JP2007086277A - Electrooptical device, image processor, image processing method and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To individually specify an external light quantity and the characteristic value of each electrooptical element without putting out each electrooptical element. <P>SOLUTION: A sensor 30 receives emitted light from the plurality of electrooptical elements 13 and external light, and detects the received light quantity L. An average calculation part 63 calculates the average value A of a gradation specified in the plurality of electrooptical elements 13 by gradation data Dg0. A characteristic value specifying part 651 specifies the characteristic value of the plurality of electrooptical elements 13 on the basis of the received light quantity L of the sensor 30. An external light quantity specifying part 652 specifies a light quantity to reach the sensor 30 when the average value A is a lowest value as the external light quantity L0 on the basis of the average value A calculated by the average calculation part 63 and the received light quantity L of the sensor 30. An adjustment value decision part 67 decides an adjustment value R corresponding to the characteristic value specified by the specified value specifying part 651 and the external light quantity L0 specified by the external light quantity specifying part 652. An adjustment part 69 generates the gradation data Dg1 by adjusting the gradation data corresponding to the adjustment value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an organic light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as “OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)”.
The present invention relates to a technique for controlling an electro-optical element such as an element) to a desired gradation.

A technique for adjusting the gradation of each electro-optical element in an electro-optical device in which a plurality of electro-optical elements are arranged has been proposed. For example, in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, a sensor is arranged on the peripheral portion of a substrate on which electro-optical elements are arranged, and each electro-optical element is based on the amount of light emitted from the electro-optical element received by the sensor. A technique for correcting the tone of the above is disclosed. Under this configuration, not only emitted light from each electro-optic element but also external light such as sunlight and indoor illumination light is received by the sensor. In order to distinguish between the amount of light emitted from the electro-optical element and the amount of external light (hereinafter referred to as “external light amount”), each electro-optical element is turned off in the configurations described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. The amount of light received by the sensor is detected as an external light amount, and each electro-optical element is based on a numerical value obtained by subtracting the external light amount from the light amount received by the sensor when each electro-optical element is driven (that is, the amount of light emitted from each electro-optical element) The gradation is corrected.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-201962 (paragraph 0077 and FIG. 5) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-70065 (paragraph 0042)

However, in the configurations described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the operation of turning off each electro-optical element is indispensable for detecting the amount of external light. Accordingly, there is a problem in that each electro-optical element cannot be used for its intended use (for example, image display) when detecting the amount of external light. As a measure for solving this problem, for example, a measure of detecting the amount of external light only once after the electro-optical device is turned on and before each electro-optical element emits light can be considered. However, under this configuration, the amount of external light cannot be detected during use of the electro-optical device, so even if the amount of external light changes during use of the electro-optical device, a correction mode corresponding to this change (For example, the adjustment value) cannot be changed. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to solve the problem of individually specifying the external light amount and the characteristic value of each electro-optic element without having to turn off each electro-optic element. .

In order to solve this problem, an electro-optical device according to the first aspect of the present invention receives a plurality of electro-optical elements each emitting light, and light emitted from the plurality of electro-optical elements and external light. A sensor for detecting the received light amount, an average calculating means for calculating a gray scale average value that is an average value of gray scales specified for the plurality of electro optical elements by the gray scale data, and characteristic values of the plurality of electro optical elements Is based on the received light amount detected by the sensor, and the gradation average value is the lowest value based on the relationship between the gradation average value calculated by the average calculating means and the received light amount by the sensor. An external light amount specifying unit that specifies the amount of light that should reach the sensor as an external light amount, and an adjustment value that determines an adjustment value according to the characteristic value specified by the characteristic value specifying unit and the external light amount specified by the external light amount specifying unit Determining means and a plurality of electro-optic elements; Respectively, it comprises a driving means for driving the gradation corresponding to the adjustment value and the gradation specified in the electro-optical element adjustment value determining means is determined by grayscale data.

According to this configuration, the light amount that should reach the sensor when the gradation average value is the lowest value is specified as the external light amount based on the relationship between the gradation average value and the amount of light received by the sensor. Therefore, the amount of external light can be specified even when each electro-optical element is driven. That is, it is not necessary to turn off all the electro-optic elements in order to specify the external light amount.

The “electro-optical element” of the present invention is an element whose gradation is controlled by applying electric energy such as supply of electric current or application of electric field (voltage). For example, the present invention is suitably employed in an electro-optical device (that is, a light-emitting device) in which a light-emitting element such as an OLED element is employed as an electro-optical element. Further, “external light” in the present invention is light other than light emitted from each electro-optical element, and typically is light that arrives at the electro-optical device from outside, such as sunlight or indoor illumination light.

In a specific aspect of the invention, the characteristic value specifying means includes the gradation average value calculated by the average calculation means from the gradation data of the first period, the amount of light received by the sensor in the first period, the first period, Is the gradation average value calculated by the average calculation means from the gradation data of the different second period and the second
Based on the relationship with the amount of light received by the sensor in the period, the gradient of the amount of light received by the sensor with respect to the gradation average value (efficiency coefficient E in each embodiment) is specified as a characteristic value. For example, the characteristic value specifying means specifies a straight line that approximates the relationship between the gradation average value and the light reception amount from the gradation average value and the light reception amount in the first period and the gradation average value and the light reception amount in the second period. The slope of this straight line is specified as a characteristic value. According to this aspect, it is possible to specify the characteristic value of the electro-optic element with high accuracy by removing the influence of the external light amount.

In still another aspect, the external light amount specifying means is different from the first period in the gradation average value calculated by the average calculation means from the gradation data in the first period and the amount of light received by the sensor in the first period. Based on the relationship between the gradation average value calculated by the average calculation means from the gradation data of the second period and the amount of light received by the sensor in the second period, the sensor reaches the sensor when the gradation average value is the lowest value. The light quantity to be specified is specified as the external light quantity. For example, the external light amount specifying means specifies a straight line that approximates the relationship between the gradation average value and the light reception amount from the gradation average value and external light amount in the first period and the gradation average value and light reception amount in the second period. Then, the intercept of this straight line (the amount of received light when the gradation average value is zero) is specified as the external light amount. According to this aspect, it is possible to specify the external light amount with high accuracy and certainty even while each electro-optical element is being driven.

In each of the above aspects, the time length of the period during which the average calculation means calculates the gradation average value is arbitrary. A typical example of this period is a frame period (that is, a period in which all the electro-optic elements are driven). For example, a gray scale average value may be calculated in units of a plurality of frame periods. In each of the above embodiments, only the first period and the second period are mentioned, but the characteristic value (gradient) based on the gradation average value and the amount of received light in each of the three or more periods.
Even when the external light quantity (intercept) is specified, one of these periods is defined as “first” of the present invention.
Naturally, it is included in the scope of the present invention if it is grasped as “period” and another period is regarded as “second period” of the present invention.

In a more preferred aspect, the average calculating means calculates a gradation average value for each predetermined period, and the external light quantity specifying means includes the gradation average value calculated in each period and the amount of light received by the sensor in the period, The external light amount is sequentially specified based on the gradation average value calculated in another period and the amount of light received by the sensor in the period, and the adjustment value determining means is the external light quantity that the external light quantity specifying means specifies for each period. The adjustment value is updated sequentially in accordance with. According to this aspect, since the external light amount is specified every predetermined period, for example, even when the environment in which the electro-optical device is used changes and the external light amount fluctuates, the external light amount after the fluctuation is changed. It is possible to determine a suitable adjustment value.

The electro-optical device according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of electro-optical elements that each emit light, and a sensor that receives light emitted from the plurality of electro-optical elements and external light and detects the amount of the light received. Average calculation means for calculating a gradation average value that is an average value of gradations specified for the plurality of electro-optic elements by the gradation data, and a gradation calculated by the average calculation means from the gradation data of the first period The average value and the amount of light received by the sensor in the first period and the gradation average value calculated by the average calculating means from the gradation data of the second period different from the first period and the light reception by the sensor in the second period A characteristic value specifying means for specifying the gradient of the amount of light received by the sensor with respect to the gradation average value as a characteristic value, and an adjustment value for determining an adjustment value according to the characteristic value specified by the characteristic value specifying means Determining means and a plurality of electro-optics Each of the child, comprising a driving means for driving the gradation corresponding to the adjustment value and the gradation specified in the electro-optical element adjustment value determining means is determined by the gradation data.

According to this configuration, the characteristic value is determined based on the gradation average value and the amount of received light in the first period and the gradation average value and the amount of received light in the second period, so that external light reaches the sensor. Nevertheless, it is possible to specify only the characteristic value with high accuracy by eliminating the influence of the external light. Accordingly, in principle, a process of turning off each electro-optic element for specifying the external light amount in advance is unnecessary.

In a preferred aspect of the electro-optical device according to the first and second features of the present invention, the average calculating means determines the gradation designated for each electro-optical element by the gradation data and the distance between the sensor and each electro-optical element. A weighted average weighted with a coefficient corresponding to the gray scale average value is calculated. According to this aspect, it is possible to faithfully reflect the tendency that the emitted light from the electro-optic element that is separated from the sensor is less likely to reach the sensor in the adjustment value.

The electro-optical device according to the first and second features of the present invention includes, for example, a light-transmitting substrate on which a plurality of electro-optical elements are arranged on the surface, and the sensor has traveled inside the substrate. Light emitted from the electro-optic element is received. According to this configuration, the emitted light from each electro-optic element can efficiently reach the sensor.
In a more preferred embodiment, the sensor is disposed on the side of the substrate (see, for example, FIGS. 2 and 15).
A translucent member is disposed on the surface of the substrate. This light transmissive member is a light transmissive member including an inclined surface (for example, the inclined surface 41 in FIG. 2) whose height from the surface is closer to the side. According to this aspect, the external light incident on the inclined surface of the translucent member can efficiently reach the sensor as compared with the configuration in which the external light is directly incident on the substrate.
In a more specific aspect, a housing that accommodates the substrate is provided, and the housing is formed with an opening (for example, the opening 231 in FIG. 1) through which emitted light from the plurality of electro-optical elements passes. .
And a notch part (for example, notch part 233 of Drawing 1) is formed in the inner periphery of an opening, and a translucent member is inserted in a notch part of a case. According to this aspect, it is possible to install the translucent member without impairing the design of the electro-optical device.

The electro-optical device according to the invention is used in various electronic apparatuses. A typical example of this electronic device is
This is an apparatus using an electro-optical device as a display device. Examples of this type of electronic device include a personal computer and a mobile phone. However, the use of the electro-optical device according to the present invention is not limited to image display. For example, an exposure device (exposure head) for forming a latent image on an image carrier such as a photosensitive drum by irradiation of light, a device (backlight) that is arranged on the back side of a liquid crystal device and illuminates it, or The electro-optical device of the present invention can be applied to various uses such as various illumination devices such as a device that is mounted on an image reading device such as a scanner and illuminates a document.

The present invention relates to a plurality of electro-optical elements that are driven to a gradation according to gradation data and an adjustment value, and a sensor that receives emitted light and external light from the plurality of electro-optical elements and detects the amount of received light. And an image processing apparatus of an electro-optical device including the above.
For example, the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an average calculation unit that calculates an average value of gradations that is an average value of gradations specified for a plurality of electro-optic elements by gradation data, and a plurality of average calculation units. The characteristic value specifying means for specifying the characteristic value of the electro-optic element based on the amount of received light detected by the sensor, and the gradation average based on the relationship between the gradation average value calculated by the average calculating means and the amount of light received by the sensor The external light quantity specifying means for specifying the light quantity that should reach the sensor as the external light quantity when the value is the minimum value, and the adjustment according to the characteristic value specified by the characteristic value specifying means and the external light quantity specified by the external light quantity specifying means Adjustment value determining means for determining a value.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus comprising: an average calculating unit that calculates an average gradation value that is an average value of gradations specified for a plurality of electro-optic elements by gradation data; The average calculation means calculated from the gradation average value calculated by the average calculation means from the gradation data of the period, the amount of light received by the sensor in the first period, and the gradation data of the second period different from the first period. Characteristic value specifying means for specifying a gradient of the amount of light received by the sensor relative to the gradation average value as a characteristic value based on the relationship between the gradation average value and the amount of light received by the sensor in the second period, and a characteristic value specifying means Adjustment value determining means for determining an adjustment value according to the specified characteristic value.

An image processing apparatus according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes an adjusting unit that adjusts the gradation specified by the gradation data based on the adjustment value determined by the adjustment value determining unit. According to this aspect, the drive circuit for driving each electro-optic element does not need to have a function for adjusting (correcting) the gradation data, and therefore, a conventional drive circuit that does not have this function is disclosed in the present invention. The electro-optical device can be widely used. However, the function (adjustment means) for adjusting the gradation data may be provided in the drive circuit.

Note that the image processing apparatus of the present invention may be realized by hardware such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or may be realized by cooperation of a computer and a program. This program has a content that causes the computer to function as each of the above means. The present invention is also specified as an image processing method used in the electro-optical device according to each of the above aspects.

<A: First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the structure of the electro-optical device according to the first embodiment of the invention. Also,
2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. The electro-optical device D of the present embodiment is a device that is used as a display device of various electronic devices. The electro-optical panel 10 that displays images and the electro-optical panel 1
And a housing 20 for accommodating 0.

The electro-optical panel 10 includes a light-transmitting substrate 11 formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and a plurality of electro-optical elements 1 disposed on the surface 112 of the substrate 11 on the back side (downward in FIGS. 2 and 3).
3 is included. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of scanning lines 16 and a plurality of data lines 17 extending in directions intersecting each other are formed on the surface 112 of the substrate 11. Each electro-optical element 13 is disposed at a position corresponding to each intersection of the scanning line 16 and the data line 17. Therefore, these electro-optical elements 13 are arranged in a matrix on the surface 112 of the substrate 11. Note that the scanning lines 16 and the data lines 17 are not shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, each electro-optic element 13 includes first electrodes 1 that face each other.
A light emitting layer 134 is interposed between 31 (anode) and the second electrode 132 (cathode). In the electro-optical element 13 of the present embodiment, the light emitting layer 134 is an organic EL (ElectroLuminescent).
) OLED element (light emitting element) formed of a material. The light emitting layer 134 emits light with a luminance corresponding to the current flowing between the first electrode 131 and the second electrode 132.

Each first electrode 131 is an electrode formed for each electro-optic element 13 by a light-transmitting conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). On the surface 112 of the substrate 11 on which the first electrodes 131 are formed, a lattice-shaped partition wall 136 that partitions the space on the surface 112 for each electro-optic element 13 is formed. The light emitting layer 134 is surrounded by the partition wall 136 so as to surround the first electrode 1.
It is formed in a space (concave portion) having 31 as a bottom surface. On the other hand, the second electrode 132 is an electrode formed of a light-reflective conductive material such as aluminum or silver, and the plurality of electro-optic elements 1
Distributed continuously over three. Light emitted from the light emitting layer 134 to the back side is reflected by the surface of the second electrode 132 and transmitted through the substrate 11 and then emitted to the observation side (upper side in FIG. 2). That is,
The electro-optical panel 10 of this embodiment is a bottom emission type. However, the present invention is also applied to an electro-optical device having a top emission type electro-optical panel.

The casing 20 has a rectangular rear surface portion 21 facing the front surface 112 of the substrate 11, a front surface portion 23 facing the rear surface portion 21 with the electro-optic panel 10 interposed therebetween, and a side end surface 116 of the substrate 11 over the entire circumference. The side portion 25 interposed in the gap between the back surface portion 21 and the front surface portion 23 is integrally formed so as to face each other. A portion (hereinafter referred to as “opening”) 231 that is opened in a substantially rectangular shape is formed on the front surface portion 23 located on the observation side of the electro-optical panel 10. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, the size and shape of the opening 231 are selected so that the inner periphery of the opening 231 surrounds the set of electro-optical elements 13 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the substrate 11.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sensor 30 is disposed at the center of one side end surface 116 of the substrate 11. The sensor 30 is a means for receiving light reaching the detection surface 31 and outputting a signal having a level corresponding to the amount of light received (hereinafter referred to as “detection signal”). As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor 30 in the present embodiment has a detection surface 31 on the side end surface 116 of the substrate 11.
Is fixed to the substrate 11 or the housing 20 so as to face (ideally, contact).

Light emitted from the light-emitting layer 134 of each electro-optic element 13 (including the reflected light from the second electrode 132) is incident on the surface 112 on the back side of the substrate 11 and travels through the substrate 11, and then the surface 114 on the observation side. To reach. Of this light, the component incident on the surface 114 at an angle less than the critical angle passes through the surface 114 and passes through the opening 231 of the housing 20 as shown by the arrow D1 in FIG. And perceived by the observer. On the other hand, the component incident on the surface 114 at an angle exceeding the critical angle among the emitted light from each electro-optical element 13 is totally reflected on the surface 114 and the surface 112 of the substrate 11 as indicated by an arrow D2 in FIG. The light travels through the substrate 11 repeatedly, and finally exits from the side end surface 116 and enters the detection surface 31 of the sensor 30.

The substrate 11 of the electro-optical panel 10 is irradiated with various types of external light such as sunlight and indoor illumination light. In the outside light, as indicated by an arrow D 3 in FIG. 2, there is a component that enters the substrate 11, propagates through the substrate 11, exits from the side end surface 116, and enters the detection surface 31 of the sensor 30. Therefore, the sensor 30 functions as means for receiving the emitted light and the external light from the plurality of electro-optical elements 13 and detecting the amount of received light. In the present embodiment, in order to ensure a sufficient amount of external light that enters the substrate 11 and reaches the detection surface 31 of the sensor 30 (external light amount), the surface 114 on the observation side of the substrate 11 is light transmissive. A translucent member 40 is disposed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the translucent member 40 has an angle α (with respect to the surface 114 of the substrate 11.
α includes an inclined surface 41 inclined by an acute angle) and an upper surface 42 parallel to the surface 114 of the substrate 11.
The inclined surface 41 is a plane whose height from the surface 114 is higher as the position is closer to the side end surface 116 where the sensor 30 is installed. As shown in FIG. 1, a substantially rectangular notch 233 is formed at a position corresponding to the sensor 30 in the inner peripheral edge of the opening 231 of the housing 20. The dimension in the width direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 1) of the notch 233 substantially matches the width dimension of the translucent member 40.
The cutout 233 is fitted so that the bottom surface contacts the surface 114 of the substrate 11. In this state, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inclined surface 41 and the front surface portion 23 of the translucent member 40.
The inner wall surface 235 of the light transmitting member 40 is located in substantially the same plane P1, and the upper surface 42 and the front surface portion 23 of the translucent member 40.
Is located in substantially the same plane P2. According to the configuration in which the translucent member 40 is integrally fitted to the housing 20 as described above, for example, the surface of the translucent member 40 (the inclined surface 41 and the upper surface 42) and the surface of the housing 20 (235 and 236). ) With a step (for example, the translucent member 40)
Compared with a configuration in which the projection partly protrudes from the surface of the housing 20), unnaturalness in design can be eliminated.

Next, it will be described that the amount of external light reaching the sensor 30 increases due to the installation of the translucent member 40. The actual refractive index of the translucent member 40 is arbitrary, but here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the refractive index of the translucent member 40 substantially matches the refractive index of the substrate 11.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which external light incident on the inclined surface 41 of the light transmissive member 40 travels inside the light transmissive member 40 and the substrate 11. As shown in the figure, external light incident on the inclined surface 41 from a direction that forms an angle θ1 (0 ≦ θ1 ≦ π / 2) with respect to the perpendicular V0 to the surface 114 of the substrate 11 is relative to the perpendicular V0. After being refracted in the direction of the angle θ3 (0 ≦ θ3 ≦ π / 2), the light advances through the translucent member 40 and the substrate 11. Further, the external light is specularly reflected on the surface of the second electrode 132 and reaches the upper surface 42 of the translucent member 40 from a direction that forms an angle θa (≈θ3) with respect to the perpendicular V0.

Here, when the angle θa of the external light reaching the upper surface 42 from the inside of the translucent member 40 is less than the critical angle i 0, the external light is emitted from the upper surface 42 to the observation side and therefore does not reach the sensor 30. On the other hand, when the angle θa of the external light exceeds the critical angle i 0, the external light that has reached the upper surface 42 from the inside of the translucent member 40 is totally reflected by the upper surface 42, so The sensor 30 is reached from the side end face 116 of the substrate 11. Thus, in order to ensure a sufficient amount of external light reaching the sensor 30, the angle θa needs to exceed the critical angle i0. Since the angle θa and the angle θ3 substantially coincide with each other, it is desirable to set the angle θ3 to a sufficiently large angle in order to allow outside light to reach the sensor 30 over a wider range. According to this embodiment, since the translucent member 40 is installed on the surface 114 of the substrate 11, a larger angle θ 3 can be ensured compared to the case where the translucent member 40 is not installed (as a result, the sensor 30 has Can increase the amount of external light reaching). The reason will be described in detail as follows.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which external light is incident on the surface 114 from the air under a configuration in which the translucent member 40 is not installed on the surface 114 of the substrate 11. As shown in the figure, the following equation (1) is established between the incident angle θ1 and the outgoing angle θ2 at the interface between the air (refractive index n1) and the substrate 11 (refractive index n2).
sinθ1 ＝ (n2 / n1) ・ sinθ2 …… (1)

On the other hand, FIG. 6 shows a configuration in which the light transmissive member 40 is installed and external light is transmitted from the air to the light transmissive member 40.
It is sectional drawing which shows a mode that it injects into the inclined surface 41 of this. Here, as in FIG. 5, it is assumed that external light is incident from a direction that forms an angle θ 1 with respect to the perpendicular V 0 of the substrate 11. Outside light is inclined surface 41
Is incident on the inclined surface 41 from the direction of the angle (θ1−α) with respect to the vertical line V1, and the direction inside the direction of the angle (θ3−α) with respect to the vertical line V1 is changed, and then the inside of the translucent member 40 is changed. proceed. Therefore, the following formula (2) is established between the incident angle (θ1−α) and the outgoing angle (θ3−α) at the interface (inclined surface 41) between the air and the translucent member 40. In the formula (2), it is assumed that the refractive index of the translucent member 40 is “n 2” which is the same as that of the substrate 11.
sin (θ3−α) = (n1 / n2) ・ sin (θ1−α) ...... (2)

The above equation (2) is modified as follows using the relationship of the equation (1).
sin (θ3−α) = (n1 / n2) ・ sin (θ1−α)
＝ (n1 / n2) ・ (sinθ1 ・ cosα−cosθ1 ・ sinα)
= Sin (θ2−α) + sinα ・ [cosθ2− (n1 / n2) ・ {1 − ((n2 / n1) ・ sinθ2) ² } ^{1 /
2} ]
= Sin (θ2−α) + sinα ・ [(1−sin ² θ2) ^1/2 − {(n1 / n2) ² −sin ² θ2} ^1/2 ]
...... (2a)

Here, the refractive index n2 of the translucent member 40 (or the substrate 11) is larger than the refractive index n1 (≈1) of air (n1 / n2 <1). As is apparent from FIG. 6, α> 0, (θ3−α)> 0, (θ2
−α)> 0, so
sinα> 0, (1−sin ² θ2) ^1/2 − {(n1 / n2) ² −sin ² θ2} ^1/2 > 0
Is established. Considering these relationships and equation (2a), it can be seen that sin (θ3−α)> sin (θ2−α). Therefore, θ3> θ2. That is, according to the present embodiment in which the translucent member 40 is disposed on the surface 114 of the substrate 11, the translucent member 40 is disposed at an angle θa when external light reaches the upper surface 42 from the inside of the translucent member 40. It can be made larger compared to a configuration that is not. Therefore, a sufficient amount of external light reaching the sensor 30 can be ensured.

Next, the angle α of the translucent member 40 will be described. By transforming equation (2), the following equation (3) is derived.
θ3 ＝ α ＋ arcsin {(n1 / n2) ・ sin (θ1−α)} …… (3)
FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship of equation (3), where the horizontal axis is the angle α and the vertical axis is the angle θ3 (≈θa). Here, the refractive index n1 of air is “1”, and the refractive index n2 of the translucent member 40 and the substrate 11 is set.
Is "1.5". In the figure, the angle θ1 is expressed as a separate numerical value (45 °, 60 °, 75
)) And the critical angle i0 on the upper surface 42 of the translucent member 40 are shown together. The critical angle i0 is calculated as approximately 41.8 ° from sin (i0) = n1 / n2.

As shown in FIG. 7, external light incident on the light transmitting member 40 from an angle (θ1) of 45 ° with respect to the perpendicular V 0 is an angle α of the inclined surface 41 of the light transmitting member 40 of 35 ° or more. The light is totally reflected by the upper surface 42 and propagates through the transparent member 40 and the substrate 11. Therefore, this outside light is converted into the sensor 3
When reaching 0, the angle α of the inclined surface 41 of the translucent member 40 is set to 35 ° or more. Similarly, external light incident on the translucent member 40 from an angle of 60 ° with respect to the vertical line V0 is detected by the sensor 30.
When the angle is reached, the angle of the inclined surface 41 is set to 15 ° or more. As described above, the shape (angle α) of the inclined surface 41 of the translucent member 40 in the present embodiment is appropriately selected according to the angle θ1 of the external light that should reach the sensor 30.

Next, FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the electro-optical device D. As shown in the figure, the electro-optical device D of the present embodiment includes the electro-optical panel 10 and the sensor 3 shown in FIG.
In addition to 0, a scanning line driving circuit 51 and a data line driving circuit 52 for driving each electro-optical element 13 and a control device 60 for controlling each part of the electro-optical device D are provided. Note that the scanning line driving circuit 51, the data line driving circuit 52, and the control device 60 are connected to the substrate 11 of the electro-optical panel 10.
It may be mounted on a wiring board mounted on the substrate 11.

The scanning line driving circuit 51 converts the scanning signal supplied to each scanning line 16 into one frame period (
The scanning lines 16 are sequentially selected by sequentially setting the active level for each horizontal scanning period within the vertical scanning period). The data line driving circuit 52 supplies a current (hereinafter referred to as “driving current”) to each data line 17 in the horizontal scanning period in which the scanning line driving circuit 51 selects any one of the scanning lines 16.
Supply. The drive current supplied to the data line 17 in the horizontal scanning period in which one scanning line 16 is selected has a gradation specified for the electro-optical element 13 corresponding to the intersection of the scanning line 16 and the data line 17. The current value is set accordingly. The gradation of each electro-optic element 13 is determined by the control device 60.
Is specified by the gradation data Dg1 supplied to the data line driving circuit 52. The electro-optical element 13 is driven at a gradation (luminance) corresponding to the drive current supplied to the data line 17.

The control device 60 supplies various control signals (for example, a vertical synchronization signal VSYNC having a period corresponding to a frame period) that defines the operation timing of the electro-optical device D to supply the scanning line driving circuit 5.
1 and the data line driving circuit 52 are controlled. Further, the control device 60 of the present embodiment includes the sensor 3
An image processing device 61 that generates gradation data Dg1 from gradation data Dg0 based on the detection signal S output from 0 is included.

The detection signal S is a signal according to the amount of light received by the sensor 30 (that is, the sum of the amount of light emitted from the plurality of electro-optical elements 13 and reaching the sensor 30 and the amount of external light reaching the sensor 30). . The gradation data Dg0 is digital data that designates the gradation of each electro-optical element 13, and is supplied to the control device 60 from various host devices such as a CPU of an electronic device in which the electro-optical device D is mounted. The gradation data Dg1 generated by the image processing device 61 is output to the data line driving circuit 52.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the image processing device 61. As shown in the figure, the image processing apparatus 61 includes an average calculating unit 63, a parameter specifying unit 65, an adjustment value determining unit 67, and an adjusting unit 69. It should be noted that these elements are DSPs (Di
It may be realized by hardware such as a gital signal processor) or by a computer such as a CPU executing a program. The gradation data Dg0 input from the host device is supplied to the average calculation unit 63 and the adjustment unit 69, and the detection signal S output from the sensor 30 is supplied to the parameter specifying unit 65. In addition, the average calculation unit 63, the parameter specifying unit 65, and the adjustment value determination unit 67 include a vertical synchronization signal VSYNC supplied from the host device.
Based on the above, each operates at a timing synchronized with the frame period.

The average calculation unit 63 is a means for calculating an average value of gradations (hereinafter referred to as “gradation average value”) A designated by the plurality of electro-optic elements 13 by the gradation data Dg0 for each frame period. The average calculation unit 63 in the present embodiment sequentially accumulates the gradation data Dg0 of one screen (all electro-optic elements 13) supplied from the host device within one frame period, and this accumulated value is electrically stored. By dividing by the total number of optical elements 13, the gradation average value (that is, arithmetic average) is calculated for each frame period.

The parameter specifying unit 65 is a means for specifying various parameters based on the gradation average value A calculated by the average calculating unit 63 and the detection signal S (light reception amount L) output from the sensor 30.
A characteristic value specifying unit 651 for calculating a characteristic value corresponding to the characteristic of each electro-optical element 13, and the sensor 30.
And an external light quantity specifying unit 652 for specifying the external light quantity L0 in the received light quantity L. The characteristic value specifying unit 651 in this embodiment specifies a coefficient E (hereinafter referred to as “efficiency coefficient”) E proportional to the average light emission efficiency of the plurality of electro-optical elements 13. The luminous efficiency is a ratio between the gradation designated for each electro-optical element 13 and the total amount of light emitted from each electro-optical element 13 at that time. The light emission efficiency (and efficiency factor E) varies depending on various factors such as the deterioration of the electro-optic element 13 over time and the temperature of the surrounding environment where the electro-optic device D is used.

FIG. 10 is a graph in which the gradation average value A (horizontal axis) calculated by the average calculation unit 63 and the received light amount L (vertical axis) indicated by the detection signal S are plotted for each of a plurality of frame periods. For example,
The light quantity L received by the sensor 30 in the frame period F1 in which the gradation average value A is “A1” is “L1”.
The light quantity L received by the sensor 30 in the frame period F2 in which the gradation average value A is “A2” is “L2”. Since each electro-optical element 13 emits light with a luminance corresponding to the gradation data Dg0 (more strictly, a luminance according to the gradation data Dg1), as shown in FIG. 10, the gradation average value A and the received light amount. Between L and the light receiving amount L by the sensor 30 in the frame period in which the gradation average value A is large.
Tend to be large. Therefore, the relationship between the gradation average value A and the amount of received light L can be approximated by a straight line B.

In the graph of FIG. 10, the gradation average value A is the lowest value (zero) when all the electro-optic elements 13 are instructed to be turned off (luminance zero). Therefore, the intercept of straight line B (
The received light amount L) when the gradation average value A is zero corresponds to the external light amount L0. In addition, the gradient (slope) of the straight line B is proportional to the average luminous efficiency of the plurality of electro-optic elements 13. For example, if the luminous efficiency of each electro-optical element 13 is high, the amount of increase in the received light amount L with respect to the increase in the gradation average value A is large, and when each electro-optical element 13 deteriorates over time and the luminous efficiency decreases. The increase in the amount of received light L with respect to the change in the gradation average value A is reduced. Therefore, the gradient of the straight line B corresponds to the efficiency coefficient E of each electro-optic element 13.

The parameter specifying unit 65 in FIG. 9 includes the gradation average value A calculated by the average calculation unit 63 and the sensor 30.
Is obtained for each frame period, and the new gradation average value A and received light quantity L, and the gradation average value A and received light quantity L acquired in a predetermined number of frame periods before that, Based on the above, the straight line B in FIG. 10 is determined. For example, the parameter specifying unit 65 calculates a straight line B that passes through both the gradation average value A2 and the received light amount L2 in the new frame period F2 and the gradation average value A1 and the received light amount L1 in the immediately preceding frame period F1. To do. The characteristic value specifying unit 651 specifies the gradient of the straight line B as the efficiency coefficient E. Further, the external light quantity specifying unit 652 specifies the intercept of the straight line B as the external light quantity L0.

The adjustment value determining unit 67 shown in FIG. 9 adjusts the adjustment value R for each frame period based on the efficiency coefficient E output from the characteristic value specifying unit 651 and the external light amount L0 output from the external light amount specifying unit 652.
It is a means to determine. The adjustment value determination unit 67 in the present embodiment includes a storage device in which an adjustment table for specifying the adjustment value R is stored. As shown in FIG. 11, the adjustment table includes a plurality of tables each corresponding to a separate external light quantity L0 (L0a, L0b, L0c,...). In each table, each efficiency coefficient E (for example, Ea1, Ea2, Ea3,...) That can be specified by the characteristic value specifying unit 651 is associated with an adjustment value R (for example, Ra1, Ra2, Ra3,...).

The adjustment value determining unit 67 searches the adjustment table for a table corresponding to the external light amount L0 output from the external light amount specifying unit 652, and among the searched tables, the efficiency coefficient E output from the characteristic value specifying unit 651. The adjustment value R associated with is selected and output. The contents of the adjustment table are as follows. First, as the efficiency coefficient E output from the characteristic value specifying unit 651 is smaller (that is, the light emission efficiency of each electro-optical element 13 is lowered due to deterioration over time or ambient temperature). The adjustment value R determined by the adjustment value determination unit 67 is determined to be large. Second, the content of the adjustment table is determined such that the adjustment value R determined by the adjustment value determination unit 67 increases as the external light amount L0 output from the external light amount specifying unit 652 increases.

Next, the adjustment unit 69 shown in FIG. 9 is means for generating gradation data Dg1 by processing the gradation data Dg0 based on the adjustment value R determined by the adjustment value determination unit 67. In the present embodiment, the adjustment unit 69 applies to the gradation data Dg0 for one screen supplied within a certain frame period.
The gradation value Dg1 is generated by commonly adding the adjustment value R determined by the adjustment value determination unit 67 in the frame period. The data line driving circuit 52 drives each electro-optical element 13 by outputting a driving current having a current value corresponding to the gradation data Dg1 to the data line 17.

In the present embodiment, the adjustment value R is set to a larger value as the external light amount L0 is larger.
Therefore, even when the same gradation is designated by the gradation data Dg0, the electro-optical device 1 is more brighter when the electro-optical device D is used in a brighter environment (that is, the external light amount L0 is larger).
3 is driven with high luminance (high gradation). Thereby, even when the electro-optical device D is used in a bright environment, the visibility of the image can be sufficiently ensured. In other words, the external light amount L
Since the adjustment value R is set to a smaller value as 0 is smaller, the luminance of each electro-optical element 13 is suppressed when the electro-optical device D is used in a dark environment. Therefore, the electro-optical device D
Power consumption is reduced, and deterioration of each electro-optical element 13 is suppressed.

Since the adjustment value R is set to a larger value as the efficiency coefficient E is smaller, the gradation data D
Even when the same gradation is designated by g0, the gradation designated for each electro-optical element 13 by gradation data Dg1 corresponds to the adjustment value R as the luminous efficiency of each electro-optical element 13 decreases. The gradation is increased by that amount. Thereby, for example, even when the luminous efficiency is lowered, such as when the characteristics of each electro-optical element 13 deteriorate with time or when the electro-optical device D is used in a low-temperature environment, each electro-optical element The image quality can be maintained by maintaining the luminance of 13 at a desired value.

Next, FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image processing apparatus 61. When the electro-optical device D is powered on, the processing from step S21 to step S24 in FIG. 12 is sequentially repeated for each frame period. First, the average calculation unit 6 of the image processing apparatus 61.
3 calculates a luminance average value A based on the gradation data Dg0 for one screen (step S21).
. Subsequently, the parameter specifying unit 65 specifies the received light amount L based on the detection signal S from the sensor 30 (step S22).

The parameter specifying unit 65 (characteristic value specifying unit 651 / external light quantity specifying unit 652) executes step S2.
The external light amount L0 and the efficiency coefficient based on the gradation average value A calculated in 1 and the received light amount L specified in step S22 and the gradation average value A and the received light amount L acquired in a predetermined number of frame periods before that. E is identified (step S23). And the adjustment value determination part 67 is step S23.
The adjustment value R is determined based on the external light quantity L0 and the efficiency coefficient E specified in (Step S24).
.

Note that in step S23 immediately after the electro-optical device D is turned on, only the external light amount L0 and the efficiency coefficient E in one frame period are acquired. Therefore,
The straight line B that approximates the relationship between the gradation average value A and the amount of received light L cannot be specified. In this case, the external light quantity L0 and the efficiency coefficient E are not specified in step S23, and further step S24.
The adjustment value R is not set by. Therefore, for the first frame period, the gradation data D
g0 is output as it is as gradation data Dg1.

In step S25, it is determined whether or not it is time to finish driving the electro-optical element 13. When the power of the electro-optical device D is cut off or when the mode is changed to a mode in which image display is stopped (so-called sleep mode), the determination in step S25 is affirmed and FIG.
This process ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S25 is negative, steps S21 to S24 are performed.
The process up to is repeated. That is, the specification of the external light amount L0 and the efficiency coefficient E and the determination of the adjustment value R corresponding thereto are repeated for each frame period. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the external light amount L is obtained by moving the electro-optical device D from, for example, indoors to outdoors during image display.
Even when 0 changes or when the efficiency coefficient E changes due to a change in the ambient temperature of the electro-optical device D, each electro-optical element 13 is adjusted to an optimum gradation according to the changed parameter. It is possible to drive.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the received light amount L of the sensor 30 during the period in which each electro-optical element 13 is driven according to the gradation data Dg1 (that is, during the display of the image). Thus, the external light quantity L0 and the characteristic value (efficiency coefficient E) of each electro-optical element 13 are individually specified. Therefore, the configuration and processing of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 in which each electro-optical element 13 is turned off for specifying the external light amount L0 are not necessary in principle. Further, when the external light quantity L0 and the efficiency coefficient E change during driving of each electro-optical element 13, the adjustment value R can be updated so as to correspond to the external light quantity L0 and the efficiency coefficient E after the change. There is an advantage.

Further, since the relationship (straight line B) between the gradation average value A and the amount of received light L over a plurality of frame periods is discriminated, one sensor 30 detects both the external light and the emitted light from each electro-optical element 13. Regardless of the configuration for receiving light, the external light amount L0 and the efficiency coefficient E are individually specified from the light reception amount L by the sensor 30. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, compared to a configuration in which the sensor 30 for detecting external light and the sensor 30 for detecting the emitted light from each electro-optical element 13 are separately installed, the electro-optic Simplification of the configuration of the device D and reduction in manufacturing cost (reduction in the number of parts) can be realized.

Each electro-optical element 13 is driven in accordance with the gradation data Dg1 corrected by the image processing device 61. Therefore, in the configuration in which the image processing device 61 adjusts the luminance according to the external light amount L0 as in the above embodiment, the efficiency coefficient E specified by the characteristic value specifying unit 651 and the actual characteristics of each electro-optical element 13 There may be a difference in the amount of correction according to the external light amount L0 during the period. In order to eliminate this error, the gradation average value A is corrected according to the external light amount L0 (or the correction amount according to the external light amount L0), and then the efficiency coefficient E in FIG. The efficiency coefficient E reflecting the characteristics of the electro-optical element 13 (that is, characteristics when the luminance is not adjusted according to the external light amount L0) may be specified. Further, the efficiency coefficient E of the adjustment table of FIG.
The error of the efficiency factor E can also be eliminated by the configuration selected to a numerical value corresponding to. In this configuration, it is not necessary to correct the gradation average value A.

<B: Second Embodiment>
Next, an electro-optical device D according to a second embodiment of the invention will be described.
In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the gradation data Dg0 of all the electro-optic elements 13 is adjusted in common by the adjustment value R determined according to the light reception amount L by one sensor 30 is exemplified. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the gradation data Dg0 of each electro-optical element 13 is adjusted separately for each emission color. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the element similar to 1st Embodiment among this embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the appearance of the electro-optical device D in the present embodiment. The electro-optical element 13 in the present embodiment emits light having a wavelength corresponding to any of a plurality of colors (red, green, and blue). Therefore, the electro-optical panel 10 of the present embodiment can display a multicolor image in which red, green, and blue are selectively combined.

The side end surface 116 of the substrate 11 has three sensors 30 (30 corresponding to different emission colors).
r, 30g, 30b) are arranged. The sensor 30r selectively receives a component having a wavelength corresponding to red in the light (emitted light and external light from each electro-optical element 13) that has reached the detection surface 31, and detects the light according to the received light amount L. The signal Sr is output. Similarly, the sensor 30g receives only the component corresponding to green and outputs the detection signal Sg, and the sensor 30b receives only the component corresponding to blue and outputs the detection signal Sb. On the other hand, the translucent member 40 in the present embodiment is formed in a dimension that is continuous over the three sensors 30.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus 61 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image processing apparatus 61 of this embodiment includes a distribution unit 611 that distributes the gradation data Dg0 for each emission color, and three processing units U (each corresponding to a different emission color). Ur, Ug
, Ub) and gradation data Dg1 (Dg1 [R], Dg1 [G] for each emission color generated by each processing unit U
], Dg1 [B]) and a combining unit 613 that outputs the combined result to the data line driving circuit 52.

The gradation data Dg0 [R] corresponding to the red electro-optical element 13 is supplied from the distribution unit 611 to the processing unit Ur. Similarly, the gradation data Dg0 [G] corresponding to green is supplied to the processing unit Ug, and the gradation data Dg0 [B] corresponding to blue is supplied to the processing unit Ub. The detection signal Sr is supplied from the sensor 30r to the processing unit Ur corresponding to red. Similarly, the detection signal Sg is supplied to the processing unit Ug, and the detection signal Sb is supplied to the processing unit Ub.

Each processing unit U includes an average calculating unit 63, a parameter specifying unit 65, an adjustment value determining unit 67, and an adjusting unit 69, as in the image processing apparatus 61 shown in FIG. The adjustment table held in the adjustment value determination unit 67 is different for each processing unit U. Processing unit U corresponding to each emission color
Is the gradation data Dg0 (Dg0 [R], Dg0 [G], Dg0 [B]) and the detection signal S for the emission color.
The adjustment value R is determined from (Sr, Sg, Sb), and the gradation data Dg1 (Dg1 [R], Dg1 [G], Dg1 [B]) is determined by adjusting the gradation data Dg0 according to the adjustment value R. Is generated. Accordingly, the data line driving circuit 52 outputs gradation data Dg1 that is individually adjusted according to the characteristic value (efficiency coefficient E) of the electro-optic element 13 of each emission color.

With the above configuration, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the gradation of each electro-optical element 13 is adjusted for each emission color, for example, even when the degree of deterioration of each electro-optical element 13 differs for each emission color, It is possible to adjust to the white balance of the period.

<C: Modification>
Various modifications can be made to each of the above embodiments. An example of a specific modification is as follows. In addition, you may combine each following aspect suitably.

(1) Modification 1
In each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the sensor 30 is disposed on the side end surface 116 of the substrate 11 is illustrated, but the position at which the sensor 30 is disposed is appropriately changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the sensor 30 may be arranged so that the detection surface 31 faces in a direction parallel to the substrate 11. The translucent member 40 in this configuration has an inclined surface 43 for guiding outgoing light from the side end surface 116 of the substrate 11 to the detection surface 31 of the sensor 30. According to this configuration, there is an advantage that the arrangement of the sensor 30 is facilitated as compared with the configuration of the first embodiment.

(2) Modification 2
A configuration may be adopted in which the received light amount L when all the electro-optical elements 13 are turned off is specified as the external light amount L0. For example, FIG. 16 is a flowchart when the received light amount L by the sensor 30 before driving each electro-optical element 13 is specified as the external light amount L0. As shown in the figure, when the electro-optical device D is powered on, the image processing device 61 of the image processing device 61 turns off all the electro-optical elements 13 prior to receiving the gradation data Dg0. The designated gradation data Dg1 is output to the data line driving circuit 52 (step S11). The gradation data Dg1 instructing to turn off all the light may be supplied from the host device or may be held in advance in the image processing device 61. Then, the parameter specifying unit 65 detects the detection signal S output from the sensor 30 under this state.
Then, the received light amount L is specified, and this received light amount L is held as the external light amount L0 (step S12).
When the above processing is completed, the image processing apparatus 61 repeats the processing from step S21 to step S22 as in the first embodiment.

According to this configuration, since the received light amount L0 is specified before each electro-optical element 13 is driven, the efficiency coefficient E can be specified also in step S23 immediately after the electro-optical element 13 is turned on. Therefore, each electro-optical element 13 can be driven according to the adjustment value R from the first frame period.

(3) Modification 3
In each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the addition average is calculated as the gradation average value A is exemplified.
The gradation average value A may be a geometric average. Further, the amount of light reaching the sensor 30 out of the light emitted from each electro-optical element 13 differs depending on the position of the electro-optical element 13, so that the gradation specified by the gradation data Dg0 is changed to the position of the electro-optical element 13. The gradation average value A (that is, the weighted average) may be calculated after weighting according to. The average gradation value in this case is the following formula (a)
Calculated by
A = (α1 · G1 + α2 · G2 + α3 · G3 + ... + αn · Gn) / n (a)
Here, it is assumed that the total number of electro-optic elements 13 is “n”. "Gi"
Is the gradation data Dg0 for the i-th electro-optic element 13 (i is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ i ≦ n).
The gradation specified by. Also, the coefficient α i multiplied by the gradation Gi of each electro-optic element 13 is
The smaller the distance from the electro-optical element 13 to the sensor 30, the smaller the numerical value. According to this configuration, since the actual state that the contribution to the received light amount L is smaller in the electro-optic element 13 that is separated from the sensor 30 is reflected in the adjustment value R, the adjustment suitable for the condition of the actual electro-optic device D is performed. The value R can be set.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the gradation average value A is calculated for each frame period is illustrated, but the configuration in which the gradation average over a plurality of frame periods is calculated as the gradation average value A is also possible. Good. Therefore, the external light amount L0 and the characteristic value (efficiency coefficient E) of each electro-optical element 13
Furthermore, the adjustment value R need not be determined for each frame period, and may be determined for each of a plurality of frame periods, for example.

(4) Modification 4
In the above embodiments, the configuration in which the gradient of the straight line B that approximates the relationship between the gradation average value A and the amount of received light L is calculated as the efficiency coefficient E. The characteristic value of the electro-optic element 13 is not limited to the efficiency coefficient E. For example, the external light amount specifying unit 652
May be calculated as a characteristic value by subtracting the external light amount L0 specified by the light amount L (that is, the total amount of light reaching the sensor 30 from the plurality of electro-optic elements 13). A value obtained by dividing the value obtained by subtracting L0 by the total number of electro-optic elements 13 (that is, the average value of the amount of light reaching each sensor 30 from each electro-optic element 13) may be calculated as the characteristic value. Also with these configurations, the same operations and effects as those in the first embodiment can be achieved by associating appropriate adjustment values R with the characteristic values in the adjustment table. As described above, the characteristic value in the present invention only needs to be a numerical value corresponding to the characteristics of the plurality of electro-optical elements 13 (a numerical value that varies according to changes in the characteristics of the electro-optical elements 13).

(5) Modification 5
In each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the adjustment value R is determined using the adjustment table is illustrated, but the method by which the adjustment value determination unit 67 determines the adjustment value R is appropriately changed. For example, the characteristic value (efficiency coefficient E) specified by the characteristic value specifying unit 651 and the external light amount specifying unit 652 in a predetermined arithmetic expression that defines the adjustment value R using the external light amount L0 and the characteristic value (efficiency coefficient E) as variables. Specified external light quantity L
The adjustment value R may be calculated by substituting 0.

(6) Modification 6
In each of the above embodiments, the gradation data Dg1 is obtained by adding the adjustment value R to the gradation data Dg0.
However, the method of adjusting the gradation data Dg0 according to the adjustment value R is arbitrary. For example, the gradation data Dg1 may be generated by multiplying the gradation data Dg0 by the adjustment value R.

Further, the gradation data Dg0 is not necessarily adjusted according to the adjustment value R. For example, assume a configuration in which the data line driving circuit 52 generates a driving current based on a predetermined voltage (hereinafter referred to as “reference voltage”). In this case, the gradation data Dg0 supplied from the host device is output from the control device 60 as it is (that is, without adjustment) to the data line driving circuit 52 and the adjustment value R is supplied from the adjustment value determination unit 67. A configuration may be employed in which the data line driving circuit 52 is supplied. In the data line driving circuit 52, a driving current having a current value corresponding to the gradation data Dg0 is generated based on the reference voltage, and the reference voltage is adjusted according to the adjustment value R. Also with this configuration, each electro-optical element 13 can be driven to a gradation corresponding to the adjustment value R. As described above, in the present invention, the function for adjusting the gradation data G0 is not necessarily provided in the image processing device 61.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the current value of the drive current output to each data line 17 changes according to the adjustment value R is exemplified. However, the adjustment target based on the adjustment value R is appropriately changed. The For example, the time length during which the electro-optical element 13 is driven is represented by gradation data Dg (Dg0, Dg1).
It is assumed that the data line driving circuit 52 is of a system that expresses multiple gradations by changing in accordance with (that is, a system that controls the gradation of the electro-optic element 13 by pulse width modulation). In this configuration, the time length for driving each electro-optical element 13 may be adjusted according to the adjustment value R. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the driving time length of each electro-optical element 13 is controlled based on the adjusted gradation data Dg1 output from the image processing device 61. Alternatively, the data line driving circuit 52 may adjust the driving time length of each electro-optic element 13 according to the gradation data Dg0 and the adjustment value R under the configuration in which the adjusting unit 69 is omitted. .

In the above, the configuration in which the drive current having the current value corresponding to the gradation data Dg0 and the adjustment value R is supplied to each data line 17, but the voltage corresponding to the gradation data Dg0 and the adjustment value R is exemplified. Each electro-optical element 13 may be driven by applying a value driving voltage to each data line 17. As described above, in each embodiment, each electro-optical element 13 has gradation data Dg0.
And a configuration driven to a gradation corresponding to the adjustment value R is sufficient, and a specific method and configuration for reflecting the adjustment value R on the gradation of each electro-optical element 13 are arbitrary.

(7) Modification 7
When light enters from the side end face 116 of the substrate 11 of the electro-optical panel 10, an error may occur in the measurement of the external light quantity L0 incident from the observation side. In each of the above embodiments, the side surface 25
Since the electro-optical panel 10 is accommodated in the housing 20 so as to face the side end surface 116 of the substrate 11, the incidence of light from the side end surface 116 of the substrate 11 is prevented and the external light quantity L0 is measured with high accuracy. It is possible. However, the configuration for preventing the incidence of light from the side end surface 116 of the substrate 11 is appropriately changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, a light shielding member (for example, a light shielding tape) 19 may be provided on the side end surface 116 of the substrate 11. The member 19 is disposed in a region other than the portion facing the sensor 30 on the side end surface 116 over the entire circumference of the substrate 11. Further, if the member 19 is formed of a light-reflective material, for example, light that has reached the side end surface 116 of the substrate 11 opposite to the sensor 30 can be reflected toward the sensor 30 again. It is possible to detect the amount of received light L with high accuracy while ensuring a sufficient amount of light reaching the distance.

(8) Modification 8
In each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the translucent member 40 is disposed is illustrated.
0 is not necessarily required. For example, when the reflection surface on the back surface side of the substrate 11 (the surface of the second electrode 132 in each embodiment) is a scattering surface, a part of the reflected light on the scattering surface can travel toward the sensor 30. Therefore, a sufficient amount of received light L can be detected even if the translucent member 40 is not disposed.

(9) Modification 9
In each of the above embodiments, an OLED element is illustrated as the electro-optical element 13, but the electro-optical element in the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a light-emitting element including a light-emitting layer made of an inorganic EL material, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, or the like is also employed as the electro-optical element. In addition, various devices such as a liquid crystal device that modulates and emits irradiation light from a lighting device (backlight) and a plasma device in which light emitting elements that emit light by plasma discharge are arranged are employed as the electro-optical device of the present invention. be able to. That is, as long as the electro-optical device includes a plurality of electro-optic elements in which each gradation is controlled, each of the above-described respective structures regardless of the specific structure of each electro-optic element and the method for controlling the gradation. The present invention can be applied in the same manner as the embodiment.

<D: Application example>
Next, electronic equipment using the electro-optical device according to the invention will be described. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a mobile personal computer that employs the electro-optical device D according to any one of the embodiments described above as a display device. The personal computer 2000 includes an electro-optical device D as a display device and a main body 2010. In the main body 2010,
A power switch 2001 and a keyboard 2002 are provided. This electro-optical device D
Since an OLED element is used as the electro-optic element 13, a screen with a wide viewing angle and easy to see can be displayed.

FIG. 19 shows a configuration of a mobile phone to which the electro-optical device D according to each embodiment is applied. A cellular phone 3000 includes a plurality of operation buttons 3001, scroll buttons 3002, and an electro-optical device D as a display device. By operating the scroll button 3002, the screen displayed on the electro-optical device D is scrolled.

FIG. 20 shows a personal digital assistant (PDA: Personal D) to which the electro-optical device D according to each embodiment is applied.
igital Assistants). The information portable terminal 4000 includes a plurality of operation buttons 400.
1 and a power switch 4002, and an electro-optical device D as a display device. When the power switch 4002 is operated, various types of information such as an address book and a schedule book are displayed on the electro-optical device D.

Electronic devices to which the electro-optical device according to the present invention is applied include those shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, digital still cameras, televisions, video cameras, car navigation devices, pagers, electronic notebooks, electronic papers, Examples include calculators, word processors, workstations, videophones, POS terminals, printers, scanners, copiers, video players, devices equipped with touch panels, and the like. The use of the electro-optical device according to the invention is not limited to image display. For example, in an image forming apparatus such as an optical writing type printer or an electronic copying machine, a writing head that exposes a photosensitive member according to an image to be formed on a recording material such as paper is used. However, the electro-optical device of the present invention is used.

1 is a plan view illustrating an appearance of an electro-optical device according to an embodiment of the invention. It is sectional drawing seen from the II-II line | wire in FIG. It is sectional drawing seen from the III-III line in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows a mode that the external light which injected into the inclined surface of a translucent member advances. It is sectional drawing which shows a mode that external light injects into a board | substrate on the structure without a translucent member. It is sectional drawing which shows a mode that external light injects into a translucent member. It is a graph which shows the relationship between angle (alpha) and angle (theta) 3. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of an electro-optical apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the specific structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a graph which shows the relationship between a gradation average value and light reception amount. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the content of the adjustment table. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of an image processing apparatus. FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating an appearance of an electro-optical device according to a second embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an electro-optical device according to a modification. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of an image processing apparatus according to a modification. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a substrate of an electro-optical device according to a modification. It is a perspective view which shows the specific form of the electronic device which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the specific form of the electronic device which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the specific form of the electronic device which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

D: Electro-optical device, 10: Electro-optical panel, 11: Substrate, 13: Electro-optical element,
20 ... Case, 231 ... Opening, 233 ... Notch, 30 ... Sensor, 40 ... Translucent member, 41 ... Inclined surface, 51 ... Scanning line driving circuit, 52 ... Data line driving Circuit 60... Control device 61. Image processing device U U Processing unit 63 Average calculation unit 65 Parameter specifying unit 651 Characteristic value specifying unit 652 External light amount specifying unit , 67... Adjustment value determination unit, 69... Adjustment unit.

Claims (15)

A plurality of electro-optic elements each emitting light;
A sensor that receives light emitted from the plurality of electro-optic elements and external light and detects the amount of the light received;
Average calculating means for calculating a gradation average value that is an average value of gradations specified for the plurality of electro-optic elements by gradation data;
Characteristic value specifying means for specifying the characteristic values of the plurality of electro-optic elements based on the amount of received light detected by the sensor;
Based on the relationship between the gradation average value calculated by the average calculation means and the amount of light received by the sensor, the amount of light that should reach the sensor when the gradation average value is the minimum value is specified as an external light amount. A light quantity specifying means;
Adjustment value determining means for determining an adjustment value according to the characteristic value specified by the characteristic value specifying means and the external light quantity specified by the external light quantity specifying means;
Drive means for driving each of the plurality of electro-optic elements to a gradation according to a gradation designated for the electro-optic element by gradation data and an adjustment value determined by the adjustment value determination means; Electro-optic device. The characteristic value specifying means includes a gradation average value calculated by the average calculation means from gradation data of the first period and a received light amount by the sensor in the first period, and a second period different from the first period. Based on the relationship between the gradation average value calculated by the average calculation means from the gradation data and the light reception amount by the sensor in the second period, the gradient of the light reception amount by the sensor with respect to the gradation average value is the characteristic. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, which is specified as a value. The external light amount specifying means is a second period different from the first period, and the gradation average value calculated by the average calculation means from the gradation data of the first period and the amount of light received by the sensor in the first period. Reaching the sensor when the gradation average value is the minimum value based on the relationship between the gradation average value calculated by the average calculation means from the gradation data and the amount of light received by the sensor in the second period The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein a light amount to be specified is specified as the external light amount. The average calculating means calculates a gradation average value for each predetermined period,
The external light amount specifying means includes a gradation average value calculated in each period and a light reception amount by the sensor in the period, a gradation average value calculated in another period, and a light reception amount by the sensor in the period. The external light quantity is specified sequentially based on
The electro-optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adjustment value determining unit sequentially updates the adjustment value according to an external light amount specified by the external light amount specifying unit for each period. A plurality of electro-optic elements each emitting light;
A sensor that receives light emitted from the plurality of electro-optic elements and external light and detects the amount of the light received;
Average calculating means for calculating a gradation average value that is an average value of gradations specified for the plurality of electro-optic elements by gradation data;
The grayscale average value calculated by the average calculation means from the grayscale data of the first period, the amount of light received by the sensor in the first period, and the average from the grayscale data of the second period different from the first period. Characteristic value specifying means for specifying, as a characteristic value, a gradient of the amount of light received by the sensor with respect to the gradation average value based on the relationship between the gradation average value calculated by the calculating means and the amount of light received by the sensor in the second period. When,
Adjustment value determining means for determining an adjustment value according to the characteristic value specified by the characteristic value specifying means;
Drive means for driving each of the plurality of electro-optic elements to a gradation according to a gradation designated for the electro-optic element by gradation data and an adjustment value determined by the adjustment value determination means; Electro-optic device. The average calculating means calculates a weighted average obtained by weighting a gradation designated for each electro-optic element by gradation data with a coefficient corresponding to a distance between the sensor and each electro-optic element as a gradation average value. The electro-optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A plurality of electro-optical elements including a light-transmitting substrate arranged on a surface;
The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor receives light emitted from each of the electro-optical elements that has traveled inside the substrate. The sensor is disposed on a side of the substrate,
A light-transmitting translucent member including an inclined surface whose height from the surface is closer to the side is disposed on the surface of the substrate so that external light is incident on the inclined surface. Item 8. The electro-optical device according to Item 7. A housing for accommodating the substrate;
The housing is formed with an opening through which light emitted from the plurality of electro-optic elements passes,
A notch is formed in the inner periphery of the opening,
The electro-optical device according to claim 8, wherein the translucent member is fitted into the cutout portion of the housing.   An electronic apparatus comprising the electro-optical device according to claim 1. A plurality of electro-optic elements driven to a gradation according to the gradation data and the adjustment value; and a sensor that receives light emitted from the plurality of electro-optic elements and external light and detects the amount of the received light. An image processing apparatus used in an electro-optical device
Average calculating means for calculating a gradation average value that is an average value of gradations specified for the plurality of electro-optic elements by gradation data;
Characteristic value specifying means for specifying the characteristic values of the plurality of electro-optic elements based on the amount of received light detected by the sensor;
Based on the relationship between the gradation average value calculated by the average calculation means and the amount of light received by the sensor, the external light amount that specifies the light amount that should reach the sensor as the external light amount when the gradation average value is the lowest value Specific means,
An image processing apparatus comprising: an adjustment value determining unit that determines the adjustment value according to the characteristic value specified by the characteristic value specifying unit and the external light amount specified by the external light amount specifying unit. A plurality of electro-optic elements driven to a gradation according to the gradation data and the adjustment value; and a sensor that receives light emitted from the plurality of electro-optic elements and external light and detects the amount of the received light. An image processing apparatus used for an electro-optical device
Average calculating means for calculating a gradation average value which is an average value of gradations specified for the plurality of electro-optic elements by gradation data;
The grayscale average value calculated by the average calculation means from the grayscale data of the first period, the amount of light received by the sensor in the first period, and the average from the grayscale data of the second period different from the first period. Based on the relationship between the gradation average value calculated by the calculation means and the amount of light received by the sensor in the second period, the characteristic value specification that specifies the gradient of the light reception amount by the sensor with respect to the gradation average value as the characteristic value Means,
An image processing apparatus comprising: adjustment value determining means for determining an adjustment value according to the characteristic value specified by the characteristic value specifying means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: an adjusting unit that adjusts a gradation specified by gradation data based on the adjustment value determined by the adjustment value determining unit. A plurality of electro-optic elements driven to a gradation according to the gradation data and the adjustment value; and a sensor that receives light emitted from the plurality of electro-optic elements and external light and detects the amount of the received light. An image processing method used for an electro-optical device,
An average calculation process for calculating a gradation average value that is an average value of gradations specified for the plurality of electro-optic elements by gradation data;
A characteristic value specifying process for specifying the characteristic values of the plurality of electro-optic elements based on the amount of light received by the sensor;
Based on the relationship between the average gradation value calculated in the average calculation process and the amount of light received by the sensor, the amount of light that should reach the sensor when the average gradation value is the minimum value is specified as an external light amount. The light intensity identification process,
An image processing method comprising: an adjustment value determining step for determining the adjustment value according to the characteristic value specified in the characteristic value specifying step and the external light amount specified in the external light amount specifying step. A plurality of electro-optic elements driven to a gradation according to the gradation data and the adjustment value; and a sensor that receives light emitted from the plurality of electro-optic elements and external light and detects the amount of the received light. An image processing method used for an electro-optical device,
An average calculation process for calculating a gradation average value that is an average value of gradations specified for the plurality of electro-optic elements by gradation data;
The gradation average value calculated in the average calculation process from the gradation data of the first period, the amount of light received by the sensor in the first period, and the gradation data of the second period different from the first period A characteristic that specifies, as the characteristic value, a gradient of the amount of light received by the sensor with respect to the gradation average value based on the relationship between the gradation average value calculated in the average calculation process and the amount of light received by the sensor in the second period Value identification process,
The amount of light received by the sensor when each electro-optic element is driven according to the gradation data whose gradation average value calculated in the average calculation process is the first value, and calculated in the average calculation process Based on the received light amount by the sensor when the electro-optic elements are driven according to the gradation data whose gradation average value is the second value, the gradient of the light reception amount by the sensor with respect to the gradation average value is calculated. A characteristic value identification process for identifying the characteristic value;
And an adjustment value determining process for determining an adjustment value according to the characteristic value specified in the characteristic value specifying process.

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