Display device

Abstract

To provide a display device in which the shape of a frame is the same as or similar to the shape of a display region even in the non-rectangular display region and the frame can be narrowed.SOLUTION: The display device includes a display region having a non-rectangular shape and a drive circuit portion disposed on an outer periphery of the display region, the drive circuit portion includes at least two gate drivers and at least two source drivers, one of the gate drivers and the other of the gate drivers are disposed apart from each other, and one of the source drivers and the other of the source drivers are disposed apart from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One aspect of the present invention is an article, a method, a manufacturing method, a process, a machine, a manufacture, In particular, one aspect of the present invention relates to a composition of matter. For example, the present invention relates to a semiconductor device, a display device, a light-emitting device, an electronic device, and a driving method thereof. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a display device having a non-rectangular display area, for example. One aspect of the invention relates to a driver circuit for a display device having a non-rectangular display area, for example.

[0002] The display device refers to a device having a display element. The display device includes a control circuit disposed on a separate substrate. This includes circuits, power supply circuits, signal generation circuits, etc. [Background technology]

[0003] Flat panel displays, which are already widely used in televisions, mobile devices, etc., New needs are expected to emerge in applications such as wristwatches and in-car devices, especially instrument panels. It has been done.

[0004] Conventional flat panel displays have a rectangular display area, so the display area is divided into rows and columns. It is compatible with matrix driving, which controls each column, and is compatible with most flat panel displays. On the other hand, when considering applications to watches and in-vehicle devices, There is an increasing demand for non-rectangular display areas from the viewpoint of craftsmanship.

[0005] Display devices with non-rectangular display areas are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 and Non-Patent Document 4. Something like document 1 is disclosed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-276359 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-69768 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-272203 [Non-Patent Document 1] SID 08 DIGEST pages 951-954 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the aspects disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the display area is Signal lines are routed from one of the driver circuits to the non-rectangular display area. Therefore, even if the display area is non-rectangular, the same matrix driving as before is possible. On the other hand, a suitable frame area is required outside the display area. In the case of an oval panel, the outer shape of the panel becomes square due to the layout area of ​​the driver circuit and the routing area of ​​the signal lines. This method results in a non-rectangular display area, but This places greater restrictions on the housing design.

[0008] On the other hand, in the embodiments disclosed in Patent Document 3 and Non-Patent Document 1, the arrangement of the drive circuit is By using this technique, it is possible to use the same matrix drive as before, but with a non-rectangular display area. However, this method requires a data driver (software At least one corner of the display area must be between the display driver (source driver) and the gate driver. The display area is also limited to the conditions. For example, the area does not have any vertices, such as a circle or an ellipse. It is not suitable for displaying polygons or shapes whose vertices are obtuse angles that deviate significantly from right angles. I can't respond.

[0009] In view of the above-described problems, in one aspect of the present invention, a frame shape is provided even in a non-rectangular display area. and a display device that can realize a narrow frame and have the same or similar shape of the display area. One of the challenges is to provide a display area that offers a high degree of freedom in design. The shape of the frame and the shape of the display area are the same or similar, and the frame can be made narrower. Another object of the present invention is to provide a display device that can be displayed with a high degree of freedom in design. Even in the case of a highly accurate display area shape, the shape of the frame and the shape of the display area are the same or similar. One of the objectives is to provide a display device driver circuit that can realize a narrow frame. Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a display device with a novel structure. This is the end.

[0010] The description of these problems does not preclude the existence of other problems. It is not necessary for one embodiment to solve all of these problems. The above will be made clear from the description, drawings, claims, etc. It is possible to extract issues other than those mentioned above from the descriptions in the patent, claims, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention is a display device including a non-rectangular display area and a driver circuit portion disposed on the periphery of the display area. , and the drive circuit section includes at least two gate drivers and at least two source and a driver, and one of the gate drivers and the other of the gate drivers are arranged apart from each other. and one of the source drivers and the other of the source drivers are arranged apart from each other. It is a display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a display device having a high degree of freedom in the shape of a display area and a narrow frame can be realized. This allows for the minimization of the display device's external dimensions, allowing for greater flexibility in accommodating design constraints. It is possible to provide a display device that can accommodate this. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a top view of a display device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a top view of a display device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a timing chart illustrating a driver circuit portion included in a display device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a timing chart illustrating a driver circuit portion included in a display device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a top view of a display device. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are circuit diagrams illustrating a pixel circuit and a protection circuit that can be used in a display device. [Figure 7] 1A to 1C illustrate electronic devices. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. It is possible to implement the present invention in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the details of the present invention. However, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the description of the following embodiments.

[0015] Also, in the drawings, the size, thickness of layers, or areas are exaggerated for clarity. Therefore, the scale is not necessarily limited to that shown. The figures are merely schematic representations and are not limited to the shapes or values ​​shown in the drawings. Variations in signals, voltages, or currents due to the above, or variations in signals, voltages, or currents due to timing differences , or current variations, etc.

[0016] In addition, the ordinal numbers "first," "second," and "third" used in this specification refer to the number of components. It should be noted that this is added to avoid confusion and is not intended to limit the number.

[0017] In this specification, "A and B are connected" does not mean that A and B are directly connected. In addition to those that are connected electrically, those that are connected electrically are also included. Electrically connected means that there is an object between A and B that has some kind of electrical effect. When this occurs, it means something that enables the transmission and reception of electrical signals between A and B.

[0018] In addition, in this specification, the terms "above" and "below" that indicate the position of components are used to indicate the position of components. The positional relationship is used for convenience in describing the structure with reference to the drawings. The relationship between the two components changes depending on the direction in which each component is depicted. The terms are not limited to those used above, but can be rephrased appropriately depending on the situation.

[0019] In addition, the positional relationship of each circuit block in the block diagram is specified for the purpose of explanation. Although different circuit blocks are shown to realize different functions, In circuits or regions, different functions can be realized within the same circuit or region. In addition, the function of each circuit block in the block diagram may be changed for the purpose of explanation. Although it is shown as a circuit block, it may not be applicable to actual circuits or areas. In this case, the processing that would normally be done by one circuit block is performed by multiple circuit blocks. In some cases, this may be the case.

[0020] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, a display device of one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. conduct.

[0021] An example of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. B) is a schematic top view of the display device.

[0022] In the display device shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B), the display area is circular. However, the display area is not limited to a circular shape, and may have any non-rectangular shape. The shape of the shape may be, for example, a polygon with five or more sides, a circle, an ellipse, or an arc and a straight line. Various shapes can be used, including:

[0023] The display device shown in FIG. 1A has a non-rectangular display area 102 and a non-rectangular display area 10 and a drive circuit section 104 arranged on the outer periphery of the first gate electrode 2, and the drive circuit section 104 The first gate driver 104g1 and the second gate driver 104g2, and the first source driver 10 The first source driver 104s1 and the second source driver 104s2.

[0024] The first gate driver 104g1 and the second gate driver 104g2 are separated from each other. The first source driver 104s1 and the second source driver 104s2 are arranged between the first source driver 104s1 and the second source driver 104s3. The bar 104s2 is disposed apart from the bar 104s1.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1(A), the first gate driver 104g1 and the second gate driver It is preferable that the first source driver 104g1 and the second source driver 104g2 are disposed opposite each other. It is preferable that the first source driver 104s1 and the second source driver 104s2 are arranged opposite to each other. By arranging the gate drivers or source drivers facing each other as shown, a non-rectangular In particular, the matrix driving of the display area 102 can be suitably performed. When the shape of the region 102 is symmetrical in both the vertical and horizontal directions, parts of the driving circuits are arranged opposite each other. This method is effective.

[0026] In this embodiment, the gate driver and the source driver are each divided into two. The configuration of the gate driver and the source driver is an example, but is not limited to this. Each of the gate drivers may be divided into three or more parts. and at least one of the different gate drivers are arranged at a distance from each other. Alternatively, at least one of the plurality of source drivers may be connected to a different plurality of source drivers. It is sufficient that the optical fiber is arranged apart from at least one of the optical fibers.

[0027] The display device shown in FIG. 1B is a modified example of the display device shown in FIG. 1A, and is a non-rectangular display device. A display area 102 having a rectangular shape and a drive circuit section 10 disposed on the periphery of the non-rectangular display area 102. 4 and 5, protection circuits 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d are arranged between them. In (B), the protection circuit 106a is a first source driver 104s1, which is a driving circuit. The protection circuit 106b has a function of protecting the first gate driver 10 4g1, and the protection circuit 106c functions to protect the second source driver 4g1, which is a driving circuit. The protection circuit 106d has a function of protecting the second gate driver 104s2. It functions to protect the driver 104g2.

[0028] The configuration of the protection circuit is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the first gate driver 104 g1, the second gate driver 104g2, the first source driver 104s1, or the second It is preferable that the source driver 104s2 is provided with at least one of the source drivers 104s1 and 104s2.

[0029] Here, when the display area shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B) is matrix-driven, the following Give an explanation.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B), the outer edge of the display area 102, i.e., The arc is divided into a plurality of parts, and a drive circuit (gate driver) is suitably provided around each of the divided outer edges. By arranging the display area in a matrix, It can be driven by a switch.

[0031] For example, if the display area is circular as shown in Figure 1(A) and (B), the arc of the circle is When the display area 102 is viewed in a normal position in a certain direction, it is divided into four parts: upper right, lower right, upper left, and left It will be divided into the following four areas.

[0032] In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the driving circuit (first gate driver) that controls the horizontal scanning lines is The driver circuit (second gate driver 104g1) is placed at the top right, and the driver circuit (second gate driver 104g2) that controls the horizontal scanning lines is placed at the top right. The driver 104g2) is located at the bottom left. Also, the driver circuit (the The source driver 104s1 of the first row is located at the top left, and the driver circuit ( The second source driver 104s2) is located at the bottom right.

[0033] By adopting the above-mentioned arrangement, for example, the first gate driver 104g arranged at the upper right The second gate driver 104g2, located at the bottom left, is responsible for selecting the rows in the upper half of the screen. The first source driver 104 is responsible for selecting rows in the lower half of the screen. s1 is responsible for the signal input for the left half of the screen, and the second source driver 104 located at the bottom right s2 is responsible for signal input for the right half of the screen.

[0034] By adopting such a drive circuit arrangement method and control method, the following problems can be solved: It is possible.

[0035] When a display device having a non-rectangular display area, for example a circular display area, is matrix-driven, In this case, the conventional control method requires that all rows and columns of the display area be selected and controlled. In other words, for a circular display area, the source driver and gate The drivers must be placed at least halfway around the circuit. For example, the source driver When the gate driver is placed on one half of the circumference and the gate driver on the other half, the scanning direction is perpendicular or Since it can never be positioned in a way that conforms to the , the drivers must be arranged linearly.

[0036] In this way, if the driver is placed at a location that is off the outer edge of the display area, It is not possible to arrange the driving circuit on the periphery, and as a result, the display device's outer shape is minimized due to the narrow frame. However, as shown in Figure 1(A) and (B), The outer edge of the area, i.e., the arc, is divided into multiple parts, and a drive circuit is placed around each of the divided outer edges. By disposing the display device in this manner, it is possible to realize a reduction in the outer shape of the display device by narrowing the frame.

[0037] Here, the details of each component of the display device shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B) will be explained below. conduct.

[0038] <Display area> The display area 102 is arranged in X rows (X is a natural number of 2 or more) and Y columns (Y is a natural number of 2 or more). The pixel circuit has a circuit for driving a plurality of display elements. A pulse signal is input to the scanning section via one of a plurality of scanning lines to which a scanning signal is applied, and data is A data signal is input via one of a plurality of signal lines to which a data signal is applied. The path section controls the writing and holding of data signals by a gate driver. For example, the pixel circuit section receives a pulse signal from a gate driver via a scanning line, and A data signal is input from the source driver via the signal line in accordance with the potential of the line.

[0039] <Drive circuit section> The driving circuit unit 104 outputs a signal (scanning signal) for selecting a pixel circuit unit included in the display area 102. a circuit (also called a gate driver) that outputs a signal, and a display circuit of a pixel circuit portion that the display area 102 has. A circuit (also called a source driver) that supplies signals (data signals) to drive display elements. A part or the whole of the driving circuit unit 104 is connected to the display area 102. It is preferable that the number of components and terminals are formed on the same substrate. However, the configuration of the drive circuit unit 104 is not limited to this. The driving circuit section 10 may not be formed on the same substrate as the driving circuit section 102. Part of 4 can be implemented by COG or TAB.

[0040] <Gate driver> The first gate driver 104g1 and the second gate driver 104g2 are, for example, The first gate driver 104g1 and the second gate driver 104g2 have a soft resistor. 04g2 receives a signal to drive the shift register and outputs a signal. For example, The first gate driver 104g1 and the second gate driver 104g2 are A pulse signal, a clock signal, etc. are input, and a pulse signal is output. The first gate driver 104g1 and the second gate driver 104g2 are connected to the wiring to which the scanning signal is applied. Alternatively, the first gate driver 104g1 and the second gate driver The driver 104g2 has a function that can supply an initialization signal. The first gate driver 104g1 and the second gate driver 104g2 are not limited to , it is also possible to provide a different signal.

[0041] <Source driver> The first source driver 104s1 and the second source driver 104s2 are shift registers. The first source driver 104s1 and the second source driver 104 s2 is a signal for driving the shift register as well as a signal that is the source of the data signal (image signal The first source driver 104s1 and the second source driver 104 s2 generates a data signal to be written to the pixel circuit unit of the display area 102 based on the image signal. In addition, the first source driver 104s1 and the second source driver 104s2 is a pulse signal obtained by inputting a start pulse signal, a clock signal, etc. Therefore, the first source driver 104 has a function of controlling the output of the data signal. The first source driver 104s1 and the second source driver 104s2 control the potential of the wiring to which the data signal is applied. Alternatively, the first source driver 104s1 and the second source driver The driver 104s2 has a function to supply an initialization signal. The first source driver 104s1 and the second source driver 104s2 are not specified. Other signals may also be provided.

[0042] The first source driver 104s1 and the second source driver 104s2 are, for example, For example, the first source driver 104s1 is configured using a plurality of analog switches. The second source driver 104s2 sequentially turns on a plurality of analog switches. By this, the image signal can be time-divided and output as a data signal. The first source driver 104s1 and the second source driver 10 4s2 may be configured.

[0043] <Protection circuit> The protection circuits 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d are, for example, 104g1 and / or the second gate driver 104g2, and the pixels included in the display area 102 The protection circuits 106a, 106b, 106c are connected to the scanning lines which are the wiring between the circuit parts. 106c, 106d are the first source driver 104s1 and / or the second source driver 104s2 and the pixel circuit unit of the display area 102. The protection circuits 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d are designed to protect the wiring to which they are connected within a certain range. This is a circuit that brings the wiring into a conductive state with another wiring when an outside potential is applied.

[0044] Next, a more specific example of the display device shown in FIG. 1(A) is shown in FIG. 2. 1 is a schematic top view of the

[0045] In the display device shown in FIG. 2, the display area is circular, and the number of pixels in the diameter direction is 48 dots. The figures are shown as

[0046] The display device shown in FIG. 2 has a non-rectangular display area 202 and a non-rectangular display area 20 2 and a first gate driver 204g1 arranged along a part of the outer edge of the non-rectangular display. a second gate driver 204g2 disposed along a portion of the outer edge of the region 202; a first source driver 204s1 arranged along a part of the outer edge of the display area 202; , a second source driver 20 disposed along a part of the outer edge of the non-rectangular display area 202; It has 4s2 and.

[0047] The first gate driver 204g1 drives the first scanning line 208g1 to the 24th scanning line 208g2. The second gate driver 204g2 is connected to the 25th driving The first source is connected to the scanning line 208g25 through the 48th scanning line 208g48. The driver 204s1 is connected to the first signal line 208s1 to the 24th signal line 208s24. The second source driver 204s2 also supplies the 25th signal line 208s25 to the 26th signal line 208s26. 48 is connected to the signal line 208s48.

[0048] In FIG. 2, the X direction is the scanning line (the first scanning line 208g1 to the 48th scanning line 208g2). The Y direction represents the direction of the signal lines (first signal line 208s1 to the 48th signal line 208s2). 2, the second scanning line 208g2 to the 23rd scanning line 208g3 represent the direction of the scanning line. Scan line 208g23, 26th scan line 208g26 to 47th scan line 208g47, 2nd The signal lines 208s2 to 208s23, and the signal lines 208s26 to 208s26 The reference numerals of the signal lines 208s47 are not specified to avoid complication.

[0049] The arrows in FIG. 2 indicate the directions of the drive circuits (first gate driver 204g1, The second gate driver 204g2, the first source driver 204s1, and the second source driver This indicates the direction in which the scan lines or signal lines connected to the driver 204s2 are routed. are.

[0050] In FIG. 2, the pixels arranged on the periphery of the circular display area are each square. Although it is written as a shape of a circle, in this case the shape of the circumference is stepped according to the dots. Furthermore, when it is desired to improve the image quality of the peripheral portion of the display area, The pixel electrode shape of the pixel is made to match the shape of the periphery, with one or two sides including an arc. The arcs of the pixels may be formed so that they are connected at the outer edges to form a circumferential portion.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, the first gate driver 204g1 The second gate driver 204g2 can control the upper half of the scan lines. It is possible to control the scanning lines of the lower half of the rectangular display area 202. The driver 204s1 can control the signal lines in the left half of the non-rectangular display area 202. The second source driver 204s2 can drive the right half of the non-rectangular display area 202. The signal line can be controlled.

[0052] Here, timing charts relating to writing to the display device shown in FIG. 2 are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. show.

[0053] In the timing chart shown in FIG. 3, the scanning pulses input to the first scanning line 208g1 are The scanning signal (G24) input to the 24th scanning line 208g24 from the scanning signal (G1) is The first gate driver 204g1 controls the 25th scanning line 208g25. The second gate driver 204g2 controls the scanning signal (G25) and subsequent signals. The gate driver 204g1 inputs the scanning signal (G24 ), and then the second gate driver 204g2 controls the 25th scanning line 208g2 The timing signal is controlled to control the scanning signal (G25) input to the input terminal 5.

[0054] In this way, the first gate driver 204g1 arranged in the upper right corner of the display device shown in FIG. The pulse output from the second gate driver 204g2 located at the bottom left is set to be continuous. By controlling the operation start timing of each gate driver, the display area is continuously It can be scanned efficiently.

[0055] In addition, the driving method of the first source driver 204s1 and the second source driver 204s2 As a method, line sequential driving may be performed within the selection period of one row, or point sequential driving may be performed. stomach.

[0056] When performing point sequential driving, for example, as shown in FIG. 4(A), the desired scanning line (FIG. 4(A) During the period in which the n-th scanning line 208gn is selected, a desired signal line is decoded. In FIG. 4A, the first signal line 208s1 to the 48th signal line 208s 48) are input. In the timing chart, the hatched areas indicate where no data signal is output to the signal line. The white areas indicate the state in which the desired data signal is being output to the signal line.

[0057] In addition, when performing line-sequential driving, for example, as shown in FIG. 4(B), the desired scanning line ( In 4(B), the signal line is connected to the same line while the nth scanning line 208gn is selected. Data signals (S1 to S48 in FIG. 4B) are output at the same timing.

[0058] As described above, in the display device described in this embodiment, the driving The gate driver and source driver, which are the operating circuit sections, are separated and placed separately. Preferably, the non-rectangular display area is driven by matrix driving by arranging the electrodes opposite each other. Therefore, it is possible to provide a high degree of freedom in the shape of the display area while also achieving a narrow frame. This allows minimizing the external dimensions of the display device, allowing for flexibility in accommodating design constraints. This makes it possible to provide a display device that can respond flexibly.

[0059] The structure described in this embodiment mode may be used in appropriate combination with structures described in other embodiments. can be done.

[0060] (Embodiment 2) In this embodiment mode, a structure different from that of the display device shown in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5 will be used for explanation.

[0061] 5A, 5B, and 5C are top views of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. is shown schematically.

[0062] In Figures 5(A), (B), and (C), the arrows indicate the direction of the light source connected to each drive circuit. The direction of control of the scanning lines or signal lines is shown.

[0063] The display device shown in FIG. 5(A) is a modified example of the display device shown in FIG. 1(A), and has a non-rectangular shape. A display area 402 and a drive circuit section arranged on the periphery of the non-rectangular display area 402. The driving circuit section includes a first gate driver 404g1 and a second gate driver 404g2. , a third gate driver 404g3, a fourth gate driver 404g4, and a first a first source driver 404s1, a second source driver 404s2, and a third source driver The first source driver 404s1 has a first source driver 404s2 and a fourth source driver 404s3.

[0064] The first gate driver 404g1, the third gate driver 404g3 and / or The fourth gate driver 404g4 is arranged apart from the second gate driver 404g5. driver 404g2, the third gate driver 404g3 and / or the fourth gate driver The first source driver 404s1 and the second source driver 404g4 are arranged apart from each other. , the third source driver 404s3 and / or the fourth source driver 404s4 are separated. Also, the second source driver 404s2 and the third source driver The fourth source driver 404s3 and / or the fourth source driver 404s4 are arranged apart from each other. .

[0065] The display device shown in FIG. 5A includes three or more gate drivers and three or more This is the case when the configuration includes a source driver. and at least one gate driver different from the gate driver is provided separately. Also, a source driver and at least one other source driver different from the source driver are configured. The configuration is such that one is provided at a distance from the other.

[0066] In FIG. 5A, a driving circuit (first gate driver 4) that controls the horizontal scanning lines is shown. The first gate driver 404g1 and the second gate driver 404g2 are placed at the top right and control the horizontal scanning lines. The driving circuits (third gate driver 404g3 and fourth gate driver 404g4) is placed at the bottom left, and a driver circuit (first source driver 404s1 and the second source driver 404s2) are arranged in the upper left corner, and are used to control the vertical signal lines. The circuits (third source driver 404s3 and fourth source driver 404s4) are shown at the bottom right. Place.

[0067] By using the above arrangement, for example, the first gate driver 404g arranged in the upper right The first and second gate drivers 404g2 are responsible for selecting rows in the upper half of the screen and are located at the bottom left. The third gate driver 404g3 and the fourth gate driver 404g4 are connected to the bottom of the screen. The first source driver 404s1 and the second source driver 404s2 are located in the upper left and The second source driver 404s2 is responsible for the signal input for the left half of the screen, and the second source driver 404s3 is responsible for the signal input for the left half of the screen. The third source driver 404s3 and the fourth source driver 404s4 are Responsible for signal input.

[0068] As a method of arranging the driving circuits of the display device shown in FIG. 5(A), for example, The light driver 404g4 is arranged across the bottom left 1 / 8 of the arc of the display area 402. In addition, the coordinates of both ends of the arc of the display area 402 corresponding to the position of the fourth gate driver 404g4 are The angles at which the lines intersect with each other are 45 degrees.

[0069] The display device shown in FIG. 5B is a configuration example in which the display area is a so-called flower shape, and is a non-rectangular display. A display area 412 and a drive circuit section arranged on the periphery of the non-rectangular display area 412. The driving circuit section includes a first gate driver 414g1 and a second gate driver 414g2. a first source driver 414s1 and a second source driver 414s2. .

[0070] The first gate driver 414g1 and the second gate driver 414g2 are separated from each other. The first source driver 414s1 and the second source driver 414s2 are arranged between the first source driver 414s1 and the second source driver 414s3. The bar 414s2 is disposed at a distance from the bar 414s1.

[0071] In addition, the display device shown in FIG. 5B has a larger area than the display device shown in FIG. Areas 415, 416, 417, and 418 are cut out on the inside. However, the method of dividing the driver circuit section can be the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 1(A). .

[0072] As a method of arranging the driving circuits of the display device shown in FIG. 5(B), for example, The light driver 414g2 is arranged across the bottom left quarter of the outer edge of the display area 412. In addition, the distance between both ends of the outer edge of the display area 412 corresponding to the position of the second gate driver 414g2 is The angle at which the lines intersect is 90 degrees.

[0073] The display device shown in FIG. 5(C) has a display area with a more complicated shape than those shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B). 422 and a non-rectangular display area 422. The drive circuit unit includes a first gate driver 424g1 and a second gate driver 424g2. a third gate driver 424g2, a third gate driver 424g3, and a first source driver 4 24s1, a second source driver 424s2, and a third source driver 424s3. do.

[0074] The first gate driver 424g1, the second gate driver 424g2, and the third gate driver 424g3 are connected to the first gate driver 424g4. The first gate driver 424g3 is disposed apart from the first source driver 424g4. The first source driver 424s1 and the third source driver 424s3 ​​are arranged apart from each other. The second source driver 424s2 and the third source driver 424s3 ​​are spaced apart from each other. are placed.

[0075] In FIG. 5C, a driving circuit (first gate driver 4) for controlling the horizontal scanning lines is shown. 24g1) is arranged on the short side of the rectangle, and the drive circuit (second gate The driver 424g2) is placed in the upper right corner of the circle, and the driver circuit (the The third gate driver 424g3) is placed at the bottom left of the circle, and the driver that controls the vertical signal line The driving circuit (first source driver 424s1) is arranged on the long side of the rectangle, and the vertical signal lines are The driver circuit to be controlled (second source driver 424s2) is arranged in the upper left corner of the circle, and the vertical direction The driver circuit (third source driver 424s3) that controls the signal lines is located at the bottom right of the circle. do.

[0076] By using the above arrangement, for example, the first gate driver 424g1 The first gate driver 424g1 is responsible for selecting the center row, and the second gate driver 424g2 is responsible for selecting the upper row of the screen. The third gate driver 424g3 is responsible for selecting the rows at the bottom of the screen. The source driver 424s1 is responsible for the signal input on the left side of the screen, and the second source driver 4 The third source driver 424s3 ​​is responsible for the signal input to the center of the screen. Responsible for the right signal input.

[0077] As a method for arranging the driver circuits of the display device shown in FIG. 5C, for example, The driver 424s3 ​​is located in the lower right quarter of the arc of the display area 422. In addition, both ends of the arc of the display area 422 corresponding to the position of the third source driver 424s3 The angle at which the normal lines of the second source driver 424s2 and the second source driver 424s3 ​​intersect with each other is 90 degrees. The second gate driver 424g2 and the third gate driver 424g3 are The upper left part, the upper right part, and the lower left part of the arc of the part of 22 are respectively arranged. In addition, the second source driver 424s2, the second gate driver 424g2, and The normals of both ends of the arc of the display area 422 corresponding to the position of the third gate driver 424g3 are mutually The angle between them will be less than 90 degrees.

[0078] The display device shown in FIG. 5C is, for example, an instrument panel of an automobile or a motorcycle. It can be applied to the following:

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, even when the display area is not circular, the embodiment can be applied. The same arrangement of the driving circuits as in the circular display area described in FIG. 1 of 1 can be applied. Specifically, the outer edge of the display area is divided into multiple parts based on a point on the outer edge. A driving circuit is arranged around each of the divided outer edges.

[0080] In addition, when dividing the outer edge of the display area into multiple parts, the normals at both ends of the divisions intersect at the corners. The division point is determined so that the angle does not exceed a right angle or deviate significantly from a right angle. One aspect of the present invention is applicable to any shape that can be accommodated.

[0081] In this way, a circular display area as shown in FIG. 5(A) and a so-called flower display area as shown in FIG. 5(B) are A display area of ​​a shape, or a display area formed by a combination of straight lines and arcs as shown in Figure 5(C) One embodiment of the present invention can also be applied to a display device having a pixel region.

[0082] As described above, in the display device described in this embodiment, the driving The gate driver and source driver, which are the operating circuit parts, are separated and placed separately. This makes it possible to matrix drive a non-rectangular display area. This allows for a high degree of freedom in the shape of the display area, while minimizing the outer shape of the display device by narrowing the frame. This allows for the creation of display devices that can flexibly accommodate design constraints. It will be possible to provide.

[0083] The structure described in this embodiment mode may be used in appropriate combination with structures described in other embodiments. can be done.

[0084] (Embodiment 3) In this embodiment, a pixel circuit portion of the display region 102 shown in FIG. The circuit configuration that can be achieved will be explained using FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B). Circuits that can be used for the protection circuits 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d shown in (B) The path configuration will be explained using Figures 6(C) and 6(D). Portions having similar functions are given similar reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0085] First, the circuit configuration shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B) will be described below.

[0086] The pixel circuit portion 510 shown in FIG. 6A includes a liquid crystal element 504, a transistor 502_1, and a , and a capacitor 506_1.

[0087] The transistor 502_1 is formed on, for example, a glass or plastic substrate. A thin film transistor (TFT) having a staggered structure can be used. The semiconductor material used for the TFT may be an amorphous TFT or an inverted staggered TFT. The TFT can be made of silicon, polycrystalline silicon, single crystal silicon, etc. The semiconductor material used may be an oxide semiconductor. Also indium (In), zinc (Zn) and M (Al, Ga, Ge, Y, Zr, Sn, La Preferably, the layer includes a layer represented by In-M-Zn oxide containing a metal such as Ce or Hf. It is preferable that the oxide semiconductor contains both In and Zn. To reduce the variation in the electrical characteristics of the transistors, stabilizers are also included. It is preferable to do so.

[0088] In addition, the driving circuit formed on the TFT substrate is also made up of N-type and P-type TFTs. Alternatively, the semiconductor may be either N-type or P-type.

[0089] The potential of one of the pair of electrodes of the liquid crystal element 504 is set appropriately according to the specifications of the pixel circuit section 510. The orientation state of the liquid crystal element 504 is set by the written data. A common electrode is connected to one of a pair of electrodes of the liquid crystal element 504 included in each of the plurality of pixel circuit portions 510. A potential (common potential) may be applied to the liquid crystal elements 504 of the pixel circuit section 510 of each row. A different potential may be applied to one of the pair of electrodes.

[0090] For example, the display device including the liquid crystal element 504 can be driven in a TN mode, an STN mode, or the like. Mode, VA mode, ASM (Axially Symmetric Aligned Mode) Micro-cell mode, OCB (Optically Compensated Birefringence mode, FLC (Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal id Crystal) mode, AFLC (AntiFerroelectric Li Quid Crystal) mode, MVA mode, PVA (Patterned Ve Vertical Alignment mode, IPS mode, FFS mode, or TBA (Transverse Bend Alignment) mode may also be used. In addition to the above-mentioned driving method, the display device can also be driven by an ECB (Electric Carrier Board) or the like. Ally Controlled Birefringence mode, PDLC (P Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PNLC) mode (Polymer Network Liquid Crystal) mode, guest However, there are various types of liquid crystal elements and their driving methods, and they are not limited to these. A variety of materials can be used.

[0091] Also, a liquid crystal composition containing a liquid crystal exhibiting a blue phase and a chiral agent The liquid crystal element may be configured by the following. The liquid crystal that exhibits the blue phase has a response speed of 1 msec or less. Since it is short and optically isotropic, alignment treatment is not required and viewing angle dependency is small.

[0092] In the pixel circuit section 510 in the mth row and nth column (m and n each represent a natural number of 2 or more), One of the source and drain of the transistor 502_1 is electrically connected to the signal line DL_n. The other electrode is electrically connected to the other of the pair of electrodes of the liquid crystal element 504. The gate of the transistor 502_1 is electrically connected to the scanning line GL_m. 02_1 writes data to the data signal by being in the ON or OFF state. It has the function of controlling.

[0093] One of the pair of electrodes of the capacitor 506_1 is connected to a wiring to which a potential is supplied (hereinafter, a potential supply line VL), and the other is electrically connected to the other of the pair of electrodes of the liquid crystal element 504. The value of the potential of the potential supply line VL is set appropriately according to the specifications of the pixel circuit section 510. The capacitor 506_1 functions as a storage capacitor for storing written data. Has.

[0094] For example, in a display device having the pixel circuit portion 510 of FIG. 6A, the first gate driver 104g1 and / or the second gate driver 104g2, the pixel circuit unit 510 of each row are sequentially selected, the transistor 502_1 is turned on, and the data of the data signal is written. .

[0095] In the pixel circuit portion 510 to which the data is written, the transistor 502_1 is turned off. By repeating this process for each row, an image can be displayed.

[0096] The pixel circuit portion 510 shown in FIG. 6B includes a transistor 502_2 and a capacitor 5 506_2, a transistor 503, and a light-emitting element 508.

[0097] One of the source and the drain of the transistor 502_2 is electrically connected to the signal line DL_n. Furthermore, the gate of the transistor 502_2 is electrically connected to the scan line GL_m. will be done.

[0098] The transistor 502_2 is turned on or off to control the data signal. It has the function of controlling the writing of data.

[0099] One of the pair of electrodes of the capacitor 506_2 is connected to a wiring to which power is supplied (hereinafter, referred to as a power supply line VL _a), and the other is electrically connected to the gate of transistor 503. The arrangement of the capacitor element 506_2 may vary depending on the polarity of the TFT. Any location that can suitably maintain the gate-source voltage of the transistor 503 may be used.

[0100] The capacitor 506_2 has a function as a storage capacitor for storing written data. .

[0101] One of the source and drain of the transistor 503 is electrically connected to the power supply line VL_a. Furthermore, the gate of the transistor 503 is connected to the source and drain of the transistor 502_2. The other of the drains is electrically connected to the other of the drains.

[0102] One of the anode and the cathode of the light emitting element 508 is electrically connected to the power supply line VL_b. The other is electrically connected to the other of the source and drain of the transistor 503 .

[0103] The light emitting element 508 may be, for example, an organic electroluminescence element (also known as an organic EL element). However, the light emitting element 508 is not limited to this. Alternatively, an inorganic EL element made of an inorganic material may be used.

[0104] A high power supply potential VDD is applied to one of the power supply lines VL_a and VL_b. The other end is supplied with a low power supply potential VSS. Current flows from VL_a to VL_b, but the power supply voltage is set so that the current flows in the opposite direction. Sometimes a rank is awarded.

[0105] In the display device having the pixel circuit portion 510 of FIG. 6B, the first gate driver 104g The first and / or second gate driver 104g2 sequentially selects the pixel circuit units 510 in each row. Then, the transistor 502_2 is turned on to write the data of the data signal.

[0106] In the pixel circuit portion 510 to which the data is written, the transistor 502_2 is turned off. Furthermore, the transistor 5 is turned on in response to the potential of the written data signal. The amount of current flowing between the source and drain of the light emitting element 503 is controlled, and the light emitting element 508 By repeating this process for each row, an image can be displayed.

[0107] In this specification and the like, the term "display element," "display device having a display element," "light emitting element," "light emitting device," "light emitting element ... A light-emitting device, which is a device having a light-emitting element and a light-emitting element, can be formed in various forms or in various forms. Examples of a display element, a display device, a light-emitting element, or a light-emitting device include , EL (electroluminescence) elements (EL elements containing organic and inorganic materials, organic EL elements, inorganic EL elements), LEDs (white LEDs, red LEDs, green LEDs, blue LEDs, etc. ), transistors (transistors that emit light according to the current), electron-emitting devices, liquid crystal devices, Dye ink, electrophoretic element, grating light valve (GLV), plasma display Using a PDP (Plasma Display Panel) and MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) Display devices, digital micromirror devices (DMDs), DMSs (digital micromirror devices) ·Shutter), MIRASOL (registered trademark), IMOD (Interference Modulation modulation elements, piezoelectric ceramic displays, carbon nanotubes, etc. The display medium has contrast, brightness, reflectivity, transmittance, etc. that change due to magnetic action. An example of a display device using an EL element is an EL display. An example of a display device using electron-emitting elements is a field emission display. (FED) or SED type flat panel display (SED: Surface-conductive tion Electron-emitter Display). An example of a display device using the liquid crystal display (transmissive liquid crystal display, semi-transmissive liquid crystal display) is LCD display, reflective LCD display, direct view LCD display, projection LCD display Examples of display devices using electronic ink or electrophoretic elements include: , electronic paper, etc.

[0108] An example of an EL element is a device that includes an anode, a cathode, and an EL layer sandwiched between the anode and the cathode. An example of an EL layer is a device that uses light emission (fluorescence) from singlet excitons. those that utilize emission from triplet excitons (phosphorescence), and those that utilize emission from singlet excitons ( those that utilize fluorescence and those that utilize light emission from triplet excitons (phosphorescence), Those formed by organic matter, those formed by inorganic matter, those formed by organic matter Those containing polymeric materials and those formed by inorganic materials, those containing low molecular weight materials, Some contain polymeric materials, while others contain polymeric and low molecular weight materials. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various EL elements can be used.

[0109] An example of a liquid crystal element is a device that controls the transmission or non-transmission of light by the optical modulation action of liquid crystal. The element can be constructed by a pair of electrodes and a liquid crystal layer. The optical modulation effect of the liquid crystal is achieved by applying an electric field (horizontal electric field, vertical electric field or oblique electric field) to the liquid crystal. Specifically, an example of a liquid crystal element is a matic liquid crystal, cholesteric liquid crystal, smectic liquid crystal, discotic liquid crystal, thermo Lyotropic liquid crystal, lyotropic liquid crystal, low molecular weight liquid crystal, polymer liquid crystal, polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PD LC), ferroelectric liquid crystal, antiferroelectric liquid crystal, main chain liquid crystal, side chain polymer liquid crystal, banana-shaped liquid crystal, etc. Examples include:

[0110] One example of the display method for electronic paper is a method using molecules (optical anisotropy, dye molecular orientation, etc.), those displayed by particles (electrophoresis, particle migration, particle rotation, phase change ), those that are displayed by moving one edge of the film, and those that are displayed by coloring / phase change of molecules. Some are displayed by the light absorption of molecules, others by the self-assembled electron and hole combination. It is possible to use a display that emits light. Specifically, an electronic paper display Examples of methods include microcapsule electrophoresis, horizontal migration electrophoresis, and vertical migration electrophoresis. Electrophoresis, spherical twist ball, magnetic twist ball, cylindrical twist ball method, charged toner -, electronic powder, magnetic migration type, magnetic heat sensitive type, electrowetting, light scattering (transparent / opacity change), cholesteric liquid crystal / photoconductive layer, cholesteric liquid crystal, bistable nematic Liquid crystal, ferroelectric liquid crystal, dichroic dye / liquid crystal dispersion type, movable film, color development / decolorization by leuco dye , photochromic, electrochromic, electrodeposition, flexible However, there are various electronic paper and display methods, including but not limited to these. Here, by using microcapsule electrophoresis, This can solve the aggregation and precipitation of electrophoretic particles. It has advantages such as high reflectance, wide viewing angle, low power consumption, and memory properties.

[0111] Next, the circuit configurations shown in FIGS. 6(C) and 6(D) will be described below.

[0112] The protection circuit 106 shown in FIG. 6C is diode-connected to the wiring 522 and the wiring 524. The wiring 522 is, for example, a scanning line or a signal line. It is the wiring that connects the lines.

[0113] The wiring 522 is connected to, for example, the first gate driver 104g1 and / or the potential of the power supply line (VDD, VSS or GND) is given. Or, a common potential is given. As an example, the wiring 522 is a wiring (common line) connected to the first gate driver 1. power supply lines for supplying power to the first gate driver 104g1 and / or the second gate driver 104g2, It is preferable that the wiring be connected to a wiring that supplies a low potential.

[0114] The protection circuit 106 shown in FIG. 6D includes a wiring 530, a wiring 532, a wiring 534, and a wiring 535. line 536 and transistors 542, 544, and 546 diode-connected to wiring 540; 548 is connected to the wiring 530, 532, and 534. The wiring 530, 532, and 534 are, for example, signal lines DL.

[0115] By providing a protection circuit 106 in the display device, the display area 102 and the drive circuit section 1 04 is ESD (Electro Static Discharge) This can improve resistance to overcurrents caused by such factors.

[0116] The structure described in this embodiment mode may be used in appropriate combination with structures described in other embodiments. can be done.

[0117] (Fourth embodiment) In this embodiment, the display device described in the first to third embodiments is used. An example of such an electronic device will be described with reference to FIG.

[0118] FIG. 7(A) shows an instrument panel of a motorcycle or an automobile, and a housing 602 , display panels 605, 606, 607, 608, needles 610, 611, 612, indicators 621, 622, etc.

[0119] The display panels 605, 606, 607, and 608 have non-rectangular display areas. In this embodiment, the display panels 605, 606, 607, and 608 are separated. The configuration is exemplified, but is not limited to this. For example, the display panels 605, 606, and 607 , 608 may be integrally formed.

[0120] The display panels 605, 606, 607, and 608 display a speedometer, a tachometer, a fuel Information indicating information necessary for driving a motorcycle or automobile, such as a meter, water temperature gauge, and odometer It is possible to display.

[0121] Indicators 621 and 622 are also provided to recognize the operation of the turn signals. The display device of one embodiment of the present invention is also applied to the indicators 621 and 622. It is possible.

[0122] FIG. 7B shows a smartwatch, which includes a housing 702, a display panel 704, and operation buttons. 711, 712, a connection terminal 713, a band 721, a clasp 722, etc. do.

[0123] The display panel 704 mounted on the housing 702, which also serves as a bezel, has a non-rectangular display area The display panel 704 displays an icon 705 representing the time, other icons 70 It can display numbers such as 6.

[0124] The smartwatch shown in FIG. 7B can have various functions. For example, functions to display various information (still images, videos, text images, etc.) on the display, Panel function, calendar, date or time display function, various software (programs) It has the functions of controlling processing by RAM, wireless communication functions, and various computers using wireless communication functions. Functions for connecting to computer networks, sending or receiving various data using wireless communication functions The function of reading out the program or data recorded on the recording medium and displaying it on the display unit. It may have the function of:

[0125] In addition, a speaker, a sensor (force, displacement, position, velocity, acceleration, angular velocity) Degrees, rotation speed, distance, light, liquid, magnetism, temperature, chemical substances, sound, time, hardness, electric field, current, electricity Includes functions to measure pressure, power, radiation, flow rate, humidity, gradient, vibration, odor or infrared. ), a microphone, etc.

[0126] Note that the structure described in this embodiment mode may be appropriately combined with structures described in other embodiments. It can be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 102 Display area 104 Drive circuit section 104g1 Gate Driver 104g2 gate driver 104s1 source driver 104s2 source driver 106 Protection circuit 106a protection circuit 106b protection circuit 106c protection circuit 106d Protection circuit 202 Display area 204g1 Gate Driver 204g2 gate driver 204s1 source driver 204s2 source driver 208g1 scan line 208g2 scan lines 208g23 scan lines 208g24 scan lines 208g25 scan lines 208g26 scan lines 208g47 scan lines 208g48 scan lines 208s1 signal line 208s2 signal line 208s23 signal line 208s24 signal line 208s25 signal line 208s26 signal line 208s47 signal line 208s48 signal line 402 Display area 404g1 Gate Driver 404g2 gate driver 404g3 gate driver 404g4 gate driver 404s1 source driver 404s2 source driver 404s3 Source Driver 404s4 source driver 412 Display area 414g1 Gate Driver 414g2 gate driver 414s1 source driver 414s2 source driver 415 area 416 areas 417 areas 418 areas 422 Display area 424g1 Gate Driver 424g2 gate driver 424g3 gate driver 424s1 source driver 424s2 source driver 424s3 ​​source driver 502_1 Transistor 502_2 Transistor 503 Transistor 504 Liquid crystal element 506_1 Capacitor element 506_2 Capacitor element 508 Light-emitting element 510 Pixel circuit section 522 Wiring 524 Wiring 526 Transistor 528 Transistor 530 Wiring 532 Wiring 534 Wiring 536 Wiring 540 Wiring 542 transistor 544 transistor 546 Transistor 548 Transistor 602 Case 605 Display Panel 606 Display Panel 607 Display Panel 608 Display Panel 610 needles 611 needle 612 needles 621 indicator 622 indicator 702 Case 704 Display Panel 705 Icons 706 Icons 711 Operation button 712 Operation Button 713 Connection terminal 721 band 722 Clasp

Claims

1. a display region, a first driving circuit, a second driving circuit, a third driving circuit, and a fourth driving circuit on a substrate; In a plan view, the display area has a first area and a second area, the first region is a rectangular region, the second region is continuous with the first region and has a rounded outer edge; an outer shape of the first driving circuit in a plan view is a shape that follows one side of an outer edge of the first region; an outer shape of the second driving circuit in a plan view is a shape that follows another side of the outer edge of the first region; an outer shape of the third driving circuit and an outer shape of the fourth driving circuit are shaped to follow a part of an outer edge of the second region in a plan view; A display device, wherein the third driving circuit and the fourth driving circuit have regions that are arranged opposite to each other across the second region in a plan view.

2. a display region, a first driving circuit, a second driving circuit, a third driving circuit, and a fourth driving circuit on a substrate; In a plan view, the display area has a first area and a second area, the first region is a rectangular region, the second region is continuous with the first region and has a rounded outer edge; an outer shape of the first driving circuit in a plan view is a shape that follows one side of an outer edge of the first region; an outer shape of the second driving circuit in a plan view is a shape that follows another side of the outer edge of the first region; an outer shape of the third driving circuit and an outer shape of the fourth driving circuit are shaped to follow a part of an outer edge of the second region in a plan view; the first drive circuit is adjacent to the third drive circuit in a plan view; A display device, wherein the third driving circuit and the fourth driving circuit have regions that are arranged opposite to each other across the second region in a plan view.

Images