JPH08286647A - Method and device for preventing screen burning of display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To facilitate confirmation of display contents of a normal image and to prevent burning in screen saver operation by processing an image while operating at present into the image of a size of a display area of a screen or below and moving it in the screen. CONSTITUTION: The number of count times showing the time required for screen saver start set beforehand and a count start signal are sent from a CPU 1 to a first counter 5. Then, when the CPU 1 receives a count end signal, it sends operation information of screen saver to a controller 3, and revises an output destination of image information from a video memory 4 to a graphic memory 2, and transmits a screen saver start signal to the controller 3. When the controller 3 receives the screen saver start signal, it sends the number of count times for moving the image set beforehand and the count start signal to a second counter 6. Then, when the controller 3 receives the count end signal from the second counter 6, it moves the display area of the image according to the operation information.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for preventing image sticking of a display device caused by displaying the same image at the same position for a long time, and a liquid crystal display device as the display device. It can be applied to all things such as CRT and CRT.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a device for preventing the phenomenon of image sticking on the screen of a display device caused by displaying the same image at the same position for a long time, that is, a phenomenon in which an image remains on the screen of the display device even when the image is cut off, a so-called As shown in FIG. 6A, the screen saver terminates the normal image which is actually being operated when the operator does not operate the computer for a certain period of time, and as shown in FIG. 6B. 6 (a), an unrelated image is displayed, and the image is constantly or intermittently moved or deformed as shown in FIG. It is designed to return to the regular image of.

[0003]

In the above-mentioned conventional example, the image is moved or deformed so as not to display the same image at a certain place for a long time to prevent the image sticking.
Since the image at that time is different from the regular image, the screen saver must be terminated when checking the operation state of the software. In this case, if the display content needs to be checked frequently, the screen saver must be terminated each time, and the effect of preventing image sticking cannot be fully exerted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a screen burning prevention method and device for a display device which facilitates confirmation of the display content of a regular image in a screen saver operation and enhances the burning prevention effect.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is a screen for preventing screen burn-in that occurs when the same image is continuously displayed at the same place on the screen of a display device for a long time. The image sticking prevention method is characterized in that an image currently in operation is processed into an image having a display area of the screen or less and moved within the screen.

In this case, the processing of the image may be processing of reducing the image currently in operation, or processing of extracting a part of the image currently in operation.

The display device may be a liquid crystal display device, for example, a ferroelectric liquid crystal display device.

Further, according to the present invention, in a screen image sticking preventing device for preventing image sticking which occurs when the same image is continuously displayed at the same place on the screen of the display device for a long time, the image currently in operation is displayed on the screen. It is characterized in that it comprises means for processing an image of a display area or less and means for moving the image within the screen.

The display device may be a liquid crystal display device, for example, a ferroelectric liquid crystal display device.

[0010]

As described above, according to the present invention, the image currently being operated is processed into an image having a display area of the screen or less and moved within the screen. Therefore, when the operator quits the operation and a predetermined time elapses, The currently operating screen is reduced, or a part of the currently operating image moves within the screen to prevent screen burning.

In this case, when the operator looks at the screen, a reduced image of the image that has been operating up to that point or a part of the image that has been operating up to that point is displayed on the screen. It is possible to confirm the operating state that had been present.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an embodiment 1 which best represents the features of the present invention. In the drawing, 1 is a CPU including a central processing unit and a main memory of a computer, and 2
Is a graphic memory for storing the image information sent from the CPU 1, 3 is a controller for processing and outputting the image information of the graphic memory 2, and 4 is a memory for displaying the image information output from the controller 3 in the drawing. Video memory.

Reference numeral 5 is a first counter which counts the time until the screen saver is activated. When a start signal is received, 1 is subtracted from the set value in synchronization with the clock signal, and the value becomes 0. When this happens, the counting is ended and a signal indicating the end of counting is output. Reference numeral 6 is a second counter that counts the time after the screen saver is activated, and the operation procedure is the same as that of the first counter 5. Reference numeral 7 is a timer for outputting a clock signal for timing the count of the first counter and the second counter 6, and 8 is a video controller for displaying an image on the screen based on the image information of the video memory 4. .

A device in which the CPU 1 and the video memory 4 are built in the computer main body, and others are hardware newly added from the outside.

When the computer is started, a clock signal is transmitted from the timer 7 to the first counter 5 and the second counter 6, and the preset time from the CPU 1 to the first counter 5 until the screen saver is activated. A signal indicating the number of counts and the start of counting is sent.

When the screen saver is not operating,
The image information is directly input from the CPU 1 to the video memory 4, and the image is displayed on the screen. First counter 5
When the count start signal is received, the counter subtracts 1 from the set value in synchronization with the clock signal from the timer 7. When the value becomes 0, the count end signal is sent to the CPU 1 to end the count.

When the CPU 1 receives the count end signal, it sends the screen saver operation information to the controller 3, changes the output destination of the image information from the video memory 4 to the graphic memory 2, and sends the screen saver start signal to the controller 3. When the controller 3 receives the signal for starting the screen saver, the second counter 6 sends a preset count number and a count start signal for moving an image, which will be described later, and further reads image information from the graphic memory 2 to display the image. Reduction processing is performed and new image information is output to the video memory 4.

When the second counter 6 receives the count start signal, it subtracts 1 from the set value, and when it reaches 0, the count ends and the count end signal is output to the controller 3. When the controller 3 receives the count end signal, the controller 3 moves the image display area according to the operation information, and again sends the count number and the count start signal to the second counter 6.

If the operator performs an operation for ending the screen saver while the screen saver is operating, CP
U1 transmits a signal for ending the screen saver to the controller 3, changes the output destination of the image information from the graphic memory 2 to the video memory 4, and sends a signal of the number of counts and the start of counting to the first counter 5.

When the controller 3 receives the screen saver end signal, it sends a count end signal to the second counter 6, stops the second counter 6, and returns to the display of a normal image.

The operation of the screen saver in the present invention is performed independently of the operation of the computer.

FIG. 2 shows an operation example in the above embodiment. 2A is a normal image, FIG. 2B is a state in which a reduced image of the regular image is displayed on a part of the screen, and FIG. 2C is the reduced image in another place in the screen. The state where it has been moved is shown.

When there is no operator operation for an arbitrary time, the regular image is reduced and displayed on a part of the screen (see FIG. 2).
(B)). Further, when the operator does not give an instruction to end the screen saver for an arbitrary time, the reduced image is moved to another place on the screen (FIG. 2 (c)). When the operator gives an end instruction, the normal image is displayed again, and the counting for starting the screen saver is started again (FIG. 2A).

The above embodiment has the following unique effects. (1) Since the image based on the regular image is displayed, the operation status can always be confirmed. (2) Since the operation status of the software can be always checked, it is not necessary to end the screen saver for checking, and the deterioration of the burn-in prevention function is prevented. (3) Since the screen saver is ended only when the operator gives an instruction to end the screen saver (a specific operation, etc.), the screen saver is not forcibly ended by an erroneous operation, and the deterioration of the burn-in prevention function is prevented. (4) Since the screen saver operates independently of the normal computer operation, the software can be operated in the same manner as the normal operation unless a special operation for ending the screen saver is performed. (5) Prepare two counters, one of which is the CPU
By directly communicating with the controller independently of the above, the load on the CPU can be reduced. (Embodiment 2) In the configuration of FIG. 1, when the controller 3 processes a regular image, not a reduction process but a process of taking out a part of the regular image and displaying it at an arbitrary position is performed. When the count end signal is received from the counter 6, the image is moved to another place on the screen.

An example of operation in this embodiment is shown in FIG.
3A is a normal image, FIG. 3B is a state in which a local portion of the regular image is displayed on a part of the screen, and FIG. 3C is a state in which the local image is moved to another place in the screen. Shows the closed state.

When there is no operator's operation for an arbitrary time, an arbitrary local portion of the regular image is taken out and displayed on a part of the screen (FIG. 3 (b)). Further, when the operator does not give an instruction to end the screen saver for an arbitrary time, the taken image is moved to another place on the screen (FIG. 3 (c)). When the operator gives an end instruction, the display returns to the regular image display and the counting for starting the screen saver is started again.
(FIG. 3 (a)).

As an effect peculiar to the second embodiment, it is possible to easily recognize characters because the screen is not reduced.

(Embodiment 3) In the configuration of FIG. 1, when the controller 3 processes the regular image, not the reduction process but the process of displaying only an arbitrary local part of the regular image, and the second counter When the count end signal is received from 6, the other part is displayed. An operation example in this embodiment is shown in FIG. FIG. 4A shows a regular image,
The figure (b) shows the state where only an arbitrary local part of the regular image is displayed, and the figure (c) shows the state where the other part is displayed.

When there is no operator operation for an arbitrary time, only an arbitrary local portion of the regular image is displayed (FIG. 4 (b)).
Further, when the operator does not give an instruction to end the screen saver for an arbitrary time, another local portion of the regular image is displayed (see FIG. 4).
(C)). When the operator gives an end instruction, the normal image is displayed again, and the counting for starting the screen saver is started again (FIG. 4A).

The above-mentioned third embodiment has a peculiar effect that the confirmation is facilitated because the screen is displayed without being reduced when the position for confirming the operation changes with time.

(Embodiment 4) Referring to FIG.
Through any one of the operation methods of the third embodiment, the screen saver is operated by using the controller which can be arbitrarily selected according to the given operation information.

The CPU 1 sends a signal for starting the screen saver to the controller 3 and, at the same time, sends an arbitrary count value set in advance and a signal for starting counting to the first counter 5. When the first counter 5 receives the count start signal, it subtracts 1 from the count value in synchronization with the clock from the timer 7, and when it reaches 0, the CPU 1 is instructed to end the count and the count ends. When the CPU 1 receives the count end signal, it sends a screen saver end signal to the controller 3, temporarily ends the screen saver, sends new operation information and a signal to activate the screen saver to the controller 3 again, and activates the screen saver. A signal to start counting is sent to the first counter 5 to start counting.

An example of the operation in this embodiment is shown in FIGS.
Will be explained. The order of image processing methods can be set arbitrarily, but here, the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the regular image,
A case where the processing method shifts in the order of the third embodiment will be described.

When there is no operator's operation before the first counter 5 finishes counting, the regular image is reduced and displayed on a part of the screen (FIG. 2 (b)).
Is set to a new count number. Second counter 6
When the operator does not give an instruction to end the screen saver before the count ends, the reduced image is moved to another place in the screen (FIG. 2C). Further, when there is no instruction from the operator before the first counter 5 ends, an arbitrary local portion of the regular image is taken out and displayed on a part of the screen (FIG. 3 (b)).

When the operator does not give an instruction to end the screen saver before the second counter 6 ends, the taken-out image is moved to another place in the screen (see FIG. 3).
(C)). When the operator does not give an instruction to finish until the first counter 5 finishes, the regular image is not processed and is displayed on the screen as it is (FIG. 2A). First counter 5
Alternatively, when there is no instruction from the operator to terminate until one of the second counters 6 (specified by the operator in advance) is terminated, only an arbitrary local portion of the regular image is displayed (FIG. 4 (b)).

Further, when there is no instruction to end the screen saver by the operator before the second counter 6 finishes counting, another local portion of the regular image is displayed (FIG. 4).
(C)). When the operator gives a termination instruction, the screen returns to the normal image, the count number for starting the screen saver is set again in the first counter 5, and the counting is started (FIG. 2A). If the operator does not give an instruction to finish by the end of the first counter 5, this operation is repeated.

The above fourth embodiment has the following unique effects.

(1) Since the method of image processing can be changed according to the operating condition of the software, it is easy to confirm the operation.

(2) Since the regular screen can be displayed on the screen as it is, it is effective when it is desired to confirm the operation in the actual size.

(Embodiment 5) In FIG. 1, a video controller 8 having a function of partial rewriting (driving only a specified local part and not operating other parts) is used. In the first to fourth embodiments, the CPU 1 is designated to perform partial rewriting when sending operation information to the controller 3. When the controller 3 receives the partial rewriting signal, when sending the information of the processed image to the video memory 4, the controller 3 passes the range of reduced display or partial display to the video controller 8. The video controller 8 performs a partial rewriting process only on the received range and displays it on the screen. When ending the screen saver, the controller 3 instructs the video controller 8 to rewrite the entire screen and returns to the display of the regular image.

The fifth embodiment has a peculiar effect that the effect of preventing image sticking is increased because the portion that has not been rewritten is not driven.

(Embodiment 6) Referring to FIG. 1, in Embodiment 1, all of the hardware was configured.
Some or all of the first counter 5, the second counter 6, and the timer 7 can be replaced by software. At this time, the timer and the controller must be in the same system (software or hardware).

Controller 3, first counter 5, second
FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which all of the counter 6 and timer 7 of FIG. In FIG. 5A, 9
Is a memory in the CPU, and includes the controller 3, the first counter 5, the second counter 6, the program of the timer 7, and the graphic memory 2. In addition to configuring all of the above three components with software,
As shown in FIG. 5 (b), an example in which software and hardware are mixed may be considered.

The operation of the screen saver is performed by interrupt processing. When the controller and the counter are both configured by software, the signal from the counter is transmitted to the controller, and when the controller and the counter are configured in different systems, the signal from the counter is transmitted to the CPU and then input to the controller. It The operation procedure of the other parts is the same as in the first to fifth embodiments.

The above-described sixth embodiment has a peculiar effect that it is inexpensive because it is not necessary to add new hardware to the portion constituted by software.

(Embodiment 7) In the configuration of FIG. 1 or 5, the operation in which the CPU 1 sends a screen saver activation signal to the controller 3 is for the operator to start the screen saver except when the first counter 5 has finished counting. It should occur when the operation of is performed.

As the effect peculiar to the seventh embodiment, the screen saver can be started immediately after the software is started, so that the prevention of burn-in can be further strengthened.

Although the display device is not specified in the above embodiment, the present invention can be applied not only to a CRT but also to a liquid crystal display device such as a ferroelectric liquid crystal display device.

[0050]

As described above, the present invention has the following effects.

As a new function, by displaying an image based on a regular image by a screen saver operation, it is possible to always confirm the operation status.

To improve the effect, since a part or all of the regular image is always displayed, it is not necessary to terminate the screen saver for checking the operation, and it is possible to prevent a reduction in the effect of image sticking prevention.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

2A is a normal operation screen, FIG. 2B is a screen obtained by reducing the normal screen, and FIG. 2C is a diagram obtained by moving FIG. 2B.

3A is a diagram showing a normal operation screen, FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a part of the regular screen taken out and displayed at an arbitrary place, and FIG. 3C is a diagram showing a movement of FIG. 3B.

4A is a diagram showing a normal operation screen, FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a part of the regular screen taken out and displayed, and FIG. 4C is a diagram showing another part of the regular screen.

5A is a circuit diagram in which the hardware of the circuit shown in FIG. 1 is replaced by software, and FIG. 5B is a circuit diagram in which a part of the hardware is replaced by software.

FIG. 6 shows a conventional screen saver, (a)
FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a screen of a normal operation, FIG. 8B is a screen when the screen saver is operating, and FIG. 8C is a screen when the image of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2 Graphic Memory 3 Controller 4 Video Memory 5 First Counter 6 Second Counter 7 Timer 8 Video Controller 9 Memory

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A screen burning prevention method for preventing screen burning, which occurs when the same image is continuously displayed in the same place on the screen of a display device for a long time, in which a currently operating image is displayed within a display area of the screen. A method for preventing screen burn-in of a display device, characterized by processing an image and moving the screen. 2. The screen burning prevention method for a display device according to claim 1, wherein the processing of the image is processing of reducing an image currently in operation. 3. The screen burning prevention method for a display device according to claim 1, wherein the processing of the image is processing for extracting a part of an image which is currently operating. 4. The screen burning prevention method for a display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is a liquid crystal display device. 5. The screen burning prevention method for a display device according to claim 4, wherein the liquid crystal display device is a liquid crystal display device using a ferroelectric liquid crystal. 6. A screen sticking prevention device for preventing a screen sticking that occurs when the same image is continuously displayed on the same place of the screen of a display device for a long time. A screen burn prevention device for a display device, comprising: a means for making an image of a display area or less and a means for moving the image within a screen. 7. The screen sticking prevention device for a display device according to claim 6, wherein the display device is a liquid crystal display device. 8. The screen burning prevention device for a display device according to claim 7, wherein the liquid crystal display device is a liquid crystal display device using a ferroelectric liquid crystal.