Display device, and control method of display device

Abstract

To provide a display device capable of maintaining screen display which is easy for a user to see while reducing burn-in on a display panel.SOLUTION: A display device (10) includes: a display panel (13) that has a display area for displaying a video and multiple light-emitting elements arranged in the display area; a drive unit (12) that drives the display panel based on a video signal; and a control unit (14) that controls the drive unit. The control unit is configured to execute: acquisition processing of acquiring a use degree indicating a degree of use of at least some of the multiple light-emitting elements; and luminance distribution determination processing of determining the distribution of luminance of the multiple light-emitting elements on the display area based on the use degree. The drive unit is configured to drive the display panel based on the luminance distribution determined in the luminance distribution determination processing and the video signal to display the video in the display area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device and a method for controlling a display device. [Background technology]

[0002] Techniques for setting the luminance distribution on a display panel are known in the prior art. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for setting a luminance gradient on a screen in accordance with an individual viewer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-235205 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, an organic EL display panel has multiple light-emitting elements that serve as light sources. The organic EL elements serving as light sources may deteriorate to different degrees, resulting in burn-in on the display panel. For example, in a display panel that displays content provided via broadcasting, etc., burn-in is likely to occur at the corners or other edges of the display panel, where accompanying information such as a clock or subtitles is often displayed fixedly for a long period of time.

[0005] In order to delay the deterioration of the light-emitting elements and prevent burn-in of the display panel, for example, it is effective to reduce the luminance of the light-emitting elements. Furthermore, as described above, since the edges of the display panel are often used for fixed display for long periods of time, it is more desirable to set the luminance distribution of the display panel so as to reduce the luminance of the elements at the edges of the display panel while maintaining a display in the center of the screen that is easy for the user to see.

[0006] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses a preset brightness gradient filter, making it difficult to set the brightness distribution on the display panel based on the degree of use of the light-emitting elements of the display panel.

[0007] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to reduce burn-in on a display panel and maintain a screen display that is easy for a user to view. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, a display device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a display panel having a display area for displaying an image and a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in the display area, a drive unit for driving the display panel based on a video signal, and a control unit for controlling the drive unit, wherein the control unit executes an acquisition process for acquiring a usage degree representing the degree of usage of at least some of the plurality of light-emitting elements, and a brightness distribution determination process for determining a brightness distribution of the plurality of light-emitting elements on the display area based on the usage degree, and the drive unit drives the display panel based on the brightness distribution determined in the brightness distribution determination process and the video signal to display an image in the display area.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, a control method for a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a control method for a display device including a display panel having a display area for displaying an image and a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in the display area, and includes an acquisition process for acquiring a usage degree representing the degree of usage of at least some of the plurality of light-emitting elements, a brightness distribution determination process for determining a brightness distribution of the plurality of light-emitting elements on the display area based on the usage degree, and a drive process for driving the display panel to display an image in the display area based on the brightness distribution determined in the brightness distribution determination process and a video signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce burn-in on a display panel while maintaining a screen display that is easy for a user to view. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a control method for a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of setting a luminance distribution on a display area according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of setting a luminance distribution on a display area according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a control method for a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of setting a luminance distribution according to the passage of time according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a control method for a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of setting a luminance distribution according to the passage of time according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0013] (Configuration of display device 10) Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the display device 10 includes a video signal processing unit 11, a driving unit 12, a display panel 13, and a control unit 14, and displays an image based on a video signal IS on the display panel 13.

[0014] Video signal processing unit 11 processes video signal IS and outputs it to drive unit 12. Based on the processed video signal IS, drive unit 12 generates drive signal DS for driving display panel 13. Display panel 13 has a display area for displaying an image and a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in the display area. Display panel 13 is driven by drive signal DS to display an image (e.g., a moving image or a still image) represented by video signal IS. The plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in the display area of ​​display panel 13 may be, for example, organic EL elements. Control unit 14 controls drive unit 12. Note that control unit 14 can be configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0015] (Flow of display device control method S10) 2 is a flow diagram showing an example of the flow of a control method S10 of the display device. The control method S10 executed by the control unit 14 includes an acquisition process (step S11), a determination process (step S12), and a luminance distribution determination process (step S13).

[0016] (Acquisition process) In step S11 of FIG. 2, the control unit 14 acquires a usage degree Q that indicates the degree of usage of at least some of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0017] For example, at least a portion of the plurality of light-emitting elements may be (1) all of the light-emitting elements, (2) a portion of the plurality of light-emitting elements, or (3) one light-emitting element included in the plurality of light-emitting elements. Generally, the display panel 13 has a very large number of light-emitting elements, and it is not easy to obtain the usage degree Q for all of them. If the usage degree Q is obtained for a portion of the plurality of light-emitting elements, burn-in of the display panel 13 can be reduced.

[0018] When obtaining the usage degree Q for some of the light-emitting elements, they can be distributed appropriately on the display panel 13. For example, the display area of ​​the display panel 13 can be divided into a plurality of regions, and the light-emitting elements for which the usage degree Q is to be obtained can be arranged in each of these divided regions (divided regions). These divided regions may coincide with the divided regions shown in FIG. 3, which will be described later. In this case, the light-emitting elements are divided into groups, and the usage degree Q is obtained for light-emitting elements that represent these groups.

[0019] When the light emitting elements are grouped in this way, the usage degree Q for each group may be obtained by using a plurality of light emitting elements as a representative. For example, the usage degree Q for the group may be obtained by adding or averaging the usage degrees Q of the plurality of light emitting elements included in a certain group.

[0020] When acquiring multiple usage degrees Q, it is preferable to clarify the correspondence between the usage degrees Q and the light-emitting elements, etc. For example, by assigning an identification number to each of multiple light-emitting elements or groups, it is possible to associate the light-emitting elements or groups with the usage degrees Q.

[0021] The usage degree Q may be, for example, any one of the amount of current flowing into the light-emitting element, the luminance of the light-emitting element, or the gradation of the video signal IS. The amount of current flowing into the light-emitting element may be obtained, for example, via an ammeter attached to the light-emitting element. The gradation of the video signal IS may be generated, for example, from a display image for each frame included in the video signal IS. The luminance of the light-emitting element may be generated, for example, by converting the gradation of the video signal IS to the luminance of each light-emitting element. For example, the control unit 14 may obtain the usage degree Q at regular time intervals or continuously. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 14 may obtain the usage degree Q for each light-emitting element assigned an identifiable number.

[0022] The usage degree Q may be, for example, an integrated value of the usage degrees acquired in the acquisition process for at least some of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0023] For example, the control unit 14 may calculate the usage degree Q by accumulating the usage degrees acquired in the acquisition process at regular time intervals. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 14 may calculate the usage degree Q for each light-emitting element assigned an identifiable number. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 14 may calculate the usage degree Q for each group assigned an identifiable number.

[0024] The usage level Q may include, for example, the degree of use of at least the light-emitting elements arranged at the edges of the display area. For example, at the edges of the display panel 13, accompanying information such as a clock or subtitles is often displayed fixedly for a long time, which makes burn-in more likely to occur. Therefore, for example, by including the usage level Q in the degree of use of the light-emitting elements arranged at the edges of the display area, it is possible to delay the deterioration of the light-emitting elements arranged at the edges of the display area.

[0025] (Determination process) In step S12 of FIG. 2, the control unit 14 determines whether the degree of use Q exceeds a predetermined threshold Q1.

[0026] For example, the distribution of luminance of the light-emitting elements in the display area, i.e., the luminance distribution, may already be set at the time of the determination process. Also, for example, the luminance distribution already set at the time of the determination process may be a luminance gradient that decreases luminance according to the distance from a predetermined area.

[0027] If the usage level Q exceeds the predetermined threshold Q1, i.e., if the condition "Q>Q1" is met (step S12: YES), the process proceeds to step S13. If the usage level Q does not exceed the predetermined threshold Q1, i.e., if the condition "Q>Q1" is not met (step S12: NO), the process returns to step S11.

[0028] The predetermined threshold Q1 may be set, for example, taking into consideration the degree of deterioration of the light-emitting elements and the frequency of changes in the luminance distribution. For example, when it is desired to further slow down the deterioration of the light-emitting elements, the predetermined threshold Q1 may be set to a smaller value. Furthermore, when it is desired to reduce the frequency of changes in the luminance distribution of the display panel 13, for example, to obtain a more suitable viewing environment, the predetermined threshold Q1 may be set to a larger value.

[0029] Furthermore, there may be a plurality of predetermined thresholds Q1, for example. As an example, a case where there are a plurality of predetermined thresholds Q11, Q12, Q13, etc. will be described later.

[0030] For example, in the luminance distribution determination process, the control unit 14 may determine to change the luminance distribution when the usage level Q of one light-emitting element included in at least a portion of the plurality of light-emitting elements exceeds a predetermined threshold Q1. At this time, for example, the luminance distribution may be changed based on the usage level Q that exceeds the predetermined threshold Q1 earliest among the plurality of usage levels Q of the display panel 13. In this way, for example, deterioration of light-emitting elements other than the light-emitting element associated with the usage level Q that exceeds the predetermined threshold Q1 earliest may be delayed.

[0031] Furthermore, in the luminance distribution determination process, for example, the control unit 14 may determine to change the luminance distribution when the usage level Q exceeds a predetermined threshold Q1 for more than a predetermined number of light-emitting elements included in at least a portion of the plurality of light-emitting elements. As a specific example in this case, the predetermined number is assumed to be 5, and the number of the plurality of target light-emitting elements exceeds the predetermined number. Then, for example, the control unit 14 may determine to change the luminance distribution when the number of light-emitting elements among the plurality of target light-emitting elements that satisfy the condition "Q>Q1" regarding the usage level Q and the predetermined threshold Q1 exceeds the predetermined number of 5.

[0032] For example, by adjusting the predetermined number, the frequency of changing the luminance distribution may be adjusted. As an example, by setting the predetermined number to a smaller value, the frequency of changing the luminance distribution may be increased. Also, as an example, by setting the predetermined number to a larger value, the frequency of changing the luminance distribution may be decreased.

[0033] (Luminance Distribution Determination Process) In step S13 of FIG. 2, the control unit 14 determines the luminance distribution of the light-emitting elements on the display area based on the usage degree Q. Then, the process returns to step S11. For example, when there is already a set luminance distribution at the time of the determination process, the control unit 14 may update the luminance distribution to the newly determined luminance distribution in the luminance distribution determination process.

[0034] The driving unit 12 drives the display panel 13 based on the luminance distribution determined in the luminance distribution determination process and the video signal IS to display a video on the display area.

[0035] The control unit 14 may determine to change the luminance distribution, for example, in the luminance distribution determination process when the usage degree Q exceeds a predetermined threshold Q1. Here, the control unit 14 may change the luminance gradient, for example, when the usage degree Q exceeds a predetermined threshold Q1. As an example, in the luminance distribution determination process, when the usage degree Q exceeds a predetermined threshold Q1, the control unit 14 may make the degree of the luminance gradient larger than the degree of the luminance gradient before the usage degree Q exceeded the predetermined threshold Q1.

[0036] As an example, when there are a plurality of predetermined thresholds such as Q11, Q12, Q13,... (where Q11 < Q12 < Q13 <...), each time the conditions "Q > Q11", "Q > Q12", "Q > Q13",... are satisfied, the control unit 14 may increase the degree of the luminance gradient step by step.

[0037] Furthermore, the control unit 14 may determine the maximum luminance of each of the plurality of light-emitting elements as the luminance distribution in the luminance distribution determination process, for example. At this time, the drive unit 12 may cause the plurality of light-emitting elements to emit light within the range of the maximum luminance based on the gradation represented by the video signal IS.

[0038] For example, in order to further delay deterioration of a light-emitting element, the maximum luminance of the light-emitting element may be set to a smaller value. However, for example, the lower the maximum luminance of a light-emitting element, the darker and more difficult it is for a user to see the screen displayed through the light-emitting element. Therefore, for example, the maximum luminance of a light-emitting element may be determined taking into consideration the degree of deterioration of the light-emitting element and the ease of visibility for a user.

[0039] The luminance distribution determined in the luminance distribution determination process may be, for example, a luminance distribution in which the luminance decreases depending on the distance from a predetermined area on the display area.

[0040] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of setting the luminance distribution on the display area of ​​the display panel 13. In the example of Fig. 3, the luminance of the light-emitting elements is set to decrease as the distance from the center of the panel increases on the display area. Here, in the example of Fig. 3, a luminance ratio indicating the ratio of the reduced luminance to the original luminance is set for each light-emitting element on the display area. The luminance ratio of the light-emitting elements on the display area in Fig. 3 is set to 100% in the center area, while it is set to 85% in the corner areas of the panel that are farthest from the center.

[0041] For example, at the edges of display panel 13, accompanying information such as a clock or subtitles is often displayed fixedly for a long time, which makes light-emitting elements more susceptible to deterioration and burn-in. Therefore, for example, the luminance distribution on the display area may be set so that the luminance of elements at the edges of display panel 13 is reduced while maintaining the luminance of the central part of display panel 13, which is an area of ​​screen display that is easy for the user to view. As an example, as shown in FIG. 3, the luminance distribution on the display area may be set so that the luminance of light-emitting elements decreases with increasing distance from the central part of display panel 13. This may delay the deterioration of light-emitting elements at the edges of display panel 13 while maintaining a natural appearance of the display on the display area to the user.

[0042] The luminance distribution may be obtained by dividing the display area into a plurality of areas and setting a maximum value of the luminance ratio, i.e., a maximum luminance ratio, for each of the divided areas, as shown in Fig. 3. Here, the display area may be divided into groups into which a plurality of light-emitting elements are grouped, for example.

[0043] The luminance distribution may also be determined based on, for example, a numerical table or an algorithm.

[0044] When the luminance distribution is determined based on a numerical table, the numerical table may be, for example, a table that represents the correspondence between each region after dividing the display region into multiple regions and multiple maximum luminance ratios included in the luminance distribution, as shown in FIG.

[0045] When the luminance distribution is determined based on an algorithm, the algorithm may be, for example, an algorithm that sets the luminance distribution by referring to a predetermined reference point on the display area, i.e., a setting formula in which the luminance decreases according to the distance from the predetermined area. In this case, the setting formula may be, for example, where the distance from the reference point is represented by x, the luminance ratio of each area is represented by y, and the predetermined parameters are represented by a and b, y=ax+b (x, y, a, and b are all real numbers) It may be a linear function expressed in the form:

[0046] (Example of changing the degree of luminance gradient) For example, in the brightness distribution determination process, the control unit 14 may change the degree of brightness gradient that reduces brightness according to the distance from a predetermined area based on the degree of use Q.

[0047] For example, in the above-mentioned numerical table, control unit 14 may change the degree of the luminance gradient by keeping the luminance ratio of the central region of display panel 13, which is a predetermined region, constant, while changing the luminance ratio of the corner regions of display panel 13, and also by changing the luminance ratio of the other regions so that the luminance decreases according to the distance from the center. Also, for example, control unit 14 may change the degree of the luminance gradient by changing the value of slope a in the equation of the linear function in the above-mentioned algorithm.

[0048] Figure 4 shows an example in which the degree of luminance gradient, which decreases luminance according to the distance from the central region of the panel in the display area, is increased in the setting example of Figure 3. Specifically, the luminance ratio of the light-emitting elements in the display area is set to 100% in the central region in both Figures 3 and 4, but in the corner regions of the panel that are farthest from the center, it is 85% in Figure 3, but is changed to 75% in Figure 4. Furthermore, in the example of Figure 4, the luminance ratios of other regions are also changed so that the luminance decreases according to the distance from the center.

[0049] (Initialization of usage level according to content) The control unit 14 may, for example, acquire content identification information that identifies the content of the video signal IS, and initialize the degree of use Q when the content represented by the content identification information is changed. Specific examples of content include news programs and dramas. For example, in the case of news programs, a clock tends to be displayed for a long time at the edge of the screen display, making burn-in more likely to occur. Furthermore, in the case of dramas, for example, scenes change frequently, and the entire screen display often changes accordingly, making burn-in relatively unlikely to occur. Therefore, the control unit 14 may, for example, initialize the degree of use Q when the content is changed so that the luminance distribution corresponds to each content. Specific examples of when the content of the video signal IS is changed include when the channel is changed during a television broadcast.

[0050] (Gradual change in brightness gradient) For example, the control unit 14 may gradually increase the degree to which the luminance decreases depending on the distance from a predetermined area over time. Here, the control unit 14 may change the degree to which the luminance decreases depending on the distance from the central area of ​​the display panel 13 by changing the luminance ratio of the edge portions, such as corners, of the display panel 13.

[0051] (Flow of display device control method S20 regarding gradual changes in brightness gradient) 5 is a flow diagram showing an example of the flow of a control method S20 of a display device related to a stepwise change in brightness gradient. The control method S20 executed by the control unit 14 includes an acquisition process (step S11), a determination process (step S12), a brightness distribution determination process (step S13), a brightness distribution change process (step S21), and a brightness value determination process (step S22).

[0052] (Acquisition process) In step S11 of FIG. 5, the control unit 14 acquires a usage degree Q that indicates the degree of usage of at least some of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0053] (Determination process) 5, the control unit 14 determines whether the degree of use Q exceeds a predetermined threshold Q1. If the degree of use Q exceeds the predetermined threshold Q1, i.e., if the condition "Q>Q1" is met (step S12: YES), the process proceeds to step S13. If the degree of use Q does not exceed the predetermined threshold Q1, i.e., if the condition "Q>Q1" is not met (step S12: NO), the process returns to step S11.

[0054] (Luminance distribution determination process) In step S13 of FIG. 5, the control unit 14 determines the luminance distribution of the light-emitting elements on the display area based on the degree of use Q.

[0055] (Brightness distribution change processing) In step S21 of FIG. 5, the control unit 14 changes the distribution of luminance of the light-emitting elements on the display area when a predetermined time has elapsed since the degree of use Q was acquired.

[0056] (Brightness value determination process) 5, the control unit 14 determines whether the changed brightness has reached a predetermined value. If it has reached the predetermined value (step S22: YES), the process returns to step S11. If it has not reached the predetermined value (step S22: NO), the process returns to step S21.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a setting in which the luminance ratio at the corners of display panel 13 is changed in stages over time. In the example of FIG. 6, control unit 14 gradually reduces the luminance ratio at the corners of display panel 13 to 85% in the period from time 0 to T1, to 80% in the period from time T1 to T2, and to 75% in the period after time T2. In this way, control unit 14 in the example of FIG. 6 gradually reduces the luminance ratio at the corners of display panel 13 over time, thereby gradually increasing the degree of luminance reduction depending on the distance from the central region of display panel 13. Here, for example, by gradually reducing the luminance ratio at the corners of display panel 13 over time, control unit 14 may extend the time until burn-in occurs on display panel 13 using a simple mechanism compared to when the luminance ratio is constant.

[0058] For example, control unit 14 may change the degree to which the luminance ratio of the corners of display panel 13 is gradually decreased over time as usage level Q increases. Also, for example, control unit 14 may change the degree to which the luminance ratio of the corners of display panel 13 is gradually decreased over time as the content changes.

[0059] (Continuous change in brightness gradient) For example, the control unit 14 may continuously increase the degree to which the luminance decreases depending on the distance from the predetermined area over time.

[0060] (Flow of display device control method S20 regarding continuous change of luminance gradient) 7 is a flow diagram showing an example of the flow of a control method S20 of a display device related to a continuous change in luminance gradient. The control method S20 executed by the control unit 14 includes an acquisition process (step S11), a determination process (step S12), a luminance change rate determination process (step S31), a luminance change rate change process (step S32), a luminance value determination process (step S22), and a luminance distribution determination process (step S13).

[0061] (Acquisition process) In step S11 of FIG. 7, the control unit 14 acquires a usage degree Q that indicates the degree of usage of at least some of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0062] (Determination process) 7, the control unit 14 determines whether the degree of use Q exceeds a predetermined threshold Q1. If the degree of use Q exceeds the predetermined threshold Q1, i.e., if the condition "Q>Q1" is met (step S12: YES), the process proceeds to step S31. If the degree of use Q does not exceed the predetermined threshold Q1, i.e., if the condition "Q>Q1" is not met (step S12: NO), the process returns to step S11.

[0063] (Brightness change rate determination process) 7, the control unit 14 determines the rate of change in luminance in the luminance distribution of the light-emitting element. Here, the rate of change in luminance corresponds to the slope of the graph when the luminance ratio is changed linearly in the example of FIG. 8 described later.

[0064] (Brightness change rate change processing) In step S32 of FIG. 7, the control unit 14 changes the rate of luminance change in the luminance distribution of the light-emitting elements when a predetermined time has elapsed since the degree of use Q was obtained.

[0065] (Brightness value determination process) 7, the control unit 14 determines whether the changed brightness has reached a predetermined value. If it has reached the predetermined value (step S22: YES), the process proceeds to step S13. If it has not reached the predetermined value (step S22: NO), the process returns to step S32.

[0066] (Luminance distribution determination process) In step S13 of FIG. 7, the control unit 14 determines the luminance distribution of the light-emitting elements on the display area based on the degree of use Q.

[0067] FIG. 8 illustrates a setting example in which the luminance ratio at the edge of the display panel 13 is set to change continuously, i.e., linearly, over time. In the example of FIG. 8, the control unit 14 linearly decreases the luminance ratio at the edge of the display panel 13 in the interval from time 0 to T1 and the interval from time T1 to T2. Here, the luminance ratio at the edge of the display panel 13 in the example of FIG. 8 is set to 85% at time 0, 80% at time T1, and 75% from time T2 onward. In this way, the control unit 14 in the example of FIG. 8 continuously decreases the luminance ratio at the edge of the display panel 13 over time, thereby continuously increasing the degree of luminance decrease with distance from the central region of the display panel 13. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 14 may continuously decrease the luminance ratio at the edge of the display panel 13 over time to make changes in the luminance distribution on the display panel 13 less noticeable to the user.

[0068] (Effects of the display device 10) As described above, the display device 10 includes a display panel having a display area for displaying an image and a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in the display area, a drive unit for driving the display panel based on a video signal, and a control unit for controlling the drive unit. The control unit executes an acquisition process for acquiring a usage level representing a usage level of at least some of the plurality of light-emitting elements, and a luminance distribution determination process for determining a luminance distribution of the plurality of light-emitting elements on the display area based on the usage level. The drive unit drives the display panel based on the luminance distribution determined in the luminance distribution determination process and the video signal to display an image on the display area. This reduces burn-in on the display panel while maintaining a screen display that is easy for users to view.

[0069] [Software implementation example] The functions of the display device 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "device") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly each part included in the control unit 14).

[0070] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The control device and storage device execute the program, thereby realizing the functions described in each of the above embodiments.

[0071] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0072] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0073] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may run on the control device or on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0074] 〔summary〕 A display device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a display panel having a display area for displaying an image and a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in the display area, a drive unit for driving the display panel based on a video signal, and a control unit for controlling the drive unit, wherein the control unit executes an acquisition process for acquiring a usage level representing a usage level of at least some of the plurality of light-emitting elements, and a luminance distribution determination process for determining a luminance distribution of the plurality of light-emitting elements on the display area based on the usage level, and the drive unit drives the display panel based on the luminance distribution determined in the luminance distribution determination process and the video signal to display an image on the display area, thereby reducing burn-in on the display panel and maintaining a screen display that is easy for users to view.

[0075] A display device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the display device of the first aspect, wherein the luminance distribution in the display area is a luminance distribution in which luminance decreases according to the distance from a predetermined area, thereby delaying deterioration of light-emitting elements at the edges of the display area.

[0076] A display device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the display device of the second aspect, wherein the control unit, in the luminance distribution determination process, changes the degree of luminance gradient that reduces luminance according to the distance from the predetermined area based on the degree of use, thereby making it possible to delay deterioration of light-emitting elements at the edges of the display area based on the degree of use of the light-emitting elements.

[0077] A display device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the same as that of the third aspect, wherein, in the luminance distribution determination process, when the degree of use exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit increases the degree of the luminance gradient compared to the degree of the luminance gradient before the degree of use exceeded the predetermined threshold, thereby delaying deterioration of light-emitting elements at the edges of the display area according to settings related to the degree of use of the light-emitting elements.

[0078] A display device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the display device of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the degree of use includes the degree of use of at least the light-emitting elements arranged at the edges of the display area, thereby slowing down deterioration of the light-emitting elements at the edges of the display area.

[0079] A display device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is any of the second, third, and fifth aspects, wherein the control unit determines to change the luminance distribution when the degree of use exceeds a predetermined threshold in the luminance distribution determination process, thereby delaying deterioration of light-emitting elements in the display area according to settings related to the degree of use of the light-emitting elements.

[0080] A display device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is similar to that of the sixth aspect, wherein the control unit determines, in the luminance distribution determination process, to change the luminance distribution when the usage level of more than a predetermined number of light-emitting elements included in at least a portion of the plurality of light-emitting elements exceeds the predetermined threshold value. This makes it possible to delay deterioration of light-emitting elements in the entire display area according to the usage levels of at least some of the light-emitting elements on the display area.

[0081] In a display device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the control unit acquires content identification information that identifies the content of the video signal, and initializes the usage degree when the content represented by the content identification information is changed. This makes it possible to initialize the usage degree of the light-emitting element according to the content of the video signal.

[0082] A display device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the display device of any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the degree of use is an integrated value of the degrees of use acquired in the acquisition process for at least some of the plurality of light-emitting elements, thereby making it possible to determine the luminance distribution based on the integrated value of the degrees of use of the light-emitting elements.

[0083] A tenth aspect of the present invention relates to a display device according to any one of aspects 2 to 4, wherein the control unit gradually increases the rate at which luminance is reduced depending on the distance from the predetermined region over time, thereby lengthening the time until burn-in occurs on the display panel using a simple mechanism compared to when the rate at which luminance is reduced is constant.

[0084] A display device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the display device of any one of aspects 2 to 4, wherein the control unit continuously increases the rate at which the luminance decreases depending on the distance from the predetermined area over time, thereby making it difficult for a user to visually recognize changes in the luminance distribution on the display panel.

[0085] A display device according to Aspect 12 of the present invention is any of Aspects 1 to 11, wherein the control unit determines a maximum luminance of each of the plurality of light-emitting elements as the luminance distribution in the luminance distribution determination process, and the drive unit causes the plurality of light-emitting elements to emit light within a range of the maximum luminance based on the gradation represented by the video signal. This makes it possible to delay deterioration of the light-emitting elements in the display area according to the settings related to the luminance of the light-emitting elements.

[0086] A display device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the display device of any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the degree of use is any one of the amount of current flowing into the light-emitting element, the luminance of the light-emitting element, and the gradation of the video signal, thereby making it possible to determine the luminance distribution based on the degree of use of the light-emitting element.

[0087] A display device according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the display device of any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements are organic EL elements, thereby making it possible to determine the distribution of luminance in the organic EL display panel.

[0088] A control method for a display device according to aspect 15 of the present invention is a control method for a display device including a display panel having a display area for displaying an image and a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in the display area, the control method including: an acquisition process for acquiring a usage level representing a usage level of at least some of the plurality of light-emitting elements; a luminance distribution determination process for determining a luminance distribution of the plurality of light-emitting elements on the display area based on the usage level; and a drive process for driving the display panel to display an image on the display area based on the luminance distribution determined in the luminance distribution determination process and a video signal. This achieves the same effects as aspect 1.

[0089] The display device according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer, in which case the control program for the display device that causes the computer to operate as each part (software element) of the display device to realize the display device on the computer, and the computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0090] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 10 Display device 11 Video signal processing section 12 Drive unit 13 Display panel 14 Control Unit

Claims

1. a display panel having a display area for displaying an image and a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in the display area; a driver that drives the display panel based on a video signal; a control unit that controls the drive unit, The control unit an acquisition process for acquiring a usage degree representing a usage degree of at least some of the plurality of light-emitting elements; a brightness distribution determination process for determining a brightness distribution of the plurality of light-emitting elements on the display area based on the degree of use; The display device wherein the drive unit drives the display panel based on the luminance distribution determined in the luminance distribution determination process and a video signal to display an image in the display area.

2. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the luminance distribution is a luminance distribution in which the luminance decreases according to the distance from a predetermined area on the display area.

3. The display device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit, in the luminance distribution determination process, changes a degree of luminance gradient that reduces luminance according to a distance from the predetermined area based on the degree of use.

4. 4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, when the degree of use exceeds a predetermined threshold in the brightness distribution determination process, the control unit increases the degree of the brightness gradient to a value greater than the degree of the brightness gradient before the degree of use exceeds the predetermined threshold.

5. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the degree of use includes at least the degree of use of light-emitting elements arranged at the ends of the display area.

6. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines to change the luminance distribution when the degree of use exceeds a predetermined threshold in the luminance distribution determination process.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit, in the luminance distribution determination process, decides to change the luminance distribution when the degree of usage exceeds the predetermined threshold for a plurality of light-emitting elements exceeding a predetermined number included in at least a portion of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

8. The control unit obtaining content identification information that identifies the content of the video signal; The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the degree of use is initialized when the content indicated by the content identification information is changed.

9. The degree of use is: The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the degree of use is an integrated value of the degree of use acquired in the acquisition process for at least some of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

10. The control unit The display device according to claim 2 , wherein the degree to which the luminance is reduced according to the distance from the predetermined area is increased stepwise over time.

11. The control unit The display device according to claim 2 , wherein the degree of decrease in luminance depending on the distance from the predetermined area is continuously increased over time.

12. In the luminance distribution determination process, the control unit determining a maximum luminance of each of the plurality of light-emitting elements as the luminance distribution; The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the drive section causes the plurality of light-emitting elements to emit light within the maximum luminance range based on the gradation represented by the video signal.

13. 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the degree of use is any one of an amount of current flowing into the light-emitting element, a luminance of the light-emitting element, and a gradation of the video signal.

14. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements are organic EL elements.

15. A method for controlling a display device including a display panel having a display area for displaying an image and a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in the display area, comprising: an acquisition process for acquiring a usage degree representing a usage degree of at least some of the plurality of light-emitting elements; a brightness distribution determination process for determining a brightness distribution of the plurality of light-emitting elements on the display area based on the degree of use; a drive process of driving the display panel based on the luminance distribution determined in the luminance distribution determination process and a video signal to display an image in the display area.

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