JP2013218057A - Display device and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display device which can improve display quality when performing video display using a reflection type display element.SOLUTION: A display device includes a display unit having plural pixels each including a reflection type display element, and a light source unit arranged on a display surface side of the display unit and having plural light-emitting elements arranged opposite to the display surface. In the light source unit, light emitted from the light-emitting elements is selectively emitted to the display unit side.

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a display device that displays an image using a reflective display element, and an electronic apparatus including such a display device.

  Conventionally, various types of display devices (reflective display devices) using a reflective display element made of a reflective liquid crystal element have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a reflective liquid crystal display device including a so-called edge light type light source unit (front light).

JP 2000-200049 A

  Incidentally, in a display device using such a reflective display element, it is generally required to improve display image quality. Therefore, a proposal of a method for realizing such image quality improvement is desired.

  The present disclosure has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device capable of improving display image quality when performing image display using a reflective display element, and such a display device. The object is to provide an electronic device equipped.

  A display device according to the present disclosure includes a display unit having a plurality of pixels each including a reflective display element, and a plurality of light emitting elements disposed on the display surface side of the display unit and arranged to face the display surface. And a light source unit. In this light source unit, light emitted from the light emitting element is selectively emitted to the display unit side.

  An electronic device according to the present disclosure includes the display device according to the present disclosure.

  In the display device and the electronic apparatus according to the present disclosure, at least one of emitted light (light source light) and external light from a plurality of light emitting elements in the light source unit disposed on the display surface side of the display unit is in each pixel. The light enters the reflective display element, and after being reflected, is emitted as display light. Here, since the plurality of light emitting elements are arranged to face the display surface of the display unit, for example, even when the size of the display unit is large, the display surface of the light source light compared to the so-called edge light type light source unit The brightness unevenness inside is suppressed. Further, in the light source unit, the light emitted from the light emitting element is selectively emitted to the display unit side, which is different from the case where the emitted light is emitted to both the display unit side and the opposite side, for example. Occurrence of the phenomenon of hindering the visual recognition of the display image (whitening phenomenon of the display image) due to the emitted light emitted to the opposite side of the display is prevented.

  According to the display device and the electronic apparatus of the present disclosure, the plurality of light emitting elements in the light source unit are arranged to face the display surface of the display unit having the reflective display element, and light emitted from the light emitting elements (light source light) is emitted. Since the light is selectively emitted to the display unit side, it is possible to suppress the luminance unevenness in the display surface of the light source light and to prevent the whitening phenomenon of the display image. Therefore, it is possible to improve the display image quality when performing video display using the reflective display element.

3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration example of a display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a detailed configuration example of the display device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a detailed configuration example of the light emitting element illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another detailed configuration example of the light emitting element illustrated in FIG. 2. 12 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration example of a display device according to Comparative Example 1. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration example of a display device according to Comparative Example 3. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a display device according to Modifications 1 and 2. FIG. It is a schematic cross section for demonstrating the phenomenon resulting from the gap distance in a display apparatus. It is a schematic diagram showing the structural example of the display apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a display device according to Modification 3. FIG. It is a schematic diagram showing the operation example of the display apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing the other operation example of the display apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view for explaining a phenomenon when the display device shown in FIG. 9 is bent. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation example for improving the phenomenon illustrated in FIG. 13. It is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the example 1 of application to the electronic device of the display apparatus which concerns on each embodiment and each modification. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of application example 2. FIG. (A) is a perspective view showing the external appearance seen from the front side of the application example 3, (B) is a perspective view showing the external appearance seen from the back side. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of application example 4. FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of application example 5. FIG. (A) is a front view of the application example 6 in an open state, (B) is a side view thereof, (C) is a front view in a closed state, (D) is a left side view, and (E) is a right side view, (F) is a top view and (G) is a bottom view.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The description will be given in the following order.

1. First embodiment (an example of a light source unit in which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged on the display surface side of a light shielding unit)
2. Modification Example of First Embodiment Modification Examples 1 and 2 (Example of Light-Emitting Element Structure Controlling the Gap Distance Between Display Unit and Light Source Unit)
3. Second embodiment (an example of a light source unit in which a color filter is disposed in an opening of a light shielding unit)
4). Modification Example of Second Embodiment Modification Example 3 (Example in which a pixel unit is configured by only red pixels, green pixels, and blue pixels)
5. Third embodiment (an example of controlling the light emission operation / display operation in accordance with the bending state, etc.)
6). Application examples (application examples of display devices to electronic devices)
7). Other variations

<First Embodiment>
[Configuration of Display Device 1]
FIG. 1 schematically shows a schematic cross-sectional configuration of a display device (display device 1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a perspective view (disassembled perspective view). FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of a cross-sectional configuration (ZX cross-sectional configuration) in the display device 1. The display device 1 includes a display unit 11 (display panel) disposed on the back surface (back surface) side, and a light source unit 12 (front light) disposed on the front surface (observation surface) side. This is a reflective display device that displays an image using the display element.

(Display unit 11)
As shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 11 includes a plurality of pixels 110 arranged two-dimensionally (matrix arrangement). Each pixel 110 includes a reflection element configured by using, for example, an electrophoretic element, a liquid crystal element such as LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon), a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) element, an electrowetting element, an electrochromic element, or the like. A mold display element 111 is provided. That is, the display unit 11 is a reflective display panel, and displays an image using at least one of light source light (emitted light Le) and external light Lo (ambient light) emitted from a light source unit 12 described later. (The display light Lr as the reflected light is emitted).

  As will be described later, at least a part (preferably all) of the display unit 11 may have flexibility (flexibility). In this case, the display unit 11 is configured using, for example, a reflective display element 11 made of a plastic substrate, an electrophoretic element or the like, and a drive element made of an organic TFT (Thin Film Transistor) or the like.

(Light source unit 12)
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the light source unit 12 is disposed on the display surface Sd (front surface) side of the display unit 11, and emits emitted light Le (light source light) to the display unit 11 (display surface Sd). This is a front light that emits light. In the light source unit 12, for example, a plurality of light emitting elements 121 including organic electroluminescent elements (organic EL (Electro Luminescence) elements, inorganic electroluminescent elements (inorganic EL elements), light emitting diodes (LED)), and the like are displayed. Specifically, the light emitting elements 121 are two-dimensionally arranged (for example, in a matrix arrangement) on the irradiation surface (light emitting surface) of the light source unit 12, and each light emitting element 121 is disposed opposite to the surface Sd. The emitted light Le as the light source light is emitted toward the display unit 11 from the light source.

  In the light source unit 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, from the front surface side to the back surface side (display unit 11 side) of the display device 1, the support substrate 123 and the light shielding unit 122 (light shielding layer, colored layer). ) And the light emitting element 121 are arranged in this order. The support substrate 123 is a substrate (base material) for supporting the light shielding unit 122, the light emitting element 121, and the like. Here, the support substrate 123 is a transparent substrate made of, for example, a transparent film (transparent resin material).

  The light shielding unit 122 is disposed in a region (inter-pixel region) between the pixels 110 in the display unit 11, and an opening 120 is formed corresponding to the region (pixel region) of the pixel 110. That is, here, as shown in FIG. 1, the light shielding portion 122 has a lattice shape. The light shielding portion 122 functions as a so-called black matrix (BM), and is made of, for example, a predetermined black resin material.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each light emitting element 121 is provided on the back side (display unit 11 side) of such a light shielding unit 122, and thus is arranged in an inter-pixel region of the display unit 11. ing. Therefore, the emitted light Le emitted from each light emitting element 121 toward the light shielding portion 122 is absorbed by the light shielding portion 122. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the light source unit 12, the emitted light Le (light source light) from each light emitting element 121 is selectively emitted to the display unit 11 side. .

  In detail, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the light emitting element 121 includes a light emitting layer 121A, and a pair of electrodes 121B (driving electrodes) for causing the light emitting layer 121A to emit light (supply driving power). have. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a pair of electrodes 121B are arranged on the side surface of the light emitting layer 121A so as to sandwich the light emitting layer 121A. That is, in this example, the light emitting layer 121 </ b> A and the pair of electrodes 121 </ b> B are respectively disposed on the back side (the display unit 11 side) of the light shielding unit 122.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the light-emitting element 121 includes a light-emitting layer 121A, an electrode 121B provided for each light-emitting element 121, and a transparent electrode 121C provided in common to each light-emitting element 121. You may make it comprise. In this case, the electrode 121B and the transparent electrode 121C function as drive electrodes for the light emitting layer 121A. Such a transparent electrode 121C is made of, for example, a transparent conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), SnO ₂ (tin oxide), ZnO ₂ (zinc oxide), or the like. Consists of. In this example, the electrode 121B, the light emitting layer 121A, and the transparent electrode 121C are laminated in this order from the light shielding portion 122 toward the display portion 11 on the back surface side of the light shielding portion 122. Here, the transparent electrode 121C is stacked. Is provided on the display surface Sd of the display unit 11. That is, the transparent electrode 121C is arranged between the light shielding part 122 and the light emitting layer 121A.

  Further, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the light emitting element 121 includes a light emitting layer 121 </ b> A, a light shielding electrode 121 </ b> D provided for each light emitting element 121, and a transparent electrode 121 </ b> C provided in common to each light emitting element 121. You may make it comprise from these. In this case, the light shielding electrode 121D and the transparent electrode 121C function as drive electrodes for the light emitting layer 121A, and the light shielding electrode 121D also serves as the light shielding portion 122 (the light shielding electrode 121D and the light shielding portion 122 are common). ). Such a light shielding electrode 121D is, for example, a light shielding conductive material such as chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), or an alloy mainly composed of these elements. Constructed using materials. In this example, the light shielding electrode 121D, the light emitting layer 121A, and the transparent electrode 121C are laminated in this order from the support substrate 123 side to the display unit 11 side. Here, the transparent electrode 121C is the display surface of the display unit 11. It is provided on Sd.

  As will be described later, also in such a light source unit 12, at least a part (preferably all) of the light source unit 12 may have flexibility (flexibility). In that case, the light source part 12 is comprised using the light emitting element 121 etc. which consist of the support substrate 123 which consists of a transparent film, an organic EL element etc., for example.

[Operation and Effect of Display Device 1]
(1. Display operation)
In the display device 1, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, emitted light Le (light source light) from a plurality of light emitting elements 121 in the light source unit 12 disposed on the display surface Sd side of the display unit 11. At least one of the external light Lo (environmental light) enters the reflective display element 111 in each pixel 110 in the display unit 11. Each reflective display element 111 reflects such incident light while modulating it based on a video signal in units of pixels 110. Thereby, display light Lr as reflected light is emitted from each pixel 110, and video display is performed on the display device 1. In this way, in the display device 1, image display is performed using not only the external light Lo but also the light emitted from the light source unit 12 (light source light), and thus, for example, in a dark environment where there is almost no external light Lo. Even if it exists, visual recognition of a display image is attained.

(2. Action of light source unit 12)
Next, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 in addition to FIGS. 1 to 4, the operation of the light source unit 12 will be described in detail in comparison with comparative examples (comparative examples 1 to 3).

(Comparative Example 1)
FIG. 5 schematically shows a schematic cross-sectional configuration of a display device (display device 101) according to Comparative Example 1 in a perspective view (disassembled perspective view). The display device 101 of Comparative Example 1 corresponds to the display device 1 shown in FIG. 1 in which a so-called edge light type light source unit 102 is provided instead of the light source unit 12. That is, the light source unit 102 includes a light guide plate 102B and a light source 102A that is disposed on the side of the light guide plate 102 and incorporates a light emitting element. In the light source unit 102, the emitted light Le emitted from the light source 102 toward the light guide plate 102 is diffused throughout the light guide plate 102B, so that the emitted light Le (surface emitting light) as the light source light is obtained. The light is emitted to the display unit 11 side.

  However, in such an edge light type light source unit 102, when the size (screen size) of the display unit 11 is large, the emitted light Le cannot be diffused as a whole within the light guide plate 102B, and within the display surface Sd of the light source light. Brightness unevenness (in-plane unevenness) may occur. Specifically, for example, the peripheral portion of the display surface Sd is bright and the central portion of the display surface Sd is dark, and as a result, the display image quality is deteriorated.

(Comparative Example 2)
On the other hand, in a display device having, for example, a transmissive display element (liquid crystal element), in an edge light type light source unit (backlight), light emitted from the light source is appropriately disposed by arranging scattering materials or the like in the light guide plate. Is used to uniformly diffuse the light within the light guide plate. In such a display device (a display device according to Comparative Example 2), since the light source unit is a backlight (arranged on the back side of the display unit), such a scattering object is disturbed when the display image is viewed. In addition, the luminance unevenness as described in Comparative Example 1 can also be suppressed.

  However, when applied to the case where the light source unit is a front light (arranged on the display surface side of the display unit) as in Comparative Example 1 above, the scatterers in the light guide plate are disturbed when the display image is viewed. As a result, the display image quality is degraded.

(Comparative Example 3)
On the other hand, FIG. 6 schematically shows a schematic cross-sectional configuration of a display device (display device 301) according to Comparative Example 3 in a perspective view (disassembled perspective view). The display device 301 of Comparative Example 3 corresponds to the display device 1 shown in FIG. 1 in which a light source unit 302 having a plurality of light emitting elements 302A is provided instead of the light source unit 12. In the light source unit 302, similarly to the light source unit 12, the plurality of light emitting elements 302 </ b> A are two-dimensionally arranged so as to face the display surface Sd of the display unit 11.

  However, in this light source unit 302, unlike the light source unit 12, as shown in FIG. 6, the emitted light Le from each light emitting element 302A is not only on the display unit 11 side (the back side of the light source unit 302) but also on the opposite side. The light is also emitted to the side (front side of the light source unit 302). For this reason, in the display device 301 of the comparative example 3, the phenomenon of hindering the visual recognition of the display image (whitening phenomenon of the display image) occurs due to the emitted light Le emitted to the opposite side of the display unit 11. That is, since the emitted light Le is emitted also to the observation surface side of the display device 1, the visual image becomes white or white. That is, the display image quality also deteriorates in Comparative Example 3.

(Operation of this embodiment)
In contrast to these comparative examples 1 to 3, in the display device 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. It is arranged opposite to Sd (two-dimensional arrangement). Thereby, even if the size (screen size) of the display unit 11 is large, for example, the luminance of the light source light within the display surface Sd is larger than that of the edge light type light source unit 102 as in Comparative Example 1, for example. Unevenness is suppressed.

  Moreover, since the scatterer like the said comparative example 2 is not provided in the light source part 12, such a scatterer does not become obstructive at the time of visual recognition of a display image.

  Further, in the light source unit 12, the emitted light Le from each light emitting element 121 is selectively emitted to the display unit 11 side. Thereby, unlike the case where the emitted light Le is emitted to both the display unit 11 side and the opposite side as in the comparative example 3, for example, the above-described display image viewing impediment phenomenon (display image whitening phenomenon). Is prevented from occurring.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the plurality of light emitting elements 121 in the light source unit 12 are disposed so as to face the display surface Sd of the display unit 11 having the reflective display element 111, and the light emitted from each light emitting element 121. Since Le (light source light) is selectively emitted to the display unit 11 side, it is possible to suppress uneven brightness in the display surface Sd of the light source light and to prevent the occurrence of a whitening phenomenon of the display image. it can. Therefore, display quality can be improved when video display is performed using the reflective display element 111.

<Modification of the first embodiment>
Subsequently, modified examples (modified examples 1 and 2) of the first embodiment will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component same as 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

[Modifications 1 and 2]
(Configuration of display devices 1A and 1B)
FIG. 7A schematically illustrates an example of a cross-sectional configuration (ZX cross-sectional configuration) of a display device (display device 1A) according to the first modification. FIG. 7B schematically illustrates an example of a cross-sectional configuration (ZX cross-sectional configuration) of the display device (display device 1B) according to the second modification.

  The display devices 1A and 1B according to these modifications 1 and 2 respectively correspond to the display device 1 according to the first embodiment that includes the light source units 12A and 12B instead of the light source unit 12. In each of these light source units 12A and 12B, each light emitting element has a structure for controlling a gap distance Dg between the display unit 11 and the light source unit 12 as described below. In FIGS. 7A and 7B and FIG. 8 to be described later, the drive electrodes in the light emitting element 121 are not shown for convenience.

  Specifically, in the display device 1A shown in FIG. 7A, each of the light emitting elements 121-1 and 121-2 in the light source unit 12A has a structure of the light emitting layer 121A capable of controlling the gap distance Dg. Yes. Specifically, the light emitting layer 121A in the light emitting elements 121-1 and 121-2 has a thick film shape protruding from the light shielding portion 122 side to the display portion 11 (display surface Sd) side. In the light emitting element 121-1, the light emitting layer 121A has a spherical shape (grain shape) made of a thick film, and in the light emitting element 121-2, the light emitting layer 121A has a convex shape (triangular pyramid shape) made of a thick film. It has become. Such a protruding shape in the light emitting layer 121A can be easily formed by using a resin or the like. In addition to the above-described spherical shape (grain shape) and triangular pyramid shape, various shapes such as a conical shape, a triangular prism shape, and an inverted triangular prism shape can be applied.

  On the other hand, in the display device 1B shown in FIG. 7B, first, the light emitting elements 121-3 and 121-4 in the light source unit 12B are respectively emitted from the blue light emitting layer 121E and the blue light emitting layer 121E. It includes a yellow phosphor 121F (color conversion layer) that excites a part of (main wavelength light) (performs color conversion) and generates yellow light (other wavelength light, excitation light). The yellow phosphor 121F has a structure capable of controlling the gap distance Dg. Specifically, the yellow phosphor 121F in the light emitting elements 121-3 and 121-4 has a thick film shape protruding from the blue light emitting layer 121E side to the display unit 11 (display surface Sd) side. In the light emitting element 121-3, the yellow phosphor 121F has a spherical shape (granular shape) made of a thick film, and in the light emitting element 121-4, the yellow phosphor 121F has a convex shape (triangular pyramid shape) made of a thick film. ). Since the particle diameter of the yellow phosphor 121F is generally about several μm to several tens of μm, the protruding shape described above can be easily realized by adjusting the coating method. In this example as well, various shapes such as a conical shape, a triangular prism shape, and an inverted triangular prism shape can be applied in addition to the spherical shape (grain shape) and the triangular pyramid shape. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which can control the gap | interval distance Dg by making the blue light emitting layer 121E into a protrusion shape instead of the yellow fluorescent substance 121F.

(Operation and effect of the display devices 1A and 1B)
In such display devices 1A and 1B, each of the light emitting elements 121-1 to 121-4 has a shape protruding to the display unit 11 side, so that a gap distance Dg between the display unit 11 and the light source unit 12 is obtained. Can be controlled. Specifically, since the light emitting layer 121A, the yellow phosphor 121F, and the like are thick, the gap distance Dg is likely to increase (the gap distance Dg is easily secured), and the emitted light is emitted to the neighboring pixels 110. Le is easy to spread (easily diverge). Therefore, in the first and second modifications, in addition to the effects in the first embodiment, the emitted light Le can be used efficiently, and the luminance of the light source light can be improved (brightened). It is also possible to reduce the power consumption in the light source units 12A and 12B.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, if the gap distance Dg between the display unit 11 and the light source unit 12 is too small, the emitted light Le hardly spreads (is less likely to diverge) to the neighboring pixels 110. For this reason, the utilization efficiency of the emitted light Le is lowered. Therefore, it is desirable to secure the gap distance Dg to some extent as in the first and second modifications.

<Second Embodiment>
Subsequently, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, as will be described in detail below, a reflective display device is provided in which a color filter is disposed in the opening 120 in the light shielding portion 122 to enable color video display. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[Configuration of Display Device 1C]
FIG. 9A schematically illustrates an example of a cross-sectional configuration (ZX cross-sectional configuration) of the display device (display device 1C) according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9B schematically shows an example of a planar configuration (XY planar configuration) of the display device 1C, and is taken along line II-II shown in FIG. 9B. The cross-sectional configuration shown by the arrow corresponds to the cross-sectional configuration shown in FIG. The display device 1C according to the present embodiment corresponds to the display device 1 according to the first embodiment in which a display unit 11C and a light source unit 12C are provided instead of the display unit 11 and the light source unit 12C, respectively. . Note that in FIG. 9B, illustration of drive electrodes in the light-emitting element 121 is omitted for convenience.

  In the light source unit 12 </ b> C, as described above in the light source unit 12, a plurality of color filters (three colors in this case) are arranged in the opening 120 in the light shielding unit 122. Specifically, the red color filter 124R, the green color filter 124G, and the blue color filter 124B are arranged separately for each pixel (red pixel 110R, green pixel 110G, and blue pixel 110B). In FIG. 9A, for the sake of illustration, the red pixel 110R and the green pixel 110G are not shown.

  Specifically, a red color filter 124R that selectively transmits red light is disposed in the red pixel 110R, and a green color filter 124G that selectively transmits green light is disposed in the green pixel 110G. A blue color filter 124B that selectively transmits blue light is disposed at 110B. Each of the red color filter 124R, the green color filter 124G, and the blue color filter 124B is configured using, for example, a predetermined resin material.

  In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the light emitting element 121 is arranged in parallel with the red color filter 124R, the green color filter 124G, and the blue color filter 124B. The opening 120 is not formed at the position of the element 121. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9A, the pixel including the reflective display element 111 is not formed at the position facing the light emitting element 121, or the formed pixel is not used. (A pixel defect region exists in the display portion 11C). A plurality of types of pixels (red pixels 110R, green pixels 110G, and blue pixels 110B) corresponding to the color filters of each color and the light emitting elements 121 arranged in parallel with each other constitute one pixel unit 110U (unit cell). ) Is configured. That is, in the so-called RGBW pixel arrangement, the light emitting element 121 is provided instead at the W (white) pixel position. Such pixel units 110U are two-dimensionally arranged (matrix arrangement) in the display surface Sd.

(Operation and effect of display device 1C)
In the display device 1 </ b> C, a red color filter 124 </ b> R, a green color filter 124 </ b> G, and a blue color filter 124 </ b> B are disposed in the opening 120 in the light shielding unit 122. Thereby, red light, green light, and blue light are selectively transmitted through the red pixel 110R, the green pixel 110G, and the blue pixel 110B, respectively, and as a result, a color video display is enabled on the display device 1C.

  Here, when displaying a color image using such a color filter, since the light use efficiency generally decreases due to the following causes, the display image is generally darkened or blurred. The bad effect of becoming will occur. Specifically, due to the influence of the light transmittance in the color filter itself, the aperture ratio in the black matrix (BM), the light transmittance in the base material of the color filter (transparent substrate such as PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate)), etc. Use efficiency of outside light will be reduced.

  On the other hand, in the display device 1C, the light emitting elements 121 and the color filters of the respective colors are mixed in the light source unit 12C. Therefore, by using the emitted light Le (light source light) from the light emitting element 121, the above-described decrease in light use efficiency (insufficient light quantity during video display) due to the use of the color filter is compensated (display). The amount of light Lr can be increased). Therefore, it is possible to improve the color reproducibility at the time of displaying a color image and improve the color image quality.

<Modification of Second Embodiment>
Subsequently, a modification (Modification 3) of the second embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[Modification 3]
(Configuration of Display Device 1D)
FIG. 10A schematically illustrates an example of a cross-sectional configuration (ZX cross-sectional configuration) of the display device (display device 1D) according to the third modification. FIG. 10B schematically shows an example of a planar configuration (XY planar configuration) of the display device 1D, and is taken along line III-III shown in FIG. 10B. The cross-sectional configuration shown by the arrow corresponds to the cross-sectional configuration shown in FIG. The display device 1D according to this modification corresponds to the display device 1 according to the first embodiment in which a display unit 11D and a light source unit 12D are provided instead of the display unit 11 and the light source unit 12, respectively. Note that in FIG. 10B as well, the driving electrodes in the light-emitting element 121 are not illustrated for convenience.

  Also in the light source unit 12D of the present modification, color filters of a plurality of colors (here, three colors) are arranged in the opening 120 in the light shielding unit 122, similarly to the light source unit 12C of the second embodiment. Specifically, the red color filter 124R, the green color filter 124G, and the blue color filter 124B are arranged separately for each pixel (red pixel 110R, green pixel 110G, and blue pixel 110B).

  However, unlike the light source unit 12C, in the light source unit 12D, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 10B, the light emitting elements 121 are arranged in a grid-like inter-pixel region, and in the display unit 11D, a pixel defect region is not present. Does not exist. Accordingly, one pixel unit 110U (unit cell) is configured by only a plurality of types of pixels (red pixel 110R, green pixel 110G, and blue pixel 110B) corresponding to the color filters of each color. That is, the pixel arrangement is so-called RGB. Such pixel units 110U are also two-dimensionally arranged (matrix arrangement) in the display surface Sd.

(Operation and effect of display device 1D)
With such a configuration, the display device 1D can obtain the following effects in addition to the effects of the second embodiment. That is, since the RGB pixel arrangement is as described above, it is possible to suppress a decrease in color purity that occurs in the case of the RGBW pixel arrangement (the color purity is lowered due to the presence of the W pixel). Further, as described above, since there is no pixel defect region in the display unit 11D, it is possible to increase the resolution of the pixel as compared with the second embodiment. In this modification, of course, an RGBW pixel arrangement can be used instead of the RGB pixel arrangement described above. In this case, although the above-described decrease in color purity occurs, it is possible to realize a bright image display because of the RGBW pixel arrangement.

<Third Embodiment>
Subsequently, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the third embodiment, the light emission operation of the light source unit and the display operation of the display unit are controlled according to the bending state (curving state) of the display device (display unit and light source unit), the brightness state of external light, and the like. It is what I did. The same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[Configuration of display device]
FIGS. 11A and 11B schematically show block configuration examples of the display device (any one of the display devices 1 and 1A to 1D) according to the third embodiment. The display device of the present embodiment includes any one of the display units 11, 11C, and 11D described above, any one of the light source units 12, 12A to 12D, the display control unit 115, and the light emission control unit 125. It has.

  The display control unit 115 performs display operation control (display control) in the display unit 11 (11C, 11D). Specifically, the display control unit 115, for example, according to the brightness status of the external light Lo, the deflection status of the display unit 11 (11C, 11D) and the light source unit 12 (12A-12D) described later, The display operation of the reflective display element 111 is controlled in units of pixels. In addition, in the case of display control according to the bending state, it is assumed that the display unit 11 (11C, 11D) and the light source unit 12 (12A to 12D) each have flexibility in at least a portion thereof. Detailed display control will be described later.

  The light emission control unit 125 performs light emission operation control (light emission control) in the light source unit 12 (12A to 12D). Specifically, the light emission control unit 125, for example, according to the brightness status of the external light Lo, the deflection status of the display unit 11 (11C, 11D) and the light source unit 12 (12A-12D) described later, The light emitting region and the light emission luminance in the light source unit 12 (12A to 12D) are controlled in units of light emitting elements 121, respectively.

  More specifically, for example, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, by controlling the light emitting region (lighting region) Aon and the non-light emitting region (light-off region) Aoff in units of light emitting elements 121, It controls so that the light source light from the light source part 12 (12A-12D) is irradiated to the display surface Sd whole or arbitrary parts. Also in such a light emitting region Aon, for example, by controlling the light emission luminance in units of the light emitting elements 121, several divided regions having different light emission luminances may be formed.

  In addition, here, in the case of the light emission control according to the bending state, it is assumed that the display unit 11 (11C, 11D) and the light source unit 12 (12A to 12D) each have flexibility in at least a part thereof. Detailed light emission control will be described later.

  In addition, for detection of the bending state (detection of the bending position, the degree of bending, etc.) in the display unit 11 (11C, 11D) and the light source unit 12 (12A-12D), for example, in various sensors (position sensor, bending sensor, etc.). The detection result may be used. That is, the display control unit 115 and the light emission control unit 125 may perform display control and light emission control in accordance with the bending state as described above, based on the detection results of these sensors.

[Control action according to the bending situation]
Here, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, among the control operations (light emission control operation and display control operation) according to the present embodiment, display unit 11 (11 </ b> C, 11 </ b> D) and light source unit 12 (12 </ b> A to 12 </ b> D). The control operation according to the bending state of will be described in detail. Therefore, in the following description, it is assumed that the display unit 11 (11C, 11D) and the light source unit 12 (12A to 12D) are flexible at least partially.

(Light emission control operation)
First, for example, as shown in FIG. 12A, a case where a part of the display unit 11 (11C, 11D) and the light source unit 12 (12A to 12D) is bent (curved) will be considered. In such a case, the brightness of the light source light emitted from the light source unit 12 (12A to 12D) is likely to be lower in the curved region (flexed region) Ac than in the flat region (non-flexed region, non-curved region) Af, As a result, the luminance (brightness) of the displayed image is likely to decrease near the curved area Ac.

  Therefore, when such a bending state is detected, the light emission control unit 125 performs a light emission control operation as shown in FIG. 12B, for example. Specifically, the light emission luminance of the light emitting element 121 located in the vicinity of the curved area Ac is increased. That is, for example, when the light emission luminance in the flat portion Af is Yf, the light emission luminance is increased more than Yf in the light emitting element 121 near the curved region Ac. By such a light emission control operation, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the luminance (display luminance) of the light source light in the vicinity of the curved region Ac as described above and to reduce display unevenness (improving display image quality). As shown in FIG. 12B, instead of the above-described light emission control operation (control to increase the light emission luminance), the light emission operation of the light emitting element 121 located near the curved region Ac is stopped. A light emission control operation of “light emission luminance =“ 0 (zero) ”” may be performed. That is, the image display may not be performed in the entire curved region Ac. Even when such a light emission control operation is performed, display unevenness can be reduced (display image quality can be improved) as described above.

  Next, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, in the display device 1 </ b> C having the pixel unit 110 </ b> U using the RGBW pixel arrangement described in FIG. 9, the inside of the pixel unit 110 </ b> U (the red pixel 124 </ b> R, the blue pixel 124 </ b> B, and the green pixel). Consider a situation in which a curved line Lc exists between the light emitting element 121 and 124G. In such a bending state, since the inside of the pixel unit is curved by the curved line Lc, the luminance (light emission luminance) of the emitted light Le emitted from the light emitting element 121 to each pixel is likely to vary. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, for example, the luminance of light emitted to the green pixel 124 is relatively high (the amount of light of the emitted light Le is relatively large). On the other hand, the luminance of light emitted toward the red pixel 124R and the blue pixel 124B across the curved line Lc is relatively low (the amount of the emitted light Le is relatively small). As a result, the white balance is likely to be lost near the curved area Ac (in this case, the red component and the blue component are decreased while the green component is increased in the light source light and the display light), and the image quality at the time of color image display is decreased. Will end up.

  Therefore, when such a bending state is detected, the light emission control unit 125 performs the light emission control operation as shown in FIG. 14A, for example. Specifically, the light emission luminance of the light emitting element 121 located near the curved region Ac (here, the curved line Lc) is increased. That is, in the light emitting element 121 in the vicinity of the curved line Lc, the light emission luminance is increased more than Yf (light emission luminance in the flat region Af). In the example shown in FIG. 14A, the light emission control operation is performed so that the light emission luminance is increased more than Yf. By such light emission control operation, it is possible to suppress the collapse of the white balance in the vicinity of the curved area Ac as described above (the white balance can be maintained), and to improve the image quality when displaying color images. It becomes.

(Display control operation)
Furthermore, when the bending state as shown in FIG. 13 is detected, in addition to performing the light emission control operation described above, the display control unit 115 may perform the display control operation as follows.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 14B, each pixel in the pixel (here, the red pixel 110R, the green pixel 110G, and the blue pixel 110B) located near the curved region Ac (curved line Lc). The gradation of the video signal supplied to the reflective display element 111 is controlled. More specifically, for example, in the green pixel 110G in which the amount of incident emitted light Le is relatively large, the gradation of the supplied video signal is reduced (the video signal to the green pixel 110G in the flat region Af is reduced). If the gradation is Gf, the gradation is made lower than this gradation Gf). On the other hand, for example, in the red pixel 110R and the blue pixel 110B in which the amount of incident emitted light Le is relatively small, the gradation of the supplied video signal is increased (the red pixel 110R and the blue pixel 110B in the flat region Af). When the gradations of the video signal to Rf are Bf and Rf, respectively, they are set to be higher than the gradations Rf and Bf). By adding such a display control operation, it is possible to suppress the collapse of the white balance in the vicinity of the curved area Ac as described above (the white balance can be maintained) and to improve the image quality when displaying a color image. It becomes possible to make it.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the light emission operation of the light source unit and the display operation of the display unit are performed according to the bending state (curving state) of the display device (display unit and light source unit), the brightness state of external light, and the like. Since it is controlled, it is possible to suppress the adverse effects on the low power consumption, which is an advantage of the reflective display device, to extend the life of the light emitting element, and to further improve the image quality. .

<Application example>
Next, referring to FIG. 15 to FIG. 20, display devices (display devices 1 and 1 </ b> A) according to the above-described embodiments (first to third embodiments) and modifications (variations 1 to 3). Application examples of ˜1D) will be described. The display device according to the above embodiment and the like is applied to electronic devices in various fields such as an electronic book (e-book), a television device, a digital camera, a notebook personal computer, a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone, or a video camera. Is possible. Further, not only as a book reader, but also a music player, a moving image player, a photo viewer, a map application, a web browser, etc. can be used for display devices and electronic devices that can be browsed. In other words, this display device can be applied to electronic devices in various fields that display a video signal input from the outside or a video signal generated inside as an image or video.

(Application example 1)
FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B each illustrate the appearance of an electronic book to which the display device is applied. The electronic book includes, for example, a display unit 210, a non-display unit 220, and an operation unit 230, and the display unit 210 is configured by the display device. Even though the operation unit 230 is formed on the same surface (front surface) as the display unit 210 as shown in FIG. 15A, a surface (upper surface) different from the display unit 210 as shown in FIG. ) May be formed.

(Application example 2)
FIG. 16 illustrates an appearance of a television device to which the display device is applied. This television apparatus has, for example, a video display screen unit 300 including a front panel 310 and a filter glass 320, and the video display screen unit 300 is constituted by the display device.

(Application example 3)
FIG. 17 shows the appearance of a digital camera to which the display device is applied. The digital camera includes, for example, a flash light emitting unit 410, a display unit 420, a menu switch 430, and a shutter button 440, and the display unit 420 includes the display device.

(Application example 4)
FIG. 18 shows an appearance of a notebook personal computer to which the display device is applied. The notebook personal computer has, for example, a main body 510, a keyboard 520 for inputting characters and the like, and a display unit 530 for displaying an image. The display unit 530 is constituted by the display device.

(Application example 5)
FIG. 19 shows the appearance of a video camera to which the display device is applied. This video camera includes, for example, a main body 610, a subject photographing lens 620 provided on the front side surface of the main body 610, a start / stop switch 630 at the time of photographing, and a display 640. And this display part 640 is comprised by the said display apparatus.

(Application example 6)
FIG. 20 shows an appearance of a mobile phone to which the display device is applied. For example, the mobile phone is obtained by connecting an upper housing 710 and a lower housing 720 with a connecting portion (hinge portion) 730, and includes a display 740, a sub-display 750, a picture light 760, and a camera 770. Yes. Of these, the display 740 or the sub-display 750 is constituted by the display device.

<Other variations>
As described above, the technology of the present disclosure has been described with the embodiment, the modification, and the application example. However, the present technology is not limited to the embodiment and the like, and various modifications can be made.

  For example, the arrangement configuration of the color filters for each color, the color type of the color filter, and the like are not limited to those described in the above embodiment, and other configurations may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment and the like, the case where at least a part (part or all) of the display unit and the light source unit has flexibility has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case. However, each of the display unit and the light source unit may not have flexibility at all.

In addition, this technique can also take the following structures.
(1)
A display unit having a plurality of pixels each including a reflective display element;
A light source unit disposed on the display surface side of the display unit and having a plurality of light emitting elements disposed to face the display surface,
In the light source unit, emitted light from the light emitting element is selectively emitted to the display unit side.
(2)
The light source unit includes a light shielding unit in which an opening is formed corresponding to a pixel region,
The display device according to (1), wherein the light emitting element is disposed on the display unit side of the light shielding unit in an inter-pixel region.
(3)
The display device according to (2), wherein a color filter is disposed in the opening in the light shielding portion.
(4)
The color filter is color-coded for each pixel and provided in a plurality of colors,
The display device according to (3), wherein a pixel unit is configured by a plurality of types of pixels corresponding to the plurality of color filters.
(5)
The color filter is color-coded for each pixel and provided in a plurality of colors,
The display device according to (3), wherein a pixel unit is configured by a plurality of types of pixels corresponding to the color filters of the plurality of colors and the light emitting elements arranged in parallel to the color filters of the plurality of colors. .
(6)
The display device according to any one of (2) to (5), wherein the light emitting element has a structure for controlling a gap distance between the display unit and the light source unit.
(7)
The light emitting element includes a light emitting layer,
The display device according to (6), wherein the light emitting layer has a thick film shape protruding toward the display unit.
(8)
The light emitting element includes a light emitting layer and a color conversion layer that performs color conversion on light emitted from the light emitting layer,
The display device according to (6), wherein the color conversion layer has a thick film shape protruding toward the display unit.
(9)
The display device according to any one of (2) to (8), wherein the light emitting element includes a light emitting layer and a drive electrode.
(10)
The display device according to (9), wherein the drive electrode is disposed between the light shielding portion and the light emitting layer.
(11)
The display device according to (9), wherein the driving electrode is a light shielding electrode and also serves as the light shielding portion.
(12)
A light emission control unit for controlling the light emission operation of the light emitting element;
The display device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the light emission control unit controls a light emitting region and light emission luminance in the light source unit in units of the light emitting elements.
(13)
Each of the display unit and the light source unit has flexibility,
The display device according to (12), wherein the light emission control unit controls the light emission operation according to a bending state of the display unit and the light source unit.
(14)
The display device according to (13), wherein the light emission control unit stops the light emission operation or increases the light emission luminance of a light emitting element located near a curved region of the display unit and the light source unit.
(15)
The display device according to any one of (12) to (14), wherein the light emission control unit controls the light emission operation according to a brightness state of external light.
(16)
Each of the display unit and the light source unit has flexibility,
The display device according to any one of (1) to (15), further including a display control unit configured to control a display operation of the reflective display element in units of pixels according to a bending state of the display unit and the light source unit. .
(17)
The display control unit
The white balance in the vicinity of the curved region is controlled by controlling the gradation of the video signal supplied to each reflective display element in the pixel corresponding to a plurality of colors located near the curved region of the display unit and the light source unit. The display device according to (16), wherein the display device is controlled so as to be maintained.
(18)
The display device according to any one of (1) to (17), wherein the reflective display element includes an electrophoretic element, a liquid crystal element, a MEMS element, an electrowetting element, or an electrochromic element.
(19)
The display device according to any one of (1) to (18), wherein the light emitting element includes an organic electroluminescent element or an inorganic electroluminescent element.
(20)
A display device,
The display device
A display unit having a plurality of pixels each including a reflective display element;
A light source unit disposed on the display surface side of the display unit and having a plurality of light emitting elements disposed to face the display surface,
In the light source unit, an electronic device in which emitted light from the light emitting element is selectively emitted to the display unit side.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A-1D ... Display apparatus 11, 11C, 11D ... Display part (display panel), 110 ... Pixel, 110U ... Pixel unit, 111 ... Reflective display element, 115 ... Display control part, 12, 12A-12D ... Light source section (front light), 120 ... opening, 121, 121-1 to 121-4 ... light emitting element, 121A ... light emitting layer, 121B ... electrode, 121C ... transparent electrode, 121D ... light shielding electrode, 121E ... blue light emitting layer, 121F DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Yellow fluorescent substance, 122 ... Light-shielding part, 123 ... Support substrate, 124R ... Red color filter, 124G ... Green color filter, 124B ... Blue color filter, 125 ... Light emission control part, Sd ... Display surface, Le ... Light emission (light source) Light), Lo ... External light (ambient light), Lr ... Display light (reflected light), Dg ... Gap distance, Aon ... Light emitting region (lighting region), Aoff ... Non light emitting region (extinguishing) Region), Af ... flat area, Ac ... curved region, Lc ... curved line.

Claims (20)

A display unit having a plurality of pixels each including a reflective display element;
A light source unit disposed on the display surface side of the display unit and having a plurality of light emitting elements disposed to face the display surface,
In the light source unit, emitted light from the light emitting element is selectively emitted to the display unit side. The light source unit includes a light shielding unit in which an opening is formed corresponding to a pixel region,
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting element is disposed on the display unit side of the light shielding unit in an inter-pixel region. The display device according to claim 2, wherein a color filter is disposed in the opening in the light shielding portion. The color filter is color-coded for each pixel and provided in a plurality of colors,
The display device according to claim 3, wherein a pixel unit is configured by a plurality of types of pixels corresponding to the color filters of the plurality of colors. The color filter is color-coded for each pixel and provided in a plurality of colors,
The display device according to claim 3, wherein a pixel unit is configured by a plurality of types of pixels corresponding to the color filters of the plurality of colors and the light-emitting elements arranged in parallel to the color filters of the plurality of colors. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the light emitting element has a structure for controlling a gap distance between the display unit and the light source unit. The light emitting element includes a light emitting layer,
The display device according to claim 6, wherein the light emitting layer has a thick film shape protruding toward the display unit. The light emitting element includes a light emitting layer and a color conversion layer that performs color conversion on light emitted from the light emitting layer,
The display device according to claim 6, wherein the color conversion layer has a thick film shape protruding toward the display unit. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the light emitting element includes a light emitting layer and a drive electrode. The display device according to claim 9, wherein the drive electrode is disposed between the light shielding portion and the light emitting layer. The display device according to claim 9, wherein the drive electrode is a light shielding electrode and also serves as the light shielding portion. A light emission control unit for controlling the light emission operation of the light emitting element;
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the light emission control unit controls a light emission region and a light emission luminance in the light source unit for each light emitting element. Each of the display unit and the light source unit has flexibility,
The display device according to claim 12, wherein the light emission control unit controls the light emission operation according to a bending state of the display unit and the light source unit. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the light emission control unit stops the light emission operation or increases the light emission luminance of a light emitting element located near a curved region of the display unit and the light source unit. The display device according to claim 12, wherein the light emission control unit controls the light emission operation according to a brightness situation of external light. Each of the display unit and the light source unit has flexibility,
The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a display control unit that controls a display operation of the reflective display element in units of pixels in accordance with a bending state of the display unit and the light source unit. The display control unit
The white balance in the vicinity of the curved region is controlled by controlling the gradation of the video signal supplied to each reflective display element in the pixel corresponding to a plurality of colors located near the curved region of the display unit and the light source unit. The display device according to claim 16, wherein the display device is controlled so as to be maintained. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the reflective display element includes an electrophoretic element, a liquid crystal element, a MEMS element, an electrowetting element, or an electrochromic element. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting element is an organic electroluminescent element or an inorganic electroluminescent element. A display device,
The display device
A display unit having a plurality of pixels each including a reflective display element;
A light source unit disposed on the display surface side of the display unit and having a plurality of light emitting elements disposed to face the display surface,
In the light source unit, an electronic device in which emitted light from the light emitting element is selectively emitted to the display unit side.

Images