JP2004317726A - Electrooptical device and electronic equipment using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrooptical device capable of making the best use of high resolution of a mosaic array and avoiding a problem that oblique lines in the mosaic array are conspicuous. <P>SOLUTION: In the electrooptical device 100, (n) subpixels which are arrayed obliquely downward to the left and (m) subpixels which are arrayed obliquely downward to the right by being folded back to the opposite side at the pixel at the bottom pixel among those (n) pixels as subpixels corresponding to the same color among subpixels corresponding to the three colors R, G and B are repeatedly arrayed as one cycle, where (n) is a positive integer of ≥2 and (m) is a positive integer of ≥1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electro-optical device in which sub-pixels corresponding to three different colors are arranged in a matrix, and an electronic apparatus having the electro-optical device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, electro-optical devices such as liquid crystal devices have been widely used in electronic devices such as small computers, digital cameras, and mobile phones. 2. Description of the Related Art A liquid crystal device generally includes a pair of substrates facing each other with a liquid crystal interposed therebetween, and electrodes respectively formed on opposing surfaces of these substrates. Further, a dot-shaped pixel is formed by both of these electrodes and the liquid crystal interposed between the electrodes, and a large number of such pixels are arranged in a matrix in a row direction (horizontal direction) and a column direction (vertical direction). Are arranged. Here, when a voltage is selectively applied between the electrodes forming the pixels, the orientation of the liquid crystal changes, the amount of light passing through the liquid crystal is controlled, and dot display is performed.
[0003]
When color display is performed in such a liquid crystal device, one pixel is divided into sub-pixels corresponding to three primary colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue), and these sub-pixels are arranged in a predetermined pattern. Are arranged in a matrix. Note that in the case of a liquid crystal device, coloring in the sub-pixel is performed by a color filter formed on one substrate.
[0004]
Here, as the color arrangement of the sub-pixels, that is, the arrangement of the coloring layers in the color filter, an RGB stripe arrangement and an RGB mosaic arrangement as shown in FIG. 13 are known, and among these color arrangements, an RGB mosaic arrangement is used. The arrangement has an advantage that the resolution is higher than that of the RGB stripe arrangement (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-78590 (page 3, FIG. 1)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the RGB mosaic arrangement, as shown by an arrow L11 in FIG. 13, the pixels corresponding to the same color are aligned in a straight line obliquely downward, so that the oblique lines are conspicuous.
[0007]
In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to use an electro-optical device that can take advantage of the feature that the resolution of a mosaic array is high, and that can avoid the problem that oblique lines are conspicuous in a mosaic array and an electro-optical device. It is to provide an electronic device.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problem, according to the present invention, in an electro-optical device in which a number of sub-pixels respectively corresponding to three different colors are arranged in a matrix in a row direction (horizontal direction) and a column direction (vertical direction), Is a positive integer of 2 or more, and m is a positive integer of 1 or more, among the sub-pixels corresponding to the three colors, the n sub-pixels corresponding to the same color , And m sub-pixels, which are turned to the opposite side at the lowermost pixel of the n pixels and lined obliquely downward, are repeatedly arranged in one cycle.
[0009]
In the present invention, the sub-pixels corresponding to the same color are arranged in an oblique direction, and have a color arrangement turned back halfway. For this reason, the feature that the resolution of the mosaic array is high can be utilized. Further, since the sub-pixels corresponding to the same color are turned back, the problem of oblique lines being noticeable can be avoided.
[0010]
In the present invention, n and m are, for example, the following formula n-1 = m
Can be adopted. With this configuration, the sub-pixels corresponding to the same color are arranged in a zigzag manner in the range of n sub-pixels in the row direction (horizontal direction).
[0011]
In the present invention, n and m are represented by the following formula n-1 ≠ m
May be satisfied. With this configuration, the sub-pixels corresponding to the same color are arranged diagonally downward as a whole, while being turned back halfway.
[0012]
When the electro-optical device according to the present invention is an active-matrix electro-optical device, a common data line extending in the column direction passes between sub-pixel columns adjacent in the row direction, and the data line is The pixel electrodes of the sub-pixels are electrically connected via the active elements. Here, as the active element, a thin film diode element (TFD / Thin Film Diode) including a conductor, an insulator, and a conductor can be used.
[0013]
The electro-optical device according to the present invention is mounted on an electronic device such as a mobile phone and a mobile computer.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
[Embodiment 1]
(overall structure)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an electro-optical device (liquid crystal display device) to which the present invention is applied. 2 and 3 are a perspective view and a sectional view, respectively, showing the configuration of the electro-optical device. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a layout of several pixels including a TFD element in the electro-optical device, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the electro-optical device 100 of the present embodiment, a plurality of scanning lines 312 are formed extending in the row (X) direction, and a plurality of data lines 212 are formed in the column (Y) direction. The pixel 116 is formed at each intersection of the scanning line 312 and the data line 212. Further, each pixel 116 is composed of a series connection of a liquid crystal display element (liquid crystal layer) 118 and a TFD element 220 which is a two-terminal type active element. The liquid crystal layer 118 is on the scanning line 312 side, and the TFD element 220 is on the data line 212. Side is connected to each. Each scanning line 312 is driven by a scanning line driving circuit 350, while each data line 212 is driven by a data line driving circuit 250.
[0017]
Such an electro-optical device 100 has a pair of translucent substrates 200 and 300 as shown in FIG. Among them, the substrate 200 is an element-side substrate on which an active element is formed, while the substrate 300 is a counter substrate facing the element-side substrate 200.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of data lines 212, a plurality of TFDs 220 connected to the data lines 212, and a one-to-one correspondence with the TFDs 220 are provided on the inner surface of the element-side substrate 200. And a pixel electrode 234 connected to the pixel electrode 234 are formed. Here, each data line 212 is formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the paper of FIG. 3, while the TFD 220 and the pixel electrodes 234 are arranged in a dot matrix. On the surface of the pixel electrode 234 or the like, an alignment film 214 that has been subjected to a uniaxial alignment process, for example, a rubbing process is formed.
[0019]
On the other hand, a color filter 308 is formed on the inner surface of the opposing substrate 300 to form three colored layers of “R”, “G”, and “B”. Note that a black matrix 309 is formed in the gap between the three colored layers to block incident light from the gap between the colored layers. An overcoat layer 310 is formed on the surface of the color filter 308 and the black matrix 309, and a counter electrode 312 functioning as a scanning line is formed on the surface in a direction orthogonal to the data line 212. Note that the overcoat layer 310 is provided for the purpose of improving the smoothness of the color filter 308 and the black matrix 309 and preventing disconnection of the counter electrode 312. Further, an alignment film 314 that has been subjected to a rubbing process is formed on the surface of the counter electrode 312. Note that the alignment films 214 and 314 are generally formed from polyimide or the like.
[0020]
The element-side substrate 200 and the opposing substrate 300 are joined with a certain gap kept therebetween by a sealant 104 including a spacer (not shown), and a liquid crystal 105 is sealed in this gap. A polarizing plate 317 having an optical axis corresponding to the rubbing direction on the alignment film 214 is attached to the outer surface of the element-side substrate 200. Similarly, a polarizing plate 217 having an optical axis corresponding to the rubbing direction to the alignment film 314 is attached to the outer surface of the counter substrate 300.
[0021]
Further, in the electro-optical device 100, as shown in FIG. 2, a liquid crystal driving IC (driver) 250 is mounted directly on the surface of the element-side substrate 200 by applying a COG (Chip On Glass) technique. As a result, each output terminal of the liquid crystal driving IC 250 is connected to each of the data lines 212. Similarly, the liquid crystal driving 350 is directly mounted on the surface of the counter substrate 300, and each output terminal of the liquid crystal driving IC 350 is connected to each of the counter electrodes 212 serving as scanning lines.
[0022]
The configuration is not limited to the COG technology, and the IC chip and the liquid crystal device may be connected by using other technologies. For example, a configuration may be used in which a tape carrier package (TCP) in which an IC chip is bonded on a flexible printed circuit (FPC) is electrically connected to an electro-optical device by using TAB (tape automated bonding) technology. Alternatively, a COB (Chip On Board) technique for bonding an IC chip to a hard substrate may be used.
[0023]
4 and 5, the TFD element 220 includes a first TFD element 220a and a second TFD element 220b, and a first metal film 222 on the insulating film 201 formed on the surface of the element substrate 200; The first metal film 222 includes an oxide film 224 as an insulator formed on the surface of the first metal film 222 by anodic oxidation, and second metal films 226a and 226b formed on the surface and separated from each other. Further, the second metal film 226a becomes the data line 212 as it is, while the second metal film 226b is connected to the pixel electrode 234.
[0024]
Here, the first TFD element 220a becomes a second metal film 226a / oxide film 224 / first metal film 222 in order from the side of the data line 212, and the metal (conductor) / insulator / Since a metal (conductor) sandwich structure is employed, the diode has bidirectional diode switching characteristics. On the other hand, the second TFD element 220b becomes a first metal film 222 / oxide film 224 / second metal film 226b in order from the data line 212 side, and is opposite to the first TFD element 220a. Diode switching characteristics. Accordingly, the TFD element 220 has a form in which two diodes are connected in series in opposite directions to each other, so that the non-linear characteristic of current-voltage is symmetrical in both positive and negative directions as compared with the case of using one diode. Will be. If it is not necessary to strictly make the nonlinear characteristics symmetric, only one TFD element may be used.
[0025]
On the other hand, the pixel electrode 234 connected to the second metal film 226b is formed from a transparent metal film such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) when used as a transmissive type, while it is used when used as a reflective type. Is formed from a reflective metal film having a high reflectivity such as aluminum or silver. Note that the pixel electrode 234 may be formed of a transparent metal such as ITO even if it is of a reflective type. In this case, after the reflective metal as the reflective layer is formed, the pixel electrode 234 made of a transparent metal is formed via the interlayer insulating film. On the other hand, when used as a semi-transmissive / semi-reflective type, a reflective layer is formed to be extremely thin to form a semi-transmissive mirror, or a slit is provided.
[0026]
Further, as the element substrate 200 itself, for example, a substrate having an insulating property such as quartz or glass is used. Note that, when used as a transmission type, the element substrate 200 must be transparent, but when used as a reflection type, it is not a requirement. In FIG. 5, the reason why the insulating film 201 is provided on the surface of the element substrate 200 is to prevent the first metal film 222 from peeling off from the base and prevent impurities from diffusing into the first metal film 222 by heat treatment. In order to Therefore, when this is not a problem, the insulating film 201 can be omitted.
[0027]
Note that the TFD element 220 is an example of a diode element. In addition, an element using a zinc oxide (ZnO) varistor, an MSI (Metal Semi Insulator), or the like, or a single element or an inverted element A series connection or a parallel connection is applicable.
[0028]
[Color array pattern of sub-pixel]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the color arrangement of sub-pixels and the correspondence between sub-pixels and data lines in the electro-optical device shown in FIG.
[0029]
In the electro-optical device 100 of the present embodiment, the TFDs 220 and the pixel electrodes 234 are arranged in a dot matrix on the inner surface of the element-side substrate 200 as shown in FIGS. On the other hand, the opposing electrode 312 formed inside the surface of the opposing substrate 300 is in a positional relationship facing one row of the pixel electrodes 234 formed on the element-side substrate 200, In the color filter 308 to be formed, a coloring layer for one color is provided corresponding to an intersection region between the pixel electrode 234 and the counter electrode 312. Therefore, one sub-pixel includes the pixel electrode 234, the counter electrode 312, the liquid crystal 105 sandwiched therebetween, and the coloring layer for one color in the color filter 308.
[0030]
Here, “R” given to each pixel electrode 234 indicates that a color layer that transmits red light is arranged in the color filter 308 formed on the opposing substrate 300 facing the pixel electrode 234. Similarly, “G” indicates that a colored layer that transmits green light is disposed, and “B” indicates that a colored layer that transmits blue light is disposed. A number of sub-pixels respectively corresponding to R, G, and B are arranged in a row direction and a column direction.
[0031]
In the electro-optical device 100 configured as described above, in the present embodiment, when n is a positive integer of 2 or more and m is a positive integer of 1 or more, sub-pixels corresponding to three colors of R, G, and B Among them, the sub-pixels corresponding to the same color are composed of n sub-pixels arranged diagonally below left, and m sub-pixels arranged diagonally below right by folding back to the opposite side at the lowermost pixel of these n pixels Are repeated as one cycle.
[0032]
Here, n and m are given by the following equation: n-1 = m
Is satisfied, and in this embodiment,
n = 2
m = 1
It is.
[0033]
In the present embodiment, as a wiring pattern, a data line 212 (shared wiring) linearly extends in the column direction between sub-pixel columns adjacent to each other in the row direction. Of the sub-pixels located on both sides of the line 212, only the pixel electrode 234 of one sub-pixel is electrically connected via the TFD element.
[0034]
The electro-optical device 100 configured as described above has a configuration in which sub-pixels corresponding to the same color are arranged in a zigzag manner in a range of two in the row direction (horizontal direction) as indicated by an arrow L1. For this reason, in the present embodiment, it is possible to take advantage of the feature that the resolution of the mosaic arrangement is high, and it is possible to avoid the problem that the oblique lines are conspicuous in the mosaic arrangement.
[0035]
[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the color arrangement of the sub-pixels and the correspondence between the sub-pixels and the data lines in the electro-optical device according to the present embodiment. Note that the basic configuration of this embodiment and each of the embodiments to be described later is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the common components, and the description thereof will be omitted.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 7, in the electro-optical device 100 according to the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when n is a positive integer of 2 or more and m is a positive integer of 1 or more, R, G, B Among the sub-pixels corresponding to the three colors, the sub-pixels corresponding to the same color include n sub-pixels arranged diagonally to the left and the lowermost pixel of the n pixels, which is folded to the opposite side and diagonally right The m sub-pixels arranged below are arranged repeatedly as one cycle.
[0037]
Here, n and m are given by the following equation: n-1 = m
Is satisfied, and in this embodiment,
n = 3
m = 2
It is.
[0038]
In the present embodiment, as a wiring pattern, a data line 212 (shared wiring) linearly extends between sub-pixel columns adjacent in the row direction. Of the sub-pixels located on both sides, only the pixel electrode 234 of one sub-pixel is electrically connected via the TFD element.
[0039]
The electro-optical device 100 thus configured has a configuration in which sub-pixels corresponding to the same color are arranged in a zigzag manner in a range of three in the row direction (horizontal direction) as indicated by an arrow L2. For this reason, in the present embodiment, it is possible to take advantage of the feature that the resolution of the mosaic arrangement is high, and it is possible to avoid the problem that the oblique lines are conspicuous in the mosaic arrangement.
[0040]
[Embodiment 3]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the color arrangement of sub-pixels and the correspondence between sub-pixels and data lines in the electro-optical device of the present embodiment.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 8, in the electro-optical device 100 according to the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when n is a positive integer of 2 or more and m is a positive integer of 1 or more, R, G, B Among the sub-pixels corresponding to the three colors, the sub-pixels corresponding to the same color include n sub-pixels arranged diagonally to the left and the lowermost pixel of the n pixels, which is folded to the opposite side and diagonally right The m sub-pixels arranged below are arranged repeatedly as one cycle.
[0042]
Here, n and m are given by the following equation: n-1 = m
Is satisfied, and in this embodiment,
n = 4
m = 3
It is.
[0043]
In the present embodiment, as a wiring pattern, a data line 212 (shared wiring) linearly extends between sub-pixel columns adjacent in the row direction. Of the sub-pixels located on both sides, only the pixel electrode 234 of one sub-pixel is electrically connected via the TFD element. Therefore, the pixel electrodes 234 of the sub-pixels corresponding to the three colors are uniformly electrically connected to one data line 212.
[0044]
The electro-optical device 100 configured as described above has a configuration in which sub-pixels corresponding to the same color are arranged in a zigzag manner in a range of four in the row direction (horizontal direction) as indicated by an arrow L3. For this reason, in the present embodiment, it is possible to take advantage of the feature that the resolution of the mosaic arrangement is high, and it is possible to avoid the problem that the oblique lines are conspicuous in the mosaic arrangement.
[0045]
[Embodiment 4]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the color arrangement of the sub-pixels and the correspondence between the sub-pixels and the data lines in the electro-optical device according to the present embodiment.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 9, in the electro-optical device 100 of the present embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 1, when n is a positive integer of 2 or more and m is a positive integer of 1 or more, R, G, B Among the sub-pixels corresponding to the three colors, the sub-pixels corresponding to the same color include n sub-pixels arranged diagonally to the left and the lowermost pixel of the n pixels, which is folded to the opposite side and diagonally right The m sub-pixels arranged below are arranged repeatedly as one cycle.
[0047]
However, in the present embodiment, n and m are given by the following equation: n-1 ≠ m
Is satisfied, and in this embodiment,
n = 4
m = 2
It is.
[0048]
In the present embodiment, as a wiring pattern, a data line 212 (shared wiring) linearly extends between sub-pixel columns adjacent in the row direction. Of the sub-pixels located on both sides, only the pixel electrode 234 of one sub-pixel is electrically connected via the TFD element.
[0049]
In the electro-optical device 100 configured as described above, as shown by the arrow L4, the sub-pixels corresponding to the same color are arranged diagonally downward as a whole, while being turned halfway. For this reason, in the present embodiment, it is possible to take advantage of the feature that the resolution of the mosaic arrangement is high, and it is possible to avoid the problem that the oblique lines are conspicuous in the mosaic arrangement.
[0050]
[Other embodiments]
In the first to fourth embodiments, only the pixel electrode 234 of one sub-pixel is electrically connected to the data line 212 extending linearly between the sub-pixel columns adjacent in the row direction via the TFD element. However, taking the first embodiment as an example, as shown in FIG. 10, a data line 212 extending linearly between sub-pixel columns adjacent in the row direction is The pixel electrodes 234 of the adjacent sub-pixels may be electrically connected alternately to the left and right, and only the pixel electrodes 234 of the sub-pixels corresponding to the same color may be electrically connected.
[0051]
In the color arrangement of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, a pixel electrode of a sub-pixel adjacent in the column direction is connected to a data line 212 extending linearly between sub-pixel columns adjacent in the row direction. 234 are connected from the left and right sides in the order of two, one, one, and two so that the pixel electrodes 234 of the sub-pixels corresponding to the three colors are uniformly electrically connected to one data line 212. May be adopted.
[0052]
Also in the second, third and fourth embodiments, by switching the direction in which the pixel electrode 234 of the sub-pixel is connected to the data line 212, or by bending the data line 212 in the row direction in the middle of the column direction, A configuration in which only the pixel electrodes 234 of the sub-pixels corresponding to the same color are electrically connected to the data line 212, or the pixel electrodes 234 of the sub-pixels corresponding to the three colors are evenly and electrically connected. A connected configuration can be employed.
[0053]
[Other embodiments]
In the above embodiment, the TFD element is used as the active element. However, the present invention may be applied to an electro-optical device using a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) as the active element. Further, the present invention may be applied to a passive matrix type electro-optical device. Further, an electro-optical material other than liquid crystal as the electro-optical material, for example, an electro-optical device (electroluminescent display device) using an organic electroluminescent material, a plasma display device, an electrophoretic device (EPD), and an electron emission device (FED) The pixel array of the present invention may be applied to ()).
[0054]
[Example of mounting on electronic equipment]
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a mobile phone as an example of an electronic apparatus including the electro-optical device according to the embodiment.
[0055]
In FIG. 12, a mobile phone 1400 includes the electro-optical device 100 in addition to a plurality of operation buttons 1402, an earpiece 1404, and a mouthpiece 1406. The electro-optical device 100 is also provided with a backlight on the back as necessary.
[0056]
In addition, as the electronic apparatus on which the electro-optical device of the present embodiment can be mounted, in addition to a mobile phone, a mobile computer, a liquid crystal television, a viewfinder type, a video tape recorder of a monitor direct-view type, a car navigation device, an electronic notebook, a calculator, Examples include a word processor, a workstation, a videophone, a POS terminal, and a device equipped with a touch panel.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an electro-optical device (liquid crystal device) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the electro-optical device shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the electro-optical device illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a layout of several pixels including a TFD element in the electro-optical device shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line AA ′ of FIG.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a color arrangement of sub-pixels and a correspondence relationship between the sub-pixels and data lines in the electro-optical device shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a color arrangement of sub-pixels and a correspondence between sub-pixels and data lines in an electro-optical device (liquid crystal device) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a color arrangement of sub-pixels and a correspondence between sub-pixels and data lines in an electro-optical device (liquid crystal device) according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a color arrangement of sub-pixels and a correspondence between sub-pixels and data lines in an electro-optical device (liquid crystal device) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the color arrangement of sub-pixels and the correspondence between sub-pixels and data lines in another electro-optical device (liquid crystal device) of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the color arrangement of sub-pixels and the correspondence between sub-pixels and data lines in still another electro-optical device (liquid crystal device) of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a mobile phone as an example of an electronic apparatus equipped with the electro-optical device according to the invention.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional RGB mosaic arrangement.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 electro-optical device, 116 pixels, 118 liquid crystal, 200 element side substrate, 212 data lines, 220 TFD element, 234 pixel electrodes, 300 counter substrate, 308 color filter, 312 scanning lines, R red sub-pixel, G green sub Pixel, B Blue sub-pixel

Claims (6)

In an electro-optical device in which a number of sub-pixels respectively corresponding to three different colors are arranged in a matrix in a row direction and a column direction,
When n is a positive integer of 2 or more and m is a positive integer of 1 or more, the sub-pixels corresponding to the same color among the sub-pixels corresponding to the three colors are n sub-pixels arranged diagonally downward. An electro-optical device comprising a plurality of pixels and m sub-pixels which are turned to the opposite side at the lowermost pixel of the n pixels and lined obliquely downward, as one cycle, and are repeatedly arranged. In claim 1, n and m are represented by the following formula: n-1 = m
An electro-optical device characterized by satisfying the following. In claim 1, n and m are represented by the following formula: n-1 ≠ m
An electro-optical device characterized by satisfying the following. 5. A data line according to claim 1, wherein a common data line extending in the column direction passes between adjacent sub-pixel columns in the row direction, and the data line is connected to the sub-pixel via an active element. An electro-optical device, wherein pixel electrodes are electrically connected. 5. The electro-optical device according to claim 4, wherein the active element is a thin-film diode element including a conductor, an insulator, and a conductor. An electronic apparatus comprising the electro-optical device defined in any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images