JP5629665B2 - vehicle - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to the structure and function of a vehicle used for transporting people, luggage, towing, and special purposes. In particular, it relates to the structure and functions of side mirrors and rearview mirrors provided in vehicles.

  The vehicle used in this specification refers to a train, an automobile, and the like. Vehicles represented by automobiles are becoming popular due to their convenience.

  The vehicle is provided with side mirrors (door mirrors) and rearview mirrors (room mirrors), which are used when the driver changes lanes for safety confirmation.

  In this specification, the side mirror (rear mirror) refers to mirrors attached to both sides of the vehicle body for viewing the rear, and refers to mirrors called side mirrors. The rearview mirror (room mirror) refers to a mirror that is attached to the driver's cab or the like to look backwards, and is a mirror called a rear view mirror.

When driving on the road with a vehicle, it is necessary to confirm safety when the driver changes lanes, but it is difficult to see because the driver is driving in front.
Further, when the vehicle is driven rearward and put in the garage, the rear part of the vehicle is blind spot from the driver's seat, so it is difficult for the driver to visually check for safety confirmation.
Therefore, the driver drives the vehicle depending on the scenes projected on the side mirror and the rearview mirror. However, the field of view (viewable range) projected on the side mirror and rearview mirror is not very wide.

  Therefore, in the present invention, in view of the above situation, it is an object to widen the field of view obtained from the side mirror and the rearview mirror.

  In addition, when a driver drives a vehicle and travels on the road, it is important to recognize a distance between the front, rear, left and right vehicles in order to avoid a traffic accident. However, in general, when a driver drives a vehicle at night, the speed is often increased. Also, when driving from a highway to a general road, since the highway was driving at a high speed, there is a tendency to increase the speed even on the general road. In such a situation, a traffic accident often occurs, and the reason is that the driver does not correctly recognize the speed of the vehicle and the distance between the front, rear, left and right vehicles (inter-vehicle distance).

  Therefore, it is desired that information necessary for the driver and passengers such as the inter-vehicle distance can be obtained at any time.

  That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle including a camera and a sensor in order to obtain information necessary for the driver and passengers of the vehicle. It is another object of the present invention to provide a display device capable of displaying information read from a camera and a sensor, and to provide a vehicle equipped with such a display device.

In the present invention, when the driver drives the vehicle, liquid crystal is provided on the side mirror (door mirror) and the rearview mirror (room mirror) of the vehicle in order to ensure safety confirmation even in a scene where visual observation is difficult. A display device or an EL display device is provided.
Note that in this specification, a collective term for a liquid crystal display device and an EL display device is referred to as a display device. In order for the driver and passengers of the vehicle to obtain necessary information at any time, the vehicle is provided with a camera, a distance measuring sensor, and an impact sensor, and information read from them is displayed on the display device.

  The camera is provided at an arbitrary location on the vehicle so that the video of the camera is displayed on the display device. Then, the field of view obtained from the side mirror and the rearview mirror can be widened. The distance measuring sensor has a function of measuring the distance between the vehicles, and the impact sensor has a function of detecting an impact force exceeding a predetermined value applied from the outside, and information read from these sensors is displayed on the display device. indicate.

  The alarm device includes an audio device, a display device, and a control circuit. When the impact sensor detects a danger signal, the signal is output to a CPU provided inside the vehicle. Then, the CPU to which the danger signal is inputted outputs a signal for displaying danger on the display device and a signal for warning the danger to the audio device. Then, the display device displays a danger, and the sound device issues a danger warning. In this way, it is possible to warn the driver and the passenger of the vehicle of the danger.

  In the present invention, a display device is provided in a side mirror (door mirror) and a rearview mirror (room mirror) provided in the vehicle or in the vehicle. The display device displays an image obtained by photographing the periphery of the vehicle with a camera provided in the vehicle, and can widen the field of view that can be obtained from the side mirror and the rearview mirror. Moreover, the user of a display apparatus can display arbitrarily by displaying the information obtained from the sensor provided in the vehicle on a display apparatus.

  The vehicle used in the present invention is provided with an alarm device. The alarm device is composed of a sound device and a display device. When the impact sensor detects a danger signal, the alarm device displays a danger message, and the sound device issues a warning of danger.

  As described above, by providing the display device inside the side mirror, the rearview mirror, or the vehicle, the driver and passengers of the vehicle can obtain necessary information at any time.

FIG. The figure which looked at the vehicle from the front. The figure which looked at the vehicle from the back. The figure of an example of the rearview mirror of the vehicle used by the present invention. The figure of an example of the side mirror of the vehicle used by this invention. The system block diagram of a vehicle. The flowchart figure of an impact sensor. The flowchart figure of a distance measurement sensor. The figure of the display apparatus used by this invention. Sectional drawing of an active-matrix liquid crystal display device. FIG. 3 is a top view of an active matrix liquid crystal display device. 1 is a block diagram of a drive circuit of an active matrix liquid crystal display device. The top view and sectional drawing of an active-matrix liquid crystal display device. Sectional drawing of EL display apparatus. 2A and 2B are a top view and a cross-sectional view of an EL display device. The figure of an example of the back mirror of the vehicles of the present invention. The figure of an example of the back mirror of the vehicles of the present invention. The figure of an example of the vehicle which can apply the present invention. The figure of the display provided in the inside of vehicles.

  The vehicle used in this specification refers to a vehicle for transporting passengers and cargo such as trains and automobiles. The vehicle is equipped with an energy source and a prime mover. The energy source refers to electricity, gasoline, and the like, and the prime mover refers to what supplies power necessary for the vehicle to travel, and is called an engine. In addition to the energy source and the prime mover, the vehicle includes a vehicle body, a power transmission device, a brake device, a steering device, a suspension device, auxiliary equipment, and equipment.

  FIG. 1 shows a top view of the vehicle. The vehicle shown in FIG. 1 is an automobile. The vehicle travels forward and backward using wheels, but in this specification, the vehicle is divided into two parts in the forward traveling direction of the vehicle, the front portion of the vehicle is the front, and the rear of the vehicle. The part is called the rear part. The automobile shown in FIG. 1 has four wheels 106 provided on the vehicle, two at the front and at the rear of the vehicle, and is used when the automobile travels. Four lights 107 are provided in two at the front and the rear of the vehicle. The light 107 is used when traveling at night or in a dark tunnel.

  In the vehicle shown in FIG. 1, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera is used as the camera. The CCD camera on the left side of the front of the vehicle is called CLF (CCD Left Front) 100, and the CCD camera on the right side of the front of the vehicle is called CRF (CCD Right Front) 101. Further, in the rear part of the vehicle, the CCD camera on the left side is called CLR (CCD Left Rear) 102 and the CCD camera on the right side of the vehicle is called CRR (CCD Right Rear) 103 in the traveling direction of the vehicle.

  In the present embodiment, a so-called fish-eye camera capable of photographing 360 ° in all directions is used for the CLF 100, CRF 101, CLR 102, and CRR 103 of the CCD camera shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, two of these CCD cameras are attached to the front part and the rear part of the vehicle, and the surroundings of the vehicle are photographed by these cameras. Note that the number of cameras and the positions where the cameras are attached are not limited to this, and for example, they can be attached to the roof of the vehicle. In this embodiment, a CCD camera is used as a camera. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any camera may be used as long as it can take a picture.

The vehicle also has two side mirrors. The left side mirror is DL (Display Left) 104 and the right side mirror is DR (Display Right).
Called 105. The side mirrors are attached to both sides of the vehicle body of the vehicle, and the locations where the side mirrors are attached are shown as an example in FIG. The DL 104 and the DR 105 are provided with a display device, and any one of a transmissive liquid crystal display device, a reflective liquid crystal display device, and an EL display device is provided.

  FIG. 2 is a view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the front. A DL 104 is provided on the left side of the vehicle, and a DR 105 is provided on the right side. Further, a light 107, wheels 106, a wiper 114, an antenna 116, and the like are provided.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle shown in FIG. 2 is provided with one microphone 111 and one sensor 112 on each of the right side and the left side of the vehicle. In addition, a rearview mirror (room mirror) is placed inside the vehicle so as to overlap the front window 115
Is provided. In this specification, the rearview mirror (room mirror) is referred to as BD (Back Display) 110. The BD 110 is attached to a driver's cab or the like, and the place where the BD 110 is attached is shown as an example in FIG. The BD 110 is provided with a display device, and any one of a transmissive liquid crystal display device, a reflective liquid crystal display device, and an EL display device is provided.

  FIG. 3 is a view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from behind. The vehicle is provided with lights 107 and wheels 106. A CLR 102 is provided on the left side of the vehicle, and a CRR 103 is provided on the right side. One microphone 111 and one sensor 112 are provided on each of the right side and the left side of the vehicle.

  FIG. 4 shows the BD 110 of the rearview mirror (room mirror) provided inside the vehicle, and is an enlarged view of the BD 110 shown in FIG. The BD 110 includes a housing 200, a display device 201, and a connection unit 202. The housing 200 is made of a strong and easy to process material such as plastic. A drive circuit, wiring, and the like of the display device 201 are disposed on the top of the housing 200 and connected to a CPU or the like via the connection unit 202. The connection unit 202 serves to protect the wiring of the display device 201 connected to the CPU or the like.

FIG. 4A shows a state in which no image is displayed on the display device 201.
FIG. 4B shows a state in which an image taken by the CCD camera is displayed on the display device 201. In FIG. 4B, the date and time are displayed so as to overlap the photographed image. Information such as date and time can be displayed at any time by the driver and passenger of the vehicle.

  FIG. 4C shows a state in which the housing 200 of the BD 110 is removed. The external input terminal to which the pixel portion 206, the source signal line driver circuit 204, the gate signal line driver circuit 205, and the FPC 203 are attached, and the external input A wiring 207 for connecting the terminal and the input portion of each circuit is shown. The FPC 203 is connected to a CPU or the like via the connection unit 202.

  FIG. 5 shows a side mirror provided in the vehicle, and is an enlarged view of the side mirror DR105 provided on the right side of the vehicle shown in FIG. The side mirror DL104 provided on the left side of the vehicle has a shape obtained by horizontally inverting the side mirror DR105. The DR 105 is provided with a display device 211, which includes a housing 210, a display device 211, and a connection unit 212. The casing 210 is made of a strong material such as plastic and easy to process. A driving circuit, wiring, and the like of the display device 211 are disposed below the housing 210.

FIG. 5A shows a state in which no image is displayed on the display device 211.
FIG. 5B shows a state in which an image taken by the CCD camera is displayed on the display device 211. In FIG. 5B, the date and time are displayed so as to overlap the photographed image. Information such as date and time can be displayed at any time by the driver and passenger of the vehicle.

  FIG. 5C illustrates a state where the housing 210 is removed from the DR 105. The external input terminal to which the pixel portion 206, the source signal line driver circuit 204, the gate signal line driver circuit 205, and the FPC 203 are attached, A wiring 206 for connecting the input terminal and the input portion of each circuit is shown. The FPC 203 is connected to the CPU via the connection unit 212. The FPC 203 is connected to the CPU via the connection unit 212.

  Note that the display device used in the present invention needs to be manufactured in a shape that can be accommodated in a side mirror and a rearview mirror. Note that the shape of the display device illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 5C is an example, and the display device may have any shape as long as it can be housed in a housing. Further, the shape of the rearview mirror shown in FIG. 4 and the side mirror shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and the rearview mirror and the side mirror may have any shape.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the vehicle and display device used in the present invention.

  A CPU 301 includes an operation button interface unit 302a and a video signal processing unit 303. The system shown in FIG. 6 is configured to be centrally managed and controlled by the CPU 301, and arrows shown in FIG. 6 represent input / output of signals.

  The operation button 302c is provided at a location where the user can easily operate inside the vehicle, such as near the driver's seat. When the operation button 302c is operated, a signal from the operation button 302c is input to the operation button interface unit 302a via the button input signal processing circuit 302b. The input signal is processed inside the CPU 301, and a predetermined signal is output from the CPU 301 to a device such as the audio processing circuit 305 and the control circuit 309 or the sensor 319.

  The audio device 304 includes an audio processing circuit 305, a microphone 306, and a speaker 307. The microphone 306 is provided outside the vehicle, and the speaker 307 is provided inside the vehicle. The microphone 306 converts the sound (sound wave) around the vehicle into an electric signal and outputs it to the sound processing circuit 305. The sound processing circuit 305 outputs a vibration signal to the speaker 307 and generates a sound (sound wave) by generating mechanical vibration in a film included in the speaker 307. The voice device 304 can be operated by the user via the CPU 301 by the operation button 302c. That is, the sound around the vehicle can be heard by the audio device 304 at any time by the user.

  One or a plurality of cameras 315 are provided at one place or several places on the vehicle 336, and are connected to the CPU 301 via the interface port 314. The user can operate the camera 315 at any time by operating the operation button 302c. Information from the camera 315 is input to the CPU 301 via the interface port 314. Data processing is performed in the CPU 301, and predetermined information is displayed on the display device 308 via the control circuit 309. More specifically, the information processed in the CPU 301 is output from the video signal processing unit 303 to the control circuit 309 as a video signal (data signal). The control circuit 309 supplies a video signal and a clock signal (timing signal) to the display device 308. That is, the control circuit 309 distributes the video signal to data corresponding to each pixel of the display device 308, and converts the horizontal synchronization signal and the vertical synchronization signal input from the outside into a start signal of the drive circuit and an AC of the built-in power supply circuit. The timing control signal and the clock signal are converted.

In addition, a VRAM 313, a DRAM 311, a flash memory 312, and a memory card 310 are connected to the CPU 301. The CPU 301 is provided in the vehicle 336 and is housed in a strong and heat-resistant box.
And it is preferable to provide in a location with comparatively little temperature change inside a vehicle, such as the lower part of a driver's seat.

  The sensor 319 includes an impact sensor 316 and a distance measurement sensor 317. The impact sensor 316 and the distance measurement sensor 317 can be operated via the CPU 301 by the user operating the operation button 302c.

  The impact sensor 316 will be described with reference to FIG. One or a plurality of impact sensors 316 are provided at one or several locations in the vehicle. The impact sensors 316 detect impact force exceeding a predetermined value applied from the outside, and output a danger signal (impact signal) to the CPU 301 at the time of detection. .

In FIG. 7, S1 to S3 indicate the passage of time, and arrows indicate signal input / output. Here, it is assumed that the impact sensor 316 detects an impact force (S1). Then, a danger signal (impact signal) is output to the CPU 301. The CPU 301 centrally manages and controls the system in the vehicle 336, and when a danger signal is output to the CPU 301, data processing is performed in the CPU 301 (S2).
Then, the CPU 301 outputs a signal to the sound processing circuit 305 of the sound device 304, and warns the driver and passengers of driving the vehicle through the speaker 307 of the danger. Further, the CPU 301 outputs a signal to the control circuit 309 and displays a warning warning on the display device 308 (S3). Note that in this specification, the sound device 304 that issues a warning by voice, the control circuit 309 that outputs a signal to the display device 308, and the display device 308 that performs a warning display are collectively referred to as an alarm device 340.

  Next, the distance measuring sensor 317 will be described with reference to FIG. The distance measuring sensor 317 is provided at one or several places on the vehicle body of the vehicle, and is a sensor that measures the distance between the front, rear, left and right vehicles. The distance measuring sensor 317 can be used at any time by the user by operating the operation button 302c.

  In FIG. 8, a light emitting unit 401 is a light emitting unit in a scan type laser. The scan type laser scans the laser beam in synchronization with the output signal generated by the light emission signal output unit 403. The light receiving unit 402 receives a laser beam reflected from an arbitrary vehicle and returned from a distance measurement sensor 317 provided at an arbitrary location of the vehicle. The received laser beam is output to the distance calculation unit 405 via the received light signal detection unit 404, and the distance from the vehicle (inter-vehicle distance) is calculated from the time until the laser beam is reflected and returned.

  Information on the inter-vehicle distance calculated by the distance calculation unit 405 is output to the CPU 301 via the distance display output unit 406. In the CPU 301, data processing of the output information is performed. Then, a signal is output from the CPU 301 to the control circuit 309, and the inter-vehicle distance calculated by the distance calculation unit 405 is displayed on the display device 308. Further, the CPU 301 is connected to the operation button 302c, and the information read by the distance measurement sensor 317 can be displayed on the display device 308 at any time by the user operating the operation button 302c.

  In this embodiment mode, a scanning laser is used for the light emitting unit 401. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any laser may be used.

  FIG. 9 shows an example in which information read from the impact sensor 316 and the distance measurement sensor 317 is displayed on a display device provided in the rearview mirror BD110.

  FIG. 9A shows a state in which an image of a camera provided in the vehicle is displayed on the display device. FIG. 9B shows a state in which the date, time, distance to the previous car, and distance to the rear car are displayed on the display device in addition to the image of the camera provided on the vehicle. . FIG. 9C shows a state in which an image of a camera provided in the vehicle and a warning when the impact sensor detects a detection signal are displayed on the display device.

  Thus, by displaying information read from the camera, distance measurement sensor, and impact sensor provided on the vehicle on the display device provided on the side mirror and the rearview mirror at any time, the driver of the vehicle and Passengers can obtain necessary information.

  In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device which is an example of a display device provided on a side mirror and a rearview mirror is shown.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a liquid crystal display device having a pixel portion 602 and a driving circuit 601 for driving the pixel portion 602 on a substrate (a state before sealing a liquid crystal material).

  Note that a CMOS circuit serving as a basic unit is shown in the driver circuit 601, and one pixel is shown in the pixel portion 602.

  In FIG. 10, a driving circuit 601 including n-channel TFTs 605 and 606 and p-channel TFTs 603 and 604, a pixel TFT 607 including n-channel TFTs, and a pixel portion 602 including a storage capacitor 608 are formed on the substrate. . In this embodiment, all TFTs are formed by top gate type TFTs.

  The pixel TFT 607 has a structure (double gate structure) having two channel formation regions between the source region and the drain region. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the double gate structure, and the channel formation region A single gate structure in which one is formed or a triple gate structure in which three are formed may be used.

  In this embodiment, the pixel electrode connected to the drain region of the pixel TFT 607 is a reflective electrode. As a material for the pixel electrode, it is desirable to use a material having excellent reflectivity such as a film mainly composed of Al or Ag, or a laminated film thereof. Further, after forming the pixel electrode, it is preferable to increase the whiteness by adding a step such as a known sandblasting method or an etching method to make the surface uneven, thereby preventing specular reflection and scattering the reflected light. .

  In this embodiment, an example of a reflective liquid crystal display device using a pixel electrode as a reflective electrode is shown. However, a transmissive liquid crystal display device using a transparent conductive film as a pixel electrode may be used instead of the reflective electrode. Good.

  Then, after obtaining the state of FIG. 10, an alignment film is formed on the pixel electrode and a rubbing process is performed. In this embodiment, before the alignment film is formed, columnar spacers for maintaining the distance between the substrates are formed at desired positions by patterning an organic resin film such as an acrylic resin film. Further, instead of the columnar spacers, spherical spacers may be scattered over the entire surface of the substrate.

  Next, a counter substrate is prepared. After forming a colored layer and a light shielding layer on the counter substrate, a planarizing film is formed. Next, a counter electrode made of a transparent conductive film was formed over the planarization film in at least the pixel portion 602, an alignment film was formed over the entire surface of the counter substrate, and a rubbing process was performed.

  Then, the stainless steel substrate on which the pixel portion 602 and the drive circuit 601 are formed and the fixed substrate are bonded together with an adhesive layer (a sealing material in this embodiment). A filler is mixed in the adhesive layer, and two substrates are bonded to each other with a uniform interval by the filler and the columnar spacer. Thereafter, a liquid crystal material is injected between both substrates and completely sealed with a sealant (not shown). Note that the liquid crystal material is not particularly limited and may be manufactured using a known liquid crystal material.

  Next, after performing the liquid crystal sealing (or sealing) step, the substrate holder is separated. The state of the liquid crystal display device thereafter will be described with reference to FIG.

  The top view shown in FIG. 11 includes a pixel portion 610, a driver circuit (a gate signal line driver circuit 613, a source signal line driver circuit 614), an external input terminal to which the FPC 616 is attached, the external input terminal and an input portion of each circuit. A state is shown in which a stainless steel substrate 619 on which wirings 618 and the like to be connected are formed and a counter substrate 620 on which a color filter 611 and the like are attached are bonded through a sealant 615.

  A light shielding layer 612 a is provided on the counter substrate 620 side so as to overlap with the gate signal line driver circuit 613, and a light shielding layer 612 b is formed on the counter substrate 620 side so as to overlap with the source signal line driver circuit 614. In addition, the color filter 611 provided on the counter substrate 620 side over the pixel portion 610 includes a light shielding layer and a colored layer of each color of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) corresponding to each pixel. Is provided. When actually displaying, a color display is formed with three colors of a red (R) colored layer, a green (G) colored layer, and a blue (B) colored layer. It shall be arbitrary.

  Here, the color filter 611 is provided on the counter substrate 620 for the purpose of colorization; however, there is no particular limitation. When an element is manufactured on the stainless steel substrate 619, the color filter 611 is formed on the stainless steel substrate 619. Also good.

  In addition, a light-shielding layer is provided between adjacent pixels in the color filter 611 so as to shield light other than the display area. Here, the light shielding layers 612a and 612b are also provided in a region covering the driver circuit (gate signal line driver circuit 613 and source signal line driver circuit 614), but the driver circuit (gate signal line driver circuit 613 and source signal) is provided. The region covering the line driver circuit 614) may be configured not to include the light shielding layers 612a and 612b in order to cover the region with a cover when the liquid crystal display device is incorporated later as a display portion of an electronic device. Further, when a necessary element is manufactured over the stainless steel substrate 619, a light shielding layer may be formed over the stainless steel substrate 619.

  Further, without providing the light-shielding layers 612a and 612b, the light-shielding layers 612a and 612b are appropriately disposed between the counter substrate 620 and the counter electrode so as to shield the light in a stacked layer of a plurality of colored layers constituting the color filter, and the portions other than the display region (Gap between pixel electrodes) and the driving circuits (gate signal line driving circuit 613, source signal line driving circuit 614) may be shielded from light.

  An FPC 616 made of a base film and wiring is bonded to the external input terminal with an anisotropic conductive resin. Furthermore, the mechanical strength is increased by the reinforcing plate.

  A polarizing plate (not shown) is attached only to the counter substrate 620.

  The liquid crystal display device manufactured as described above can be used as a display device provided on a side mirror or a rearview mirror.

  Next, FIG. 12 shows a circuit configuration example of the liquid crystal display device shown in this embodiment.

  FIG. 12A illustrates a circuit configuration for performing analog driving, which includes a source line driver circuit 631, a pixel portion 630, and a gate line driver circuit 632.

  The source line driver circuit 631 includes a shift register 631a, a buffer 631b, and a sampling circuit (transfer gate) 631c. The gate line driver circuit 632 includes a shift register 632a, a level shifter 632b, and a buffer 632c. Further, if necessary, a level shifter circuit may be provided between the sampling circuit and the shift register.

In this embodiment, the pixel portion 630 includes a plurality of pixels, and each of the plurality of pixels is provided with a TFT element.

  Note that all of the TFT elements provided in the source line driver circuit 631 and the gate line driver circuit 632 can be formed using p-channel TFTs or all n-channel TFTs. Alternatively, a p-channel TFT and an n-channel TFT can be combined.

  Although not illustrated, a gate line driver circuit may be further provided on the opposite side of the gate line driver circuit 632 with the pixel portion 630 interposed therebetween.

In the case of digital driving, a latch (A) 634b and a latch (B) 634c may be provided instead of the sampling circuit as shown in FIG.
The source line driver circuit 634 includes a shift register 634a, a latch (A) 634b, a latch (B) 634c, a D / A converter 634d, and a buffer 634e. The gate line driver circuit 635 includes a shift register 635a, a level shifter 635b, and a buffer 635c. If necessary, latch (B)
A level shifter circuit may be provided between 634c and the D / A converter 634d.

  In this embodiment, only the configuration of the pixel portion and the driving circuit is shown, but a memory or a microprocessor may be formed.

  Note that this embodiment can be freely combined with the embodiment mode.

  In this embodiment, an example of a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display device in which TFTs used for a pixel portion and a drive circuit of a liquid crystal display device which is a display device provided on a side mirror and a rearview mirror are formed of inverted staggered TFTs is shown in FIG. . FIG. 13A is an enlarged top view of one of the pixels in the pixel portion. In FIG. 13A, a portion cut along a dotted line AA ′ is a cross section of the pixel portion in FIG. Corresponds to the structure. Note that in FIG. 13B, reference numeral 651 denotes a substrate having an insulating surface.

  In the pixel portion, the pixel TFT portion is formed of an N-channel TFT. A gate electrode 652 is formed on the substrate 651, and a first insulating film 653a made of silicon nitride and a second insulating film 653b made of silicon oxide are provided thereon. On the second insulating film 653b, n + regions 654 to 656, channel forming regions 657 and 658 as active layers, and n − regions between the n + type regions 654 to 656 and the channel forming regions 657, 658 are provided. Mold regions 659 and 660 are formed. The channel formation regions 657 and 658 are protected by insulating layers 661 and 662. After a contact hole is formed in the first interlayer insulating film 663 covering the insulating layers 661 and 662 and the active layer, a wiring 664 connected to the n + region 654 is formed, and a pixel made of Al, Ag, or the like is formed in the n + region 656. An electrode 665 is connected, and a passivation film 666 is further formed thereon. Reference numeral 670 denotes a pixel electrode adjacent to the pixel electrode 669.

  In this embodiment, the gate wiring of the pixel TFT in the pixel portion has a double gate structure. However, a multi-gate structure such as a triple gate structure may be used in order to reduce variation in off current. Further, a single gate structure may be used in order to improve the aperture ratio.

  Further, the capacitor portion of the pixel portion is formed of a capacitor wiring 671 and an n + region 656 using the first insulating film 653a and the second insulating film 653b as dielectrics.

  Note that the pixel portion illustrated in FIG. 13 is an example, and the present invention is not particularly limited to the above structure.

  Further, the liquid crystal display device manufactured as described above can be used as a display device provided on the side mirror and the rearview mirror of the vehicle of the present invention.

  In addition, this embodiment can be freely combined with the embodiment mode and Embodiment 1.

  In this embodiment, an EL (electroluminescence) display device which is an example of a display device provided on a side mirror and a rearview mirror of a vehicle is shown.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of a light-emitting device having a pixel portion 705 and a driving circuit 704 for driving the pixel portion 705 on the same substrate (but a state before sealing). Note that a driving circuit 704 shows a CMOS circuit as a basic unit.

  In FIG. 14, reference numeral 701 denotes a substrate. An insulating film is formed on the substrate 701, and a driving circuit 704 including an n-channel TFT and a p-channel TFT, a switching TFT 702 including a p-channel TFT, and a current control TFT 703 including an n-channel TFT are formed thereon. Is formed. In this embodiment, all TFTs are formed by top gate TFTs, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  The switching TFT 702 has a structure having two channel formation regions between the source region and the drain region (double gate structure). However, the present embodiment is not limited to the double gate structure, and the channel formation region is not limited thereto. A single gate structure in which one is formed or a triple gate structure in which three are formed may be used.

  In addition, a contact hole is provided in the first interlayer insulating film 707 before the second interlayer insulating film 708 is provided on the drain region 706 of the current control TFT 703, which is formed in the second interlayer insulating film 708. This is to simplify the etching process when forming the contact hole. A contact hole is formed in the second interlayer insulating film 708 so as to reach the drain region 706, and a pixel electrode 709 is connected to the drain region 706 of the current control TFT 703. The pixel electrode 709 is an electrode that functions as a cathode of the EL element 710 and is formed using a conductive film containing an element belonging to Group 1 or Group 2 of the periodic table. In this embodiment, a conductive film made of a compound of lithium and aluminum is used.

Reference numeral 713 denotes an insulating film provided so as to cover the end portion of the pixel electrode 709 and is referred to as a bank in this specification. The bank 713 may be formed using an insulating film or a resin film containing silicon. When a resin film is used, carbon particles or metal particles are added so that the specific resistance of the resin film is 1 × 10 ⁶ to 1 × 10 ¹² Ωm (preferably 1 × 10 ⁸ to 1 × 10 ¹⁰ Ωm). Insulation breakdown during filming can be suppressed.

  The EL element 710 includes a pixel electrode (cathode) 709, an EL layer 711, and an anode 712. As the anode 712, a conductive film having a high work function, typically an oxide conductive film is used. As the oxide conductive film, indium oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, or a compound thereof may be used. The light emitting device of this embodiment is a top emission light emitting device. Note that this embodiment is not limited to the upward emission light emitting device, and can be a downward emission light emitting device by appropriately changing the structure of the EL element.

  Note that in this specification, a stack in which a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a hole blocking layer, an electron transport layer, an electron injection layer, or an electron blocking layer are combined with the light-emitting layer is defined as an EL layer 711. .

  The material for forming the light emitting layer is not particularly limited as long as it is a known EL material. For example, a thin film made of a light emitting material (singlet compound) that emits light by singlet excitation, or a light emitting material (triplet) that emits light by triplet excitation. A thin film made of a compound can be used.

  Although not shown here, it is effective to provide a passivation film so as to completely cover the EL element 710 after the anode 712 is formed. As the passivation film, an insulating film including a carbon film, a silicon nitride film, or a silicon nitride oxide film is used, and the insulating film is used as a single layer or a combination thereof.

  Next, a sealing (or encapsulation) process for protecting the EL element is performed. The EL display device after sealing will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 15A is a top view illustrating a state where the EL element is sealed, and FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ′ of FIG. 801 indicated by a dotted line is a pixel portion, 802 is a source line driver circuit, and 803 is a gate line driver circuit. Reference numeral 804 denotes a cover material, 805 denotes a first seal material, and 806 denotes a second seal material.

  Note that the FPC 808 is a wiring for transmitting a signal input to the source line driver circuit 802 and the gate line driver circuit 803. In other words, the source line driver circuit 802 and the gate line driver circuit 803 receive a video signal and a clock signal from the FPC 808 serving as an external input terminal. Although only the FPC 808 is shown here, a printed wiring board (PWB) may be attached to the FPC 808.

  Next, a cross-sectional structure is described with reference to FIG. A pixel portion and a source line driver circuit 809 are formed above the substrate 800, and the pixel portion is formed by a plurality of pixels including a current control TFT 810 and a pixel electrode 811 electrically connected to its drain. The source line driver circuit 809 is formed using a CMOS circuit in which an n-channel TFT and a p-channel TFT are combined. Note that a polarizing plate (typically, a circularly polarizing plate) may be attached to the substrate 800.

  A bank 812 is formed on both ends of the pixel electrode 811, and an EL layer 813 and an EL element anode 814 are formed on the pixel electrode 811. The anode 814 also functions as a wiring common to all pixels, and is electrically connected to the FPC 816 through the connection wiring 815. Further, all elements included in the pixel portion and the source side driver circuit 809 are covered with a passivation film (not shown).

  A cover material 804 is bonded to the first seal material 805. Note that a spacer may be provided to ensure a space between the cover material 804 and the EL element. A gap 817 is formed inside the first sealing material 805. Note that the first sealing material 805 is preferably a material that does not transmit moisture or oxygen. Further, it is effective to provide a substance having a hygroscopic effect or a substance having an antioxidant effect inside the gap 817.

  Note that a carbon film (specifically, a diamond-like carbon film) may be provided as a protective film on the front and back surfaces of the cover material 804 in a thickness of 2 to 30 nm. Such a carbon film (not shown here) has a role of preventing oxygen and water from entering and mechanically protecting the surface of the cover member 804.

  Further, after the cover material 804 is bonded, a second seal material 806 is provided so as to cover the exposed surface of the first seal material 805. The second sealant 806 can be made of the same material as the first sealant 805.

  By encapsulating the EL element with the structure as described above, the EL element can be completely shut off from the outside, and a substance that promotes deterioration due to oxidation of the EL layer such as moisture and oxygen can be prevented from entering from the outside. Can do. Therefore, an EL display device with high reliability can be obtained.

  The EL display device manufactured as described above can be used as a display device provided on the side mirror and the rearview mirror of the vehicle of the present invention.

  In addition, this embodiment can be freely combined with the embodiment of the invention and Embodiments 1 and 2.

  Next, in this example, a rearview mirror and a side mirror having a configuration different from that of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17 show a rearview mirror BD110 as an example.

  The view shown in FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the rearview mirror BD110 of the vehicle shown in FIG. FIG. 16A shows a mirror 220, and the diagram shown in FIG. 16B is a display device 201. FIG. 16C illustrates the housing 200. The housing 200 is made of a plastic that can be easily processed, and the inside thereof is a gap.

  FIG. 16D is a cross-sectional view of the rearview mirror BD110 viewed from the side. Inside the housing 200, the mirror 220 and the display device 201 are provided so as to overlap each other so that the mirror 220 becomes the surface. The FPC 203 of the display device 201 is connected to a CPU provided in the vehicle via the connection unit 202.

  The mirror 220 is obtained by thinly applying a metal film on a plate glass and overlaying the glass on the metal film, and a mirror called a half mirror or a magic mirror is used. That is, the glass is a mirror that can be seen through from the dark side through the mirror, but not from the bright side. That is, when the display device 201 is not activated, the BD 110 functions as a mirror. However, when the display device 201 is activated, the user can check the display on the display device 201 via the mirror 220.

  Next, a rearview mirror BD110 having a configuration different from that in FIG. 16 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The size of the BD 110 shown in FIG. 17A is about twice as large as that of the BD 110 shown in FIG. In FIG. 16, the mirror 220 and the display device 201 are overlapped, but the display device 201 shown in FIG. 17A is provided with the mirror 220 and the display device 201 arranged in parallel.

  Note that the size of the BD 110 is not particularly limited, and the designer can freely design the size.

  In addition, the size of the BD 110 illustrated in FIG. 17B is substantially the same as that of the housing 200 in the BD 110 illustrated in FIG. However, the display device 201 and the mirror 220 are arranged in parallel with approximately half the size. The mirror shown in FIG. 17 is not limited to the half mirror used in FIG. 16, and any mirror may be used as long as it has a function as a mirror.

  In addition, this embodiment can be freely combined with the embodiment of the invention and Examples 1 to 3.

  In the embodiment of the invention, the example in which the display device is provided in the rearview mirror and the side mirror has been described, but in this embodiment, an example in which the display device is provided in the vehicle body will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 19 shows the interior of the vehicle and the vicinity of the driver's seat and passenger seat. In FIG. 19, a handle 901, operation buttons 902, a display device 903, and a speaker 904 are shown as an example. The handle 901 is used by a driver who drives the vehicle. The operation button 902 is used when a user operates a sensor, a camera, or the like. The speaker 904 can be used as an audio device.

  Information read from a camera, a sensor, or the like provided on the vehicle is displayed on the display device 903, so that the driver and passengers of the vehicle can obtain necessary information.

  Although the display device shown in FIG. 19 is provided near the driver's seat, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be provided on the driver's seat or the passenger's seat so that it can be easily seen by a person sitting on the rear seat. The location of the operation button 902 and the speaker 904 shown in this embodiment is also an example, and may be provided anywhere on the vehicle. A remote controller may be used for the operation button 902.

  This embodiment can be freely combined with the embodiment mode and Embodiments 1 to 4.

  The display device of the present invention is used in various applications. In this embodiment, an application example of a vehicle incorporating the display device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the embodiment, a passenger car for the purpose of transporting a small number of people is taken as an example, but a vehicle to which the present invention can be applied includes a sports car, a truck, a bus, a station wagon, a special vehicle (such as an ambulance), Examples include automobiles such as special vehicles (such as tractors) or specially equipped vehicles (such as tank trucks), trains, and motorcycles. An example of these is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 18A illustrates a bus intended for transportation by a large number of people. A side mirror 2001, a rearview mirror 2000, a camera 2002, a sensor 2003, and a light 2004 are provided on the bus. The bus is provided with wheels 2005 and travels on the road by the wheels 2005. The display device of the present invention can be provided in the side mirror 2001 and the rearview mirror 2000.

  FIG. 18B is a sports car, which is intended to enjoy driving as a sport, and is usually a vehicle with 2 or fewer passengers and a maximum of 4 passengers. A rearview mirror 2010, a side mirror 2011, a camera 2012, a sensor 2013, and a light 2014 are provided. In addition, a plurality of wheels 2015 are provided and used when traveling on the road. The display device of the present invention can be provided in the rearview mirror 2010 and the side mirror 2011.

  FIG. 18C illustrates a train. A side mirror 2021, a camera 2022, a sensor 2023, and a light 2024 are provided. A plurality of wheels 2025 are provided and used when traveling on the rail. The display device of the present invention can be provided in the side mirror 2021.

  FIG. 18D illustrates a motorcycle. A side mirror 2031, a camera 2032, a sensor 2033, and a light 2034 are provided. In addition, a plurality of wheels 2035 are provided and used when traveling on the road. The display device of the present invention can be provided in the side mirror 2031.

  As described above, the scope of application of the present invention is extremely wide and can be applied to any vehicle. In addition, this embodiment can be freely combined with the embodiment of the invention and Examples 1 to 5.

Claims (4)

A side mirror, a rearview mirror, an impact sensor, and a distance measurement sensor ;
The side mirror or the rearview mirror has a display device,
The display device has a function capable of displaying a warning according to the detection result of the impact sensor and a function capable of displaying information according to the detection result of the distance measuring sensor. Vehicle. A side mirror, a rearview mirror, and a distance measuring sensor;
The side mirror or the rearview mirror has a display device,
The display device has a function of displaying information according to a detection result of the distance measurement sensor. In claim 1 or claim 2,
The side mirror or the rearview mirror has a mirror,
The vehicle, wherein the mirror and the display device overlap so that the mirror is on the surface. In claim 3,
The mirror has a function as a half mirror,
The vehicle, wherein the side mirror or the rearview mirror has a function of performing display through the mirror when the display device is activated.

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