Folding 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

Folding electronic device, compensation data generation method, compensation data generation device, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a folding electronic device, a compensation data generation method, a compensation data generation device, and a program.

[0002] The self-luminous elements of a self-luminous display panel may deteriorate over time, resulting in a decrease in luminous efficiency. In a self-luminous display panel where deterioration has occurred, the brightness of the image may decrease in parts, resulting in uneven display. For this reason, techniques for compensating for the deterioration of self-luminous display panels are known. However, because the degree of deterioration differs for each display element, it is preferable to compensate for each deteriorated part according to the degree of deterioration.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that compares a display adjustment image with an adjustment captured image captured by an imaging unit and displayed on a display unit, and adjusts the display state of the display unit based on the comparison result. Patent Document 1 also discloses a technology that captures a mirror image of the display adjustment image displayed on the display unit, mirrors the mirror image of the display adjustment image to generate an adjustment captured image, and compares the adjustment captured image with the display adjustment image to adjust the display state of the display unit. The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is said to be able to correct fluctuations in the display state due to aging and the like, thereby achieving clearer image display.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-77825

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a separate imaging unit as an external device for capturing the display adjustment image. Also, capturing a mirror image of the display adjustment image requires a separate mirror, and the placement of the mirror may not be consistent, which may complicate the comparison process.

[0006] In view of the above-described problems, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a technology for evaluating degradation of a display without using an imaging device or a mirror as an external device, and generating compensation data for compensating for the degradation.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first housing having a first surface 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 on the first housing, and a degradation compensation unit that generates compensation data to compensate for degradation of the display, wherein the degradation compensation unit generates the compensation data based on the intensity of reflected light, which is light from the display reflected by the second surface and captured by the imaging device.

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, a compensation data generation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes, by at least one processor, acquiring the intensity of reflected light from a display disposed on a first housing of a foldable electronic device and reflected by a second housing, and generating compensation data that compensates for deterioration of the display based on the intensity of the reflected light.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, a fold compensation data generation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires the intensity of reflected light when light from a display disposed in a first housing of a display device is reflected by a second housing, and a generation unit that generates compensation data that compensates for deterioration of the display based on the intensity of the reflected light.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to evaluate the deterioration of a display and generate compensation data for compensating for the deterioration without using an imaging device or a mirror as an external device.

[0011] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a folding electronic device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of a compensation data generation method S1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view of the folding electronic device 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state when an imaging device captures reflected light from a second surface. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of a compensation data generation method S2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a plan view and a side view of an electronic device 1A according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic device 1B according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state when an imaging device and a second imaging device according to the third embodiment capture reflected light from a second surface. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a state when an imaging device and a second imaging device according to the third embodiment capture direct light from a second display. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a compensation data generation method S3 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a display degradation compensation data generation device 2 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an electronic device 1B in which the display and the second display are configured as a single continuous display.

[0012] [Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a foldable electronic device 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view of the foldable electronic device 1. In this embodiment, the foldable electronic device 1 has a structure in which two housings are foldably connected, and at least one of the housings is equipped with a display. Such a foldable electronic device may be, for example, a foldable smartphone, a portable personal terminal device such as a touchpad, or a foldable laptop personal computer. Hereinafter, the foldable electronic device 1 will be simply referred to as "electronic device 1."

[0013] (Configuration of Electronic Device 1) As shown in Fig. 1, the electronic device 1 includes a first housing 10 and a second housing 20. The first housing 10 is provided with a display 11 and an imaging device 12. As shown in Fig. 3, the first housing 10 has a first surface 13 which is a flat surface, and the display 11 is provided to display an image on the first surface 13. The imaging device 12 is provided on the top of the first housing 10.

[0014] 3 , the second housing 20 has a flat second 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 the property of reflecting at least a portion of the light incident from the display 11. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are connected by a rotation shaft 15 so that the angle θ formed between 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 also be connected by the rotation shaft 15 in a separable manner.

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

[0016] The display 11 is a display unit that includes self-luminous elements such as OLEDs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes), QLEDs (Quantum dot Light Emitting Diodes), and micro LEDs as display elements.

[0017] The imaging device 12 is a device that captures visible light. The imaging device 12 may be an under-display camera (UDC). A UDC is an imaging device provided on the back (inside) of the display 11. The imaging device 12 is provided in most portable personal terminal devices or laptop computers and is typically used to capture images of the user's face, etc. In this embodiment, the imaging device 12 captures reflected light that is generated when light from the display 11 is reflected by the second surface 23 of the second housing 20. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate imaging device for capturing reflected light.

[0018] The angle detection unit 30 detects the angle θ between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23. Any means may be used to detect the angle θ, and for example, the angle detection unit 30 may be an encoder that detects the amount of rotation of the rotation shaft 15.

[0019] For example, if 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 to allow the user to work on the device. A keyboard is provided on the touch screen 21 of the second housing 20, allowing the user to input data.

[0020] The degradation compensation unit 40 generates compensation data to compensate for degradation of the display 11. As described above, the self-luminous elements of the display 11 deteriorate over time when used. The degradation compensation unit 40 generates compensation data based on the intensity of reflected light, which is light from the display 11 reflected by the second surface 23 and captured by the imaging device 12. The compensation data is data that indicates how much to increase the current value supplied to each self-luminous element (which may be a pixel) or each region including multiple degraded self-luminous elements, depending on the degree of deterioration of the respective self-luminous elements or regions.

[0021] The degradation compensation unit 40 includes 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 reflected light data of reflected light captured by the imaging device 12. The intensity data may be, for example, intensity data of reflected light from each self-luminous element of the display 11. Alternatively, the reflected light data may be intensity data of reflected light from each region when the display 11 is divided into regions including a plurality of 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 compensate for deterioration by acquiring reflected light intensity data for each self-luminous element. However, if the data processing time required to generate compensation data is 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 determined in advance. One method for dividing the regions is to divide the range where there is a high need to compensate for deterioration (for example, a region near the center) into smaller regions and divide the peripheral regions into larger regions. The number of regions to be divided may also be determined taking into account the data processing time required to generate compensation data.

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

[0024] The comparison unit 42 compares the reflected light intensity data when there is no degradation of the display 11 with the reflected light intensity data acquired by the imaging device 12. The storage unit 50 stores the reflected light intensity of light from each self-luminous element or each region when there is no degradation of the display 11. The storage unit 50 may store the reflected light intensity when there is no degradation of the display 11, corresponding to the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23. The reflected light intensity when there is no degradation of the display 11 is also referred to as the "standard intensity."

[0025] The standard intensities stored in the memory unit 50 may be standard intensities for each of R, G, and B, or may be standard intensities for a mixed color of R, G, and B. Furthermore, the intensity of reflected light varies 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 standard intensities 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 under 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 data on standard intensities 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, the electronic device 1 may include an illuminance sensor (not shown) that measures the brightness of the environment, and 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 the illuminance. That is, the deterioration 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 result by the comparison unit 42. Specifically, the generation unit 43 generates compensation data that compensates for display degradation corresponding to the difference between the intensity of reflected light and the standard intensity. For example, if the comparison result indicates 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 for adjusting the magnitude of the current value supplied to the 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. When a certain condition is met, the angle determination unit 44 starts a procedure for generating compensation data. 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 may be configured using a general-purpose processor such as at least one microprocessing unit (MPU) or central processing unit (CPU). The memory 46 may include multiple types of memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). The memory 46 may also include built-in or external memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD). As an example, the processor 45 implements the functions of the acquisition unit 41, comparison unit 42, generation unit 43, and 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 configured, for example, as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), or programmable logic device (PLD).

[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 the 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] (Compensation Data Generation Method) Next, a compensation data generation method by which the degradation compensation unit 40 compensates for degradation of the display 11 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of a compensation data generation method S1 for compensating for degradation of the display 11 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the state when the imaging device 12 captures an image of reflected light from the second surface 23.

[0031] 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, which is light from the display 11 disposed in the first housing 10 of the electronic device 1 and reflected by the second housing 20. Specifically, the reflected light from the second housing 20 is captured by, for example, the imaging device 12, and the acquisition unit 41 can acquire the intensity of the reflected light from the captured image data. As described above, the intensity of the reflected light may be acquired for each individual self-luminous element, or may be acquired for each region including a plurality of self-luminous elements.

[0032] As shown in 401 in Fig. 4 , 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 touch screen 21 does not display anything. "No display" means that the entire touch screen 21 is displayed in black, as shown in the figure. Alternatively, the touch screen 21 is turned off to produce a black screen. Displaying the second surface 23 in black, or turning off the second surface 23 to produce a black screen, is referred to as "blackening." By blackening the touch screen 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 plurality of test patterns that make it easy to distinguish the intensity of reflected light from each light-emitting element or each region. The plurality of test patterns may be stored in the storage unit 50. The test patterns may include an entirely white pattern, 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 (patterns in which the positions of the light-emitting elements at the color boundary are fixed), and patterns in which various colors are arranged in each region of a predetermined divided region. The acquisition unit 41 may acquire the intensity of reflected light from the plurality of test patterns.

[0034] In step S12, at least one processor (generator 43) generates compensation data for compensating for deterioration of the display 11, based on the intensity of reflected light acquired by the acquirer 41. The generator 43 may generate the compensation data based on the intensity of reflected light in a plurality of test patterns.

[0035] Another compensation data generation method S1A may include, after step S11 described above, step S11A of comparing the acquired reflected light intensity data with reflected light intensity data in a case where there is no degradation of the display 11. In this case, as step S12A following step S11A, the generator 43 may generate compensation data (not shown) that compensates for degradation of the display 11 based on the result of the comparison.

[0036] When the imaging device 12 captures 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 angle 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 capture the reflected light L2 from the second surface 23. The angle range in which the imaging device 12 can appropriately capture reflected light varies depending on the model or performance of the imaging device 12. As an example, as shown in 402 in FIG. 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°. Furthermore, 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 capture the reflected light L2 from the second surface 23. Therefore, for example, it is preferable that the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 be 10° or greater. That is, 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 angle range, the image capture device 12 can capture the reflected light L2 from the second surface 23 with high accuracy.

[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 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of a compensation data generation method S2 involving the angle determination unit 44. 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 formed between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is within a predetermined angle range. An appropriate angle range can be determined in advance by testing whether the imaging device 12 can accurately capture reflected light. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the angle determination unit 44 determines whether the angle formed 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), compensation data is not generated and the compensation data generation method S2 ends. 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 the reflected light cannot be captured accurately.

[0040] If it is determined in step S21 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 flow may proceed to step S22 only if the state in which it has been determined that the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is less than 45° continues for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds). Because the first housing 10 is opened and closed at the start and end of work, a condition of continuing for a predetermined time can be added to prevent malfunction.

[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. If the analysis result is not abnormal (step S23: NO), compensation data is not generated and the compensation data generation method S2 ends. The criteria for determining whether the analysis result is abnormal can be set appropriately. For example, the intensity of reflected light acquired by the acquisition unit 41 may be determined to be abnormal if there is a range (number of self-luminous elements or area) that is smaller than the standard intensity by a predetermined value or more at a predetermined rate or more.

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

[0043] If the user feels that the color of the display 11 is strange, for example, the deterioration compensation unit 40 starts generating compensation data by keeping the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 less than 45° for a while. With this configuration, the deterioration compensation unit 40 generates compensation data based on the user's instructions.

[0044] The user can cause the deterioration compensation unit 40 to generate compensation data in any manner. For example, the user can cause the deterioration compensation unit 40 to generate compensation data by issuing a command or key operation to generate compensation data. However, generating compensation data while the first housing 10 is wide open will not generate effective compensation data. Therefore, by setting the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 to be within a range suitable for generating compensation data as the start command for generating compensation data, as described above, the user can generate compensation data under appropriate conditions. Alternatively, when the user issues a command or key operation to generate compensation data, the deterioration compensation unit 40 may interactively display a message prompting the user to set the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 to an appropriate angle.

[0045] Alternatively, the deterioration compensation unit 40 may be configured to generate compensation data at a predetermined timing. For example, the compensation data may be generated once every few months at a predetermined date and time during the night. In this case, the deterioration compensation unit 40 may display on the screen a message that compensation data will be generated and a warning to ensure that the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 satisfies a predetermined condition.

[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 that compensates for degradation of the display 11. Therefore, it is possible to evaluate degradation of the display and generate compensation data that compensates for the degradation without using an imaging device or a mirror as an external device.

[0047] Furthermore, the compensation data generation methods S1, S1A, and S2 according to the present embodiment acquire the intensity of light reflected by the second housing 20 from the display 11 disposed in the first housing 10 of the electronic device 1, and generate compensation data that compensates for deterioration of the display 11 based on the intensity of the reflected light. Therefore, it is possible to evaluate deterioration of the display and generate compensation data that compensates for the deterioration without using an imaging device or a mirror as an external device.

[0048] Another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

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

[0050] In addition to the configuration of the electronic device 1, the electronic device 1A includes an optical sensor 16 inside the first housing 10. The optical sensor 16 measures the intensity of light reflected from the second surface 23 of the display 11. The optical sensor 16 is disposed on the back side (inside) of the display 11 and serves to assist the function of the imaging device 12. For example, if the imaging device 12 is located at the top of the first housing 10, there is a possibility that the imaging device 12 will not be able to adequately capture the light reflected from the bottom of the display 11. Therefore, the optical sensor 16 measures the intensity of the reflected light instead of or in addition to the imaging device 12.

[0051] As shown in the plan view 601, the multiple optical sensors 16 may be evenly arranged throughout the first housing 10. Alternatively, the optical sensors 16 may be arranged at positions opposite to positions where it is difficult for the imaging device 12 to capture reflected light therefrom. For example, the multiple optical sensors 16 may be arranged concentrated in the lower region of the display 11.

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

[0053] In this embodiment, compensation data can be generated by a method similar to the compensation data generation methods S1, S1A, and S2 described in embodiment 1. For example, when the angle formed between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined angle, the degradation compensation unit 40 may generate compensation data based on the intensity of reflected light acquired by the optical sensor 16. This is because when the angle formed 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 the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, by providing the optical sensor 16, the intensity of reflected light can be obtained with higher accuracy.

[0055] [Embodiment 3] Another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. For ease of explanation, components having the same functions as those described in the first or second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device 1B according to this embodiment.

[0056] As shown in the figure, the electronic device 1B includes a first housing 10 and a second housing 20. The configurations of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are basically the same as those 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 the perspective view 801 of FIG. 8 , the second imaging device 14 is provided at a position closer to the rotation axis 15 of the first housing 10 than the imaging device 12. The second imaging device 14 may be a UDC.

[0057] A second display 22 is disposed in the second housing 20. The second display 22 is configured to display an image on a second surface 23. The second display 22 may be a foldable display that is provided continuously with the display 11, or may be a display that is independent of the display 11. The second housing 20 may also include an angle detection unit 30, a deterioration compensation unit 40, a storage unit 50, and an image compensation unit 60. The functions of the angle detection unit 30, the deterioration compensation unit 40, the storage unit 50, and the image compensation unit 60 are similar to the functions of the respective units described in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0058] In the above-described first and second embodiments, an example was described in which the touch screen 21 was provided on the second housing 20. In contrast, in the electronic device 1B according to the third embodiment, a second display 22 is provided on the second housing 20 instead of the touch screen 21. Although not shown in FIG. 7 , both the second display 22 and the touch screen 21 may be provided on the second housing 20. The degradation compensation unit 40 according to the third embodiment can generate data for compensating for 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] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the imaging device 12 capturing reflected light L2 from the second surface 23 so that the degradation compensation unit 40 can generate compensation data for the display 11. As shown in a perspective view 801, a test pattern is displayed on the display 11, and the second display 22 is turned black. That is, the second display 22 is caused to display black, or the second display 22 is turned off and a black screen is displayed. This allows the imaging device 12 to accurately capture reflected light L2, which is light L1 from the display 11 reflected from the second surface 23. As shown in a side view 802, in addition to the imaging device 12, a second imaging device 14 may also capture reflected light L2 from the second surface 23. The second imaging device 14 is particularly advantageous in that it can accurately capture reflected light L2 reflected at a position close to the rotation axis 15.

[0060] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the imaging device 12 capturing the direct light L1 from the second display 22 so that the degradation compensation unit 40 can generate compensation data for the second display 22. As shown in a 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 caused to display black, or the display 11 is turned off and a black screen is displayed. This allows the imaging device 12 to accurately capture the direct light L1 from the second display 22. As shown in a side view 902, in addition to the imaging device 12, a second imaging device 14 may also capture the direct light L1 from the second display 22. The second imaging device 14 is particularly advantageous in that it can accurately capture the direct light L1 from a position close to the rotation axis 15. Because the imaging device 12 (and the second imaging device 14) capture the direct light L1 from the second display 22, the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 may be approximately 90°.

[0061] 8 and 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 intensities stored in the storage unit 50. The storage unit 50 stores the standard intensities acquired from the image data captured by the imaging device 12 and the standard intensities 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 condition for generating compensation data for display 11 or the condition for generating compensation data for second display 22 may be set such that the angle between first surface 13 and second surface 23 is within a predetermined range. For example, degradation compensation unit 40 may generate compensation data for display 11 when the angle between first surface 13 and second surface 23 is equal to or greater than 10° and less than 45°, and may generate compensation data for second display 22 when the angle is equal to or greater than 45° and less than 90°.

[0063] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an electronic device 1C in which the display 11 and the second display 22 are configured as a single, continuous display. Such an electronic device 1C can be configured using, for example, a foldable OLED display. Reference numeral 1201 in FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the electronic device 1C with the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 closed. Reference numeral 1202 is a perspective view of the electronic device 1C in its normal use state, i.e., with the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 opened 180 degrees to lay flat. Under normal circumstances, images are displayed on both the continuous display 11 and the second display 22. Alternatively, a work screen may be displayed on the display 11, and an input interface such as a keyboard may be displayed on the second display 22. While the ranges of the display 11 and the second display 22 are each indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 12 for convenience, there is no boundary between the two, and the display 11 and the second display 22 are configured as a continuous display without any boundary.

[0064] 1203 in FIG. 12 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 in the range of the display 11 and the display in the range of the second display 22 are different. For example, when compensating for degradation in the range of the display 11, as shown in FIG. 8 , a test pattern is displayed in the range of the display 11, and the range of the second display 22 is turned black. In other words, the range of the second display 22 is either displayed in black, or the range of the second display 22 is not energized and remains black. For this reason, it is advantageous to configure the range of the display 11 and the range of the second display 22 so that they can be energized independently.

[0065] 9, a test pattern is displayed in the area of ​​second display 22, and the area of ​​display 11 is blackened. That is, black is displayed in the area of ​​display 11, or the area of ​​display 11 is not powered on and remains black. A method for compensating for deterioration in electronic device 1C having such a configuration can be implemented in the same manner as the method described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0066] 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 formed 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 formed 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 formed 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 formed between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is 45° or more and 90° or less.

[0068] If it is determined in step S32 that the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is greater than or equal to 45° and less than or equal to 90° (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. Thereafter, the flow proceeds to step S35.

[0069] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23 is not greater than 45° and less than 90° (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 colored black. Thereafter, 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 appropriately determined in advance through experiments, etc. For example, the intensity of the reflected light acquired by the acquisition unit 41 may be determined to be abnormal if there is a range (the number of self-luminous elements or the area) that is smaller than the standard intensity by a predetermined value or more at a predetermined rate or more.

[0071] If it is determined in step S35 that the light intensity is not abnormal (step S35: NO), the compensation data generation method S3 ends without generating compensation data. If it is determined in step S35 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] Note that when determining the angle between the first surface 13 and the second surface 23, the determination may be made only when a certain angle state continues for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds). This is to prevent malfunction, since the first housing 10 is opened and closed at the start and end of work.

[0073] The electronic device 1B or 1C according to the third embodiment can achieve the same effects as the electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, even when the second housing 20 is provided with the second display 22, compensation data for compensating for deterioration of the second display 22 can be generated without using an imaging device or a mirror as an external device.

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

[0075] The display degradation compensation data generating device 2 is a device that is connected 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, the "display degradation compensation data generating device 2" will be referred to as the "compensation data generating device 2." The display device connected to the compensation data generating device 2 is a display device that has a structure in which two housings are foldably connected, and at least one of the housings is provided with a display. Such a display device is a foldable electronic device as described in the above-mentioned first to third embodiments, and includes a first housing having a first surface and a second housing having a second surface, and the first housing is provided with an imaging device that can capture light reflected by the second surface of the second housing from the display disposed in the first housing.

[0076] As shown in the figure, the compensation data generating device 2 includes a control unit 200 and a storage unit 210. The compensation data generating device 2 can be connected to the display device 100 via a communication unit (not shown) by wire or short-range wireless communication, i.e., can communicate information with the display device 100. The compensation data generating 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 includes 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, which is light from a display disposed in the first housing of the display device 100 and 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 reflected light intensity data (standard intensity) in a case where there is no display degradation. The generation unit 203 generates compensation data to compensate for display degradation 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. If the display device 100 includes an angle detection unit that measures the angle formed between the first surface of the first housing and the second surface of the second housing, the angle determination unit 204 determines the angle detected by the angle detection unit. However, the angle determination unit 204 does not necessarily have to be provided with the 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 the memory 206 may have the configurations described in the first embodiment.

[0079] The storage unit 210 stores data similar to the data stored in the storage unit 50 described in the first to third embodiments. The data is preferably the standard intensity of the display device connected to the compensation data generating device 2. Therefore, the storage unit 210 preferably stores standard intensity data tables corresponding to a plurality of types of display devices. The standard intensity of the display device may be just the standard intensity at a predetermined angle between the first and second surfaces, or may be the standard intensity for each angle.

[0080] For example, a user sets the angle between the first and second surfaces of the display device 100 to a predetermined angle, and connects the compensation data generating device 2 and the display device 100 via a wired or wireless connection. The user may also specify the model of the display device 100. Then, the compensation data generating device 2 transmits test pattern data to the display device 100 to display the test pattern on the display. The display device 100 then displays the test pattern on the display. The image capturing device of the display device 100 captures the reflected light intensity from the display and transmits the captured image data to the compensation data generating device 2. The acquisition unit 201 of the compensation data generating device 2 acquires the reflected light intensity for each self-luminous display element or for each predetermined region of the display from the captured image data. The comparison unit 202 compares the reflected light intensity acquired by the acquisition unit 201 with a standard intensity. The generation unit 203 generates compensation data to compensate for the difference between the reflected light intensity 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 storage unit, and can display an image in which degradation of the display has been compensated for.

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

[0082] [Example of Implementation by Software] The functions of the electronic devices 1, 1A, 1B and the compensation data generating device 2 (hereinafter referred to as "devices") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and a program that causes a computer to function as a functional block of the device.

[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., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The functions described in each of the above embodiments are realized by executing the program using the control device and storage device.

[0084] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0085] In addition, some or all of the functions of the functional blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, integrated circuits in which logic circuits that function as the functional blocks are formed are also included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the functions of the functional blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0086] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence), in which case the AI ​​may run on the above device or on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0087] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

[0088] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Foldable electronic device 10... First housing 11... Display 12... Imaging device 13... First surface 14... Second imaging device 15... Rotation axis 16... Optical sensor 20... Second housing 21... Touch screen 22... Second display 23... Second surface 30... Angle detection unit 40... Deterioration compensation unit 41... Acquisition unit 42... Comparison unit 43... Generation unit 44... Memory 50... Storage unit 60... Image compensation unit

Claims

1. a first housing having a first surface and including a display; a second housing having a flat second surface whose surface reflects light, the second surface being configured so that the angle with respect to the first housing can be changed; an imaging device disposed in the first housing; a degradation compensation unit that generates compensation data to compensate for degradation of the display, the degradation compensation unit generates the compensation data based on an intensity of reflected light that is light from the display reflected on the second surface and captured by the imaging device. Folding electronic device.

2. The deterioration compensation unit an acquisition unit that acquires intensity data of the reflected light from data of the reflected light captured by the imaging device; a comparison unit that compares the reflected light intensity data when there is no deterioration of the display with the reflected light intensity data acquired by the acquisition unit; The folding electronic device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a generating unit that generates the compensation data based on a result of the comparison by the comparing unit.

3. 3. The folding electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising an angle detection unit that detects an angle between the first surface and the second surface, and the deterioration compensation unit generates the 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 , further comprising a storage unit that stores the intensity of the reflected light when there is no deterioration of the display.

5. The foldable electronic device according to claim 4 , wherein the storage unit stores the intensity of the reflected light when there is no degradation of the display, corresponding to the angle formed 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 comprises a touch screen.

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 degradation of the second display based on intensity of direct light from the second display acquired by the imaging device.

10. 3. The folding electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first housing further comprises an optical sensor, and when the angle between the first surface and the second surface is equal to or smaller than a predetermined angle, the deterioration 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 , wherein the first housing further comprises a second imaging device located closer to the rotation axis of the first housing than the imaging device.

12. The folding electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the deterioration compensation unit generates the compensation data based on an instruction from a user.

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

14. The folding electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an illuminance sensor that measures the brightness of the environment, and the deterioration compensation unit generates the compensation data according to the brightness of the environment 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 , wherein the deterioration 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 , wherein the deterioration compensation unit acquires the intensity of the reflected light for each predetermined region of the display.

18. At least one processor A process of acquiring an intensity of reflected light that is light from a display disposed on a first housing of the foldable electronic device and is reflected by a second housing; generating compensation data for compensating for degradation of the display based on the intensity of the reflected light; A compensation data generation method.

19. On the computer, A process of acquiring an intensity of reflected light that is light from a display disposed on a first housing of the foldable electronic device and is reflected by a second housing; generating compensation data for compensating for degradation of the display based on the intensity of the reflected light; A compensation data generation program that executes the above.

20. A computer-readable non-transitory recording medium having the compensation data generation program according to claim 19 recorded thereon.