JP2013142804A - Display device and method for driving the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display device including a display with improved contrast and provide a display device including a display with improved visibility for a user.SOLUTION: A display including a first display unit for displaying display information and a second display unit whose light transmission characteristics can be adjusted is applied to a display device. A display element included in the first display unit has light transmissivity. The light transmission characteristics of an optical control layer included in the second display unit are adjusted depending on the size of voltage applied to an electrode for driving the optical control layer. The shape and size of a drive electrode are changed according to user's intention so as to be selectable, to allow light transmission characteristics of the display to be adjusted at any position.

Description

The present invention relates to a display device including a display capable of adjusting light transmission characteristics and a method for driving the display device.

The demand for smart glass is increasing with the spread of technology for adding additional functions to houses and car windows. Smart glass generally refers to a glass product whose transparency can be electrically switched by applying or not applying a voltage. It is used in various applications such as building material windows for the purpose of controlling solar radiation or protecting privacy.

In addition, the market scale of the transparent display in which the display itself has a certain degree of transparency and the back can be seen through is increasing. The transparent display can be used for shopping windows in shopping streets, and is attracting attention as a future display that can be used for information transmission. It is expected that the range of use can be expanded more flexibly by taking advantage of the design and performance characteristics unique to transparent displays. In Patent Document 1, a part of the window is used as a television device, so that space is effectively used and comfort and comfort are enhanced.

Products using electrochromic elements, SPD elements, PDLC elements, etc. as dimming elements have already been put into practical use and applied to glass, mirrors, large screen displays, electronic paper, and the like. These elements have the common feature that the state changes with voltage and the change is reversible. Electrochromic elements are being developed for color tone adjustment, multicolor development, etc., and PDLC elements are being developed for reproduction of various color tones by stepless control between cloudiness and transparency.

In Patent Document 2, a display using a transparent EL element and a display using a liquid crystal element are stacked, and a low-luminance pixel is extracted from a display image using a luminance threshold value, and is associated with an extraction pixel unit. The opaque part of the display using the liquid crystal element is controlled.

JP 1998-025975 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-025975

In the transparent display, a user existing in front of the display simultaneously recognizes display information displayed on the display, and a background and background light behind the display. (See FIG. 10.) Accordingly, there are problems that the user has to recognize an unnecessary or unintended background, that it is difficult to recognize target display information, and that external light is dazzling.

Further, when the user is present in front and behind the transparent display, the user present in the rear recognizes the display information obtained by inverting the display information recognized by the user present in the front. Disclosure and non-disclosure of display information cannot be selected according to the intention of the user existing in front of or behind the display. Accordingly, problems remain regarding confidentiality of information and proper information transmission.

The display described in Patent Document 2 can switch the transparency only once, and pixel extraction at the threshold boundary becomes ambiguous and difficult to match with the user's intention.

In view of the above problems, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a display device including a transparent display with improved contrast.

Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a display device including a transparent display with improved user visibility.

The contrast of the display device is improved by selectively adjusting the light transmission characteristics of the light control layer provided in the display.

One embodiment of the present invention disclosed in this specification includes a first display portion including a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode that sandwich a light-emitting layer, and a transparent third electrode that sandwiches an SPD layer. A second display portion including an electrode and a transparent fourth electrode, the first display portion and the second display portion overlap, and between the second electrode and the third electrode A transparent insulating layer is disposed, the first display unit displays display information, and the second display unit displays light that is transmitted through the first display unit on the first display unit. Accordingly, the display information is changed between the first electrode side and the fourth electrode side by partially adjusting the display information.

In the above, the SPD layer has a medium resin, a plurality of liquid droplets dispersed in the medium resin, and a plurality of polarizing particles dispersed in the liquid droplets. The light transmitted through the layer can be adjusted.

One embodiment of the present invention disclosed in this specification includes a first display portion including a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode that sandwich a light-emitting layer, and a transparent first electrode that sandwiches a PDLC layer. 3 and a second display portion including a transparent fourth electrode, the first display portion and the second display portion are overlapped, and between the second electrode and the third electrode Is provided with a transparent insulating layer, the first display unit displays display information, and the second display unit displays light transmitted through the first display unit on the first display unit. The display device is characterized in that the display information is changed between the first electrode side and the fourth electrode side by partially adjusting in accordance with the display information.

In the above, the PDLC layer has a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal and a plurality of liquid crystal molecules dispersed in the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal, and adjusts light transmitted through the PDLC layer according to the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. Can do.

One embodiment of the present invention disclosed in this specification includes a first display portion including a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode that sandwich a light-emitting layer, and a transparent substrate that sandwiches an electrochromic layer. A second display portion including a third electrode and a transparent fourth electrode, wherein the first display portion and the second display portion overlap each other, and the second electrode and the third electrode A transparent insulating layer is disposed therebetween, the first display unit displays display information, and the second display unit displays light transmitted through the first display unit on the first display unit. The display device is characterized in that the display information is changed between the first electrode side and the fourth electrode side by partially adjusting to the display information.

In the above, the electrochromic layer can adjust the light which permeate | transmits an electrochromic layer with the cation inject | poured from an ion storage layer, and the anion inject | poured from an ion conductor layer.

One embodiment of the present invention disclosed in this specification includes a first display portion including a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode that sandwich a light-emitting layer, and a transparent that sandwiches an electrowetting layer. A second display portion including a third electrode and a transparent fourth electrode, wherein the first display portion and the second display portion overlap each other, and the second electrode and the third electrode A transparent insulating layer is disposed between the first display unit and the first display unit. The second display unit displays light transmitted through the first display unit on the first display unit. The display device is characterized in that the display information is changed between the first electrode side and the fourth electrode side by partially adjusting in accordance with display information to be displayed.

In the above, the electrowetting layer has an insulating layer having a hydrophobic surface, a color oil film, and a transparent polar fluid layer, and adjusts light transmitted through the electrowetting layer by spreading of the color oil film. Can do.

One embodiment of the present invention disclosed in this specification includes a first display portion including a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode that sandwich a light-emitting layer, and a transparent display that sandwiches a light control layer. A second display unit including a third electrode and a transparent fourth electrode, a display information identification unit, an address signal generation unit, and a dimming pattern generation unit, The display unit and the second display unit overlap each other, a transparent substrate is disposed between the second electrode and the third electrode, the first display unit displays display information, and a display information identification unit Identifies the position of the display information displayed on the first display unit, and the address signal generation unit generates the address signal of the dimming unit in the second display unit in accordance with the position of the display information, The dimming pattern generation unit applies voltages to the third electrode and the fourth electrode existing at the address acquired from the address signal. The dimming pattern is generated by determining the size, and the dimming unit adjusts the light transmitted through the one display unit so as to match the dimming pattern, and the fourth electrode side, The display device is characterized in that display information is changed on the electrode side.

In the above, the light control part may be opaque.

In the above, the light control part may be translucent.

In the above, the light control unit may reflect the transmitted light of the first display unit.

In the above, the light control unit may absorb the transmitted light of the first display unit.

In the above, the light control unit may reflect a part of the transmitted light of the first display unit.

In the above, it is preferable that the transmitted light of the first display portion is adjusted in units of pixels.

In the above, a micro shutter may be provided between the first display unit and the second display unit.

One embodiment of the present invention disclosed in this specification includes a first display portion including a screen and an external light source, a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode which sandwich a light control layer. The first display unit and the second display unit overlap each other, the first display unit displays display information, and the second display unit includes the first display unit and the second display unit. By partially adjusting the light transmitted through the display unit in accordance with the display information displayed on the first display unit, display is performed on the first display unit side and the second display unit side. It is a display device characterized by changing information.

In the above, the light control layer may be any one of an SPD layer, a PDLC layer, an electrochromic layer, and an electrowetting layer.

Further, according to one embodiment of the present invention disclosed in this specification, a display in which a transmissive second display panel is stacked on a back surface of a transmissive first display panel is different between a front surface and a back surface of the display. An information display method for displaying information, using a first display panel having self-luminous elements arranged in a two-dimensional matrix and a second display panel having at least a light control element overlapping the self-luminous elements. The display information is displayed by causing some elements of the self-luminous element to emit light, and the light transmittance of the light control element is interlocked with the display of the display information. It is an information display method characterized by lowering in comparison.

Further, according to one embodiment of the present invention disclosed in this specification, a display in which a transmissive second display panel is stacked on a back surface of a transmissive first display panel is different between a front surface and a back surface of the display. An information display method for displaying information, using a first display panel having self-luminous elements arranged in a two-dimensional matrix and a second display panel having at least a light control element overlapping the self-luminous elements. The display information is displayed by causing some elements of the self-luminous element to emit light, and the light transmittance of the light control element is interlocked with the display of the display information. It is the information display method characterized by lowering compared with this part.

In the present specification, “contrast” represents the ease of recognizing display information (images, characters, etc.) displayed on the display for the user.

Further, in this specification, “light transmission characteristics” are defined to include all of the light transmittance, haze, light reflectance, transparency, etc. of the display.

The light transmittance is an index indicating how much light incident from one surface is transmitted from the other surface. The haze is an index indicating the ratio of the scattered light component in the total transmitted light. Although it may be considered that the light transmittance and the haze are substantially in inverse proportion, they do not necessarily correspond completely.

Note that complete shading absorbs 100% of light (looks black). The specular reflection has a light reflectance of 100% (appears white). In general, a substance that is “transparent” with respect to light means a state in which there is no reflection and absorption and no scattering, but in this specification, “transparent” does not necessarily mean that state. Absent.

In this specification, “transparent” means that the light transmittance is 70% or more and less than 100%.

In this specification, “translucent” means a light transmittance of 30% or more and less than 70%.

In this specification, “opaque” means a light transmittance of 0% or more and less than 30%.

Note that the transmitted light of the first display portion represents light transmitted from one surface of the first display portion and transmitted from the other surface. Further, the transmitted light of the second display portion represents light that is incident from one surface of the second display portion and is transmitted from the other surface. Further, the transmitted light of the display means light that is incident from one surface of the display and is transmitted from the other surface.

In the display in this specification, since the first display unit and the second display unit overlap each other, the transparency of the display is defined when the first display unit and the second display unit overlap each other. The light transmittance of the first display unit may be different from the light transmittance of the second display unit.

In the present specification, “adjustment of light transmission characteristics” means that the light transmission characteristics can be changed stepwise. Further, “adjustment of light transmission characteristics” includes “adjustment of color tone”.

Note that the specification does not particularly refer to the relationship between the color of the light control layer and the light transmission characteristics.

According to one embodiment of the disclosed invention, the contrast of a display device can be improved by including a transparent display that can adjust light transmission characteristics depending on the magnitude of an applied voltage. Further, by changing the electrode shape and size for driving the light control layer and making the drive electrode selectable, the light transmission characteristics can be adjusted at an arbitrary position of the transparent display. Therefore, it is possible to provide a display device that realizes a display state with improved user visibility.

6A and 6B illustrate a display device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention. 6A and 6B illustrate a display device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention. 6A and 6B illustrate a display device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention. FIG. 10 illustrates an operation mode of a display device. 6A and 6B illustrate a display device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention. 6A and 6B illustrate a display device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention. FIG. 6 illustrates a light control layer. FIG. 6 illustrates a light control layer. FIG. 6 illustrates a light control layer. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention. 6A and 6B illustrate an electrode of a display device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention. 6A and 6B illustrate an electrode of a display device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention. 6A and 6B illustrate an electrode of a display device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention. 6A and 6B illustrate a modification of a display device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention. 6A and 6B illustrate a modification of a display device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention. 6A and 6B illustrate an application example of a display device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention.

Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following description, and it is easily understood by those skilled in the art that modes and details can be variously changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments below. Note that in structures of the invention described below, the same portions or portions having similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals in different drawings, and description thereof is not repeated.

(Embodiment 1)
In this embodiment, a display device 100 including a transparent display whose light transmission characteristics can be adjusted by voltage will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the display device 100 shown in the present embodiment blocks the background behind the display and the background light recognized by the user in front of the display, and realizes a display with improved visibility of the user. Adjust the light transmission characteristics.

The function of the display device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a television device (also referred to as a television or a television receiver) as an example of the display device 100.

The display device is not limited to a television device, and includes, for example, a mobile phone (also referred to as a mobile phone or a mobile phone device), electronic paper, a projector, a portable information terminal (including a portable game machine, a sound playback device, etc.), Various display devices such as a digital camera, a digital video camera, a personal computer, a car navigation device, an electronic notebook, and a touch panel can be used.

The display 101 included in the display device 100 includes a first display unit, a second display unit, and the like. The following description can be referred to for the specific structure of the display portion and the specific structure of the display device. (See FIGS. 3 and 4.)

An example in which the second display portion is partially shielded will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1A shows the display device 100 viewed from the first display portion side. (This is the front of the display 101 in this embodiment.) FIG. 1B shows the display device 100 viewed from the second display portion side. (It is assumed that the display 101 in this embodiment is behind.)

In the display device 100 in FIG. 1, the region 104 and the region 105 have different light transmission characteristics. Note that the region 104 and the region 105 indicate regions in the second display unit of the display device 100.

In FIG. 1, as an example, the case where the region 104 is transparent and the region 105 is shaded (light gray) is shown.

In FIG. 1, as an example, the display information “ABC” (black) is displayed on the first display unit that overlaps the region 105 in the second display unit, and the first display unit overlaps the region 104 in the second display unit. The display information “◯ △ ×” (black) is displayed on the display portion.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the user existing in front of the display 101 recognizes the background and background light behind the display 101 in the region 104 in the second display unit, but the region 105 in the second display unit. Then, the background and background light behind the display 101 are not recognized. Therefore, the user existing in front of the display 101 can easily recognize the display information displayed on the display 101 because the background and background light in the area 105 are blocked. That is, the visibility of the user existing in front of the display 101 is improved.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the user existing behind the display 101 cannot recognize the display information “ABC” (black) of the first display unit that overlaps the region 105.

In the display device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the light transmission characteristics of the second display portion are different between the region 104 and the region 105. By shielding only the specific area (area 105), the display information recognized by the user existing in front of the display 101 and the display information recognized by the user existing behind can be changed.

The specific area can be determined in accordance with the display information of the first display unit. In FIG. 1, as an example, the light transmission characteristics of the region 105 are adjusted so that the black display information “ABC” cannot be recognized by the user behind the display 101. The black display information “◯ Δ ×” is recognized by both the user in front of the display 101 and the user in the rear. However, the user existing behind the display 101 recognizes the inverted display information “◯ Δ ×”. When the user does not want to invert the display information “◯ △ ×”, the user performs some operation on the operation input unit mounted on the CPU or the like in the display device 100 to thereby invert the display information “◯ △ ×”. Can be restored.

The incident light from the front of the display 101 changes the ratio of the light transmitted through the first display unit depending on the display information displayed on the first display unit. For example, when display information is not displayed on the first display unit, incident light passes through the first display unit. When the display information displayed on the first display unit is black, incident light is absorbed by the display information unit. When the display information displayed on the first display unit is white, incident light is reflected by the display information unit. Accordingly, it can be considered that the main factors affecting the visibility of the user existing in front of the display 101 are the light from behind the display 101 (background light) and the background behind the display 101.

An example in which the second display portion is entirely transparent will be described with reference to FIG. In the display device 260 in FIG. 2, the region 240 and the region 250 have the same light transmission characteristics and are transparent. Note that the region 240 and the region 250 indicate regions in the second display unit of the display device 260.

The display device 260 shown in FIG. 2 recognizes the display information (black “ABC”) displayed on the display because the background and background light behind the display in the region 250 are not blocked for the user existing in front of the display. Hateful. That is, the visibility of the user existing in front of the display is reduced.

A specific configuration of the first display unit 152 and the second display unit 153 will be described with reference to FIG.

The first display portion 152 includes a first substrate 106 having a light-transmitting property, a second substrate 107 having a light-transmitting property, a light-emitting layer 117, a first electrode 108, a second electrode 109, and the like. Have In the first display element, the light-emitting layer 117 is sandwiched between the first electrode 108 and the second electrode 109.

The second display portion 153 includes a light-transmitting third substrate 110, a light-transmitting fourth substrate 111, a light control layer 118, a third electrode 112, and a fourth electrode 113. And have. In the second display element, the light control layer 118 is sandwiched between the third electrode 112 and the fourth electrode 113.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the first display element and the second display element are overlapped. Note that description of Embodiments 2 and 3 described later can be referred to for specific structures and functions of the first display element and the second display element.

Note that the first substrate 106 and the fourth substrate 111 are not necessarily used. Alternatively, the second substrate 107 and the third substrate 110 may be formed using one substrate, and the first display element may be formed on one surface and the second display element may be formed on the other surface. Further, an insulating layer having a light-transmitting property may be formed between the second electrode 109 and the third electrode 112.

As the first substrate 106, the second substrate 107, the third substrate 110, and the fourth substrate 111, a light-transmitting substrate can be used. For example, a glass substrate, a ceramic substrate, or the like can be used. In addition, as the first substrate 106, the second substrate 107, the third substrate 110, and the fourth substrate 111, a light-transmitting and flexible substrate such as a plastic substrate can be used. As the plastic substrate, an FRP (Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastics) plate, a PVF (polyvinyl fluoride) film, a polyester film, or an acrylic resin film can be used. A sheet having a structure in which an aluminum foil is sandwiched between PVF films or polyester films can also be used. As the insulating layer, a light-transmitting insulating material can be used in addition to the above materials.

As the conductive layer used for the first electrode 108 and the second electrode 109, a light-transmitting conductive material is preferably used. Zinc oxide, indium oxide containing tungsten oxide, indium zinc oxide containing tungsten oxide, Conductive oxides such as indium oxide containing titanium oxide, indium tin oxide containing titanium oxide, indium tin oxide (hereinafter referred to as ITO), indium zinc oxide, and indium tin oxide to which silicon oxide is added Can be used. Alternatively, a metal having a thickness enough to transmit light (preferably, about 5 nm to 30 nm) may be used as the light-transmitting conductive layer.

The first display portion 152 is preferably formed using a material having a light-transmitting property even in a configuration other than the first display element so that the first display portion 152 has a light-transmitting property at least in a non-light-emitting state.

The first display portion 152 may be a passive matrix type or an active matrix type in which driving of a light-emitting element is controlled by a transistor such as a TFT.

In the case where the first display portion 152 is an active matrix type, the transistor is preferably formed using a light-transmitting substance. As the semiconductor layer used for the transistor, an oxide semiconductor layer having a light-transmitting property is preferably used. As the oxide semiconductor layer, an In—Sn—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide that is a quaternary metal oxide, an In—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide that is a ternary metal oxide, In—Sn—Zn—O-based metal oxide, In—Al—Zn—O-based metal oxide, Sn—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide, Al—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide, Sn— An Al—Zn—O-based metal oxide, an In—Zn—O-based metal oxide that is a binary metal oxide, a Sn—Zn—O-based metal oxide, or the like can also be used.

A specific configuration of the display device 150 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the display device 100 and the display device 260 described above have the same configuration as the display device 150 illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the display device 150. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the display device 150 includes a first display unit 152, a second display unit 153, a display image control unit 154, and a dimming control unit 155.

The display device 150 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a control unit that controls the entire display device 150, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a non-volatile memory (Non). -Volatile Memory), a storage unit for storing image files, a communication unit for communicating with an external device, an image signal processing unit, and the like may be provided.

An image signal 151 is input to the display image control unit 154 and the dimming control unit 155. The image signal 151 may display a moving image or may display a still image. The image signal 151 is transmitted from a device such as a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), or a signal transmitted from an external device via a network such as a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). It may be a signal received by the display device 150. The image signal 151 may be a signal obtained by the display device 150 reading an image file stored in the storage unit.

The display image control unit 154 has a function of controlling display information displayed on the first display unit 152. Note that when the display information is not displayed on the first display unit 152, the first display unit 152 is transparent. The dimming control unit 155 has a function of controlling adjustment of light transmission characteristics of the second display unit 153.

The display device 150 displays the display information on the first display unit 152 based on the image signal 151 and adjusts the light transmission characteristics of the second display unit 153 according to the display information with the above configuration. To do. By changing the light transmission characteristic only in a specific portion of the second display portion 153, a display device having a display with improved contrast and improved user visibility can be provided.

Next, the operation of the display device will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 illustrates a difference in user visibility when the light transmission characteristic of the light control layer is adjusted and the operation mode is changed. In addition, FIG. 6 illustrates a display state of the display in each operation mode shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5, the first display unit is disposed in front of the display 101 and the second display unit is disposed behind. In FIG. 5, as an example, the light control layer will be described by dividing it into five operation modes. The light control layer 118a in the operation mode of FIG. 5A is transparent, the light control layer 118b in the operation mode of FIG. 5B is translucent, and the light control layer 118c in the operation mode of FIG. The light control layer 118d in the operation mode 5 (D) is reflective, and the light control layer 118e in the operation mode in FIG. The operation mode in FIG. 5D may be considered to be substantially specular reflection. Also, reflected light exists in each of the operation modes of FIGS. 5 (A), 5 (B), 5 (C), and 5 (E). In FIG. 5, these specific degrees are not particularly limited.

In FIG. 5A, the light control layer 118a is transparent. The background behind the display 101 is projected in the field of view of the user in front of the display 101, and the background light behind the display 101 is completely transmitted through the display 101. At this time, the contrast of the display information displayed on the display 101 is poor as viewed from the user in front of the display 101.

In FIG. 5B, the light control layer 118b is translucent. About half of the background behind the display 101 is projected in the field of view of the user in front of the display 101, and the background light behind the display 101 transmits about half of the display 101. At this time, the contrast of the display information displayed on the display 101 is not so good when viewed from the user in front of the display 101.

In FIG. 5C, the light control layer 118c is opaque. The background behind the display 101 projected in the field of view of the user in front of the display 101 is blurred, and the background light behind the display 101 is slightly transmitted through the display 101. At this time, the contrast of the display information displayed on the display 101 is slightly good when viewed from the user in front of the display 101.

In FIG. 5D, the light control layer 118d is reflective. The background behind the display 101 is not projected in the field of view of the user in front of the display 101, and the background light behind the display 101 is also completely blocked. At this time, the contrast of the display information displayed on the display 101 is good when viewed from the user in front of the display 101. At this time, the light control layer 118 itself functions as a backlight for the first display portion, so that the display 101 becomes bright. The light extraction efficiency is improved, the display information displayed on the display 101 becomes brighter, and the visibility of the user in front of the display 101 is improved.

In FIG. 5E, the light control layer 118e is completely shielded. The background behind the display 101 is not projected in the field of view of the user in front of the display 101, and the background light behind the display 101 is also completely blocked. At this time, the contrast of the display information displayed on the display 101 is very good when viewed from the user in front of the display 101.

The light control layer is not limited to the above-described example, and the type of the second display element including the light control layer 118 is changed, and the voltage applied to the electrodes sandwiching the light control layer 118 is changed. It is possible to change the light transmission characteristics of 118 stepwise.

It is preferable to drive the light emitting layer used for the first display portion and the light control layer used for the second display portion in a balanced manner.

Next, the display state of the display 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 in association with each operation mode shown in FIG. In addition, in order to clarify the display state of the second display unit of the display 101, it is assumed that display information is not displayed on the first display unit of the display 101.

FIG. 6A corresponds to the operation mode of FIG. 5E, and the second display portion of the display 101 is completely shielded from light. By adjusting the voltage applied to the electrode for driving the light control layer, the second display portion of the display 101 can be made transparent as shown in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6C corresponds to the operation mode of FIG. 5B, and the second display portion of the display 101 is partially made translucent. FIG. 6D corresponds to the operation mode of FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D, and the second display portion of the display 101 is partially made opaque and partially the second display portion of the display 101. The display is reflective.

As shown in FIG. 6E, the opaque portion of the second display portion of the display 101 can be curved. Further, as shown in FIG. 6F, the display information (“ABC”) displayed on the first display unit 102 is modeled so that the second display unit of the display 101 is shielded from light and further covered. In addition, the second display portion of the display 101 can be reflected. In addition to this, the semi-transparent portion of the second display portion of the display 101 is made into a circle, and the display is made to correspond to the pixels used for displaying the characters displayed on the first display portion 102. It is also possible to make the second display unit 101 reflective. It is possible to realize a display state in which the visibility of the user is improved while blocking the background and background light behind the display 101.

Note that this embodiment can be combined with any of the other embodiments described in this specification as appropriate.

(Embodiment 2)
In this embodiment mode, a specific structure and function of the first display element in the display device and a circuit configuration and function of the first display portion are described.

As the light emitting element used for the first display element, it is preferable to apply a transparent self light emitting element. Specifically, an element using EL (Electro Luminescence) is preferably used, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), or the like can be used. Since LEDs and OLEDs basically have similar light emission principles and can emit light with a relatively low voltage and high efficiency, it is preferable to use these elements.

The first display element includes at least a light emitting layer and two electrodes that sandwich the light emitting layer. The light emitting layer may be composed of a single layer or may be composed of a plurality of layers stacked. As the first display element, for example, a structure in which a cathode, an electron injection layer, an electron transport layer, a light emitting layer, a hole transport layer, a hole injection layer, and an anode are stacked in this order may be used.

Next, the circuit configuration and function of the first display portion in the display device will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram specifically illustrating a configuration example of the first display unit and the display image control unit.

The display image control unit 154 drives the first display unit, the display control unit 156, the scan drive unit 157, the data drive unit 158, the drive power supply unit 159, the common power supply unit 160, m scanning lines. (SL_1 to SL_m), n data lines (DL_1 to DL_m), m power supply lines (DPL_1 to DPL_m), m common power supply lines (CPL_1 to CPL_m), and the like. The display image control unit 154 is not limited to this configuration.

The first display unit 152 has pixels arranged in a matrix of n × m (n and m are predetermined natural numbers) and has a function of displaying display information. Each pixel includes a first display element, and the first display element has a structure in which a light emitting layer is sandwiched between two transparent electrodes. That is, the display information is displayed on the first display unit 152 by collecting the first display elements for the number of pixels (n × m). Note that the display information displayed on the first display unit 152 may be a moving image or a still image. As an example, each of the m scanning lines is electrically connected to n pixels arranged in each column, and each of the n data lines is electrically connected to m pixels arranged in each row. And each of the m power supply lines is electrically connected to n pixels arranged in each column, and each of the m common power supply lines is connected to n pixels arranged in each column. Electrically connected.

The display control unit 156 controls the control signal 171 and the control signal 172 for the scan driving unit 157, the data driving unit 158, the driving power supply unit 159, and the common power supply unit 160 based on the input image signal 151, respectively. , Control signal 172 and control signal 174 are input. By these signal controls, display information (images and the like) displayed on the first display unit 152 is controlled. In addition, the display control unit 156 may include an output permission control unit that controls display / non-display of display information on the first display unit 152.

The scan driver 157 applies the selection voltage (V _SELECT ) to the m pixels arranged in each row via the scan lines (SL_1 to SL_m). The selection voltage is determined by a control signal 171 transmitted from the display control unit 156 based on the image signal 151.

The data driver 158 applies the data voltage (V _DATE ) to the m pixels arranged in each row through the data lines (DL_1 to DL_m). The data voltage is determined by a control signal 172 transmitted from the display control unit 156 based on the image signal 151.

The drive power supply unit 159 supplies a drive voltage (V _CC ) for driving each pixel of the first display unit 152 (that is, for causing the light emitting layer to emit light) via the power supply lines (DPL_1 to DPL_m). Apply to n pixels arranged in each column. The drive voltage is determined by a control signal 173 transmitted from the display control unit 156 based on the image signal 151.

The common power supply unit 160 applies the ground voltage (V _GND ) to the n pixels arranged in each column through the common power lines (CPL_1 to CPL_m). The ground voltage is selectively switched by a control signal 174 transmitted from the display control unit 156 based on the image signal 151.

Note that this embodiment can be combined with any of the other embodiments described in this specification as appropriate.

(Embodiment 3)
In this embodiment mode, a specific structure and function of the second display element in the display device and a circuit configuration and function of the second display portion are described.

FIG. 8A is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of the passive matrix second display portion 153. 8B is an enlarged top view of a part of the circuit diagram in FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view taken along a dotted line AB in FIG. 8B. Note that the light control layer 118 is omitted in FIG. Further, in FIG. 8, the third electrode 112 does not correspond to the electrode described in Embodiment 4 described later, but may correspond to the electrode described in Embodiment 4.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example in which the second display portion 153 is configured with a passive matrix circuit, but is not particularly limited, and the second display portion 153 may be configured with an active matrix circuit or the like. .

The second display portion 153 illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a third electrode 112a to a third electrode 112c provided on the third substrate 110 so as to extend in the first direction (row direction), 4th electrode 113a thru | or 4th electrode 113c provided by extending in the 2nd direction (column direction) on the board | substrate 111 is included. Further, the light control layer 118 is sandwiched between the third electrode 112a to the third electrode 112c and the fourth electrode 113a to the fourth electrode 113c. The third electrode 112a to the third electrode 112c may be used as the cathode, and the fourth electrode 113a to the fourth electrode 113c may be used as the anode, or vice versa.

The region for one pixel included in the first display portion is shown as a pixel region 120 in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

By selectively extracting the third electrode 112 (or the fourth electrode 113) provided in the second display portion 153 that drives the light control layer 118, it is matched with the intention of the user who operates the display device 100. Thus, the light transmission characteristics of the light control layer 118 can be adjusted. When each electrode of the third electrode 112 (or the fourth electrode 113) has the same size and shape as the pixel region 120, pixels of display information displayed on the first display unit 102 are accurately extracted. Then, the selection drive electrode of the second display portion 153 can be extracted in correspondence with the pixel.

Next, a specific structure and function of the second display element in the display device will be described.

As the light control element used for the second display element, it is preferable to apply an element that can adjust the light transmission characteristics in a stepwise manner according to the magnitude of the voltage and whether or not the voltage is applied. In this embodiment, an example using an electrochromic element, a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals) element, an SPD (Suspended Particle Devices) element, and an electrowetting element is described, but the present invention is not limited to these elements. Note that these elements have different characteristics.

First, a case where an SPD (Suspended Particle Devices) element 202 is used as a second display element will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B. The SPD element 202 includes a light control layer, and a transparent conductive layer 203 and a transparent conductive layer 201 that sandwich the light control layer. The SPD element 202 is disposed between two PET (polyethylene terephthalate) films 200 and 204. A transparent conductive layer 201 is deposited on the PET film 200, and a transparent conductive layer 203 is deposited on the PET film 204. The light control layer includes a dispersion resin 205 and a medium resin 208.

The dispersion resin 205 is a liquid resin in which needle-like polarizing particles 206 are dispersed in a droplet 207 of several micrometers. It functions to disperse the polarizing particles 206 uniformly without being decomposed or aggregated. The medium resin 208 is a UV curable resin and functions to uniformly disperse the droplets 207 in the medium resin 208 and fix the droplets 207 by UV curing.

Note that materials used for the dispersion resin 205 and the medium resin 208 are not particularly limited. It is preferable to select appropriately according to the application.

As the transparent conductive layer 201 and the transparent conductive layer 203, ITO, SnO ₂ , (In ₂ O ₃ + SnO ₂ ), In ₂ O ₃ , ZnO, or the like can be used.

The SPD element 202 has a different color and tone depending on the material used for the light control layer.

The SPD element 202 can be transparent, opaque, or reflective depending on the magnitude of the applied voltage and whether the voltage is applied or not. These specific degrees can be freely adjusted according to the magnitude of the applied voltage. It is preferable to appropriately determine the magnitude of the applied voltage in accordance with desired light transmission characteristics.

The light transmittance of the SPD element 202 when a voltage is applied can be generally adjusted in the range of 6% to 75%, but is not limited to this range. The light transmittance can be adjusted at the time of manufacturing the light control layer, and complete light shielding of 0.1% or less is possible.

As shown in FIG. 9A, when no voltage is applied to the transparent conductive layer 201 and the transparent conductive layer 203, the polarizing particles 206 dispersed in the droplets 207 in the SPD element 202 exist in a disordered state. The incident light is absorbed by the polarizing particles 206. Part of the incident light is irregularly reflected and does not pass through the light control layer. As shown in FIG. 9B, when a voltage is applied to the transparent conductive layer 201 and the transparent conductive layer 203, the polarizing particles 206 dispersed in the droplets 207 in the SPD element 202 are aligned in parallel with the electric field. Incident light travels straight through the light control layer. That is, the light control layer is opaque or reflective when no voltage is applied, and transparent when a voltage is applied.

When the SPD element 202 is used, the magnitude of the applied voltage is generally about 100V. The light transmission characteristics of the light control layer vary depending on the magnitude of the applied voltage. Note that the reaction of the light control layer by applying or not applying voltage is reversible.

It should be noted that the time from the start of voltage application to the light control layer in the SPD element 202 until it becomes transparent becomes faster as the applied voltage increases. On the other hand, the time from when the application of voltage is stopped until it becomes opaque or reflected does not depend on the applied voltage.

The light transmission characteristics change depending on the movement of the polarizing particle 206 in the droplet 207. This is because the inside of the droplet 207 is a liquid, and the polarizing particles 206 can be freely oriented according to the magnitude of the applied voltage. In addition, since the haze tends to increase as the particle diameter of the polarizing particle 206 increases, it is preferable to appropriately adjust the average particle diameter and the like of the polarizing particle 206.

Next, the case where a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals) element is used as the second display element will be described with reference to FIGS. 9C and 9D. The PDLC element 402 includes a light control layer, a transparent conductive layer 401 that sandwiches the light control layer, and a transparent conductive layer 403. The PDLC element 402 is disposed between the two glass substrates 400 and 404. A transparent conductive layer 401 is deposited on the light control layer side of the glass substrate 400, and a transparent conductive layer 403 is deposited on the light control layer side of the glass substrate 404. The light control layer is composed of a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer 406.

Note that FIGS. 9C and 9D illustrate an example in which the glass substrates 400 and 404 are used; however, the structure is not limited to this, and polyester or the like may be used instead of the glass substrate.

As the transparent conductive layer 401 and the transparent conductive layer 403, the same material as the transparent conductive layer 201 and the transparent conductive layer 203 can be used.

Note that the polymer dispersed liquid crystal used for the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer 406 in this specification is not particularly limited. It is preferable to select appropriately according to the application.

The color of the light control layer in the PDLC element is generally white, but is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, blue or green. The color and color tone can be changed as appropriate depending on the polymer used and the liquid crystal.

When a PDLC element is used, the magnitude of the applied voltage is generally about 24V to 120V. The light transmission characteristics of the light control layer vary depending on the magnitude of the applied voltage. Note that the reaction of the light control layer by applying or not applying voltage is reversible. It is preferable to appropriately determine the magnitude of the applied voltage in accordance with desired light transmission characteristics.

The light control layer in the PDLC element can be transparent, opaque, or reflective. These specific degrees can be freely adjusted according to the magnitude of the applied voltage.

The light transmittance at the time of voltage application of the light control layer of the PDLC element is generally adjustable in the range of 50% to 80%, but is not limited to this range. Further, the haze at the time of voltage application often changes in the range of 0.60 to 0.80.

As shown in FIG. 9C, when no voltage is applied to the transparent conductive layer 401 and the transparent conductive layer 403, the liquid crystal molecules 405 dispersed in the PDLC element 402 exist in a disordered state, and the polymer dispersed liquid crystal Layer 406 is in a scattering mode. Therefore, the light control layer becomes opaque. As shown in FIG. 9D, when a voltage is applied to the transparent conductive layer 401 and the transparent conductive layer 403, the liquid crystal molecules 405 dispersed in the PDLC element 402 are aligned in parallel with the electric field, and are polymer dispersed. The liquid crystal layer 406 is in a transmission mode. Therefore, the light control layer is transparent. That is, the light control layer becomes opaque when no voltage is applied, and becomes transparent when a voltage is applied.

The light transmission characteristics vary depending on various factors such as the orientation, particle diameter and shape of the liquid crystal molecules 405, the type of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer 406, the cooling rate at the time of preparing the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer 406, and the heating rate. Therefore, it is desirable to appropriately select various conditions.

Note that the average particle diameter of the liquid crystal molecules 405 is typically about 0.1 μm to 20 μm. More preferably, the average particle size and the like are appropriately selected and adjusted to about 1 μm.

The PDLC element is preferably used for a display having a relatively large area.

Next, the case where an electrochromic element is used as the second display element will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 10A, the electrochromic element 309 includes at least a transparent conductive layer 301, an ion storage layer 302 (counter electrode), an ion conductor layer 303 (electrolyte), and an electrochromic layer 304 (electrochromic electrode). The transparent conductive layer 305 has a five-layer structure. The electrochromic element 309 has a structure in which the light control layer is sandwiched between the transparent conductive layer 301 and the transparent conductive layer 305. The light control layer has a three-layer structure including an ion storage layer 302, an ion conductor layer 303, and an electrochromic layer 304, and the ion conductor layer 303 is interposed between the electrochromic layer 304 and the ion storage layer 302. Has a structure to be sandwiched. A transparent conductive layer 305 is deposited on the glass substrate 306, and a transparent conductive layer 301 is deposited on the glass substrate 300.

The electrochromic element has a property that the oxidation-reduction state of a substance is changed by passing electricity and the electrochromic layer 304 is colored. The light transmission property of the light control layer is changed by a reversible electrochemical reaction (redox reaction) that occurs between the ion storage layer 302 and the electrochromic layer 304 using the ion conductor layer 303. Depending on the magnitude of the voltage applied to the transparent conductive layer 301 and the transparent conductive layer 305, the so-called color tone of the electrochromic layer 304, such as lightness and darkness, strength, and darkness, can be adjusted.

When an electrochromic element is used, the magnitude of the applied voltage is generally about 1V to 5V. Compared with the SPD element and the PDLC element, the applied voltage may be small.

The light control layer in the electrochromic device can be transparent, opaque, or reflective. These specific degrees can be freely adjusted according to the magnitude of the applied voltage. It is preferable to appropriately determine the magnitude of the applied voltage in accordance with desired light transmission characteristics.

The light transmittance at the time of voltage application of the light control layer of the electrochromic element can be generally adjusted in a range of 25% to 10%, and the light transmittance at the time of no voltage application is 70% to 50%. The range can be adjusted, but is not limited to this range. Further, the haze when no voltage is applied changes in the range of 0.67 to 0.60, and the haze when the voltage is applied often changes in the range of 0.30 to 0.18.

As shown in FIG. 10A, when a voltage is applied to the transparent conductive layer 301 and the transparent conductive layer 305, anions 307 are injected from the transparent conductive layer 305 into the electrochromic layer 304. Obtains the anion 307. A cation 308 is released from the ion storage layer 302 electrically connected to the transparent conductive layer 301, passes through the ion storage layer 302 and the ion conductor layer 303, and is injected into the electrochromic layer 304. At this time, the electrochromic layer 304 is colored and becomes opaque.

As shown in FIG. 10B, when the voltage applied to the transparent conductive layer 301 and the transparent conductive layer 305 is stopped, the cation 308 is released from the electrochromic layer 304 and injected into the ion accumulation layer 302 again. The Anions 307 are also emitted from the electrochromic layer 304 and are again injected into the transparent conductive layer 305. At this time, the electrochromic layer 304 becomes transparent.

Note that the electrochromic element only requires a voltage for changing the light transmission characteristics and a voltage for returning the changed light transmission characteristics. In order to maintain the light transmission characteristics once changed, the SPD element and the PDLC element must continuously apply a voltage. For this reason, the electrochromic element can realize low power consumption.

The change in light transmission characteristics caused by the redox reaction varies depending on the material used for the electrochromic layer 304. For example, when WO ₃ is used for the electrochromic layer 304, it is colored by a reduction reaction and becomes transparent by an oxidation reaction. (Refer to [Equation 1].) Some substances are colored by an oxidation reaction and become transparent by a reduction reaction. These substances may be used. In [Equation 1], when the reaction indicated by the right arrow (reduction reaction) proceeds, the color changes, and when the reaction indicated by the left arrow (oxidation reaction) proceeds, the original state (transparent) is obtained.

In general, x is preferably larger than 0 and smaller than 0.25.

Substances used for the electrochromic layer include various metal oxides, specifically, WO ₃ , (WO ₃ + MoO ₃ ), (WO ₃ + TiO ₂ ), Fe ₂ O ₃ , MnO ₂ , NiO, and V ₂ O. ₅ , IrO ₂ , tin nitride, indium nitride, polythiophene, polypyrrole, metal phthalocyanine, viologen and the like are preferably used. It is preferable to use a substance that is electrochemically stable and has a long coloring driving life.

As a material used for the ion storage layer 302, it is preferable to use IrO ₂ , RhO ₂ , NiO ₂ or the like.

As the transparent conductive layer 301 and the transparent conductive layer 305, the same material as the transparent conductive layer 201 and the transparent conductive layer 203 can be used.

As cations used for the ion conductor layer 303 (M ⁺ in [Equation 1]), H ⁺ ,
Na ⁺ , Li ⁺ , K ^{+ and the} like are preferably used.

Further, as the liquid ion conductor layer 303, a solution obtained by dissolving an electrolyte in a solvent can be used. Specifically, it is preferable to use water, propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, γ-butyrolactone, or the like as the solvent. As electrolytes, acids are sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, etc., alkalis are NaOH, KOH, LiOH, etc., salts are alkaline (earth) metal salts such as lithium perchlorate, sodium perchlorate, silver perchlorate, etc. It is preferable to use inorganic ion salts such as quaternary ammonium salts, cyclic quaternary ammonium salts, Li ₂ O, LiAlF _{4 and the} like.

As the gel-based ion conductor layer 303, it is preferable to use a polymer obtained by mixing a polymer such as polyacrylonitrile or polyacrylamide with respect to acetonitrile, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, or a mixture thereof. .

As the solid ion conductor layer 303, it is preferable to use a layer having a polymer side chain such as polyethylene oxide having a salt such as a sulfonimide salt, an alkylimidazolium salt, or a tetracyanoquinodimethane salt.

Further, as the solid ion conductor layer 303, a nanoparticle thin film-like substance may be used. By using a nanoparticle thin film-like substance, it is possible to increase the speed of the oxidation-reduction reaction and improve the contrast of the display.

Note that the coloring of the electrochromic element varies depending on the material used for the electrochromic layer 304. For example, when V ₂ O ₅ is used, the light control layer is colored yellow-green. When Fe ₂ O ₃ is used, the light control layer is colored orange. When (WO ₃ + MoO ₃ ) is used, the light control layer is colored dark blue. Further, when WO ₃ (e) V ₂ O ₅ (ce) is used, the light control layer is colored dark green. It is preferable to select a color with improved contrast in accordance with display information intended by the user.

Next, the case where an electrowetting element is used as the second display element will be described with reference to FIG.

An electrowetting element has a property that when a voltage is applied to an insulating layer having a hydrophobic surface, the surface changes to hydrophilic. The hydrophilicity of the surface of the hydrophobic insulating layer can be adjusted according to the magnitude of the applied voltage.

As shown in FIG. 11, the electrowetting element 809 includes at least a transparent conductive layer 802, a transparent conductive layer 807, an insulating layer 803 having a hydrophobic surface, a color oil film 804, and a transparent polar fluid layer 806. The light control layer is sandwiched between the transparent conductive layer 802 and the transparent conductive layer 807. The light control layer has a three-layer structure of an insulating layer 803 having a hydrophobic surface, a color oil film 804, and a transparent polar fluid layer 806. The color oil film 804 includes an insulating layer 803 having a hydrophobic surface and the transparent polar fluid layer 806. It is pinched.

The electrowetting element is sandwiched between the substrate 801 and the substrate 808. Note that a reflective film 805 is formed over the substrate 801. A transparent conductive layer 802 is deposited on the insulating layer 803 side having a hydrophobic surface of the substrate 801, and a transparent conductive layer 807 is deposited on the transparent polar fluid layer 806 side of the substrate 808.

As shown in FIG. 11A, when no voltage is applied to the transparent conductive layer 802 and the transparent conductive layer 807, the color oil film 804 spreads uniformly over the insulating layer 803 having a hydrophobic surface, and the transparent polar fluid layer 806 And an insulating layer 803 having a hydrophobic surface are balanced to form a continuous film. The color oil film 804 is stable in all directions and completely absorbs incident light. At this time, the light control layer is colored in the color of the color oil film 804.

As shown in FIG. 11B, when a voltage is applied to the transparent conductive layer 802 and the transparent polar fluid layer 806, a potential difference is generated on the surface of the insulating layer 803 having a hydrophobic surface, and the surface gradually changes to hydrophilicity. To do. As the surface changes to hydrophilic, the transparent polar fluid layer 806 moves and contacts the surface of the insulating layer 803 having a hydrophobic surface. The color oil film 804 also repels and moves, changing from a continuous film to another form. Specifically, as the applied voltage increases, the portion of the insulating layer 803 having a hydrophobic surface exposed to the transparent polar fluid layer 806 becomes wider. At this time, the light control layer becomes transparent in a portion excluding the color oil film 804.

It should be noted that how far the color oil film 804 moves in the side surface direction, the change in the contact angle of the color oil film 804, etc. It is determined by the balance of power, surface tension, etc. Further, since the behavior of the color oil film 804 varies depending on the difference in the width and interval of the transparent conductive layer 802, it is preferable to select appropriate conditions.

Examples of substances used for the color oil film 804 include C ₁₀ H ₂₂ , C ₁₂ H ₂₆ , and C ₁₄ H ₃₀ . The thickness of the color oil film 804 is preferably 1 μm or more and 10 μm.

Note that the color of the light control layer varies depending on the substance used for the color oil film 804. The stepwise adjustment between transparency and coloring largely depends on the stability and quality of the color oil film 804 used. Theoretically, any color can be used. For example, if colored oils are stacked on each of C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow), a full color display can be realized. it can.

The insulating layer 803 having a hydrophobic surface can be obtained by forming a hydrophobic layer on the insulating layer. Examples of the material used for the insulating layer include SiO _x , SiN _y , PZT, and BST. Further, the thickness of the insulating layer is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 1 μm. The substance used for the hydrophobic layer is preferably a fluororesin or the like, but is not particularly limited. It is particularly preferable to select a substance having high durability and high water repellency. The thickness of the hydrophobic layer is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 1 μm.

As the substrate 801 and the substrate 808, a light-transmitting substrate can be used. For example, it is preferable to use a glass substrate, a ceramic substrate, or the like.

As a material used for the transparent conductive layer 802 and the transparent conductive layer 807, IZO (registered trademark) or the like can be used in addition to the same material as the transparent conductive layer 201 and the transparent conductive layer 203. The thickness of the transparent conductive layer 802 and the transparent conductive layer 807 is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 1 μm.

Embodiment 1 can be referred to for details of the shapes and sizes of the transparent conductive layer 802 and the transparent conductive layer 807. The shape and size of the electrodes can be varied according to user requirements.

As a substance used for the transparent polar fluid layer 806, moisture, saline, potassium chloride solution, or the like can be used. The thickness of the transparent polar fluid layer 806 is preferably 20 μm or more and 250 μm.

As a material used for the reflective film 805, Al, Ag, MoW, or the like can be used, but is not particularly limited. The reflective film 805 can take various shapes such as a rectangle, a square, a circle, a triangle, a rhombus, and an ellipse. Further, it can be formed on the substrate 801 at regular intervals.

As described above, SPD elements, electrochromic elements, PDLC elements, and electrowetting elements can be transparent, opaque, and reflective. These specific degrees can be freely adjusted according to the magnitude of the applied voltage. It is preferable to appropriately determine the magnitude of the applied voltage in accordance with desired light transmission characteristics. In addition, it is preferable to select an appropriate element in order to realize a display state according to the user's intention.

In the liquid crystal display, the light transmitted by the polarizing plate is limited, and the liquid crystal is supported by sandwiching the liquid crystal between two alignment plates. For this reason, the actual display has a problem that more than half of the amount of incident light is absorbed by the polarizing plate and the alignment plate, and the translucency is reduced. On the other hand, when an electrochromic element, a PDLC element, an SPD element, an electrowetting element or the like is used as the light control element used for the second display element, it is necessary to use a polarizing plate and an alignment plate for the display. Absent. By not using a polarizing plate or an alignment plate, absorption of the amount of light incident on the display can be greatly reduced, so that the translucency of the display can be improved. Since the display portion can be made brighter, it is possible to provide a display device having a transparent display that can be driven with less power while improving visibility. In addition, since the display can be made simpler by not using the polarizing plate and the alignment plate, a low-cost display device can be provided.

Further, these elements can reflect light transmitted through the first display portion 152. Therefore, the thickness of the display 101 can be further reduced by improving the light extraction efficiency of the display 101 in the reflective portion of the second display portion 153. The same can be said for the cloudy portion of the second display portion 153.

By using these elements for the second display portion, a display device including a display with improved contrast can be provided. In addition, it is possible to provide a display device including a display with improved user visibility.

According to the above configuration, the light transmission characteristics of the dimming unit of the display device 150 can be freely adjusted according to the display information of the first display unit 152. By dividing the second display portion 153 into a transmissive region and a non-transmissive region, a display device having a transparent display with improved contrast and improved user visibility can be provided.

Next, the circuit configuration and function of the second display portion in the display device will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram specifically illustrating a configuration example of the second display unit and dimming control unit 155.

The dimming control unit 155 includes a display information identification unit 161, an address signal generation unit 162, a dimming pattern generation unit 163, and the like for driving the second display unit. The dimming control unit 155 is not limited to this configuration.

The second display portion 153 has a function of adjusting light transmission characteristics. The second display portion 153 includes a second display element, and the second display element has a structure in which a light control layer is sandwiched between two transparent electrodes. Note that the shape and size of the electrode provided in the second display portion 153 can be freely changed.

The display information identification unit 161 identifies display information displayed on the first display unit 152 based on the input image signal 151, and further displays the display information at any position on the first display unit 152. Identify what is being done. The position where the display information is displayed can be identified by the address specified in the first display unit 152. The address specified in the first display unit 152 corresponds to the positions of pixels arranged in an n × m matrix. In the n × m pixels arranged in a matrix, the addresses in the scanning drive direction are A0, A1, A2,..., An, the addresses in the data drive direction are B0, B1, B2,. And (See Figure 7)

For example, if the light emitting layer of the pixel at the address (A0, B0) emits light, the display information is displayed at the address (A0, B0), and the light emitting layer of the pixel at the address (A1, B2) emits light. If not, it can be identified that the display information is not displayed at the addresses (A0, B0). That is, it is possible to identify whether the light emitting layer of each pixel emits light from the image signal 151 and to identify the position of the display information displayed on the first display unit 152.

Note that the display information identification unit 161 can identify the magnitude of the voltage applied to each pixel, the application and non-application of a voltage to each pixel, and the like.

The address specified in the second display portion 153 corresponds to the position of the electrode that sandwiches the light control layer. Accordingly, the address of the second display unit 153 changes corresponding to the shape and size of the electrode provided in the second display unit 153.

For example, when the electrode provided in the second display portion 153 has the same shape and the same size as the pixel, the address of the second display portion 153 is an n × m matrix shape provided in the first display portion 152. .., An, and addresses in the data drive direction are designated as B0, B1, B2,..., Bm. Is done. That is, the address of the electrode sandwiching the light control layer in the second display portion 153 and the address of the pixel in the first display portion 152 are the same.

For example, when the electrode provided in the second display portion 153 has a different shape and size from the pixel, as shown in FIG. 12, the address of the second display portion 153 corresponds to the first electrode. The address in the scanning drive direction in the display unit 152 is C0, C1, C2,..., Ci, and the address in the data drive unit direction in the first display unit 152 is D0, D1, D2,. , J is a predetermined natural number).

From the address of the display information displayed on the first display unit 152 identified by the display information identification unit 161, the address signal generation unit 162 adjusts the light transmission characteristics in the second display unit 153 according to the address. Determine the part to change. That is, a specific portion to be dimmed is extracted from which address of the second display unit 153 to dim from the address of the display information. The specific part is extracted by using an address designated in the second display unit 153. After extracting the address of the specific part to be dimmed, an address signal corresponding to the second display unit 153 is generated. Further, the generated address signal is output to the dimming pattern generation unit 163.

That is, the address signal generation unit 162 extracts the address of the portion that changes the light transmission characteristics in the second display unit 153 in accordance with the address of the display information in the first display unit 152 and generates an address signal.

A voltage is applied to the electrode corresponding to the generated address signal. The light control layer sandwiched between the selected electrodes can change the light transmission characteristics. That is, by generating an address signal corresponding to the second display portion 153, it is possible to clearly determine the address of the specific portion to be dimmed and selectively drive the electrodes. Therefore, the light transmission characteristics of the second display portion 153 can be adjusted at an arbitrary position.

The address of the specific part to be dimmed may be determined by an input signal from an input unit provided inside the display device 150 or may be determined by an input signal from an input device provided outside the display device 150. Good. As an input unit, for example, various buttons mounted on a trackpad, a car navigation device, an electronic notebook, a digital camera, a digital video camera, etc. mounted on a personal computer, and keyboard operation keys mounted on a touch panel Etc. can be used. As the input device, for example, a remote controller mounted on a television device (also referred to as a television or a television receiver), a keyboard mounted on a personal computer, a mouse, a trackball, or the like can be used.

Note that when a touch panel is used as an input unit provided in the display device 150, the type of the touch panel is not particularly limited. For example, any method such as capacitance type, resistance film type, optical type (infrared sensor type, infrared camera type), ultrasonic surface acoustic wave type, acoustic wave collation type, etc. may be used.

The dimming pattern generation unit 163 acquires the address signal output from the address signal generation unit 162 and determines a voltage to be applied to the selected electrode at the address of the specific portion to be dimmed. Depending on the magnitude of the applied voltage, the light transmission characteristics of the dimmer are changed. A dimming pattern is generated by determining an applied voltage to the electrode corresponding to the address signal. The generated dimming pattern is output to the second display unit 153, and the light transmission characteristics of the light control layer of the specific portion are adjusted according to the dimming pattern.

That is, a dimming pattern can be generated by determining the magnitude of the voltage applied to the electrode existing at the address of the specific portion to be dimmed.

Note that this embodiment can be combined with any of the other embodiments described in this specification as appropriate.

(Embodiment 4)
In this embodiment, the shape and size of the electrodes provided in the second display portion will be described with reference to FIGS.

In one embodiment of the disclosed invention, the position at which the light transmission characteristics of the light control layer are changed is adjusted by an electrode that drives the light control layer. The shape and size of the electrode sandwiching the light control layer provided in the second display portion can be freely changed. Therefore, the user operating the display device 100 can freely adjust the light transmission characteristics of the light control layer at an arbitrary position. The light transmission characteristics depend on the magnitude of the voltage applied to the selected drive electrode.

A user who operates the display device can select a drive electrode and adjust the magnitude of a voltage applied to the drive electrode in accordance with display information displayed on the first display unit. Matching the display information displayed on the first display unit means that the user operating the display device can freely select, for example, a region where the visibility is desired to be improved or a region where the display information is desired to be shielded. . These selections may be considered to be based on the intention of the user who operates the display device.

FIGS. 13 to 15 show examples of the shape and size of the third electrode 112 used in the second display portion 153, but the shape and size of the fourth electrode 113 can be considered in the same manner. .

The shape and size of either the third electrode 112 or the fourth electrode 113 may be changed, or both shapes and sizes may be changed. When either the third electrode 112 or the fourth electrode 113 is changed, the light transmission characteristics of the light control layer are adjusted depending on the shape and size of the changed one electrode. Further, when both the third electrode 112 and the fourth electrode 113 are changed, the third electrode 112 and the fourth electrode 113 are overlapped with the same shape and the same size with the light control layer interposed therebetween. Is preferred. In this case, a user operating the display device can drive the intended light control layer more accurately.

FIG. 13A illustrates the first display portion 152 and the second display portion 153 that are stacked and viewed from above. In the example, the third electrode 112 is formed on the third substrate 110 so as to correspond to the size of the display 101. FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along dotted line AB in FIG.

Note that in FIG. 13A, the arrangement of the pixels provided in the first display portion 152 and the third electrode 112 is emphasized, and the drawing is complicated, so the first display portion 152 is used. A part of the structure of the second display portion is omitted.

Note that FIGS. 13 to 15 illustrate an example in which the first display portion 152 is configured as an active matrix type and the second display portion 153 is configured as a passive matrix type; however, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The display portion 152 and the second display portion 153 may be a passive matrix type or an active matrix type.

13 to 15, the light transmission characteristics of the light control layer 118 are adjusted by the magnitude of the voltage applied to the third electrode 112 and the fourth electrode 113 that drive the light control layer 118. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 13, the light transmission characteristics of the light control layer 118 can be changed in accordance with the size of the display 101.

14A and 14C are views of the first display portion 152 and the second display portion 153 that are stacked and viewed from above. In the example, each of the third electrodes 112 is formed on the third substrate 110 with a size larger than that of the pixel region 120. FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along dotted line AB in FIG. FIG. 14 shows an example in which the size and shape of each electrode are equal, but the size and shape of each electrode may be different. Further, as shown in FIG. 14A, each electrode may be formed in a size larger than one pixel region 120, or as shown in FIG. 14C, a plurality of pixel regions 120 may be formed. Each electrode may be formed in a size larger than the number of electrodes. In any case, there is no particular limitation as long as each electrode is larger in size than the pixel region 120.

In the case of FIG. 14, each electrode having a size larger than the pixel region 120 is selectively driven according to the intention of the user who operates the display device 100, so that the light transmission characteristic of the display 101 is at least from the pixel region 120. It can be adjusted at any position of large size.

FIG. 15A is a diagram in which the first display portion 152 and the second display portion 153 are stacked and viewed from above. In the example, each of the third electrodes 112 is formed on the third substrate 110 so as to correspond to the size and shape of the pixel region 120. FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view taken along dotted line AB in FIG. In FIG. 15, the size and shape of each electrode coincide with the size and shape of the pixel region 120, and therefore all are equal.

In the case of FIG. 15, each electrode having the same size and shape as the pixel region 120 is selectively driven according to the intention of the user who operates the display device 100, so that the light transmission characteristics of the display 101 can be obtained. Can be adjusted to match the size and shape. That is, it is possible to adjust the light transmission characteristics of the second display unit 153 so as to completely correspond to the display information displayed on the first display unit 152 of the display 101.

As described above, light control is selectively performed by changing the shape and size of the third electrode 112 (or the fourth electrode 113) provided in the second display portion 153 that drives the light control layer 118. The light transmission characteristics of the layer 118 can be adjusted. When each electrode of the third electrode 112 (or the fourth electrode 113) has the same size and shape as the pixel region 120, pixels of display information displayed on the first display unit 152 are accurately extracted. Then, the selection drive electrode of the second display portion 153 can be extracted in correspondence with the pixel. A display device including the display 101 that can adjust the light transmission characteristics of the light control layer 118 according to the intention of the user who operates the display device 100 can be realized.

Note that this embodiment can be combined with any of the other embodiments described in this specification as appropriate.

(Embodiment 5)
In this embodiment, a modification of the display device is described with reference to FIGS. The display device illustrated in FIG. 16 selectively controls the light transmission characteristics of the light control layer by providing an openable / closable shutter between the first display portion and the second display portion.

FIG. 16A is a schematic diagram of a side surface of a display 631 included in the display device. A display 631 included in the display device includes a first display portion 632, a second display portion 633, and a shutter 650.

The user can determine whether or not to block the transmitted light through the opening by opening and closing the shutter 650. When the shutter 650 is opened, the moving light shielding layer 602 and the opening 604 shown in FIG. Accordingly, the light transmitted through the opening 604 is not blocked. When the shutter 650 is closed, the moving light shielding layer 602 and the opening 604 shown in FIG. Accordingly, light that passes through the opening 604 is blocked.

Therefore, by providing the shutter 650 between the first display unit 632 and the second display unit 633, the user intentionally determines whether or not to block the transmitted light of the first display unit 632. it can.

For example, when it is desired to block the transmitted light of the first display portion 632 that overlaps with the second display portion 633, the user may close the shutter 650. In addition, when the user wants to transmit the transmitted light of the first display portion 632 that overlaps with the second display portion 633, the user may open the shutter 650.

Note that when the shutter 650 is used, the shape and size of the electrode included in the second display portion 633 are not particularly limited. Embodiment 1 can be referred to for details. The shape and size of the electrodes can be changed according to user requirements.

The contrast of the display 631 can be determined by adjusting the light transmission characteristics of the light control layer included in the second display portion 633 and the opening / closing operation of the shutter 650.

FIG. 16B is a perspective view illustrating an example of the structure of the shutter 650. The shutter 650 is preferably formed using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems). Shutter 650 has a moving light blocking layer 602 coupled to actuator 611. The actuator 611 is provided on a light shielding layer having an opening 604 (not shown because the drawing becomes complicated), and includes an actuator 615 having two flexibility. One side of the moving light shielding layer 602 is connected to the actuator 615. The actuator 615 has a function of moving the moving light shielding layer 602 in the lateral direction parallel to the surface of the light shielding layer having the opening 604.

The actuator 615 includes a movable electrode 621 connected to the moving light shielding layer 602 and the structure body 619, and a movable electrode 625 connected to the structure body 626. The movable electrode 625 is adjacent to the movable electrode 621. One end of the movable electrode 625 is connected to the structure 626, and the other end can freely move. In addition, the freely movable end portion of the movable electrode 625 is curved so as to be closest to the connection portion between the movable electrode 621 and the structure body 619.

The other side of the moving light shielding layer 602 is connected to a spring 617 having a restoring force opposite to the force exerted by the actuator 611. The spring 617 is connected to the structure 627.

The structure body 619, the structure body 626, and the structure body 627 function as a mechanical substrate that floats the moving light shielding layer 602, the actuator 615, and the spring 617 in the vicinity of the surface of the light shielding layer having the opening 604.

The structure body 626 included in the shutter 650 is connected to a transistor (not shown). An arbitrary voltage can be applied to the movable electrode 625 connected to the structure body 626 through a transistor. The structure body 619 and the structure body 627 are each connected to a ground electrode (GND). Therefore, the potentials of the movable electrode 621 connected to the structure body 619 and the spring 617 connected to the structure body 627 are GND. Note that the structure body 619 and the structure body 627 may be electrically connected to a common electrode to which an arbitrary voltage can be applied.

When a voltage is applied to the movable electrode 625, the movable electrode 621 and the movable electrode 625 are electrically attracted to each other due to a potential difference between the movable electrode 625 and the movable electrode 621. As a result, the moving light shielding layer 602 connected to the movable electrode 621 is drawn toward the structure body 626 and moves in the lateral direction toward the structure body 626. Since the movable electrode 621 functions as a spring, when the potential difference between the movable electrode 621 and the movable electrode 625 is removed, the movable electrode 621 releases the moving light shielding layer 602 while releasing the stress accumulated in the movable electrode 621. Push back to its initial position. Note that the opening 604 may be set so as to be blocked by the movable light shielding layer 602 while the movable electrode 621 is attracted to the movable electrode 625, or conversely, the movable light shielding layer 602 is disposed on the opening 604. You may set so that it may not overlap.

A method for manufacturing the shutter 650 will be described below. A sacrificial layer having a predetermined shape is formed on the light-shielding layer having the opening 604 by a photolithography process. The sacrificial layer can be formed using an organic resin such as polyimide or acrylic, an inorganic insulating film such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, or silicon nitride oxide.

Next, a light-shielding material is formed on the sacrificial layer by a printing method, a sputtering method, an evaporation method, or the like, and then selectively etched to form the shutter 650. As the light-shielding material, for example, a metal such as chromium, molybdenum, nickel, titanium, copper, tungsten, tantalum, neodymium, aluminum, or silicon, an alloy, or an oxide can be used. Alternatively, the shutter 650 is formed by an inkjet method. The shutter 650 is preferably formed with a thickness of 100 nm to 5 μm.

Next, by removing the sacrificial layer, a shutter 650 that moves in space can be formed. After that, it is preferable to oxidize the surface of the shutter 650 with oxygen plasma, thermal oxidation or the like to form an oxide film. Alternatively, an insulating film such as alumina, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon nitride oxide, or DLC (diamond-like carbon) is preferably formed on the surface of the shutter 650 by an atomic layer deposition method or a CVD method. By providing the insulating film on the shutter 650, deterioration over time of the shutter 650 can be reduced.

Provided is a display device including a display with improved contrast by providing the shutter having the above configuration between the first display portion and the second display portion in the display device of this embodiment. be able to. In addition, it is possible to provide a display device including a display with improved user visibility.

As described above, the structures described in this embodiment can be combined as appropriate with any of the structures described in the other embodiments.

(Embodiment 6)
In this embodiment, a modification example of the display device, which is different from that in Embodiment 5, will be described with reference to FIGS.

The first display unit included in the display of the display device in this embodiment uses an external light source. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 17, the first display unit 730 includes at least an external light source 791 and a transmissive screen 732.

Since the second display portion is similar to the other embodiments, the other embodiments can be referred to for details.

Note that at least the transmissive screen 732 can display display information on one side and display the inverted display information on the other side.

The transmission screen 732 can be made of vinyl, acrylic, glass, or the like, but the type is not particularly limited as long as it has a high light transmittance. Acrylic and glass are more preferable because they have high flatness and are not easily affected by temperature and humidity and vibration.

As a transmissive screen 732, a screen that looks like a mirror when no display information is projected, a screen that can be switched between transparent and translucent when the power is turned on and off, a screen that has a touch panel on its surface, and different projected display information A screen or the like that can be seen on both sides may be used. In any case, the light transmittance of the transmission screen 732 is preferably high.

Examples of the external light source 791 include, but are not limited to, a laser light source, an LED light source, a metal halide light source, a halogen light source, and a xenon light source.

As shown in FIG. 17A, the external light source 791 may be provided in front of the transmissive screen 732 (on the same side as the user), or as shown in FIG. It may be provided behind (opposite to the user).

FIG. 17C illustrates an example of the first display portion 733. A laser projection device 700 is used for the first display portion 733. The laser projection apparatus 700 can be configured by a laser light source 701, a transmission screen 734, a projection optical system 705, and the like.

The laser light source 701 includes a laser element 701a that generates blue light, a laser element 701b that generates red light, and a laser element 701c that generates green light.

The projection optical system 705 can be configured by a bending element 731, a wave plate 738, a scanning device 706, an incident optical system 704, and the like.

The projection optical system 705 projects display information on the transmission screen 734 using the laser light emitted from the laser light source 701.

Specifically, the scanning device 706 scans the laser light emitted from the laser light source 701 through the incident optical system 704, the wave plate 738, and the bending element 731 and displays the laser light on the transmission screen 734 using the laser light. Project information.

The incident optical system 704 can be composed of condenser lenses 702a, 702b, 702c, color synthesis mirrors 703a, 703b, 703c, and the like.

The incident optical system 704 condenses the laser light emitted from the laser light source 701 (laser elements 701a, 701b, 701c) independently by the condenser lenses 702a, 702b, 702c, and by the color synthesis mirrors 703a, 703b, 703c. Each laser beam is synthesized coaxially. Further, the incident optical system 704 transmits laser light emitted from the laser light source 701 to the scanning device 706 via the wave plate 738 and the bending element 731.

The bending element 731 can be configured by a polarizing beam splitter, two reflection mirrors, two wavelength plates, and the like, but is not limited to this configuration. In the case of this configuration, each wave plate is interposed between the polarizing beam splitter and each reflecting mirror so that the light transmitted through the reflecting surface of the polarizing beam splitter returns to the polarizing beam splitter by the reflecting mirror. Place a mirror. The bending element 731 is configured such that the optical path length from the reflecting surface of the polarizing beam splitter to one reflecting mirror is different from the optical path length from the reflecting surface of the polarizing beam splitter to the other reflecting mirror.

The wave plate 738 is disposed on the incident side of the bending element 731, adjusts the polarization direction of the laser light via the incident optical system 704, determines the polarization direction, and aligns the optical axis of the laser light. The laser light exits the wave plate 738 and enters the bending element 731.

It is preferable to adjust the angle of each reflection mirror so that the two polarized laser beams emitted from the bending element 731 do not shift. Insufficient angle adjustment is not preferable because display information displayed on the transmissive screen 734 is divided into two parts, and a problem such as blurring occurs, resulting in a decrease in resolution.

Note that the first display portion 733 is not limited to the laser projection device, and a projector or the like may be used. It is preferable to use a projection method in which display information displayed on the transmissive screen is not shielded even when a user stands in front of the transmissive screen or another object is placed.

Note that in the first display unit as shown in this embodiment, a space for installing a projector, a reflection mirror, and the like is necessary behind the transmissive screen. Therefore, in order to improve contrast, the space behind the transmissive screen is used. A dark place is preferred.

In a display having the first display portion 730 and the first display portion 733 as described above and the second display portion described in another embodiment, the second portion overlapped with the light shielding portion in the second display portion. The display information displayed on the display unit 1 is shielded. Therefore, the user existing in front of the display can recognize the display information displayed in the area other than the light shielding part, and cannot recognize the display information displayed on the light shielding part. Further, the user existing behind the display can recognize the inverted display information displayed in the area other than the light shielding portion, and the display displayed on the light shielding portion is the same as the user existing in the front of the display. Information cannot be recognized.

Accordingly, it is possible to provide a display device that shields display information in accordance with the user's intention and realizes a display state in which the shielded display information cannot be recognized from the front or the back of the display. In addition, it is possible to provide a display device including a display capable of adjusting light transmission characteristics according to the user's intention.

Note that this embodiment can be combined with any of the other embodiments described in this specification as appropriate.

(Embodiment 7)
In this embodiment, an application example of a display device, which is different from that in Embodiment 1, will be described with reference to FIGS. A display device 500 illustrated in FIG. 18 includes a display whose light transmission characteristics can be adjusted by voltage. Note that the display device 500 described in this embodiment adjusts the light transmission characteristics in order to select disclosure or non-disclosure of the display information displayed on the display according to the user's intention.

A display in one embodiment of the disclosed invention includes a first display portion and a second display portion. The first display element included in the first display unit can display display information on one side and display the inverted display information on the other side. In addition, the second display element included in the second display unit can adjust the light transmission characteristics of the display by adjusting the light transmitted through the first display unit.

In one embodiment of the disclosed invention, light transmission characteristics of the light control layer are adjusted by an electrode that drives the light control layer. By changing the shape and size of the electrode, the light transmission characteristics of the light control layer can be selectively adjusted. For details, Embodiment 1 can be referred to.

In FIG. 18, a window is used as the display device 500, but it goes without saying that the present invention is applicable to various display devices having a display.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a display device 500 according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention. 18A and 18C show the case where the same display device 500 is viewed from the room. In FIGS. 18B and 18D, the same display device 500 is viewed from the outside. Shows the case.

In FIG. 18, one user 501 exists on the indoor side and a plurality of users 502 exist on the outdoor side, but the number of users is not particularly limited.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example in which disclosure or non-disclosure of information is selected according to the intention of one user 501 existing indoors.

In the display device 500 in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the region 504 and the region 505 have different light transmission characteristics. Note that an area 504 and an area 505 indicate areas in the second display portion of the display device 500. In the display device 500 in FIGS. 18C and 18D, the region 508 and the region 509 have different light transmission characteristics. Note that an area 508 and an area 509 indicate areas in the second display portion of the display device 500. In FIG. 18, as an example, a case where the region 504 and the region 509 are transparent, and the region 505 and the region 508 are shaded (light gray) is illustrated.

A region 505 in FIGS. 18A and 18B is wider than a region 508 in FIGS. 18C and 18D.

An area 505 includes information 506 and information 507, and an area 508 includes information 507. Information 506 is information that one user 501 existing on the indoor side wants to select disclosure or non-disclosure for a plurality of users 502 existing on the outdoor side. The information 507 is information that one user 501 existing indoors does not want to disclose to a plurality of users 502 existing outside the room.

18A and 18B show a case where one user 501 existing indoors makes information 506 undisclosed to a plurality of users 502 existing outside the room. FIG. 18C and FIG. 18D show a case where one user 501 existing indoors discloses information 506 to a plurality of users 502 existing outside the room.

When the user 501 selects non-disclosure of the information 506, as shown in FIG. 18A, the specific user 501 existing on the indoor side is displayed on the first display unit overlapping the region 505 of the second display unit. Although the displayed display information “◯ △ ×” (black) and “123” (black) can be recognized, a plurality of users 502 existing outside the room as shown in FIG. The display information “◯ Δ ×” (black) and “123” (black) displayed on the first display unit overlapping the area 505 of the second display unit cannot be recognized.

When the user 501 selects the disclosure of the information 506, as shown in FIG. 18C, the specific user 501 existing in the room is displayed on the first display unit that overlaps the area 508 of the second display unit. However, as shown in FIG. 18D, a plurality of users 502 existing outside the room overlap the area 508 of the second display portion. The display information “123” (black) displayed on the first display unit cannot be recognized. Further, the specific user 501 existing on the indoor side can recognize the display information “◯ Δ ×” (black). A plurality of users 502 existing outside the room can also recognize the display information “◯ Δ ×” (black), but the display information “◯ Δ ×” is reversed.

From the above, it can be seen that disclosure or non-disclosure of the information 506 (“◯ Δx”) can be selected according to the intention of one user 501 existing indoors.

The information 506 (“◯ Δ ×”) itself can be moved to a place other than the display area 505 and the area 508 without changing the area for adjusting the light transmission characteristics. If the user does not want to invert the display information “◯ △ ×”, the user can perform some operation on the operation input unit mounted on the CPU or the like in the display device 500, thereby reversing the display information “○ △”. It is also possible to restore “x” to its original state.

According to the display device 500 according to the present embodiment, the user can select whether to disclose or not display information by changing the region for adjusting the light transmission characteristics of the light control layer, such as the region 505 and the region 508. can do. Therefore, it is possible to realize a display device including a display capable of changing display information sharing / non-sharing according to the situation.

As described above, the structures described in this embodiment can be combined as appropriate with any of the structures described in the other embodiments.

100 display device 101 display 102 display unit 103 display unit 104 region 105 region 106 substrate 107 substrate 108 electrode 109 electrode 110 substrate 111 substrate 112 electrode 112a electrode 112b electrode 112c electrode 113 electrode 113a electrode 113b electrode 113c electrode 117 light emitting layer 118 light control layer 118a Light control layer 118b Light control layer 118c Light control layer 118d Light control layer 118e Light control layer 120 Pixel region 150 Display device 151 Image signal 152 Display unit 153 Display unit 154 Display image control unit 155 Dimming control unit 156 Display control unit 157 Scan Driver 158 Data Driver 159 Drive Power Supply Unit 160 Common Power Supply Unit 161 Display Information Identification Unit 162 Address Signal Generation Unit 163 Dimming Pattern Generation Unit 171 Control Signal 172 Control Signal 173 Control Signal 74 Control signal 200 PET film 201 Transparent conductive layer 202 SPD element 203 Transparent conductive layer 204 PET film 205 Dispersing resin 206 Polarizing particles 207 Droplets 208 Medium resin 240 Region 250 Region 260 Display device 300 Glass substrate 301 Transparent conductive layer 302 Ion accumulation Layer 303 Ion conductor layer 304 Electrochromic layer 305 Transparent conductive layer 306 Glass substrate 307 Anion 308 Cation 309 Electrochromic element 400 Glass substrate 401 Transparent conductive layer 402 PDLC element 403 Transparent conductive layer 404 Glass substrate 405 Liquid crystal molecule 406 Polymer Dispersion type liquid crystal layer 500 Display device 501 User 502 User 504 Area 505 Area 506 Information 507 Information 508 Area 509 Area 602 Moving light shielding layer 604 Opening 611 615 actuator 617 spring 619 structure 621 movable electrode 625 movable electrode 626 structure 627 structure 631 display 632 display unit 633 display unit 650 shutter 700 laser projection device 701 laser light source 701a laser element 701b laser element 701c laser element 702 condenser lens 703 Color composition mirror 704 Incident optical system 705 Projection optical system 706 Scanning device 730 Display unit 731 Bending element 732 Transmission screen 733 Display unit 734 Transmission screen 738 Wave plate 791 External light source 801 Substrate 802 Transparent conductive layer 803 Insulating layer 804 Color oil film 805 Reflection Film 806 Transparent polar fluid layer 807 Transparent conductive layer 808 Substrate 809 Electrowetting element

Claims (20)

A first display unit including a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode sandwiching the light emitting layer;
A second display unit including a transparent third electrode and a transparent fourth electrode sandwiching the SPD layer;
Have
The first display unit and the second display unit overlap,
A transparent insulating layer is disposed between the second electrode and the third electrode,
The first display unit displays display information;
The second display unit adjusts the light transmitted through the first display unit partially in accordance with the display information displayed on the first display unit, whereby the first electrode The display information is changed between the side and the fourth electrode side. In claim 1,
The SPD layer is
Medium resin,
A plurality of droplets dispersed in the medium resin;
A plurality of polarizing particles dispersed in the droplet,
A display device, wherein light transmitted through the SPD layer is adjusted according to the orientation of the polarizing particles. A first display unit including a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode sandwiching the light emitting layer;
A second display unit including a transparent third electrode and a transparent fourth electrode sandwiching the PDLC layer;
Have
The first display unit and the second display unit overlap,
A transparent insulating layer is disposed between the second electrode and the third electrode,
The first display unit displays display information;
The second display unit adjusts the light transmitted through the first display unit partially in accordance with the display information displayed on the first display unit, whereby the first electrode The display information is changed between the side and the fourth electrode side. In claim 3,
The PDLC layer is
A polymer-dispersed liquid crystal;
A plurality of liquid crystal molecules dispersed in the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal,
A display device, wherein light transmitted through the PDLC layer is adjusted by alignment of the liquid crystal molecules. A first display unit including a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode sandwiching the light emitting layer;
A second display unit including a transparent third electrode and a transparent fourth electrode sandwiching the electrochromic layer;
Have
The first display unit and the second display unit overlap,
A transparent insulating layer is disposed between the second electrode and the third electrode,
The first display unit displays display information;
The second display unit adjusts the light transmitted through the first display unit partially in accordance with the display information displayed on the first display unit, whereby the first electrode The display information is changed between the side and the fourth electrode side. In claim 5,
The electrochromic layer is
A display device, wherein light transmitted through the electrochromic layer is adjusted by a cation injected from an ion storage layer and an anion injected from an ion conductor layer. A first display unit including a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode sandwiching the light emitting layer;
A second display unit including a transparent third electrode and a transparent fourth electrode sandwiching the electrowetting layer;
Have
The first display unit and the second display unit overlap,
A transparent insulating layer is disposed between the second electrode and the third electrode,
The first display unit displays display information;
The second display unit adjusts the light transmitted through the first display unit partially in accordance with the display information displayed on the first display unit, whereby the first electrode The display information is changed between the side and the fourth electrode side. In claim 7,
The electrowetting layer is
An insulating layer having a hydrophobic surface, a color oil film, and a transparent polar fluid layer;
A display device, wherein light transmitted through the electrowetting layer is adjusted according to the spread of the color oil film. A first display unit including a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode sandwiching the light emitting layer;
A second display portion including a transparent third electrode and a transparent fourth electrode sandwiching the light control layer;
A display information identification unit, an address signal generation unit, a dimming pattern generation unit,
Have
The first display unit and the second display unit overlap,
A transparent substrate is disposed between the second electrode and the third electrode,
The first display unit displays display information;
The display information identification unit
Identifying the position of the display information displayed on the first display unit;
The address signal generator is
In accordance with the position of the display information, an address signal of the light control unit in the second display unit is generated,
The dimming pattern generator is
Determining a magnitude of a voltage to be applied to the third electrode and the fourth electrode existing at an address obtained from the address signal, and generating a dimming pattern;
The dimming unit adjusts the light transmitted through the first display unit in accordance with the dimming pattern, so that the display information is displayed on the first electrode side and the fourth electrode side. A display device characterized by changing the angle. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the light control unit is opaque. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the light control unit is translucent. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
The said light control part reflects or absorbs the light which permeate | transmits a said 1st display part, The display apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
The said light control part reflects a part of light which permeate | transmits a said 1st display part, The display apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 13,
The light control section has an area that is greater than or equal to pixels and less than or equal to the first display section. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 13,
The display device, wherein the transmitted light of the first display portion is adjusted in units of pixels. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 15,
A display device, wherein a micro shutter is provided between the first display unit and the second display unit. A first display unit including a screen and an external light source;
A second display unit including a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode sandwiching the light control layer;
Have
The first display unit and the second display unit overlap,
The first display unit displays display information;
The second display unit partially adjusts the light transmitted through the first display unit in accordance with the display information displayed on the first display unit, whereby the first display unit The display information is changed between the part side and the second display part side. In claim 17,
The light control layer includes
A display device comprising any one of an SPD layer, a PDLC layer, an electrochromic layer, and an electrowetting layer. In the display in which the transmissive second display panel is overlapped on the back of the transmissive first display panel, the information display method displays different information on the front and back of the display,
Using the first display panel having self-luminous elements arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, and the second display panel having at least a light control element overlapping the self-luminous elements,
By causing some of the self-luminous elements to emit light, display information is displayed,
In conjunction with the display of the display information,
An information display method, wherein the light transmittance of the light control element is reduced in a portion including the display information as compared with other portions. In the display in which the transmissive second display panel is overlapped on the back of the transmissive first display panel, the information display method displays different information on the front and back of the display,
Using the first display panel having self-luminous elements arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, and the second display panel having at least a light control element overlapping the self-luminous elements,
By causing some of the self-luminous elements to emit light, display information is displayed,
In conjunction with the display of the display information,
The information display method according to claim 1, wherein the light transmittance of the light control element is reduced in a portion including a part of the display information as compared with other portions.

Images