Display device

Abstract

This display device comprises one first light-emitting unit and a plurality of second light-emitting units. The first light-emitting unit includes a first control unit and a plurality of first light-emitting elements. Each of the plurality of second light-emitting units includes a second control unit and a plurality of second light-emitting elements. The first control unit executes: receiving image data; converting the received image data into lighting data for controlling lighting of the first light-emitting elements and the second light-emitting elements; transmitting the lighting data to the plurality of second control units; and causing the first light-emitting elements to emit light on the basis of the lighting data. Each of the plurality of second control units executes receiving the lighting data, and causing the second light-emitting elements to emit light on the basis of the lighting data.

Description

display device

[0001] The embodiment relates to a display device.

[0002] Vehicles such as automobiles are equipped with display devices that display information such as speed to the driver. In recent years, such display devices have been gradually replacing physical meters with digital meters. Typically, digital meters use liquid crystal panels. However, liquid crystal panels have the problem of consuming a lot of power.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-248461

[0004] The embodiments have been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and have an object to provide a display device that can reduce power consumption.

[0005] A display device according to an embodiment includes a first light-emitting unit and a plurality of second light-emitting units. The first light-emitting unit includes a first control unit and a plurality of first light-emitting elements. Each of the plurality of second light-emitting units includes a second control unit and a plurality of second light-emitting elements. The first control unit receives image data, converts the received image data into lighting data for controlling lighting of the first light-emitting elements and the second light-emitting elements, transmits the lighting data to the plurality of second control units, and causes the first light-emitting element to emit light based on the lighting data. Each of the plurality of second control units receives the lighting data and causes the second light-emitting element to emit light based on the lighting data.

[0006] According to the embodiment, a display device capable of reducing power consumption can be realized.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a display device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing one panel in the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing one light-emitting element in the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing one unit and its periphery in the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a first light adjustment member in the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first light-emitting unit and a second light-emitting unit included in the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a first control unit in the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing transmission of lighting data in the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a data transmission method within a storage unit in the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing transmission of lighting data in a display device according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a display device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged plan view showing a display device according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a display device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a view showing the interior of a traffic vehicle according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a view showing an image displayed by a display device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a view showing the rear surface of a traffic vehicle according to a first modified example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 22 is a view showing the front surface of a traffic vehicle according to a second modified example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the front shield of a traffic vehicle according to a second modified example of the fourth embodiment.

[0008] <First embodiment> Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a display device according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing one panel in the display device according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the display device according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing one first color light-emitting element in the display device according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a plan view showing one unit and its periphery in the display device according to this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram showing the display device according to this embodiment. Fig. 7 is a plan view showing a first light adjustment member in the display device according to this embodiment.

[0009] The drawings are schematic and conceptual, and have been appropriately emphasized and simplified. Furthermore, even if the same components are shown in the drawings, the dimensional ratios, positional relationships, numbers, etc. may not be strictly consistent. The same applies to the other drawings described below.

[0010] 1, the display device 1 according to this embodiment includes one mounting substrate 100, multiple panels 200, and one flexible wiring 300. The flexible wiring 300 may be divided into multiple pieces. The display device 1 displays one image by linking the multiple panels 200.

[0011] The mounting substrate 100 is translucent and is made of, for example, glass. The mounting substrate 100 may be a flexible substrate that is both translucent and flexible. The multiple panels 200 are arranged in a line along one direction. The flexible wiring 300 is arranged across the multiple panels 200, connecting the multiple panels 200 to each other and connecting at least one panel 200 to the outside of the display device 1. The flexible wiring 300 is flexible and is, for example, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits). In the flexible wiring 300, multiple wirings 302 are provided on a tape-shaped insulating base 301.

[0012] For ease of explanation, the present specification will hereinafter adopt an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. The direction parallel to the surface of the mounting substrate 100 and in which the multiple panels 200 are arranged will be referred to as the "first direction X," the direction parallel to the surface of the mounting substrate 100 and perpendicular to the first direction X will be referred to as the "second direction Y," and the direction perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y will be referred to as the "third direction Z."

[0013] Regarding the first direction X, a distinction is made between a "+X direction" and a "-X direction" as necessary. The same applies to the second direction Y and the third direction Z. Of the third direction Z, the direction from the mounting substrate 100 toward the panel 200 is referred to as the "+Z direction," and the opposite direction is referred to as the "-Z direction." The +Z direction is also referred to as "up" and the -Z direction as "down," but these expressions are also for convenience and are unrelated to the direction of gravity. Furthermore, in this specification, "planar view" refers to the view from the third direction Z (+Z direction or -Z direction). In describing the planar view, even if something is actually hidden by other components and cannot be seen, the description may be given assuming that it is visible.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1 , there are multiple types of panels 200. The display device 1 is provided with, for example, three types of panels 200a, 200b, and 200c. The panel 200a can display an image with the highest resolution, the panel 200b can display an image with a lower resolution than the panel 200a, and the panel 200c can display an image with a lower resolution than the panel 200b. The configurations of the panels 200a, 200b, and 200c will be described later. Note that the number of types of panels 200 is not limited to three, and may be two or four or more.

[0015] Any combination of panels 200 may be used in the display device 1. In the example shown in Fig. 1, seven panels 200 are arranged in order from the left side of the figure (the -X direction side): panel 200c, panel 200b, panel 200a, panel 200a, panel 200b, panel 200c, and panel 200c.

[0016] 2 and 3 , the panel 200 includes a support member 10, a plurality of first color light-emitting elements 21 that output light of a first color, a plurality of second color light-emitting elements 22 that output light of a second color, a plurality of third color light-emitting elements 23 that output light of a third color, a plurality of first conductive portions 31, a plurality of second conductive portions 32, a plurality of third conductive portions 33, a plurality of fourth conductive portions 34, a plurality of fifth conductive portions 35, a control unit 51, a first light adjustment member 61, an insulating covering member 71, an anisotropic connecting member 72, a connecting member 73, and a protective member 74. Note that some of these components may not be provided. Note that in the following description, the first color light-emitting elements 21, the second color light-emitting elements 22, and the third color light-emitting elements 23 are collectively referred to as light-emitting elements 20.

[0017] The shape of the support member 10 is, for example, a rectangular plate with the second direction Y as the longitudinal direction, the first direction X as the lateral direction, and the third direction Z as the thickness direction. Note that the term "rectangle" here refers not only to a quadrangle with right-angled corners, but also to shapes with chamfered corners. Shapes with chamfered corners include shapes in which two orthogonal sides are connected via a curve or a shape in which two orthogonal sides are connected via an oblique straight line. The support member 10 is translucent. The support member 10 is made of, for example, glass. The support member 10 may be a flexible substrate that is both translucent and flexible. The support member 10 has a mounting surface 10a on which multiple light-emitting elements 20 are mounted, and a light-emitting surface 10b located on the opposite side of the mounting surface 10a.

[0018] An image forming area 11 is set on the upper surface of the support member 10, i.e., on the area on the +Y direction side of the surface on the +Z direction side. A wiring connection area 12 is set on the end of the upper surface of the support member 10 on the -Y direction side. The control unit 51 is disposed between the image forming area 11 and the wiring connection area 12 on the support member 10, and is spaced apart from the image forming area 11 and the wiring connection area 12 in the second direction Y.

[0019] In the image forming region 11, a plurality of element regions 13 and a plurality of wiring regions 14 are alternately arranged along the first direction X. Each element region 13 and each wiring region 14 is shaped like a strip with the second direction Y as its longitudinal direction. In the image forming region 11, element regions 13 are arranged at both ends in the first direction X. Therefore, the number of wiring regions 14 is one less than the number of element regions 13. For example, 50 element regions 13 and 49 wiring regions 14 are provided.

[0020] In each element region 13, first color light-emitting elements 21, second color light-emitting elements 22, and third color light-emitting elements 23 are repeatedly arranged in a row along the second direction Y. The first color light-emitting elements 21 are blue light-emitting elements, for example, LEDs (light-emitting diodes) with a peak wavelength in the range of 430 nm to 480 nm. The second color light-emitting elements 22 are green light-emitting elements, for example, LEDs with a peak wavelength in the range of 500 nm to 580 nm. The third color light-emitting elements 23 are red light-emitting elements, for example, LEDs with a peak wavelength in the range of 600 nm to 780 nm.

[0021] In the entire image forming region 11, across the plurality of element regions 13, a plurality of first color light-emitting elements 21 are arranged on the support member 10 along the first direction X, a plurality of second color light-emitting elements 22 are arranged on the support member 10 along the first direction X, and a plurality of third color light-emitting elements 23 are arranged on the support member 10 along the first direction X. Furthermore, the plurality of second color light-emitting elements 22 are arranged spaced apart from the plurality of first color light-emitting elements 21 in the second direction Y, and the plurality of third color light-emitting elements 23 are arranged spaced apart from the plurality of second color light-emitting elements 22 in the second direction Y.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4 , each of the multiple first-color light-emitting elements 21 has one light-extraction surface 21a, one electrode-forming surface 21b, and multiple side surfaces 21c. The "light-extraction surface" refers to the main surface from which light emitted from the light-emitting element is emitted, but not all light needs to be emitted from the light-extraction surface. For example, a small amount of light may also be emitted from the side surfaces 21c. The light-extraction surface 21a faces the support member 10. The electrode-forming surface 21b is located on the opposite side of the light-extraction surface 21a. The side surfaces 21c connect the light-extraction surface 21a and the electrode-forming surface 21b. In one example, the light-extraction surface 21a is square, and the electrode-forming surface 21b is square and smaller than the light-extraction surface 21a. There are four side surfaces 21c, and each side surface 21c is trapezoidal. Note that the shapes of the light-extraction surface 21a, the electrode-forming surface 21b, and the side surfaces 21c may be rectangular.

[0023] Each first color light-emitting element 21 has a semiconductor portion 21d, a first electrode 21e, and a second electrode 21f. The semiconductor portion 21d includes a p-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and an n-type semiconductor layer. The first electrode 21e and the second electrode 21f are arranged spaced apart from each other on the electrode-forming surface 21b. The first electrode 21e is connected to the p-type semiconductor layer of the semiconductor portion 21d, and the second electrode 21f is connected to the n-type semiconductor layer of the semiconductor portion 21d. The first color light-emitting element 21 may have an insulating layer covering the region of the electrode-forming surface 21b excluding the first electrode 21e and the second electrode 21f, as well as the side surface 21c. The second color light-emitting element 22 and the third color light-emitting element 23 have the same configuration.

[0024] The structure of the semiconductor portion 21d may be a structure having a single active layer such as a double heterostructure or a single quantum well structure (SQW), or a structure having a group of active layers such as a multiple quantum well structure (MQW). The semiconductor portion 21d can emit visible light or ultraviolet light. The semiconductor portion 21d can emit visible light ranging from blue to red. Examples of semiconductor laminates including such a light emitting layer include In ｘ Al ｙ Ga １－ｘ－ｙN (0≦x, 0≦y, x+y≦1). The semiconductor portion 21d can include at least one light-emitting layer (active layer) capable of emitting light. For example, the semiconductor portion 21d may have a structure including one or more light-emitting layers between an n-type semiconductor layer and a p-type semiconductor layer, or may have a structure in which a structure including an n-type semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer, and a p-type semiconductor layer in that order is repeated multiple times. When the semiconductor stack includes multiple light-emitting layers, the light-emitting layers may have different peak wavelengths or may have light-emitting layers with the same peak wavelength. Note that the same peak wavelength may have a variation of, for example, several nanometers. The combination of such light-emitting layers can be appropriately selected. For example, when the semiconductor stack includes two light-emitting layers, the light-emitting layers can be selected from combinations such as blue light and blue light, green light and green light, red light and red light, ultraviolet light and ultraviolet light, blue light and green light, blue light and red light, or green light and red light. Furthermore, the light-emitting layer may include multiple active layers with different peak wavelengths or multiple active layers with the same peak wavelength.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 , one first conductive portion 31 is disposed in each element region 13. The first conductive portion 31 is a wiring extending in the second direction Y and contains, for example, copper (Cu). The first conductive portion 31 may be formed of a material having conductivity and translucency, such as ITO (Indium-Tin-Oxide). The first conductive portion 31 is located on the +Z direction side of the light-emitting element 20 disposed in the same element region 13, and overlaps with the light-emitting element 20 in a plan view. The covering member 71 and the protective member 74 are not shown in FIG. 5 .

[0026] The first conductive portion 31 is electrically connected to the first electrodes 21e of the first color light-emitting elements 21 that overlap in plan view via the third conductive portion 33. Similarly, the first conductive portion 31 is electrically connected to the first electrodes of the second color light-emitting elements 22 that overlap in plan view, and the first electrodes of the third color light-emitting elements 23 that overlap in plan view. For example, one first conductive portion 31 arranged in each element region 13 is electrically connected to the first electrodes of all the light-emitting elements 20 arranged in this element region 13.

[0027] In the panel 200, the plurality of third conductive portions 33 extend in the first direction X and connect the plurality of first electrodes 21 e to the plurality of first conductive portions 31. In other words, in a plan view, one first color light emitting element 21 of the plurality of first color light emitting elements 21 is disposed on top of one first conductive portion 31 of the plurality of first conductive portions 31, and this one first color light emitting element 21 is electrically connected to this one first conductive portion 31.

[0028] A plurality of second conductive portions 32 are arranged in each wiring region 14. The plurality of second conductive portions 32 extend in the second direction Y on the support member 10 and are electrically connected to the second electrodes 21f of the plurality of light-emitting elements 20 via fourth conductive portions 34. In the panel 200, the plurality of fourth conductive portions 34 extend in the first direction X and connect the plurality of second electrodes 21f to the plurality of second conductive portions 32, respectively. The second conductive portions 32 include, for example, copper. The second conductive portions 32 may be formed of a material having conductivity and translucency, such as ITO. The third conductive portion 33 and the fourth conductive portion 34 include, for example, aluminum (Al).

[0029] 6, the first electrodes of the plurality of light-emitting elements 20 arranged in each element region 13 are commonly connected to a single first conductive portion 31, and the second electrodes are individually connected to different second conductive portions 32. The first conductive portion 31 and the second conductive portion 32 are electrically connected to the control portion 51. For example, the first electrode is an anode electrode of the light-emitting element, and the second electrode is a cathode electrode of the light-emitting element.

[0030] The third conductive portion 33 and the fourth conductive portion 34 may be arranged to cover the side surfaces of the light emitting element 20. This allows the light emitted from the light emitting element 20 to be reflected by the third conductive portion 33 and the fourth conductive portion 34, thereby improving the light extraction efficiency.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 , the first light adjustment members 61 are positioned on the upper surface of the support member 10 around each of the plurality of first color light-emitting elements 21. The first light adjustment members 61 are made of a light-absorbing resin material or metal material. For example, the first light adjustment members 61 can be made of an insulating resin material such as acrylic, polyimide, or siloxane. These resins can be made light-absorbent by adding black pigments such as carbon black or graphite. Having light absorption means that the reflectance of the first light adjustment members 61 is 0% or more and 50% or less, more preferably 0% or more and 40% or less, at the emission peak wavelength of the light-emitting elements.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first light adjustment member 61 has a plurality of openings 61a. A unit 29, which is made up of one first color light emitting element 21, one second color light emitting element 22, and one third color light emitting element 23 arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction Y, is disposed in each opening 61a. For this reason, the first light adjustment member 61 is not disposed between the support member 10 and the light emitting elements 20. Furthermore, the first light adjustment member 61 is not disposed between the first color light emitting element 21 and the second color light emitting element 22 belonging to each unit 29, and between the second color light emitting element 22 and the third color light emitting element 23.

[0033] The covering member 71 is disposed on the support member 10 and covers the light-emitting element 20, the third conductive portion 33, and the fourth conductive portion 34. The covering member 71 is made of an insulating material, for example, an insulating inorganic material. The linear expansion coefficient of the covering member 71 is greater than the linear expansion coefficient of the support member 10. The covering member 71 is, for example, a white light-reflecting member. The covering member 71 is formed of, for example, a white resin. The covering member 71 may contain a light-reflecting material. Examples of light-reflecting materials include titanium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, zirconium oxide, aluminum oxide, and aluminum nitride. The covering member 71 has a first surface 71a disposed opposite the support member 10 and a second surface 71b located on the opposite side of the first surface 71a.

[0034] The third conductive portion 33 and the fourth conductive portion 34 are disposed on the first surface 71a side (lower side) of the covering member 71 and extend in the first direction X. The first conductive portion 31 and the second conductive portion 32 are disposed on the second surface 71b side (upper side) of the covering member 71 and extend in the second direction Y. As shown in Fig. 5 , in a plan view, in a portion where the fourth conductive portion 34 and the second conductive portion 32 overlap, the minimum length 34L of the fourth conductive portion 34 in the second direction Y is shorter than the minimum length 32L of the second conductive portion 32 in the first direction X. In other words, 34L < 32L.

[0035] 3 , in the panel 200, a support member 10, a covering member 71, and a protective member 74 are layered in this order from the −Z direction side to the +Z direction side. The light-emitting elements 20, the third conductive portion 33, the fourth conductive portion 34, and the first light adjustment member 61 are disposed between the support member 10 and the covering member 71. The first conductive portion 31, the second conductive portion 32, the anisotropic connection member 72, and the control unit 51 are disposed between the covering member 71 and the protective member 74.

[0036] The control unit 51 is electrically connected to at least one first color light-emitting element 21 among the plurality of first color light-emitting elements 21 via at least one first conductive element 31 among the plurality of first conductive elements 31 and at least one second conductive element 32 among the plurality of second conductive elements 32. For example, the control unit 51 is electrically connected to all of the first color light-emitting elements 21, all of the second color light-emitting elements 22, and all of the third color light-emitting elements 23. The control unit 51 is, for example, an integrated circuit (IC) chip. Note that the control unit 51 may be configured with multiple chips. The control unit 51 is electrically connected to the plurality of first conductive elements 31 and the plurality of second conductive elements 32 via anisotropic connecting members 72. The anisotropic connecting members 72 contain a conductive material. For example, the conductive material is sandwiched between the control unit 51 and the first conductive element 31 so as to contact both, thereby electrically connecting the control unit 51 and the first conductive element 31 via the conductive material. The anisotropic connecting members 72 include, for example, an anisotropic conductive paste and an anisotropic conductive film. By using the anisotropic connecting member 72, it is easier to make the thickness thinner than when an isotropic connecting member such as solder is used, and short circuits are less likely to occur even when the gap between the first conductive part 31 and the second conductive part 32 is narrow. Note that an isotropic connecting member may be used as well as the anisotropic connecting member 72 as the member electrically connecting the control part 51 and the fifth conductive part 35.

[0037] The control unit 51 is also connected to the fifth conductive unit 35 via an anisotropic connecting member 72. In the wiring connection region 12, the fifth conductive unit 35 is connected to a wiring 302 of the flexible wiring 300 via a connecting member 73. The wiring 302 extends in the first direction X.

[0038] The protective member 74 is disposed on the covering member 71, and covers the first conductive portion 31, the second conductive portion 32, the third conductive portion 33, the fourth conductive portion 34, the anisotropic connecting member 72, and the control unit 51. The protective member 74 does not cover the connecting member 73 or the flexible wiring 300.

[0039] In the panel 200, units 29 are periodically arranged along the first direction X and the second direction Y. As described above, each unit 29 is composed of one first color light-emitting element 21, one second color light-emitting element 22, and one third color light-emitting element 23 arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction Y. Note that each unit 29 may be composed of one or two of the first color light-emitting element 21, the second color light-emitting element 22, and the third color light-emitting element 23, or may be composed of four or more light-emitting elements 20. Each unit 29 may include two or more of any of the first color light-emitting element 21, the second color light-emitting element 22, and the third color light-emitting element 23.

[0040] In panel 200b, the units 29 are arranged at a lower density than in panel 200a. For example, the arrangement density of the units 29 in panel 200b is ½ times the arrangement density of the units 29 in panel 200a. In panel 200c, the units 29 are arranged at a lower density than in panel 200b. For example, the arrangement density of the units 29 in panel 200c is ½ times the arrangement density of the units 29 in panel 200b. In other words, the arrangement density of the units 29 in panel 200c is ¼ times the arrangement density of the units 29 in panel 200a.

[0041] Next, the configuration and processing of the control unit 51 included in the panel 200 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first light-emitting unit and multiple second light-emitting units included in the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control unit in the display device according to this embodiment. In the following description, as shown in FIG. 8, the single panel 200 arranged at the end of the display device 1 in the −X direction will be referred to as the first light-emitting unit 200P, and the other multiple panels 200 will be referred to as the second light-emitting units 200S. That is, the display device 1 includes one first light-emitting unit 200P and multiple second light-emitting units 200S. The first light-emitting unit 200P may be any of the panels 200a, 200b, and 200c.

[0042] The plurality of light-emitting elements 20 included in the first light-emitting unit 200P are also referred to as first light-emitting elements 20P, and the plurality of light-emitting elements 20 included in each of the plurality of second light-emitting units 200S are also referred to as second light-emitting elements 20S. The first light-emitting unit 200P includes a first mounting surface 10a on which the plurality of first light-emitting elements 20P are mounted, and a first support member 10P having a first light-emitting surface 10b located on the opposite side of the first mounting surface 10a. Furthermore, the control unit 51 included in the first light-emitting unit 200P is also referred to as a first control unit 51P, and the control unit 51 included in each of the plurality of second light-emitting units 200S is also referred to as a second control unit 51S. The first control unit 51P and the plurality of second control units 51S are bus-connected via flexible wiring 300.

[0043] The second light-emitting unit 200S has a second support member 10S, a plurality of second light-emitting elements 20S, and a second control unit 51S. The display device 1 further includes a second support member 10S that is translucent and arranged adjacent to the first support member 10P in the +X direction, a plurality of second light-emitting elements 20S that are arranged in the first direction X on the second support member 10S, and a second control unit 51S that is arranged apart from the plurality of second light-emitting elements 20S in the second direction Y and is electrically connected to at least some of the plurality of second light-emitting elements 20S.

[0044] The configurations of the second support member 10S, the second light-emitting element 20S, and the second control unit 51S are the same as those of the first support member 10P, the first light-emitting element 20P, and the first control unit 51P, respectively. The term "the configuration of the second control unit 51S is the same as that of the first control unit 51P" refers to the physical structure of the second control unit 51S, such as the shape, arrangement, and connection of the elements and wiring included in the second control unit 51S, being the same as that of the first control unit 51P; however, the stored data may be different. In other words, "the same configuration" means that the second control unit 51S is manufactured based on the same design, and unavoidable manufacturing process errors and variations in material composition are included in the scope of "same." The target performance of components with the same configuration is the same; for example, the peak wavelength of the emitted light from light-emitting elements with the same configuration is in the same range. Similar to the first support member 10P, the second support member 10S has a second mounting surface 10a on which multiple second light-emitting elements 20S are mounted and a second light-emitting surface 10b located on the opposite side of the second mounting surface 10a.

[0045] The second light-emitting unit 200S may be any of the panels 200a, 200b, and 200c. Therefore, the number of first light-emitting elements 20P per unit area that are emitted by the first control unit 51P on the first light-emitting surface 10b of the first light-emitting unit 200P may be different from the number of second light-emitting elements per unit area that are emitted by the second control unit 51S on the second light-emitting surfaces 10b of the plurality of second light-emitting units 200S.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 9 , the first control unit 51P includes a conversion unit 51c, a storage unit 51d, and a current output unit 51e. The conversion unit 51c receives image data D1 from outside the display device 1 via the flexible wiring 300. The image data is data about an image to be displayed on the first light-emitting surface 10b of the first support member 10P and the multiple second light-emitting surfaces 10b of each of the multiple second support members 10S. The conversion unit 51c converts the image data D1 into lighting data D2 for controlling the lighting of the first light-emitting elements 20P and the second light-emitting elements 20S, and outputs the lighting data D2 to the storage unit 51d. The storage unit 51d stores the lighting data D2 and outputs a portion of the lighting data D2 to be displayed on the second light-emitting unit 200S to the flexible wiring 300 for transmission to the second control unit 51S.

[0047] A first potential V1 and a second potential V2 are supplied to the current output unit 51e. The first potential V1 is higher than the second potential V2. The current output unit 51e applies the first potential V1 to the first conductive unit 31. The current output unit 51e also controls the magnitude of the current input from the second conductive unit 32 and / or the time for which the current flows, based on the lighting data D2 stored in the memory unit 51d. In this way, the first control unit 51P controls the light emission of the multiple first light-emitting elements 20P included in the first light-emitting unit 200P.

[0048] The conversion unit 51c of the second control unit 51S stores the lighting data D2 received from the conversion unit 51c of the first control unit 51P via the flexible wiring 300 in the memory unit 51d of the second control unit 51S. The current output unit 51e of the second control unit 51S controls the light emission of the second light-emitting element 20S of the second light-emitting unit 200S based on the lighting data D2 stored in the memory unit 51d of the second control unit 51S.

[0049] In this way, image data D1 input from outside the display device 1 is transmitted only to the first control unit 51P of the first light-emitting unit 200P. Lighting data D2 output from the first control unit 51P of the first light-emitting unit 200P is transmitted to the second control unit 51S of the second light-emitting unit 200S. The conversion unit 51c of each second light-emitting unit 200S stores the lighting data D2 received via the flexible wiring 300 in the memory unit 51d. The current output unit 51e of each second light-emitting unit 200S causes the second light-emitting unit 200S to emit light based on the lighting data D2 stored in the memory unit 51d.

[0050] Note that by connecting the conversion unit 51c to an external memory 400 provided outside the display device 1, the lighting data D2 converted by the conversion unit 51c of the first control unit 51P may be temporarily stored in the external memory 400, and the lighting data D2 corresponding to each second light-emitting unit 200S may then be sequentially output to the storage unit 51d of the first control unit 51P, and sequentially output from the storage unit 51d to the flexible wiring 300. This allows the capacity of the storage unit 51d of the first control unit 51P to be reduced.

[0051] Next, the operation of the display device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the transmission of lighting data in the display device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a data transmission method within the storage unit in the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0052] 10 , image data D1 is input to the first control unit 51P of the first light-emitting unit 200P from outside the display device 1 via the flexible wiring 300. The image data D1 corresponds to one image ("ABCD" in the example shown in FIG. 10 ) to be displayed by the display device 1.

[0053] The converter 51c of the first control unit 51P converts the image data D1 into lighting data D2. The lighting data D2 includes first lighting data D21 ("A" in the example shown in FIG. 10) for controlling the lighting of the first light-emitting element 20P of the first light-emitting unit 200P, and multiple pieces of second lighting data D22 ("B," "C," and "D" in the example shown in FIG. 10) for controlling the lighting of the second light-emitting element 20S of each of the multiple second light-emitting units 200S. The converter 51c of the first light-emitting unit 200P outputs the lighting data D2 to the memory unit 51d of the first control unit 51P.

[0054] The storage unit 51d of the first control unit 51P outputs, from the lighting data D2, first lighting data D21 to be displayed by the first light-emitting unit 200P to the current output unit 51e of the first control unit 51P. Furthermore, the storage unit 51d outputs second lighting data D22 to be displayed by each of the plurality of second light-emitting units 200S to the flexible wiring 300. In this way, the first control unit 51P transmits the second lighting data D22 to each of the plurality of second control units 51S.

[0055] As an example, the transmission of the lighting data D2 from the first control unit 51P to the plurality of second control units 51S may be implemented using a first-in, first-out (FIFO) memory. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 , the storage unit 51d of the first control unit 51P has a converted data storage memory 51d1 and an output memory 51d2. The second control unit 51S also has an output memory 51d2. The lighting data D2 converted from the image data D1 by the conversion unit 51c of the first control unit 51P is first stored in the converted data storage memory 51d1 of the first control unit 51P.

[0056] The conversion data storage memory 51d1 and the output memory 51d2 are both FIFO memories, and data input to each memory is sequentially sent from the memory cell in the previous stage (left side in FIG. 11 ) to the memory cell in the next stage (right side in FIG. 11 ). When the lighting data D2 is stored in the conversion data storage memory 51d1 up to the last memory cell, the first control unit 51P transmits the lighting data D2 to the output memory 51d2 of the first control unit 51P or the output memory 51d2 of the second control unit 51S, depending on whether the image associated with the lighting data D2 is to be displayed on the first light-emitting unit 200P or the plurality of second light-emitting units 200S. As an example, when the received lighting data D2 is stored in all of the output memories 51d2 of the first control unit 51P or the second control unit 51S up to the last memory cell, the first light-emitting unit 200P and the second light-emitting unit 200S may emit light based on the lighting data D2.

[0057] The current output unit 51e of the first control unit 51P controls the light emission of the first light-emitting element 20P provided in the first light-emitting unit 200P based on the first lighting data D21 stored in the output memory 51d2 of the first control unit 51P. The current output unit 51e applies a first potential V1 to the first electrode of each light-emitting element 20 via the first conductive unit 31. Furthermore, the current output unit 51e controls the amount of current flowing from the second electrode of the first light-emitting element 20P to the current output unit 51e via the second conductive unit 32 based on the first lighting data D21. Light emitted from each light-emitting element 20 is transmitted through the first support member 10P and the mounting substrate 100 and is emitted in the −Z direction from the display device 1. This causes a portion of an image to be displayed on the first light-emitting unit 200P.

[0058] Similarly, the current output unit 51e of the second control unit 51S causes the second light-emitting element 20S to emit light based on the second lighting data D22 stored in the output memory 51d2 of the second control unit 51S. In this way, each of the multiple second control units 51S causes the second light-emitting element 20S to emit light based on the second lighting data D22 received from the first control unit 51P. The light emitted from the second light-emitting element 20S of the second light-emitting unit 200S passes through the second support member 10S and the mounting board 100 and is emitted in the -Z direction from the display device 1. As a result, each second light-emitting unit 200S displays a part of an image. In this way, the first light-emitting unit 200P and the second light-emitting unit 200S each display a part of an image, and the display device 1 as a whole displays a single image.

[0059] Alternatively, an external memory 400 may be connected to the converter 51c of the first control unit 51P, and the lighting data D2 converted by the converter 51c may be temporarily stored in the external memory 400. The lighting data D2 related to the images to be displayed by the first light-emitting unit 200P and the second light-emitting unit 200S may then be sequentially output to the storage units 51d of the first control unit 51P and the second control unit 51S. While the converted data storage memory 51d1 and the output memory 51d2 are described as separate entities in this embodiment, it is also possible to physically use a single memory to serve both functions. While the present embodiment illustrates an example in which the controller 51 passively controls the light-emitting elements 20 via the first conductive unit 31 and the second conductive unit 32, the method for controlling the light-emitting elements 20 is not limited thereto. For example, a transistor may be provided for each light-emitting element 20, and the controller 51 may perform active-matrix control on each light-emitting element 20.

[0060] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. The display device 1 according to this embodiment displays an image by controlling and lighting each of the light-emitting elements 20. This allows for reduced power consumption compared to when an image is displayed using a liquid crystal panel.

[0061] 1 , in the display device 1, any number of panels 200a, 200b, and 200c can be arranged in any order in the first direction X. This allows the panels 200a to be arranged in positions where high resolution display is required, and the panels 200c to be arranged in positions where low resolution is sufficient, in accordance with the image displayed by the display device 1. As a result, the resolution of each part of the display device 1 can be adjusted in accordance with the image, and the cost of the display device 1 can be reduced.

[0062] 3 and 7 , in this embodiment, a first light adjustment member 61 having light absorption properties is disposed around each of the light emitting elements 20. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of external light that has passed through the mounting substrate 100 and the support member 10 reaching the first conductive portion 31 and the second conductive portion 32. As a result, it is possible to reduce the influence of external light reflected by the first conductive portion 31 and the second conductive portion 32 on the image.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first color light-emitting elements 21, the second color light-emitting elements 22, and the third color light-emitting elements 23 are arranged in each unit 29 along the second direction Y. This allows the element region 13 to be miniaturized in the first direction X, leaving more space in the wiring region 14. Furthermore, it is easier to connect the multiple light-emitting elements 20 belonging to each unit 29 to a common first conductive portion 31. In this specification, "the first color light-emitting elements 21, the second color light-emitting elements 22, and the third color light-emitting elements 23 are arranged in the second direction Y" means that at least a portion of each of the first color light-emitting elements 21, the second color light-emitting elements 22, and the third color light-emitting elements 23 is located on a straight line along the second direction Y. Note that the arrangement of the light-emitting elements 20 in each unit 29 is not limited to this, and three light-emitting elements may be arranged in a triangle, four light-emitting elements may be arranged in two rows and two columns, or multiple light-emitting elements may be stacked in the third direction Z.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display device 1 includes one first light-emitting unit 200P and multiple second light-emitting units 200S. The first light-emitting unit 200P includes a first control unit 51P and multiple first light-emitting elements 20P, and each of the multiple second light-emitting units 200S includes a second control unit 51S and multiple second light-emitting elements 20S. The first control unit 51P receives image data D1, converts the received image data D1 into lighting data D2 for controlling the lighting of the first light-emitting elements 20P and the second light-emitting elements 20S, transmits the lighting data D2 to the multiple second control units 51S, and causes the first light-emitting elements 20P to emit light based on the lighting data D2. Each of the multiple second control units 51S receives the lighting data D2 and causes the second light-emitting elements 20S to emit light based on the lighting data D2.

[0065] With this configuration, the system that sends data to the display device 1 can display an image on the entire display device 1 simply by sending image data to the first control unit 51P of the first light-emitting unit 200P without having to know the number of panels 200 that the display device 1 has or the configuration of the panels 200 (for example, the number or arrangement of each of the panels 200a, 200b, and 200c), thereby improving the convenience of the display device 1.

[0066] In addition, the processing of the above-mentioned first control unit 51P or the processing of the second control unit 51S may be controlled by a program stored in the memory unit 51d, or may be controlled based on a signal from outside received via a communication means, etc.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above description, one panel 200 arranged at the end of the display device 1 in the -X direction is designated as the first light-emitting unit 200P, but this is not limited to this example, and which of the panels 200 included in the display device 1 is designated as the first light-emitting unit 200P can be changed as appropriate.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above description, the display device 1 includes multiple second light-emitting units 200S. However, this is not limiting, and the display device 1 may include only one second light-emitting unit 200S. That is, the display device 1 includes one first light-emitting unit 200P and one second light-emitting unit 200S. Upon receiving image data D1, the first control unit 51P of the first light-emitting unit 200P converts the image data D1 into lighting data D2 for controlling the lighting of the multiple first light-emitting elements 20P of the first light-emitting unit 200P and the multiple second light-emitting elements 20S of the single second light-emitting unit 200S. The first control unit 51P transmits a portion of the lighting data D2 to the second control unit 51S and causes the first light-emitting element 20P to emit light based on the other portion of the lighting data D2. The second control unit 51S receives a portion of the lighting data D2 and causes the second light-emitting element 20S to emit light based on the portion of the lighting data D2. The technical scope of the present disclosure can be applied even in such an embodiment.

[0069] 12 is a diagram showing transmission of lighting data in a display device according to a first modification of the first embodiment. In the first modification, each of the first light-emitting unit 200P and the plurality of second light-emitting units 200S is assigned uniquely associated address data, and the first light-emitting unit 200P or the plurality of second light-emitting units 200S causes the first light-emitting element 20P or the second light-emitting element 20S to emit light based on the address data included in the lighting data D2.

[0070] 12, the first control unit 51P of the first light-emitting unit 200P includes a first storage unit 51dP. The first storage unit 51dP stores first address data associated with the first light-emitting unit 200P ("1" in the example shown in FIG. 12) and multiple pieces of second address data ("2," "3," and "4" in the example shown in FIG. 12) uniquely associated with each of the multiple second light-emitting units 200S.

[0071] The second control unit 51S of the second light-emitting unit 200S has a second storage unit 51dS. The second storage unit 51dS stores second address data associated with the second light-emitting unit 200S. That is, as shown in FIG. 12 , the second storage unit 51dS of the second light-emitting unit 200S associated with "2" as the second address data stores the second address data "2." The second storage unit 51dS of the second light-emitting unit 200S associated with "3" as the second address data stores the second address data "3." The second storage unit 51dS of the second light-emitting unit 200S associated with "4" as the second address data stores the second address data "4."

[0072] In other words, the third light-emitting unit 200T, which is one of the plurality of second light-emitting units 200S, includes a third memory unit 51dT, which is one of the plurality of second memory units 51dS, and the third memory unit 51dT stores third address data ("4" in the example shown in FIG. 12), which is one of the plurality of second address data. The second light-emitting element 20S provided in the third light-emitting unit 200T emits light based on the third address data.

[0073] The operation of the display device 1 in the first modified example will be described below. As shown in Fig. 12 , image data D1 is input from outside the display device 1 to the first control unit 51P of the first light-emitting unit 200P via the flexible wiring 300. The image data D1 in the first modified example includes data about an image to be displayed by the display device 1 ("A," "B," "C," and "D" in the example shown in Fig. 12 ).

[0074] The converter 51c of the first control unit 51P converts the image data D1 into lighting data D2. The converter 51c assigns second address data to part of the lighting data D2 based on whether the image data D1 is to be displayed on the first light-emitting unit 200P or on one of the multiple second light-emitting units 200S. The converter 51c of the first light-emitting unit 200P outputs the lighting data D2 to the first memory unit 51dP of the first control unit 51P.

[0075] The first storage unit 51dP of the first control unit 51P outputs, from the lighting data D2, first lighting data D21 ("A" in the example shown in FIG. 12) to be displayed by the first light-emitting unit 200P to the current output unit 51e of the first control unit 51P. Furthermore, the first storage unit 51dP outputs, to the flexible wiring 300, second lighting data D22 ("2B," "3C," and "4D" in the example shown in FIG. 12) to be displayed by each of the plurality of second light-emitting units 200S. In this way, the first control unit 51P transmits the second lighting data D22 to which the second address data has been assigned to the plurality of second control units 51S.

[0076] The current output unit 51e of the first control unit 51P controls the light emission of the first light-emitting elements 20P provided in the first light-emitting unit 200P based on the first lighting data D21. Light emitted from each light-emitting element 20P passes through the first support member 10P and the mounting board 100, and is emitted in the -Z direction from the display device 1. This causes a part of an image to be displayed on the first light-emitting unit 200P.

[0077] The current output unit 51e of the third control unit 51T, which is one of the second control units 51S, causes the second light-emitting element 20S to emit light based on the third address data stored in the third memory unit 51dT. Specifically, the current output unit 51e controls the emission of the second light-emitting element 20S for the second lighting data D22 transmitted from the first control unit 51P, which data is assigned the third address data stored in the third memory unit 51dT. In this way, each of the multiple second control units 51S causes the second light-emitting element 20S to emit light based on the address data included in the second lighting data D22. Even in this configuration, the technical scope of the present disclosure can be applied, as in the above embodiment.

[0078] In the above description, the conversion unit 51c of the first light-emitting unit 200P assigns second address data to the second lighting data D22 displayed by each of the multiple second light-emitting units 200S. However, this is not a limitation, and the first address data may also be assigned to the first lighting data D21. In the above description, the first storage unit 51dP stores the addresses of the first light-emitting unit 200P and the second light-emitting unit 200S. However, this is not a limitation. For example, the first control unit 51P may store addresses by including an electronic circuit with a fuse blown by a laser. In this case, three wires (i.e., three bits of information) are needed to store eight different addresses.

[0079] 13 is a plan view showing a display device according to a second modification of the first embodiment. In the second modification, the first light-emitting unit 200P and each of the second light-emitting units 200S are connected by a signal wiring board 350 for transmitting a switch signal. Each of the second control units 51S controls the second light-emitting element 20S to emit light based on the lighting data D2 transmitted from the first control unit 51P and the switch signal transmitted via the signal wiring board 350.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 13 , in the second modified example, the first light-emitting unit 200P and the second light-emitting unit 200S are connected by a signal wiring board 350 that is different from the flexible wiring 300. As an example, the signal wiring board 350 may be mounted on an FPC that is different from the flexible wiring 300. The signal wiring board 350 includes a plurality of signal wirings 352 that connect the first light-emitting unit 200P and the plurality of second light-emitting units 200S, respectively. Note that the flexible wiring 300 may also include a plurality of signal wirings 352 that connect the first light-emitting unit 200P and the plurality of second light-emitting units 200S, respectively. The signal wiring board 350 and the flexible wiring 300 that connects the first light-emitting unit 200P and the plurality of second light-emitting units 200S, respectively, may be integrated. Alternatively, wiring that supplies the first potential V1 and the second potential V2 may be provided on the flexible wiring 300 or the signal wiring board 350.

[0081] The first control unit 51P transmits the lighting data D2 converted by the conversion unit 51c to the plurality of second control units 51S, and transmits a switch signal to the second control unit 51S of the second light-emitting unit 200S that turns on the lighting data D2 via the signal wiring 352. The second control unit 51S causes the second light-emitting element 20S to emit light based on the lighting data D2 transmitted from the first control unit 51P and the switch signal transmitted from the signal wiring.

[0082] The operation of the display device 1 in the second modified example will now be described. Image data D1 is input from outside the display device 1 to the first control unit 51P of the first light-emitting unit 200P via the flexible wiring 300. The conversion unit 51c of the first control unit 51P converts the image data D1 into lighting data D2. The conversion unit 51c of the first control unit 51P outputs the lighting data D2 to the storage unit 51d of the first control unit 51P.

[0083] The storage unit 51d of the first control unit 51P outputs, from the lighting data D2, first lighting data D21 to be displayed by the first light-emitting unit 200P to the current output unit 51e, and outputs second lighting data D22 to be displayed by the second light-emitting unit 200S to the flexible wiring 300. Note that the storage unit 51d of the first control unit 51P may output all of the lighting data D2 to the flexible wiring 300. Furthermore, the first control unit 51P transmits a switch signal via the signal wiring 352 to the second control unit 51S of the second light-emitting unit 200S, which displays an image associated with the second lighting data D22.

[0084] The current output unit 51e of the first control unit 51P controls the light emission of the first light-emitting elements 20P provided in the first light-emitting unit 200P based on the first lighting data D21. Light emitted from each light-emitting element 20P passes through the first support member 10P and the mounting board 100, and is emitted in the -Z direction from the display device 1. This causes a part of an image to be displayed on the first light-emitting unit 200P.

[0085] The current output unit 51e of the second control unit 51S causes the second light-emitting element 20S to emit light based on the second lighting data D22 transmitted from the first control unit 51P when a switch signal is transmitted via the signal wiring 352. Even in such an embodiment, the technical scope of the present disclosure can be applied, as in the above embodiment.

[0086] <Third Modification of First Embodiment> Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to this modification. As shown in Fig. 14, a display device 1d according to this modification does not include a first light adjustment member 61. Instead, a covering member 71 has light absorption properties and realizes the function of the first light adjustment member 61. In this modification, if there is excess space in the wiring region 14, dummy wiring having a shape similar to that of the second conductive portion 32 can be provided in this excess space to reduce brightness unevenness. Other configurations, operations, and effects of this modification are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0087] In the display device 1d, the covering member 71 may be formed from a light-transmitting material, and the first conductive portion 31, the second conductive portion 32, etc. may be formed from a light-transmitting conductive material such as ITO. This makes it possible to impart light transmissivity to the entire display device 1d. As a result, a user of the display device 1d can view the image displayed by the display device 1d and also view what is on the other side of the display device 1d.

[0088] <Fourth Modification of First Embodiment> Fig. 15 is a partially enlarged plan view showing a display device according to this modification, and Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI shown in Fig. 15.

[0089] 15 and 16 , a display device 1e according to this modification is provided with reflective members 75 that cover each of the light-emitting elements 20. In the display device 1e, a plurality of openings 61e are provided in the first light adjustment member 61, and one light-emitting element 20 and one reflective member 75 are arranged in each opening 61e. The reflective members 75 are arranged between the light-emitting element 20 and the first light adjustment member 61, and between the light-emitting element 20 and the covering member 71. Note that the reflective members 75 may be arranged to cover the plurality of light-emitting elements 20.

[0090] The reflective member 75 is formed of a material having light reflectivity and insulating properties, such as a white resin material. In plan view, the reflective member 75 may or may not overlap the via 31 a of the first conductive portion 31.

[0091] According to this modification, the provision of the reflective member 75 improves the light extraction efficiency. Furthermore, since the incidence of light emitted from the light emitting element 20 on the covering member 71 can be reduced, for example, it is no longer necessary to impart light-reflecting properties to the material of the covering member 71 in order to improve the light extraction efficiency. This increases the options for the covering member 71. For example, the covering member 71 may be formed from a transparent resin. Other configurations, operations, and effects of this modification are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0092] In addition, when a unit consisting of a first color light-emitting element, a second color light-emitting element, and a third color light-emitting element is arranged within the opening of the first light adjustment member 61, multiple reflective members 75 may be arranged to cover each of the first color light-emitting element, the second color light-emitting element, and the third color light-emitting element located within the opening, or one reflective member 75 may be arranged to cover the first color light-emitting element, the second color light-emitting element, and the third color light-emitting element together.

[0093] Second Embodiment Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 17, a display device 2 according to this embodiment includes, in addition to the configuration of the display device 1 according to the first embodiment, a wavelength conversion member 76, a color filter substrate 77, and color filters 78R, 78G, and 78B. In addition, in the display device 2, all of the light-emitting elements 20 are first-color light-emitting elements 21 that emit blue light.

[0094] The wavelength conversion member 76 contains a phosphor and converts blue light emitted from the first color light-emitting element 21 into green light and red light. The color filter substrate 77 is a light-transmitting substrate. The color filter 78R is a filter that transmits red light, the color filter 78G is a filter that transmits green light, and the color filter 78B is a filter that transmits blue light. In the display device 2, the first light adjustment member 61 is disposed in a position surrounding the color filters 78R, 78G, and 78B. The first light adjustment member 61 and the color filters 78R, 78G, and 78B form a color filter layer 79.

[0095] In the display device 2, a color filter substrate 77, a color filter layer 79, a wavelength conversion member 76, a support member 10, a plurality of first color light-emitting elements 21, a covering member 71, and a protective member 74 are laminated in this order from the −Z direction side to the +Z direction side. Note that the first conductive portion 31, the second conductive portion 32, the third conductive portion 33, and the fourth conductive portion 34 are not shown in FIG.

[0096] In this embodiment, a portion of the blue light emitted from the first color light-emitting element 21 located on the +Z direction side of color filter 78G is converted to green light by the wavelength conversion member 76, passes through color filter 78G and color filter substrate 77, and is emitted from the display device 2. Also, a portion of the blue light emitted from the first color light-emitting element 21 located on the +Z direction side of color filter 78R is converted to red light by the wavelength conversion member 76, passes through color filter 78R and color filter substrate 77, and is emitted from the display device 2. Furthermore, a portion of the blue light emitted from the first color light-emitting element 21 located on the +Z direction side of color filter 78B is emitted from the wavelength conversion member 76 as blue light, passes through color filter 78B and color filter substrate 77, and is emitted from the display device 2. According to this embodiment, a color image can be displayed using a single type of light-emitting element. Other configurations, operations, and effects of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0097] Third Embodiment Fig. 18 is a plan view showing a display device according to this embodiment. In a display device 5 according to this embodiment, all of the panels 200 are configured as high-resolution panels 200a. However, the control unit 51 of each panel 200 displays images at a resolution required for the respective panel 200. For example, one panel 200 displays images at the high resolution inherent to panel 200a. Another panel 200 displays images at the same medium resolution as panel 200b. Yet another panel 200 displays images at the same low resolution as panel 200c. When a certain panel 200 displays images at a resolution lower than the inherent resolution of panel 200a, some of the units 29 in that panel 200 may not be used.

[0098] According to this embodiment, panels of the same specification can be used for all panels 200, making it easy to rearrange the panels 200. Other configurations, operations, and effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0099] <Fourth embodiment> This embodiment and its modifications are examples in which the display device 1 according to the first embodiment is used in a transportation vehicle, for example, an automobile. Note that instead of the display device 1 according to the first embodiment, a display device according to any of the modifications of the first embodiment or the second or third embodiment may be used. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the inside of a transportation vehicle according to this embodiment. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an image displayed by the display device according to this embodiment.

[0100] As shown in Fig. 19 , a transportation vehicle 500 according to this embodiment is, for example, an automobile. The transportation vehicle 500 may be an automobile capable of automatic driving. A steering wheel 501 is provided in the driver's seat of the transportation vehicle 500. A main display 502 is provided on the passenger seat side of the steering wheel 501. Virtual control buttons 503 are displayed in the air to the sides of the steering wheel 501. A sub-display 504 is provided above the steering wheel 501. A head-up display (HUD) 506 may be displayed further above the sub-display 504, below a windshield 505.

[0101] The display device 1 is used as at least one of the sub-display 504 and the HUD 506. When the display device 1 is used as the sub-display 504, it is placed in a position where it can be directly seen by the user. The user is, for example, the driver of the traffic vehicle 500. When the display device 1 is used as the HUD 506, it is not placed in a position where it can be directly seen by the user, but is placed in a position where light emitted from the display device 1 reaches the user's eyes after being reflected by the lower part of the windshield 505. Alternatively, a light-transmitting display device as described in the third modified example of the first embodiment is embedded in the lower part of the windshield 505 as the display device.

[0102] The main display 502 is, for example, a touch panel using a liquid crystal display device. The main display 502 displays, for example, map information provided by a navigation system, location information of the transportation vehicle 500, information about the indoor environment such as air conditioning, and information about auxiliary devices such as audio. Furthermore, when the transportation vehicle 500 is being driven autonomously, the main display 502 may display images unrelated to the transportation vehicle 500, such as an internet browser, an arbitrary work screen, or entertainment content such as a video.

[0103] As shown in Fig. 20, at least one of the sub-display 504 and the HUD 506 displays an image IM1 using the display device 1. The image IM1 is, for example, information that supports the driving of the traffic vehicle 500. The image IM1 has, for example, a high-definition area Ra, a medium-definition area Rb, and a low-definition area Rc set therein. The high-definition area Ra is displayed by the panel 200a of the display device 1. The medium-definition area Rb is displayed by the panel 200b. The low-definition area Rc is displayed by the panel 200c.

[0104] The high-resolution area Ra displays, for example, text information or a portion of a map. In the example shown in FIG. 20 , information about the next intersection is displayed. The medium-resolution area Rb displays, for example, numbers. In the example shown in FIG. 20 , the current speed and legal speed limit of the traffic vehicle 500 are displayed. The low-resolution area Rc displays, for example, icons and symbols. In the example shown in FIG. 20 , the remaining battery level, whether or not there are incoming emails, and whether or not there are incoming phone calls are displayed.

[0105] The image IM1 may have a white background and letters, numbers, symbols, etc. displayed in black or color. However, to reduce power consumption, it is preferable to display the background in black and the letters, numbers, symbols, etc. in white or color. When displaying in color, a full-color display using all of red, green, and blue may be used, or only some of the colors may be used. For example, in the high-definition region Ra and the medium-definition region Rb, a full-color display using all of red, green, and blue may be used, and in the low-definition region Rc, only blue and green light-emitting elements may be provided, and an image may be displayed using only green and blue without the red light-emitting element. In this way, by configuring each panel 200 according to the image IM1, the cost of the display device 1 can be reduced.

[0106] According to this embodiment, power consumption can be reduced because the display device 1 is used as the sub-display 504 or the HUD 506. Furthermore, because the sub-display 504 or the HUD 506 is disposed above the steering wheel 501, the amount of change in the focal length of the eyes can be reduced when the user alternates between looking at the view ahead of the traffic vehicle 500 and the sub-display 504 or the HUD 506. This reduces the burden on the user.

[0107] If the sub-display 504 or the HUD 506 is disposed above the steering wheel 501, sunlight that has passed through the windshield 505 may be irradiated onto the display device 1, potentially causing the display device 1 to become hot. In this embodiment, LEDs are used as the light-emitting elements of the display device 1, which has higher heat resistance than display devices that use liquid crystal. Therefore, even if the sub-display 504 or the HUD 506 is disposed above the steering wheel 501, failure due to sunlight is unlikely to occur. Other configurations, operations, and effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0108] <First Modification of the Fourth Embodiment> Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the rear of a traffic vehicle according to this modification. As shown in Fig. 21, a traffic vehicle 500a according to this modification uses a display device 1 in the lower part of a rear shield 507 and in a brake lamp 508. The rear shield 507 may be provided with a light-transmitting display device as described in the third modification of the first embodiment. An image IM2 containing a message for following vehicles, such as a beginner's mark and the text "Kid's in Car," is displayed on the rear shield 507. The brake lamp 508 displays a gauge indicating the amount of brake depression.

[0109] According to this modification, the beginner mark is displayed only when the driver is a beginner, and the "Kid's in Car" character string is displayed only when there is a child in the vehicle. This makes display easier than attaching and detaching a sticker. Note that the content of the image IM2 displayed on the rear shield 507 is not limited to the above example. For example, when the transportation vehicle 500a is being driven autonomously, an advertisement may be displayed on the entire surface of the rear shield 507.

[0110] Furthermore, according to this modification, by using a gauge display for the brake lamp 508, the driver of the following vehicle can be informed of the amount of brake pressure applied. This allows the driver of the following vehicle to determine the degree of deceleration of the traffic moving object 500a, thereby improving safety. The configuration, operation, and effects of this modification other than those described above are the same as those of the fourth embodiment.

[0111] <Second Modification of the Fourth Embodiment> Fig. 22 is a diagram showing the front of a traffic vehicle according to this modification, and Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the windshield of the traffic vehicle according to this modification.

[0112] As shown in Fig. 22, when the traffic vehicle 500b according to this modification is operating autonomously, an image IM3 indicating that the traffic vehicle 500b is operating autonomously is displayed on the windshield 505. For example, the word "Auto" is displayed with turquoise blue as the text or background color. This alerts people around the traffic vehicle 500b.

[0113] 23 , in the windshield 505 of the transportation vehicle 500b, an exterior display device 1g is provided on the outside of a substrate 510, and an interior display device 1h is provided on the inside of the substrate 510. The substrate 510 is a plate material that can be switched between a transparent state and an opaque state, and is formed of, for example, an electrochromic material. It is preferable to use a light-transmitting display device as described in the third modification of the first embodiment for the display devices 1g and 1h.

[0114] As a result, when the transportation vehicle 500b is manually driven, the base material 510 is made transparent and the display devices 1g and 1h are turned off. Alternatively, the image IM1 shown in FIG. 20 may be displayed at the bottom of the in-vehicle display device 1h.

[0115] On the other hand, when the transportation vehicle 500b is operated automatically, the base material 510 is made opaque, and the exterior display device 1g displays the image IM3. When there are passengers inside the transportation vehicle 500b, the interior display device 1h may display an image desired by the passengers, such as an internet browser, a work screen, or entertainment content such as a video.

[0116] According to this modification, various images can be individually displayed to people around the traffic vehicle 500b and passengers inside the vehicle by providing display devices inside and outside the windshield 505. The configuration, operation, and effects of this modification other than those described above are the same as those of the fourth embodiment.

[0117] The above-described embodiments and their modifications are examples of realizing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. For example, the present invention also includes the addition, deletion, or modification of some components or steps in the above-described embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0118] The present invention includes the following aspects.

[0119] (Supplementary Note 1) A display device comprising one first light-emitting unit and a plurality of second light-emitting units, wherein the first light-emitting unit includes a first control unit and a plurality of first light-emitting elements, and each of the plurality of second light-emitting units includes a second control unit and a plurality of second light-emitting elements, wherein the first control unit receives image data, converts the received image data into lighting data for controlling lighting of the first light-emitting elements and the second light-emitting elements, transmits the lighting data to the plurality of second control units, and causes the first light-emitting element to emit light based on the lighting data, and each of the plurality of second control units receives the lighting data, and causes the second light-emitting element to emit light based on the lighting data. (Supplementary Note 2) The display device described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the first light-emitting unit includes a first support member having a first mounting surface on which the plurality of first light-emitting elements are mounted and a first light-emitting surface located on the opposite side of the first mounting surface, and each of the plurality of second light-emitting units includes a second mounting surface on which the plurality of second light-emitting elements are mounted and a second support member having a second light-emitting surface located on the opposite side of the second mounting surface, and the image data is data about an image to be displayed on the entire first light-emitting surface and the plurality of second light-emitting surfaces. (Supplementary Note 3) The display device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the first light-emitting unit further includes a first storage unit, wherein each of the plurality of second light-emitting units includes a second storage unit, wherein the first storage unit stores first address data associated with the first light-emitting unit and a plurality of second address data uniquely associated with each of the plurality of second light-emitting units, wherein a third light-emitting unit that is one of the plurality of second light-emitting units includes a third storage unit that is one of the plurality of second storage units, wherein the third storage unit stores third address data that is one of the plurality of second address data, and the third light-emitting unit emits light from the second light-emitting element based on the third address data. (Supplementary Note 4) The display device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the first light-emitting unit and each of the plurality of second light-emitting units are connected by a signal line for transmitting a switch signal, and wherein each of the plurality of second control units emits light from the second light-emitting element based on the lighting data and the switch signal transmitted through the signal line.(Supplementary Note 5) The display device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the lighting data includes first lighting data for controlling lighting of the first light-emitting element of the first light-emitting unit and a plurality of second lighting data for controlling lighting of the second light-emitting element of each of the plurality of second light-emitting units, the first control unit transmits one of the plurality of second lighting data to each of the plurality of second control units, and each of the plurality of second control units causes the second light-emitting element to light up based on the second lighting data received from the first control unit. (Supplementary Note 6) The display device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the number of the first light-emitting elements per unit area that are illuminated by the first control unit on the first light-emitting surface of the first light-emitting unit is different from the number of the second light-emitting elements per unit area that are illuminated by the second control unit on each of the second light-emitting surfaces of the plurality of second light-emitting units. (Supplementary Note 7) A display device comprising one first light-emitting unit and one second light-emitting unit, wherein the first light-emitting unit includes a first control unit and a plurality of first light-emitting elements, and the second light-emitting unit includes a second control unit and a plurality of second light-emitting elements, wherein the first control unit receives image data, converts the received image data into lighting data for controlling lighting of the first light-emitting elements and the second light-emitting elements, transmits the lighting data to the second control unit, and causes the first light-emitting elements to emit light based on the lighting data, and the second control unit receives the lighting data, and causes the second light-emitting elements to emit light based on the lighting data. (Appendix 8) The display device described in Appendix 7, wherein the first light-emitting unit includes a first support member having a first mounting surface on which a plurality of the first light-emitting elements are mounted and a first light-emitting surface located on the opposite side of the first mounting surface, each of the second light-emitting units includes a second mounting surface on which a plurality of the second light-emitting elements are mounted and a second support member having a second light-emitting surface located on the opposite side of the second mounting surface, and the image data is data about an image to be displayed on the entire first light-emitting surface and the second light-emitting surface.

[0120] The present invention can be used, for example, in a display device for a transportation vehicle.

[0121] 1: Display device 10: Support member 10a: Placement surface 10b: Light-emitting surface 11: Image forming area 12: Wiring connection area 13: Element area 14: Wiring area 20: Light-emitting element 20P: First light-emitting element 20S: Second light-emitting element 21: First color light-emitting element 21a: Light extraction surface 21b: Electrode formation surface 21c: Side surface 21d: Semiconductor portion 21e: First electrode 21f: Second electrode 22: Second color light-emitting element 23: Third color light-emitting element 29: Unit 31: First conductive portion 31a: Via 32: Second conductive portion 33: Third conductive portion 34: Fourth conductive portion 35: Fifth conductive portion 51: Control unit 51P: First control unit 51S: Second control unit 51T: Third control unit 51c: Conversion unit 51d: Storage unit 51d1: Memory for saving converted data 51d2: Output memory 51e: Current output unit 61: First light adjustment member 71: Covering member 72: Anisotropic connecting member 73: Connecting member 74: Protective member 75: Reflecting member 76: Wavelength conversion member 77: Color filter substrate 79: Color filter layer 100: Mounting substrate 200: Panel 300: Flexible wiring 301: Insulating base 302: Wiring 350: Signal wiring board 352: Signal wiring 400: External memory 500: Transportation vehicle 501: Steering wheel 502: Main display 503: Control button 504: Sub-display 505: Front shield 507 : Rear shield 508 : Brake lamp 510 : Base material

Claims

1. A display device comprising one first light-emitting unit and a plurality of second light-emitting units, wherein the first light-emitting unit includes a first control unit and a plurality of first light-emitting elements, and each of the plurality of second light-emitting units includes a second control unit and a plurality of second light-emitting elements, wherein the first control unit receives image data, converts the received image data into lighting data for controlling lighting of the first light-emitting elements and the second light-emitting elements, transmits the lighting data to the plurality of second control units, and causes the first light-emitting element to emit light based on the lighting data, and each of the plurality of second control units receives the lighting data, and causes the second light-emitting element to emit light based on the lighting data.

2. The display device described in claim 1, wherein the first light-emitting unit includes a first support member having a first mounting surface on which the plurality of first light-emitting elements are mounted and a first light-emitting surface located on the opposite side of the first mounting surface, and each of the plurality of second light-emitting units includes a second mounting surface on which the plurality of second light-emitting elements are mounted and a second support member having a second light-emitting surface located on the opposite side of the second mounting surface, and the image data is data about an image to be displayed on the entire first light-emitting surface and the plurality of second light-emitting surfaces.

3. The display device described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first light-emitting unit further includes a first memory unit, each of the plurality of second light-emitting units includes a second memory unit, the first memory unit stores first address data associated with the first light-emitting unit and a plurality of second address data uniquely associated with each of the plurality of second light-emitting units, a third light-emitting unit that is one of the plurality of second light-emitting units includes a third memory unit that is one of the plurality of second memory units, the third memory unit stores third address data that is one of the plurality of second address data, and the third light-emitting unit emits light from the second light-emitting element based on the third address data.

4. A display device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first light-emitting unit and each of the plurality of second light-emitting units are connected by a signal line for transmitting a switch signal, and each of the plurality of second control units causes the second light-emitting element to emit light based on the lighting data and the switch signal transmitted over the signal line.

5. The display device described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the lighting data includes first lighting data for controlling lighting of the first light-emitting element of the first light-emitting unit and a plurality of second lighting data for controlling lighting of the second light-emitting element of each of the plurality of second light-emitting units, the first control unit transmits one of the plurality of second lighting data to each of the plurality of second control units, and each of the plurality of second control units emits light from the second light-emitting element based on the second lighting data received from the first control unit.

6. A display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the number of first light-emitting elements per unit area that are caused to emit light by the first control unit on the first light-emitting surface of the first light-emitting unit is different from the number of second light-emitting elements per unit area that are caused to emit light by the second control unit on each of the second light-emitting surfaces of the plurality of second light-emitting units.

7. A display device comprising one first light-emitting unit and one second light-emitting unit, wherein the first light-emitting unit includes a first control unit and a plurality of first light-emitting elements, and the second light-emitting unit includes a second control unit and a plurality of second light-emitting elements, wherein the first control unit receives image data, converts the received image data into lighting data for controlling lighting of the first light-emitting elements and the second light-emitting elements, transmits the lighting data to the second control unit, and causes the first light-emitting elements to emit light based on the lighting data, and the second control unit receives the lighting data, and causes the second light-emitting elements to emit light based on the lighting data.

8. The display device described in claim 7, wherein the first light-emitting unit includes a first support member having a first mounting surface on which a plurality of the first light-emitting elements are mounted and a first light-emitting surface located on the opposite side of the first mounting surface, and each of the second light-emitting units includes a second mounting surface on which a plurality of the second light-emitting elements are mounted and a second support member having a second light-emitting surface located on the opposite side of the second mounting surface, and the image data is data about an image to be displayed on the entire first light-emitting surface and the second light-emitting surface.

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