Display device, photoelectric conversion device, and electronic apparatus

Abstract

The invention discloses a display device, a photoelectric conversion device, and an electronic apparatus. The display device includes: a scan line; a signal line; and a display area in which the pixels are two-dimensionally arranged. The pixel includes a light emitting element including a light emitting unit in which an organic layer having a light emitting layer is sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode, and a pixel driving circuit including a write transistor and a driving transistor, the pixels include a first pixel and a second pixel disposed at a position closer to a center of the display area than the first pixel. And a ratio of an area of the driving region of the first pixel to an area of the driving region of the second pixel is greater than a ratio of an area of one light emitting unit of the first pixel to an area of one light emitting unit of the second pixel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to display devices, photoelectric conversion devices, and electronic devices, and particularly to planar (flat panel) display devices, photoelectric conversion devices, and electronic devices comprising pixels of electro-optical elements arranged in a matrix in a two-dimensional manner. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, flat panel display devices, which include pixels (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "pixel driving circuits") arranged in a matrix in a two-dimensional arrangement, have rapidly gained popularity in the field of display devices for displaying images. One type of flat panel display device uses so-called current-driven electro-optic elements as the light-emitting elements of pixels, whose emission brightness varies according to the value of the current flowing through the device. As a current-driven electro-optic element, organic EL (electroluminescent) elements that utilize the phenomenon of light emission when an electric field is applied to an organic thin film are known.

[0003] Organic EL (OLED) display devices, which use OLED elements as pixel light-emitting elements, have the following characteristics: OLED elements consume low power because they can be driven with an applied voltage of 10V or lower. Since OLED elements are self-emissive, they offer higher image visibility compared to liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that display images by controlling the light intensity from a light source for each pixel using liquid crystals. Furthermore, they can be easily made lighter and thinner because they do not require a light source such as a backlight. In addition, OLED elements have a very fast response time, approximately a few microseconds, thus suppressing afterimages when displaying moving images to a level imperceptible to the human eye.

[0004] Organic EL displays, like liquid crystal displays, can be driven using either a simple (passive) matrix method or an active matrix method. However, despite their simple structure, simple matrix displays suffer from problems such as difficulty in achieving large, high-resolution displays because the emission period of the electro-optic elements decreases with the increase in the number of scan lines (i.e., the number of pixels).

[0005] Therefore, in recent years, active matrix display devices have been actively developed, in which the current flowing through the electro-optic element is controlled by an active element such as an insulated-gate field-effect transistor (IGFET) located in the same pixel as the electro-optic element. In active matrix display devices, the electro-optic element emits light continuously during a frame, making it easy to realize large, high-definition display devices.

[0006] In recent years, in virtual reality (VR) systems, augmented reality (AR) systems, and other display systems that use organic EL elements as electro-optical components, the resolution of the display area has been increasing. As the resolution and sharpness of the display area become higher, the amount of displayed image data increases, which requires faster transmission speeds and also increases power consumption.

[0007] As a countermeasure, for example, a layout can be adopted in which the central part of the display area is composed of high-resolution pixels and the rest is composed of low-resolution pixels. Therefore, compared with the conventional method of the entire display area being composed of high-resolution pixels, a method can be obtained to reduce the amount of displayed image data, thereby providing advantages in terms of transmission speed and power consumption.

[0008] For example, such methods are proposed in the Japanese translations of JP-A-2003-162236, JP-A-2013-117553 and PCT application 2019-507380.

[0009] In this method, because the area of ​​a single pixel is large in low-resolution pixels, the area of ​​the light-emitting unit of the organic EL element is typically made larger than the area of ​​the high-resolution pixel area. However, the characteristics of the organic EL element depend on its film thickness, and for example, if the film thickness distribution is different even within a single light-emitting unit, the characteristics will change. Therefore, there is a problem that the characteristics of the organic EL element, such as emission efficiency and lifetime, differ between the central part and other parts of the display area. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In some embodiments of this disclosure, differences in characteristics such as emission efficiency and lifetime of organic EL elements in the display area can be reduced, and image quality defects such as inhomogeneity and burn-in can be suppressed.

[0011] According to some embodiments, a display device includes: a plurality of scan lines extending in a first direction in a plan view of a main surface of a substrate; a plurality of signal lines extending in the plan view in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a display area in which a plurality of pixels are arranged two-dimensionally, wherein each of the plurality of pixels has a light-emitting element and a pixel driving circuit for driving the light-emitting element, the light-emitting element having a light-emitting unit, wherein an organic layer having a light-emitting layer is sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode within an opening in an insulating layer, the pixel driving circuit having a write transistor connected to the signal lines and the scan lines, and having a driving function for supplying current to the light-emitting element in response to a signal voltage supplied from the write transistor. In one of the plurality of pixels, the driving region of a pixel is defined by the area enclosed by the signal lines and scan lines connected to the write transistor, the signal lines connected to the write transistors of pixels adjacent to the signal lines when the drive transistor is clamped, and the scan lines connected to the write transistors of pixels adjacent to the scan lines when the drive transistor is clamped. The plurality of pixels includes a first pixel and a second pixel arranged closer to the center of the display area than the first pixel. In the plan view, the ratio of the area of ​​the driving region of the first pixel to the area of ​​the driving region of the second pixel is greater than the ratio of the area of ​​a light-emitting unit of the first pixel to the area of ​​a light-emitting unit of the second pixel.

[0012] According to some embodiments, a display device includes: a plurality of scan lines extending in a first direction in a plan view of a main surface of a substrate; a plurality of signal lines extending in the plan view in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a display area in which a plurality of pixels are arranged two-dimensionally, wherein each of the plurality of pixels has a light-emitting element and a pixel driving circuit for driving the light-emitting element, the light-emitting element having a light-emitting unit, wherein an organic layer having a light-emitting layer is sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode within an opening in an insulating layer, the pixel driving circuit having a write transistor connected to the signal lines and the scan lines, and having a function for supplying current to the light-emitting element in response to a signal voltage supplied from the write transistor. A driving transistor is used in one of the plurality of pixels. The region enclosed by the signal lines and scan lines connected to the write transistor, the signal lines connected to the write transistors of pixels adjacent to the signal lines when the driving transistor is clamped, and the scan lines connected to the write transistors of pixels adjacent to the scan lines when the driving transistor is clamped are defined as the driving region of the pixel. The plurality of pixels includes a first pixel and a second pixel arranged at a position closer to the center of the display region than the first pixel. In the plan view, the ratio of the area of ​​a light-emitting unit of the pixel to the area of ​​the driving region in the first pixel is less than the ratio of the area of ​​a light-emitting unit of the pixel to the area of ​​the driving region of the second pixel.

[0013] Further features of various embodiments will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a display device according to the first embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is an example of the configuration of the pixel driving circuit and the light-emitting unit according to the first embodiment;

[0016] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is an example of a circuit diagram of a pixel according to the first embodiment;

[0017] Figure 4 This is an example of a planar configuration of the pixel driving circuit according to the first embodiment;

[0018] Figure 5 This is an example of a cross-sectional view of an organic EL element according to the first embodiment;

[0019] Figure 6This is an example of the configuration of the pixel driving circuit and the light-emitting unit according to the first embodiment;

[0020] Figure 7 This is an example of the configuration of the pixel driving circuit and the light-emitting unit according to the first embodiment;

[0021] Figure 8 This is an example of the configuration of the pixel driving circuit and the light-emitting unit according to the first embodiment;

[0022] Figure 9 This is an example of the configuration of the pixel driving circuit and the light-emitting unit according to the first embodiment;

[0023] Figure 10 This is an example of the configuration of the pixel driving circuit and the light-emitting unit according to the first embodiment;

[0024] Figure 11 This is an example of the configuration of the pixel driving circuit and the light-emitting unit according to the second embodiment;

[0025] Figure 12 This is a comparative example of the configuration of the pixel driving circuit and the light-emitting unit according to the second embodiment;

[0026] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an active matrix display device according to a third embodiment;

[0027] Figure 14 This is an example of the configuration of the pixel driving circuit and the light-emitting unit according to the third embodiment;

[0028] Figure 15 This is an example of a timing waveform diagram of a display device according to the third embodiment;

[0029] Figure 16 These are examples of cross-sectional views of the display device according to the first to third embodiments;

[0030] Figure 17 These are examples of schematic cross-sectional views of pixels in a display device according to the first to third embodiments;

[0031] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display device according to the fourth embodiment;

[0032] Figure 19A and Figure 19B This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a camera device, etc., according to the fifth embodiment;

[0033] Figure 20A and Figure 20B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device according to the sixth embodiment;

[0034] Figure 21A and Figure 21B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a wearable device according to the seventh embodiment; and

[0035] Figure 22A and Figure 22B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image viewing device according to the eighth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0036] First Embodiment

[0037] Embodiments of the display device according to this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples, and some embodiments are not limited to numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component configurations, and connection methods.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram (plan view of the main surface of the substrate) illustrating an example of a display device according to the first embodiment. The display device 10A has a pixel array unit 100 and a driving unit disposed around the pixel array unit 100. The pixel array unit 100 has a plurality of pixels 101 arranged in two dimensions across multiple rows and columns.

[0039] The driving unit of pixel 101 includes, for example, a scan driving system consisting of a write scan circuit 201 and a signal supply system consisting of a signal output circuit 300. Figure 1 In this configuration, the write scan circuit 201 is located on the left side of the pixel array unit 100. However, the layout is not limited to this. The write scan circuit 201 can be arranged on the right side of the pixel array unit 100, or a layout configuration in which the write scan circuit 201 is arranged on both the left and right sides of the pixel array unit 100 can be used.

[0040] Regarding pixels, typically, a pixel consists of multiple subpixels, corresponding to pixel 101. More specifically, a pixel consists of three subpixels, for example, a subpixel emitting red (R) light, a subpixel emitting green (G) light, and a subpixel emitting blue (B) light. These colors of light can be referred to as the first color light, the second color light different from the first color light, and the third color light different from the first and second color lights. However, a pixel is not limited to a combination of subpixels of the three primary colors of RGB. In other words, in addition to subpixels of the three primary colors, a pixel can also consist of subpixels of one or more colors. More specifically, for example, a pixel can be configured by adding a subpixel emitting white (W) light to increase brightness or by adding at least one subpixel emitting complementary light to expand the color reproduction range.

[0041] In the pixel array unit 100, for the arrangement of pixels 101 in m rows and n columns, a plurality of first scan lines (hereinafter also referred to as write scan lines) 211-1 to 211-m extending in the row direction (also referred to as the first direction) are routed for each pixel row. In addition, a plurality of signal lines 310-1 to 310-n extending in the column direction (the arrangement direction of the pixel rows: the direction intersecting the first direction, sometimes referred to as the second direction) are routed for each pixel column.

[0042] The first scan lines 211-1 to 211-m are respectively connected to the output terminals of the corresponding rows of the write scan circuit 201. The signal lines 310-1 to 310-n are connected to the output terminals of the corresponding columns of the signal output circuit 300.

[0043] The pixel array unit 100 is typically formed on a silicon substrate for high-definition AR or VR applications, but is not limited thereto. For example, the pixel array unit 100 may be formed on a transparent insulating substrate such as a glass substrate.

[0044] The write scan circuit 201 consists of a shift register that sequentially shifts (transmits) a start pulse (not shown) in sync with a clock pulse (not shown). This write scan circuit 201 writes the video signal to each pixel 101 of the pixel array unit 100. At this time, write scan signals SEL (SEL_1 to SEL_m) are sequentially supplied to the first scan lines 211-1 to 211-m, thereby scanning the pixels 101 of the pixel array unit 100 line by line (line-sequential scanning).

[0045] The signal output circuit 300 outputs a signal potential (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "signal voltage") Vsig of a video signal corresponding to the luminance information supplied from a signal supply source (not shown). For example, a well-known time-division drive circuit can be used as the signal output circuit 300. The time-division drive method, also known as the selector method, assigns multiple signal lines as units (groups) to an output terminal of a driver (not shown) that serves as a signal supply source. The multiple signal lines are then selected sequentially in a time-division manner. Alternatively, this method drives each signal line by distributing and supplying video signals output sequentially to each output terminal of the driver in a time-division manner to the selected signal lines.

[0046] As an example, in the case of a color display, three adjacent pixel columns of R, G, and B are used as units, and the R, G, and B video signals are input from the driver to the signal output circuit 300 in a time sequence within a horizontal time period. The signal output circuit 300 is composed of multiplexers (selection switches) corresponding to the three pixel columns of R, G, and B, and the multiplexers are turned on sequentially in a time-division manner to write the R, G, and B video signals into the corresponding signal lines in a time-division manner.

[0047] Here, the three pixel columns (signal lines) of R, G, and B are used as units, but some embodiments are not limited to this. For example, three sub-pixels of the same color can be used as units. Furthermore, by employing this time-division driving method (selector method), if the number of time divisions is x (x is an integer of 2 or greater), the number of driver outputs and the number of wirings between the driver and the signal output circuit 300 can be advantageously reduced to 1 / x of the number of signal lines.

[0048] The signal voltage Vsig output from the signal output circuit 300 is written line by line to line to line to each pixel 101 of the pixel array unit 100 (line-sequential writing).

[0049] Next, a configuration example of pixel 101 in the pixel array unit 100 described above will be described. Figure 2A This is an example of a plan view showing the configuration of the pixel driving circuit 101A that constitutes pixel 101. Figure 2B This is an example of a plan view showing the configuration of the light-emitting units 101B that constitute the light-emitting element of pixel 101 (the light-emitting units will be described later). Figure 2A and Figure 2B As an example, the pixel configuration of a display device in which one pixel consists of three sub-pixels is described. The dot pattern indicates the pixel driving circuitry and the light-emitting unit of the light-emitting element that emits red (R) light. The vertical stripe pattern indicates the pixel driving circuitry and the light-emitting unit of the light-emitting element that emits green (G) light. The horizontal stripe pattern indicates the pixel driving circuitry and the light-emitting unit of the light-emitting element that emits blue (B) light.

[0050] like Figure 2AAs shown, the spacing of the six signal lines 310-4 to 310-9 in the central portion 60 of the pixel array unit 100 (hereinafter also referred to as the central portion 60 of the display area) is wider than that of the three signal lines 310-1 to 310-3 and 310-10 to 310-12 on the left and right sides. Similarly, the spacing of the two rows of write scan lines 211-1, 211-2 and 211-7, 211-8 on the upper and lower sides is wider than that of the four rows of write scan lines 211-3 to 211-6 in the central portion 60 of the pixel array unit 100. In this way, compared with the pixel driving circuits of the same size as the central portion 60 of the display area arranged in an array shape over the entire display area, that is, compared with the conventional case where the entire display area is composed of high-definition pixels, the number of signal lines and scan lines can be reduced. In this way, the amount of displayed image data can be reduced, which is superior to the conventional case in terms of transmission speed and power consumption. Note that a pixel located in the center of the display area can be referred to as a second pixel, and a pixel located on the periphery of the display area can be referred to as a first pixel. That is, the second pixel is positioned closer to the center of the display area than the first pixel. For example, the second pixel can be positioned at a distance of 5% or less from the center of the display area (the distance from the center to the edge is considered 100%). Similarly, the first pixel can be positioned at a distance of 25% or less from the edge of the display area (the distance from the edge to the center is considered 100%).

[0051] Next, the pixel driving circuit 101A will be described. Figure 3A An example configuration of the pixel driving circuit 101A is shown. In this figure, the pixel formed at the intersection of the write scan line 211 and the signal line 310 typically includes a write transistor 23, a driving transistor 22, and a capacitor element 25. The write transistor 23 is connected between the signal line 310 and the gate electrode of the driving transistor 22. The gate electrode of the write transistor 23 is connected to the write scan line 211 and is turned on by the scan signal of the write scan line 211, writing the signal voltage Vsig to the gate of the driving transistor 22. The driving transistor 22 supplies current to the organic EL element 21 through the signal voltage written to the gate, and the organic EL element 21 emits light with a brightness corresponding to the supplied current. The capacitor element 25 is disposed between the gate electrode of the driving transistor 22 and the power supply PVDD, and serves to hold the write signal voltage. Figure 3B As shown, a pixel can have a configuration where a switching transistor 24 is connected between the source electrode of the driving transistor and the power supply PVDD. Although not shown, an initialization transistor can be connected between the anode electrode of the organic EL element (sometimes called an organic light-emitting element) and a power supply having a potential lower than the power supply PVDD, or other configurations can be used.

[0052] Next, the driving region of the pixel in this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 yes Figure 3A The diagram shows a schematic planar layout of the pixel driving circuit. Figure 4 As shown, in a specific pixel, the region 29 surrounded by the signal line 310 and write scan line 211 connected to the write transistor 23, the signal line connected to the write transistor of the pixel adjacent to the signal line 310 when the drive transistor 22 is clamped, and the write scan line connected to the write transistor of the pixel adjacent to the write scan line 211 when the drive transistor 22 is clamped, is defined as the "driving region". Strictly speaking, although the region where the pixel driving circuit is configured is different from region 29 (driving region), since the spacing of the pixel driving circuit in the row and column directions is approximately equal to the spacing of the write scan line and the signal line, the area of ​​the pixel driving circuit is approximately equal to the area of ​​region 29 (driving region). According to this definition, in Figure 2A In this case, the driving area of ​​the pixel is 60% larger in the peripheral part than in the central part of the display area.

[0053] Next, we will refer to Figure 5 Describing the light-emitting unit. Typically, the organic EL element 21 has an anode electrode 31 as a first electrode and a cathode electrode 35 as a second electrode opposite to the anode electrode. Here, the cathode electrode 35 is usually shared across all display areas. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the anode electrode 31 typically has the following structure: the end of the anode electrode 31 is covered by an insulating film 32, on which a functional layer 33 (also called an organic layer), such as a light-emitting layer and a hole injection layer, is formed; a cathode electrode 35 is formed on the functional layer 33; and an insulating film 36 is further formed on the cathode electrode 35. In this structure, the anode electrode 31 emits light in the portion not covered by the insulating film 32 (within the opening of the insulating layer). In the following text, the portion of the anode electrode 31 not covered by the insulating film 32 and where the functional layer 33 is directly sandwiched between the first and second electrodes is referred to as the light-emitting unit 101B. The organic EL element 21 may have a structure in which a color filter or microlens is formed on the insulating film 36 formed on the cathode electrode 35.

[0054] Next, the light-emitting units in the display area will be described. For example... Figure 2BAs shown, the areas of a light-emitting unit 101B of an organic EL element in the central portion 60 and its peripheral portion of the display area are drawn to be approximately equal. However, they do not necessarily need to be equal. It is sufficient that the ratio of the area of ​​the driving region in the peripheral portion (first pixel) to the area of ​​the driving region in the central portion 60 (second pixel) of the display area is greater than the ratio of the area of ​​a light-emitting unit 101B in the peripheral portion (first pixel) to the area of ​​a light-emitting unit 101B in the central portion 60 (second pixel) of the display area. In other words, it is sufficient that the ratio of the area of ​​a light-emitting unit in the peripheral portion (first pixel) of the display area to the area of ​​the driving region is less than the ratio of the area of ​​a light-emitting unit in the central portion 60 (second pixel) of the display area to the area of ​​the driving region.

[0055] In addition, Figure 2B In this circuit, the number of light-emitting units 101B in a pixel driving circuit is determined by the area of ​​the driving region. Figure 2A In this configuration, the light-emitting units are arranged such that if the area of ​​the driving region in the central portion 60 of the display area is 1, then the area of ​​the driving region in the peripheral portion is 4. Therefore, one light-emitting unit 101B is disposed in the central portion 60 of the display area, and four light-emitting units 101B are disposed in the peripheral portion.

[0056] The effects of this embodiment are as follows. As described above, the light-emitting unit 101B of the organic EL element typically has the following characteristics: Figure 5 The structure shown has an anode electrode 31 covered by an insulating film 32 at its end, and functional layers 33, such as the light-emitting layer and hole injection layer constituting the organic EL element 21, are formed on the entire surface of this structure. However, due to this structure, the thickness of the functional layer 33 constituting the organic EL element 21 differs between the center and the end (around the insulating film 32) of the light-emitting unit 101B. Typically, the current-voltage characteristics, emission efficiency, and lifetime characteristics of an organic EL element vary depending on the film thickness of the functional layer. Therefore, the characteristics of an organic EL element, such as current-voltage characteristics, emission efficiency, and lifetime characteristics, differ between the center and the end of the light-emitting unit within a single light-emitting unit due to the difference in film thickness. Therefore, in Figure 2B If the size and shape of the light-emitting unit 101B differ between the central portion 60 and its peripheral portion of the display area, the ratio of the central portion to the edges of a single light-emitting unit will vary. As a result, differences arise in the characteristics of the organic EL element, such as emission efficiency and reliability, leading to defects such as image quality flaws (e.g., uneven brightness) and ghosting caused by differences in lifetime characteristics between emission areas. While uneven brightness can be corrected by adjusting the signal voltage of each display area, ghosting caused by differences in lifetime characteristics cannot be corrected because lifetime characteristics are unpredictable.

[0057] In contrast, Figure 2B In this design, the size (area) of a single light-emitting unit is approximately equal in the central portion 60 and its periphery of the display area. Furthermore, by determining the number of light-emitting units based on the size (area) of the driving area, the characteristic differences of the organic EL elements throughout the display area are reduced. Therefore, the characteristics of the organic EL elements can be predicted throughout the entire display area, and defects such as non-uniformity and image retention, as described above, are avoided.

[0058] As described above, an example is given where the number of light-emitting units corresponds to the area of ​​the driving region. However, the number of light-emitting units does not necessarily have to be determined based on the area of ​​the driving region. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, only one light-emitting unit 101B can be provided in the central portion 60 and its peripheral portion of the display area. In this case, it is sufficient that the ratio of the area of ​​one light-emitting unit 101B in the peripheral portion (first pixel) to the area of ​​one light-emitting unit 101B in the central portion 60 (second pixel) of the display area is less than the ratio of the area of ​​the driving area of ​​the peripheral portion (first pixel) to the area of ​​the driving area of ​​the central portion 60 (second pixel). Ideally, if the areas of the light-emitting units 101B in the central portion 60 and its peripheral portion of the display area are the same, the characteristic differences of the light-emitting units 101B throughout the display area can be reduced. In this way, the characteristics of the organic EL element can be predicted, and by correcting according to the lifetime characteristics of the light-emitting unit 101B, image quality defects such as the aforementioned ghosting will not occur.

[0059] In the above text, using Figure 2A and Figure 2B The configuration and size of the pixel driving circuit and the light-emitting unit are described as examples, but the configuration of the pixel driving circuit and the light-emitting unit is not limited thereto. For example, one could use... Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The configuration shown is as follows. In any case, compared to arranging pixels of the same size in the center of the display area in an array, the number of signal lines or write scan lines can be reduced throughout the display area, thereby reducing drive power.

[0060] Figure 7 The pixel driving circuit 101A and the light-emitting unit 101B are shown to be different. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The configuration shown is configured around the perimeter of the display area. Figure 7In the display area, when the number of driving units in the central part 60 is 1, the number of driving units at the top, bottom, left and right of the central part of the display area is 2, and the number of driving units near the four corners of the display area is 4.

[0061] Therefore, the number of light-emitting units per pixel driving circuit is 1 in the central part 60 of the display area, 2 at the top, bottom, left, and right of the central part, and 4 near the four corners of the display area. (This is achieved through...) Figure 7 The pixel driving circuit 101A shown is configured to continuously arrange the colors of individual sub-pixels above and below the central portion 60 of the display area. As a result, even when the display is not illuminated, the seam between the central portion 60 of the display area and the upper and lower areas becomes less visible. Consequently, when the display is illuminated, uniform image quality without brightness unevenness can be achieved.

[0062] Note that here, there is a connection to Figure 7 The driving region of the pixel driving circuit 101A connected to write scan lines 211-1 and 211-2 corresponds to the driving region above the center of the display area. The driving region of the pixel driving circuit 101A connected to write scan lines 211-7 and 211-8 corresponds to the driving region below the center of the display area. On the other hand, the driving region of the pixel driving circuit 101A connected to... Figure 7 The driving area of ​​the pixel driving circuit 101A with signal lines 310-1 to 310-3 corresponds to the driving area to the left of the center of the display area. The driving area of ​​the pixel driving circuit 101A connected to signal lines 310-10 to 310-12 corresponds to the driving area to the right of the center of the display area.

[0063] Alternatively, the display area above and below the center can be represented in another way. For example, the display area can be divided into three parts in a first direction (row direction): a first area, a second area, and a third area between the first and second areas. Additionally, the area adjacent to the third area in a second direction (column direction) is a fourth area. In this case, the fourth area corresponds to the center, and the third area corresponds to the area above or below the center. The first pixel can be configured in the first to third areas, and the second pixel can be configured in the fourth area. Figure 7 As shown, the spacing of the signal lines connecting the write transistors to the pixels configured in the third region including the first pixel is the same as the spacing of the signal lines connecting the write transistors to the pixels configured in the fourth region including the second pixel.

[0064] exist Figure 8 In the middle, the configuration of the pixel driving circuit 101A and Figure 7 The arrangement of the light-emitting units on the left and right sides of the central part of the display area is the same as in the previous section. Figure 7 The differences. Specifically, in Figure 7 In the right-hand diagram, two light-emitting units of the same color—red, red, green, green, blue, and blue—are arranged consecutively in the column direction. Conversely, in... Figure 8 In the right figure, light-emitting units of the same color, red, green, blue, red, green and blue, are arranged continuously in the column direction, and this arrangement is the same as that in the central part 60 of the display area. Figure 8 The light-emitting units 1R, 2R, 3R, and 4R shown are connected to the same pixel driving circuit 1r. Preferably, the anode electrodes of these light-emitting units 1R, 2R, 3R, and 4R are connected to the wiring layer, but a configuration in which at least one light-emitting unit is independent of the other light-emitting units and the independent light-emitting unit is connected to at least one driving transistor is also possible.

[0065] Through such Figure 8 The light-emitting units are arranged in the same manner as those in the central portion 60 of the light-emitting area throughout the display area, making the seam between the central portion 60 of the light-emitting area and its left and right regions less visible. As a result, when the display is illuminated, uniform image quality without brightness unevenness can be achieved.

[0066] Figure 9 The configuration of the light-emitting units and Figure 8 The same but different configurations of the pixel driving circuit 101A. Figure 9 In the pixel driving circuit configuration shown, there are two types of pixels in the display area: pixels connected to signal lines with narrow pitch and pixels connected to signal lines with wide pitch. The pixel circuit is configured such that if the area of ​​the driving area connected to the signal lines with narrow pitch is 1, then the area of ​​the driving area connected to the signal lines with wide pitch is 2. Furthermore, in Figure 9 In the pixel driving circuit configuration shown, the signal lines and write scan lines of pixel driving circuits with the same driving area are configured identically. By employing this configuration, if the driving area is the same, the parasitic capacitance existing between the signal lines and write scan lines and the pixel driving circuit can become uniform, thus suppressing brightness unevenness caused by parasitic capacitance. Furthermore, in Figure 9 In this display area, the area of ​​the central portion 60 is the same as the area of ​​the driving areas above and below the central portion, but the areas of the driving areas to the left and right of the central portion and near the four corners are at least larger than the area of ​​the driving area of ​​the central portion 60. This ratio is greater than the ratio of the area of ​​the light-emitting unit 101B in the central portion 60 to the area of ​​the light-emitting unit 101B in the peripheral portion.

[0067] exist Figure 9In this configuration, twelve write scan lines (211-1 to 211-12) are routed. Multiple rows of write scan lines (211-1 to 211-4, 211-9 to 211-12) can be driven simultaneously, excluding the write scan lines 211-5 to 211-8 connected to the central portion 60 of the display area. This configuration further reduces the amount of displayed image data, which is advantageous in terms of transmission speed and power consumption.

[0068] exist Figure 10 In, such as Figure 9 In that case, the configuration of the light-emitting units and Figure 8 They are the same, but the configuration of the pixel driving circuit 101A is different. Figure 10 In the configuration shown, there are two types of pixels: pixels connected to write scan lines with narrow pitch and pixels connected to write scan lines with wide pitch. The pixel circuitry is configured such that if the area of ​​the driving region connected to the write scan lines with narrow pitch is 1, then the area of ​​the driving region connected to the write scan lines with wide pitch is 2. Figure 10 In, such as Figure 9 In this configuration, the signal lines and write scan lines of the pixel driving circuit are arranged identically for the same driving area. By using this configuration, if the driving area is the same size, the parasitic capacitance between the signal lines / write scan lines and the pixel driving circuit can be made uniform, thus suppressing brightness unevenness caused by parasitic capacitance. Figure 10 In, such as Figure 9 In this way, the areas of the central portion 60 and the driving areas to the left and right of the center are the same, but the areas of the driving areas at the top and bottom of the center and near the four corners are at least larger than the area of ​​the driving area in the central portion 60. It can be said that this ratio is greater than the ratio of the area of ​​the light-emitting units 101B in the central portion 60 of the display area to the area of ​​the peripheral portion.

[0069] exist Figure 10 In this configuration, eighteen signal lines (310-1 to 310-18) are routed, while the number of write scan lines is eight. Compared to a drive area arranged in an array with the same area as the center of the display area, the number of write scan lines can be reduced across the entire display area, thus lowering drive power.

[0070] In addition, Figure 10 In this configuration, signal lines (310-1 to 310-6, 310-13 to 310-18) other than those connected to the central part 60 of the display area can be driven simultaneously in multiple rows. By adopting this configuration, the amount of displayed image data can be further reduced, which is advantageous in terms of transmission speed and power consumption.

[0071] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B as well as Figures 6 to 12 In this embodiment, the display area is divided into three parts along the first direction (row direction) and the second direction (column direction) when the central area is designated as the central part and the surrounding eight areas are designated as the peripheral parts. However, the display device in this embodiment is not limited to this. The ratio of the area occupied by the central part and the peripheral parts can be appropriately set according to the design of each display device. For example, in display devices such as immersive displays, the central part of the field of view is made with high resolution, while the peripheral part is made with low resolution to give a sense of realism. There are several known human fields of view: discriminative field of view (excellent visual function, able to receive high-resolution information), effective field of view (able to receive target information instantly with only eye movement), guiding field of view (low information discrimination ability but affects sense of direction), and auxiliary field of view (able to recognize visual information). Considering the characteristics of these fields of view, the central part where the second pixel is configured can be set within 30% of the distance from the center of the display area, or even within 5% of the distance (the distance from the center to the edge is defined as 100%). The peripheral portion of the first pixel can be located within 25%, 50%, or 70% of the edge of the display area (the distance from the edge to the center is defined as 100%). Note that here, an example is shown where the display area has a central portion for configuring the second pixel and a peripheral portion for configuring the first pixel, but the display device of this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the peripheral portion can have a region in which pixels with a larger driving area compared to the first pixel are arranged outside the region where the first pixel is configured. Furthermore, a region arranging pixels with a smaller driving area compared to the first pixel can be configured between the central portion and the region where the first pixel is configured. In addition, a region having so-called virtual pixels that do not contribute to the display can be configured between the display area and the driving portion. The above examples are merely examples, and the configuration of the pixel driving circuit and the light-emitting unit is not limited to those described above. The pixel driving circuit and the light-emitting unit can be configured in a suitable manner.

[0072] Next, the pixel driving circuitry in the peripheral area of ​​the display area will be described. Typically, the current value supplied to the organic EL element to obtain a specific brightness is determined based on the pixel size. For example, if the pixel size is four times larger, the current required to obtain the same brightness is four times larger. Therefore, it is desirable that the current driving capability of the driving transistor is greater in the peripheral area of ​​the display area than in the center. For example, when the pixel size is four times larger, it is preferable that the current driving capability of the driving transistor is four times larger.

[0073] In contrast, it is conceivable that the signal voltage input to the pixel driving circuit in the peripheral part of the display area is greater than the signal voltage of the pixel driving circuit in the central part, so that the pixel driving circuit in the peripheral part of the display area can supply a large current. However, if the signal voltage in the peripheral part of the display area is large, the difference between the signal voltage used to achieve maximum brightness (maximum brightness voltage) and the signal voltage used to achieve minimum brightness (minimum brightness voltage) increases, and the driving power of the signal output circuit increases.

[0074] Typically, the current driving capability of a transistor is determined by the input voltage and the ratio (W / L) of the transistor's channel width W to its channel length L. Therefore, by making the ratio of channel width to channel length in the peripheral portion of the display area greater than that in the central portion, the current driving capability of the pixel driving circuit arranged in the peripheral portion can be increased. Specifically, when the pixel size is four times larger, if the ratio of channel width to channel length is also four times larger, four times the current can be supplied. In this case, to increase the current driving capability of the driving transistor to four times, a driving transistor with a channel width W four times larger can be used, or a driving transistor with a channel length L reduced to one-quarter can be used. Furthermore, multiple transistors with the same channel width W and channel length L can be used. Generally, due to short-channel effects, the characteristics of a transistor are not strictly proportional to the ratio of channel width W to channel length L. Therefore, it is desirable to use multiple driving transistors in the pixel driving circuit arranged in the peripheral portion of the display area, which are the same as the driving transistors in the pixel driving circuit arranged in the central portion. In this case, it is not necessary to use multiple write transistors, and it may be desirable to use a single transistor with the same channel width and channel length in the central and peripheral parts of the display area.

[0075] Furthermore, it is preferable to connect all light-emitting units driven by a pixel driving circuit disposed in the periphery of the display area, but it is not necessary to connect all light-emitting units. However, each unconnected light-emitting unit must be connected to at least one driving transistor.

[0076] Second Embodiment

[0077] Next, Figure 11 A second embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 11 It shows the relationship with Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10The light-emitting units shown are arranged identically (from left to right: red, green, blue). On the other hand, the arrangement of the pixel driving circuits differs in at least a portion of the central portion 60 and its peripheral portion of the display area. Furthermore, the peripheral portion is where the arrangement of the light-emitting units (from left to right: red, green, blue) and the arrangement of the pixel driving circuits (from left to right: red, blue, green) differ.

[0078] In this embodiment, the number of signal lines and write scan lines in the display area can be reduced, which is advantageous in terms of transmission speed and power consumption compared to the conventional case, where pixels of the same size as the pixels in the central part of the display area are arranged in an array across the entire display area.

[0079] Using a reference as a comparison example Figure 12 Detailed description Figure 11 The configuration effect of the second embodiment shown. Figure 12 In this configuration, the pixel driving circuitry is arranged in the row direction along the entire display area in the order of red (first sub-pixel), green (second sub-pixel), and blue (third sub-pixel). On the other hand, in... Figure 11 In the display area, the pixel driving circuits are arranged in the order of red, green and blue in the central part, and in at least a portion of the peripheral part, the pixel driving circuits are arranged in the order of red, blue and green.

[0080] exist Figure 12 In the configuration shown, red and green light-emitting units are disposed on the pixel driving circuit of the first sub-pixel (red) in the periphery of the display area. Furthermore, blue and red light-emitting units are disposed on the pixel driving circuit of the second sub-pixel (green). Additionally, green and blue light-emitting units are disposed on the pixel driving circuit of the third sub-pixel (blue). Conversely, in... Figure 11 In the configuration shown, the light-emitting unit for obtaining red emission can be configured on the pixel driving circuit of the first sub-pixel (red). The light-emitting unit for obtaining blue emission can be configured on the pixel driving circuit of the third sub-pixel (blue). The light-emitting unit for obtaining green emission can be configured on the pixel driving circuit of the second sub-pixel (green). Therefore, with... Figure 12 Compared to the pixel driving circuit configuration shown, Figure 11 The configuration of the pixel driving circuits in the periphery of the display area shown can reduce the number of other color light-emitting units arranged on their own pixel driving circuits. As a result, image quality degradation caused by voltage fluctuations in other color light-emitting units can be reduced. Furthermore, in Figure 11In the layout shown, the sub-pixels connected to specific signal lines (e.g., 310-6) in the central portion of the display area, as well as its upper and lower regions, are sub-pixels of the same color. Therefore, it is unnecessary to change the color information of the signal voltage output to the signal lines between the upper and lower regions of the display area and the central portion of the display area. In this way, the configuration of the signal output circuit can be simplified and low power consumption can be achieved. As described above, the number of sub-pixels in the peripheral portion can be reduced, making this embodiment superior to conventional embodiments in terms of transmission speed and power consumption.

[0081] Third Embodiment

[0082] Figure 13 This is an example diagram illustrating a schematic system diagram of an active matrix display device 10B according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein... Figure 1 Identical parts are indicated by the same reference numerals. Figure 13 In the schematic diagram shown, pixel 101, as Figure 3B The pixel driving circuit shown has a switching transistor for controlling the emission period, which is preferred.

[0083] Figure 14 Showing the composition Figure 13 An example of a schematic configuration of the pixel driving circuit 101A and the light-emitting unit 101B of the pixel 101 in the display device 10B shown.

[0084] In the third embodiment, a current-driven display device in which the emitted brightness varies according to the current value flowing through the pixel driving circuit (i.e., according to the conduction state) will be described as an example. For example, an active-matrix organic EL display device using organic EL elements as light-emitting elements of pixels (pixel driving circuit) will be described as an example.

[0085] exist Figure 13 In the configuration shown, for the arrangement of pixels 101 in m rows and n columns, new second scan lines 212-1 to 212-m are routed along the row direction for each pixel row. The second scan lines 212-1 to 212-m are respectively connected to the output terminals of the corresponding rows of the transmit drive scan circuit 202.

[0086] Similar to the write scan circuit 201, the transmit drive scan circuit 202 is also composed of a shift register that sequentially shifts a start pulse (not shown) in sync with a clock pulse (not shown). This transmit drive scan circuit 202 supplies transmit drive signals SW (SW_1 to SW_m) to the second scan line in sync with the line-sequential scan of the write scan circuit 201 to drive the pixel 101 to emit light. The transmit drive signals SW control whether the pixel 101 emits light.

[0087] The second scan line 212 is connected to Figure 3B The gate of the switching transistor 24 in the pixel driving circuit is shown. The switching transistor 24 switches between an on and off state according to the potential of the second scan line 212 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the emitter drive scan line 212), and is in the on state when emitting light and in the off state when not emitting light. Displays used in products such as VR and AR typically use emitter control transistors that switch between emitting and non-emitting within a frame due to the requirement for high video response.

[0088] Figure 15 The driver overview in this embodiment is shown. Figure 15 The control pulses applied to each scan line are shown. Figure 15 In the driving process shown, the signal that drives the scan line of the pixel driving circuit connected to the central part 60 of the display area is transmitted for multiple lines ( Figure 15 The two lines in the display area are synchronized. As an example of implementing this configuration, a single shift register can be used for multiple lines to form the emitter drive scan lines 212-3 to 212-6 of the central part 60 of the display area connected to the emitter drive scan circuit 202.

[0089] The effects of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, as described above, the central portion 60 of the display area emits two lines of light simultaneously. Specifically, in Figure 15 In this configuration, emission drive scan lines 212-3 and 212-4, as well as 212-5 and 212-6, share the same emission timing. Here, the pixels connected to emission drive scan lines 212-3 and 212-5 consist only of six sub-pixels in the central portion 60 of the display area. On the other hand, the pixels connected to emission drive scan lines 212-4 and 212-6 consist of six sub-pixels in the central portion 60 of the display area and six sub-pixels in the peripheral portion. Therefore, if the pixels connected to emission drive scan lines 212-3 and 212-4 are made to emit light separately, the number of pixels connected to the emission drive scan lines will differ, resulting in a change in the amount of current flowing from the power supply at the start of emission.

[0090] Specifically, the pixels connected to emission drive scan lines 212-3 and 212-5 correspond to six pixels in size in the central portion 60 of the display area. The pixels connected to emission drive scan lines 212-4 and 212-6 correspond to thirty pixels in size in the central portion 60 of the display area. Similarly, the pixels connected to emission drive scan lines 212-1, 212-2, 212-7, and 212-8 correspond to thirty-six pixels in size in the central portion 60 of the display area.

[0091] The amount of current flowing from the power supply at the start of emission depends on the number of pixels connected to the emission drive scan lines. Therefore, considering the pixels connected to emission drive scan lines 212-1 to 212-4, the amount of current flowing from the power supply at the start of emission is greatest when the pixels connected to emission drive scan lines 212-1 and 212-2 are illuminated. Then, the pixels connected to emission drive scan line 212-4 and the pixels connected to emission drive scan line 212-3 are illuminated sequentially. Due to this current amount, the fluctuation amount ΔV of the power supply voltage at the start of emission varies for each line. As a result, image quality defects such as unevenness or stripes may occur.

[0092] In contrast, in this embodiment, the timing of the emission drive scan lines 212-3 and 212-4, and 212-5 and 212-6, is set to illuminate both lines simultaneously. As described above, the pixels connected to emission drive scan lines 212-3 and 212-5 correspond to six pixels in size in the central portion 60 of the display area. The pixels connected to emission drive scan lines 212-4 and 212-6 correspond to thirty pixels in size in the central portion 60 of the display area. Therefore, by illuminating these pixels simultaneously, the amount of current flowing from the power supply at the start of emission becomes the same as the amount of current flowing from the power supply when the pixels connected to emission drive scan lines 212-1 and 212-2 are illuminated. That is, the power supply voltage fluctuation ΔV remains constant for each line at the start of emission. In this way, a constant fluctuation in the power supply voltage can be maintained at the start of emission, and uniform image quality without non-uniformity can be obtained.

[0093] like Figure 15 As shown, the phase difference between the pulse applied to the write scan line 211-1 of the first row and the pulse applied to the transmit drive scan line 212-1 is different from the phase difference between the pulse applied to the write scan line 211-8 of the eighth row and the pulse applied to the transmit drive scan line 212-8. With this configuration, the current at the start of transmission can be continuously aligned for each horizontal time period starting from the first row. As a result, problems such as flickering during video playback that may occur when row transmission becomes discontinuous are also prevented.

[0094] In this embodiment, multiple rows of pixels in the central part of the display area are illuminated simultaneously, and it is desirable to perform signal writing and correction operations, which are typically performed before signal writing, line by line.

[0095] [Organic Light Emitting Element] Next, examples of organic light emitting elements that can be used in display devices according to the first to third embodiments will be described.

[0096] In the display device according to the first to third embodiments, the organic light-emitting element has a first electrode, a second electrode, and an organic compound layer disposed between these electrodes. One of the first and second electrodes is an anode, and the other is a cathode. In the first to third embodiments, as long as the organic compound layer has a light-emitting layer, the organic compound layer can be a single layer or a stack comprising multiple layers. Here, when the organic compound layer is a stack comprising multiple layers, in addition to the light-emitting layer, the organic compound layer also includes a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an electron blocking layer, a hole-exciton blocking layer, an electron transport layer, an electron injection layer, etc. Furthermore, the light-emitting layer can be a single layer or a stack comprising multiple layers. If the light-emitting layer is multilayered, a charge generation layer can be provided between the light-emitting layers. The charge generation layer can be composed of a compound with a LUMO lower than that of the hole transport layer, and the LUMO of the charge generation layer can be lower than that of the HOMO of the hole transport layer. Here, the molecular orbital energy of the organic compound layer can be the molecular orbital energy of the organic compound having the largest weight ratio of the organic compound layer.

[0097] In the first to third embodiments, when an organic compound is included in the luminescent layer, the luminescent layer may be a layer comprising only the organic compound, or it may be a layer comprising organometallic complexes and other compounds. Here, when the luminescent layer comprises organometallic complexes and other compounds, the organic compound may serve as a host or a guest of the luminescent layer. Furthermore, the organic compound may also serve as an auxiliary material that can be included in the luminescent layer. Here, the host is the compound having the largest mass proportion among the compounds constituting the luminescent layer. Furthermore, the guest is the compound having a smaller mass proportion than the host among the compounds constituting the luminescent layer and responsible for the main luminescence. Furthermore, the auxiliary material is a compound having a smaller mass proportion than the host among the compounds constituting the luminescent layer and assisting the guest in luminescence. Note that the auxiliary material is also referred to as a second host. The host material may also be referred to as a first compound, and the auxiliary material may be referred to as a second compound.

[0098] Here, as needed, organic compounds may be used in conjunction with conventionally known low-molecular-weight and high-molecular-weight hole-injection or hole-transporting compounds, host compounds, luminescent compounds, electron-injection compounds, electron-transporting compounds, etc.

[0099] As a hole injection / transport material, a material with high hole mobility is preferred, which facilitates hole injection from the anode and allows the injected holes to be transported to the light-emitting layer. Furthermore, in organic light-emitting elements, a material with a high glass transition temperature is preferred to reduce film quality degradation such as crystallization.

[0100] The electron transport material can be selected from any material capable of transporting electrons injected from the cathode to the light-emitting layer, and can be chosen considering factors such as the balance with the hole transport material's hole mobility. Electron transport materials are also suitable for use in hole blocking layers.

[0101] Electron injection materials can be selected from any material that allows for easy injection of electrons from the cathode, taking into account a balance with hole injection performance. Electron injection materials can also be used in conjunction with electron transport materials.

[0102] [Structure of Organic Light-Emitting Element] An organic light-emitting element is provided by forming an insulating layer, a first electrode, an organic compound layer, and a second electrode on a substrate. A protective layer, a color filter, a microlens, etc., may be provided on the cathode. When a color filter is provided, a planarization layer may be provided between the color filter and the protective layer. The planarization layer may be made of, for example, an acrylic resin. This is also true when the planarization layer is provided between the color filter and the microlens.

[0103] [Substrate] At least one material selected from quartz, glass, silicon, resin and metal can be used as a substrate for constituting an organic light-emitting element. Switching elements such as transistors and wiring can be disposed on the substrate, and an insulating layer can be disposed on the switching elements such as transistors and wiring.

[0104] Any material can be used as the insulating layer, as long as a contact hole can be formed between the insulating layer and the first electrode, and insulation from unconnected wiring can be ensured, allowing wiring to be formed between the first electrode and the insulating layer. For example, resins such as polyimide, silicon oxide, or silicon nitride can be used.

[0105] [Electrodes] A pair of electrodes can be used as the electrodes of an organic light-emitting element. This pair of electrodes can be an anode and a cathode. When an electric field is applied in the direction in which the organic light-emitting element emits light, the electrode with the higher potential is the anode, and the other electrode is the cathode. In other words, the electrode that supplies holes to the light-emitting layer is the anode, and the electrode that supplies electrons is the cathode.

[0106] Materials with the largest possible work function are preferred as anode materials herein. For example, single metals such as gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, cobalt, selenium, vanadium, or tungsten, as well as mixtures containing the aforementioned metals, can be used as anodes. Furthermore, alloys obtained by combining these single metals or metal oxides such as tin oxide, zinc oxide, indium oxide, indium tin oxide (ITO), and indium zinc oxide can be used as anodes. Conductive polymers such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, and polythiophene can also be used as anodes.

[0107] Any of the aforementioned electrode materials can be used alone; in addition, two or more materials can be used simultaneously. The anode can be composed of a single layer or multiple layers.

[0108] When the electrodes of an organic light-emitting element are configured as reflective electrodes, the electrode material can be, for example, chromium, aluminum, silver, titanium, tungsten, molybdenum, or alloys or layers of the aforementioned materials. These materials can also be used as reflective films that do not function as electrodes. When the electrodes of an organic light-emitting element are configured as transparent electrodes, for example, a transparent conductive oxide layer such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide can be used as the electrode material, but this is not a particular limitation. The electrodes can be formed using photolithography.

[0109] Materials with low work function can be used as cathode constituent materials. For example, alkali metals such as lithium; alkaline earth metals such as calcium; single metals such as aluminum, titanium, manganese, silver, lead, and chromium; and mixtures of the aforementioned metals can be used. Furthermore, alloys obtained by combining these single metals can be used. For example, magnesium-silver, aluminum-lithium, aluminum-magnesium, silver-copper, or zinc-silver can be used. Metal oxides such as indium tin oxide (ITO) can also be used.

[0110] These electrode materials can be used as a single type, or two or more types can be used simultaneously. Furthermore, the cathode can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. Among the aforementioned materials, silver is preferred, and silver alloys are more preferred to reduce silver accumulation. Any alloy ratio can be used as long as it reduces silver accumulation. The ratio of silver to other metals can be, for example, 1:1 or 3:1.

[0111] Although not particularly limited thereto, the cathode can be a top emitting element utilizing an oxide conductive layer such as ITO, or a bottom emitting element utilizing a reflective electrode such as aluminum (Al). There are no particular limitations on the method of forming the cathode, but in some embodiments, DC or AC sputtering may be preferred because the film coverage is good and the resistance can be easily reduced in this case.

[0112] [Pixel Separation Layer] The pixel separation layer of the organic light-emitting element is formed from a silicon nitride (SiN) film, a silicon oxynitride (SiON) film, or a silicon oxide (SiO) film, which have been sequentially formed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). To increase the in-plane resistivity of the organic compound layer, preferably, the thickness of the formed organic compound layer, particularly the thickness of the hole transport layer, can be set small at the sidewalls of the pixel separation layer. Specifically, the sidewalls can be formed thin by increasing the cone angle of the sidewalls of the pixel separation layer and / or by increasing the thickness of the pixel separation layer, through adding vignetting during deposition.

[0113] On the other hand, the sidewall cone angle and thickness of the pixel separation layer can be preferably adjusted so that no voids are formed in the protective layer formed on the pixel separation layer. Since no voids are formed in the protective layer, the occurrence of defects in the protective layer can be reduced. As the occurrence of defects in the protective layer is thus reduced, the loss of reliability, such as the occurrence of dark spots or poor conduction in the second electrode, can be reduced.

[0114] Even if the cone angle of the sidewall of the pixel separation layer is not sharp, this embodiment effectively suppresses charge leakage to adjacent pixels. The inventors' research has revealed that if the cone angle is in the range of at least 60 degrees and no greater than 90 degrees, charge leakage to adjacent pixels can be sufficiently reduced. The thickness of the pixel separation layer is preferably at least 10 nanometers and no more than 150 nanometers. A similar effect can be achieved in configurations with only pixel electrodes lacking the pixel separation layer. However, in this case, it is preferable to set the film thickness of the pixel electrode to half or less than half the thickness of the organic layer, or to impart a forward taper at the end of the pixel electrode with a cone angle of less than 60 degrees, as this reduces short circuits in the organic light-emitting elements.

[0115] [Organic Compound Layer (Functional Layer)] The organic compound layer of an organic light-emitting element can be formed from a single layer or multiple layers. When the organic compound layer has multiple layers, these layers can be referred to as hole injection layers, hole transport layers, electron blocking layers, light-emitting layers, hole blocking layers, electron transport layers, or electron injection layers, depending on their function. The organic compound layer is primarily composed of organic compounds, but may contain inorganic atoms and inorganic compounds. For example, the organic compound layer may contain copper, lithium, magnesium, aluminum, iridium, platinum, molybdenum, or zinc. The organic compound layer can be disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the organic compound layer can be arranged to contact the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0116] In the case of multiple luminescent layers, a charge-generating section may be provided between the first and second luminescent layers. The charge-generating section may be an organic compound with a minimum unoccupied molecular orbital energy (LUMO) of -5.0 eV or lower. The same applies when a charge-generating section is provided between the second and third luminescent layers.

[0117] [Protective Layer] In the organic light-emitting element of this embodiment, a protective layer can be provided on the second electrode. For example, by attaching a hygroscopic glass to the second electrode, the intrusion of water and other substances into the organic compound layer can be reduced, and the occurrence of display defects can also be reduced. As another embodiment, a passivation film, such as silicon nitride, can be provided on the cathode to reduce the intrusion of water and other substances into the organic compound layer. For example, after the cathode is formed, it can be transported to other chambers without breaking the vacuum, and a protective layer can be formed by CVD forming a silicon nitride film with a thickness of 2 micrometers. After the film is formed by CVD, the protective layer can be provided by atomic deposition (ALD). The material of the film formed by ALD is not limited, but can be, for example, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or aluminum oxide. Silicon nitride can be further formed by CVD on the film already formed by ALD. The film formed by ALD may be thinner than the film formed by CVD. Specifically, the thickness of the film formed by ALD can be 50% or less, or 10% or less.

[0118] [Color Filter] A color filter can be provided on the protective layer of the organic light-emitting element in this embodiment. For example, a color filter that takes into account the size of the organic light-emitting element can be provided on another substrate, and then the color filter can be attached to the substrate on which the organic light-emitting element is disposed; in addition, the color filter can be patterned by photolithography on the protective layer. The color filter can be made of polymer.

[0119] [Planarization Layer] The organic light-emitting element of this embodiment may have a planarization layer between the color filter and the protective layer. The purpose of providing the planarization layer is to reduce the non-uniformity of the underlying layer. Where the purpose of the planarization layer is not limited, the planarization layer may be referred to as a resin layer. The planarization layer may be made of an organic compound, which may be a low-molecular-weight compound or a high-molecular-weight compound; in some embodiments, a high-molecular-weight compound is preferred.

[0120] Planarization layers can be provided above and below the color filter, and the constituent materials of each planarization layer can be the same or different. Specific examples include polyvinylcarbazole resin, polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, ABS resin, acrylic resin, polyimide resin, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, and urea resin.

[0121] [Microlens] Display devices may have optical components such as microlenses on the light-emitting side. Microlenses can be made of, for example, acrylic resin or epoxy resin. The purpose of a microlens can be to increase the amount of light extracted from the display device and to control the direction of the extracted light. A microlens can have a hemispherical shape. In the case of a hemispherical microlens, there exists a tangent parallel to the insulating layer among the tangents tangent to the hemisphere, such that the point of tangency between this tangent and the hemisphere is the vertex of the microlens. The vertex of the microlens can similarly be established on any cross-section. That is, in a cross-sectional view, there exists a tangent parallel to the insulating layer among the tangents tangent to the semicircle of the microlens, such that the point of tangency between this tangent and the semicircle is the vertex of the microlens.

[0122] The midpoint of a microlens can also be defined. In the cross-section of a microlens, given an imaginary line segment from one endpoint of an arc to the other, the midpoint of that line segment can be called the midpoint of the microlens. The cross-section used to distinguish the vertex and the midpoint can be a cross-section perpendicular to the insulating layer.

[0123] The microlens has a first surface with a protrusion and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface. Preferably, the second surface is arranged closer to the functional layer than the first surface. With this configuration, the microlens must be formed on the display device. When the functional layer is an organic layer, high-temperature processing is preferably avoided during manufacturing. If the second surface is arranged closer to the functional layer than the first surface, the glass transition temperature of all organic compounds constituting the organic layer is preferably 100°C or higher, more preferably 130°C or higher.

[0124] [Opposing Substrate] The organic light-emitting element of this embodiment may have an opposing substrate on the planarization layer. The opposing substrate is called an opposing substrate because it is positioned corresponding to the substrate described above. The material of the opposing substrate may be the same as that of the substrate described above. When the substrate described above is used as the first substrate, the opposing substrate may be used as the second substrate.

[0125] [Organic Layer] Each organic compound layer (hole injection layer, hole transport layer, electron blocking layer, light emission layer, hole blocking layer, electron transport layer, electron injection layer, etc.) constituting the organic light-emitting element of this embodiment is formed according to one of the following methods.

[0126] Dry processes such as vacuum deposition, ionization deposition, sputtering, and plasma deposition can be used to form the organic compound layer of the organic light-emitting element in this embodiment. Wet processes can be used instead of dry processes, in which the layer is formed by dissolution in a suitable solvent and by relying on known coating methods (e.g., spin coating, dip coating, casting, LB film deposition, or inkjet printing).

[0127] When the layer is formed, for example, by vacuum deposition or by solution coating, crystallization is unlikely to occur; this translates into excellent stability over time. In the case of film formation according to the coating method, the film can be formed by bonding with a suitable adhesive resin.

[0128] Examples of adhesive resins include, but are not limited to, polyvinylcarbazole resin, polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, ABS resin, acrylic resin, polyimide resin, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, and urea resin.

[0129] These adhesive resins can be used alone as a type in the form of homopolymers or copolymers; in addition, two or more types of adhesive resins can be used in the form of mixtures. If desired, additives such as known plasticizers, antioxidants, and UV absorbers can be further used.

[0130] [Pixel Driving Circuit] The display device having the organic light-emitting element of this embodiment may have a pixel driving circuit connected to the respective organic light-emitting element. The pixel driving circuit may be an active matrix type and may independently control the light emission of the first organic light-emitting element and the second organic light-emitting element. The active matrix circuit may be voltage-programmable or current-programmable. The display device has a pixel circuit for each pixel. Each pixel circuit may have an organic light-emitting element, a transistor for controlling the emission brightness of the organic light-emitting element, a transistor for controlling the emission timing, a capacitor for maintaining the gate voltage of the transistor controlling the emission brightness, and a transistor for connecting to GND around the light-emitting element.

[0131] The display device has a display area and a peripheral area arranged around the display area. The display area has pixel driving circuitry, and the peripheral area has display control circuitry. The mobility of the transistors constituting the pixel driving circuitry may be lower than the mobility of the transistors constituting the display control circuitry.

[0132] The slope of the current-voltage characteristic of the transistors that make up the pixel driving circuit is gentler than the slope of the current-voltage characteristic of the transistors that make up the display control circuit. The slope of the current-voltage characteristic can be measured based on the so-called Vg-Ig characteristic.

[0133] The transistors that make up the pixel driving circuit are connected to light-emitting elements such as the first organic light-emitting element.

[0134] [Pixel] The display device of this embodiment has a plurality of pixels. Each pixel has sub-pixels that emit different colors from each other. Sub-pixels may have, for example, their own RGB emission colors.

[0135] The pixel emits light in the pixel aperture region. This region is the same as the first region. The aperture of the pixel aperture can be 15 micrometers or smaller, and can be 5 micrometers or larger. More specifically, the aperture diameter of the pixel aperture can be, for example, 11 micrometers, 9.5 micrometers, 7.4 micrometers, or 6.4 micrometers. The spacing between subpixels can be 10 micrometers or smaller, specifically, for example, 8 micrometers, 7.4 micrometers, or 6.4 micrometers.

[0136] In a planar image, pixels can have any known arrangement. For example, pixel layouts can be stripe arrangements, triangle arrangements, pen tile arrangements, or Bayer arrangements. The shape of subpixels in a planar image can be any known shape. For example, a subpixel shape can be a quadrilateral such as a rectangle or rhombus, or it can be a hexagon. Needless to say, the shape of a subpixel is not an exact shape; shapes that approximate a rectangle are considered rectangular shapes. Subpixel shapes and pixel arrays can be combined with each other.

[0137] [Use of the Display Device According to the First to Third Embodiments] The display device according to the first to third embodiments can be used as a component of various equipment and devices. Other uses of the display device include a light-emitting device having a color filter in a white light source.

[0138] The display device may be an image information processing device, having an image input unit for inputting image information, such as from an area CCD, a linear CCD, or a memory card, and an information processing unit for processing the input information, such that the input image is displayed on the display unit. The display unit may include the display device according to any one of the first to third embodiments.

[0139] The display unit of the camera device or inkjet printer may have a display device according to any one of the first to third embodiments. The display unit may have a touch panel function. The driving scheme for the touch panel function may be an infrared scheme, a capacitive scheme, a resistive film scheme, or an electromagnetic induction scheme, and there are no particular limitations. The display device can also be used in the display unit of a multifunction printer.

[0140] Next, we will refer to Figure 16 Examples of cross-sectional views of a portion of the display device according to the first to third embodiments are shown below. Note that for ease of description, the aforementioned elements may be represented by different reference numerals.

[0141] The display device includes a substrate 11, an insulating layer 14, and a light-emitting element 1700. The insulating layer 14 is located on the substrate 11. The light-emitting element 1700 is located on the insulating layer 14. In other words, the insulating layer 14 is located between the substrate 11 and the light-emitting element 1700.

[0142] The substrate 11 has a main surface ( Figure 16The substrate 11 (top of the substrate) has a driving transistor 1701, a write control transistor 1703, and a light-emitting control transistor 1702 formed on its main surface. The substrate 11 can be formed of, for example, a P-type semiconductor. An N-type well region 13 is formed on the main surface side of the substrate 11 (i.e., the upper side of the substrate 11). The area of ​​the substrate 11 other than the well region 13 becomes a P-type semiconductor region 12.

[0143] The substrate 11 has multiple impurity regions in the well region 13 that serve as source or drain regions for transistors. For example, the impurity regions may be P-type conductive.

[0144] Conductive layers 1765, 1763G, and 1764G are disposed on the main surface (top) of substrate 11. Conductive layer 1763G serves as the gate of light-emitting control transistor 1763. One P-type sludge region serves as the source 1763S of light-emitting control transistor 1763, and another P-type sludge region serves as the drain 1763D. Conductive layer 1765 serves as the gate of driving transistor 1761. The sludge region serving as the drain 1763D of light-emitting control transistor 1763 also serves as the source 1768 of driving transistor 1701. Furthermore, one of the other P-type sludge regions serves as the drain 1767 of driving transistor 1701.

[0145] Furthermore, the conductive layer 1764G serves as the gate of the reset transistor 1764. Additionally, the sludge region that serves as the source 1768 of the drive transistor 1701 also serves as the drain 1764D of the reset transistor 1764. Furthermore, one of the other P-type sludge regions serves as the source 1764S of the reset transistor 1764.

[0146] The substrate 11 also includes a device isolation portion 1730 formed between adjacent pixels. The device isolation portion 1730 may be shallow trench isolation (STI), localized oxidation of silicon (LOCOS) isolation, p-type diffusion layer isolation, etc.

[0147] The light-emitting element has a cathode 1716, an organic light-emitting layer 1715, and an anode 1714. The cathode 1716 is electrically connected to a power supply line 1708. The anode 1714 is electrically connected to the main terminal (drain) of a driving transistor 1701. The organic light-emitting layer 1715 is located between the cathode 1716 and the anode 1714. A bank portion 1717 is disposed at one end of the anode 1714. The bank portion 1717 suppresses current leakage between the anode 1714 and the cathode 1716 to adjacent pixels.

[0148] Conductive patterns, electrodes of capacitor elements, and plugs are embedded in insulating layer 14. Insulating layer 14 can be, for example, silicon oxide. Each conductive pattern can be a wiring layer. For example, such as... Figure 16As shown, the conductive pattern includes wiring WR1, wiring WR2 and wiring WR3.

[0149] Capacitor element 1705 has electrodes 1705a and 1705b, and capacitor element 1706 has electrodes 1706a and 1706b. Electrodes 1705a and 1706a can be arranged on the same insulating layer 14. Similarly, electrodes 1705b and 1706b can be arranged on the same insulating layer. Electrodes 1705a and 1705b face each other, with an insulating layer interposed between them. Electrodes 1706a and 1706b face each other, with an insulating layer interposed between them. Thus, capacitor elements with a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structure are configured.

[0150] Multiple plugs include, for example, plug PL1, plug PL2, plug PL3, plug PL4, and plug PL5. All of the multiple plugs may have the same thickness, or they may have different thicknesses, or some plugs may have the same thickness while others may have different thicknesses.

[0151] Connector PL1 can connect wiring WR1 to any of the transistor's terminals (gate, source, and drain). Connector PL2 can connect wiring WR1 and wiring WR2. The lower electrode of the capacitor element (1705 or 1706) is connected to the drive transistor 1701 via connector PL3, wiring WR2, connector PL2, wiring WR1, and connector PL1. Furthermore, the upper electrode of the capacitor element (1705 or 1706) can be connected to wiring WR3 via connector PL5.

[0152] Wiring WR3 is connected to the transistor via connector PL4, wiring R2, connector PL2, wiring WR1, and connector PL1. Figure 16 (Any of the drive transistor, current control transistor, and reset transistor in the transistor). The anode 1714 can be connected to the drain 1767 of the drive transistor 1701 via connector PL6, wiring WR3, connector PL4, wiring WR2, connector PL2, wiring WR1, and connector PL1.

[0153] The plug can be manufactured in a process separate from the wiring, and can also be formed in the same process as the wiring arranged on the plug. For example, wiring WR2 and plug PL2 can be formed in the same process and have the same material. Furthermore, wiring WR3 and plug PL4 can be formed in the same process and have the same material. The wiring and plug are made of pure metals or alloys such as copper, tungsten, aluminum, and titanium.

[0154] In this manner, by using a semiconductor substrate as the substrate and MOS transistors as the transistors included in each pixel, a denser configuration can be achieved compared to using thin-film transistors. Therefore, when the display device of the first embodiment includes a semiconductor substrate and the transistors are MOS transistors, the display device can further improve its clarity or further reduce its size.

[0155] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display device having organic light-emitting elements and transistors connected to the respective organic light-emitting elements. The transistor is an example of an active element. Although the transistor in this example could be a thin-film transistor (TFT), a MOSFET using a semiconductor substrate could be used. By using MOSFETs, the transistors in each pixel can be arranged in a smaller area.

[0156] Figure 17 This is an example of a pixel as a constituent element of a display device according to any one of the first to third embodiments. The pixel has sub-pixels 10. Based on the emitted light of each sub-pixel, the sub-pixels are divided into 10R, 10G, and 10B. Based on the wavelength emitted from the light-emitting layer, the emitted colors can be different; furthermore, the light emitted from each sub-pixel can be selectively transmitted or color-converted, for example, through a corresponding color filter. Each sub-pixel has a reflective electrode 2 serving as a first electrode, an insulating layer 3 covering the edge of the reflective electrode 2, an organic compound layer 4 covering the first electrode and the insulating layer 3, a second electrode 5, a protective layer 6, and a color filter 7 on the interlayer insulating layer 1.

[0157] The interlayer insulating layer 1 may have transistor and capacitor elements beneath or inside it. The transistor and the first electrode may be electrically connected, for example, through a contact hole (not shown).

[0158] The insulating layer 3 is also called a embankment or pixel separation film. The insulating layer 3 is arranged to cover the edge of the first electrode while surrounding it. The portions without the insulating layer are in contact with the organic compound layer 4, which creates the emission region.

[0159] The organic compound layer 4 has a hole injection layer 41, a hole transport layer 42, a first light-emitting layer 43, a second light-emitting layer 44, and an electron transport layer 45.

[0160] The second electrode 5 can be a transparent electrode, a reflective electrode, or a semi-transparent electrode.

[0161] The protective layer 6 reduces the penetration of moisture into the organic compound layer. The protective layer 6 is shown here as a single layer, but there can be multiple layers. Each protective layer 6 can have either an inorganic compound layer or an organic compound layer.

[0162] Color filters 7 are classified into color filters 7R, 7G, and 7B according to their color. Color filters can be formed on a planarization film (not shown). A resin protective layer (not shown) can be provided on the color filters. Color filters can be formed on a protective layer 6. Furthermore, color filters can be attached after being disposed on a counter substrate such as a glass substrate.

[0163] Fourth embodiment

[0164] Next, Figure 18 An exploded view of an example display device according to any one of the first to third embodiments is shown. The display device 1900 may have a touch panel 1903, a display panel 1905, a frame 1906, a circuit board 1907, and a battery 1908 between an upper cover 1901 and a lower cover 1909. The touch panel 1903 and the display panel 1905 are connected to flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs) 1902 and 1904.

[0165] Display panel 1905 includes a display device according to the first embodiment. Transistors are printed on circuit board 1907. If the display device is not a portable device, the battery 1908 can be omitted; even if the display device is a portable device, the battery 1908 can be placed in different locations.

[0166] The display device 1900 may have red, green, and blue color filters. The color filters may be arranged in a triangular pattern of red, green, and blue.

[0167] The display device 1900 can be used as a display unit for a mobile terminal. In this case, the display device 1900 can have both display and operation functions. Mobile terminals include mobile phones such as smartphones, tablet computers, and head-mounted displays.

[0168] Display device 1900 can be used in the display unit of a camera device having an optical unit including multiple lenses and an imaging element that receives light passing through the optical unit. The camera device may have a display unit that displays information acquired by the imaging element. The display unit may be an external display unit or a display unit arranged within a viewfinder. The camera device may be a digital camera or a digital video camera.

[0169] Fifth embodiment

[0170] Next, Figure 19AA schematic diagram depicting an example of a camera device according to this embodiment is shown. The camera device 2000 may include a viewfinder 2001, a rear display 2002, an operation unit 2003, and a housing 2004. The viewfinder 2001 may have a display device according to the first embodiment. In this case, the display device may display not only the image to be captured, but also, for example, environmental information and camera commands. Environmental information may include, for example, external light intensity, external light direction, the moving speed of the subject, and the chance of the subject being blocked by obstacles.

[0171] Because video recording requires short timing intervals, information must be displayed as quickly as possible. Therefore, it is preferable to use organic light-emitting elements (OLEDs) to configure the display device for high response speed. In situations requiring high display speed, display devices utilizing OLEDs are more suitable than these devices or liquid crystal displays.

[0172] The imaging device 2000 has an optical unit (not shown). The optical unit has multiple lenses and forms an image on an imaging element housed in a housing 2004. The lenses can be focused by adjusting their relative positions. This operation can also be performed automatically. The imaging device can be referred to as a photoelectric conversion device. As an imaging method other than sequential imaging, the photoelectric conversion device may include methods involving detecting differences relative to previous images and methods involving cropping portions of the recorded image.

[0173] Sixth Embodiment

[0174] Figure 19B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device according to this embodiment. The electronic device 2010 includes a display unit 2011, an operation unit 2012, and a housing 2013. The housing 2013 may have circuitry, a printed circuit board having the circuitry, a battery, and a communication unit.

[0175] The display unit may include a display device according to the first embodiment. The operation unit 2012 may be a button or touch panel type response unit. The operation unit 2012 may be a biometric unit, for example, that unlocks upon fingerprint recognition. An electronic device having a communication unit may also be referred to as a communication device. The electronic device 2010 may also have a camera function by being provided with a lens and an imaging element. Images captured by the camera function are displayed on the display unit. Examples of electronic devices include smartphones and laptops.

[0176] Next, Figure 20A A schematic diagram depicting an example of an electronic device according to this embodiment is shown. Figure 20AA display device 2100, such as a television monitor or a PC monitor, is shown. The display device 2100 has a frame 2101 and a display unit 2102. The display unit 2102 can use the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0177] The display device 2100 also includes a frame 2101 and a base 2103 that supports the display unit 2102. The form of the base 2103 is not limited to... Figure 20A The lower side of frame 2101 can also serve as a base.

[0178] The frame 2101 and the display unit 2102 may be curved. The radius of curvature of the aforementioned curvature may be at least 5000 mm and no more than 6000 mm.

[0179] Figure 20B This is a schematic diagram illustrating other examples of an electronic device according to this embodiment. Figure 20B The display device 2110 is configured as a foldable display device. The display device 2110 has a first display unit 2111, a second display unit 2112, a housing 2113, and a folding point 2114. The first display unit 2111 and the second display unit 2112 can have the display device according to the first embodiment. The first display unit 2111 and the second display unit 2112 can be a seamless display device. The first display unit 2111 and the second display unit 2112 can be separated at the folding point. The first display unit 2111 and the second display unit 2112 can display different images; alternatively, the first display unit and the second display unit can display a single image.

[0180] Seventh Embodiment

[0181] Next, refer to Figure 21A and Figure 21B Application examples of the display device according to the first to third embodiments are described. The display device can be applied to systems that can be worn as wearable devices such as smart glasses, HMDs, and smart contacts. In such application examples, the camera device and display device can be a camera device capable of photoelectric conversion of visible light and a display device capable of emitting visible light.

[0182] Figure 21A A pair of glasses 2200 (smart glasses) illustrating an application example of the display device according to the present disclosure is shown. A camera device 2202, such as a CMOS sensor or SPAD, is disposed on the front side of the lens 2201 of the glasses 2200. A display device 2204, according to any one of the first to third embodiments, is disposed on the back side of the lens 2201.

[0183] The glasses 2200 also include a control device 2203. The control device 2203 serves as a power source for supplying power to the camera device 2202 and the display device 2204. The control device 2203 controls the operation of the camera device 2202 and the display device 2204. An optical system for focusing light onto the camera device 2202 is formed in the lens 2201.

[0184] Figure 21B Eyeglasses 2210 (smart glasses) are shown as another application example of the display device according to this disclosure. Eyeglasses 2210 has a control device 2212. A camera device corresponding to camera device 2202 and a display device 2214 corresponding to display device 2204 are mounted in the control device 2212. An optical system is formed in the lens 2211 for projecting light emitted by the display device in the control device 2212, such that an image is projected onto the lens 2211. The control device 2212 serves as a power source for supplying power to the camera device and the display device 2214, and controls the operation of the camera device and the display device 2214.

[0185] The control device 2212 may include a gaze detection unit for detecting the wearer's gaze. Infrared light can be used here for gaze detection. An infrared light emitting unit emits infrared light toward one eye of a user who is looking at the displayed image. The emitted infrared light is reflected by the eye and detected by a camera unit having a light receiving element, thereby obtaining an image of the eye. In a plan view, damage to the image appearance is reduced here by having a light reduction component for reducing the light from the infrared light emitting unit to the display unit.

[0186] The gaze of a user relative to a displayed image is detected based on an eye image captured by infrared light. Any known method can be used for gaze detection using an eye image. For example, a gaze detection method utilizing a Purkinje image obtained by reflecting light off the cornea can be employed.

[0187] More specifically, a gaze detection process based on the pupil-corneal reflection method is implemented here. According to the pupil-corneal reflection method, the user's gaze is detected by calculating a gaze vector representing the orientation (rotation angle) of the eyeball, based on the pupil image and Purkinje image included in the captured image of the eyeball.

[0188] The glasses 2210 may have a camera device including a light receiving element, and may control the displayed image of the display device based on the user's gaze information from the camera device.

[0189] Specifically, the display device 2214 determines a first field of view and a second field of view (excluding the first field of view) based on gaze information. The first and second field of view can be determined by the control device of the glasses 2210; additionally, the display device can receive the field of view determined by an external control device. Within the display area of ​​the display device 2214, the display resolution in the first field of view can be controlled to be higher than the display resolution in the second field of view. That is, the resolution in the second field of view can be set to be lower than the resolution of the first field of view.

[0190] The display area may have a first display area and a second display area different from the first display area, allowing the display device to select a higher-priority area from the first and second display areas based on viewing information. The first and second display areas may be determined by the control device of the display device; alternatively, the display device may receive a display area determined by an external control device. The display device can control the resolution in the high-priority area to be higher than the resolution in areas other than the high-priority area. In other words, the display device can reduce the resolution of relatively low-priority areas.

[0191] Here, AI (Artificial Intelligence) can be used to determine the first field of view and the high-priority area. The AI ​​can be a model constructed to estimate the viewing angle and distance to objects in front of the eye from an eye image using training data in the form of an eye image and the actual direction the eye is looking in that image. The AI ​​program can be provided in a display device, a camera device, or an external device. In the case of an external device having an AI program, the AI ​​program is transmitted to the display device via communication from the external device.

[0192] When the display device performs display control based on visual recognition detection, the display device can be preferably used with smart glasses that also have a camera device for capturing external images. The smart glasses can display the captured external information in real time.

[0193] Eighth embodiment

[0194] Figure 22AThis diagram illustrates the configuration of an HMD (Head-Mounted Display) 2301 as an image viewing device according to the eighth embodiment. The HMD 2301 is worn on the viewer's head. Reference numeral 2302 indicates the viewer's right eye, and reference numeral 2303 indicates the viewer's left eye. Display lenses 2304 and 2305 constitute an eyepiece optical system OR1 for the right eye, and display lenses 2306 and 2307 constitute an eyepiece optical system OL1 for the left eye. Each eyepiece optical system is a coaxial optical system comprising multiple (two) display lenses. The viewer's right eye 2302 is positioned on the exit pupil ER1 of the right eyepiece optical system OR1, and the viewer's left eye 2303 is positioned on the exit pupil EL1 of the left eyepiece optical system OL1. The exit pupil ER1 is positioned at a distance E1 from the right eyepiece optical system OR1. Similarly, the exit pupil EL1 is positioned at a distance E1 from the left eyepiece optical system OL1. Optical films 2314 for lens protection, light collection, etc. are provided on the surface of the right eyepiece optical system OR1 (the surface on the right eye 2302 side) and the surface of the left eyepiece optical system OL1 (the surface on the left eye 2303 side).

[0195] Reference numerals 2308 and 2309 denote the display device for the right eye and the display device for the left eye, respectively. These display devices may be the display devices according to the first embodiment. Figure 22B This diagram illustrates the appearance of the HMD 2301 and the personal computer 2350 connected to the HMD 2301. Each display device displays a display image (original image) corresponding to the image signal output from the personal computer 2350. In this embodiment, the connection is implemented via a wired connection, but a wireless connection is also possible. The HMD 2301 may be a device that includes image processing equipment and operates in stand-alone mode.

[0196] Eyepiece optical systems OR1 and OL1 guide light from display devices 2308 and 2309 to exit pupils ER1 and EL1, respectively, thereby projecting a magnified virtual image of the displayed image onto the viewer's right eye 2302 and left eye 2303. Therefore, the observer can observe the virtual image displayed on display devices 2308 and 2309 through eyepiece optical systems OR1 and OL1.

[0197] Although not shown, HMD 2301 may include a controller. The controller serves as a power source for supplying power to display devices 2308 and 2309, and controls the operation of display devices 2308 and 2309.

[0198] The control device may include a gaze detection unit for detecting the wearer's gaze. Gaze can be detected using infrared light. An infrared light emitting unit emits infrared light toward the eyes of a user who is gazing at a displayed image. An image of the eye is obtained by detecting the reflected light from the eye using a camera unit with a light receiving element. A light reduction unit configured to reduce the amount of light transmitted from the infrared light emitting unit to the display unit in a planar image reduces image quality degradation.

[0199] This method detects a user's gaze at a displayed image from an image of the eye obtained by capturing infrared light. Any known technique can be applied to gaze detection using images captured of the eye. As an example, a gaze detection method based on Purkinje images generated by the reflection of incident light on the cornea can be used.

[0200] More specifically, gaze detection processing is performed based on the pupillary-corneal reflection method. Using the pupillary-corneal reflection method, based on the pupil image and Purkinje image included in the captured image of the eyeball, the user's gaze is detected by calculating a gaze vector representing the orientation (rotation angle) of the eyeball.

[0201] Specifically, display devices 2308 and 2309 determine a first display area and a second display area other than the first display area based on gaze information. The first and second display areas can be determined by a control device or received by an external control device. Within the display areas of display devices 2308 and 2309, the display resolution of the first display area can be controlled to be higher than the display resolution of the second display area. That is, the resolution of the second display area can be lower than the resolution of the first viewable area.

[0202] The display area includes a first display area and a second display area different from the first display area. A higher-priority area is determined from the first and second display areas based on gaze information. The first and second display areas can be determined by the control device of the display device, or they can be received by an external control device. The resolution of the high-priority area can be controlled to be higher than the resolution of the areas other than the high-priority area. That is, the resolution of areas with relatively low priority can be reduced.

[0203] Note that AI can be used to determine a primary display area or an area with high priority. AI can be a model configured to use an image of the eye and the actual direction the eye is looking at that image as teacher data to estimate the angle of the gaze and the distance from the image of the eye to a target object in front of the gaze. The AI ​​program can be included in a display device, a camera device, or an external device. If the external device has this information, it is transmitted to the display device via communication.

[0204] As described above, the display device according to any one of the first to third embodiments can be applied to various photoelectric conversion device products, electronic devices, etc. according to this embodiment.

[0205] The above embodiments can be modified appropriately without departing from the technical concept. Note that the disclosure of this specification includes not only the content described herein, but also all content that can be understood from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0206] According to this disclosure, differences in characteristics such as emission efficiency and lifetime of organic EL elements in the display area can be reduced, and image quality defects such as inhomogeneity and ghosting can be suppressed.

[0207] While exemplary embodiments are described herein, it should be understood that some embodiments are not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims is to be interpreted in the broadest possible sense so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Multiple scan lines extend in a first direction in a plan view of the main surface of the substrate; Multiple signal lines extend in the plan view in a second direction that intersects the first direction; as well as A display area in which multiple pixels are arranged in a two-dimensional manner, wherein... Each pixel in the plurality of pixels has a light-emitting element and a pixel driving circuit for driving the light-emitting element. The light-emitting element has a light-emitting unit, in which an organic layer having a light-emitting layer is sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode within an opening in an insulating layer. The pixel driving circuit has a write transistor connected to the signal line and the scan line, and a drive transistor for supplying current to the light-emitting element in response to a signal voltage supplied from the write transistor. In one of the plurality of pixels, the region enclosed by the signal lines and scan lines connected to the write transistor, the signal lines connected to the write transistors of pixels adjacent to the signal lines when the drive transistor is clamped, and the scan lines connected to the write transistors of pixels adjacent to the scan lines when the drive transistor is clamped, is defined as the driving region of that pixel. The plurality of pixels includes a first pixel and a second pixel arranged at a position closer to the center of the display area than the first pixel, and In the planar view, the ratio of the area of ​​the driving region of the first pixel to the area of ​​the driving region of the second pixel is greater than the ratio of the area of ​​a light-emitting unit of the first pixel to the area of ​​a light-emitting unit of the second pixel.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The light emitted from the first pixel and the light emitted from the second pixel have the same color.

3. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The area of ​​a light-emitting unit in the first pixel is equal to the area of ​​a light-emitting unit in the second pixel.

4. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The number of light-emitting units in the first pixel is greater than the number of light-emitting units in the second pixel.

5. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first pixel is positioned at a distance of 5% or less from the center of the display area relative to the distance from the center to the edge of the display area.

6. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second pixel is configured at a distance of 25% or less from the edge of the display area relative to the distance from the edge of the display area to the center.

7. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The display area has a central portion including the second pixel and a peripheral portion arranged around the central portion and including the first pixel, and In the peripheral portion, the light-emitting units of the pixels emitting light of a first color, the light-emitting units of the pixels emitting light of a second color different from the first color, and the light-emitting units of the pixels emitting light of a third color different from both the first and second colors are continuous in the column direction, and the arrangement of the light-emitting units in the central portion is the same as that in the peripheral portion.

8. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The display area has a first area, a second area, and a third area between the first area and the second area in the first direction, and a fourth area adjacent to the third area in the second direction. The first pixel is configured in the third region, and the second pixel is configured in the fourth region, and The spacing between the signal lines connected to the write transistors of the pixels configured in the third region including the first pixel is equal to the spacing between the signal lines connected to the write transistors of the pixels configured in the fourth region including the second pixel.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, In the peripheral portion of the display area, a light-emitting unit that emits light of a second color different from the first color is disposed on at least a portion of the pixel driving circuit of the pixel that emits light of the first color.

10. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The arrangement of the plurality of pixels in the peripheral portion of the display area is different from the arrangement of the plurality of light-emitting units and the arrangement of the plurality of pixel driving circuits corresponding to the light-emitting units.

11. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The number of driving transistors in the first pixel is greater than the number of writing transistors.

12. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The number of driving transistors in the first pixel is greater than the number of driving transistors in the second pixel.

13. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The driving transistor in the first pixel has the same channel width and channel length as the driving transistor in the second pixel.

14. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a switching transistor, the switching transistor determining whether to supply current to the light-emitting element based on the conduction state of the pixel driving circuit, wherein, The second pixel simultaneously supplies current to the light-emitting element in multiple rows.

15. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the planar view, the area of ​​the driving region of the second pixel is smaller than the area of ​​the driving region of the first pixel.

16. A display device, comprising: Multiple scan lines extend in a first direction in a plan view of the main surface of the substrate; Multiple signal lines extend in the plan view in a second direction that intersects the first direction; as well as A display area in which multiple pixels are arranged in a two-dimensional manner, wherein... Each pixel in the plurality of pixels has a light-emitting element and a pixel driving circuit for driving the light-emitting element. The light-emitting element has a light-emitting unit, in which an organic layer having a light-emitting layer is sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode within an opening in an insulating layer. The pixel driving circuit has a write transistor connected to the signal line and the scan line, and a drive transistor for supplying current to the light-emitting element in response to a signal voltage supplied from the write transistor. In one of the plurality of pixels, the region enclosed by the signal lines and scan lines connected to the write transistor, the signal lines connected to the write transistors of pixels adjacent to the signal lines when the drive transistor is clamped, and the scan lines connected to the write transistors of pixels adjacent to the scan lines when the drive transistor is clamped, is defined as the driving region of the pixel. The plurality of pixels includes a first pixel and a second pixel arranged at a position closer to the center of the display area than the first pixel, and In the planar view, the ratio of the area of ​​a light-emitting unit of the pixel to the area of ​​the driving region in the first pixel is less than the ratio of the area of ​​a light-emitting unit of the pixel to the area of ​​the driving region of the second pixel.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein, The area of ​​a light-emitting unit in the first pixel is equal to the area of ​​a light-emitting unit in the second pixel.

18. The display device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The number of light-emitting units in the first pixel is greater than the number of light-emitting units in the second pixel.

19. The display device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, In the peripheral portion of the display area, the light-emitting units of pixels emitting light of a first color, the light-emitting units of pixels emitting light of a second color different from the first color, and the light-emitting units of pixels emitting light of a third color different from both the first and second colors are continuous in the column direction, and the arrangement of the light-emitting units in the peripheral portion is the same as the arrangement of the light-emitting units in the central portion.

20. The display device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The display area has a first area, a second area, and a third area between the first area and the second area in the first direction, and a fourth area adjacent to the third area in the second direction. The first pixel is configured in the third region. The second pixel is configured in the fourth region, and The spacing between the signal lines connected to the write transistors of the pixels configured in the third region including the first pixel is equal to the spacing between the signal lines connected to the write transistors of the pixels configured in the fourth region including the second pixel.

21. The display device according to claim 19, wherein, In the periphery of the display area, a light-emitting unit that emits light of a second color different from the first color is disposed on at least a portion of the pixel driving circuit of the pixel that emits light of the first color.

22. A photoelectric conversion device, comprising: Optical unit; A camera element for receiving light that has passed through the optical unit; as well as A display device for displaying images captured by the camera element. The display device is the display device according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. An electronic device, comprising: The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 21; The housing, in which the display device is disposed; as well as A communication unit is disposed in the housing for communicating with external devices.

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