Foldable electronic device, compensation data generation method, and program

Abstract

A foldable electronic device (1) comprises: a first housing (10) having a first surface (13) provided with a display (11); a second housing (20) having a flat second surface (23) configured so that the angle thereof with respect to the first housing (10) can be varied, the obverse surface of the second surface (23) reflecting light; an imaging device (12) disposed in the first housing (10); and a deterioration compensation unit (40) that generates compensation data for compensating for deterioration of the display (11). The deterioration compensation unit (40) generates the compensation data on the basis of the intensity of reflected captured by the imaging device (12), the reflected light being the light from the display (11) reflected at the second surface (23). (FIG. 1)

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foldable electronic device, a method for generating compensation data , and and a program.

Background Art

[0002] The self-emitting elements of a self-emitting display panel may deteriorate due to long-term use, resulting in a decrease in luminous efficiency. In a self-emitting display panel where deterioration has occurred, the brightness of an image may partially decrease, and display unevenness may occur. Therefore, techniques for compensating for the deterioration of a self-emitting display panel are known. However, since the degree of progress of deterioration varies for each display element, it is preferable to perform compensation according to the deterioration for each deteriorated portion.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for comparing a display adjustment image with an adjustment captured image obtained by capturing the display adjustment image with an imaging unit and displaying it on a display unit, and adjusting the display state of the display unit based on the comparison result. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for capturing a mirror image of the display adjustment image displayed on the display unit, generating an adjustment captured image by mirroring the mirror image of the display adjustment image, comparing the adjustment captured image with the display adjustment image, and adjusting the display state of the display unit. According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is said that fluctuations in the display state due to aging and the like can be corrected, and clearer image display can be realized.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a separate imaging unit as an external device for capturing the display adjustment image. Furthermore, when capturing a mirror image of the display adjustment image, a mirror is required separately, and the comparison process may become complicated due to the inconsistent arrangement of the mirrors.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure aims to provide a technology that evaluates the degradation of a display without using an imaging device or mirror as an external device, and generates compensation data to compensate for the degradation, in view of the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, a foldable electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first housing having a first surface equipped with a display, a second housing having a flat second surface whose surface reflects light and whose angle with respect to the first housing is variable, an imaging device disposed in the first housing, and a degradation compensation unit that generates compensation data to compensate for the degradation of the display, wherein the degradation compensation unit generates the compensation data based on the intensity of the reflected light, which is reflected light from the display reflected by the second surface and imaged by the imaging device.

[0008] To solve the above problems, a compensation data generation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a process in which at least one processor performs the following: acquiring the intensity of reflected light from a display placed in a first housing of a foldable electronic device and reflected by a second housing; and generating compensation data that compensates for the degradation of the display based on the intensity of the reflected light.

[0009] To solve the above problems, one aspect of this disclosure relates ru supplement The compensation data generation device includes an acquisition unit that acquires the intensity of reflected light from a display arranged in a first housing of a display device, which is reflected by a second housing, and a generation unit that generates compensation data to compensate for the degradation of the display based on the intensity of the reflected light. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to evaluate the degradation of a display and generate compensation data to compensate for the degradation without using an imaging device or mirror as an external device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the folding electronic device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the compensation data generation method S1 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a side view of the foldable electronic device 1, seen from the side. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing how the imaging device captures reflected light from the second surface. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the compensation data generation method S2 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This diagram shows a schematic view of the electronic device 1A according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, including a plan view and a side view. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic device 1B according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing how the imaging device according to Embodiment 3 and the second imaging device capture reflected light from the second surface. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing how the imaging device according to Embodiment 3 and the second imaging device capture direct light from the second display. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the compensation data generation method S3 according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 11] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the display degradation compensation data generation device 2 according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of electronic device 1C, in which the display and the second display are configured as a single continuous display. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] 〔Embodiment 1〕 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the folding electronic device 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view of the folding electronic device 1 as viewed from the side. In this embodiment, the folding electronic device 1 is an electronic device having a structure in which two housings are foldably connected and having a display provided in at least one of the housings. Such a folding electronic device may be, for example, a portable personal terminal device such as a foldable smartphone or touch pad, or a foldable laptop personal computer. Hereinafter, the folding electronic device 1 will be simply referred to as "electronic device 1".

[0013] (Configuration of the electronic device 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 1 includes a first housing 10 and a second housing 20. A display 11 and an imaging device 12 are provided in the first housing 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the first housing 10 has a first flat surface 13, and the display 11 is provided to display an image on the first surface 13. The imaging device 12 is provided at the upper part of the first housing 10.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3, the second housing 20 has a second flat surface 23, and the touch screen 21 is provided to display a keyboard or the like on the second surface 23. The second surface 23 has a property of reflecting at least a part of the light incident from the display 11. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are coupled by a rotation shaft 15 such that the angle θ formed by the first surface 13 of the first housing 10 and the second surface 23 of the second housing 20 is variable. Note that the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 may be detachably coupled by the rotation shaft 15.

[0015] The second housing 20 includes a deterioration compensation unit 40 inside thereof. The electronic device 1 may further include an angle detection unit 30, a memory unit 50, and an image compensation unit 60 inside the second housing 20. Note that at least a part of the angle detection unit 30, the deterioration compensation unit 40, the memory unit 50, and the image compensation unit 60 may be provided inside the first housing 10 instead of the second housing 20.

[0016] The display 11 is a display unit including a self-emitting element such as an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), a QLED (Quantum dot Light Emitting Diode), or a micro LED as a display element.

[0017] The imaging device 12 is a device that images visible light. The imaging device 12 may be an UDC (Under Display Camera). The UDC is an imaging device provided on the back side (inside) of the display 11. The imaging device 12 is provided in most portable personal terminal devices or laptop computers and is usually used to image a user's face or the like. In the present embodiment, the imaging device 12 images the reflected light reflected by the second surface 23 of the second housing 20 from the display 11. Therefore, it is not necessary to newly provide an imaging device for imaging the reflected light.

[0018] The angle detection unit 30 detects the angle θ formed between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23. The means for detecting the angle θ is arbitrary. For example, the angle detection unit 30 may be an encoder that detects the rotation amount of the rotation axis 15.

[0019] For example, when the electronic device 1 is a laptop computer, the second housing 20 can be placed on a desk, and the first housing 10 can be opened for work. A keyboard is arranged on the touch screen 21 of the second housing 20, and the user can input information.

[0020] The degradation compensation unit 40 generates compensation data to compensate for the degradation of the display 11. As mentioned above, the self-emissive elements of the display 11 degrade with prolonged use. The degradation compensation unit 40 generates compensation data based on the intensity of the reflected light captured by the imaging device 12, which is the reflected light reflected from the second surface 23 of the display 11. The compensation data is data that indicates how much to increase the current value supplied to each self-emissive element or region, according to the degree of degradation of each degraded self-emissive element (which may also be a pixel), or a region containing multiple degraded self-emissive elements.

[0021] The degradation compensation unit 40 comprises an acquisition unit 41, a comparison unit 42, and a generation unit 43. The degradation compensation unit 40 may also include an angle determination unit 44. The acquisition unit 41 acquires reflected light intensity data (e.g., luminance) from the reflected light data of the reflected light captured by the imaging device 12. The intensity data may be, for example, the intensity data of the reflected light from each of the self-luminous elements of the display 11. Alternatively, the reflected light data may be the intensity data of the reflected light from each region when the display 11 is divided into regions containing multiple self-luminous elements. In other words, the acquisition unit 41 of the degradation compensation unit 40 may acquire the reflected light intensity for each self-luminous element of the display 11. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 41 of the degradation compensation unit 40 may acquire the reflected light intensity for each predetermined region of the display 11.

[0022] It is preferable to acquire reflected light intensity data for each individual self-luminous element and compensate for degradation. However, if the data processing time for generating compensation data becomes long, the display 11 may be divided into multiple regions, and compensation data may be generated for each region. Which region contains which self-luminous element is predetermined. As for the method of dividing the regions, it is conceivable to divide the areas where there is a high need to compensate for degradation (for example, the area near the center) into smaller sections, and the surrounding areas into larger sections. Alternatively, the number of regions to divide may be determined considering the data processing time when generating the compensation data.

[0023] The reflected light intensity data may be the intensity data for each of the light-emitting colors R (red light), G (green light), and B (blue light) of the self-luminescent element, or it may be the intensity data of a mixed color of R, G, and B. Hereafter, "intensity data" will also be simply referred to as "intensity."

[0024] The comparison unit 42 compares the reflected light intensity data when the display 11 is not degraded with the reflected light intensity data acquired by the imaging device 12. The storage unit 50 stores the reflected light intensity from each self-luminous element or each region when the display 11 is not degraded. The storage unit 50 may also store the reflected light intensity when the display 11 is not degraded, corresponding to the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23. The reflected light intensity when the display 11 is not degraded is also called the "standard intensity".

[0025] The standard intensity stored in the memory unit 50 may be the standard intensity for each of R, G, and B, or it may be the standard intensity for a mixed color of R, G, and B. Furthermore, the intensity of reflected light differs depending on the angle θ between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 of the first housing 10. Therefore, the memory unit 50 may store a standard intensity corresponding to the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23. The standard intensity may be, for example, the intensity of reflected light measured in the brightness of a typical living room. Alternatively, the standard intensity may be the intensity of reflected light measured in a dark room. The memory unit 50 may store standard intensity data under multiple conditions. When generating compensation data, the degradation compensation unit 40 may select and use a standard intensity according to the environment. For example, if the electronic device 1 is equipped with an illuminance sensor (not shown) that measures the brightness of the environment, the comparison unit 42 may acquire the brightness (illuminance) of the environment obtained by the illuminance sensor and select a standard intensity to use according to that illuminance. In other words, the degradation compensation unit 40 may generate compensation data according to the illuminance measured by the illuminance sensor.

[0026] The generation unit 43 generates compensation data based on the comparison results from the comparison unit 42. Specifically, the generation unit 43 generates compensation data that compensates for the degradation of the display corresponding to the difference between the intensity of reflected light and the standard intensity. For example, if the comparison result shows that the intensity of reflected light from a self-luminous element at a certain position is 90% of the standard intensity, the generation unit 43 generates a coefficient to set the magnitude of the current supplied to that self-luminous element to a current value that increases the amount of light emitted by 11%.

[0027] The angle determination unit 44 acquires the angle θ between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 detected by the angle detection unit 30. Then, when certain conditions are met, it starts the compensation data generation procedure. The specific functions of the angle determination unit 44 will be described later.

[0028] The degradation compensation unit 40 includes at least one processor 45 and at least one memory 46. The processor 45 can be configured using at least one general-purpose processor such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 46 may include multiple types of memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 46 may also include internal or external memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). As an example, the processor 45 realizes the functions of an acquisition unit 41, a comparison unit 42, a generation unit 43, and an angle determination unit 44 by loading various control programs stored in the ROM of the memory 46 into the RAM and executing them. The processor 45 may also include a dedicated processor composed of an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

[0029] The image compensation unit 60 generates compensated image data by applying the compensation data generated by the generation unit 43 to the image data input for display on the display 11. The generated compensated image data is sent to an image display control unit (not shown), and the compensated image is displayed on the display 11. Alternatively, the image compensation unit 60 may also function as an image display control unit, generating compensated image data by applying the compensation data generated by the generation unit 43 to the input image data, and displaying the compensated image on the display 11.

[0030] (Method for generating compensation data) Next, the method for generating compensation data to compensate for the degradation of the display 11 by the degradation compensation unit 40 will be explained with reference to the drawings. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the compensation data generation method S1 for compensating for the degradation of the display 11 according to this embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the state when the imaging device 12 captures reflected light from the second surface 23.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the compensation data generation method S1 includes steps S11 and S12. In step S11, at least one processor (acquisition unit 41) acquires the intensity of reflected light from the display 11 located in the first housing 10 of the electronic device 1, which is reflected by the second housing 20. Specifically, the reflected light from the second housing 20 is captured by, for example, an imaging device 12, and the acquisition unit 41 can acquire the intensity of the reflected light from this imaging data. As mentioned above, the intensity of the reflected light may be acquired for each individual self-luminous element, or for each region containing multiple self-luminous elements.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, 401, light L1 from the display 11 is reflected by the second surface 23, and the reflected light L2 is captured by the imaging device 12. When the imaging device 12 captures the reflected light L2, the touchscreen 21 does not display anything. Not displaying anything means that the entire touchscreen 21 is displayed in black, as shown in the figure. Alternatively, the touchscreen 21 is made black by not supplying power to it. Displaying the second surface 23 in black, or making the screen black by not supplying power to the second surface 23, is referred to as blackening. By blackening the touchscreen 21 in this way, the reflected light can be captured with high accuracy.

[0033] When generating compensation data, a predetermined image may be displayed on the display 11 in step S11. The predetermined image may be a set of test patterns that make it easy to distinguish the intensity of reflected light from each self-luminescent element or each region. The set of test patterns may be stored in the storage unit 50. Examples of test patterns include a pattern that is entirely white, an entirely gray pattern, an entirely black pattern, an entirely red pattern, an entirely green pattern, an entirely blue pattern, stripes of any two colors (a pattern in which the positions of self-luminescent elements at the color boundaries are fixed), and a pattern in which various colors are placed in each region of a predetermined divided region. The acquisition unit 41 may acquire the intensity of reflected light from the set of test patterns.

[0034] In step S12, at least one processor (generation unit 43) generates compensation data to compensate for the degradation of the display 11 based on the intensity of the reflected light acquired by the acquisition unit 41. The generation unit 43 may generate compensation data based on the intensity of the reflected light in multiple test patterns.

[0035] As another compensation data generation method S1A, a step S11A may be included after step S11 above, in which the intensity data of reflected light when there is no degradation of the display 11 is compared with the acquired intensity data of reflected light. In this case, as the next step S12A after step S11A, the generation unit 43 may generate compensation data that compensates for the degradation of the display 11 based on the result of the comparison (not shown).

[0036] When the imaging device 12 images reflected light, the degradation compensation unit 40 may be configured to generate compensation data when the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is within a predetermined angular range. This is because if the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is too large, the imaging device 12 may not be able to accurately image the reflected light L2 from the second surface 23. The angular range in which the imaging device 12 can appropriately image reflected light varies depending on the model or performance of the imaging device 12. As an example, as shown in 402 of Figure 4, the degradation compensation unit 40 may generate compensation data when the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is less than 45°. Also, if the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is too small, the imaging device 12 may not be able to accurately image the reflected light L2 from the second surface 23, so it is preferable that the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is 10° or more. In other words, compensation data may be generated when the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is, for example, 10° or more and less than 45°. Within this angular range, the imaging device 12 can accurately image the reflected light L2 from the second surface 23.

[0037] The angle determination unit 44 of the deterioration compensation unit 40 determines whether the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is within a predetermined angle range. Furthermore, the angle determination unit 44 may start generating compensation data if predetermined conditions are met. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the compensation data generation method S2 in which the angle determination unit 44 is involved. The compensation data generation method S2 is a method in which the user intentionally causes the deterioration compensation unit 40 to generate compensation data. As shown in the figure, the compensation data generation method S2 includes steps S21 to S24.

[0038] In step S21, at least one processor (angle determination unit 44) determines whether the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is within a predetermined angle range. An appropriate angle range can be determined by pre-testing whether the imaging device 12 can accurately capture reflected light. In this embodiment, we will describe the case in which the angle determination unit 44 determines whether the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is less than 45°.

[0039] In step S21, if it is determined that the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is not less than 45° (step S21: NO), the compensation data generation method S2 is terminated without generating compensation data. This is because if the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is 45° or more, there is a risk that reflected light cannot be accurately imaged.

[0040] In step S21, if it is determined that the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is less than 45° (step S21: YES), the flow proceeds to step S22. Here, the process may be modified so that the process proceeds to step S22 only if the condition in which the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is determined to be less than 45° continues for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds). Since the opening and closing of the first housing 10 is performed at the start and end of the operation, a condition that it continues for a predetermined time can be added to prevent malfunctions.

[0041] In step S22, at least one processor (acquisition unit 41) acquires the intensity of reflected light from the second surface 23 from the imaging data. Next, in step S23, at least one processor (comparison unit 42) determines whether the analysis result is abnormal or not. If the analysis result is not abnormal (step S23: NO), the compensation data generation method S2 ends without generating compensation data. The criteria for determining whether the analysis result is abnormal or not can be determined as appropriate. For example, if the intensity of reflected light acquired by the acquisition unit 41 is less than or equal to a predetermined value compared to the standard intensity, a predetermined proportion or more may be determined as abnormal.

[0042] If the analysis result is abnormal (step S23: YES), the process proceeds to step S24, in which at least one processor (generation unit 43) generates compensation data based on the analysis result.

[0043] If the user notices that the colors on the display 11 are incorrect, the user can maintain a state where the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is less than 45° for a period of time, which will cause the degradation compensation unit 40 to start generating compensation data. With this configuration, the degradation compensation unit 40 generates compensation data based on the user's instructions.

[0044] The user can have the degradation compensation unit 40 generate compensation data in any way they choose. For example, the user can have the degradation compensation unit 40 generate compensation data by performing a command or key operation to perform compensation data generation. However, if the first housing 10 is left wide open when compensation data generation is performed, effective compensation data will not be generated. Therefore, by setting the command to start compensation data generation to position the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 so that the angle between them is within a range suitable for compensation data generation, the user can have the compensation data generated under appropriate conditions. Alternatively, when the user performs a command or key operation to perform compensation data generation, the degradation compensation unit 40 may display a message in an interactive format prompting the user to position the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 at an appropriate angle.

[0045] Alternatively, the deterioration compensation unit 40 may be configured to generate compensation data at predetermined intervals. For example, it may be configured to generate compensation data at night on a predetermined date and time once every few months. In this case, the deterioration compensation unit 40 may display on the screen a notice that it is scheduled to generate compensation data and a warning to ensure that the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0046] According to the electronic device 1 having the above configuration, light from the display 11 provided in the first housing 10 is reflected by the second surface 23 of the second housing 20 and captured by the imaging device 12, and the degradation compensation unit 40 acquires the intensity of the reflected light and generates compensation data to compensate for the degradation of the display 11. Therefore, the degradation of the display can be evaluated and compensation data to compensate for the degradation can be generated without using an external imaging device or mirror.

[0047] Furthermore, according to the compensation data generation methods S1, S1A, and S2 of this embodiment, the intensity of reflected light from the display 11 located in the first housing 10 of the electronic device 1, reflected by the second housing 20, is acquired, and compensation data that compensates for the degradation of the display 11 is generated based on the intensity of the reflected light. Therefore, the degradation of the display can be evaluated and compensation data that compensates for the degradation can be generated without using an imaging device or mirror as an external device.

[0048] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of this disclosure are described below. For the sake of convenience, components having the same function as those described in Embodiment 1 above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0049] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a plan view and a side view of the electronic device 1A according to this second embodiment. Plan view 601 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the first housing 10 of the electronic device 1A is extended 180° relative to the second housing 20. Side view 602 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 of the electronic device 1A are extended by θ, as viewed from the side.

[0050] Electronic device 1A, in addition to the configuration of electronic device 1, includes an optical sensor 16 inside the first housing 10. The optical sensor 16 measures the intensity of reflected light from the display 11 that is reflected off the second surface 23. The optical sensor 16 is located on the back (inside) of the display 11 and plays a role in assisting the function of the imaging device 12. For example, if the imaging device 12 is located at the top of the first housing 10, the imaging device 12 may not be able to adequately capture the reflected light from the bottom of the display 11. Therefore, the optical sensor 16 measures the intensity of the reflected light on behalf of, or in addition to, the imaging device 12.

[0051] As shown in the plan view 601, the multiple light sensors 16 may be evenly distributed throughout the first housing 10. Alternatively, the light sensors 16 may be positioned relative to a location where it is difficult for the imaging device 12 to capture reflected light from it. For example, the multiple light sensors 16 may be concentrated in the lower area of ​​the display 11.

[0052] The acquisition unit 41 acquires light intensity data detected by the optical sensor 16 in addition to the reflected light data captured by the imaging device 12. The comparison unit 42 compares the light intensity data acquired by the acquisition unit 41 with the standard intensity. The standard intensity detected by the optical sensor 16 is measured in advance by a test pattern test and stored in the storage unit 50 along with the standard intensity data acquired from the imaging data. The standard intensity may also be stored in the storage unit 50 for each angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23. The generation unit 43 generates compensation data based on the comparison results from the comparison unit 42.

[0053] In this embodiment as well, compensation data can be generated in the same manner as the compensation data generation methods S1, S1A, and S2 described in Embodiment 1. For example, the degradation compensation unit 40 may generate compensation data based on the intensity of reflected light acquired by the optical sensor 16 when the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is less than or equal to a predetermined angle. This is because if the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is small, it becomes difficult for the imaging device 12 to accurately capture the reflected light of the entire display 11.

[0054] The electronic device 1A according to this second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, by including the optical sensor 16, the intensity of reflected light can be acquired with greater accuracy.

[0055] [Embodiment 3] Other embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. For the sake of convenience, components having the same function as those described in Embodiment 1 or 2 above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic device 1B according to Embodiment 3.

[0056] As shown in the figure, the electronic device 1B comprises a first housing 10 and a second housing 20. The configuration of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 is basically the same as that of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 of the electronic device 1. The first housing 10 is provided with a display 11 and an imaging device 12. The electronic device 1B may also include a second imaging device 14 in the first housing 10. As shown in perspective view 801 of Figure 8, the second imaging device 14 is located closer to the rotation axis 15 of the first housing 10 than the imaging device 12. The second imaging device 14 may also be a UDC.

[0057] A second display 22 is located in the second housing 20. The second display 22 is configured to display an image on the second surface 23. The second display 22 may be a foldable display provided in continuity with the display 11, or it may be a display independent of the display 11. The second housing 20 may also include an angle detection unit 30, a degradation compensation unit 40, a storage unit 50, and an image compensation unit 60. The functions of the angle detection unit 30, the degradation compensation unit 40, the storage unit 50, and the image compensation unit 60 are the same as those described in Embodiment 1, so their description is omitted here.

[0058] In the embodiments 1 and 2 described above, an example was described in which a touchscreen 21 is arranged in the second housing 20. In contrast, in the electronic device 1B according to this embodiment 3, a second display 22 is arranged in the second housing 20 instead of a touchscreen 21. Although not shown in Figure 7, both the second display 22 and the touchscreen 21 may be arranged in the second housing 20. The degradation compensation unit 40 according to this embodiment 3 can generate data to compensate for the degradation of the second display 22 based on the intensity of direct light from the second display 22 acquired by the imaging device 12.

[0059] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing how the imaging device 12 captures reflected light L2 from the second surface 23 in order for the degradation compensation unit 40 to generate compensation data for the display 11. As shown in perspective view 801, a test pattern is displayed on the display 11, and the second display 22 is blackened. That is, either black is displayed on the second display 22, or the second display 22 is powered off to create a black screen. This allows the imaging device 12 to accurately capture the reflected light L2 that is reflected from the second surface 23 by the light L1 from the display 11. As shown in side view 802, in addition to the imaging device 12, the second imaging device 14 may also capture the reflected light L2 from the second surface 23. In particular, the second imaging device 14 is advantageous in that it can accurately capture the reflected light L2 that is reflected at a position close to the rotation axis 15.

[0060] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing how the imaging device 12 captures direct light L1 from the second display 22 in order for the degradation compensation unit 40 to generate compensation data for the second display 22. As shown in the perspective view 901, a test pattern is displayed on the second display 22, and the display 11 turns black. That is, the display 11 is made to display black, or the display 11 is not powered on to produce a black screen. This allows the imaging device 12 to capture direct light L1 from the second display 22 with high accuracy. As shown in the side view 902, in addition to the imaging device 12, the second imaging device 14 may also capture direct light L1 from the second display 22. In particular, the second imaging device 14 is advantageous in that it can capture direct light L1 from a position close to the rotation axis 15 with high accuracy. Since the imaging device 12 (and the second imaging device 14) captures direct light L1 from the second display 22, the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 may be about 90°.

[0061] In both Figure 8 and Figure 9, the acquisition unit 41 acquires light intensity data from image data captured by the imaging device 12 (and the second imaging device 14). The comparison unit 42 compares the intensity data acquired by the acquisition unit 41 with the standard intensity stored in the storage unit 50. The storage unit 50 stores the standard intensity acquired from the image data captured by the imaging device 12 and the standard intensity acquired from the image data captured by the second imaging device 14. The generation unit 43 then generates compensation data based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 42. In this way, the degradation compensation unit 40 can generate compensation data for both the display 11 and the second display 22.

[0062] The conditions for generating compensation data for display 11, or for generating compensation data for the second display 22, may be set to ensure that the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is within a predetermined range. For example, the degradation compensation unit 40 may generate compensation data for display 11 when the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is 10° or more and less than 45°, and generate compensation data for the second display 22 when the angle is 45° or more and 90° or less.

[0063] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an electronic device 1C in which display 11 and a second display 22 are configured as a single continuous display. Such an electronic device 1C can be constructed using, for example, a foldable OLED display. Figure 1201 is a perspective view of the electronic device 1C with the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 closed. Figure 1202 is a perspective view showing the normal operating state, i.e., the fully flat state with the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 opened 180°. Normally, images are displayed on both the continuous display 11 and the second display 22. Alternatively, a work screen may be displayed on display 11 and an input interface such as a keyboard may be displayed on the second display 22. In Figure 1202, for convenience, the ranges of display 11 and the second display 22 are shown with dotted lines, but there is no boundary between them, and display 11 and the second display 22 are configured as a continuous unit without a boundary.

[0064] Figure 12, section 1203, is a perspective view showing the state of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 when display degradation compensation is performed. When degradation compensation is performed, the display area of ​​display 11 and the display area of ​​the second display 22 are different. For example, when compensating for degradation of the area of ​​display 11, as shown in Figure 8, a test pattern is displayed in the area of ​​display 11, and the area of ​​the second display 22 is blacked out. In other words, either black is displayed in the area of ​​the second display 22, or the area of ​​the second display 22 is not powered and becomes a black screen. For this reason, it is convenient to configure the area of ​​display 11 and the area of ​​the second display 22 to be powered independently.

[0065] Furthermore, when compensating for degradation in the area of ​​the second display 22, as shown in Figure 9, a test pattern is displayed in the area of ​​the second display 22, and the area of ​​display 11 is blacked out. In other words, either black is displayed in the area of ​​display 11, or the area of ​​display 11 is not powered, resulting in a black screen. The degradation compensation method in the electronic device 1C having such a configuration can be carried out in the same manner as the method described using Figures 8 and 9.

[0066] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the compensation data generation method S3 involving the angle determination unit 44. First, in step S31, at least one processor (angle determination unit 44) determines whether the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is 10° or more and 90° or less. If it is determined in step S31 that the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is not 10° or more and 90° or less (step S31: NO), the compensation data generation method S3 ends without generating compensation data.

[0067] In step S31, if it is determined that the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is 10° or more and 90° or less (step S31: YES), the flow proceeds to step S32. In step S32, at least one processor (angle determination unit 44) determines whether the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is 45° or more and 90° or less.

[0068] In step S32, if it is determined that the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is 45° or more and 90° or less (step S32: YES), the flow proceeds to step S33. In step S33, at least one processor (acquisition unit 41) acquires the light intensity of direct light from the second surface 23. At this time, the first surface 13 turns black. After that, the flow proceeds to step S35.

[0069] On the other hand, if in step S32 it is determined that the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is not 45° or greater and not 90° or less (step S32: NO), the flow proceeds to step S34. In step S34, at least one processor (acquisition unit 41) acquires the light intensity of the reflected light from the second surface 23. At this time, the second surface 23 is blackened. After that, the flow proceeds to step S35.

[0070] In step S35, at least one processor (comparison unit 42) determines whether the acquired light intensity is abnormal. The criteria for determining whether the light intensity is abnormal can be determined in advance through experiments or other means. For example, if the intensity of the reflected light acquired by the acquisition unit 41 is less than or equal to a predetermined value compared to the standard intensity, a predetermined proportion or more may be determined as abnormal.

[0071] In step S35, if it is determined that the light intensity is not abnormal (step S35: NO), the compensation data generation method S3 ends without generating compensation data. In step S35, if it is determined that the light intensity is abnormal (step S35: YES), the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, at least one processor (generation unit 43) generates compensation data, and the compensation data generation method S3 ends.

[0072] Furthermore, when determining the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23, the determination may be made only if a certain angle persists for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds). This is to prevent malfunctions, as the opening and closing of the first housing 10 is performed at the start and end of the operation.

[0073] According to the electronic device 1B or 1C of this third embodiment, the same effects as the electronic device 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, even when the second housing 20 is equipped with a second display 22, compensation data that compensates for the degradation of the second display 22 can be generated without using an imaging device or mirror as an external device.

[0074] [Embodiment 4] Other embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. For the sake of convenience, components having the same function as those described in Embodiments 1 to 3 above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the display degradation compensation data generation device 2 according to Embodiment 4.

[0075] The display degradation compensation data generation device 2 is a device that connects to a foldable display device that does not have a display degradation compensation function, measures the degradation of the display provided in the display device, and generates compensation data. Hereinafter, "display degradation compensation data generation device 2" will be referred to as "compensation data generation device 2". The display device connected to the compensation data generation device 2 is a display device having a structure in which two housings are foldably connected, and having a display in at least one of the housings. Such a display device is a foldable electronic device as described in Embodiments 1 to 3 above, and comprises a first housing having a first surface and a second housing having a second surface, and an imaging device capable of imaging reflected light reflected by the second surface of the second housing from light from the display placed in the first housing is provided in the first housing.

[0076] As shown in the figure, the compensation data generation device 2 comprises a control unit 200 and a storage unit 210. The compensation data generation device 2 can be connected to the display device 100 via a communication unit (not shown) by wired or short-range wireless communication, i.e., it can communicate information. The compensation data generation device 2 may also be able to communicate information with the display device 100 via the internet or the like.

[0077] The control unit 200 comprises an acquisition unit 201, a comparison unit 202, a generation unit 203, and an angle determination unit 204. The acquisition unit 201 acquires the intensity of reflected light from the display located in the first housing of the display device 100, which is reflected by the second housing. More specifically, the acquisition unit 201 acquires the intensity of reflected light from reflected light data captured by an imaging device provided in the first housing. The comparison unit 202 compares the reflected light intensity data acquired by the acquisition unit 201 with the reflected light intensity data (standard intensity) when there is no degradation of the display. The generation unit 203 generates compensation data to compensate for the degradation of the display based on the reflected light intensity acquired by the acquisition unit 201. For example, the generation unit 203 generates compensation data to compensate for the difference between the reflected light intensity obtained as a result of the comparison and the standard intensity. The angle determination unit 204 determines the angle detected by the angle detection unit when the display device 100 is equipped with an angle detection unit that measures the angle between the first surface of the first housing and the second surface of the second housing. However, Control unit 200 The device does not necessarily have to include an angle determination unit 204. In that case, compensation data is generated based on the reflected light intensity when the angle between the first surface and the second surface is a predetermined value (for example, 45°).

[0078] The control unit 200 includes at least one processor 205 and at least one memory 206. The processor 205 and memory 206 may have the configuration described in Embodiment 1.

[0079] The storage unit 210 stores data similar to the data stored by the storage unit 50 described in Embodiments 1 to 3. Preferably, this data is the standard intensity of the display device connected to the compensation data generation device 2. Therefore, it is preferable that the storage unit 210 stores a standard intensity data table corresponding to multiple types of display devices. The standard intensity of the display device may be only the standard intensity at a predetermined angle between the first and second surfaces, or it may be the standard intensity for each angle.

[0080] The user sets the angle between the first and second surfaces of the display device 100 to a predetermined angle and connects the compensation data generation device 2 and the display device 100 by wire or wireless connection. The user may also specify the model of the display device 100. Then, the compensation data generation device 2 transmits test pattern data to be displayed on the display device 100, and the display device 100 displays the test pattern on its display. Reflected light from the display is captured by the imaging device of the display device 100 and transmitted to the compensation data generation device 2. The acquisition unit 201 of the compensation data generation device 2 acquires the intensity of the reflected light from this captured data for each self-emissive display element of the display, or for each predetermined area. The comparison unit 202 compares the intensity of the reflected light acquired by the acquisition unit 201 with the standard intensity. The generation unit 203 generates compensation data to compensate for the difference between the intensity of the reflected light and the standard intensity. The generated compensation data is transmitted to the display device 100 and recorded in the storage unit of the display device 100. As a result, the display device 100 can perform compensation processing on the image data by referring to the compensation data recorded in the memory unit, and can display an image in which the degradation of the display has been compensated for.

[0081] According to the display degradation compensation data generation device 2 of this embodiment 4, even for display devices that do not have a display degradation compensation function, it is possible to evaluate the degradation of the display and generate compensation data to compensate for the degradation without using an imaging device or mirror as an external device.

[0082] [Examples of implementation using software] The functions of the electronic devices 1, 1A, 1B and the compensation data generation device 2 (hereinafter referred to as "devices") are programs that cause the devices to function as computers, and these programs can be realized by programs that cause the devices to function as computers as functional blocks.

[0083] 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., memory) as hardware for executing the program. By executing the program using this control device and storage device, the functions described in each of the embodiments are realized.

[0084] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, not temporary ones. These recording media may or may not be provided by the above device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the above device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0085] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each of the above-mentioned functional blocks can also be implemented by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which logic circuits functioning as each of the above-mentioned functional blocks are formed is also included in the scope of this disclosure. In addition, it is also possible to implement the functions of each of the above-mentioned functional blocks using, for example, a quantum computer.

[0086] Furthermore, each process described in the above embodiments may be performed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may operate on the above-mentioned device, or it may operate on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0087] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, 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 this disclosure. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1. Foldable electronic device 10.. First cabinet 11. Display 12. Imaging device 13...Front page 14. Second Imaging Device 15. Rotation axis 16. Optical sensor 20...Second cabinet 21...Touchscreen 22...Second display 23...2nd page 30. Angle detection unit 40...Deterioration compensation section 41...Acquisition part 42...Comparison Section 43...Generation part 46 ...memory 50...Storage section 60...Image Compensation Section

Claims

1. A first enclosure having a first surface equipped with a display, A second housing having a flat second surface that reflects light, configured to have a variable angle with respect to the first housing, An imaging device arranged in the first housing, The system includes a degradation compensation unit that generates compensation data to compensate for the degradation of the display, The degradation compensation unit generates the compensation data based on the intensity of the reflected light captured by the imaging device, which is the reflected light from the display reflected by the second surface. Foldable electronic device.

2. The aforementioned deterioration compensation unit is An acquisition unit that acquires intensity data of the reflected light from the data of the reflected light captured by the imaging device, A comparison unit compares the intensity data of the reflected light when there is no degradation of the display with the intensity data of the reflected light acquired by the acquisition unit. The folding electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a generation unit that generates compensation data based on the results of the comparison by the comparison unit.

3. The folding electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an angle detection unit for detecting the angle between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the degradation compensation unit generates compensation data when the angle between the first surface and the second surface is within a predetermined angle range.

4. The folding electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a storage unit for storing the intensity of the reflected light when the display is not degraded.

5. The folding electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the memory unit stores the intensity of the reflected light when there is no degradation of the display, corresponding to the angle between the first surface and the second surface.

6. The folding electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the storage unit stores a plurality of test patterns to be displayed on the display.

7. The folding electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second housing is equipped with a touchscreen.

8. The folding electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second housing comprises a second display.

9. The foldable electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the degradation compensation unit generates data to compensate for the degradation of the second display based on the intensity of direct light from the second display acquired by the imaging device.

10. The folding electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first housing further comprises an optical sensor, and when the angle between the first surface and the second surface is less than or equal to a predetermined angle, the degradation compensation unit generates the compensation data based on the intensity of the reflected light acquired by the optical sensor.

11. The folding electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first housing further comprises a second imaging device positioned closer to the rotation axis of the first housing than the imaging device.

12. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the degradation compensation unit generates the compensation data based on the user's instructions.

13. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the deterioration compensation unit generates the compensation data at a predetermined timing.

14. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an illuminance sensor for measuring ambient brightness, wherein the degradation compensation unit generates compensation data according to the ambient brightness measured by the illuminance sensor.

15. The folding electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an image compensation unit that generates compensated image data by applying the compensation data to input image data.

16. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the degradation compensation unit acquires the intensity of the reflected light for each self-luminous element of the display.

17. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the degradation compensation unit acquires the intensity of the reflected light for each predetermined area of ​​the display.

18. At least one processor, A process for acquiring the intensity of reflected light from a display located in the first housing of a foldable electronic device, which is reflected by the second housing, A process for generating compensation data to compensate for the degradation of the display based on the intensity of the reflected light, A method for generating compensation data, which performs the following actions.

19. On the computer, A process for acquiring the intensity of reflected light from a display located in the first housing of a foldable electronic device, which is reflected by the second housing, A process for generating compensation data to compensate for the degradation of the display based on the intensity of the reflected light, A compensation data generation program that executes the following.

20. A computer-readable non-temporary recording medium that records the compensation data generation program described in claim 19.

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