JP2011191498A - Electrophoretic display device, method for driving electrophoretic display device, and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrophoretic display device and the like which retains use outside the operating temperature range as a history and is easy to repair and maintain.
An electrophoretic display device 100 that counts an input reference signal 120 to count time and outputs time information 122, and an electrophoretic particle that includes electrophoretic particles between a pair of substrates. Holding the electrophoretic element, displaying the image 3, measuring the use environment temperature of the display unit, outputting the temperature information 140 based on the use environment temperature, detecting the external input, An external input detection unit 4 that outputs the result as external input information, and a control unit 1 that controls the display unit, and the control unit displays normal time on the display unit based on the time information; and Temperature information display control for displaying a given usage environment temperature on the display unit based on the temperature information, and control for switching between normal display control and temperature information display control based on the external input information are performed.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrophoretic display device, a driving method of an electrophoretic display device, an electronic apparatus, and the like.

  In recent years, a display panel having a memory property that can hold an image even when the power is turned off has been developed and used in an electronic timepiece or the like. As a display panel having a memory property, an EPD (Electrophoretic Display), that is, an electrophoretic display device, a memory-type liquid crystal display device, and the like are known. For example, the electrophoretic display device has excellent advantages such as wide viewing angle, high contrast, and flexibility in addition to the property of memory.

  However, according to Patent Document 1, in the electrophoretic display device, the resistance of the dispersion changes due to temperature fluctuations, which affects the applied voltage and residual charge. Therefore, there is a possibility that a stable display state cannot be obtained depending on the use environment temperature. In particular, use at a high temperature (for example, 50 ° C. or higher) may cause so-called burn-in in the display portion, and burn-in significantly deteriorates the quality of the electrophoretic display device.

JP 2006-85097 A

  Therefore, in general, an electrophoretic display device has a working temperature range (for example, −5 ° C. to 50 ° C.) in which stable display performance can be maintained. Users are required to use within the specified operating temperature range.

  However, for example, when the user inadvertently leaves the electrophoretic display device in a car or the like on a hot day, the electrophoretic display device may be exposed to a high temperature exceeding the operating temperature range. If the electrophoretic display device deteriorates or malfunctions at a later date, it is difficult for the person who performs the repair to determine whether the use is outside the operating temperature range or if there is another cause. If the cause can be identified, the time required for repair can be shortened and good customer service can be provided to the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems. According to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrophoretic display device and the like that retains use outside the operating temperature range as a history and is easy to repair and maintain.

(1) The present invention is an electrophoretic display device, which counts an input reference signal, measures time, outputs time information, and electrophoresis including electrophoretic particles between a pair of substrates A display unit that sandwiches the elements and displays an image, a temperature detection unit that measures the use environment temperature of the display unit, outputs temperature information based on the use environment temperature, detects an external input, and results An external input detection unit that outputs the input as external input information, and a control unit that controls the display unit, and the control unit causes the display unit to display a time based on the time information; and Temperature information display control for causing the display unit to display a given usage environment temperature based on the temperature information, and control for switching between the normal display control and the temperature information display control based on the external input information. .

  According to the present invention, not only the normal display control for displaying the time but also the temperature information display control for displaying the usage environment temperature is performed. Since the display related to the operating environment temperature is performed, in the unlikely event of a failure or malfunction, electrophoresis can be performed so that the time to identify the cause can be shortened and good customer service can be provided to the user A display device can be provided.

(2) In this electrophoretic display device, in the temperature information display control, the control unit is configured to display at least a given upper limit value and a given lower limit value as the given use environment temperature display. You may display the integrated value of the time when one temperature was measured.

  According to the present invention, the integrated value of the time when at least one temperature not lower than the upper limit value and lower than the lower limit value is measured is displayed. Based on this accumulated time, it is possible to predict more accurately the possibility that a quality problem such as burn-in will occur on the display unit, for example, and to appropriately determine whether or not to replace during maintenance. And good customer service can be provided to the user. Here, the upper limit value and the lower limit value may be fixed values determined in advance, or values that can be set or changed.

(3) In this electrophoretic display device, in the temperature information display control, the control unit displays the number of times a temperature equal to or higher than a given upper limit is measured as the given use environment temperature display, and a given You may display at least one of the frequency | count that the temperature below the lower limit of was measured.

  According to the present invention, at least one of the number of times the temperature above the upper limit value is measured and the number of times the temperature below the lower limit value is measured is displayed. Based on the displayed number of times, for example, it is possible to accurately predict the possibility of causing a quality problem such as burn-in on the display unit, and to appropriately determine whether or not to replace during maintenance. And good customer service can be provided to the user.

(4) In this electrophoretic display device, in the temperature information display control, the control unit displays at least one of a maximum value and a minimum value of the measured temperature as the given use environment temperature display. You may let them.

  According to the present invention, at least one of the maximum value and the minimum value of the use environment temperature is displayed. The display of the maximum value or the minimum value facilitates the identification of the cause in the event of a failure or malfunction. For example, if a problem such as burn-in occurs on the display unit, it can be determined whether or not there is a problem in the use environment by checking the maximum value of the use environment temperature. As a result, the time for identifying the cause can be shortened, and good customer service can be provided to the user.

(5) The present invention may be an electronic apparatus including the electrophoretic display device.

  According to the present invention, since the display about the operating environment temperature is performed, in the event of a failure or malfunction, the time for identifying the cause can be shortened and good customer service can be provided to the user It is possible to provide an electronic apparatus including an electrophoretic display device that enables the above.

(6) The present invention counts an input reference signal, measures time, outputs a time information, and sandwiches an electrophoretic element including electrophoretic particles between a pair of substrates to display an image. A display unit for displaying, a temperature detection unit for measuring a use environment temperature of the display unit, and outputting temperature information based on the use environment temperature, and an external for detecting an external input and outputting the result as external input information An electrophoretic display device driving method comprising: an input detection unit; a normal display step for causing the display unit to display a time based on the time information; and a given display unit based on the temperature information. A temperature information display step for displaying a use environment temperature; and a step of switching between the normal display step and the temperature information display step based on the external input information.

  According to the present invention, not only the normal display process for displaying the time but also the temperature information display process for displaying the use environment temperature is performed. Since the display related to the operating environment temperature is performed, in the unlikely event of a failure or malfunction, electrophoresis can be performed so that the time to identify the cause can be shortened and good customer service can be provided to the user A display device can be provided.

(7) In the driving method of the electrophoretic display device,
In the temperature information display step, as the given use environment temperature display, an integrated value of a time during which at least one temperature of a given upper limit value or more and a given lower limit value or less is measured may be displayed. Good.

  According to the present invention, the integrated value of the time when at least one temperature not lower than the upper limit value and lower than the lower limit value is measured is displayed. Based on this accumulated time, it is possible to accurately predict the possibility that a quality problem such as burn-in will occur on the display unit, for example, or to appropriately determine whether or not to replace a part during maintenance. And good customer service can be provided to the user.

(8) In this method of driving an electrophoretic display device, the temperature information display step includes the number of times a temperature equal to or higher than a given upper limit value is measured as the given use environment temperature display, and a given lower limit value. You may display at least one of the frequency | count that the following temperature was measured.

  According to the present invention, at least one of the number of times the temperature above the upper limit value is measured and the number of times the temperature below the lower limit value is measured is displayed. Based on the displayed number of times, for example, it is possible to accurately predict the possibility of causing a quality problem such as burn-in on the display unit, and to appropriately determine whether or not to replace during maintenance. And good customer service can be provided to the user.

(9) In this method for driving an electrophoretic display device, the temperature information display step may display at least one of a maximum value and a minimum value of the measured temperature as the given use environment temperature display. Good.

  According to the present invention, at least one of the maximum value and the minimum value of the use environment temperature is displayed. The display of the maximum value or the minimum value facilitates the identification of the cause in the event of a failure or malfunction. For example, if a problem such as burn-in occurs on the display unit, it can be determined whether or not there is a problem in the use environment by checking the maximum value of the use environment temperature. As a result, the time for identifying the cause can be shortened, and good customer service can be provided to the user.

1 is a block diagram of an electrophoretic display device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6 is another block diagram of the electrophoretic display device in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a pixel of the electrophoretic display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4A illustrates a configuration example of an electrophoretic element. 4B and 4C are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the electrophoretic element. The figure which shows the structural example of the time counter in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 6A shows an example of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an object to be detected by the temperature detection circuit. FIG. 6C is a diagram showing objects to be integrated by the integration processing circuit. FIG. 7A is a view showing a display example in the normal display mode in the first embodiment. FIGS. 7B to 7C are views showing display examples of the temperature information display mode in the first embodiment. The flowchart in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 9A is a diagram of a wristwatch that is an example of an electronic device, and FIG. 9B is a diagram of a mobile terminal device that is an example of an electronic device.

1. First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

1.1. Configuration of Electrophoretic Display Device FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electrophoretic display device 100 according to this embodiment.

  The electrophoretic display device 100 includes a control unit 1, a time counter 2, a display unit (EPD) 3, an external input detection unit 4, and a temperature detection unit 5.

  The time counter 2 counts the input reference signal 120 to measure time, and outputs time information 122. Here, the reference signal 120 is, for example, a 1 Hz clock. The electrophoretic display device 100 may include an oscillation circuit (not shown) and a frequency dividing circuit (not shown) that divides an output signal from the oscillation circuit to generate a 1 Hz clock.

  The display unit 3 holds an electrophoretic element including electrophoretic particles between a pair of substrates, and displays an image. Here, the image means a wide range of images including not only graphics but also letters, numbers, symbols, and the like. In the present embodiment, it is possible to freely display various images such as figures, characters, numbers, symbols, etc., as the electrophoretic display device 100 of the active matrix driving system. The driving method of the present invention is not limited to the active matrix method, and may be a segment method.

  The external input detection unit 4 detects external inputs 44, 46, 47, and 48 (hereinafter referred to as external inputs 44, etc.), and the results are external input information 124, 126, 127, and 128 (hereinafter referred to as external inputs). Information 124). The number of external inputs is arbitrary and is not limited to four.

  The temperature detection unit 5 measures the temperature of the environment in which the display unit 3 is used (use environment temperature) and outputs it as temperature information 140. The temperature information 140 may include not only the current use environment temperature and the history of the use environment temperature up to the present, but also information such as the time when a given temperature condition is satisfied and the accumulated time.

  The temperature detection unit 5 may include a temperature sensor 51, a temperature detection circuit 53, an integration processing circuit 57, and a storage unit 59.

  The temperature sensor 51 may measure the use environment temperature of the display unit 3 and output the measured use environment temperature information 136 to the temperature detection circuit 53. The temperature sensor 51 may directly measure the surface temperature of the display unit 3 or the like, or may measure the ambient temperature of the electrophoretic display device 100 and indirectly use the operating environment temperature of the display unit 3 by calculation. You may ask for. In addition, the temperature sensor 51 may always measure the use environment temperature of the display unit 3, or may periodically measure every minute, every ten minutes, or every hour.

  The temperature detection circuit 53 may detect, for example, the maximum value and the minimum value after the start of measurement of the use environment temperature, or detect whether the temperature is outside the use temperature range (for example, −5 ° C. to 50 ° C.). May be. Then, the temperature detection circuit 53 integrates the detected temperature information 138 including the current use environment temperature, the highest and lowest values when there is an update, and information on whether or not the current use environment temperature is outside the use temperature range. It may be output to the processing circuit 57 or written in the storage means 59.

  The integration processing circuit 57 may also receive the time information 122 from the time counter 2 and integrate, calculate, or acquire necessary time based on the detected temperature information 138 and write it in the storage unit 59. The required time may be, for example, an integrated value of the time when the use environment temperature is outside the use temperature range, or may be a date or time when the highest value or the lowest value is updated.

  These pieces of information written in the storage means 59 by the temperature detection circuit 53 and the integration processing circuit 57 may be output from the temperature detection unit 5 to the control unit 1 as use environment temperature information 140.

  The control unit 1 controls the display unit 3 with the control signal 130 based on the use environment temperature information 140, the time information 122, the external input information 124, and the like. The control unit 1 may change the image displayed on the display unit 3 by switching a display mode determined based on the external input information 124 or the like. Further, the control unit 1 may change the value of the time counter 2 according to the control signal 132, permit the time counter 2 to count, or stop it.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 1 performs at least normal display control and temperature information display control. The normal display control is control when the time is displayed on the display unit 3 based on the time information 122. The temperature information display control is, for example, control when a person who performs maintenance displays the contents of the use environment temperature information 140 on the display unit 3 by the external input 44 or the like.

  The control unit 1 may include a display control circuit 10 and a controller 12. Here, the display control circuit 10 may be a circuit that outputs a control signal 130 that causes the display unit 3 to display a desired image. The controller 12 may be a functional block that outputs a control signal 132 for controlling the time counter and an internal signal 134 for the display control circuit 10 based on the time information 122, the external input information 124, and the like. The controller 12 may be a CPU.

FIG. 2 shows an electrophoretic display device 100 of an active matrix driving system according to this embodiment.
FIG. Here, description is omitted about the time counter 2, the external input detection part 4, and the temperature detection part 5, and the connection etc. of the control part 1 and the display part 3 are described in detail.

  The electrophoretic display device 100 includes a display unit 3 in which a plurality of pixels 40 are arranged. The control unit 1 controls the display unit 3. The control unit 1 includes a scanning line driving circuit 61, a data line driving circuit 62, a controller 12, and a common power supply modulation circuit 64. Here, in the present embodiment, the scanning line driving circuit 61, the data line driving circuit 62, and the common power supply modulation circuit 64 constitute the display control circuit 10.

  The scanning line driving circuit 61, the data line driving circuit 62, and the common power supply modulation circuit 64 are each connected to the controller 12. The controller 12 comprehensively controls not only the time information 122 and the use environment temperature information 140 but also an image signal and a synchronization signal other than the time information supplied from outside the figure. The controller 12 may include a storage unit (not shown). The storage unit may be SRAM, DRAM, EEPROM, or other memory, or may include ROM in part. The storage unit may store image information to be displayed on the display unit 3.

  The display unit 3 displays the time as 10:08, for example, based on control signals from the display control circuit 10 (scanning line driving circuit 61, data line driving circuit 62, common power supply modulation circuit 64). In the display unit 3, a plurality of scanning lines 66 extending from the scanning line driving circuit 61 and a plurality of data lines 68 extending from the data line driving circuit 62 are formed, and the pixels 40 correspond to these intersection positions. Is provided.

  The scanning line driving circuit 61 is connected to each pixel 40 by m scanning lines 66 (Y1, Y2,..., Ym). The scanning line driving circuit 61 specifies the on-timing of the driving TFT 41 (see FIG. 3) provided in the pixel 40 by sequentially selecting the scanning lines 66 from the first row to the m-th row under the control of the controller 12. A selection signal is supplied.

  The data line driving circuit 62 is connected to each pixel 40 by n data lines 68 (X1, X2,..., Xn). The data line driving circuit 62 supplies an image signal defining 1-bit image data corresponding to each of the pixels 40 to the pixels 40 under the control of the controller 12. In the present embodiment, when defining pixel data “0”, a low-level image signal is supplied to the pixel 40, and when defining image data “1”, a high-level image signal is applied to the pixel 40. 40.

The display unit 3 also includes a low-potential power line 49 (Vss), a high-potential power line 50 (Vdd), a common electrode line 55 (Vcom), and a first control line 91 (S ₁ ) extending from the common power modulation circuit 64. ), A second control line 92 (S ₂ ) is provided, and each wiring is connected to the pixel 40. The common power supply modulation circuit 64 generates various signals to be supplied to each of the wirings according to the control of the controller 12, while electrically connecting and disconnecting these wirings (high impedance, Hi-Z).

1.2. Circuit Configuration of Pixel Portion FIG. 3 is a circuit configuration diagram of the pixel 40 of FIG.

  The pixel 40 is provided with a driving TFT (Thin Film Transistor) 41, a latch circuit 70, and a switch circuit 80. The pixel 40 has an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) type configuration in which an image signal is held as a potential by a latch circuit 70. Note that the same numbers are assigned to the same wirings as those in FIG. Further, the description of the common electrode wiring 55 common to all pixels is omitted.

  The driving TFT 41 is a pixel switching element made of an N-MOS transistor. The gate terminal of the driving TFT 41 is connected to the scanning line 66, the source terminal is connected to the data line 68, and the drain terminal is connected to the data input terminal of the latch circuit 70. The latch circuit 70 includes a transfer inverter 70t and a feedback inverter 70f. A power supply voltage is supplied to the inverters 70t and 70f from the low potential power supply line 49 (Vss) and the high potential power supply line 50 (Vdd).

  The switch circuit 80 includes transmission gates TG1 and TG2, and outputs a signal to the pixel electrode 35 (see FIGS. 4B and 4C) according to the level of the pixel data stored in the latch circuit 70. . Va in FIG. 3 means a potential (signal) supplied to the pixel electrode of one pixel 40. Here, in the present embodiment, since the active matrix driving type electrophoretic display device 100 is used, the driving electrode of the electrophoretic display device 100 is a pixel electrode. Therefore, description will be made using the name of the pixel electrode. The drive electrode may be a segment electrode instead of a pixel electrode.

Image data "1" into latch circuit 70 (high-level image signal) is stored, the transmission gate TG1 is turned, switching circuit 80 supplies a potential S ₁ as Va. On the other hand, the image data "0" in the latch circuit 70 (the image signal of a low level) is stored, when the transmission gate TG2 is turned on, the switch circuit 80 supplies a potential S ₂ as Va. With such a circuit configuration, the control unit 1 can control the potential (signal) supplied to the pixel electrode of each pixel 40. The circuit configuration of the pixel 40 is an example and is not limited to that shown in FIG.

1.3. Display Method The electrophoretic display device 100 of the present embodiment is a two-particle microcapsule type electrophoresis method. Assuming that the dispersion is colorless and transparent, and the electrophoretic particles are white or black, the electrophoretic display device 100 can display at least two colors based on two colors of white or black.

  FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a configuration of the electrophoretic element 32 of the present embodiment. The electrophoretic element 32 is sandwiched between the element substrate 30 and the counter substrate 31 (see FIGS. 4B and 4C). The electrophoretic element 32 is configured by arranging a plurality of microcapsules 20. The microcapsule 20 encloses, for example, a colorless and transparent dispersion, a plurality of white particles (electrophoretic particles) 27, and a plurality of black particles (electrophoretic particles) 26. In the present embodiment, for example, it is assumed that the white particles 27 are negatively charged and the black particles 26 are positively charged.

  FIG. 4B is a partial cross-sectional view of the display unit 3 of the electrophoretic display device 100. The element substrate 30 and the counter substrate 31 sandwich an electrophoretic element 32 in which the microcapsules 20 are arranged. The display unit 3 includes a drive electrode layer 350 in which a plurality of pixel electrodes 35 are formed on the electrophoretic element 32 side of the element substrate 30. In FIG. 4B, a pixel electrode 35A and a pixel electrode 35B are shown as the pixel electrode 35. The pixel electrode 35 can supply a potential to each pixel (for example, Va, Vb). Here, a pixel having the pixel electrode 35A is referred to as a pixel 40A, and a pixel having the pixel electrode 35B is referred to as a pixel 40B. The pixel 40A and the pixel 40B are two of the pixels 40 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  On the other hand, the counter substrate 31 is a transparent substrate, and an image is displayed on the counter substrate 31 side in the display unit 3. The display unit 3 includes a common electrode layer 370 in which a common electrode 37 having a planar shape is formed on the electrophoretic element 32 side of the counter substrate 31. The common electrode 37 is a transparent electrode. Unlike the pixel electrode 35, the common electrode 37 is an electrode common to all pixels, and is supplied with the potential Vcom.

  The electrophoretic element 32 is disposed in the electrophoretic display layer 360 provided between the common electrode layer 370 and the drive electrode layer 350, and the electrophoretic display layer 360 serves as a display area. A desired display color can be displayed for each pixel according to the potential difference between the common electrode 37 and the pixel electrode (for example, 35A, 35B).

  In FIG. 4B, the common electrode side potential Vcom is higher than the potential Va of the pixel electrode of the pixel 40A. At this time, since the negatively charged white particles 27 are attracted toward the common electrode 37 and the positively charged black particles 26 are attracted toward the pixel electrode 35A, the pixel 40A is visually recognized as displaying white.

  In FIG. 4C, the common electrode side potential Vcom is lower than the potential Va of the pixel electrode of the pixel 40A. At this time, on the contrary, the positively charged black particles 26 are attracted to the common electrode 37 side, and the negatively charged white particles 27 are attracted to the pixel electrode 35A side, so that it is visually recognized that the pixel 40A displays black. Is done. Note that the structure in FIG. 4C is similar to that in FIG.

1.4. Time Counter FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the time counter 2 in the first embodiment.

  The time counter 2 of the present embodiment outputs time information 122A to 122F that are components of the time information 122. Here, the time information is used as a generic term including information on the year, month, day / week (calendar information).

  The time counter 2 of the present embodiment specifically includes a second counter 201, a minute counter 202, an hour counter 203, a day / week counter 204, a month counter 205, and a year counter 206. The time information 122A to 122F held by each counter is output to the control unit 1 as time information 122.

  Moreover, the control part 1 can change each value of the counters 201-206 by counter value adjustment signal 132A-132F, when correcting time information. Here, the counter value adjustment signals 132 </ b> A to 132 </ b> F are signals constituting the control signal 132 from the control unit 1. The counter value adjustment signals 132A to 132F may be signals that directly write the values of the counters 201 to 206, or may be signals that are incremented or decremented. Further, the counter 201 to 206 may be reset individually, that is, a signal for setting the value to 0.

  The counters 201 to 206 are incremented by a second carry signal 220, a minute carry signal 221, a hour carry signal 222, a day / week carry signal 223, a month carry signal 224, and a year carry signal 225, respectively. In this embodiment, the carry signals 221 to 225 are positive logic signals, and are signals obtained by ANDing the reference signal 120 and the carry permission signals 211 to 215 from the lower counter. The second carry signal 220 is a logical product of the reference signal 120 and the enable signal 132G (one of the signals constituting the control signal 132) from the control unit 1. Therefore, the control unit 1 can stop the operation of the time counter 2 by setting the enable signal 132G to a low level. The configuration of the time counter 2 is an example and is not limited to that shown in FIG.

1.5. Temperature Detection Unit FIG. 6A shows an example of the usage environment temperature measured by the temperature sensor 51. The vertical axis represents temperature, and −5 ° C. (lower limit value) and 50 ° C. (upper limit value) are examples of boundary values of the operating temperature range. For example, when the use environment temperature is an upper limit value (for example, 50 ° C.) or more, the electrophoretic display device 100 cannot guarantee stable display performance. The same applies when the use environment temperature is lower than the lower limit (for example, −5 ° C.). The temperature sensor 51 measures the temperature of the environment where the display unit 3 is used. The horizontal axis represents time, and the temperature sensor 51 may always measure the use environment temperature, may be measured at a certain interval, or may be measured in conjunction with a given event. .

  FIG. 6B shows an object detected by the temperature detection circuit 53. The meanings of the vertical and horizontal axes are the same as those in FIG. The temperature detection circuit 53 detects a state where the use environment temperature information 136 is a temperature (530A) equal to or higher than the upper limit value or a temperature (530B) equal to or lower than the lower limit value, that is, a state outside the use temperature range. Then, in order to leave as a history, a signal indicating that the state is outside the operating temperature range is output to the integration processing circuit 57 as detected temperature information 138.

  In the present embodiment, the temperature detection circuit 53 detects new maximum values (530C) and minimum values (530D) when the maximum and minimum values of the operating environment temperature are updated. Then, in order to leave the update time as a history, a signal indicating that the maximum value and the minimum value are updated is output to the integration processing circuit 57 as the detected temperature information 138. Also, the new maximum value (530C) and minimum value (530D) are written in the storage means 59. In the example of FIG. 6B, the storage means 59 writes that the maximum value is 55 ° C. and the minimum value is −13 ° C. Further, the temperature detection circuit 53 may output the current temperature to the integration processing circuit 57 and write it in the storage means 59.

  FIG. 6C shows an object to be integrated by the integration processing circuit 57. The meanings of the vertical and horizontal axes are the same as those in FIG. In the present embodiment, the integration processing circuit 57 counts the number of times that the electrophoretic display device 100 has been used at a use environment temperature outside the use temperature range based on the detected temperature information 138, and calculates the time when it is used. Or add up. For example, when the display unit (EPD) 3 has deteriorated in quality, the information is used as a material for determining whether the deterioration is due to the use environment or the product is defective.

  In the example of FIG. 6C, the electrophoretic display device 100 is used at a usage environment temperature equal to or higher than the upper limit for the time obtained by integrating 570A and 570B. Similarly, the electrophoretic display device 100 is used at a usage environment temperature equal to or lower than the lower limit value for the time obtained by integrating 570C and 570D. In addition, the electrophoretic display device 100 is used twice at a use environment temperature equal to or higher than the upper limit (570A, 570B), and is used twice at a use environment temperature equal to or lower than the lower limit (570C, 570D). The accumulated time and the number of uses outside the use temperature range are written in the storage means 59.

  Further, the integration processing circuit 57 writes the information of the date when the new maximum value (530C) and minimum value (530D) are obtained in the storage unit 59 based on the detected temperature information 138. That is, the date when the signal (detected temperature information 138) indicating that the maximum value and the minimum value are updated is sent from the temperature detection circuit 53 to the storage means 59. For example, this date is a material for determining whether the electrophoretic display device 100 has been used outside the operating temperature range by the user, or whether the electrophoretic display device 100 was in an environment outside the operating temperature range during shipment or transportation of the product.

  As described above, necessary data (530A to 530D, 570A to 570D) in FIG. 6B or FIG. 6C is stored in the storage unit 59 and output to the control unit 1 as use environment temperature information 140.

1.6. Display Mode FIG. 7A shows a display example of the electrophoretic display device 100 in the normal display mode M1. The normal display mode M1 is a display mode when the control unit 1 performs normal display control. When the display mode is the normal display mode M1, time display based on the time information 122 from the time counter 2 is performed on the display unit 3. In the present embodiment, the temperature information display mode M2 is also defined as the display mode. When the display mode is the temperature information display mode M2, a display (usage environment temperature) as shown in FIG. Display).

  In the present embodiment, the electrophoretic display device 100 includes an operation button A (44), an operation button C (46), an operation button D (47), and an operation button E (48) as external inputs. Hereinafter, these operation buttons are referred to as an A button, a C button, a D button, and an E button, respectively. The A button, C button, D button, and E button respectively correspond to the switches 44, 46, 47, and 48 in the external input detection unit 4 of FIG. When the A button, C button, D button, and E button are pressed, the external input information 124, 126, 127, and 128 is transmitted to the control unit 1.

  In the present embodiment, the transition from the normal display mode M1 to the temperature information display mode M2 is performed, for example, by pressing and holding the D button after pressing the E button (C1). Then, when the A button is pressed or a certain time elapses (for example, after one minute), the temperature information display mode M2 returns to the normal display mode M1 (C2). The correspondence between the operation button and the display mode switching is not limited to this example. Even if the assignment of the A button and the E button is reversed, other operation buttons may be used. In the present embodiment, the operation of pressing and holding the D button as a transition condition to the temperature information display mode M2 prevents the transition to the temperature information display mode M2 by mistake by a normal button operation. Further, the method for shifting to the temperature information display mode M2 may not be disclosed to the user.

  FIG. 7B shows a display example of the electrophoretic display device 100 in the temperature information display mode M2. The temperature information display mode M2 is a display mode when the control unit 1 performs temperature information display control. In FIG. 7 (B), information on the operating environment temperature above the upper limit (for example, 50 ° C.) is displayed. For example, the maximum temperature of the use environment temperature of the electrophoretic display device 100 and the date on which it is detected may be displayed (74A). The use environment temperature display including the maximum temperature information gives a clue to search for the cause when, for example, the display unit 3 is burned.

  Further, the accumulated time information and the number of times for knowing how much the electrophoretic display device 100 has been used at the use environment temperature equal to or higher than the upper limit value may be displayed (76A). The accumulated time is a time obtained by accumulating times (for example, 570A and 570B in FIG. 6C) that have been in the use environment temperature equal to or higher than the upper limit value. This accumulated time can be used to predict the possibility that a quality problem such as burn-in will occur on the display unit 3, for example. Then, based on the accumulated time, for example, it may be determined whether or not the display unit 3 is to be replaced during maintenance. In addition, when the number of times of use environment temperature is equal to or higher than the upper limit value, the user can be alerted.

  FIG. 7C shows another display example of the electrophoretic display device 100 in the temperature information display mode M2. In FIG. 7 (C), information on the operating environment temperature below the lower limit (for example, −5 ° C.) is displayed. For example, the lowest temperature of the environment temperature of use of the electrophoretic display device 100 and the date when it is detected may be displayed (74B). The use environment temperature display including the information on the minimum temperature is determined, for example, when a repair request is received because the contrast of the display unit 3 is poor, whether the cause is the use at a low temperature or the failure of the device. Give material.

  Further, the accumulated time information and the number of times for knowing how much the electrophoretic display device 100 has been used at the use environment temperature below the lower limit value may be displayed (76B). The accumulated time is a time obtained by integrating the times (for example, 570C and 570D in FIG. 6C) that were the use environment temperature below the lower limit value. At this time, the number of times that the use environment temperature is equal to or lower than the lower limit value may also be displayed. The accumulated time and number of times are valuable data for a person other than the user to know the environmental temperature at which the electrophoretic display device 100 is used. Appropriate repairs and judgments can be made based on this information during repairs and maintenance. For example, when the accumulated time for the use environment temperature equal to or lower than the lower limit value is long and the number of times is large, it is determined that problems such as low contrast of the display unit 3 and slow drawing speed may be caused by the use environment. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, as the temperature information display mode M2, the display of FIG. 7B and the display of FIG. 7C can be switched to each other with the E button (C3, C4). As a result, it is possible to acquire data on both the use environment temperature not less than the upper limit value and the use environment temperature not more than the lower limit value. Moreover, in the display of FIG.7 (B) and FIG.7 (C), in order to grasp | ascertain the present state, the present temperature may be displayed. When the screen of the display unit 3 is sufficiently large, the display contents of FIGS. 7B and 7C may be displayed at a time without switching with the E button.

  In this way, when the electrophoretic display device 100 performs display related to the use environment temperature in the temperature information display mode M2, it is possible to speed up the time for identifying the cause in the event of a failure or malfunction. Provide good customer service to users.

1.7. Driving method (flow chart)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a driving method of the electrophoretic display device 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The time counter 2 determines whether there is an input of the reference signal 120, that is, whether there is a second count (S1).

  When there is no second count in S1 (S1N), it is determined whether or not there is a request for transition to the temperature information display mode M2, that is, whether or not the D button is pressed for a long time after the E button is pressed (S10).

  When there is a request for transition to the temperature information display mode M2 (S10Y), the display mode is changed from the normal display mode M1 to the temperature information display mode M2 (S11).

  After changing to the temperature information display mode M2, the process returns to S1 again. Even when there is no request for transition to the temperature information display mode M2 (S10N), the process returns to S1. Even if there is a shift request, since the change to the temperature information display mode M2 (S11) is performed after the long press of the D button is completed, until that time (for example, when only the E button is pressed), the process proceeds to S1. It will return (S10N).

  When there is a second count in S1 (S1Y), it is determined whether the normal display mode M1 or the temperature information display mode M2 (S2).

  In the normal display mode M1 (S2N), the time counter 2 is counted up (S3), and if there is a minute carry, the time display on the display unit 3 is updated (S4Y, S5). After updating the time, the process returns to S1 again. Note that the process returns to S1 also when there is no minute carry (S4N).

  In the case of the temperature information display mode M2 (S2Y), the display shown in FIG. 7B or FIG. 7C is performed. Here, the high temperature information display refers to display of information related to the use environment temperature in FIG. 7B, particularly the upper limit value (for example, 50 ° C.) or more. The low temperature information display refers to display of information related to the use environment temperature in FIG. 7C, particularly a lower limit value (for example, −5 ° C.) or less. Since these displays can be switched to each other with the E button, it is first determined which display is requested (S30).

  When the high temperature information display is selected (S30Y), the high temperature information display of FIG. 7B is performed (S32). When the low temperature information display is selected (S30N), the low temperature information display of FIG. 7C is performed (S34).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is a request to return to the normal display mode M1, that is, whether the A button has been pressed or whether a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed since the last operation in the temperature information display mode M2. (S40). If there is no return request, the temperature information display mode M2 is continued (S40N), and the process returns to S30 again. If there is a return request (S40Y), the time counter is corrected (S42). Then, the display mode is changed from the temperature information display mode M2 to the normal display mode M1 (S44), and the process returns to S1.

  Here, the correction of the time counter (S42) is a process of correcting the time when the high temperature information display S32 or the low temperature information display S34 is performed with respect to the time counter 2. For example, the controller 12 (see FIG. 1) includes a stop time counter (not shown), operates the stop time counter during the high temperature information display S32 or the low temperature information display S34, and controls the control signal 132 based on the value. You may correct the time counter 2 with.

  Since the display relating to the operating environment temperature is performed by the driving method of the electrophoretic display device 100 according to the present embodiment, the time for identifying the cause can be shortened in the event of a failure or malfunction. Can provide good customer service.

2. Application Example An application example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 (A) to 9 (B). The electrophoretic display device 100 can be applied to various electronic devices.

  For example, FIG. 9A is a front view of a wrist watch 1000 that is one of electronic devices. The wristwatch 1000 includes a watch case 1002 and a pair of bands 1003 connected to the watch case 1002. A display unit 1004 including the electrophoretic display device 100 is provided in front of the watch case 1002, and the display unit 1004 displays, for example, high temperature information. An A button (1044) is provided on the side of the watch case 1002, and a C button (1046), a D button (1047), and an E button (1048) are provided on the front of the watch case 1002. These operation buttons are used as external inputs to the electrophoretic display device 100.

  For example, FIG. 9B is a front view of a mobile terminal device 1100 that is one of the electronic devices. The mobile terminal device 1100 is provided with a display unit 1104 including the electrophoretic display device 100 in front of the case 1102. The display unit 1104 performs high temperature information display, for example. An A button (1144), a C button (1146), a D button (1147), and an E button (1148) are provided on the front surface of the case 1102. These operation buttons are used as external inputs to the electrophoretic display device 100.

  Since the electronic device including the electrophoretic display device 100 displays information on the operating environment temperature, it is possible to speed up the time for identifying the cause in the event of a failure or malfunction, which is favorable for the user. Can provide customer service.

3. Others In the above-described embodiment, the electrophoretic display device is not limited to one that performs black and white two-particle electrophoresis using black particles and white particles, and may perform one-particle electrophoresis such as blue and white, Also, combinations other than black and white may be used.

  The driving method described above may be applied not only to the electrophoretic display device but also to a memory-type display unit. For example, ECD (Electrochromic Display = electrochromic display), ferroelectric liquid crystal display, cholesteric liquid crystal display, and the like.

  Furthermore, the application example described above is not limited to a wristwatch, and can be widely applied to devices having a clock function such as a table clock, a wall clock, and a pocket watch.

  The present invention is not limited to these exemplifications, and includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations that have the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations that have the same objects and effects). In addition, the invention includes a configuration in which a non-essential part of the configuration described in the embodiment is replaced. In addition, the present invention includes a configuration that exhibits the same operational effects as the configuration described in the embodiment or a configuration that can achieve the same object. Further, the invention includes a configuration in which a known technique is added to the configuration described in the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control part, 2 ... Time counter, 3 ... Display part (EPD), 4 ... External input detection part, 5 ... Temperature detection part, 10 ... Display control circuit, 12 ... Controller, 20 ... Microcapsule, 26 ... Black particle , 27 ... white particles, 30 ... element substrate, 31 ... counter substrate, 32 ... electrophoretic element, 35 ... pixel electrode (drive electrode), 35A ... pixel electrode (drive electrode), 35B ... pixel electrode (drive electrode), 37 ... Common electrode, 40 ... Pixel, 40A ... Pixel, 40B ... Pixel, 41 ... Driving TFT (Thin Film Transistor), 44 ... External input (operation button A, A button), 46 ... External input (operation buttons C, C) Button), 47 ... external input (operation buttons D, D button), 48 ... external input (operation buttons E, E button), 49 ... low potential power line (Vss), 50 ... high potential power line (Vdd), 51 ... Temperature sensor 53 ... Temperature detection circuit, 55 ... Common electrode wiring (Vcom), 57 ... Integral processing circuit, 59 ... Storage means, 61 ... Scanning line drive circuit, 62 ... Data line drive circuit, 64 ... Common power supply modulation circuit, 66 ... Scan line 68 ... Data line 70 ... Latch circuit 74A ... Maximum temperature display 74B ... Minimum temperature display 76A ... Integral time 76B ... Integral time 80 ... Switch circuit 91 ... First pulse signal line (S ₁ ), 92 ... second pulse signal line (S ₂ ), 100 ... electrophoretic display device, 120 ... reference signal, 122 ... time information (calendar information), 122A to 122F ... time information (calendar information), 124 ... external input information, 126 ... external input information, 127 ... external input information, 128 ... external input information, 130 ... control signal, 132 ... control signal, 132A to 132F ... control signal ( Counter value adjustment signal), 132G ... control signal (enable signal), 134 ... internal signal, 136 ... use environment temperature information, 138 ... detected temperature information, 140 ... use environment temperature information, 201 ... second counter, 202 ... minute counter, 203 ... hour counter, 204 ... day / week counter, 205 ... month counter, 206 ... year counter, 211 ... minute carry enable signal, 212 ... hour carry enable signal, 213 ... day / week carry enable signal, 214 ... Month carry enable signal, 215 ... year carry enable signal, 220 ... second carry signal, 221 ... minute carry signal, 222 ... hour carry signal, 223 ... day / week carry signal, 224 ... month carry signal 225 ... year carry signal, 230 ... AND circuit, 231 ... AND circuit, 232 ... AND circuit, 233 ... AND circuit, 234 ... AND circuit, 235 ... AND circuit 350 ... drive electrode layer 360 ... electrophoretic display layer 370 ... common electrode layer 530A ... temperature above upper limit value 530B ... temperature below lower limit value 530C ... maximum value 530D ... minimum value 570A ... time above upper limit value, 570B ... time above upper limit value, 570C ... time below lower limit value, 570D ... time below lower limit value, 1000 ... wristwatch, 1002 ... watch case, 1003 ... band, 1004 ... display unit, 1044 ... A button, 1046 ... C button, 1047 ... D button, 1048 ... E button, 1100 ... mobile terminal device, 1102 ... case, 1104 ... display unit, 1144 ... A button, 1146 ... C button, 1147 ... D button, 1148 ... E button, M1 ... Normal display mode, M2 ... Temperature information display mode

Claims (9)

An electrophoretic display device comprising:
A time counter that counts the input reference signal to time and outputs time information;
A display unit for displaying an image by sandwiching an electrophoretic element including electrophoretic particles between a pair of substrates;
A temperature detection unit that measures a use environment temperature of the display unit and outputs temperature information based on the use environment temperature;
An external input detection unit that detects external input and outputs the result as external input information;
A control unit for controlling the display unit,
The controller is
Normal display control for causing the display unit to display a time based on the time information;
Temperature information display control for causing the display unit to display a given use environment temperature based on the temperature information;
An electrophoretic display device that performs control for switching between the normal display control and the temperature information display control based on the external input information. The electrophoretic display device according to claim 1.
The controller is
In the temperature information display control, as the given use environment temperature display, the integrated value of the time at which at least one temperature of the given upper limit value or more and the given lower limit value or less is measured is displayed. Electrophoretic display device. The electrophoretic display device according to claim 1,
The controller is
In the temperature information display control, as the given use environment temperature display, at least one of the number of times a temperature above a given upper limit value is measured and the number of times a temperature below a given lower limit value is measured. An electrophoretic display device for displaying. The electrophoretic display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The controller is
In the temperature information display control, an electrophoretic display device that displays at least one of a maximum value and a minimum value of the measured temperature as the given use environment temperature display.   An electronic apparatus comprising the electrophoretic display device according to claim 1. A time counter that counts the input reference signal to measure time, outputs time information, an electrophoretic element including electrophoretic particles between a pair of substrates, and a display unit that displays an image; A temperature detection unit that measures a use environment temperature of the display unit and outputs temperature information based on the use environment temperature; and an external input detection unit that detects an external input and outputs the result as external input information. A method for driving an electrophoretic display device, comprising:
A normal display step of causing the display unit to display a time based on the time information;
A temperature information display step for causing the display unit to display a given use environment temperature based on the temperature information;
A method for driving an electrophoretic display device, comprising: switching between the normal display step and the temperature information display step based on the external input information. The method for driving an electrophoretic display device according to claim 6,
In the temperature information display step, as the given use environment temperature display, an integrated value of time during which at least one temperature of a given upper limit value or more and a given lower limit value or less is measured is displayed. Driving method of electrophoretic display device. The method for driving an electrophoretic display device according to claim 6,
In the temperature information display step, as the given use environment temperature display, at least one of the number of times a temperature equal to or higher than a given upper limit value is measured and the number of times a temperature equal to or lower than a given lower limit value is measured. A method for driving an electrophoretic display device for display. The method for driving an electrophoretic display device according to claim 6,
The method for driving an electrophoretic display device, wherein the temperature information display step displays at least one of a maximum value and a minimum value of the measured temperature as the given use environment temperature display.

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