JP3462492B2 - 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.

A conventional gas discharge type display device of this type and its driving method will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG . 9 shows a partial plan view and a sectional view of an AC type plasma display panel of a conventional example, and FIG . 10 shows an electrode array diagram thereof. In FIG. 9 , 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. It is covered with two dielectric layers 9. A phosphor 10 is attached to the surface of the second dielectric layer 9 for the purpose of color display. The electrode arrangement of this gas discharge display device forms a matrix as shown in FIG. 10 , and M columns of data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DAT are arranged in the column direction.
A _M are arranged and N rows of scan electrodes SC are arranged in the row direction.
N _{1 to} SCN _N and N rows of sustain electrodes SUS _{1 to} SU
S _N are arranged.

Next, a conventional driving method in the gas discharge type display device having such a configuration will be described.

FIG . 11 shows an example of a conventional drive timing chart.

In FIG . 11 , first, in the writing period,
+ Voltage is applied to the specified data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DATA _M
A positive write pulse of Vw (V) and a negative scan pulse of voltage -Vs (V) are applied to the _first scan electrodes SCN ₁ to apply the predetermined data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DATA _1.
Causing the write discharge in TA _M and the intersection portion of the first scan electrode SCN _1. Next, the predetermined data electrode D
A positive write pulse having a voltage of + Vw (V) is applied to ATA _{1 to} DATA _M , and a negative scan pulse having a voltage of −Vs (V) is applied to the second scan electrode SCN ₂ , thereby applying a predetermined data electrode. A write discharge is generated at the intersection of DATA _{1 to} DATA _M and the second scan electrode SCN ₂ . The same operation is continuously performed, and finally, a positive write pulse having a voltage of + Vw (V) is applied to the predetermined data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DATA _M , and a voltage of −Vs (V) is applied to the _Nth scan electrode SCN _N. By applying a negative scanning pulse that is
A write discharge is generated at the intersection of the predetermined data electrodes DATA _{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 erase period, all sustain electrodes S are
A negative narrow erase pulse having a voltage of −Vs (V) is applied to US _{1 to} SUS _N 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. 12 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. 12 show the states after the pulse voltage described in (a) to (g) is applied.

First, FIG. 12 (a) shows an initial state before energization, and there is no wall charge in the discharge cell of the gas discharge type display device.

Next, after energization from this state, in the writing period, as shown in FIG. 12B , a positive writing pulse having a voltage of + Vw (V) is applied to the data electrode 8 and a voltage is applied to the scanning 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. 12C , when a negative sustain pulse having a voltage of -Vs (V) is applied to the sustain electrode 3, the scan electrode 2 in FIG.
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. 12D, when a negative sustain pulse having a voltage of −Vs (V) is applied to the scan electrode 2, this occurs in FIG. 12C. 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, again12
As shown in (c), the voltage on the sustain electrode 3 is -Vs (V).
When a negative sustain pulse is applied,12In (d)
The storage on the sustain electrode 3 accumulated by the generated sustain discharge.
The voltage due to the negative wall charges on the surface of the protective film layer 5 and the scan electrode 2
The voltage due to the positive wall charges on the surface of the protective film layer 5 of
And the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scanning electrode 2 by superposing on the voltage
Must be applied between the surface of the sustain electrode 3 and the surface of the protective film layer 5.
Therefore, the sustain discharge again occurs during this period. That conclusion
As a result, negative wall charges are generated on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the scanning electrodes 2
Positive wall charges are accumulated on the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the holding electrode 3.
It Thus, during the maintenance period,12(C) and12
The sustain discharge of (d) is repeatedly performed, and these sustain discharges are performed.
The phosphor 10 is excited by the ultraviolet rays generated by
You can get the light.

In the subsequent erasing period,12Shown in (e)
As a result, the sustain electrode 3 has a negative voltage of −Vs (V).
When a narrow erase pulse is applied,12Happened in (d)
Protective film layer on the sustain electrode 3 accumulated by the sustain discharge
5 Voltage due to negative wall charges on the surface and protection on the scanning electrode 2
The voltage due to the positive wall charges on the surface of the film layer 5 is
Of the protective film layer 5 on the scan electrode 2 and
Since it is applied to the surface of the protective film layer 5 on the holding electrode 3,
During this time, discharge occurs. But this discharge is a narrow pulse
Because it is a short-time discharge due to
The electricity ends halfway. Therefore, the width of the narrow erase pulse
If adjusted optimally, 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 scanning electrode 2
It becomes erase discharge to neutralize. After that, write discharge again
As long as the sustain pulse is not applied, the sustain discharge is
It does not occur and maintains the state of discharge stop. here,12
The wall charge remaining in (e) is12To (b)
The decrease in wall charge during the maintenance period is
This is because some of the charges have disappeared.

Then, in the writing period again, 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. Writing 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, in this manner, image display can be performed by repeating the series of operations shown in FIGS. 12F, 12C , 12D, and 12E.

In the above-mentioned conventional example, a driving method for a gas discharge type display device in which the group of data electrodes 8 shown in FIG. 9 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, the second
Even in the gas discharge type display device in which both the 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. Since wall charges equivalent to the above are accumulated on the surface of the protective film layer on the scanning electrodes, the same driving method as described above is performed.

[0019]

However, in such a conventional driving method of the gas discharge type display device, as shown in FIG.
In the operation in the writing period shown in (f), the writing discharge must occur on the state where the wall charges after the erasing period shown in FIG. 12E remain, 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 than in the state of FIG. 12B, 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, since the write voltage is canceled in the above-mentioned direction, 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 the rising time of display at the time of start-up is short and no non-lighted discharge cells are generated.

[0022]

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. It has a writing period in which a writing discharge is generated at an intersection with the electrode group, and a sustaining period in which a sustaining pulse is applied to the sustaining electrode group and the scanning electrode group to continue the sustaining discharge in the discharge cells where the writing discharge occurs. Just before the writing period , the image is displayed by repeating a series of operations in the writing period and the sustaining period.
Is provided with an initializing period for causing an initializing discharge for adjusting the wall charges of the discharge cells, and the initializing period increases in a direction opposite to the polarity of the scan pulse applied in the writing period and with a gentle gradient. A reset pulse having a portion is applied to at least one of the scan electrode group and the sustain electrode group.

Driving a gas discharge type display device according to claim 2.
The method is to apply a write pulse to a predetermined data electrode and run it.
A scan pulse is applied to the scan electrode group to scan with the specified data electrode.
Writing period in which writing discharge occurs at the intersection with the electrode group
And sustain pulses are applied to the sustain electrode group and scan electrode group
Sustain discharge in the discharge cell where the write discharge has occurred
Has a sustain period and a write period and sustain
It is designed to display images by repeating a series of operations during the period.
As well as Just before the writing period Discharge cell wall charge
Set an initialization period to generate an initializing discharge to adjust the load.
And the initialization period is the write period applied during the write period.
Pulse direction opposite to that of the pulse and decreases slowly
Applying a reset pulse with a portion to the data electrode group
It is characterized by

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of driving a gas discharge display device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the initialization pulse has an absolute value of an instantaneous value of 10% of the amplitude. To 90% of the amplitude, the change time required is 5 μs or more and 10 ms or less.

According to the driving method of the gas discharge display device of the present invention , the initialization period is provided immediately before the writing period in addition to the writing period, the sustaining period and the erasing period, so that the wall remaining after the erasing period is completed. The charge can be completely discharged by the initialization pulse before the writing period, returning to the state where the wall charge is not accumulated, the write discharge and sustain discharge generation defects disappear, and a series of operations from the write operation. Is reliably performed and non-lighted discharge cells are not generated. In addition, even if the initial state before energization is a state in which the wall charge is deviated, by providing the initialization period before the writing period, discharge can be completely neutralized by the initialization pulse, and the wall charge is 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.

[0026]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of a method of driving a gas discharge type display device (AC type plasma display panel) of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Since the structure of the gas discharge type display device in the following embodiments is the same as that of the conventional example shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the description thereof will be omitted.

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

In FIG. 1, first, in the initializing period, a positive initializing pulse having a voltage of + Vr (V) is applied to the scan electrode SCN.
_{1 to} SCN _N and the sustain electrodes SUS _{1 to} SUS _N , the data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DATA _M and the scan electrodes SCN _{1 to} SCN _N and the data electrodes DA _{1 to} DATA _M.
Initialization discharge occurs between TA _{1 to} DATA _M and sustain electrodes SUS _{1 to} SUS _N.

In the subsequent writing period, a positive writing pulse whose voltage is + 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 erase period, all sustain electrodes S are
When a negative narrow erase pulse having a voltage of −Vs (V) is applied to US _{1 to} SUS _N , erase discharge occurs and sustain discharge is stopped.

That is, FIG. 1 is different from the conventional drive timing chart shown in FIG. 11 in that a new initialization period is provided, and the scan pulse applied to the scan electrodes SCN _{1 to} SCN _N during this period is different from that shown in FIG. 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. 9 and 10 in the drive timing chart shown in FIG . In addition, each (a) of FIG.
The states of the wall charges shown in (g) to (g) show the states after the pulse voltage described in (a) to (g) is applied.

First, FIG. 2A shows an initial state before energization, and the inside 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 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.

When a negative sustain pulse having a voltage of -Vs (V) is applied to the sustain electrode 3 in the subsequent sustain period as shown in FIG. 2 (d), the scan electrode 2 in FIG. 2 (c). 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.

Further, the initial state is such that the wall charges are deviated 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.

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 display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 3A 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 in FIG. In this embodiment, the data electrodes DATA _{1 to} DA
The write pulse applied to the TA _M reverse polarity initialization pulse, so that is 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. Data electrodes 8 (DATA _{1 to} D
ATA _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 (SUS _{1 to} SUS _N ) in the same direction. Therefore, 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.

By the way, the gas discharge type table in the present invention
In the drive method of the device shown,
In addition to providing a reset period, the shape of the reset pulse is specified.
However, this point will be described below.

FIG. 4A shows only the initialization period portion of the drive timing chart in the first embodiment of the present invention, and the timing of the other periods is the same as that in FIG. 4B 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 FIG. That is, the form of FIG. 4 (a) is different from the form of the initialization pulse in the first embodiment,
The form of FIG. 4B is a modification of the shape of the initialization pulse in the second embodiment.

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.

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 that 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. It is a thing.

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 normal operation can be 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. Can be widely used.

In FIG. 4A, the initialization pulse is applied to the scan electrodes 2 (SCN _{1 to} SCN _N ) and the sustain electrodes 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.

[0058]

[0059]

[0060]

[0061]

[0062]

[0063]

[0064]

[0065]

[0066]

[0067]

[0068]

[0069]

[0070]

[0071]

In the above 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 above embodiment , the case where the writing pulse is sequentially applied to the predetermined electrode and the scanning pulse is sequentially applied to each scanning electrode has been described. However, the writing operation is simultaneously performed in all the discharge cells. In order to perform this, even in the writing period in which the writing pulse is applied to all the data electrodes at the same time and the scanning pulse is applied to all the scanning electrodes at the same time, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

In the above embodiment, the case where the write pulse has a positive voltage and the scan pulse has a negative voltage has been described. However, when these pulses have opposite polarities, that is, the write pulse has a negative voltage and the scan pulse has a positive voltage. Is the initialization pal
According to this, if the polarity is also reversed, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

In the above embodiment , the case where the scan pulse and the sustain pulse have the same polarity has been described . For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , a sustain pulse having a reverse polarity based on −Vs is used. Even if applied to the driving method used,
The same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

In the above embodiment, the case where the narrow pulse having the same polarity as that of the sustain pulse is used as the erase pulse has been described . However, as shown in FIG. 7 , the erase pulse having the opposite polarity to the sustain pulse is used. Even when applied to a driving method or a driving method using an erasing pulse which has the same erasing effect as a narrow pulse by increasing the pulse width of the erasing pulse and lowering the pulse voltage as shown in FIG. The same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the driving method of applying the erase pulse to the sustain electrode group is used has been described. However, even if it is applied to the driving method of applying the erase pulse to the scan electrode group, the above-mentioned embodiment is performed. The same effect as that of the above embodiment can be obtained.

In the above embodiment, 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 set only once in the field,
The same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

Further, in the above embodiment, the method of driving the gas discharge type display device in which the group of data electrodes 8 shown in FIG. 9 is covered with the second dielectric layer 9 and the phosphor 10 is additionally provided has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to a gas discharge type display device having a structure in which the fluorescent substance 9 is not attached and a display is directly made by using 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. In addition, the second dielectric layer 9 and the phosphor 1
Even when the data electrode group 8 is exposed to the discharge space 6 without both 0, wall charges are not accumulated on the data electrode surface during the writing period, but on the surface of the protective film layer on the scan electrode and the sustain electrode. Since the wall charges equivalent to the above are accumulated respectively, the above-described 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.

[0081]

As described above, according to the present invention, in addition to the writing period, the sustaining period, and the erasing period, the polarity is opposite to that of the scan pulse applied in the writing period, and the scanning pulse is gentle.
An initialization period in which an initialization pulse having a gradient increasing portion is applied to at least one of the scan electrode group and the sustain electrode group, or an initialization pulse having a polarity opposite to that of the writing pulse applied in the writing period is applied to the data electrode. An initialization period for applying to the group is provided. Write such an initialization period
By providing just before the write period, the wall charges remaining after the erase period can be completely neutralized by discharging by the initialization pulse before the write period, returning to the state where the wall charge is not accumulated, and the write discharge is performed. Further, the generation failure of the sustain discharge is eliminated, a series of operations from the writing operation is surely performed, and non-lighted discharge cells are not generated. In addition, even if the initial state before energization is a state in which the wall charge is deviated, by providing the initialization period before the writing period, discharge can be completely neutralized by the initialization pulse, and the wall charge is 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.

[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 and a schematic diagram for explaining an operation in an initialization period of the gas discharge display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a driving 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 a gas discharge display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a drive timing chart of a gas discharge display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

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

9A and 9B are a partial plan view and a cross-sectional view of a gas discharge display device.

FIG. 10 is an electrode array diagram of the gas discharge display device.

FIG. 11 is a drive timing chart of a gas discharge type display device in a conventional example.

FIG. 12 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 (3)

(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 and a sustain period for continuing sustain discharge in the discharge cells, as well as configured to perform image display by repeating the series of operations of the write period and the sustain period, discharge cells immediately before the writing period An initialization period for causing an initialization discharge for adjusting wall charges is provided, and the initialization period is
An initializing pulse having a portion having a polarity opposite to that of the scan pulse applied during the writing period and having a gradually increasing gradient is applied to at least one of the scan electrode group and the sustain electrode group. And a method for driving a gas discharge display device. 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 and a sustain period for continuing sustain discharge in the discharge cells, as well as configured to perform image display by repeating the series of operations of the write period and the sustain period, discharge cells immediately before the writing period An initialization period for causing an initialization discharge for adjusting wall charges is provided, and the initialization period is
Driving a gas discharge type display device, characterized in that an initialization pulse having a polarity direction opposite to that of the write pulse applied during the write period and having a gradually decreasing gradient is applied to the data electrode group. Method. 3. The gas discharge display according to claim 1, wherein the reset pulse has a change time of 5 μs or more and 10 ms or less required to change the absolute value of the instantaneous value from 10% of the amplitude to 90% of the amplitude. Device driving method.