JP2011107250A - Electrooptical device and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrooptical device and an electronic apparatus in which an image can be displayed easily and handwriting input can be performed with a relatively simplified structure. <P>SOLUTION: In an electrophoretic display device having an electrooptical material layer having a memory property which is disposed between a pair of substrates, transistors belonging to a first display section are individually driven to easily and rapidly perform predetermined image display on the first display section by inputting predetermine potential to scanning lines and data lines belonging to the first display section via a scanning line and a data line driving circuits respectively connected thereto. Transistors belonging to a second display section are individually driven to perform electronic image display on the second display section similarly to the first display section by inputting predetermined potential to scanning lines and data lines belonging to the second display section via a scanning line driving circuit and a data line driving circuit respectively connected thereto. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electro-optical device and an electronic apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an optical writing type display device using a modulation medium having a memory property (cholesteric liquid crystal or electrophoretic dispersion liquid) is known. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, as an optical writing display device, a connection electrode is provided between a variable resistance layer whose resistance value is changed by light irradiation and a display medium layer for performing image display via a partial pressure control layer. It is disclosed to form a multilayer electrode structure in which a drive electrode and a release electrode are laminated.

JP 2007-171260 A

  According to the optical writable display device described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to erase (reset) the entire image displayed in the display area without irradiating light. On the other hand, however, the structure is complicated because a multi-layered electrode is formed for each pixel.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and provides an electro-optical device and an electronic apparatus that can display an image easily and can perform handwriting input with a relatively simple configuration. One of the purposes.

  In order to solve the above problems, an electro-optical device according to the present invention is an electro-optical device including an electro-optical material layer having a memory property between a pair of substrates, and can rewrite an image display by inputting an image signal The first display portion and the second display portion capable of rewriting image display by light input are formed on the same substrate.

According to the present invention, since a transistor is used as a pixel switching element, a simple structure can be achieved, and a scanning signal for turning on the transistor is input to each scanning line, and an electro-optic material is applied to each data line. By inputting an image signal for setting a layer in a predetermined display state, the entire first display unit can be easily and quickly shifted to a predetermined display state.
Moreover, in the present invention, the first display unit capable of rewriting electronic image display by image signal input and the second display unit capable of rewriting image display by light input are on the same substrate. Since it is formed, the image can be displayed in each form.
For example, it is possible to display an image by optical writing (by handwriting input) on the second display unit while displaying a predetermined image on the first display unit. Therefore, an electro-optical device that can easily display an image with a relatively simple configuration and also allows handwritten input.

  In the first display portion, a plurality of first pixels are arranged, and each of the first pixels includes a pixel electrode and a transistor having a drain connected to the pixel electrode, The plurality of first pixels are divided into a plurality of first groups, and each of the groups is connected to the gates of the transistors and connected to each other, and a plurality of scanning lines connected to a scanning line driving circuit; The plurality of first pixels are divided into a plurality of second groups, and each group is connected to the source of the transistor and connected to each other, and a plurality of data lines connected to a data line driving circuit; A plurality of second pixels are arranged in the second display portion, and a pixel electrode and a transistor having a drain connected to the pixel electrode are formed in each of the second pixels. And also connected to the gate of the transistor And scanning lines connected to each other with being, it is preferable that the data line connected to each other is connected to the source of the transistor, is formed.

According to the present invention, since a transistor is used as the pixel switching element, a simple configuration can be achieved, and the transistors belonging to the first display unit are individually driven via the scanning line driving circuit and the data line driving circuit. By doing so, a predetermined image can be displayed on the first display unit easily and quickly.
Further, by inputting a predetermined potential to the scanning lines and the data lines connected to each other and belonging to the second display section, the entire second display section can be easily and quickly made the same. It is possible to shift to the display state, and handwriting input is possible.
As a result, electronic image display is possible on the first display unit, and display by handwriting input is realized on the second display unit.

  In the first display portion, a plurality of first pixels are arranged, and each of the first pixels includes a pixel electrode and a transistor having a drain connected to the pixel electrode, The plurality of first pixels are divided into a plurality of first sets, and a plurality of scanning lines connected to the gates of the transistors and connected to each other and connected to the scanning line driving circuit for each set. And dividing the plurality of first pixels into a plurality of second groups, each of the groups being connected to the source of the transistor and a plurality of data lines connected to each other and connected to a data line driving circuit; , While a plurality of second pixels are arranged in the second display portion, and each of the second pixels includes a pixel electrode and a transistor having a drain connected to the pixel electrode. And the plurality of second images are formed. Are divided into a plurality of third groups, and for each group, a plurality of scanning lines connected to the gates of the transistors and connected to each other and connected to a scanning line driver circuit, and the plurality of second groups The pixels are divided into a plurality of fourth groups, and each group is formed with a plurality of data lines connected to the source of the transistor and connected to each other and connected to the data line driving circuit. Is preferred.

According to the present invention, since a transistor is used as the pixel switching element, a simple configuration can be achieved, electronic display can be realized in the first display unit, and display by handwriting input in the second display unit. Alternatively, electronic display is realized.
That is, a predetermined potential is input to the first display section through the scanning line driving circuit and the data line driving circuit connected to the scanning line and the data line belonging to the first display section, respectively. Transistors belonging to the transistors can be individually driven, and a predetermined image can be displayed on the first display portion easily and quickly.
In addition, by inputting a predetermined potential to the scanning lines and the data lines belonging to the second display section through the scanning line driving circuit and the data line driving circuit connected thereto, Transistors belonging to the transistors can be driven individually, and an electronic image can be displayed on the second display portion as well as the first display portion. Of course, since the entire second display portion can be shifted to the same display state by the scanning line driving circuit and the data line driving circuit, handwriting input is possible in the second display portion.
As described above, since the plurality of transistors belonging to the second display section can be individually driven, even in the second display section capable of handwriting input, electronic image display can be performed as necessary.

  In the first display portion, a plurality of first pixels are arranged, and each of the first pixels includes a pixel electrode and a transistor having a drain connected to the pixel electrode, The plurality of first pixels are divided into a plurality of first sets, and each of the sets is connected to the gates of the transistors and connected to each other, and a plurality of scan lines connected to the scan line driving circuit. The plurality of first pixels are divided into a plurality of second groups, and each group is connected to the source of the transistor and connected to each other, and a plurality of data lines connected to the data line driving circuit; Are formed, and a plurality of second pixels are arranged in the second display portion. Each of the second pixels has a pixel electrode and a first terminal connected to the pixel electrode. A connected diode, and a second terminal of the diode, It is preferable that the signal line connected to one another with the connection is formed.

  According to the present invention, since a diode is used as the pixel switching element, a simple configuration can be achieved, and the second potential can be easily and quickly input by inputting a predetermined potential to the signal lines directly connected to each other. The entire display unit can be shifted to the same display state. Thereby, handwriting input becomes possible in the 2nd display part.

In addition, a first area and a second area partitioned in a plane are provided, and a plurality of the first pixels belonging to the first display section are arranged in the first area, while the first area It is preferable that a plurality of the second pixels belonging to the second display portion are arranged in the second region.
According to the present invention, the first surface area (first display section) is used as an image display area, and the second area (second display section) is used as an area where handwriting input or the like is possible. Is possible.

Further, it is preferable that the first pixels and the second pixels are alternately arranged along the extending direction of the scanning lines or the data lines.
According to the present invention, the display unit is a mixture of pixels belonging to the first display unit and pixels belonging to the second display unit. For example, a desired image is displayed by the pixels belonging to the first display unit. An overwriting function by handwriting input or the like can be realized by the pixels belonging to the second display portion.

An electronic apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes the electro-optical device described above.
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic apparatus including a display unit including an electro-optical device having excellent functionality and manufacturability.

1 is a circuit configuration diagram of an electrophoretic display device according to a first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of each pixel belonging to a first display unit and a second display unit according to the first embodiment. The top view of an electrophoretic display device, sectional drawing, sectional drawing of a microcapsule. The top view and sectional drawing of the element substrate in 1 pixel. Operation | movement explanatory drawing of an electrophoretic element. The flowchart which shows the drive method which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 4 is a timing chart showing a driving method (optical writing) according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating two pixels that are targets for explanation of the driving method (optical writing) according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating two pixels that are targets for explanation of the driving method (optical writing) according to the first embodiment. The top view and operation | movement explanatory drawing of the electrophoretic display device which concern on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the modification of a pixel circuit. The circuit block diagram of the electrophoretic display device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The top view and operation | movement explanatory drawing of the electrophoretic display device of 2nd Embodiment. The circuit block diagram of the electrophoretic display device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a circuit configuration diagram of an electrophoretic display device according to a fourth embodiment. The other circuit block diagram in the 2nd display part. The other circuit block diagram in the 2nd display part. FIG. 14 illustrates an example of an electronic device. FIG. 14 illustrates an example of an electronic device.

The electro-optical device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Moreover, in the following drawings, in order to make each structure easy to understand, the actual structure may be different from the scale, number, or the like in each structure.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of an electrophoretic display device which is a first embodiment of an electro-optical device according to the present invention. FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the pixel in the first display portion, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the pixel in the second display portion.
As shown in FIG. 1, an electrophoretic display device (electro-optical device) 100 includes a display unit 5 in which a plurality of pixels (first pixels) 40 and pixels (second pixels) 340 are arranged in a matrix. I have. The display unit 5 of the present embodiment includes an electronic display type first display unit 5A in which a plurality of pixels 40 are arranged, and an optical writing display type second display unit 5B in which a plurality of pixels 340 are arranged. It is comprised.

In the first display section 5A, m1 scanning lines 66 (Y1, Y2,..., Ym1) and n1 data lines 68 (X1, X2,..., Xn1) extend in a direction crossing each other. Pixels 40 are provided corresponding to the intersection positions of the scanning lines 66 and the data lines 68.
In the second display section 5B, m2 scanning lines 76 (Y1, Y2,..., Ym2) and n2 data lines 78 (X1, X2,..., Xn2) extend in a direction crossing each other. Pixels 340 are provided corresponding to the intersection positions of the scanning lines 76 and the data lines 78.

  Around the first display section 5A (display section 5), a scanning line driving circuit 16 connected to the plurality of scanning lines 66 extending from the first display section 5A and the first display section 5A are extended. A data line driving circuit 17 connected to the plurality of output data lines 68 is provided. The scanning line driving circuit 16 is connected to the pixels 40 through the plurality of scanning lines 66, and the data line driving circuit 17 is connected to the pixels 40 through the plurality of data lines 68.

As shown in FIG. 2A, each pixel 40 of the first display unit 5A includes a selection transistor 41, a pixel electrode 35, an electrophoretic display element 32 (electro-optical material layer), a common electrode 37, and the like. , A holding capacitor 39 is provided.
One electrode of the storage capacitor 39 is connected to the selection transistor 41, and the other electrode is connected to the capacitor line C. The storage capacitor 39 can maintain the image signal written through the selection transistor 41 on the first display unit 5A for a certain period.
In this pixel circuit, when the scanning line 66 is selected, the selection transistor 41 is turned on, and the storage capacitor is charged to the voltage on the data line 68. When the scanning line 66 is not selected, the selection transistor 41 is turned off, but the charged particles of the electrophoretic display element 32 are moved by the energy stored in the storage capacitor.

  Around the second display unit 5B (display unit 5), connection wiring 76a that connects ends of the plurality of scanning lines 76 extended from the second display unit 5B, and the second display unit 5B A connection wiring 78a for connecting the ends of the plurality of data lines 78 extended from the connection terminals 6, 7, and 8 is formed. The connection terminal 6 is connected to the connection wiring 76a, and is connected to all the scanning lines 76 of the display unit 5 through the connection wiring 76a. The connection terminal 8 is connected to the connection wiring 78a, and is connected to all the data lines 78 of the second display portion 5B via the connection wiring 78a. The connection terminal 7 is connected to a common electrode 37 formed as an electrode common to the plurality of pixels 340.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, each pixel 340 of the second display unit 5B includes a selection transistor 41, a pixel electrode 35, an electrophoretic display element 32 (electro-optical material layer), a common electrode 37, and the like. Are provided. Although not shown, a storage capacitor may be provided between the pixel electrode 35 and the capacitor line C.

The selection transistor 41 is a pixel switching element made of, for example, NMOS (Negative Metal Oxide Semiconductor) -TFT (Thin Film Transistor). The selection transistor 41 has a gate terminal connected to the scanning line 66 (76), a source terminal connected to the data line 68 (78), and a drain terminal connected to the pixel electrode 35.
In other words, the gates of the selection transistors 41 forming the pixels 40 of the first display section 5A are connected to the respective scanning lines 66 and connected to the scanning line driving circuit 16 in groups for each row. The sources of the selection transistors 41 forming the pixels 40 of the first display portion 5A are connected to the data lines 68 in units of groups for each column, and are connected to the data line driving circuit 17.

Next, FIG. 3A is a plan view of the electrophoretic display device 100, and FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrophoretic display device 100 in the display unit 5.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the display unit 5 is formed in a region where the element substrate 30 and the counter substrate 31 overlap in plan view, and the scanning line driving circuit 16 is mounted on the right side of the element substrate 30 to display Each of the scanning lines 66 extending from the unit 5 is electrically connected. Similarly, the data line driving circuit 17 is mounted on the upper side of the element substrate 30 and electrically connected to the plurality of data lines 68. The connection terminal 7 formed between the connection terminals 6 and 8 is connected via the connection wiring 67 formed on the element substrate 30 and the inter-substrate connection portion 9 that electrically connects the element substrate 30 and the counter substrate 31. The common electrode 37 is connected.

  The electrophoretic display device 100 is operated by a power source and a control signal line from a controller 363 (control unit), and in the figure, a schematic wiring connection is shown by a line with an arrow, but connection terminals 6 to 8 and a scanning line drive. The circuit 16 and the data line driving circuit 17 are connected.

  Thereby, the controller 363 controls the plurality of pixels 40 belonging to the display unit 5 by potential input via the scanning line driving circuit 16 and the data line driving circuit 17 and also controls the plurality of pixels 340 via the connection terminals 6 and 8. It can be controlled by the input potential.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the electrophoretic display device 100 includes an electrophoretic display element 32 in which a plurality of microcapsules 20 are arranged between an element substrate (substrate) 30 and a counter substrate (substrate) 31. Is provided.
In the display unit 5, the circuit layer 34 on which the scanning lines 66 and 76, the data lines 68 and 78, the selection transistor 41, and the like are formed is provided on the electrophoretic display element 32 side of the element substrate 30. A plurality of pixel electrodes 35 are arranged on the top.

  The element substrate 30 is a substrate made of glass, plastic, or the like and is not required to be transparent because it is disposed on the side opposite to the image display surface. The pixel electrode 35 is formed on an electrophoretic display element 32 formed by stacking nickel plating and gold plating on a Cu (copper) foil in this order, Al (aluminum), ITO (indium tin oxide), or the like. It is an electrode for applying a voltage.

Here, FIG. 4A is a plan view of the element substrate 30 in one pixel 340, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in FIG. 4A.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the selection transistor 41 connects the semiconductor layer 41a having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, the source electrode 41c extending from the data line 78, and the semiconductor layer 41a and the pixel electrode 35. A drain electrode 41d and a gate electrode 41e extending from the scanning line 76 are included.

4B, the gate electrode 41e (scanning line 76) made of Al or an Al alloy is formed on the element substrate 30, and the gate electrode 41e is covered with silicon oxide or silicon. A gate insulating film 41b made of nitride is formed. A semiconductor layer 41a made of amorphous silicon or polysilicon is formed in a region facing the gate electrode 41e via the gate insulating film 41b. A source electrode 41c and a drain electrode 41d made of Al or an Al alloy are formed so as to partially run over the semiconductor layer 41a. An interlayer insulating film 34a made of silicon oxide or silicon nitride is formed to cover the source electrode 41c (data line 78), the drain electrode 41d, the semiconductor layer 41a, and the gate insulating film 41b. A pixel electrode 35 is formed on the interlayer insulating film 34a. The pixel electrode 35 and the drain electrode 41d are connected through a contact hole 34b that passes through the interlayer insulating film 34a and reaches the drain electrode 41d.
Note that the pixel 40 may have a configuration in which the storage capacitor 39 is added to the pixel 340.

In the electrophoretic display device 100 of this embodiment, the number m1 of the scanning lines 66 and the number n1 of the data lines 68, the number m2 of the scanning lines 76, and the number n2 of the data lines 78 can be set to arbitrary natural numbers. . That is, the first display unit 5A and the second display unit 5B can be configured by an arbitrary number of pixels 40 and 340, respectively.
Further, the definition of the pixels 40 and 340 may be different between the first display unit 5A and the second display unit 5B. For example, the first display unit 5A has fineness (for example, about 300 to 600 ppi) suitable for displaying characters and images, and the second display unit 5B has fineness (for example, about 50 to 100 ppi) suitable for handwriting input. Also good.
Furthermore, the outer shape of the first display unit 5A and the second display unit 5B is not limited to a rectangular shape, but may be an arbitrary planar shape such as a triangular shape, a pentagonal or higher polygonal shape, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape. Can do.

Returning to FIG. 3B, the common electrode 37 having a planar shape facing the plurality of pixel electrodes 35 is formed on the electrophoretic display element 32 side of the counter substrate 31, and the electrophoretic display element is formed on the common electrode 37. 32 is provided.
The counter substrate 31 is a substrate made of glass, plastic, or the like, and is a transparent substrate because it is disposed on the image display side. The common electrode 37 is an electrode for applying a voltage to the electrophoretic display element 32 together with the pixel electrode 35, and is formed of MgAg (magnesium silver), ITO (indium tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide) or the like. Transparent electrode.
The electrophoretic display element 32 and the pixel electrode 35 are bonded via the adhesive layer 33, so that the element substrate 30 and the counter substrate 31 are bonded.

  In general, the electrophoretic display element 32 is formed in advance on the counter substrate 31 side and is handled as an electrophoretic sheet including the adhesive layer 33. In the manufacturing process, the electrophoretic sheet is handled in a state where a protective release sheet is attached to the surface of the adhesive layer 33. And the display part 5 is formed by sticking the said electrophoretic sheet which peeled the release sheet with respect to the element board | substrate 30 (The pixel electrode 35, various circuits, etc.) which were manufactured separately. For this reason, the adhesive layer 33 exists only on the pixel electrode 35 side.

  FIG. 3C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the microcapsule 20. The microcapsule 20 has a particle size of, for example, about 50 μm and encloses therein a dispersion medium 21, a plurality of white particles (electrophoretic particles) 27, and a plurality of black particles (electrophoretic particles) 26. It is a spherical body. As shown in FIG. 3B, the microcapsule 20 is sandwiched between the common electrode 37 and the pixel electrode 35, and one or a plurality of microcapsules 20 are disposed in one pixel 40, 340. One microcapsule 20 may be configured to be disposed over a plurality of pixels 40 and 340.

The outer shell portion (wall film) of the microcapsule 20 is formed using a translucent polymer resin such as an acrylic resin such as polymethyl methacrylate or polyethyl methacrylate, a urea resin, or gum arabic.
The dispersion medium 21 is a liquid that disperses the white particles 27 and the black particles 26 in the microcapsules 20. Examples of the dispersion medium 21 include water, alcohol solvents (methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, octanol, methyl cellosolve, etc.), esters (ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, etc.), ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, etc.). ), Aliphatic hydrocarbons (pentane, hexane, octane, etc.), alicyclic hydrocarbons (cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, etc.), aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, benzenes having a long-chain alkyl group ( Xylene, hexylbenzene, hebutylbenzene, octylbenzene, nonylbenzene, decylbenzene, undecylbenzene, dodecylbenzene, tridecylbenzene, tetradecylbenzene)), halogenated hydrocarbons (methylene chloride, chloroform, tetrachloride) Element, and 1,2-dichloroethane), can be exemplified a carboxylate, it may be other oils. These substances can be used alone or as a mixture, and a surfactant or the like may be further blended.

The white particles 27 are particles (polymer or colloid) made of a white pigment such as titanium dioxide, zinc white, and antimony trioxide, and are used, for example, by being negatively charged. The black particles 26 are particles (polymer or colloid) made of a black pigment such as aniline black or carbon black, and are used by being charged positively, for example.
These pigments include electrolytes, surfactants, metal soaps, resins, rubbers, oils, varnishes, compound charge control agents, titanium-based coupling agents, aluminum-based coupling agents, silanes as necessary. A dispersant such as a system coupling agent, a lubricant, a stabilizer, and the like can be added.
Further, instead of the black particles 26 and the white particles 27, for example, pigments such as red, green, and blue may be used. According to such a configuration, red, green, blue, or the like can be displayed on the display unit 5.

FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram of the electrophoretic element. FIG. 5A shows a case where the pixels 40 and 340 display white, and FIG. 5B shows a case where the pixels 40 and 340 display black.
5A, the common electrode 37 is held at a relatively high potential and the pixel electrode 35 is held at a relatively low potential. As a result, the negatively charged white particles 27 are attracted to the common electrode 37, while the positively charged black particles 26 are attracted to the pixel electrode 35. As a result, when this pixel is viewed from the common electrode 37 side which is the display surface side, white (W) is recognized.
In the case of black display shown in FIG. 5B, the common electrode 37 is held at a relatively low potential, and the pixel electrode 35 is held at a relatively high potential. As a result, the positively charged black particles 26 are attracted to the common electrode 37, while the negatively charged white particles 27 are attracted to the pixel electrode 35. As a result, when this pixel is viewed from the common electrode 37 side, black (B) is recognized.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation when the black particles are positively charged and the white particles are negatively charged. However, if necessary, the black particles may be negatively charged and the white particles positively charged. Good. In this case, when a potential is supplied in the same manner as described above, a display in which white display and black display are reversed can be obtained.

[Driving method]
Next, a driving method of the electrophoretic display device of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for driving the electrophoretic display device 100.
As shown in FIG. 6, the driving method of the electrophoretic display device 100 of the present embodiment includes a first image erasing step S101, a first image signal input step S102, a first image holding step S103, and a first image holding step S103. Second image erasing step S104, a second image writing step S105, and a second image holding step S106.

  Here, in the first image erasing step S101 to the first image holding step S103, a desired image is written to the array of the plurality of pixels 40 of the first display unit 5A in the display unit 5. .

  Specifically, in the first image erasing step S101 to the first image holding step S103, for example, the character information TXT as shown in FIG. 10A is written on the first display unit 5A. The

  Here, in the display unit 5 before the first image erasing step S101, since no voltage is applied to the scanning line driving circuit 16 and the data line driving circuit 17, both the pixel electrode 35 and the common electrode 37 are electrically connected. In the high impedance state (Hi-Z), each pixel 40 remains in black display, white display, or gradation display. That is, the display is stored without power.

  In the first image erasing step S101, a high-level potential that turns on the selection transistor 41 is input from the controller 363 to all the scanning lines 66 of the first display section 5A via the scanning line driving circuit 16. A low level potential VL (for example, −10 V) for displaying the electrophoretic display element 32 in white is input to all the data lines 68 via the data line driving circuit 17. In addition, the ground potential GND (0 V) is input to the common electrode 37 via a common electrode wiring (not shown). As a result, all the pixels 40 of the first display section 5A are displayed in white and are in an erased state.

  In the first image erasing step S101, it is only necessary to shift all the pixels 40 of the display unit 5 to a single gradation, and a specific driving method can be changed within a range in which such an object can be achieved. it can. For example, although the potential Vcom of the common electrode 37 is the ground potential GND (0 V) in the above, it may be a high level potential VH (for example, 10 V).

  Next, in the first image signal input step S102, a predetermined potential is input to each of the pixel electrode 35 and the common electrode 37 belonging to each pixel 40 of the first display section 5A, whereby the electrophoretic display element 32 ( A driving voltage is applied to the microcapsule 20). Specifically, a selection signal (for example, a high level of 40V) is sequentially input to each scanning line 66 for a certain period. As a result, the selection transistor 41 is turned on via the selected scanning line 66, the image data voltage is input from the data line 68 to each pixel 40, and the storage capacitor 39 in the pixel 40 is charged with this voltage. Gradation is displayed according to the electric energy. In this way, a predetermined image is written on the first display portion 5A.

  In the present embodiment, the potential Vcom of the common electrode 37 is held at the ground potential GND in the first image signal input step S102, but may be held at a low level potential VL (for example, −10 V).

  Next, when proceeding to the first image holding step S103, the ground potential GND is input from the controller 363 to the data line 68 (potential Vs) via the data line driving circuit 17, and via the common electrode wiring (not shown). The ground potential GND is input to the common electrode 37 (potential Vcom). Thereby, the change of the display state of the pixel 40 after that is prevented, and the display image is held.

  In the first image holding step S103, the data line 68 and the common electrode 37 do not necessarily have the same potential. Specifically, the potentials Vs and Vcom may be set so that the potential difference between the potential Vs of the data line 68 and the potential Vcom of the common electrode 37 is equal to or lower than the threshold voltage of the electrophoretic display element 32. Here, there is a case where there is no clear threshold voltage, but a voltage which does not substantially affect the optical characteristics may be set.

As described above, when the character information TXT is displayed on the first display unit 5A, the mode is shifted to the handwriting input mode using the optical pen. In the handwriting input mode, the second image erasing step S104 to the second image holding step S106 are repeatedly executed.
In the handwriting input mode (steps S104 to S106), the first display unit 5A holds the potential state of the first image holding step S103, and the display image of the first display unit 5A changes. do not do.

  FIG. 7 is a timing chart corresponding to the handwriting input mode, in which the pixel 340 is displayed in black (referred to as pixel 340A) and white display is maintained (referred to as pixel 340B). A dimming chart for the case is shown. 8 and 9 are explanatory diagrams showing potential states of two pixels in each step of the optical writing input method according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 7, the potential Vg of the scanning line 76 input via the connection terminal 6, the potential Vs of the data line 78 input via the connection terminal 8, and the common electrode input via the connection terminal 7. 37, the potential Va of the pixel electrode 35A belonging to the pixel 340A, and the potential Vb of the pixel electrode 35B belonging to the pixel 340B are shown.
In FIGS. 8 and 9, the suffixes “A” and “B” of the reference numerals are used to clearly distinguish the two pixels 340 (340A and 340B) to be described from the constituent elements belonging to them. There is no other intention.

  First, in the second image erasing step S104, a high-level potential that turns on the selection transistor 41 is input from the controller 363 to all the scanning lines 76 of the second display section 5B via the connection terminal 6. The low level potential VL (for example, −10 V) for displaying the electrophoretic display element 32 in white is input to all the data lines 78 via the connection terminals 8. In addition, the ground potential GND (0 V) is input to the common electrode 37 via the connection terminal 7. As a result, the entire surface of the second display portion 5B is displayed in white and is in an erased state.

Next, in the second image writing step S105, handwriting input by the optical pen 250 is performed on the second display unit 5B of the electrophoretic display device 100 as shown in FIG.
In the second image writing step S105, a low level potential that turns off the selection transistor 41 is input to the scanning line 76 from the controller 363 via the connection terminals 6 and 8, and the high level potential VH is input to the data line 78. (For example, 10V) is input. In addition, the ground potential GND (0 V) is input to the common electrode 37 (potential Vcom) via the connection terminal 7. As a result, the second display section 5B is in a state in which an image can be written.

  Then, when the light pen 250 is brought close to the second display unit 5B held in the voltage application state as shown in FIG. 10B, the pixel 340 irradiated with the light LT of the light pen 250. As a result, a leakage current is generated in the selection transistor 41 and the potential of the pixel electrode 35 is increased. As a result, the pixel 340 irradiated with light is selectively shifted to black display, and a black mark is written on the second display portion 5B.

Thereafter, when the process proceeds to the second image holding step S106, the ground potential GND is input from the controller 363 to the data line 78 via the connection terminal 8 as shown in FIG. 10B and FIG. The ground potential GND is input to the common electrode 37. In this way, by setting the data line 78 and the common electrode 37 to the same potential, it is possible to prevent erroneous writing when the pixel 340 of the second display portion 5B is irradiated with light. That is, even if light is emitted to the pixel 340 and light leakage occurs in the selection transistor 41 in the second image holding step S106, the potential of the pixel electrode 35 belonging to the pixel 340 irradiated with light becomes the ground potential GND. Similarly, no potential difference occurs between the common electrode 37 held at the ground potential GND, and the display state of the electrophoretic display element 32 does not change.
In this way, the change in the display state of the second display portion 5B is prevented, and the filled black mark is retained.

  As described above in detail, according to the electrophoretic display device 100 of the present embodiment, the first display unit 5A capable of electronic display by image signal input and the second display capable of display by optical writing. With the display unit 5 having the display unit 5B, electronic display and display by optical writing are realized by the same display panel. Since the first display unit 5A and the second display unit 5B can be operated independently of each other, only the second display unit 5B is imaged while fixing the display state of the first display unit 5A. It can be in a writable state.

  That is, a predetermined image is displayed on the first display unit 5A easily and quickly by individually driving the selection transistors 41 belonging to the first display unit 5A via the scanning line driving circuit 16 and the data line driving circuit 17. It can be performed. In addition, by inputting a predetermined potential to the scanning line 76 and the data line 78 connected to each other and belonging to the second display unit 5B, the second display unit 5B can be easily and quickly input. The whole can be shifted to the same display state, and handwriting input is possible.

  Thus, for example, horizontally written character information is electronically displayed on the first display unit 5A, and then a check symbol or the like is added to the beginning of the line (second display unit 5B) with the optical pen 250 or the like. It can be suitably used for various applications. Therefore, the electrophoretic display device 100 can easily display an image with a relatively simple configuration and can also perform handwritten input.

  Further, since the first display portion 5A and the second display portion 5B are provided on the same panel, the selection transistor 41, the pixel electrode 35, and the scanning lines 66, 76 provided in each display portion 5A, 5B. In addition, the data lines 68 and 78 can be formed in the same manufacturing process.

  In the electrophoretic display device 100 of the present embodiment, a mechanism for determining whether or not the optical pen 250 has contacted or approached the electrophoretic display device 300 may be provided. Thereby, writing can be performed with the optical pen 250 when necessary, and malfunction (unintentional writing) due to incidence of external light or the like can be prevented.

  10A may be provided not only at the beginning (left side in the figure) of the character information TXT displayed on the first display part 5A but also at the end of the line (right side in the figure). . Furthermore, you may provide in the one side part (upper side part) of the column direction (direction orthogonal to a row direction) of the character information TXT in the 1st display part 5A, and the other side part (lower side part).

In the electrophoretic display device 100 of the present embodiment, the configuration of the pixel circuit of each pixel 40 in the first display unit 5A is not limited to that described above.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a selection transistor 41A, a drive transistor 41B, a pixel electrode 35, an electrophoretic display element 32, a common electrode 37, and a storage capacitor 39 are provided, and the storage capacitor 39 and the drive transistor 41B are provided. May be connected to the power supply line E formed in units of rows like the scanning lines 66.

In FIG. 11, the selection transistor 41 A is turned on based on the control signal from the scanning line 66, and the potential of the data signal from the data line 68 is held in the holding capacitor 39. The drive transistor 41B supplies a drive current from the power supply line E to the electrophoretic display element 32 according to the potential of the data signal held in the holding capacitor 39. Even when the scanning line 66 is not selected, a predetermined current continues to be supplied to the electrophoretic display element 32 by the storage capacitor 39.
Therefore, if the selection transistor 41A is selected again at a predetermined time and the voltage of the storage capacitor 39 is set to 0, power supply to the electrophoretic display element 32 is eliminated, so that gradation display is possible.

  As described above, the scanning lines 66 are sequentially selected, the selection transistors 41A in the selected row are turned on, and the storage capacitors 39 are charged to the voltage applied to the data lines 68. The charged particles can be moved and electronically displayed on the first display section 5A.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 12 is a circuit configuration diagram of the electrophoretic display device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 13 is an operation explanatory diagram of the electrophoretic display device according to the second embodiment.
In each drawing referred to below, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the previous embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 12, the electrophoretic display device 200 of this embodiment includes a display unit 150 in which a plurality of pixels 40 and a plurality of pixels 340 are alternately arranged.
In the display unit 150, a plurality of scanning lines 66 and a plurality of data lines 68 are formed, and pixels 40 are provided corresponding to the intersections of the scanning lines 66 and the data lines 68. All the scanning lines 66 are connected to the scanning line driving circuit 16, and all the data lines 68 are connected to the data line driving circuit 17. In order to simplify the drawing, the storage capacitor 39 is not shown.

In addition, a plurality of scanning lines 76 and a plurality of data lines 78 are formed, and pixels 340 are formed corresponding to the intersections of the scanning lines 76 and the data lines 78. All the scanning lines 76 are connected to the connection terminal 6 through the connection wiring 76a, and all the data lines 78 are connected to the connection terminal 8 through the connection wiring 78a.
Each of the pixels 40 and 340 includes a selection transistor 41, a pixel electrode 35, an electrophoretic display element 32, and a common electrode 37.

  In the present embodiment, in the display unit 150, the pixels 40 and 340 are mutually connected in the row direction (extending direction of the scanning lines 66 and 76) and the column direction (extending direction of the data lines 68 and 78). They are arranged alternately so as to be adjacent to each other. That is, the electrophoretic display device 100 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the pixels 40 of the first display unit 5A according to the first embodiment and the pixels 340 of the second display unit 5B are mixed and arranged in a checkered pattern. I have.

FIG. 13A is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the electrophoretic display device 200.
The electrophoretic display device 200 includes an element substrate 230 and a counter substrate 31, and a display unit 150 is formed in a region where the element substrate 230 and the counter substrate 31 overlap in plan view. A controller 363 (control unit) is mounted in a region of the element substrate 230 that protrudes beyond the counter substrate 31. The controller 363 is connected to the connection terminals 6 to 8, the scanning line driving circuit 16, and the data line driving circuit 17 shown in FIG.

  The element substrate 230 has the same configuration as the element substrate 30 according to the first embodiment except for the arrangement of the pixels 40 and the pixels 340. The controller 363 is configured to be able to supply a predetermined potential to the connection terminals 6 to 8, the scanning line driving circuit 16, and the data line driving circuit 17, and connects the plurality of pixels 40 belonging to the display unit 150 to the connection terminals 6 and 8. The plurality of pixels 340 can be controlled by potential input via the scanning line driving circuit 16 and the data line driving circuit 17.

[Driving method]
Next, a driving method of the electrophoretic display device 200 of the present embodiment will be described.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment can be applied to the driving method of the electrophoretic display device 200 of the present embodiment.

In the first image erasing step S101 to the first image holding step S103 in the present embodiment, a desired image is written to the array of the plurality of pixels 40 of the display unit 150.
First, in the first image erasing step S <b> 101, a high-level potential for turning on the selection transistor 41 is input from the controller 363 to the scanning line 66 via the scanning line driving circuit 16 and via the data line driving circuit 17. Thus, the low level potential VL is input to the data line 68. As a result, all the pixels 40 of the display unit 150 are displayed in white and are in an erased state.

  Next, in the first image signal input step S102, a predetermined potential is input to each of the pixel electrode 35 and the common electrode 37 belonging to each pixel 40 of the display unit 150, whereby the electrophoretic display element 32 (μ capsule 20). ) Is applied with a driving voltage. Specifically, a selection signal (a high level of 40V) is input to the scanning line 66 for a certain period. As a result, the selection transistor 41 is turned on via the scanning line 66, and image data is input from the data line 68 to each pixel 40. Each pixel 40 stores the input image data. In this way, a predetermined image is written on the display unit 150.

  Next, when proceeding to the first image holding step S103, the ground potential GND is input from the controller 363 to the data line 68 (potential Vs) via the data line driving circuit 17, and via the common electrode wiring (not shown). The ground potential GND is input to the common electrode 37 (potential Vcom). Thereby, the change of the display state of the pixel 40 after that is prevented, and the display image is held.

  As described above, when a predetermined image is displayed on the display unit 150, the mode shifts to the handwriting input mode using the optical pen. In the handwriting input mode, each pixel 40 holds the potential state of the first image holding step S103 described above, and the display image does not change.

  In the second image erasing step S104, a high-level potential for turning on the selection transistor 41 is input from the controller 363 to the scanning line 76 via the connection terminal 6, and the data line 78 is determined via the connection terminal 8. In addition, a low level potential VL (for example, −10 V) for displaying the electrophoretic display element 32 in white is input. In addition, the ground potential GND (0 V) is input to the common electrode 37 via the connection terminal 7. As a result, all the pixels 340 of the display unit 150 are displayed in white and are in an erased state.

Next, in the second image writing step S105, as shown in FIG. 13B, handwritten input by the optical pen 250 is performed in the area composed of the pixels 340 in the display unit 150 of the electrophoretic display device 200. .
In the second image writing step S105, a low level potential that turns off the selection transistor 41 is input to the scanning line 76 from the controller 363 via the connection terminals 6 and 8, and the high level potential VH is input to the data line 78. (For example, 10V) is input. In addition, the ground potential GND (0 V) is input to the common electrode 37 (potential Vcom) via the connection terminal 7. Thereby, each pixel 340 of the display unit 150 is in a state where image writing is possible.

  Then, when the display unit 150 held in the above voltage application state is scanned with the light pen 250 as shown in FIG. 13B, the pixel 340 irradiated with the light LT of the light pen 250 leaks to the selection transistor 41. A current is generated, and the potential of the pixel electrode 35 increases. As a result, the pixel 340 irradiated with light is selectively shifted to black display, and the image can be overwritten as shown in the figure.

  Thereafter, when the process proceeds to the second image holding step S106, the ground potential GND is input from the controller 363 to the data line 78 via the connection terminal 8, and the ground potential GND is input to the common electrode 37 via the connection terminal 7. . As a result, the display state of the image composed of the pixels 340 is also prevented from being changed, and the entered image is retained.

  As described above, according to the electrophoretic display device 200 of the second embodiment, since the pixels 40 and the pixels 340 are arranged in a checkered pattern, a desired image is displayed on the display unit 150 by the pixels 40. And handwriting input using the pixel 340 can be performed. Thus, for example, the character information before correction is electronically displayed by the pixel 40, and the check symbol, the line segment, etc. can be added with the optical pen 250 or the like. .

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 14 is a circuit configuration diagram of the electrophoretic display device according to the third embodiment.
In each drawing referred to below, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the previous embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The electrophoretic display device 300 of this embodiment includes a display unit 5 having a first display unit 5A capable of electronic display and a second display unit 5B capable of display by optical writing. In addition to the scanning line driving circuit 16A connected to the scanning line 66 of the display unit 5A and the data line driving circuit 17A connected to the data line 68, the scanning line connected to the scanning line 76 of the second display unit 5B. A drive circuit 16B and a data line drive circuit 17B connected to the data line 78 are provided.

As described above, the scanning line driving circuit 16B and the data line driving circuit 17B are also provided in the second display portion 5B so that the driving voltage waveform can be individually applied to each scanning line 76 and each data line 78. Thus, electronic display is also possible on the second display unit 5B.
Of course, since each scanning line 76 and each data line 78 can also be driven as a whole, the above-described optical writing sequence is possible, and display by optical writing is also possible if necessary.
As described above, since the plurality of selection transistors 41A belonging to the second display unit 5B can be individually driven, the second display unit 5B capable of handwriting input can display electronic images as necessary. It becomes possible.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 15 is a circuit configuration diagram of the electrophoretic display device according to the fourth embodiment.
Note that, in the drawings referred to below, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the previous embodiment, its modified examples, and the previous embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The electrophoretic display device 400 of this embodiment includes a display unit 150 in which a plurality of pixels 40 and a plurality of pixels 340 are arranged in a checkered pattern, and is a scanning line drive connected to the scanning lines 66 of the display unit 150. Each pixel 40 is driven to display via the data line driving circuit 17A connected to the circuit 16A and the data line 68, and is connected to the scanning line driving circuit 16B and the data line 78 connected to the scanning line 76 of the display unit 150. The display driving of each pixel 340 is performed via the data line driving circuit 17B.

  In the present embodiment, contrary to the third embodiment, the scanning lines 66 and the data lines 68 in the display unit 150 are entirely driven via the scanning line driving circuit 16A and the data line driving circuit 17A. An optical writing sequence is possible, and display by optical writing is also possible for the pixels 40 that perform electronic display as necessary.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the scanning lines 66 and 76 and the data lines 68 and 78 in the display unit 150 are entirely driven through the scanning line driving circuits 16A and 16B and the data line driving circuits 17A and 17B. Thus, display by optical writing can be performed on the entire display unit 150.

Note that the configuration of the second display portion 5B capable of display by optical writing is not limited to the previous embodiment, and, for example, a configuration using a diode instead of a thin film transistor may be employed.
As shown in FIG. 16, each pixel 340 of the second display section 5B is provided with a diode 51, a pixel electrode 35, an electrophoretic display element 32, and a common electrode 37. The anode terminal (second terminal) of the diode 51 is connected to the signal line 56, and the cathode terminal (first terminal) is connected to the pixel electrode 35.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, as the diode 51, a configuration in which transistors are diode-connected (a configuration in which a source terminal and a gate terminal are short-circuited) is employed. In the case of the illustrated configuration, a plurality of signal lines 58 extending in a direction intersecting with the signal line 56 are formed, and the source terminals of the transistors constituting the diode 51 are connected to these signal lines 58.

  With such a structure, an electrode structure similar to that of the active matrix liquid crystal device can be used, so that the structure and the structure can be simplified, which is excellent in manufacturability and advantageous in cost. . Further, the entire display unit 5 can be shifted to a single gradation only by inputting a predetermined potential to the diode 51 through the signal line 56, and the reset operation can be executed easily and quickly.

(Electronics)
Next, the case where the electrophoretic display devices 100, 200, 300, and 400 of the above embodiments are applied to an electronic device will be described.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of the electronic paper 1100. The electronic paper 1100 includes the electrophoretic display device 100 (200, 300, 400) of the above-described embodiment in a display area 1101. The electronic paper 1100 is flexible and includes a main body 1102 made of a rewritable sheet having the same texture and flexibility as conventional paper.

  FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of the electronic notebook 1200. An electronic notebook 1200 is obtained by bundling a plurality of the electronic papers 1100 and sandwiching them between covers 1201. The cover 1201 includes display data input means (not shown) for inputting display data sent from an external device, for example. Thereby, according to the display data, the display content can be changed or updated while the electronic paper is bundled.

  According to the electronic paper 1100 and the electronic notebook 1200 described above, since the electrophoretic display device according to the present invention is employed, the optical writing type display means configured to be easily reset with a simple structure is provided. It becomes an electronic device.

  In addition, said electronic device illustrates the electronic device which concerns on this invention, Comprising: The technical scope of this invention is not limited. For example, the electrophoretic display device (optical writing display device) according to the present invention can also be suitably used for a display portion of an electronic device such as a mobile phone or a portable audio device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100, 200, 300, 400 ... Electrophoretic display element (electro-optical apparatus), 30 ... Element substrate, 31 ... Opposite substrate, 5A ... 1st display part, 5B ... 2nd display part, 40 ... 1st pixel 340 ... second pixel, 35A, 35B ... pixel electrode, 41 ... select transistor, 16 ... scan line drive circuit, 17 ... data line drive circuit, 66,76 ... scan line, 68,78 ... data line, 41c ... Source electrode, 41e ... Gate electrode, 56, 58 ... Signal line, 51 ... Diode, 50, 150 ... Display, 1100 ... Electronic paper (electronic device), 1200 ... Electronic notebook (electronic device)

Claims (7)

An electro-optical device including an electro-optical material layer having memory between a pair of substrates,
A first display unit capable of rewriting image display by image signal input and a second display unit capable of rewriting image display by light input are formed on the same substrate. An electro-optical device. A plurality of first pixels are arranged on the first display unit,
Each first pixel includes a pixel electrode;
A transistor having a drain connected to the pixel electrode,
Further, the plurality of first pixels are divided into a plurality of first groups, and for each group,
A plurality of scanning lines connected to the gates of the transistors and connected to each other and connected to a scanning line driving circuit;
Dividing the plurality of first pixels into a plurality of second groups, and for each group,
A plurality of data lines connected to the source of the transistor and connected to each other and connected to the data line driving circuit are formed,
A plurality of second pixels are arranged in the second display portion,
Each of the second pixels includes a pixel electrode;
A transistor having a drain connected to the pixel electrode,
A scanning line connected to and connected to the gate of the transistor;
2. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein a data line connected to the source of the transistor and connected to each other is formed. A plurality of first pixels are arranged on the first display unit,
Each first pixel includes a pixel electrode;
A transistor having a drain connected to the pixel electrode,
Further, the plurality of first pixels are divided into a plurality of first groups, and for each group,
A plurality of scanning lines connected to the gates of the transistors and connected to each other and connected to a scanning line driving circuit;
Dividing the plurality of first pixels into a plurality of second groups, and for each group,
A plurality of data lines connected to the source of the transistor and connected to each other and connected to a data line driver circuit are formed, while a plurality of second pixels are formed on the second display portion. Arranged,
Each of the second pixels includes a pixel electrode;
A transistor having a drain connected to the pixel electrode,
Further, the plurality of second pixels are divided into a plurality of third groups, and for each group,
A plurality of scanning lines connected to the gates of the transistors and connected to each other and connected to a scanning line driving circuit;
The plurality of second pixels are divided into a plurality of fourth groups, each of the groups is connected to the source of the transistor and connected to each other, and a plurality of data lines connected to the data line driving circuit; The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the electro-optical device is formed. A plurality of first pixels are arranged on the first display unit,
Each first pixel includes a pixel electrode;
A transistor having a drain connected to the pixel electrode,
Further, the plurality of first pixels are divided into a plurality of first groups, and for each group,
A plurality of scanning lines connected to the gates of the transistors and connected to each other and connected to a scanning line driving circuit;
Dividing the plurality of first pixels into a plurality of second groups, and for each group,
A plurality of data lines connected to the source of the transistor and connected to each other and connected to a data line driver circuit are formed, while a plurality of second pixels are formed on the second display portion. Arranged,
Each of the second pixels includes a pixel electrode;
A diode connected to the pixel electrode via a first terminal;
2. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein a signal line connected to the second terminal of the diode and connected to each other is formed. A first region and a second region partitioned in a plane;
The plurality of first pixels belonging to the first display section are arranged in the first area, while the plurality of second pixels belonging to the second display section are arranged in the second area. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the electro-optical device is arranged.   5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first pixel and the second pixel are alternately arranged along an extending direction of the scanning line or the data line. 6. Electro-optic device.   An electronic apparatus comprising the electro-optical device according to claim 1.

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