shown in FIG.
When the ED is used, the brightness of each LED can be changed according to the use environment, and the mounting location of the resistor inside the display device can be reduced.
The adjustment knobs 70 provided independently on 6, 47, 48, 49 and 50 must be operated so that all the LEDs have the same brightness.

[0021]

For this purpose, in the display device of the present invention, for each light source unit such as an LED or a light bulb,
The display device is provided with a current control unit for each light source, and the current control units can be operated simultaneously in conjunction with each other.

The current control section is a variable resistor connected in series to each light source section so that a plurality of variable resistors can be operated simultaneously in conjunction with each other.

Further, in a display device including a plurality of light source units, for example, a 7-segment LED and a level meter,
A current control unit is provided inside the display device main body to control the current value of the light source unit and to control the brightness, and by further providing an operation unit that simultaneously controls a plurality of current control units, the brightness and the current value of the light source unit are controlled. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a current control unit in addition to the display device, and it is possible to simultaneously adjust the brightness and the current value for a plurality of light source units by operating the operation unit.

Further, information for specifying a current value corresponding to the operation stop position of the operation unit controlled by the current control unit, and information of the light source unit corresponding to the operation stop position of the operation unit controlled by the current control unit By providing a guide display unit that displays at least one of the information specifying the brightness value as the control information and the operation stop position, the control information includes the current value controlled by the current control unit and the current control. Display using a numerical value on the guide display unit, or the same value as control information using the resistance value when using a variable resistor in the unit, the brightness value of the light source unit according to the current value controlled by the current control unit, etc. By performing the display using the same symbols as above and setting the operation stop position of the operation unit to the desired display position of the guide display unit, it is possible to obtain the desired brightness and current value of the light source unit.

In the position where the operation of the operation unit is stopped,
By providing a guide display unit indicating the brightness of the light source unit controlled by the current control unit by the operation, information indicating the brightness of the light source unit, the current value controlled by the current control unit, the current control unit When a variable resistor is used, the brightness value of the light source unit according to the current value controlled by the current control unit is expressed numerically, or the same value is expressed using the same symbol, etc. Is displayed on the guide display unit, and the operation stop position of the operation unit is set to the desired display position of the guide display unit, whereby the luminance and the current value of the light source unit can be set as desired.

[0026]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS According to a first aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of light source units whose brightness changes according to a current value, and the same number of current control units as the number of the light source units for controlling a current value of the light source unit. And a control unit for simultaneously operating a plurality of the current control units, wherein the plurality of current control units change simultaneously by operating the operation unit, and the brightness of the plurality of light source units similarly changes. I do.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the display according to the first aspect, the current control section is constituted by a variable resistor, and the operation section changes a plurality of resistance values of the variable resistor simultaneously. Since the device is capable of operating a plurality of variable resistors at the same time, the brightness of the plurality of light source units similarly changes.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light emitting unit comprising the plurality of light source units and the plurality of current control units, and the operation unit is provided on a display surface of the light emitting unit. The display device according to 1 or 2, wherein the operation unit is disposed from the display surface side even if the degree of integration is increased by arranging circuit elements closely around the display device or a cover is provided other than the display surface. The plurality of light source units provided in the light emitting unit can be operated to change to the same luminance, and the operation can be performed while looking at the display surface.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of light emitting sections each including the plurality of light source sections and the plurality of current control sections are arranged side by side, and the operation section is provided around the light emitting section. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting units are provided on surfaces where the light emitting units do not face each other, and the light emitting units are arranged on other light emitting units even if a plurality of light emitting units are arranged closely or close to each other. The invention according to claim 5, wherein the operation of changing the luminance of the plurality of light source units provided in the light emitting unit can be performed without obstructing the operation of the provided operation unit. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a guide display unit that indicates the brightness of the light source unit controlled by the current control unit by the operation at the position where the operation unit is operated. At the stopped position, the current control unit By providing a guide display unit indicating the brightness of the light source unit controlled, a current value controlled by a current control unit, which is information indicating the brightness of the light source unit, and a variable resistor is used for the current control unit. The resistance value at the time, the brightness value of the light source unit according to the current value controlled by the current control unit is represented by a numerical value, or the same value is represented by the same symbol and displayed on the guide display unit. By setting the operation stop position of the operation unit to the desired display position of the guide display unit, it is possible to obtain the desired brightness or current value of the light source unit.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

(Embodiment 1) First, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seven-segment LED according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a display device using the seven-segment LED according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, 7-segment LED main body 1
Is a 7-segment LED with the same characteristics, LE
D2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

An adjustment knob 9 is provided on the side surface of the 7-segment LED main body 1. By operating the adjustment knob 9, the variable resistor 11 shown in FIG.
12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 can be operated in conjunction.

A terminal for connecting a power supply and a switch is provided on the back side of the 7-segment LED main body 1 not shown in FIG.

Here, the variable resistors 11, 12, 13, 1
4, 15, 16, 17 are LEDs 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, and 8 are connected in series, but are provided in a portion (not shown) inside the 7-segment LED main body 1.

A guide display 10 for displaying control information of the current control unit corresponding to the operation stop position of the adjustment knob 9 is provided above the adjustment knob 9.

Here, the guide display 10 is used as control information.
The current value and the brightness of the LED 2 with respect to the standard voltage value are shown in units of display as display examples, but the numerical values are omitted.

The variable resistor 11 is a resistor for controlling the value of the current flowing through the LED 2. When the resistance value of the variable resistor 11 increases, the current value decreases, so that the brightness of the LED 2 decreases.
Conversely, if the resistance value is reduced, the current value will increase.
Brightness increases.

Similarly, the variable resistor 12 indicates the current value flowing through the LED 3, the variable resistor 13 indicates the current value flowing through the LED 4, the variable resistor 14 indicates the current value flowing through the LED 5, and the variable resistor 15 indicates the current value flowing through the LED 6. Set the value to variable resistor 1
6 is a current value flowing through the LED 7, and the variable resistor 17 is
The current value flowing through D8 is controlled respectively.

The interlocking device 18 includes variable resistors 11, 12,
13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 are devices that are simultaneously moved so as to have the same resistance value, and operate by operating the adjustment knob 9.

Here, the interlocking device 18 includes the variable resistor 1
In the case where a variable resistor that changes the resistance value by moving the operation axis to the left, right, 1, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 is used. By arranging the adjustment knobs 9 and fixing the adjustment knobs 9 to the operation axes of all the variable resistors, operating the adjustment knobs 9 so that each variable resistor has the same resistance value at the same time. Can be.

As another example of the interlocking device, a variable resistor that changes the resistance value by rotating an operation shaft is used.
Each variable resistor is configured such that each operation axis is the same and one operation axis, and the operation knob 9 is fixed to the same and one operation axis, and the operation knob 9 is rotated to thereby obtain each variable resistor. A variable resistor can be used so as to have the same resistance value at the same time, or the operating shafts of a plurality of variable resistors are simultaneously moved by means of transmitting a force such as a gear, a thread or a chain. May be.

The switch 19 is a switch for turning on or off the LED 2.
Lights up, and LED2 goes out when operated to the off side.

Similarly, the switch 20 operates the LED 3, the switch 21 operates the LED 4, the switch 22 operates the LED 5, the switch 23 operates the LED 6, the switch 24 operates the LED 7, the switch 25 operates the LED 8, and turns the LED 8 on or off. It is a switch that turns on or off with.

The battery 26 is a power supply for supplying power.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the current value of the LED and the brightness, showing the relationship between the current value flowing through the LED 2 and the brightness, and the current value flowing through the LEDs 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. It also shows the relationship between and luminance.

When expressing numbers using the 7-segment LED body 1, the LEDs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Are turned on in combination with each other. The relationship between the current value and the luminance is as shown in the characteristic diagram of FIG. 3. When the variable resistor 11 is operated to increase the resistance value, the current flowing through the LED 2 also decreases, so that the luminance decreases. Become smaller.

Conversely, when the variable resistor 11 is operated so as to reduce the resistance value, the current value flowing through the LED 2 increases, so that the luminance increases.

Since the LEDs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 have the same characteristics as shown in the characteristic diagram of FIG. 3, the variable resistors 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 are respectively set. Assuming the same resistance value, LEDs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8 lights up with the same brightness.

Therefore, when the adjusting knob 9 is operated, the interlocking device 18 moves, and when the interlocking device 18 moves, the variable resistors 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 move with the same resistance value. LED2,3,4,
5, 6, 7, and 8 are lit with the same luminance.

Further, the variable resistors 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 1, which change to the same resistance value through the interlocking device 18,
By arranging 6, 17 in series with LEDs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, respectively, even if the operation knob 9 connected to the interlocking device 18 is operated to change the brightness of each LED, it lights. Each LED has the same brightness regardless of the number of LEDs.

The switches 19, 20, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,
Although the operation of the switch 25 is not particularly described, it is assumed that the operation is performed so that a desired numerical value can be displayed on the 7-segment LED main body 1.

When the segment LEDs constituting the 7-segment LED main body 1 have different colors, light-emitting areas, and shapes, for example, and therefore have different current values for obtaining the same luminance, when the adjustment knob 9 is operated, L
The resistance may be adjusted by operating the variable resistor or by a variable amount of the resistance value or by a fixed resistor connected in series to the variable resistor so that the EDs have the same luminance, LED even when the interlocking device 18 is operated
Variable resistors 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 are set to current values at which 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 have the same luminance.
Can be set.

When operating the 7-segment LED main body 1 to a desired brightness or current value, the guide display 1
Set the control knob 9 to the position indicated by 0 to LE
D2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 brightness or current value
It is possible to set without using a luminance meter, an ammeter, etc. each time.

In particular, when a plurality of digits are displayed by using a plurality of 7-segment LED main bodies 1, a simple operation of adjusting the adjustment knob 9 to the same display position of the guide display 10 of the 7-segment LED main body 1 used for each digit is performed. The brightness of a plurality of digits becomes the same, and it becomes easy to see.

The variable resistors 11, 12, 13, 14,.
15, 16, 17 and interlocking device 18 are 7-segment LE
To be provided inside the D main body 1, LE is turned on or off to display a numerical value inside the 7-segment LED1.
In addition to D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8 and D8, there is a portion that is not lit because the light emitting element is not originally present.

As long as the display of the LEDs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 is not prevented, the variable resistors 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
16, 17 and the interlocking device 18 can also be provided.

Although the guide display 10 displays the luminance and the current value obtained based on the characteristic diagram shown in FIG. 3, the luminance display or the current value alone may be displayed, or the luminance and the current may be indirectly displayed. Variable resistors 11, 12, 13, 14, representing values
Any one of 15, 16, and 17 may be displayed.

Further, the control information displayed on the guide display 10 displays not only numerical values but also symbols corresponding to brightness and current value, and the operation unit is operated at the same symbol position of the guide display on a plurality of display devices. Thus, the brightness and the current value of a plurality of display devices may be set to the same value.

The values to be displayed on the guide display 10 may not be based on the characteristic diagram shown in FIG. 3, but may be values obtained by actually measuring the items to be displayed in advance.

It is to be noted that the brightness may be adjusted by operating the operation knob 9 while measuring the brightness of the lit LED without providing the guide display 10.

In FIG. 1, the adjustment knob 9 and the guide display 10 are provided on the right side of the 7-segment LED main body 1. However, the adjustment knob 9 and the guide display 10 are provided at other places (for example, the display surface or the back surface of the display surface). The adjustment knob 9 and the guide display 10 may be provided as a set.

For example, when assembling the 7-segment LED main body 1 into another apparatus, the 7-segment LED main body 1 is often installed so that the display surface of the 7-segment LED main body 1 faces the outside. At this time, the operation knob 9 and the guide display 10 are displayed. By providing it on a surface, luminance and the like can be operated from the outside, and the luminance value and the current value can be changed even after being incorporated in another device.

An adjustment knob 9 and a guide display 10 are provided on the back side of the display surface of the 7-segment LED main body 1.
May be provided and a hole through which the guide display 10 can be viewed may be provided. Alternatively, a hole through which only the adjustment knob 9 can be operated is formed in the substrate by considering the substrate as a display device, and a guide display is provided on the substrate around the hole. 10 may be provided.

(Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the display device shown in FIG.
Four 7-segment LEDs 7, 28, 29 and 30 are arranged side by side, and numerical values are displayed. .

As the LED main bodies 27, 28, 29, and 30, for example, the seven-segment LED main body 1 shown in the first embodiment can be used, but the operation knob 9 shown in the first embodiment can be used.
Operation guides 31, 32, 33, and 3
4 and guide indications 35, 36, 37, 38 as LE
The D main bodies 27, 28, 29, 30 are provided on the front side surfaces that do not face each other.

Therefore, the operation knobs 31, 32, 33,
When operating the LED 34, the LED main bodies 27, 28, 29,
30 do not hinder each other's operation.

Here, the operation knob 31 and the guide display 35 are provided on the LED body 27, and similarly, the operation knob 32 and the guide display 36 are provided on the LED body 28, the operation knob 33 and the guide display 337 are provided on the LED body 29, and the operation knob 34 is provided. And the guide display 38 are provided on the LED body 30.

The variable resistor is provided inside the 7-segment LED, and the display content is controlled by a control board or switch not shown in FIG.

On the display surfaces of the LED main bodies 27, 28, 29, and 30, numerical values are displayed on display sections 39, 40, 41, and 42 composed of seven segment LEDs. In the figure, the white outline indicates the turning off of the LED, and the black solid indicates the turning on of the LED.

Therefore, in FIG. 4, the display 39 displays the numerical value “1”, and the display 40, the display 41, and the display 42 display “2”, “3”, and “4”, respectively. 4
The four LED bodies 27, 28, 29, and 30 form a four-digit "12
34 "is displayed.

At this time, the operation knobs 31, 32, 33,
By operating the LED 34 at the same position indicated by the guide displays 35, 36, 37, 38, the LED main bodies 27, 28, 29, 3
Each segment LED provided at 0 can be adjusted to the same brightness.

In the guide displays 35, 36, 37, and 38, the same symbol is displayed according to the brightness or the current value without directly describing the brightness or the current value.

The display device is not limited to a 7-segment LED, but may be a level meter that displays a plurality of LEDs or light bulbs as light sources on a straight line to indicate the size by the length of a lighting portion, or displays symbols and figures by arranging them in a grid. Or a display that combines a plurality of light sources having different shapes.
By providing a current limiting unit that limits the brightness of each light source and an operating unit that simultaneously operates the power limiting unit so as to have the same brightness, each light source can be operated at the same brightness at the same time. By providing the unit, it is easy to maintain the same brightness when operating the operation unit.

[0079]

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of current control units using a variable resistor or the like provided on a display device are controlled simultaneously by operating an operation unit serving as an adjustment knob through an interlocking device. Therefore, the brightness and the current value of the light source unit can be simultaneously controlled to the same value.

By providing the operation section on the display surface of the display device, the luminance of the display device can be kept the same even if the degree of integration of circuits arranged around the display device is increased or a cover is provided other than the display surface. Can be operated.

Further, since a guide display section for displaying control information such as brightness and current value is provided around the operation section, the guide display section does not need to be measured every time control information such as brightness and current value is changed. By operating the operation unit at a predetermined position to be displayed, the brightness and the current value of the plurality of light source units can be set to desired values.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a seven-segment L according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
Perspective view of display device using ED

FIG. 2 shows a 7-segment L according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Block diagram of display device using ED

FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship between an LED current value and luminance.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a display device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a display device using a conventional 7-segment LED.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a conventional LED with a variable resistor.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 7-segment LED main body 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 LED 9 Adjustment knob 10 Guide display 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 Variable resistor 18 Interlocking device 27, 28, 29, 30 LED 31, 32, 33, 34 Operation knob 35, 36, 37, 38 Guide display

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5C080 AA07 BB02 CC01 DD03 EE28 FF03 FF08 JJ01 JJ03 JJ05 JJ06 5C094 AA07 AA56 BA23 CA14 DA20 FA10 5C096 AA05 BA04 BC19 CC06 CC12 CC22 CC29 DC03 DC20 DD02

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of light source units whose brightness changes according to a current value, a current control unit having the same number as the light source units for controlling a current value of the light source unit, and an operation unit for simultaneously operating a plurality of the current control units. A display device comprising: 2. The current control section comprises a variable resistor,
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit changes a plurality of resistance values of the variable resistor at the same time. 3. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a light emitting unit including the plurality of light source units and the plurality of current control units, wherein the operation unit is provided on a display surface of the light emitting unit. 4. A light emitting unit comprising a plurality of light source units and a plurality of current control units are arranged side by side, and the operation unit is a surface around the light emitting unit, and the light emitting units are mutually connected. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is provided on a surface that does not face each other. 5. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a guide display unit at a position where the operation of the operation unit is stopped, the guide display unit indicating the brightness of the light source unit controlled by the current control unit by the operation. Display device.