JP3462286B2 - Driving method of gas discharge type display device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for driving a gas discharge type display device used for displaying images on televisions, advertisement display boards and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A gas discharge type display device (so-called AC type plasma display panel) and its driving method are disclosed in JP-A-61-39341 and JP-B-62-31.
No. 775, etc. Hereinafter, a conventional gas discharge display device of this type and a driving method thereof will be described with reference to the drawings.

A partial plan view and a sectional view of a conventional AC type plasma display panel are shown in FIG. 11 and an electrode array diagram thereof is shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, a scan electrode group 2 and a sustain electrode group 3 are provided on a first glass substrate 1, and these electrode groups are covered with a first dielectric layer 4 and a protective film layer 5. Then, the data electrodes 8 are provided on the second glass substrate 7 so as to be orthogonal to the scan electrodes 2 and the sustain electrodes 3 with the discharge space 6 filled with the discharge gas interposed therebetween.
Furthermore, it is covered with a second dielectric layer 9. Further, for the purpose of color display, the phosphor 1 is formed on the surface of the second dielectric layer 9.
0 is attached. The electrode arrangement of this gas discharge display device forms a matrix as shown in FIG. 12, and M columns of data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DA are arranged in the column direction.
T _M are arranged, and N rows of scanning electrodes S are arranged in the row direction.
CN _{1 to} SCN _N and N rows of sustain electrodes SUS _{1 to} S
US _N are arranged.

Next, a conventional driving method in the gas discharge type display device having such a structure will be described. Figure 1
3 shows an example of a conventional drive timing chart. In FIG. 13, first, in a writing period, a predetermined data electrode DAT
A positive write pulse having a voltage of + Vw (V) is applied to A _{1 to} DATA _M , and a negative scan pulse having a voltage of −Vs (V) is applied to the _first scan electrode SCN ₁ to apply predetermined data electrodes. A write discharge is generated at the intersection of DATA _{1 to} DATA _M and the first scan electrode SCN ₁ . Next, a positive write pulse having a voltage of + Vw (V) is applied to the predetermined data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DATA _M , and a negative scan pulse having a voltage of −Vs (V) is applied to the second scan electrode SCN _2. Then, the predetermined data electrode DATA ₁
~ Write discharge is generated at the intersection of DATA _M and the second scan electrode SCN ₂ . The same operation is performed subsequently, and finally, the predetermined data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DAT are reached.
A positive write pulse whose voltage is + Vw (V) at A _M ,
A negative scan pulse having a voltage of −Vs (V) is applied to the Nth scan electrode SCN _N to generate a predetermined data electrode DAT.
A write discharge is generated at the intersection of A _{1 to} DATA _M and the Nth scan electrode SCN _N.

In the subsequent sustain period, all sustain electrodes S are
US _{1 to} SUS _N and all scan electrodes SCN _{1 to} SCN
_A negative sustain pulse having a voltage of −Vs (V) is alternately applied to _N , to start sustain discharge in the discharge cells where the write discharge has occurred, and thereafter while continuing to apply the sustain pulse, Continue sustaining discharge. In the subsequent erasing period, the voltage is −Vs on all the sustain electrodes SUS _{1 to} SUS _N.
A negative narrow erase pulse of (V) is applied to cause an erase discharge and stop the discharge.

Next, the above operation will be described in more detail based on the movement of wall charges in the discharge cell. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the conventional gas discharge display device. The states of the wall charges shown in (a) to (g) of FIG. 14 show the states after the pulse voltage described in (a) to (g) is applied. First, FIG. 14A shows the initial state before energization, and the inside of the discharge cell of the gas discharge type display device is in a state where there is no wall charge.

Next, after energization from this state, in the writing period, as shown in FIG. 14B, a positive writing pulse having a voltage of + Vw (V) is applied to the data electrode 8 and a voltage is applied to the scan electrode 2 of −. When a negative scan pulse of Vs (V) is applied, write discharge occurs at the intersection of the data electrode 8 and the scan electrode 2, and the dielectric layer 9 on the data electrode 8 is generated.
Negative wall charges are accumulated on the surface, and positive wall charges are accumulated on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scanning electrode 2.

In the subsequent sustain period, as shown in FIG. 14 (c), when a negative sustain pulse having a voltage of -Vs (V) is applied to sustain electrode 3, scan electrode 2 in FIG. 14 (b).
The voltage due to the positive wall charges accumulated on the surface of the upper protective film layer 5 is superposed on the voltage of the sustain pulse, so that the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 and the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3 are overlapped. Since it is applied during this period, a sustain discharge occurs during this period. As a result, negative wall charges are accumulated on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrodes 2 and positive wall charges are accumulated on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrodes 3.

Further, in the sustain period, as shown in FIG. 14 (d), when a negative sustain pulse having a voltage of −Vs (V) is applied to the scan electrode 2, this occurs in FIG. 14 (c). The voltage of the negative wall charges on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 accumulated by the sustain discharge and the voltage of the positive wall charges on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3 are the voltage of the sustain pulse. Since it is applied between the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 and the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3, the sustain discharge again occurs during this period. as a result,
Negative wall charges are accumulated on the surface of protective film layer 5 on sustain electrode 3, and positive wall charges are accumulated on the surface of protective film layer 5 on scan electrode 2.

Further, in the maintenance period, FIG.
As shown in (c), the voltage on the sustain electrode 3 is -Vs (V).
14D, the voltage due to the negative wall charges on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3 accumulated by the sustain discharge generated in FIG. The voltage due to the positive wall charges on the surface of the protective film layer 5 is applied between the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 and the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3 while being superimposed on the voltage of the sustain pulse. Therefore, the sustain discharge again occurs during this period. As a result, negative wall charges are accumulated on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrodes 2 and positive wall charges are accumulated on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrodes 3. Thus, during the maintenance period, FIG.
The sustain discharge of (d) is repeatedly performed, and the phosphor 10 is excited by the ultraviolet rays generated by these sustain discharges, whereby display light emission can be obtained.

When a negative narrow erase pulse having a voltage of -Vs (V) is applied to the sustain electrode 3 in the subsequent erase period as shown in FIG. 14 (e), it occurs in FIG. 14 (d). The voltage due to the negative wall charges on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrodes 3 accumulated by the sustain discharge and the voltage due to the positive wall charges on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrodes 2 are narrow erase pulses. Is applied between the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scanning electrode 2 and the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3 in superposition with the voltage of
During this time, discharge occurs. However, since this discharge is a short-time discharge by a narrow pulse, unlike the sustain discharge, the discharge ends midway. Therefore, if the width of the narrow erase pulse is optimally adjusted, the erase that neutralizes the wall charge on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3 and the wall charge on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 is performed. It will be discharged. After that, as long as the write discharge is not generated again, the sustain discharge does not occur even if the sustain pulse is applied, and the discharge stopped state is maintained. Here, FIG.
The wall charges remaining in (e) are smaller than the wall charges in FIG. 14 (b) because some of the wall charges disappear during the sustain period.

Then, again in the writing period, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (f), the voltage on the data electrode 8 is + Vw.
When a positive write pulse of (V) and a negative scan pulse of -Vs (V) are applied to the scan electrode 2, the surface of the dielectric layer 9 on the data electrode 8 and the scan electrode 2 are protected. Write discharge occurs between the surface of the film layer 5 and FIG.
In addition to the state where the wall charge shown in FIG. 2 remains, negative wall charge is further generated on the surface of the dielectric layer 9 on the data electrode 8.
Positive wall charges are accumulated on the surface of the upper protective film layer 5. Then, by repeating the series of operations shown in FIGS. 14F, 14C, 14D, and 14E in this manner, image display can be performed.

In the above-mentioned conventional example, the driving method for the gas discharge display device in which the data electrode group 8 shown in FIG. 11 is covered with the second dielectric layer 9 and the phosphor 10 is additionally provided will be described. However, the same driving method as described above is also operated in the gas discharge type display device in which the phosphor 10 is not provided in order to perform display by directly utilizing discharge light emission. Further, also in the gas discharge display device in which the second dielectric layer 9 is not provided and the entire surface of the data electrode group 8 is directly covered with the phosphor, the phosphor on the data electrode acts similarly to the dielectric layer. Therefore, it operates by the same driving method as above. Also,
Even in the gas discharge type display device in which both the second dielectric layer 9 and the phosphor 10 are absent and the data electrode group 8 is exposed in the discharge space 6, wall charges are not accumulated on the data electrode surface during the writing period. However, since wall charges equivalent to the above are accumulated on the surface of the protective film layer on the scan electrodes, the same driving method as described above is used.

[0014]

However, in the driving method of such a conventional gas discharge type display device, as shown in FIG.
In the operation of the writing period shown in (f), the writing discharge must be generated on the state where the wall charge remains after the erasing period shown in FIG. 14E, but the residual wall after the erasing period ends. Since the charges act in the direction of canceling the writing voltage, the writing discharge is less likely to occur as compared with the state of FIG. 14B, and even when the writing discharge occurs, the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 caused by the writing discharge. Since the difference between the wall charges of No. 2 and the wall charges on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrodes 3 becomes small and the sustain discharge becomes difficult to start, there is a problem that discharge cells that do not light up occur.

The initial state is such that the wall charges are offset as shown in FIG.
Negative wall charges are accumulated on the surface of the upper dielectric layer 9, and positive wall charges are accumulated on the surfaces of the protective film layer 5 on both electrodes of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, respectively. In this case, as is clear from the state of the wall charges, the write voltage is canceled in the above-described direction, so that neither the write discharge nor the sustain discharge is likely to occur. Therefore, until the wall charges shown in FIG. Discharge display operation is not performed. Therefore, there is a problem that the display rise time at the time of startup, that is, the time from when the power is supplied until the display is normally turned on becomes long.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method of driving a gas discharge type display device in which a rising time of display at the time of start-up is short and no non-lighted discharge cells are generated.

[0017]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of driving a gas discharge display device, wherein a write pulse is applied to a predetermined data electrode and a scan pulse is applied to a scan electrode group to scan a predetermined data electrode. A write period in which a write discharge is generated at the intersection with the electrode group, a sustain period in which a sustain pulse is applied to the sustain electrode group and the scan electrode group to continue the sustain discharge in the discharge cells where the write discharge occurs, and an erase pulse To
When applied, an erase discharge is generated to stop the sustain discharge.
And the write period, the sustain period and the erase period.
A series of operations in the last period are repeated to display an image, and an initialization pulse having a polarity opposite to that of the scan pulse applied in the write period immediately before the write period is applied to the scan electrode group. It is characterized in that an initializing period for causing initializing discharge is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of driving a gas discharge display device, wherein a write pulse is applied to a predetermined data electrode and a scan pulse is applied to a scan electrode group to intersect an intersection of the predetermined data electrode and the scan electrode group. , A sustain period in which sustain pulses are applied to the sustain electrode group and the scan electrode group to continue sustain discharge in the discharge cells where the write discharge has occurred, and an erase pulse is applied to erase discharge.
And an erase period for stopping the sustain discharge.
Said write period, by repeating the series of operations of the sustain period and an erase period configured to perform image display, and the
It is characterized in that an initializing period in which an initializing pulse having a polarity opposite to that of the scan pulse applied in the writing period is applied to the scan electrode group and the sustain electrode group immediately before the writing period to generate the initializing discharge is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of driving a gas discharge type display device, wherein a write pulse is applied to a predetermined data electrode and a scan pulse is applied to a scan electrode group to intersect an intersection of the predetermined data electrode and the scan electrode group. , A sustain period in which sustain pulses are applied to the sustain electrode group and the scan electrode group to continue sustain discharge in the discharge cells where the write discharge has occurred, and an erase pulse is applied to erase discharge.
And an erase period for stopping the sustain discharge.
Said write period, by repeating the series of operations of the sustain period and an erase period configured to perform image display, and the
It is characterized in that an initialization period in which a reset pulse having a polarity opposite to that of the scan pulse applied in the writing period is applied to the data electrode group immediately before the writing period to cause an initializing discharge is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of driving a gas discharge type display device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the data electrode group has the same pulse as the initialization pulse during the initialization period. The auxiliary pulse of the same voltage is applied in the polarity direction. The driving method of the gas discharge display device according to claim 5 is the driving method of the gas discharge display device according to claim 3, wherein the scan electrode group and the sustain electrode group have the same polarity as the initialization pulse in the initialization period. The auxiliary pulse of the same voltage is applied in the direction.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of driving a gas discharge type display device according to the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the auxiliary pulse has a gradually increasing instantaneous value at the end of application. Or it is supposed to decrease.

[0022]

According to the driving method of the gas discharge display device of the present invention, in addition to the writing period, the sustaining period and the erasing period,
By providing the initialization period immediately before the writing period, the wall charges remaining after the erasing period can be completely neutralized by discharging by the initialization pulse before the writing period, and the wall charges are not accumulated. Returning to step 3, the defective occurrence of the write discharge and the sustain discharge disappears, the series of operations from the write operation is reliably performed, and the non-lighted discharge cells do not occur. In addition, even if the initial state before energization is a state where the wall charges are deviated, by providing the initialization period immediately before the writing period, discharge can be completely neutralized by the initialization pulse, and the wall charges are accumulated. Since the state returns to the non-executed state, the rise time of the display at the time of start-up is short, and the series of operations from the writing operation is surely performed.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The gas discharge type display device (AC
Example of a driving method of a plasma display panel will be described with reference to the drawings. The structure of the gas discharge type display device in the following examples is the same as that of the conventional example shown in FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a drive timing chart of a gas discharge type display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, first, during the initialization period, the voltage is + Vr.
A positive resetting pulse of (V) is applied to the scan electrodes SCN ₁ ...
When applied to SCN _N and sustain electrodes SUS _{1 to} SUS _N, it is applied between data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DATA _M and scan electrodes SCN _{1 to} SCN _N and to data electrode DATA _1.
~ DATA _M and the sustain electrodes SUS _{1 to} SUS _N generate an initializing discharge.

In the subsequent write period, a positive write pulse having a voltage of + Vw (V) is applied to the predetermined data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DATA _M , and the first scan electrode SCN ₁
When a negative scanning pulse having a voltage of −Vs (V) is applied to the predetermined data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DATA _M and the first data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DATA _M.
Writing discharge occurs at the intersection with the second scan electrode SCN ₁ . Next, the predetermined data electrodes DATA ₁ to
DATA _M has a positive write pulse with a voltage of + Vw (V), and the second scan electrode SCN ₂ has a voltage of -Vs.
When a negative scan pulse of (V) is applied, the predetermined data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DATA _M and the second scan electrode S are applied.
Writing discharge occurs at the intersection with CN ₂ . The same operation is performed subsequently, and finally the predetermined data electrode DA
When a positive write pulse having a voltage of + Vw (V) is applied to TA _{1 to} DATA _M and a negative scan pulse having a voltage of −Vs (V) is applied to the _Nth scan electrode SCN _N , a predetermined data electrode DATA is applied. Writing discharge occurs at the intersection of _{1 to} DATA _M and the Nth scan electrode SCN _N.

In the subsequent sustain period, all sustain electrodes S are
US _{1 to} SUS _N and all scan electrodes SCN _{1 to} SCN
_A negative sustain pulse having a voltage of −Vs (V) is alternately applied to _N , to start sustain discharge in the discharge cells where the write discharge has occurred, and thereafter while continuing to apply the sustain pulse, Continue sustaining discharge. In the subsequent erasing period, the voltage is −Vs on all the sustain electrodes SUS _{1 to} SUS _N.
When a negative narrow erase pulse of (V) is applied, an erase discharge occurs and the sustain discharge is stopped.

That is, FIG. 1 is different from the conventional drive timing chart shown in FIG. 13 in that a new initialization period is provided and the scan pulse applied to the scan electrodes SCN _{1 to} SCN _N is changed during this period. A reset pulse having a reverse polarity is supplied to the scan electrodes SCN _{1 to} SCN _N and the sustain electrode SU.
The point is that the voltage is applied to S _{1 to} SUS _N.
Next, the above operation will be described in more detail based on the movement of wall charges in the discharge cell.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the gas discharge type display device shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 in the drive timing chart shown in FIG. The states of the wall charges shown in (a) to (g) of FIG.
The state after applying the pulse voltage described in (g) is shown. First, FIG. 2A shows an initial state before energization, and the inside of the gas discharge display device is in a state where there is no wall charge.

Next, after energization from this state, in the initialization period, as shown in FIG. 2B, a positive initialization pulse having a voltage of + Vr (V) is applied to the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3. It However, in this case, since the wall charges are not accumulated, the surface of the dielectric layer 9 on the data electrode 8 and the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 and the surface of the dielectric layer 9 on the data electrode 8 are not connected. There is no voltage difference between the sustain electrode 3 and the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3, so that no initializing discharge occurs.

In the subsequent writing period, as shown in FIG. 2C, a positive writing pulse having a voltage of + Vw (V) is applied to the data electrode 8 and a voltage of -Vs (V) is applied to the scan electrode 2.
When a negative scanning pulse is applied, write discharge occurs at the intersection of the data electrode 8 and the scan electrode 2,
Negative wall charges are accumulated on the surface of the dielectric layer 9 on the data electrode 8 and positive wall charges are accumulated on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2.

In the subsequent sustain period, as shown in FIG. 2D, when a negative sustain pulse having a voltage of -Vs (V) is applied to the sustain electrode 3, the scan electrode 2 shown in FIG. The voltage due to the positive wall charges accumulated on the surface of the upper protective film layer 5 is
The protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 is superimposed on the voltage of the sustain pulse.
Since the voltage is applied between the surface and the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3, the sustain discharge occurs during this period. Due to this discharge, negative wall charges are accumulated on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrodes 2, and positive wall charges are accumulated on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrodes 3.

Further, in the sustain period, as shown in FIG. 2 (e), when a negative sustain pulse having a voltage of -Vs (V) is applied to the scan electrode 2, this occurs in FIG. 2 (d). The voltage of the negative wall charges on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 accumulated by the sustain discharge and the voltage of the positive wall charges on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3 are the voltage of the sustain pulse. Since it is applied between the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 and the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3, the sustain discharge again occurs during this period. Due to this discharge, negative wall charges are accumulated on the surface of protective film layer 5 on sustain electrode 3 and positive wall charges are accumulated on the surface of protective film layer 5 on scan electrode 2.

Further, in the sustain period, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, when a negative sustain pulse having a voltage of −Vs (V) is applied to the sustain electrode 3, the protective film layer on the sustain electrode 3 accumulated by the sustain discharge shown in FIG. 5
The voltage due to the negative wall charges on the surface and the voltage due to the positive wall charges on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrodes 2 are superposed on the voltage of the sustain pulse and are maintained with the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrodes 2. Since it is applied between the electrode 3 and the surface of the protective film layer 5, sustain discharge occurs again during this period. Due to this discharge, negative wall charges are accumulated on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrodes 2 and positive wall charges are accumulated on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrodes 3. In this way, all sustain electrodes 3 (SUS ₁
~ SUS _N ) and all scan electrodes 2 (SCN ₁ ~ SCN
By applying a negative sustain pulse whose voltage is −Vs (V) alternately to _N ), the sustain discharges of FIG. 2D and FIG. 2E are repeatedly performed during the sustain period. The display light can be obtained by exciting the phosphor 10 with ultraviolet rays generated by the sustain discharge.

In the subsequent erase period, as shown in FIG. 2 (f), when a negative narrow erase pulse having a voltage of −Vs (V) is applied to the sustain electrode 3, it occurs in FIG. 2 (e). The voltage due to the negative wall charges on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrodes 3 accumulated by the sustain discharge and the voltage due to the positive wall charges on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrodes 2 are narrow erase pulses. Is applied between the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 and the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3 so as to be superposed on the voltage of 1. However, since this discharge is a short-time discharge by a narrow pulse, unlike the sustain discharge, the discharge ends midway. Therefore, if the width of the narrow erase pulse is adjusted to the optimum value, the erase discharge that neutralizes the wall charges on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrodes 3 and the wall charges on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrodes 2. Becomes After that, as long as the write discharge does not occur again, the sustain discharge does not occur even if the sustain pulse is applied, and the discharge stopped state is maintained. Here, the wall charges remaining in FIG. 2F are smaller than the wall charges in FIG. 2C because some of the wall charges disappear during the sustain period.

Then, again in the initialization period, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2B, when a positive reset pulse having a voltage of + Vr (V) is applied to the scan electrodes 2 and the sustain electrodes 3, this time, as shown in FIG. , The voltage due to the negative wall charges remaining on the surface of the dielectric layer 9 on the data electrode 8 and the voltage on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 and the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3. The voltage due to the positive wall charges that are present is superimposed on the voltage of the reset pulse and between the surface of the dielectric layer 9 on the data electrode 8 and the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 and the dielectric on the data electrode 8. Since the voltage is applied between the surface of the body layer 9 and the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3, an initializing discharge occurs between them. As a result,
The wall charges remaining after the erasing operation shown in (f) are completely neutralized, and the state returns to the absence of wall charges. Then, by repeating the series of operations shown in FIGS. 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F in this manner, image display can be performed.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2F, even if the wall charges remain after the erasing operation,
Since the initializing discharge causes the initializing discharge, these wall charges are completely neutralized, and the wall charges are returned to the state without wall charges. Therefore, the next write discharge is likely to occur. Further, the wall charges on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 and the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3 caused by the write discharge after the erasing operation.
The voltage difference due to the wall charges on the surface becomes larger than that when the reset pulse is not applied, and thus the transition to the sustain discharge is facilitated. Therefore, stable sustain discharge occurs, and non-lighted discharge cells do not occur.

The initial state is such that the wall charges are offset as shown in FIG. 2G, that is, negative wall charges are generated on the surface of the dielectric layer 9 on the data electrode 8 in the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3. When current is supplied to the surface of the protective film layer 5 on both electrodes in a state where positive wall charges are accumulated and driving is started, as is apparent from the state of wall charges, the write voltage is canceled in the direction described above. Therefore, in this state, neither write discharge nor sustain discharge is likely to occur, but when the reset pulse is applied, as is clear from the polarity of the reset pulse, the voltage of the reset pulse and the voltage due to this offset wall charge Are overlapped with each other, and between the surface of the dielectric layer 9 on the data electrode 8 and the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scanning electrode 2, and between the surface of the dielectric layer 9 on the data electrode 8 and the protective film layer on the sustain electrode 3. 5 will be added between the surface In, occurs easily initializing discharge, offset of the wall charge is completely neutralized, returns to the state where there is no wall charge shown in FIG. 2 (b). As a result, the subsequent write discharge and sustain discharge are likely to occur, so that the display rising time at startup, that is, the time from when power is supplied until the display is normally turned on can be significantly shortened.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the reset pulse is applied to the scan electrodes 2 (SCN _{1 to} SCN _N ) and the sustain electrode 3.
Although description has been given for the case of applying both to (SUS _{1 to} SUS _N ), the wall remaining on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 and the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3 after the erase pulse is applied. When the electric charges are biased to either the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrodes 2 or the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrodes 3, one of the scan electrodes 2 (SCN _{1 to} SCN).
_N ) and the sustain electrode 3 (SUS _{1 to} SUS _N ), it is sufficient to apply the reset pulse to only one of the electrode groups.

Next, a method of driving the gas discharge type display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 3
(A) shows only the initialization period portion of the drive timing chart in the second embodiment of the present invention, and the timing of the other periods is the same as that of FIG. In this embodiment, the reverse polarity reset pulse of the write pulse applied to the data electrodes DATA ₁ to Data _M, are to be applied to the data electrodes DATA ₁ ~DATA _M. In this case, as shown in the schematic diagram for explaining the operation of FIG. 3B, the potential of each electrode is different from the state of the initialization period shown in FIG. 2B, but the initialization pulse is generated during the initialization period. Between the data electrodes 8 (DATA _{1 to} DATA _M ) and the scan electrodes 2 (SCN _{1 to} SCN _N ) and between the data electrodes 8 (DATA _{1 to} DATA _M ) and the sustain electrodes 3 (SU).
Since the direction of the voltage applied between (S _{1 to} SUS _N ) is the same, the same operation as the driving method of the gas discharge type display device in the first embodiment described above can be performed, and the same effect can be obtained. it can.

Next, a method of driving the gas discharge type display device according to the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4A shows only the initialization period portion of the drive timing chart in the third embodiment of the present invention, and the timing of the other periods is the same as that of FIG. 1, and FIG. Shows only the initialization period portion of the drive timing chart in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and the timings of the other periods are the same as those in FIG. That is, in the third embodiment, the shape of the reset pulse in the first embodiment is changed, and in the fourth embodiment, the shape of the reset pulse in the second embodiment is changed. is there.

In an actual AC type plasma display panel, the optimum voltage of the initialization pulse differs for each discharge cell due to various factors. However, with the square wave reset pulse shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, this optimum voltage is not applied to each discharge cell, and the maximum voltage pulse is always applied instantaneously. In some cases, discharge cells that are insufficient or excessive are generated, and discharge cells that do not light or that lighting becomes unstable may occur. Therefore, it is difficult to set the voltage of the initialization pulse so that the wall charges of all the discharge cells are completely neutralized and a normal initialization operation is obtained. However, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, if the change in the rise time of the voltage amplitude upon application of the resetting pulse is made gradual, the voltage amplitude of the resetting pulse causes the voltage amplitude of each discharge in the course of the gradual change. When the optimum initializing discharge voltage of the cell is reached, the initializing discharge is sequentially generated in each discharge cell. Therefore, during the initialization period, the wall charges of all discharge cells can be completely neutralized,
The initialization operation can be performed more reliably, and FIG.
As described above, there is a new effect that the setting range of the voltage of the initialization pulse can be widened so that a normal initialization operation can be obtained.

Here, as the rise time of the voltage amplitude upon application of the initialization pulse shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the range of the time tc which changes from 10% to 90% of the voltage amplitude of the initialization pulse is described. The optimum value was experimentally investigated. FIG. 5 shows the range of the voltage Vr of the initialization pulse with which the normal initialization operation is obtained with respect to the rise time tc of the voltage amplitude of the initialization pulse shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. is there.

From FIG. 5, the voltage Vr of the initialization pulse is irrespective of the rising time of the voltage amplitude of the initialization pulse.
When (V) is small, discharge cells that do not light up are generated, and when the voltage Vr (V) of the reset pulse is large, discharge cells whose lighting is unstable are generated. It can be seen that the range of the voltage Vr (V) is limited.

Further, when the rise time tc of the voltage amplitude of the reset pulse is 1 μs or less, there is almost no range of the voltage Vr (V) of the reset pulse in which the normal operation is obtained, and the rise time tc of the voltage amplitude of the reset pulse is small. If the voltage is 5 μs or more, the voltage V of the reset pulse for obtaining normal operation can be obtained.
It can be seen that the range of r (V) widens. Therefore, if the rise time tc of the voltage amplitude of the reset pulse is set to 5 μs or more, any number may be used, but it is limited to a practical value. That is, in the case of image display, the time for one field to display one screen is such that the flicker is not felt in the eyes, as is usually seen in the case of TV display.
It is generally set to 17 ms (1/60 seconds) or less.
Therefore, the total time of the initializing period, the writing period, the sustaining period, and the erasing period is 17 ms or less, so that the practical upper limit of the rising time tc of the voltage amplitude of the initializing pulse is 10 ms.

From the above, as the rise time of the voltage amplitude when the initialization pulse is applied in the initialization period, the time tc for changing from 10% to 90% of the voltage amplitude of the initialization pulse is 5 μs or more and 10 ms or less. If the range is set, the wall charge of all discharge cells can be completely neutralized during the initialization period, the initialization operation can be performed more reliably, and the normal initialization operation can be obtained. It is possible to obtain a wide range, and it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the case of the driving method of the gas discharge type display device of the first and second embodiments.

In FIG. 4A of the third embodiment, the case where the reset pulse is applied to both the scan electrodes 2 (SCN _{1 to} SCN _N ) and the sustain electrodes 3 (SUS _{1 to} SUS _N ). Although described, the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 and the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3 after the erase pulse is applied.
Wall charges remaining on the surface and the protective film layer 5 on the scanning electrode 2
If the surface or the surface of the protective film 5 on the sustain electrode 3 is offset to either side, the scan electrode 2 (SCN ₁
~ SCN _N ) and sustain electrode 3 (SUS _{1 to} SUS _N ).
It suffices to apply the reset pulse to only one of the electrode groups.

Next, a method of driving the gas discharge display device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 6
FIG. 9A shows only the initialization period portion of the drive timing chart in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and the timing of the other periods is the same as that in FIG. In this embodiment, the initialization period, at the same time a positive reset pulse is voltage + Vr (V), as well as applied to the scan electrodes SCN ₁ ~SCN _N and sustain electrodes SUS ₁ ~SUS _N, and reset pulse An auxiliary pulse of + Vr (V) having the same voltage and the same polarity is applied to the data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DATA _M , and the auxiliary pulse is cut off before the initialization pulse is cut off.

The initialization operation in this case will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 6A, first, the voltage is + Vr.
When the positive initialization pulse and the auxiliary pulse of (V) are simultaneously applied, the scan electrodes SCN _{1 to} SCN _N ,
Sustain electrodes SUS _{1 to} SUS _N and data electrodes DAT
The voltage of all electrodes A _{1 to} DATA _M is + Vr at the same time.
Simply changing to (V), data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DA
Maintaining the TA _M and between the data electrodes DATA ₁ to Data _M of the scanning electrodes SCN ₁ ~SCN _N electrodes SUS ₁ ~
The voltage to and from SUS _N remains 0 (V). next,
When the auxiliary pulse is cut off while the initialization pulse is applied, the data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DATA _M and the scan electrodes SCN _{1 to} SCN _N and the data electrode DAT are not connected.
A voltage of + Vr (V) is applied between A _{1 to} DATA _M and the sustain electrodes SUS _{1 to} SUS _N. Therefore, the application direction of this voltage is changed by the initialization pulse during the initialization period shown in FIG.
(DATA _{1 to} DATA _M ) and scan electrode 2 (SCN ₁
To SCN _N ) and the data electrode 8 (DATA ₁
~ DATA _M ) and sustain electrode 3 (SUS ₁ ~ SUS _N )
Since it is the same as the voltage applied between and, the same operation as the driving method of the gas discharge type display device in the first embodiment described above can be performed, and the same effect can be obtained.

In FIG. 6A, the reset pulse is applied to the scan electrodes 2 (SCN _{1 to} SCN _N ) and the sustain electrodes 3 (S).
US _{1 to} SUS _N ), the wall charges remaining on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 and the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3 after the erase pulse is applied. Is biased to one side of the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 or the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3, the scan electrodes 2 (SCN _{1 to} SCN _N )
It is only necessary to apply the reset pulse to only one of the electrode groups of the sustain electrodes 3 (SUS _{1 to} SUS _N ).

Next, a method of driving the gas discharge type display device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 6
FIG. 9B shows only the initialization period portion of the drive timing chart in the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and the timing of the other periods is the same as in FIG. In this embodiment, during the initialization period, a negative initialization pulse having a voltage of −Vr (V) is applied to the data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DATA _M , and at the same time, a negative voltage having the same voltage and the same polarity as the initialization pulse is applied. The auxiliary pulse of Vr (V) is applied to the scan electrode SCN ₁
~ SCN _N and sustain electrodes SUS _{1 to} SUS _N , so that the auxiliary pulse is blocked before the reset pulse is blocked.

The initialization operation in this case will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 6B, first, the voltage is -Vr.
When the negative reset pulse (V) and the auxiliary pulse are simultaneously applied, the scan electrodes SCN _{1 to} SCN _N ,
Sustain electrodes SUS _{1 to} SUS _N and data electrodes DAT
The voltage of all electrodes A _{1 to} DATA _M is -Vr at the same time.
Simply changing to (V), data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DA
Maintaining the TA _M and between the data electrodes DATA ₁ to Data _M of the scanning electrodes SCN ₁ ~SCN _N electrodes SUS ₁ ~
The voltage to and from SUS _N remains 0 (V). next,
When the auxiliary pulse is cut off while the initialization pulse is applied, the data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DATA _M and the scan electrodes SCN _{1 to} SCN _N and the data electrode DAT are not connected.
A voltage of −Vr (V) is applied between A _{1 to} DATA _M and the sustain electrodes SUS _{1 to} SUS _N. Therefore, the application direction of this voltage is changed by the initialization pulse in the initialization period shown in FIG.
(DATA _{1 to} DATA _M ) and scan electrode 2 (SCN ₁
To SCN _N ) and the data electrode 8 (DATA ₁
~ DATA _M ) and sustain electrode 3 (SUS ₁ ~ SUS _N )
Since it is the same as the voltage applied between the first and second electrodes, the same operation as the driving method of the gas discharge type display device in the second embodiment described above can be performed, and the same effect can be obtained.

Next, a method of driving the gas discharge type display device in the seventh and eighth embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7A shows only the initialization period portion of the drive timing chart in the seventh embodiment of the present invention, and the timings of the other periods are the same as those in FIG. 1, and FIG. Shows only the initialization period portion of the drive timing chart in the eighth embodiment of the present invention, and the timing of the other periods is the same as that in FIG. That is, in the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the shape of the auxiliary pulse in the initialization period in the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 6A is changed, and in FIG. 7B. In the shown eighth embodiment, the shape of the auxiliary pulse in the initialization period in the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 6B is changed.

Similar to the operations and effects of the fifth and sixth embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, which are similar to those of the first and second embodiments, the same operation and effect as shown in FIG. , The seventh shown in (b),
The driving method of the gas discharge type display device of the eighth embodiment is shown in FIG.
The same operation and effect as the driving method of the gas discharge type display device of the third and fourth embodiments shown in (a) and (b) can be obtained.

In FIG. 7A, the reset pulse is applied to the scan electrodes 2 (SCN _{1 to} SCN _N ) and the sustain electrode 3 (S).
US _{1 to} SUS _N ), the wall charges remaining on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 and the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3 after the erase pulse is applied. Is biased to one side of the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 or the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the sustain electrode 3, the scan electrodes 2 (SCN _{1 to} SCN _N )
It is only necessary to apply the reset pulse to only one of the electrode groups of the sustain electrodes 3 (SUS _{1 to} SUS _N ).

Further, FIGS. 6 (a), 6 (b), 7 (a),
In the fifth to eighth embodiments shown in (b), the auxiliary pulse is applied at the same time as the initialization pulse, but the auxiliary pulse may be applied a little earlier than the initialization pulse. First above
In the eighth embodiment, the case where the reset pulse is applied to all the electrode groups at the same timing has been described, but each electrode group is divided into a plurality of blocks, and the reset pulse is applied to each block at different timing. Also in this case, the same effect as that of the above embodiment can be obtained.

In the writing period shown in the first to eighth embodiments, the writing pulse is sequentially applied to the predetermined electrode and the scanning pulse is sequentially applied to each scanning electrode. Even in the writing period in which the writing pulse is simultaneously applied to all the data electrodes and the scanning pulse is simultaneously applied to all the scanning electrodes in order to simultaneously perform the writing operation, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

In the first to eighth embodiments, the write pulse has a positive voltage and the scan pulse has a negative voltage. However, these pulses have opposite polarities, that is, the write pulse has a negative voltage and the scan pulse has a negative voltage. In the case of a positive voltage, if the initialization pulse and the auxiliary pulse are also set to have opposite polarities, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained. Further, in the above-described first to eighth embodiments, the case where the scan pulse and the sustain pulse have the same polarity has been described, but for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the sustain pulse has the opposite polarity with reference to −Vs. Even if it is applied to a driving method using a device, the same effect as that of the above embodiment can be obtained.

In the first to eighth embodiments, the case where the narrow pulse having the same polarity as the sustain pulse is used as the erase pulse has been described, but as shown in FIG. 9, the pulse having the opposite polarity to the sustain pulse is used. A driving method using an erasing pulse, or a driving method using an erasing pulse that has the same erasing effect as a narrow pulse by increasing the pulse width of the erasing pulse and decreasing the pulse voltage as shown in FIG. Even if it is applied, the same effect as that of the above embodiment can be obtained.

In the first to eighth embodiments, the driving method of applying the erase pulse to the sustain electrode group has been described, but it is applied to the driving method of applying the erase pulse to the scan electrode group. However, the same effect as that of the above embodiment can be obtained. In the first to eighth embodiments, the initialization period is always provided once during one field, that is, during the series of operations from the initialization period to the erase period shown in FIG. Even if the initialization period is provided only once in several fields, the same effect as that of the above embodiment can be obtained.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned first to eighth embodiments, the group of data electrodes 8 shown in FIG. 11 is covered with the second dielectric layer 9 and further the phosphor 10 is attached to the gas discharge type display device. Although the driving method has been described, the present invention is also applied to a gas discharge type display device having a structure in which the phosphor 9 is not attached and the display is performed by directly utilizing discharge light emission. Further, also in the gas discharge display device having a structure in which the entire surface of the data electrode 8 group is directly covered with the phosphor 10 without the second dielectric layer 9, the phosphor on the data electrode acts in the same manner as the dielectric layer. Therefore, the above embodiment is applied. Further, even when both the second dielectric layer 9 and the phosphor 10 are absent and the data electrode group 8 is exposed to the discharge space 6, wall charges are not accumulated on the data electrode surface during the writing period, but the scanning electrode Since the equivalent wall charges are accumulated on the surface of the protective film on the upper electrode and the sustain electrode, the above embodiment is applied.

As the first and second insulating substrates,
Although the glass substrates 1 and 7 are used, if the strength and accuracy are insufficient, a ceramic substrate may be used, and the glass substrates are not limited to glass substrates. In addition, of the first and second insulating substrates,
One of them needs to be transparent because it needs to transmit discharge light.

[0062]

As described above, according to the present invention, in addition to the write period, the sustain period, and the erase period, an initialization pulse having a polarity opposite to that of the scan pulse applied in the write period is applied to the scan electrode group and the sustain electrode. An initialization period for applying to at least one of the groups or an initialization period for applying an initialization pulse having a polarity opposite to that of the writing pulse applied in the writing period to the data electrode group is provided. By providing such an initialization period immediately before the writing period, wall charges remaining after the erasing period can be completely neutralized by discharging with an initialization pulse before the writing period, and the wall charges are accumulated. The defective state of the write discharge and the sustain discharge disappears, the series of operations from the write operation is surely performed, and the non-lighted discharge cells do not occur. Also, even if the initial state before energization is a state where the wall charges are offset,
By providing the initialization period immediately before the writing period ,
Since the discharge can be completely neutralized by the initialization pulse and the state where the wall charges are not stored is restored, the rise time of the display at the time of start-up is short and the series of operations from the writing operation is surely performed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a drive timing chart of a gas discharge display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the gas discharge display device.

FIG. 3 is a drive timing diagram in the initialization period of the gas discharge display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention and a schematic diagram for explaining the operation.

FIG. 4 is a drive timing chart of an initialization period of the gas discharge display device according to the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the rising time of the amplitude of the reset pulse voltage and the reset pulse voltage for obtaining a normal operation region in the reset period of the gas discharge display device.

FIG. 6 is a drive timing chart of the gas discharge display device in the initialization period according to the fifth and sixth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a driving timing chart of the gas discharge type display device in the initialization period according to the seventh and eighth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a driving timing chart of a gas discharge display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a drive timing chart of a gas discharge display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a driving timing chart of a gas discharge display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

11A and 11B are a partial plan view and a cross-sectional view of a gas discharge display device.

FIG. 12 is an electrode array diagram of the same gas discharge display device.

FIG. 13 is a drive timing chart of a gas discharge type display device in a conventional example.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the gas discharge display device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 First glass substrate (first insulating substrate) 2 scanning electrodes 3 sustain electrodes 4 First dielectric layer 5 Protective film layer 6 discharge space 7 Second glass substrate (second insulating substrate) 8 data electrodes 9 Second dielectric layer 10 Phosphor

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A scan electrode group and a sustain electrode group forming a pair are arranged on a first insulating substrate, and a pair of scan electrode groups and sustain electrode groups are arranged on a second insulating substrate opposed to each other with a discharge space interposed therebetween. A method of driving a gas discharge display device in which data electrode groups are arranged so as to be orthogonally opposed to the scan electrode groups and the sustain electrode groups, wherein a write pulse is applied to predetermined data electrodes to scan the scan electrode groups. A writing period in which a pulse is applied to cause a write discharge at the intersection of the predetermined data electrode and the scan electrode group, and a period in which a write pulse is generated by applying a sustain pulse to the sustain electrode group and the scan electrode group A sustain period for sustaining discharge in the discharge cell and an erase pulse
When applied, an erase discharge is generated to stop the sustain discharge.
And the write period, the sustain period and the erase period.
An initializing pulse having a polarity opposite to that of the scan pulse applied in the writing period immediately before the writing period is applied to the scan electrode group, which is configured to repeat a series of operations in the last period. A method for driving a gas discharge type display device, characterized in that an initializing period for causing initializing discharge is provided. 2. A scan electrode group and a sustain electrode group forming a pair are arranged on a first insulating substrate, and a pair of scan electrode groups and sustain electrode groups are arranged on a second insulating substrate opposed to each other across a discharge space. A method of driving a gas discharge display device in which data electrode groups are arranged so as to be orthogonally opposed to the scan electrode groups and the sustain electrode groups, wherein a write pulse is applied to predetermined data electrodes to scan the scan electrode groups. A writing period in which a pulse is applied to cause a write discharge at the intersection of the predetermined data electrode and the scan electrode group, and a period in which a write pulse is generated by applying a sustain pulse to the sustain electrode group and the scan electrode group A sustain period for sustaining discharge in the discharge cell and an erase pulse
When applied, an erase discharge is generated to stop the sustain discharge.
And the write period, the sustain period and the erase period.
The configuration is such that a series of operations in the last period is repeated to perform image display, and an initialization pulse having a polarity opposite to that of the scan pulse applied in the write period immediately before the write period is applied to the scan electrode group and the scan electrode. A method of driving a gas discharge type display device, characterized in that an initializing period for applying initializing discharge by applying to a sustain electrode group is provided. 3. A scan electrode group and a sustain electrode group forming a pair are arranged on a first insulating substrate, and a pair of scan electrode groups and sustain electrode groups are arranged on a second insulating substrate opposed to each other across a discharge space. A method of driving a gas discharge display device in which data electrode groups are arranged so as to be orthogonally opposed to the scan electrode groups and the sustain electrode groups, wherein a write pulse is applied to predetermined data electrodes to scan the scan electrode groups. A writing period in which a pulse is applied to cause a write discharge at the intersection of the predetermined data electrode and the scan electrode group, and a period in which a write pulse is generated by applying a sustain pulse to the sustain electrode group and the scan electrode group A sustain period for sustaining discharge in the discharge cell and an erase pulse
When applied, an erase discharge is generated to stop the sustain discharge.
And the write period, the sustain period and the erase period.
An initializing pulse having a polarity opposite to that of the write pulse applied in the write period immediately before the write period is applied to the data electrode group, which is configured to display a series of operations in the last period. A method for driving a gas discharge type display device, characterized in that an initializing period for causing initializing discharge is provided. 4. The data electrode group during the initialization period,
3. The method for driving a gas discharge type display device according to claim 1, wherein an auxiliary pulse having the same polarity and the same voltage as that of the reset pulse is applied. 5. The gas discharge display device according to claim 3, wherein during the initialization period, an auxiliary pulse of the same voltage in the same polarity direction as that of the initialization pulse is applied to the scan electrode group and the sustain electrode group. Driving method. 6. The method for driving a gas discharge type display device according to claim 4, wherein the instantaneous value of the auxiliary pulse is gradually increased or decreased at the end of application.