KR100822208B1 - Flat panel display for having lighting test function - Google Patents

Abstract

A flat panel display with a lighting test function is provided to perform a lighting test by an external input without the intervention of a controller, thereby reducing the power consumption of a controller. A scan driving member(120) applies selection signals sequentially along plural selection signal lines. A data driving member(130) applies data signals through data signal lines by synchronizing the selection signals. A display panel(110) is formed on a plastic substrate. The selection signal lines and data signal lines are arrayed crossly toward vertical or horizontal direction on the display panel. Pixels are defined at the crossed areas. One or more electrode layers are formed on the display panel. The display panel includes an electrophoresis device having charges arrayed by the data signal applied through the electrode layer. Transistor devices applies the data signal to the electrophoresis device. The first and second signal generating members generates and applies the lighting test selection signal and the lighting test data signal to the display panel during a shake period.

Description

Flat panel display for having lighting test function

1 is a schematic diagram showing a flat panel display for a conventional lighting test.

2 is a schematic view showing a flat panel display device having a lighting test function according to the present invention.

3 is a diagram illustrating a lighting test waveform of the flat panel display of FIG. 2.

4 is a circuit diagram of a pixel included in the flat panel display of FIG. 2.

5 is a detailed cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the electrophoretic device of FIG. 4.

6 is a diagram illustrating a driving waveform for driving the flat panel display of FIG. 2.

The present invention relates to a flat panel display, and more particularly, to a flat panel display having a lighting test function for performing a lighting test on an external input of a flat panel display formed on a plastic substrate without an intervention of a controller.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a flat panel display for a conventional lighting test.

In the display panel 110 formed on the substrate 100, the scan lines and the data signal lines are arranged to cross each other in a horizontal or vertical direction, and pixels are defined in the crossing regions.

The scan driver 120 is electrically connected to the display panel 110 through the pad 140a, and sequentially applies selection signals S [1] to S [n] along the plurality of selection signal lines, thereby providing a plurality of pixels. Select the line by line.

The data driver 130 is electrically connected to the display panel 110 through the pad 140b and is synchronized with the selection signals S [1] through S [n] through the data signal line D [1]. ] To D [m]), so that a data signal having predetermined gray scale information is applied to the selected pixels.

The first jig 150 is connected to the scan driver 120 and the pad 140a, and the second jig 160 is connected to the data driver 130 and the pad 140b to perform a lighting test of the flat panel display. do. In order to perform the lighting tests with the first and second jigs JIG 150 and 160, the substrate of the flat panel display device is limited to a glass material. However, in the case of an electrophoretic display (EPD) device including a plastic substrate, the lighting test by the jig is not possible. This is because the pads 140a and b of the plastic substrate are hardly damaged by low temperature deposition and are easily scratched and damaged. Therefore, in the case of the plastic substrate, the lighting test as shown in FIG. 1 becomes impossible.

In order to prevent damage to the plastic pad, a lighting test program may be provided in a controller (not shown) to operate the scan driver 120 and the data driver 130 to perform lighting test. The problem of writing separately and inputting to the controller, and the power consumed by the controller are also a lot of trouble.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in an effort to provide a flat panel display having a lighting test function capable of performing a lighting test on an external input of a flat panel display formed on a plastic substrate without intervention of a controller.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flat panel display including: a scan driver configured to sequentially apply a selection signal along a plurality of selection signal lines; A data driver for applying a data signal through a data signal line in synchronization with the selection signal; And a display panel formed on a plastic substrate, wherein the selection signal line and the data signal line are arranged to cross each other in a horizontal or vertical direction, and pixels are defined in the crossing area, wherein the scan driver and the data driver respectively include a previous frame. The first and second signal generators may generate a lighting test selection signal and a lighting test data signal by an external selection signal and apply the first and second signal generators to the display panel during a shake period for erasing the image.

The display device may further include a pad configured to electrically connect the display panel, the scan driver, and the data driver formed on the plastic substrate.

In the present invention, the data signal applied during the shake period is characterized in that the signal having a predetermined voltage level to emit the pixels in a blue image and a white image.

In the present invention, the flat panel display is an electrophoretic display (EPD).

The display panel may include at least one electrode layer; An electrophoretic device having charged particles arranged by data signals applied through the electrode layer; And a transistor element for controlling the application of a data signal to the electrophoretic element, wherein the frame for implementing the image comprises: the frame, an image embodied in the arrangement state of the charged particles in a frame immediately before the drive section. A shake period for canceling; A drive section for writing data such that the charged particles are arranged for a predetermined gray scale representation; And a stabilization section for stabilizing charged particles after the drive section to maintain the arrangement.

In the present invention, the transistor element is characterized in that the organic thin film transistor (OTFT) element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In order to fully understand the present invention, the operational advantages of the present invention, and the objects achieved by the practice of the present invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and the contents described in the drawings.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.

2 is a schematic view showing a flat panel display device having a lighting test function according to the present invention.

An electrophoretic display (EPD), which is one of flat panel displays, is a non-luminescent device based on an electrophoretic phenomenon that affects charged particles suspended in a solvent.

As shown in FIG. 2, the flat panel display device of the present invention includes a display panel 110, a scan driver 120, and a data driver 130 formed on a plastic substrate, and the scan driver 120 includes an external input signal S1. And a first signal generator 121 generating a lighting test scan signal by S2, and the data driver 130 generating a lighting test data signal by external input signals S3 and S4. 131 is further included.

The display panel 110 is formed on a plastic substrate, and the scan lines and the data signal lines are arranged to cross each other in a horizontal or vertical direction, and pixels 111 are defined in the intersection area, and n rows of m columns of pixels ( 111).

The scan driver 120 sequentially selects the plurality of pixels 111 in line units by applying the selection signals S [1] to S [n] along the plurality of selection signal lines.

The data driver 130 applies the data signals D [1] to D [m] through the data signal line in synchronization with the selection signals S [1] to S [n], thereby selecting the selected pixels 111. The data signal having predetermined gray scale information is applied to the.

Each of the plurality of pixels 111 includes a transistor element for selectively writing data into the pixels 111 according to the selection signal and the data signal, and an image for implementing an image in a predetermined gray scale by the applied data. It includes a electrophoretic element.

For the lighting test, the first signal generator 121 and the second signal generator 131 generate the lighting test selection signal and the lighting test data signal without intervention of a controller (not shown). 3 is a diagram illustrating a lighting test waveform of the flat panel display of FIG. 2. The lighting test waveforms generated by the first and second signal generators 121 and 131 are generated during a shake period for erasing an image implemented in the previous frame.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first signal generation unit 121 is the same signal as the selection signals S [1] to S [n] for the lighting test during the shake period by the external input signals S1 and S2. Create For example, the external input signals S1 and S2 may be 00, 01, 10, and 11, where “00” may indicate a low level as a round value, and “11” may indicate a high level as a Vs value. Here, "01" and "10" may be a don't care value.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second signal generation unit 131 may use the same signal as the lighting test data signals D [1] to D [m] during the shake period by the external input signals S3 and S4. Create For example, the external input signals S3 and S4 may be 00, 01, 10, and 11, where "00" may represent a black signal and "11" may represent a white signal. Here, "10" may be a ground signal and "01" may be a don't care value. The pixels 111 of the display panel 110 are displayed in black or white by the signal generated by the second signal generator 131.

As described above, the display panel is provided with selection signals and data signals generated by the first and second signal generators 121 and 131 through inputs of the external input signals (signals input by the lighting tester) S1, S2, S3, and S4 during the shake period. The lighting test may be performed such that 110 displays black or displays white. In this way, the scan driver 120 and the data driver 130 are provided with the first and second signal generators 121 and 131, and the lighting test can be performed without the controller's intervention due to the lighting test, and the jig is used. The pads will not be damaged since it is not necessary.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a pixel included in the flat panel display of FIG. 2. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates a pixel circuit when an electrophoretic display (EPD) is applied as the flat panel display.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pixel circuit applied to the flat panel display device of the present invention. And a scan line and a data signal line arranged substantially orthogonally to apply the selection signals S [1] to S [n] and the data signals D [1] to D [m], respectively.

In addition, the transistor is turned on / off in response to the selection signals S [1] to S [n], so that the data signals D [1] to D [m] are applied into the pixel through the data signal lines. The device M further includes. In this case, the transistor element M may be formed of a thin film transistor TFT.

The transistor element M shown in FIG. 4 is formed of a PMOS and is electrically conducted during the period in which the selection signals S [1] to S [n] have a negative voltage value, thereby causing data signals D [1] to D [. m]) is applied into the pixel. This is a case where the transistor element M is applied as an example, and the transistor element M may be replaced with another type element within the same operation range.

On the other hand, when the electrophoretic display (EPD) is applied as a flat panel display device further includes an electrophoretic device (W) in the pixel circuit. One end of the electrophoretic device W is electrically connected to one electrode of the transistor device M to apply data signals D [1] to D [m] when the transistor device M is conductive. Receive.

On the other hand, the other end of the electrophoretic device (W) is electrically connected to a predetermined electrode, in the case of the pixel circuit of Figure 4 the other end of the electrophoretic device (W) is grounded as an example.

Accordingly, the voltage level and the ground voltage of the data signals D [1] to D [m] are respectively applied to both ends of the electrophoretic device W, and according to the voltage difference between the both ends, The charged particles move, and the charged particles remain in an aligned state during the stabilization period after data writing is completed, thereby realizing an image at a predetermined gray scale.

The structure of the electrophoretic device W will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5 in order to explain an operation in which charged particles move to implement an image.

5 is a detailed cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the electrophoretic device of FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the electrophoretic device to be applied to the present invention includes two substrates (not shown) each including an electrode layer, and the electrode layers included in the two substrates are included in the upper substrate. The electrode layer 51 and the lower electrode layer 52 included in the lower substrate may be formed.

One surface of the upper electrode layer 51 facing the lower electrode layer 52 may further include an adhesive layer 53 and a sealing layer 54 for sealing the two substrates.

Meanwhile, a partition wall 55 is formed on one surface of the lower electrode layer 52 facing the upper electrode layer 51, and the electrophoretic device includes a microcup formed of a space surrounded by the partition wall 55. The inside of the cup is filled with a dielectric solvent 61. The dielectric solvent 61 provided in each microcup may be colored red, green, or blue, respectively, according to the image realization characteristic of the electrophoretic device.

In addition, the charged particles 62 are dispersed in the dielectric solvent 61, and the charged particles may be charged in a positive or negative polarity. In this case, in order to achieve a full color display, the charged particles 62 are made of white particles, it is preferable to have a black background.

On the other hand, in the case of a monochrome display that implements an image as a gray scale of black and white, the dielectric solvent 61 and the charged particles 62 provided in the plurality of microcups of the electrophoretic device are each in the same colored state. ) And allows the same charged particles 62 to be dispersed. It also has the same background color.

In the case where the electrophoretic device of FIG. 5 is applied to a monochrome display that implements a monochrome color, the operation thereof will be described as an example. In the microcup, white charged particles 62 are disposed in a black dielectric solvent 61. A predetermined voltage is applied to the upper electrode layer 51 according to the data signal, and the application of the data signal to the upper electrode layer 51 is controlled by the switching operation of the transistor element.

In addition, the lower electrode layer 52 may be electrically connected to a voltage source applying a predetermined voltage, and in this case, a ground voltage may be applied to the lower electrode layer 52.

The charged particles 62 may be charged with any one of positive and negative voltages. Accordingly, the charged particles 62 may be charged by an electric field according to the voltage difference between the upper electrode layer 51 and the lower electrode layer 52. ) Are arranged by moving up and down.

For example, when the white charged particles 62 are charged with a positive polarity value, when a data signal having a large positive voltage is applied to the upper electrode layer 51, the charged particles 62 are lower electrode layers. Move toward 52 and are arranged. In this case, the voltage difference between the upper electrode layer 51 and the lower electrode layer 52 determines the degree to which the charged particles 62 move to the lower electrode layer 52. As a large positive voltage is applied to the upper electrode layer 51, the electrophoretic device realizes a color close to black, and the user can see the color through the substrate on which the transparent electrode layer is formed.

On the contrary, when a data signal having a large negative voltage is applied to the upper electrode layer 51, the charged particles 62 are arranged to move toward the upper electrode layer 51. In this case, since the charged particles 62 are colored white, the electrophoretic device realizes a color close to white. In addition, as the voltage of the negative polarity applied to the upper electrode layer 51 increases, the number of charged particles 62 moved and arranged toward the upper electrode layer 51 increases, which causes the electrophoretic device to become more white. Means to implement close color.

In addition, by controlling the magnitude of the positive or negative voltage value of the data signal applied to the upper electrode layer 51, the dielectric solvent 61 of the dielectric solvent 61 in addition to the charged particles 62 arranged to move to the two electrode layers is arranged. It can be arranged to be dispersed in the intermediate layer to realize the image of the intermediate region of white and black. That is, the color according to the gray scale to be implemented may be implemented by applying a data signal having a polarity and a magnitude of a voltage corresponding thereto.

The flat panel display having the pixel circuit and the cell structure configured as described above is just one example for applying the present invention, and controls the color implementation of the driving unit or the electrophoretic device for operating the panel. Various elements can be made within the range of the operation similar to the above-mentioned element of a circuit for this.

In addition, the electrophoretic device of the electrophoretic display (EPD) described above in FIG. 5 illustrates a microcup form, which is one of several different types of electrophoretic devices, and the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

That is, various types of electrophoretic devices may be applied to the present invention, and the electrodes provided in the electrophoretic devices may also be arranged to move the charged particles in a horizontal direction in addition to the vertical electrodes for vertically moving the charged particles. In-plain electrodes may be included.

Referring to the driving waveform shown in FIG. 6, the driving of the flat panel display device according to the present invention configured as described above is as follows.

In order to implement an image by controlling the arrangement of charged particles in the electrophoretic cell, as shown in FIG. 1, the frame includes a shake section, a section for loading an image, and a stabilization section. 6 is a waveform diagram of operating a flat panel display after performing a lighting test in a shake section.

During the shake period, the charged particles are repeatedly moved along both electrodes, thereby erasing the image implemented in the arrangement state in the electrophoretic cell of the charged particles in the immediately preceding frame.

Subsequently, an image loading section is formed in which the charged particles are arranged to realize an image, and the loading section is a drive section, which is a section for writing data, and a drive section before the drive section. It consists of a pre-drive section.

The pre-drive section implements a negative image by applying a data signal having a polarity opposite to that of the drive section, and the frame implementing the image includes the pre-drive section. The inclusion allows for more accurate gray scale representation. Thereafter, a desired image can be obtained by writing a data signal having predetermined gray scale information to be expressed during the drive period.

Subsequently, a stabilizing period (Bi-stable state) for stabilizing the charged particles to maintain the aligned state of the charged particles is made, and thus the image to be implemented is maintained for a certain time even after data writing. Since the selection signal and the data signal applied to the pixel are turned off during this period, the power consumption can be reduced.

The selection signal applied through the scan line during the shake period and the image loading period is generally a pulse signal having a predetermined positive voltage and negative voltage. In addition, the data signal applied through the data signal line has information that the charged particles in the electrophoretic cell are arranged in a predetermined state so that an image is realized at a desired gray scale, and the information has a predetermined positive or negative polarity. It can depend on the magnitude of the voltage level of the polarity.

In addition, the data signal may be implemented by applying a signal having a different pulse width by using a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme, or may implement an image by varying the number of pulses applied during one frame.

As described above, optimal embodiments have been disclosed in the drawings and the specification. Although specific terms have been used herein, they are used only for the purpose of describing the present invention and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention as described in the meaning limitation or claims. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention will be defined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

As described above, the flat panel display according to the present invention includes a signal generation unit for generating a lighting test selection signal and a data signal for the scan driver and the data driver, respectively, to perform a lighting test by an external input signal without intervention of a controller. By doing so, power consumption of the controller can be reduced, and pad damage by the jig can be prevented.

Claims (6)

A scan driver for sequentially applying selection signals along the plurality of selection signal lines; A data driver for applying a data signal through a data signal line in synchronization with the selection signal; And Formed on a plastic substrate, the selection signal line and the data signal line intersecting in a horizontal or vertical direction, wherein pixels are defined in the crossing region, and arranged by at least one electrode layer and a data signal applied through the electrode layer A display panel comprising an electrophoretic device having charged particles and a transistor device for controlling the application of a data signal to the electrophoretic device, The scan driver and the data driver respectively During the shake period for erasing the image implemented in the immediately preceding frame, a flat panel display including first and second signal generators which generate a lighting test selection signal and a lighting test data signal by an external selection signal and apply them to the display panel. Device. The flat panel display of claim 1, further comprising a pad electrically connecting the display panel formed on the plastic substrate to the scan driver and the data driver. The flat panel display of claim 1, wherein the data signal applied during the shake period is a signal having a predetermined voltage level to emit the pixels in a black image and a white image. The method of claim 1, And the flat panel display is an electrophoretic display (EPD). The frame of claim 1, wherein the frame embodying an image in the display panel includes: The frame may include a shake section for erasing an image implemented in the arrangement state of the charged particles in a frame immediately before the drive section; A drive section for writing data such that the charged particles are arranged for a predetermined gray scale representation; And And a stabilization section for stabilizing charged particles after the drive section to maintain an arrangement state. The method of claim 5, And the transistor device comprises an organic thin film transistor (OTFT) device.

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