JP2011221553A - Brightness controlling device and brightness controlling method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a brightness controlling device and a brightness controlling method in order to improve brightness control.SOLUTION: A light source brightness controlling device contains: generating means to generate a primary brightness controlling signal for integrally controlling the brightness of multiple light sources for a display panel in accordance with a image signal, and a secondary brightness controlling signal for separately controlling the brightness of each light source contained in the multiple light sources in accordance with the image signal; and brightness controlling means to control the brightness of the multiple light sources based on the primary and the secondary brightness controlling signals.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a backlight brightness control technique.

  A liquid crystal display device such as a digital TV is configured such that a backlight provided on the back of a liquid crystal panel illuminates the liquid crystal. The backlight uses a CCFL fluorescent tube or a plurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights as a light source. For a backlight using an LED as a light source, area luminance control is also known in which the luminance of each LED light constituting the backlight is controlled in units of a predetermined number of LED lights according to a video signal.

JP 2009-204825 A

  There is known an overall brightness control for uniformly controlling the brightness of a plurality of LED lights constituting a backlight according to a video signal. Further, area luminance control is also known in which the luminance of each LED light constituting the backlight is controlled in units of a predetermined number of LED lights according to the video signal.

  The area luminance control is expected to have higher image quality and lower power consumption than the overall luminance control. For example, there are cases where the area luminance control is not suitable, and improvement of the luminance control is desired.

  The light source luminance control device according to the embodiment generates a first luminance control signal for collectively controlling the luminances of a plurality of light sources corresponding to the display panel according to the video signal, and according to the video signal, Based on the first and second luminance control signals, generation means for generating a second luminance control signal for dividing and controlling the luminance of each light source included in the plurality of light sources, the luminance of the plurality of light sources is determined. Brightness control means for controlling.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the video display apparatus of 1st-4th embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the some light source block which comprises a backlight, and the some division | segmentation display area corresponding to a liquid crystal panel (video display area). It is a figure which shows an example of area brightness control according to an input video signal. It is a figure which shows an example of the white sphere image | video which moves in a dark background. It is a figure which shows an example of the area brightness | luminance control corresponding to the white ball image shown to FIG. 4A. It is a figure which shows an example of the white bulb | ball image to which the area brightness control shown to FIG. 4B is applied. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the brightness | luminance control of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the brightness | luminance control of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the brightness | luminance control of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the brightness | luminance control of 4th Embodiment.

  The first to fourth embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4 are common views of the first to fourth embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a video display device. As shown in FIG. 1, the video display device includes a setting input module 1, a main control module 2, a video analysis module 3, a luminance control module 41, a video signal processing module 42, a video display module 6, and a brightness sensor 7. Yes. The video display module 6 includes a backlight 61 and a liquid crystal panel 62. The luminance control module 41 and the video signal processing module 42 may be configured by an LSI (Large Scale Integrated circuit) 4.

  For example, the setting input module 1 notifies the main control module 2 of input information from the user. The setting input module 1 may be a remote controller, for example. The brightness sensor 7 detects the ambient illuminance, and notifies the main control module 2 of the detected ambient illuminance value.

  The main control module 2 sets various conditions based on the input information from the setting input module 1. Further, the main control module 2 notifies the brightness control module 41 of the ambient illuminance detection value from the brightness sensor 7. The brightness control module 41 can control the brightness of the backlight 61 based on the detected ambient illuminance value. Further, the main control module 2 can detect the type of the input video signal input via HDMI based on the control signal input via HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), and can detect the input video type. The result can be notified to the luminance control module 41. The luminance control module 41 can control the luminance of the backlight 61 based on the type detection result. The luminance control based on the ambient illuminance detection value and the luminance control based on the type detection result will be described in detail later.

  The video analysis module 3 can analyze the input video signal and detect whether the input video signal is movie content. For example, the video analysis module 3 can generate a density histogram based on the input video signal and detect whether the video based on the input video signal includes a black belt based on the density histogram. The video analysis module 3 can determine the input video signal as movie content based on the black band detection. Alternatively, the video analysis module 3 can detect the format of the input video signal and detect whether the input video signal is movie content based on the detected format. For example, the video analysis module 3 can determine the input video signal as movie content based on the detection of the 2-3 pull-down format or the 24P format. The 2-3 pull-down format is a format obtained by converting (pull-down) a video recorded at 24 frames per second such as a movie film into a video signal of 30 frames (60 fields) per second. The 24P format is a format of progressive scanning at 24 frames per second.

  The video display module 6 includes a backlight 61 and a liquid crystal panel 62. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a plurality of light source blocks 6101 to 6112 constituting the backlight 61 and a plurality of divided display areas 6201 to 6212 corresponding to the liquid crystal panel 62 (video display area). A case where the luminance control of the first to fourth embodiments is applied to the backlight 61 called the edge light system or the side light system as shown in FIG. 2 will be described. Note that the luminance control of the first to fourth embodiments can also be applied to, for example, a direct type backlight.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the backlight 61 includes a plurality of light source blocks 6101 to 6112. The light source block 6101 includes one or more light sources (LED lights). The light source blocks 6102 to 6112 have the same configuration.

  In addition, a video display area corresponding to the liquid crystal panel 62 is configured, and the video display area is configured by a plurality of divided display areas 6201 to 6212.

  Light emitted from one or more light sources constituting the light source block 6101 is incident on the light guide plate corresponding to the divided display area 6201, and the incident light repeats surface reflection by the light guide plate and spreads uniformly on the light guide plate. The light emitted from the inside illuminates the divided display area 6201. That is, light emitted from one or more light sources constituting the light source block 6101 illuminates the divided display area 6201 almost uniformly. Similarly, light emitted from one or more light sources constituting the light source blocks 6102 to 6112 illuminates the divided display areas 6202 to 6212 almost uniformly.

  The brightness control module 41 controls the overall brightness for collectively controlling the brightness of a plurality of light sources corresponding to a video display area (a plurality of divided display areas 6201 to 6212) according to an input video signal (global dimming control). A signal (first luminance control signal) is generated, and the luminance of a plurality of light sources can be collectively controlled based on the overall luminance control signal. For example, the luminance control module 41 calculates a black area ratio in one-screen video generated based on the input video signal, and generates an overall luminance control signal according to the black area ratio. In other words, the luminance control module 41 generates an overall luminance control signal based on the average luminance calculated from the input video signal. When the black area ratio in the image of one screen is high (when the average luminance is low), the luminance control module 41 generates an overall luminance control signal for controlling the luminance of the plurality of light sources to low luminance, and vice versa. On the other hand, when the black area ratio in the image of one screen is low (when the average luminance is high), an overall luminance control signal for controlling the luminance of the plurality of light sources to high luminance is generated.

  Alternatively, the brightness control module 41 can generate an overall brightness control signal in accordance with the input video signal and the ambient illuminance detection value, and collectively control the brightness of a plurality of light sources based on the overall brightness control signal. For example, the luminance control module 41 calculates a black area ratio in one-screen video generated based on the input video signal, and generates an overall luminance control signal according to the black area ratio and the ambient illuminance detection value. In addition to luminance control according to the black area ratio, the luminance control module 41 generates an overall luminance control signal for controlling the luminance of a plurality of light sources to low luminance when the ambient illuminance is low (when dark). On the contrary, when the ambient illuminance is high (bright), an overall luminance control signal for controlling the luminance of the plurality of light sources to high luminance is generated.

  As described above, the brightness control module 41 can collectively control the brightness of a plurality of light sources based on the overall brightness control signal. In other words, the brightness control module 41 can uniformly control the brightness of the video display area corresponding to the liquid crystal panel 62. A method for collectively controlling the luminances of a plurality of light sources as described above is referred to as overall luminance control.

  The luminance control module 41 generates an area luminance control signal (second luminance control signal) for dividing and controlling the luminance of each light source in units of the light source blocks 6101 to 6112 according to the input video signal. The luminance of each light source can be divided and controlled in units of light source blocks 6101 to 6112 based on the area luminance control signal (see FIG. 3). For example, the luminance control module 41 detects a bright part and a dark part in a one-screen video generated based on the input video signal, and generates an area luminance control signal according to the brightness detection result. In other words, the luminance control module 41 detects the average luminance of each partial video displayed in the divided display areas 6201 to 6212 and generates an area luminance control signal based on the average luminance of each partial video. In other words, the luminance control module 41 is an area for controlling the luminance of the light source in the divided display area corresponding to the bright partial video to high luminance and controlling the luminance of the light source in the divided display area corresponding to the dark partial video to low luminance. A brightness control signal is generated.

  Alternatively, the luminance control module 41 generates an area luminance control signal according to the input video signal and the ambient illuminance detection value, and divides the luminance of each light source in units of the light source blocks 6101 to 6112 based on the area luminance control signal. Can be controlled. For example, the luminance control module 41 detects a bright part and a dark part in the video of one screen based on the input video signal, and generates an area luminance control signal according to the light / dark detection result and the ambient illuminance detection value. In addition to the area brightness control according to the brightness detection result, the brightness control module 41 generates an area brightness control signal for controlling the brightness of the plurality of light sources to a low brightness when the ambient illuminance is low (when dark). Conversely, when the ambient illuminance is high (when bright), an area luminance control signal for controlling the luminance of the plurality of light sources to high luminance is generated.

  As described above, the luminance control module 41 can divide and control the luminance of each light source in units of the light source blocks 6101 to 6112 based on the area luminance control signal. In other words, the brightness control module 41 can individually control the brightness of a plurality of divided display areas corresponding to the liquid crystal panel 62. A method of dividing and controlling the luminance of each light source in units of the light source blocks 6101 to 6112 as described above is referred to as area luminance control. Further, the diffusion filter 41 diffuses the brightness of each of the divided display areas 6202 to 6212 and smoothes the difference in brightness between the divided display areas 6202 to 6212 (see FIG. 3).

  In addition, the luminance control module 41 can control the luminance of each light source by simultaneously using, for example, the overall luminance control and the area luminance control described above. That is, the luminance control module 41 variably controls the overall luminance control ratio from 0% to 100% according to the situation (for example, according to the characteristics of the input video signal), and in response to this, the area luminance control is controlled. The ratio is variably controlled from 100% to 0%, a corrected luminance control signal corresponding to these variable controls is generated, and the luminance of a plurality of light sources constituting the backlight 61 can be controlled based on the corrected luminance control signal.

  Also, the luminance control module 41 gradually changes the overall luminance control ratio and the area luminance control ratio according to the situation, and sets the overall luminance control ratio and the area luminance control ratio to the target ratio. You can also. For example, when the ratio of overall brightness control is set to 60% and the ratio of area brightness control is set to 40%, the brightness control module 41 gradually changes the ratio of overall brightness control from 50% to 60%, Correspondingly, the area luminance control ratio is changed from 50% to 40%. Alternatively, the luminance control module 41 gradually changes the overall luminance control ratio from 0% to 60%, and correspondingly changes the area luminance control ratio from 100% to 40%. Alternatively, the luminance control module 41 gradually changes the overall luminance control ratio from 100% to 60%, and correspondingly changes the area luminance control ratio from 0% to 40%.

  As described above, the luminance control module 41 can simultaneously use the above-described overall luminance control and area luminance control, for example, or can selectively use the overall luminance control and area luminance control according to time. For example, the luminance control module 41 controls the luminance of each light source by overall luminance control or area luminance control in a first time zone (first timing), and in a second time zone (second timing), The brightness of each light source can be controlled by area brightness control or overall brightness control. For example, the luminance control module 41 can control the luminance of each light source by overall luminance control corresponding to reproduction of movie content, and can control the luminance of each light source by area luminance control corresponding to reproduction of non-movie content. it can.

  The video signal processing module 42 applies various processes to the input video signal and corrects the input video signal based on, for example, the spread state of light by the diffusion filter. The display module 6 displays an image based on the corrected video signal by illumination of the backlight 61 whose luminance is controlled by the luminance control module 41.

  The area luminance control described above can be expected to save power depending on the number of divisions and the division pattern. On the other hand, there are cases where area brightness control is not suitable. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a white sphere image moving in a dark background, FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of area luminance control corresponding to the white sphere image illustrated in FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the white bulb | ball image to which the area luminance control shown in FIG.

  For example, corresponding to the white sphere shown in state 1 in FIG. 4A, the light source corresponding to the divided display area 6201 is controlled to the first luminance (high luminance) as shown in state 1 in FIG. The light sources corresponding to 6207 and 6208 are controlled to the second luminance lower than the first luminance, and the light sources corresponding to the divided display areas 6203 and 6209 are controlled to the third luminance lower than the second luminance, and the divided display area. The light sources corresponding to 6204 and 6210 are controlled to a fourth brightness lower than the third brightness, and the light sources corresponding to the divided display areas 6205, 6206, 6211 and 6212 are controlled to a fifth brightness lower than the fourth brightness. The As a result, a screen display as shown in state 1 in FIG. 4C is output.

  Subsequently, corresponding to the white sphere shown in state 2 in FIG. 4A, the light source corresponding to the divided display area 6202 is controlled to the first luminance (high luminance) as shown in state 2 in FIG. , 6203, 6207, 6208, and 6209 are controlled to the second luminance lower than the first luminance, and the light sources corresponding to the divided display areas 6204 and 6210 are controlled to the third luminance lower than the second luminance. The light sources corresponding to the divided display areas 6205 and 6211 are controlled to the fourth luminance lower than the third luminance, and the light sources corresponding to the divided display areas 6206 and 6212 are controlled to the fifth luminance lower than the fourth luminance. Is done. As a result, a screen display as shown in state 2 in FIG. 4C is output.

  Subsequently, in correspondence with the white sphere shown in state 3 of FIG. 4A, the light sources corresponding to the divided display areas 6203 and 6209 are controlled to the first luminance (high luminance) as shown in state 3 of FIG. The light sources corresponding to the areas 6202, 6204, 6208, and 6210 are controlled to the second luminance lower than the first luminance, and the light sources corresponding to the divided display areas 6201, 6205, 6207, and 6211 are lower than the second luminance. And the light source corresponding to the divided display areas 6206 and 6212 is controlled to a fourth brightness lower than the third brightness. As a result, a screen display as shown in state 3 in FIG. 4C is output.

  As described above, the light source corresponding to the divided display area including the white sphere is controlled to have high luminance, and the light source corresponding to the divided display area adjacent to the divided display area including the white sphere is also controlled to relatively high luminance. On the other hand, the light source corresponding to the divided display area far from the white sphere is controlled to have low luminance.

  For example, if the above-mentioned white ball moving image is one scene of movie content, and black bands are inserted above and below the image corresponding to this movie content, the luminance of the black band portion becomes uneven by the above-described area luminance control. May be. For example, when the upper black band is displayed across the divided display areas 6201 to 6206 and the lower black band is displayed across the divided display areas 6207 to 6212, the luminance of the black band corresponding to the movement of the white sphere. Will change. That is, a part of the black belt displayed in the divided display area including the white sphere becomes bright, and a part of the black belt displayed in the divided display area far from the white sphere becomes dark. As described above, the brightness of the black belt that has not changed in the image changes due to the influence of the area luminance control in accordance with the movement of the white sphere, and the image may become unnatural.

  By the backlight luminance control shown in the first to fourth embodiments described below, it is possible to reduce the problem that the image becomes unnatural as described above.

(First embodiment)
The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of luminance control according to the first embodiment.

  When the video corresponding to the input video signal includes a black band, the black band is arranged above and below the video. That is, the position of the black belt can be predicted to some extent. For example, the video analysis module 3 generates a density histogram of a black band prediction area (a band-like area above and below the video) based on the input video signal (ST501), and the video based on the input video signal based on the density histogram shows a black band. Whether it is included or not is detected (ST502). The video analysis module 3 generates a density histogram based on the input video signal without considering the black band prediction area, and detects whether the video based on the input video signal includes a black band based on the density histogram. You can also.

  When the video does not include a black band (ST502, NO), the luminance control module 41 executes area luminance control based on the detection result of no black band from the video analysis module 3 (ST503). That is, the luminance control module 41 controls the luminance of the light source of the backlight 61 based on the area luminance control signal. Alternatively, the luminance control module 41 sets the area luminance control ratio higher than the overall luminance control ratio based on the detection result of no black belt from the video analysis module 3, and uses the area luminance control and the entire luminance control together. That is, the brightness control module 41 generates an area brightness control signal for area brightness control corresponding to the input video signal, and generates an overall brightness control signal for overall brightness control corresponding to the input video signal. Then, a corrected luminance control signal is generated such that the luminance control ratio by the area luminance control signal is higher than the luminance control ratio by the overall luminance control signal, and the luminance of the light source of the backlight 61 is controlled based on the corrected luminance control signal. . Thereby, for example, the luminance of each light source is controlled strongly depending on the average luminance of each partial video displayed in the divided display areas 6201 to 6212, and conversely, the whole video displayed in the entire video display area is controlled. The brightness of each light source is controlled depending on the average brightness. For example, when the average brightness of a partial video becomes high, the brightness of each light source in the divided display area corresponding to this partial video is controlled to be high. The luminance change amount of each light source corresponding to the image is suppressed to be small.

  If the video does not include a black band, the video (black band) is not unnaturally displayed by area luminance control. For this reason, when the video does not include a black belt, the effect of area luminance control can be enhanced, the effect of overall luminance control can be reduced, and luminance control according to the video signal can be prioritized to improve image quality.

  If the video includes a black belt (ST502, YES), the luminance control module 41 determines that the content is a movie content based on the detection result of the presence of the black belt from the video analysis module 3 (ST504), and executes overall luminance control. (ST505). That is, the brightness control module 41 controls the brightness of the light source of the backlight 61 based on the overall brightness control signal. Alternatively, the luminance control module 41 sets the overall luminance control ratio higher than the area luminance control ratio based on the detection result of the presence of the black band from the video analysis module 3, and uses the overall luminance control and the area luminance control together. That is, the brightness control module 41 generates an overall brightness control signal for overall brightness control corresponding to the input video signal, and generates an area brightness control signal for area brightness control corresponding to the input video signal. Then, a corrected luminance control signal is generated such that the luminance control ratio by the overall luminance control signal is higher than the luminance control ratio by the area luminance control signal, and the luminance of the light source of the backlight 61 is controlled based on the corrected luminance control signal. . Thereby, for example, the luminance of each light source is controlled to be weakly dependent on the average luminance of each partial video displayed in the divided display areas 6201 to 6212, and conversely, the whole video displayed in the entire video display area is controlled. The luminance of each light source is controlled strongly depending on the average luminance. For example, when the average brightness of the entire video increases, the brightness of each light source corresponding to the entire video is also controlled to be high, but even if the average brightness of the partial video changes greatly, the division corresponding to this partial video is performed. The luminance change amount of each light source in the display area is suppressed to be small.

  If the video includes a black band, the video (black band) may be displayed unnaturally by area luminance control. For this reason, when the image includes a black belt, the effect of the overall luminance control can be enhanced, the effect of the area luminance control can be reduced, the luminance can be controlled so that the malfunction is not noticeable, and the deterioration of the image quality can be prevented. .

  Note that the brightness control module 41 immediately switches to area brightness control or overall brightness control based on the detection result of the absence or presence of a black belt, or immediately sets the overall brightness control ratio higher than the area brightness control ratio. Alternatively, the overall brightness control ratio and the area brightness control ratio can be gradually changed to set the overall brightness control ratio and the area brightness control ratio to the target ratio.

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of luminance control according to the second embodiment.

  When the video corresponding to the input video signal is movie content, the video format of the input video signal is, for example, a 24P format or a 2-3 pull-down format. The video analysis module 3 can detect the video format of the input video signal. When it is detected that the video format of the input video signal is neither the 24P format nor the 2-3 pull-down format (ST601, NO) (ST602, NO), the luminance control module 41 executes area luminance control ( ST603). That is, the luminance control module 41 controls the luminance of the light source of the backlight 61 based on the area luminance control signal. Alternatively, the brightness control module 41 sets the area brightness control ratio higher than the overall brightness control ratio, and uses the area brightness control and the overall brightness control together. That is, the brightness control module 41 generates an area brightness control signal for area brightness control corresponding to the input video signal, and generates an overall brightness control signal for overall brightness control corresponding to the input video signal. Then, a corrected luminance control signal is generated such that the luminance control ratio by the area luminance control signal is higher than the luminance control ratio by the overall luminance control signal, and the luminance of the light source of the backlight 61 is controlled based on the corrected luminance control signal. .

  If the video is not movie content, the video is unlikely to contain a black belt. Therefore, an image (black band) is not unnaturally displayed by area luminance control. For this reason, when the video is not movie content, the effect of area luminance control can be enhanced, the effect of overall luminance control can be reduced, and luminance control according to the video signal can be prioritized to improve image quality.

  When the video format of the input video signal is 24P format or 2-3 pull-down format (ST601, YES) (ST603, YES), the luminance control module 41 determines that the input video signal is movie content (ST604). Then, overall brightness control is executed (ST605). That is, the brightness control module 41 controls the brightness of the light source of the backlight 61 based on the overall brightness control signal. Alternatively, the brightness control module 41 sets the overall brightness control ratio higher than the area brightness control ratio, and uses the overall brightness control and the area brightness control together. That is, the brightness control module 41 generates an overall brightness control signal for overall brightness control corresponding to the input video signal, and generates an area brightness control signal for area brightness control corresponding to the input video signal. Then, a corrected luminance control signal is generated such that the luminance control ratio by the overall luminance control signal is higher than the luminance control ratio by the area luminance control signal, and the luminance of the light source of the backlight 61 is controlled based on the corrected luminance control signal. .

  If the video is movie content, the video is likely to contain a black belt. Therefore, an image (black band) may be displayed unnaturally by area luminance control. For this reason, when the video is a movie content, the effect of the overall brightness control can be enhanced, the effect of the area brightness control can be reduced, the brightness can be controlled so that the malfunction is not noticeable, and the deterioration of the image quality can be prevented. .

  The luminance control module 41 may immediately switch to area luminance control or overall luminance control based on the video format detection result, or may immediately set the overall luminance control ratio higher than the area luminance control ratio. Alternatively, the overall brightness control ratio and the area brightness control ratio can be gradually changed to set the overall brightness control ratio and the area brightness control ratio as target ratios.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of luminance control according to the third embodiment.

  When the video display device shown in FIG. 1 is connected to a video playback device via HDMI, the type of the input video signal can be detected based on a control signal provided together with the video signal via HDMI. When the main control module 2 determines that the type of the input video signal is other than movie content based on the HDMI control signal (NO in ST701), the brightness control module 41 performs area brightness control based on the determination result of the non-movie content. Execute (ST703). That is, the luminance control module 41 controls the luminance of the light source of the backlight 61 based on the area luminance control signal. Alternatively, the brightness control module 41 sets the area brightness control ratio higher than the overall brightness control ratio, and uses the area brightness control and the overall brightness control together. That is, the brightness control module 41 generates an area brightness control signal for area brightness control corresponding to the input video signal, and generates an overall brightness control signal for overall brightness control corresponding to the input video signal. Then, a corrected luminance control signal is generated such that the luminance control ratio by the area luminance control signal is higher than the luminance control ratio by the overall luminance control signal, and the luminance of the light source of the backlight 61 is controlled based on the corrected luminance control signal. .

  If the video is not movie content, the video is unlikely to contain a black belt. Therefore, an image (black band) is not unnaturally displayed by area luminance control. For this reason, when the video is not movie content, the effect of area luminance control can be enhanced, the effect of overall luminance control can be reduced, and luminance control according to the video signal can be prioritized to improve image quality.

  When the main control module 2 determines that the type of the input video signal is movie content based on the HDMI control signal (ST701, NO), the luminance control module 41 executes overall luminance control based on the determination result of the movie content. (ST704) (ST705). That is, the brightness control module 41 controls the brightness of the light source of the backlight 61 based on the overall brightness control signal. Alternatively, the brightness control module 41 sets the overall brightness control ratio higher than the area brightness control ratio, and uses the overall brightness control and the area brightness control together. That is, the brightness control module 41 generates an overall brightness control signal for overall brightness control corresponding to the input video signal, and generates an area brightness control signal for area brightness control corresponding to the input video signal. Then, a corrected luminance control signal is generated such that the luminance control ratio by the overall luminance control signal is higher than the luminance control ratio by the area luminance control signal, and the luminance of the light source of the backlight 61 is controlled based on the corrected luminance control signal. .

  If the video is movie content, the video is likely to contain a black belt. Therefore, an image (black band) may be displayed unnaturally by area luminance control. For this reason, when the video is a movie content, the effect of the overall brightness control can be enhanced, the effect of the area brightness control can be reduced, the brightness can be controlled so that the malfunction is not noticeable, and the deterioration of the image quality can be prevented. .

  The luminance control module 41 may immediately switch to area luminance control or overall luminance control based on the detection result of the movie content, or may immediately set the overall luminance control ratio higher than the area luminance control ratio. Alternatively, the overall brightness control ratio and the area brightness control ratio can be gradually changed to set the overall brightness control ratio and the area brightness control ratio as target ratios.

  A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of luminance control according to the fourth embodiment.

  The video display device shown in FIG. 1 includes a brightness sensor 7. For example, the brightness sensor 7 can detect the illuminance around the display module 7 (ST801). If the main control module 2 determines that the ambient illuminance is bright based on the ambient illuminance detection value from the brightness sensor 7 (NO in ST802), the luminance control module 41 determines the area luminance based on the ambient illuminance determination result (bright). Control is executed (ST803). That is, the luminance control module 41 controls the luminance of the light source of the backlight 61 based on the area luminance control signal. Alternatively, the brightness control module 41 sets the area brightness control ratio higher than the overall brightness control ratio, and uses the area brightness control and the overall brightness control together. That is, the brightness control module 41 generates an area brightness control signal for area brightness control corresponding to the input video signal, and generates an overall brightness control signal for overall brightness control corresponding to the input video signal. Then, a corrected luminance control signal is generated such that the luminance control ratio by the area luminance control signal is higher than the luminance control ratio by the overall luminance control signal, and the luminance of the light source of the backlight 61 is controlled based on the corrected luminance control signal. . Thereby, for example, the video display device increases the overall brightness of the backlight 62 by the overall brightness control based on the ambient illuminance determination result (bright), and the brightness in units of divided display areas by the area brightness control based on the input video signal. Can be controlled.

  If the ambient illuminance value is high (if the surroundings are bright), even if the image contains a black band and the luminance of the black band is not uniform due to area luminance control, the change in the luminance of the black band is human. It is difficult to understand with the eyes. Therefore, even if the luminance of the black belt portion is not uniform due to the area luminance control, it is not noticeable. For this reason, if the ambient illuminance value is high (if the surroundings are bright), the effect of area luminance control is enhanced, the effect of overall luminance control is reduced, and priority is given to luminance control according to the video signal, thereby improving image quality. it can.

  When the main control module 2 determines that the ambient illuminance is dark based on the ambient illuminance detection value from the brightness sensor 7 (for example, a low ambient illuminance detection value lower than the reference ambient illuminance value) (ST802, YES), the brightness control module 41 Performs overall luminance control based on the ambient illumination determination result (dark) (ST804). That is, the brightness control module 41 controls the brightness of the light source of the backlight 61 based on the overall brightness control signal. Alternatively, the brightness control module 41 sets the overall brightness control ratio higher than the area brightness control ratio, and uses the overall brightness control and the area brightness control together. That is, the brightness control module 41 generates an overall brightness control signal for overall brightness control corresponding to the input video signal, and generates an area brightness control signal for area brightness control corresponding to the input video signal. Then, a corrected luminance control signal is generated such that the luminance control ratio by the overall luminance control signal is higher than the luminance control ratio by the area luminance control signal, and the luminance of the light source of the backlight 61 is controlled based on the corrected luminance control signal. . Thereby, for example, the video display device reduces the brightness of the backlight 62 by the overall brightness control based on the ambient illuminance determination result (dark), and the brightness in units of divided display areas by the area brightness control based on the input video signal. Can be controlled.

  If the ambient illuminance value is low (if the surroundings are dark), if the image contains a black band, and the luminance of the black band becomes uneven due to area luminance control, the luminance change of the black band will be But it becomes easy to understand. Therefore, when the luminance of the black belt portion becomes nonuniform due to the area luminance control, it is noticeable that the luminance of the black belt portion is nonuniform. For this reason, if the ambient illuminance value is low (if the surroundings are dark), the effect of overall brightness control is enhanced, the effect of area brightness control is reduced, and the non-uniform brightness of the black belt portion is not noticeable. The brightness can be controlled to prevent the image quality from deteriorating.

  The luminance control module 41 can also immediately switch to area luminance control or overall luminance control based on the ambient illuminance detection value, or immediately set the overall luminance control ratio higher than the area luminance control ratio, The area brightness control ratio can be set immediately higher than the overall brightness control ratio, or the overall brightness control ratio and the area brightness control ratio are gradually changed. It is also possible to set the control ratio to a target ratio.

  The video display devices according to the first to fourth embodiments described above control the backlight brightness only by overall brightness control or only area brightness control according to various conditions (characteristics of input video signals or environmental conditions). Thus, it is possible to control the brightness of the backlight or to use the overall brightness control and the area brightness control together. For example, the combined use of the overall brightness control and the area brightness control is to change the ratio between the overall brightness control and the area brightness control.

  As a result, in the situation where the image becomes unnatural when the backlight brightness is controlled only by area luminance control, the video display devices of the first to fourth embodiments described above make the image unnatural. Can be prevented. In addition, when the brightness of the backlight is controlled only by area brightness control, the area brightness control is completely stopped and the backlight brightness is controlled only by the overall brightness control in a situation where the image becomes unnatural. , Power consumption will increase. On the other hand, the video display devices of the first to fourth embodiments described above can use the overall luminance control and the area luminance control together, and the image becomes unnatural while suppressing the power consumption. Can be prevented.

  According to the first to fourth embodiments, it is possible to provide an image display device (light source luminance control device) and an image display method (light source luminance control method) excellent in light source luminance control.

  The module described above may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by software using a CPU or the like.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, the embodiments may be appropriately combined as much as possible, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some configuration requirements are deleted from all configuration requirements shown in the embodiment, if the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, the configuration in which this configuration requirement is deleted Can be extracted as an invention.

  The invention described in the scope of the original claims of the original application of the present application will be added below.

[1]
A light source block constituted by one or more light sources corresponds to a divided display area, and a video display area constituted by a plurality of light source blocks and a plurality of divided display areas corresponds, and the video display is performed according to a video signal. A first luminance control signal for collectively controlling the luminance of a plurality of light sources corresponding to an area is generated, and the luminance of each light source is divided and controlled in units of the light source block according to the video signal. Generating means for generating a second luminance control signal;
Brightness control means for controlling brightness of the plurality of light sources based on the first and second brightness control signals;
A light source luminance control device comprising:

[2]
The light source luminance control apparatus according to [1], wherein the luminance control unit variably controls a ratio between the collective control and the division control according to the video signal.

[3]
The light source luminance control apparatus according to [2], wherein the luminance control means makes the batch control ratio higher than the division control ratio in accordance with black band detection based on the video signal.

[4]
The light source luminance control apparatus according to [2], wherein the luminance control means sets the batch control ratio to be higher than the division control ratio in response to detection of movie content based on the video signal.

[5]
[2] The luminance control means makes the batch control ratio higher than the division control ratio in response to detection of movie content based on a control signal provided together with the video signal. Light source brightness control device.

[6]
The light source luminance control apparatus according to [1], wherein the luminance control unit variably controls a ratio between the collective control and the division control according to ambient illuminance.

[7]
The luminance control means, according to detection of a low ambient illuminance value lower than a reference ambient illuminance value, makes the batch control ratio higher than the division control ratio. apparatus.

[8]
A light source block constituted by one or more light sources corresponds to a divided display area, and a video display area constituted by a plurality of light source blocks and a plurality of divided display areas corresponds, and the video display is performed according to a video signal. A first luminance control signal for collectively controlling the luminance of a plurality of light sources corresponding to an area is generated, and the luminance of each light source is divided and controlled in units of the light source block according to the video signal. Generating a second brightness control signal;
A light source luminance control method for controlling luminance of the plurality of light sources based on the first and second luminance control signals.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Setting input module, 2 ... Main control module, 3 ... Video analysis module, 41 ... Luminance control module, 42 ... Video signal processing module, 6 ... Video display module, 7 ... Brightness sensor, 61 ... Backlight, 62 ... LCD panel

Claims (10)

A first luminance control signal for collectively controlling the luminance of a plurality of light sources corresponding to the display panel is generated according to the video signal, and each light source included in the plurality of light sources according to the video signal Generating means for generating a second brightness control signal for dividing and controlling the brightness of
Brightness control means for controlling the brightness of the plurality of light sources based on the first and second brightness control signals,
The luminance control unit is a light source luminance control device that controls the collective control and the division control according to a detection result of a sensor that detects an ambient environment.   The light source luminance control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the luminance control unit controls a ratio between the collective control and the division control in accordance with the detection result of the sensor.   The light source luminance control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the luminance control unit makes the batch control ratio higher than the division control ratio in accordance with the detection result of the sensor.   The light source luminance control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the luminance control unit sets the batch control ratio to be higher than the division control ratio based on a determination result that the detection result is dark.   The light source luminance control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the luminance control unit sets the ratio of the division control to be higher than the ratio of the collective control based on a determination result that the image is bright based on the detection result.   The light source luminance control device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a brightness sensor.   The light source luminance control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the luminance control unit gradually controls a ratio between the collective control and the division control according to the detection result of the sensor.   The light source luminance control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the sensor that detects an ambient environment.   The light source luminance control apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the display panel. A first luminance control signal for collectively controlling the luminance of a plurality of light sources corresponding to the display panel is generated according to the video signal, and each light source included in the plurality of light sources according to the video signal A second luminance control signal for dividing and controlling the luminance of
A light source luminance control method for controlling the collective control and the division control according to a detection result of a sensor for detecting an ambient environment, and controlling the luminances of the plurality of light sources based on the first and second luminance control signals. .

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