JP2014052602A - Display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display device capable of centralizing control (brightness control, for example) of display states of a built-in display unit and an expanded display unit added as an expansion device.SOLUTION: A display device 100 includes a display unit 60 and a control unit 1 for controlling a display state of the display unit 60. The display device 100 further includes an expanded display unit 90 and a control signal output unit 80 for outputting a control signal for controlling a display state of the expanded display unit 90 on the basis of a signal from the control unit 1. The display states of the display unit 60 and the expanded display unit 90 are controlled through the control unit 1.

Description

  The present invention relates to a display device including a display unit and a control unit that controls a display state of the display unit.

  In recent years, with the increase in the amount of information handled, the spread of electronic devices having a plurality of displays is increasing.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a secondary display that can be stored and expanded according to usage conditions, a plurality of display terminals for connecting an external display, and a dual-mode GPU that outputs image data to each display. And a DVI port shared between the secondary display and the external display, and a computer that switches the demultiplexer according to a change in the usage state of the secondary display is disclosed.

  Further, Patent Document 2 includes a secondary display that can be stored and developed according to a usage state, a DVI terminal that can connect either an external display or an external computer, and a GPU. Discloses a computer in which a signal transmission path from the DVI terminal to the secondary display is formed when the secondary display shifts from the storage state to the unfolded state by selectively connecting the secondary display and the DVI terminal. Has been.

JP 2010-122538 A JP 2010-128068 A

  On the other hand, although a normal GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) has two or more display outputs, the built-in LCD drive output (LVDS, eDP, etc.) has only one system, and the rest are external displays such as VGA, DVI, etc. Output for For this reason, the built-in LCD can directly control brightness and the like from the GPU side, but the external output interface such as VGA and DVI does not have a terminal (signal) for backlight control, so the brightness and the like are controlled. For example, there is only a method of controlling on the display side by separately providing an external switch for control operation.

  However, the computers according to Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 cannot solve such a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a display device that includes a display unit and a control unit that controls the display state of the display unit. By adding a control signal output unit that outputs a control signal for controlling the display state of the other display unit based on a signal from the control unit, for example, a built-in display unit and an expansion device are added. It is an object of the present invention to provide a display device capable of unifying display state control (for example, luminance control) with an extended display unit in a control unit of the built-in display unit.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of mutual cooperation control and / or individual control in the display state control of the built-in display unit and the extended display unit.

  The display device according to the present invention is a display device including a display unit and a control unit that controls a display state of the display unit. The other display unit and the other display based on a signal from the control unit. And a control signal output unit that outputs a control signal for controlling the display state of the unit.

  In the present invention, the control signal output unit receives a signal from the control unit, and controls a display state of the other display unit (for example, brightness control) based on the received signal. Is output. Therefore, the display state of a plurality of display units can be controlled by one control unit.

  In the display device according to the present invention, the control signal output unit includes a first receiving unit that receives a plurality of signals of a predetermined level from the control unit, and the combination of the levels of the signals received by the first receiving unit. The control signal is output based on the control signal.

  In the present invention, when a plurality of signals of a predetermined level are received from the control unit via the first receiving unit, the control signal output unit determines the combination of the levels of the signals received by the first receiving unit. Based on this, the control signal is output to the other display unit.

  In the display device according to the present invention, the control signal output unit further includes a second receiving unit that receives, as the signal, an output control signal output by the control unit for controlling the display unit. The unit is configured to output the control signal based on the output control signal received.

  In the present invention, when the output control signal output by the control unit as the signal is received via the second receiving unit, the control signal output unit receives the output control received by the second receiving unit. Based on the signal, the control signal is output to the other display unit.

  In the display device according to the present invention, the control signal output unit further includes a third receiving unit that receives, as the signal, a synonymous output control signal that represents the same control content as the output control signal from the control unit. The third receiving unit is configured to output the control signal based on the synonymous output control signal received.

  In the present invention, when the synonymous output control signal is received from the control unit as the signal via the third receiving unit, the control signal output unit receives the synonymous output control received by the third receiving unit. Based on the signal, the control signal is output to the other display unit.

  In the display device according to the present invention, the control signal output unit receives an instruction signal from the control unit that the third receiving unit selects either the first receiving unit or the second receiving unit. A selection unit that selects the first reception unit or the second reception unit according to the instruction signal received by the third reception unit, and the first reception unit receives the selection based on a selection result of the selection unit. The control signal is configured to be output based on a combination of signal levels or an output control signal received by the second receiver.

  In the present invention, for example, when the instruction signal received by the third receiver is an instruction signal for selecting the first receiver, the first receiver is selected by the selector, and the first receiver The control signal is output to the other display unit based on a combination of signal levels received by one receiving unit. Further, when the instruction signal received by the third receiving unit is an instruction signal for selecting the second receiving unit, the second receiving unit is selected by the selecting unit, and the output received by the second receiving unit The control signal is output to the other display unit based on the control signal.

  According to the present invention, for example, control (for example, brightness control) of the display state of the built-in display unit (display unit) and the extended display unit (other display unit) added as the expansion device The control unit can be integrated.

  According to the present invention, in the control of the display states of the built-in display unit and the extended display unit, mutual cooperation control and / or individual control can be performed.

1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a relationship among a control unit, a display unit, and an extended display unit in the multifunction machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram conceptually showing a PWM control table stored in a control signal output unit in the multifunction machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating a relationship among a control unit, a display unit, and an extended display unit in a multifunction peripheral according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention is an example of a multifunction device having a plurality of types of functions and further having an external display unit (hereinafter referred to as an expanded display unit) as an expansion device. As will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a main configuration of a multifunction machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment.
The multifunction device 100 includes a control unit 1, an image input unit 10, an image processing unit 20, an image output unit 30, a transmission / reception unit 40, an operation panel 50, a display unit 60, a storage unit 70, and a control signal. An output unit 80 and an extended display unit 90 are provided.

  The image input unit 10 includes a light source for irradiating light to a reading document, an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD), and the like, and optically reads image data of the document. The image input unit 10 forms a reflected light image from a document placed at a predetermined reading position on the image sensor, and generates RGB (R: Red, G: Green, B: Blue) analog data. Output.

  For example, the image processing unit 20 generates digital image data based on analog data input from the image input unit 10, or reads out image data stored in the storage unit 70, and sets each image type. After performing the corresponding processing, image data to be output (printed) is generated. The output image data generated by the image processing unit 20 is output to the image output unit 30.

  The image output unit 30 prints an image based on the image data output from the image processing unit 20 on a recording medium such as recording paper or an OHP film. The image output unit 30 generates a electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum by emitting a laser beam in accordance with the photosensitive drum, a charger for charging the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential, and image data received from the outside. A laser writing device, a developing device for supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum for development, a transfer device for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum onto a recording medium, etc. For example, an image is output onto a recording medium by electrophotography.

  The transmission / reception unit 40 includes a network card, a modem, and the like for transmitting and receiving the document data to the outside. Through these, for example, the transmission / reception unit 40 receives predetermined data from the outside, and transmits the predetermined data to the outside.

  The operation panel 50 also includes a function button for switching various functions in the multifunction peripheral 100, a numeric keypad, a start key, a cancel key, an enter key for confirming an accepted instruction, and an image of a document read via the image input unit 10. An “output” key or a “copy” key for forming an image on a sheet-like recording medium is provided.

  Further, as will be described later, the operation panel 50 is configured to receive an instruction for controlling the display state (for example, luminance) of the display unit 60 and the extended display unit 90 from the user.

  The display unit 60 includes, for example, an LCD or an EL (Electroluminescence) panel, and displays an image to be output (printed) on a predetermined recording sheet via the image output unit 30. The display unit 60 also displays information to be notified to the user, such as confirmation of the state of the multifunction peripheral 100, the status of job processing, the image of the original read by the image input unit 10 and the operation content of the operation panel 50. To do.

  Further, the extended display unit 90 (other display units) has the same configuration as the display unit 60. However, the extended display unit 90 is expanded as necessary, and is not provided as a default.

  The storage unit 70 includes, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory, EEPROM (registered trademark), HDD, MRAM (magnetoresistance memory), FeRAM (ferroelectric memory), or OUM.

  The control unit 1 includes a CPU (not shown), a ROM (not shown), a RAM (not shown), and the like, and controls each hardware described above. That is, the CPU loads the control program stored in the ROM in advance on the RAM and executes it, thereby controlling the various hardware described above and operating the entire apparatus as the MFP 100 of the present invention.

  The control signal output unit 80 outputs a control signal for controlling the display state (for example, luminance) of the extended display unit 90 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 1.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the relationship between the control unit 1, the display unit 60, and the extended display unit 90 in the multifunction machine 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The control unit 1 includes an SOC (System On Chip) 11 and a Chipset 12. The control unit 1 is connected to the display unit 60 via an LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) receiver 62 and an LVDS transceiver 61. Further, the control unit 1 is connected to the extended display unit 90 via the control signal output unit 80.

  The SOC 11 has a function as a CPU and a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), and is directly connected to the display unit 60 to control a display state (for example, luminance) of the display unit 60. Is output.

  In addition, the SOC 11 is indirectly connected to the extended display unit 90 via the control signal output unit 80, and outputs a predetermined signal related to the control of the display state of the extended display unit 90 to the control signal output unit 80. .

  Hereinafter, as an example of display state control of the display unit 60 and the extended display unit 90, luminance control will be described as an example.

  On the other hand, the SOC 11 has output terminals 111, 112, and 113 that output to the display unit 60, and output terminals 114 and 115 that output signals related to control of the extended display unit 90.

  The SOC 11 outputs image data (LVDS) related to an image to be displayed on the display unit 60 to the LVDS receiver 62 via the output terminal 111, and outputs a clock signal related to the LVDS to the LVDS receiver 62 via the output terminal 112. To do.

  The LVDS receiver 62 is, for example, an interface that accepts input of large-capacity image data and transmits it to the display unit 60 at high speed. The image data and clock signal received by the LVDS receiver 62 are output to the LVDS transceiver 61.

  The LVDS transceiver 61 decodes the clock signal and image data input from the LVDS receiver 62 and outputs differential image data to the display unit 60.

  The display unit 60 displays a predetermined image based on the differential image data from the LVDS transceiver 61.

  Further, the SOC 11 outputs a signal for controlling the display state of the display unit 60 via the output terminal 113. Hereinafter, such a signal is referred to as an output control signal. The output control signal is, for example, a PWM control signal related to luminance control in the display unit 60.

  Further, the SOC 11 is connected to the display unit 60 by the data line A, and outputs the output control signal to the display unit 60 through the data line A. Further, the data line A is branched on the way, one is connected to the display unit 60, and the other is connected to the control signal output unit 80. That is, the control signal output unit 80 is also configured to receive the output control signal directly from the SOC 11.

  With such a configuration, for example, the output control signal output to the display unit 60 is also output to the extended display unit 90 via the control signal output unit 80, so that the display unit 60 and the extended display can be performed by a single operation. The display state (luminance) in the unit 90 can be controlled, and the luminance consistency in the display unit 60 and the extended display unit 90 can be easily secured.

  The SOC 11 is connected to the extended display unit 90 via the output terminal 114 using, for example, a DVI cable. The SOC 11 outputs image data (for example, RGB signal, DVI signal) related to an image to be displayed on the extended display unit 90 to the extended display unit 90 via the output terminal 114.

  On the other hand, the SOC 11 outputs an instruction signal related to control of the display state of the extended display unit 90 to the Chipset 12 via the output terminal 115. More specifically, the Chipset 12 outputs a plurality of specific signals to the control signal output unit 80 based on the instruction signal output from the SOC 11, and the control signal output unit 80 responds to the specific signals according to the specific signal. A PWM control signal for controlling the brightness of the signal is output.

  The Chipset 12 is, for example, a south bridge, and includes an input terminal 121 that receives the instruction signal from the SOC 11 and output terminals 122 to 126 that output a specific signal to the control signal output unit 80.

  That is, the Chipset 12 outputs a signal of a predetermined level to the control signal output unit 80 via each of the output terminals 122 to 125 based on the instruction signal from the SOC 11. The control signal output unit 80 outputs a PWM control signal to the extended display unit 90 based on signals output from the output terminals 122 to 125.

With such a configuration, in controlling the display state (luminance) of the extended display unit 90, there is no need to directly operate the extended display unit 90 separately, and operations related to the control of the display unit 60 and the extended display unit 90 are controlled by the control unit. It can be unified into 1.
Further, according to such a configuration, individual control of contents different from the display unit 60 can be performed in the control of the display state (luminance) of the extended display unit 90.

  Further, the Chipset 12 outputs to the control signal output unit 80 a synonymous output control signal that represents the same control content as the output control signal output from the SOC 11 to the display unit 60. That is, in response to the instruction signal from the SOC 11, the Chipset 12 outputs the synonymous output control signal to the control signal output unit 80 via the output terminal 126. At this time, the control signal output unit 80 outputs a PWM control signal for controlling the luminance of the extended display unit 90 based on the synonymous output control signal.

  Therefore, as described above, the control of the display unit 60 and the extended display unit 90 is unified, and the consistency of the display state (luminance) of the display unit 60 and the extended display unit 90 can be ensured.

  The control signal output unit 80 is, for example, a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and outputs a PWM control signal to the extended display unit 90 in order to control the luminance of the extended display unit 90.

  The control signal output unit 80 is connected to the data line A, and is connected to the input terminal 801 (second receiving unit) to which the output control signal is input via the data line A, and the output terminals 122 to 125 of the Chipset 12. An input terminal 802 (first receiving unit) to which an output signal of a predetermined level is input, and an input terminal 804 (third receiving unit) to which the synonymous output control signal output from the output terminal 126 of the Chipset 12 is input It has.

  When the output control signal is input via the input terminal 801, the control signal output unit 80 transmits a PWM control signal for controlling the luminance of the extended display unit 90 based on the output control signal via the output terminal 803. Output to the extended display unit 90.

  In addition, when a plurality of predetermined level signals are input from the Chipset 12 via the input terminal 802, the control signal output unit 80 is a PWM control signal that controls the luminance of the extended display unit 90 based on the combination of the levels of these signals. Is output to the extended display unit 90 via the output terminal 803.

  The control signal output unit 80 stores a PWM control table in which combinations of levels of signals received via the input terminal 802 are associated with PWM values (duty values (%)). FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram conceptually showing the PWM control table stored in the control signal output unit 80 in the multifunction machine 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  For example, when the signals output from the output terminals 122 to 125 of the Chipset 12 are PWM0 to PWM3, the combination of levels related to PWM0 to PWM3 should be output to the extended display unit 90 in the PWM control table. It is stored in association with the PWM value (duty value (%)).

  Therefore, when a plurality of predetermined level signals are input via the input terminal 802, the control signal output unit 80 refers to the PWM control table and expands and displays the PWM control signal corresponding to the combination of these signal levels. Output to the unit 90.

  Further, when the synonymous output control signal is input via the input terminal 804, the control signal output unit 80 outputs a PWM control signal for controlling the luminance of the extended display unit 90 based on the synonymous output control signal. The data is output to the extended display unit 90 via the terminal 803.

  On the other hand, image data (for example, RGB signal, DVI signal) output from the SOC 11 and related to the image to be displayed on the extended display unit 90 is output to the extended display unit 90 via the scaler IC 91.

  The scaler IC 91 receives the RGB signal and the DVI signal output from the SOC 11, converts them into image data (LVDS) related to an image to be displayed on the extended display unit 90, and a clock signal related to the LVDS, and expands the extended display unit Output to 90.

  Since the present invention has the configuration as described above, the problem that a processor such as a GPU is normally limited to control of one built-in display unit can be solved.

(Embodiment 2)
The multi-function device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has substantially the same configuration as that of the multi-function device 100 according to the first embodiment, but differs in the configuration of the control signal output unit 80.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the relationship between the control unit 1, the display unit 60, and the extended display unit 90 in the multifunction machine 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  The control unit 1 includes an SOC 11 and a Chipset 12. The control unit 1 is connected to the display unit 60 via the LVDS receiver 62 and the LVDS transceiver 61, and is connected to the extended display unit 90 via the control signal output unit 80. The SOC 11, the LVDS receiver 62, and the LVDS transceiver 61 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Further, the image data (for example, RGB signal, DVI signal) output from the SOC 11 and related to the image to be displayed on the extended display unit 90 is received and converted into image data (LVDS) and a clock signal related to the LVDS. A scaler IC 91 is further provided. The scaler IC 91 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  On the other hand, the Chipset 12 outputs an instruction signal for selecting either the input terminal 801 or the input terminal 802 of the control signal output unit 80 (hereinafter referred to as a selection instruction signal).

  For example, when the user controls the operation panel 50 as appropriate during luminance control of the display unit 60 and the extended display unit 90 and instructs matched luminance control, the instruction is accepted as an instruction to select the input terminal 801. The effect is instructed to the Chipset 12.

  On the other hand, when the user appropriately operates the operation panel 50 to instruct individual brightness control, the instruction is accepted as an instruction to select the input terminal 802, and this is instructed to the Chipset 12.

  In response to the instruction signal from the SOC 11, the Chipset 12 outputs the selection instruction signal to the control signal output unit 80 via the output terminal 126. The control signal output unit 80 selects the input terminal 801 or the input terminal 802 based on the selection instruction signal, and the PWM control signal for controlling the luminance of the extended display unit 90 based on the signal from the selected input terminal. Is output.

  The control signal output unit 80 is, for example, a CPLD, and outputs a PWM control signal to the extended display unit 90 in order to control the luminance of the extended display unit 90.

  The control signal output unit 80 is connected to the data line A, and is output from an input terminal 801 (second receiving unit) to which the output control signal is input via the data line A, and output terminals 122 to 125 of the Chipset 12. The input terminal 802 (first receiving unit) to which the signal of the predetermined level is input, and the input terminal 804 (third receiving unit) to which the selection instruction signal output from the output terminal 126 of the Chipset 12 is input. ing.

  Further, the control signal output unit 80 includes a selection unit 805 that selects the input terminal 801 or the input terminal 802 based on the selection instruction signal input via the input terminal 804. The control signal output unit 80 outputs a PWM control signal for controlling the luminance of the extended display unit 90 to the extended display unit 90 based on a signal input via the input terminal selected by the selection unit 805.

  For example, when the selection instruction signal input via the input terminal 804 is for selecting the input terminal 801, the selection unit 805 selects the input terminal 801. At this time, the control signal output unit 80 sends a PWM control signal for controlling the luminance of the extended display unit 90 to the extended display unit 90 through the output terminal 803 based on the output control signal input through the input terminal 801. Output. On the other hand, when a plurality of signals of a predetermined level are input via the input terminal 802, such signals are invalidated.

  If the selection instruction signal input via the input terminal 804 is for selecting the input terminal 802, the selection unit 805 selects the input terminal 802. When a plurality of signals of a predetermined level are input via the input terminal 802, the control signal output unit 80 refers to the PWM control table and sends the PWM control signal corresponding to the combination of these signal levels to the extended display unit 90. Output. On the other hand, when an output control signal is input via the input terminal 801, the signal is invalidated.

  As described above, the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the second embodiment selectively performs the matching control or the control for making them different as necessary in the luminance control in the display unit 60 and the extended display unit 90. be able to.

  The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control part 50 Operation panel 60 Display part 90 Extended display part 80 Control signal output part 100 Multifunction device 801 Input terminal 802 Input terminal 804 Input terminal 805 Selection part

Claims (5)

In a display device comprising a display unit and a control unit that controls the display state of the display unit,
With other displays,
And a control signal output unit that outputs a control signal for controlling a display state of the other display unit based on a signal from the control unit. The control signal output unit is
A first receiving unit for receiving a plurality of predetermined level signals from the control unit;
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the control signal is output based on a combination of levels of signals received by the first receiving unit. The control signal output unit is
A second receiving unit that receives the output control signal output by the control unit for controlling the display unit as the signal;
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the second receiving unit is configured to output the control signal based on an output control signal received. The control signal output unit is
A third receiver for receiving, as the signal, a synonymous output control signal representing the same control content as the output control signal from the controller;
The display device according to claim 3, wherein the control signal is output based on a synonymous output control signal received by the third receiving unit. The control signal output unit is
The third receiving unit receives an instruction signal to select either the first receiving unit or the second receiving unit from the control unit;
In accordance with an instruction signal received by the third receiving unit, a selection unit that selects the first receiving unit or the second receiving unit is provided.
Based on the selection result of the selection unit, the control signal is output based on a combination of levels of signals received by the first reception unit or an output control signal received by the second reception unit. The display device according to claim 4.

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