Display device and electronic apparatus

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a display device that corrects a difference in characteristic between a plurality of panels while suppressing a set-side processing load, and an electronic apparatus. [Solution] A display device according to the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of panels including a first panel and a second panel; a first communication unit that performs communication between the first panel and the second panel via a first communication interface in the first panel and a first communication interface in the second panel; and a second communication unit that performs communication between the first panel and the outside of the plurality of panels via a second communication interface in the first panel. The first panel and the second panel perform communication by the first communication unit in response to input of a predetermined signal, and correct a difference in characteristic between the first panel and the second panel.

Description

Display devices and electronic devices

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device and an electronic device.

[0002] In a display device equipped with multiple panels using organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), variations in optical characteristics such as brightness and chromaticity that occur during panel manufacturing can cause differences in characteristics between the multiple panels. For example, variations in optical characteristics can be caused by factors on the backplane side, such as pixel transistors and horizontal drivers within the panels, or by factors on the frontplane side, such as the film thickness of color filters and light-emitting elements.

[0003] Furthermore, although panels are shipped with their optical characteristics corrected, deviations in characteristics between panels cannot be suppressed, and differences in optical characteristics may occur between multiple panels.

[0004] Head-mounted displays such as AR (Augmented Reality) glasses and VR (Virtual Reality) glasses use at least two panels, one for each eye. Therefore, if there is variation in the optical characteristics between the panels, the brightness and chromaticity of the images displayed on the two panels may differ, potentially damaging the user's experience.

[0005] JP 2017-97349 A JP 2017-129701 A

[0006] In the above-mentioned technology, a sensor such as a camera captures an image of the display and corrects the pixels. Using a sensor such as a camera can impose a load on the set configuration. Furthermore, in the above-mentioned technology, an image output from a projector is captured and tuning between multiple projectors is performed based on this image. For example, in the case of a display device using a microdisplay, there is no space to install a device for capturing the output image, and even if it were possible to install such a device, it would impose a load on the set.

[0007] In view of these problems, the present disclosure provides a display device and electronic device that correct the deviation in characteristics that occurs between a plurality of panels while reducing the processing load on the set side.

[0008] A display device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of panels including a first panel and a second panel, a first communication unit that communicates between the first panel and the second panel via a first communication IF in the first panel and a first communication IF in the second panel, and a second communication unit that communicates between the first panel and an external device via a second communication IF in the first panel, wherein the first panel and the second panel communicate via the first communication unit in response to an input of a predetermined signal, and corrects a deviation in characteristics between the first panel and the second panel. This allows the display device to prevent the deviation in characteristics from being visually recognized by a user, for example.

[0009] In addition, in this first aspect, the first communication IF in the first panel and the first communication IF in the second panel are communicatively connected by a wired connection, which makes it possible to realize communication between panels without requiring extra space or impairing the aesthetic appearance, even in a display device having a small panel such as a head-mounted display.

[0010] In addition, in this first aspect, the first panel and the second panel correct the deviation in the characteristics due to variations in the optical characteristics, thereby, for example, making it possible for the display device to prevent the deviation in the characteristics from being visible to a user.

[0011] In this first aspect, the optical characteristics include at least one of luminance, chromaticity, and gamma value. This allows the display device to prevent a deviation in characteristics from being visually recognized by a user, for example.

[0012] In this first aspect, the second panel receives, from the first panel, at least one of the luminance, chromaticity, and gamma value of the first panel as characteristic information, thereby enabling the display device to prevent a deviation in characteristics from being visually recognized by a user, for example.

[0013] In addition, in this first aspect, the second panel adjusts at least one optical characteristic of luminance, chromaticity, and gamma value to match the optical characteristic of the first panel, thereby correcting the deviation in the characteristics. As a result, for example, the display device performs self-correction by communicating between panels without going through a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or AP (Application Processor) on the display set, and therefore can correct the deviation in characteristics that occurs between multiple panels while reducing the processing load on the display set.

[0014] In addition, in this first aspect, the second communication unit receives input of the predetermined signal from an AP disposed outside the plurality of panels. This allows, for example, a user of the display device to simply set a desired luminance level, and the panels self-correct their optical characteristics, thereby reducing the operational burden on the user.

[0015] In addition, in this first aspect, the correction is performed based on an offset amount of characteristic information between the first panel and the second panel. As a result, for example, when performing self-correction, the display device communicates between panels without going through a CPU or AP on the set, and therefore it is possible to correct deviations in characteristics that occur between multiple panels while reducing the processing load on the set.

[0016] In addition, in this first aspect, the first panel and the second panel correct the deviation in characteristics caused by burn-in of the first panel and the second panel, thereby making it possible for the display device to prevent the deviation in characteristics from being visually recognized by a user, for example.

[0017] In this first aspect, the second panel receives, from the first panel, information indicating a deterioration characteristic of the light emission time or the amount of burn-in of the first panel as characteristic information, thereby enabling the display device to prevent, for example, a deviation in the characteristics from being visually recognized by a user.

[0018] In addition, in this first aspect, the first panel and the second panel correct the characteristic deviation caused by a difference in IR drop amount resulting from a difference in power supply wiring length between the first panel and the second panel, thereby, for example, making it possible for the display device to prevent the characteristic deviation from being visually recognized by a user.

[0019] The second panel receives the value of the power supply voltage in the first panel from the first panel as characteristic information, thereby, for example, enabling the display device to prevent a deviation in characteristics from being visually recognized by a user.

[0020] A display device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of panels, including a first panel disposed in the center of a screen and having a relatively narrow pixel pitch, and a second panel disposed around the first panel and having a relatively wide pixel pitch, a first communication unit that communicates between the first panel and the second panel via a first communication IF in the first panel and a first communication IF in the second panel, and a second communication unit that communicates between the first panel and an external device via a second communication IF in the first panel, wherein the first panel and the second panel communicate via the first communication unit upon startup, and corrects a characteristic deviation due to a difference in pixel pitch of light-emitting elements disposed at the boundary between the first panel and the second panel. As a result, for example, the display device thins out light-emitting elements on the higher resolution side based on characteristic information transmitted and received between the panels, blurring the boundary and making it difficult to see the boundary between panels due to the difference in resolution.

[0021] In addition, in this second aspect, the first communication IF in the first panel and the first communication IF in the second panel are communicatively connected by a wired connection, which makes it possible to realize communication between panels without requiring extra space or impairing the aesthetic appearance, even in a display device having a small panel such as a head-mounted display.

[0022] In addition, in this second aspect, the first panel and the second panel perform a correction at the boundary between the first panel and the second panel by thinning out and emitting light-emitting elements of the first panel having the narrow pixel pitch, or by increasing the luminance of the panel having low luminance when displaying black. As a result, for example, the display device thins out and emits light from light-emitting elements on the high-resolution side based on characteristic information transmitted and received between the panels, blurring the boundary, making it difficult to see the boundary between the panels due to the difference in resolution.

[0023] In this second aspect, the second panel receives, from the first panel, characteristic information about the pixel pitch, resolution, or luminance when displaying black of the first panel. As a result, for example, the display device thins out light-emitting elements on the high-resolution side based on the characteristic information transmitted and received between the panels, blurring the boundary, making it difficult to see the boundary between panels due to the difference in resolution.

[0024] In this first aspect, the first panel and the second panel further include temperature sensors that measure the temperatures of the respective panels, and correct the characteristic deviation due to the temperature characteristics of the first panel and the second panel. This allows the display device to correct the characteristic deviation between the panels according to the temperature characteristics using the panel temperature data, thereby preventing the characteristic deviation from being visible to a user.

[0025] In addition, in this first aspect, the display device is a head-mounted display. This makes it possible to prevent the user from feeling fatigued due to deviations in characteristics in the head-mounted display, for example.

[0026] A display device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is an electronic device including a display device, the display device including a plurality of panels including a first panel and a second panel, a first communication unit that communicates between the first panel and the second panel via a first communication IF in the first panel and a first communication IF in the second panel, and a second communication unit that communicates between the first panel and an external device via a second communication IF in the first panel, the first panel and the second panel communicating via the first communication unit in response to an input of a predetermined signal, and correcting a deviation in characteristics between the first panel and the second panel. This allows, for example, the display device to prevent the deviation in characteristics from being visually recognized by a user.

[0027] In the third aspect, the electronic device is a digital still camera, the first panel is a viewfinder, and the second panel is a rear display, thereby, for example, preventing a deviation in characteristics from being visually recognized by a user of the display device.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a display device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an image diagram of a case where the display device according to the present embodiment self-corrects a discrepancy in characteristics between panels. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is another block diagram of a display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a self-correction performed by the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a pixel configuration example 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a pixel configuration example 3 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a pixel configuration example 5 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a pixel configuration example 9 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a display device according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a display device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a display device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a display device according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a display device 1 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the external appearance of a head-mounted display, which is an example of the display device according to the first and second embodiments. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a head-mounted display, which is another example of the display device according to the first and second embodiments, and a digital camera, which is an example of an electronic device to which the display device according to the first and second embodiments is applied.

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The drawings are simplified, and components necessary for implementation other than those shown in the drawings are also included as appropriate. Furthermore, when terms such as "first" and "second" are used in this specification or claims, unless otherwise specified, they do not represent any order or importance, but are used to distinguish one configuration from another.

[0030] Additionally, in this disclosure, the terms "equal to or greater than" and "equal to or less than" can be read as "greater than" and "less than," respectively.

[0031] The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown in the following drawings are axes that are perpendicular to one another. The X-axis and Y-axis correspond to the lateral direction (horizontal direction), and the Z-axis corresponds to the longitudinal direction (vertical direction). The +Z-axis corresponds to the upward direction, and the -Z-axis corresponds to the downward direction. Note that the -Z-axis may or may not strictly coincide with the direction of gravity.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a display device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0033] In this embodiment, an example of AR (Augmented Reality) glasses including a plurality of panels 10, including a first panel and a second panel that can communicate with each other, is shown as the display device 1 including the plurality of panels 10. The AR glasses are an example of a head-mounted display.

[0034] For the sake of explanation, panel A on the left side of the figure will be referred to as the first panel, and panel B on the right side will be referred to as the second panel. In this example, the first panel and the second panel are communicatively connected to each other by wiring 15 arranged within bridge 13. In addition to wiring 15, the first panel and the second panel may also be connected wirelessly.

[0035] The panel 10 varies in characteristics due to variations in optical characteristics that occur during manufacturing. For example, if a user specifies the luminance of the display device 1 as 3500 nits, the luminance of the image actually output on the display device 1 will vary for each panel 10 due to variations in optical characteristics. Similarly, variations in optical characteristics will cause deviations in the chromaticity that is actually output from the target chromaticity set on the display device 1.

[0036] The display device 1 in this embodiment performs self-correction of deviations in characteristics between the panels 10 by communicating using the wiring 15 connected between the panels 10. The following describes a self-correction method for deviations in characteristics that occur between the panels 10 due to variations in optical characteristics.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a case where the display device 1 of this embodiment self-corrects the deviation in characteristics between the panels 10. In FIG.

[0038] The following describes an example in which panels A and B included in the display device 1 correct deviations in characteristics caused by variations in optical characteristics. Hereinafter, information indicating the characteristics of panel 10 is also referred to as characteristic information, and information indicating the optical characteristics of panel 10 among the characteristic information is also referred to as optical characteristic information. The deviations in characteristics corrected by the display device 1 are not limited to deviations caused by variations in optical characteristics. The display device 1 may also be configured to self-correct deviations in characteristics caused by various other variations. Hereinafter, the outside of panels A and B is also referred to as the set side.

[0039] Fig. 2A shows the luminance and chromaticity values ​​output by each panel 10 when the luminance of the display device 1 is specified by the user. Fig. 2B shows an example in which optical characteristic information of panel A is transmitted to panel B when the luminance of the display device 1 is specified by the user. Fig. 2C shows an example in which panel B self-corrects the luminance and chromaticity after receiving the characteristics of panel A. In this figure, chromaticity is indicated as Wx and Wy.

[0040] For example, in FIG. 2A , when a user specifies 3500 nits as the luminance of the display device 1, the luminance value output on panel A is 3200 nits, and the Wx and Wy values ​​are 0.312 and 0.327, respectively. On the other hand, the luminance value output on panel B is 3700 nits, and the Wx and Wy values ​​are 0.314 and 0.330, respectively. As such, variations in luminance and chromaticity occur among multiple panels 10. In the following example, we will mainly describe an example in which the display device 1 starts self-correction after receiving luminance setting information input from the user, but the conditions under which the display device 1 starts self-correction are not limited thereto. The display device 1 may start self-correction upon receiving, for example, input of chromaticity and gamma values, or upon receiving input of a predetermined signal, such as a signal indicating startup of the display device 1. The chromaticity setting signal, luminance setting signal, luminance setting signal, and startup signal are examples of predetermined signals.

[0041] 2B, panels A and B communicate via wiring 15 connected via set board 17. At this time, panel A transmits its own panel characteristic information to panel B. In this example, the luminance and chromaticity values ​​actually output from panel 10 in response to a luminance specified by the user are transmitted as optical characteristic information of panel A. The optical characteristics of each panel 10 are measured during a final inspection of the panel 10, and these values ​​may be stored in panel 10 in advance as optical characteristic information and used.

[0042] In Figure 2C, panel B uses information received from panel A to self-correct its characteristics. In this example, panel B self-corrects its optical characteristics to match those of panel A, i.e., so that the luminance is 3200 nits, and Wx and Wy are 0.313 and 0.327, respectively. Panel B may also perform self-correction using some of the optical characteristics from the received information. In this case, the difference in luminance between panels A and B is called the luminance offset amount, and the difference in chromaticity is called the chromaticity offset amount.

[0043] The self-calibration method is not limited to this example. For example, each panel 10 may perform self-calibration so as to match the optical characteristics of panels A and B to the average value of the respective panels. Alternatively, each panel may perform self-calibration so as to match the luminance of panels A and B to a luminance specified by a user. Alternatively, a method may be used in which the optical characteristic value of one panel 10 is adjusted to approach the optical characteristic value of the other panel 10. In addition to the above-described method, other methods may be used for self-calibration between panels 10 as long as they correct for differences in characteristics between panels 10. Furthermore, the transmitted characteristic information is not limited to the optical characteristic information described above. For example, the characteristic information may include various information for correcting differences in characteristics such as luminance, chromaticity, or gamma value that occur when different panels 10 are combined, differences in resolution or pixel pitch, variations that occur during the manufacturing of the panels 10, differences due to deterioration, differences due to temperature increases in the panels 10, differences in IR drop due to differences in power supply wiring length, differences in synchronization signals, and other differences in characteristics that occur between panels.

[0044] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the display device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0045] Panels A and B in the display device 1 include a memory unit 30, a REG 31, a first serial IF 32, a second serial IF 33, a characteristic comparison unit 34, a chromaticity gradation conversion unit 35, a luminance voltage conversion unit 36, a video IF 50, a color signal conversion unit 51, an input gradation conversion unit 52, an image signal processing unit 53, an output gradation conversion unit 54, a panel driving unit 55, and a display panel 56.

[0046] In addition, in the display device 1, R (red), G (green), and B (blue) image signals are input to the video IF 50 under the control of an AP (Application Processor) 20, and after subsequent processing, the image is output to the display panel 56. In this example, the display device 1 performs self-correction of optical characteristics not under the control of the AP 20 external to the panel 10, but through communication between the panels 10.

[0047] For the sake of explanation, the following describes the blocks in panel B as memory unit 30', REG 31', first serial IF 32', second serial IF 33', characteristic comparison unit 34', chromaticity gradation conversion unit 35', luminance voltage conversion unit 36', video IF 50', color signal conversion unit 51', input gradation conversion unit 52', image signal processing unit 53', output gradation conversion unit 54', panel drive unit 55', and display panel 56'.

[0048] In the following example, panel A transmits its own optical characteristic information to panel B, and panel B performs self-correction based on the received optical characteristic information; however, the self-correction operation is not limited to this. For example, panel B may transmit its own optical characteristic information to panel A, and panel A may perform self-correction based on the received optical characteristic information. Furthermore, if the display device 1 includes three or more panels 10, one panel 10 may transmit its optical characteristic information to the other panels, and the other panels may perform self-correction based on the received optical characteristic information. Hereinafter, the panel 10 that transmits the optical characteristic information will also be referred to as the transmitting panel 10, and the panel 10 that receives the optical characteristic information will also be referred to as the receiving panel 10.

[0049] Furthermore, when the first serial IF 32 and the first serial IF 32' are wirelessly connected, the panel A and the panel B may each include a wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication.

[0050] The display panel 56 is composed of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix. In this example, the plurality of pixels include light-emitting elements, such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) of three colors, R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue). The LEDs may also be organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The display panel 56 may also be a liquid crystal display. An example of the configuration of the pixels used in the display panel 56 will be described later.

[0051] The storage unit 30 is configured on, for example, a non-volatile memory (also referred to as NVM), and stores optical characteristic information of the panel 10 equipped with the storage unit 30. The optical characteristic information is information that indicates variations in the optical characteristics of the panel 10, such as the luminance, chromaticity, and gamma value output from the panel in response to a luminance specified by the user. The storage unit 30 stores optical characteristic information corresponding to each luminance set by the user.

[0052] REG 31 is, for example, a register. In the transmitting panel 10, the optical characteristic information of the panel stored in the storage unit 30 is registered in REG 31 and then transmitted under the control of the first serial IF 32. In the receiving panel 10, the optical characteristic information of another panel 10 received via the first serial IF 32 is registered in REG 31 and used in self-correction calculations.

[0053] The first serial IF 32 is connected to the first serial IF 32 provided in panel B by wiring 15. The first serial IF 32 of the transmitting panel 10 transmits the optical characteristic information registered in REG 31 to the first serial IF 32 of the receiving panel 10. The first serial IF 32 and the first serial IF 32′ are also referred to as a first communication unit that communicates between panels 10.

[0054] The second serial IF 33 is communicatively connected to the AP 20 and receives a brightness setting signal from the AP 20. For example, this brightness setting signal is a signal indicating that a brightness setting has been made by the user. The transmitting panel 10 performs self-correction of optical characteristics using the brightness setting signal received as input by the second serial IF 33 as a trigger. The brightness setting signal includes, for example, a brightness value set by the user. The second serial IF 33 is also referred to as a second communication unit that communicates with the outside of the panel 10.

[0055] The characteristic comparison unit 34 compares the optical characteristic information of its own panel 10 with the optical characteristic information of the transmitting panel 10. In this example, the characteristic comparison unit 34' of panel B compares the optical characteristic information received from panel A with the optical characteristic information of panel B, and calculates offset amounts for luminance and chromaticity. For example, the characteristic comparison unit 34 may calculate offset amounts for matching the luminance and chromaticity output from panel B to the luminance and chromaticity stored as the optical characteristic information of panel A.

[0056] The chromaticity gradation converter 35 converts the chromaticity offset amount into a corresponding offset amount of RGB gradation values. The chromaticity gradation conversion is performed, for example, using a target chromaticity and an offset amount of chromaticity (Wx and Wy in this example) included in the optical characteristic information on the receiving side. The target chromaticity set at this time may be the chromaticity included in the optical characteristic information of panel A. The chromaticity gradation converter 35' converts the chromaticity offset amount into an offset amount of RGB gradation values. The chromaticity gradation converter 35 outputs the conversion result to the output gradation converter 54. Depending on the configuration of the display device 1, the chromaticity gradation converter 35 may also output the conversion result to the image signal processor 53.

[0057] The luminance voltage converter 36 converts the luminance value into a corresponding voltage value. For example, the luminance voltage converter 36' adjusts the luminance of panel B to that of panel A based on the luminance offset between panel A and panel B calculated by the characteristic comparator 34', and then calculates a voltage value corresponding to the maximum luminance value. This voltage value is used to pass a current through the display panel 56', thereby causing the light-emitting element to emit light at a luminance that matches that of panel A. The luminance voltage converter 36 outputs the calculation result to the panel driver 55.

[0058] The video IF 50 is an interface that accepts input of an image signal to be output to the display panel 56. For example, interfaces conforming to various standards, such as LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling), MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface), DP (DisplayPort), and HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), can be adopted.

[0059] If the image signal is in YCbCr format, the color signal conversion unit 51 converts it into RGB format.

[0060] The input gradation conversion unit 52 performs degamma processing on the image signal for image signal processing in the subsequent block. Degamma processing is a process of converting the relationship between RGB gradation values ​​and luminance to an optically linear relationship. If a matrix operation of RGB is performed in the subsequent block when the relationship between RGB gradation values ​​and luminance is nonlinear, the luminance and color will differ for each gradation. Therefore, the input gradation conversion unit 52 performs processing to make the relationship between RGB gradation values ​​and luminance optically linear.

[0061] The image signal processing unit 53 performs various processes to improve the image quality. For example, the image signal processing unit 53 performs various processes according to the configuration of the display device 1, such as scaling to enlarge the image according to the number of pixels, RGB color correction, aberration correction to correct aberrations contained in the image, and RGB unevenness correction. Depending on the process to be performed, the image signal processing unit 53 may also receive input of RGB gradation values ​​from the chromaticity gradation conversion unit 35. Linear matrix processing may also be performed in this block.

[0062] The output gradation converter 54 performs gamma processing according to the characteristics of the panel 10. In gamma processing, the output gradation converter 54 converts the relationship between RGB gradation values ​​and luminance based on a gamma value. For example, the output gradation converter 54 sets the gamma value to 2.2 to make the relationship between RGB gradation values ​​and luminance nonlinear. The output gradation converter 54 performs gamma processing taking into account the offset amount output from the chromaticity gradation converter 35.

[0063] The panel driver 55 converts the RGB grayscale values ​​contained in the image signal into corresponding voltages and supplies them to the display panel 56. The panel driver 55 is also called a horizontal driver.

[0064] FIG. 4 shows another block diagram of the display device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0065] In this example, the panels A and B each include a gamma gradation converter 37. For the sake of explanation, the gamma gradation converter 37 included in the panel B will be referred to as a gamma gradation converter 37' in this example.

[0066] When panel B self-corrects its optical characteristics, and the optical characteristic information transmitted by panel A uses the gamma value of panel A, each panel 10 may include a gamma gradation converter 37. For example, gamma gradation converter 37' performs digital gamma conversion based on the difference between the gamma values ​​of each panel calculated by characteristic comparator 34'. For example, the gamma gradation converter provided in panel B calculates an offset amount for matching the gamma curve of panel B to the gamma curve of panel A, and converts this offset amount into an offset amount for the RGB gradation values. In this case, output gradation converter 54' performs gamma processing using this offset amount.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the self-correction process performed by the display device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0068] In this example, an example will be described in which the display device 1 uses the optical characteristic information of panel A to adjust the luminance and chromaticity of panel B to the values ​​on the panel A side. Also, in this example, a flowchart will be described taking as an example a situation in which a user wearing AR glasses sets the luminance of the AR glasses.

[0069] In step S1, the display device 1 receives input of brightness setting information from the user. For example, the user sets the brightness by gesture or by scanning the surface of the display device 1. Panel A receives a brightness setting signal from the AP 20 via the second serial IF 33. This causes panels A and B to start self-correction.

[0070] In step S2, panel A transmits the characteristics of panel A corresponding to the luminance included in the luminance setting information set by the user to panel B. In this example, first serial IF 32 registers the optical characteristic information of panel A stored in storage unit 30 in REG 31. First serial IF 32 transmits the optical characteristic information of panel A registered in REG 31 to panel B.

[0071] In step S3, panel B receives the optical characteristic information transmitted from panel A. In this example, the first serial IF 32′ receives the optical characteristic information of panel A via the first serial IF 32. The first serial IF 32′ registers the received optical characteristic information of panel A in REG 31.

[0072] In step S4, panel B compares the characteristic information received from panel A with the optical characteristic information of panel B. Panel B also calculates offset amounts for luminance and chromaticity based on the compared optical characteristic information. In this example, the characteristic comparison unit 34' reads the optical characteristic information of panel B stored in the storage unit 30', registers it in REG 31', and then compares the optical characteristic information of panel A registered in REG 31' with the optical characteristic information of panel B. The characteristic comparison unit 34' calculates offset amounts for matching the luminance and chromaticity of panel B to those of panel A.

[0073] In step S5, panel B reflects the calculated offset amounts in the luminance and chromaticity of panel B. For example, chromaticity gradation converter 35' converts the offset amounts of luminance and chromaticity into offset amounts of RGB gradation values, and luminance voltage converter 36' adjusts the luminance on the panel B side to that on the panel A side, and then calculates a voltage value corresponding to the maximum value of this luminance. Output gradation converter 54' performs gamma processing using the offset amounts of RGB gradation values.

[0074] In step S6, panel B displays an image whose luminance and chromaticity have been self-corrected. In this example, panel driver 55' supplies voltage values ​​corresponding to image signals to display panel 56' to drive each pixel. As a result, an image whose luminance and chromaticity have been self-corrected is output to display panel 56.

[0075] In addition to the optical characteristic information described above, it is conceivable that each panel 10 transmits and receives characteristic information for correcting deviations in characteristics caused by the amount of burn-in between panels 10. In this case, the characteristic information may be, for example, information indicating the light-emitting time of the light-emitting elements as well as information indicating the deterioration characteristics of the amount of burn-in.

[0076] Panel B, which has received the characteristic information of panel A, may use the characteristic information to calculate a burn-in correction value by a characteristic comparison unit 34', and the chromaticity gradation conversion unit 35' and the luminance voltage conversion unit 36' may perform conversions according to this burn-in correction value. The burn-in correction value may be assigned by the user as an arbitrary value based on the deterioration characteristics of the light emission time and the amount of burn-in.

[0077] Furthermore, differences in the amount of IR drop caused by differences in the length of the power supply wiring to the panels 10 cause changes in the voltage value supplied to the panels 10, resulting in differences in the characteristics when each panel 10 emits light. Each panel 10 may transmit and receive characteristic information to correct this characteristic difference. The characteristic information may be, for example, the value of the power supply voltage within the panel 10.

[0078] Panel B, which receives the characteristic information of panel A, uses the characteristic information to calculate the difference in the amount of IR drop using the characteristic information by the characteristic comparison unit 34', and the chromaticity gradation conversion unit 35' and the luminance voltage conversion unit 36' each perform conversion taking this value into account.

[0079] When each panel 10 is the same panel and the power supply voltage value of the panel 10 is acquired, this voltage value may be used to detect an abnormal state of the panel 10. For example, if the receiving panel 10 compares the power supply voltage and finds that the value is far from the drive voltage, it may be configured to determine that the panel 10 or the set board 17 is in a short-circuit or open state.

[0080] Furthermore, if each panel 10 includes an oscillator, in addition to the optical characteristic information described above, each panel 10 may transmit and receive characteristic information for correcting deviations in light emission timing. The characteristic information may be, for example, a synchronization signal.

[0081] It is conceivable that panel B, which has received the characteristic information of panel A, will synchronize the light emission timing of its light emitting elements with that of panel A, based on the received synchronization signal, for example.

[0082] 6 shows an example configuration of pixel PIX. Pixel PIX includes a capacitor C01, transistors MN02 and MN03, and a light-emitting element EL. Transistors MN02 and MN03 are N-type metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs). The gate of transistor MN02 is connected to a control line WSL, the drain is connected to a signal line SGL, and the source is connected to the gate of transistor MN03 and capacitor C01. One end of capacitor C01 is connected to the source of transistor MN02 and the gate of transistor MN03, and the other end is connected to the source of transistor MN03 and the anode of light-emitting element EL. The gate of transistor MN03 is connected to the source of transistor MN02 and one end of capacitor C01, the drain is connected to the power supply line VCCP, and the source is connected to the other end of capacitor C01 and the anode of light-emitting element EL. The anode of the light-emitting element EL is connected to the source of the transistor MN03 and the other end of the capacitor C01, and the cathode is connected to the power supply line Vcath. The voltage of the power supply line VCCP is appropriately switched between a first voltage and a second voltage lower than the first voltage.

[0083] With this configuration, in pixel PIX, when transistor MN02 is turned on, the voltage across capacitor C01 is set based on the pixel signal supplied from signal line SGL. During a period when the voltage of power supply line VCCP is at a first voltage, transistor MN03 passes a current corresponding to the voltage across capacitor C01 through light-emitting element EL. Light-emitting element EL emits light based on the current supplied from transistor MN03. In this way, pixel PIX emits light at a luminance corresponding to the pixel signal. During a period when the voltage of power supply line VCCP is at a second voltage, light-emitting element EL is turned off.

[0084] 7 shows another example of the configuration of pixel PIX. This pixel PIX has capacitors C11 and C12, transistors MP12 to MP15, and a light-emitting element EL. Transistors MP12 to MP15 are P-type MOSFETs. The gate of transistor MP12 is connected to a control line WSL, its source is connected to a signal line SGL, and its drain is connected to the gate of transistor MP14 and capacitor C12. One end of capacitor C11 is connected to a power supply line VCCP, and the other end is connected to capacitor C12, the drain of transistor MP13, and the source of transistor MP14. One end of capacitor C12 is connected to the other end of capacitor C11, the drain of transistor MP13, and the source of transistor MP14, and the other end is connected to the drain of transistor MP12 and the gate of transistor MP14. The gate of transistor MP13 is connected to the control line DSL, the source is connected to the power supply line VCCP, and the drain is connected to the source of transistor MP14, the other end of capacitor C11, and one end of capacitor C12. The gate of transistor MP14 is connected to the drain of transistor MP12 and the other end of capacitor C12, the source is connected to the drain of transistor MP13, the other end of capacitor C11, and one end of capacitor C12, and the drain is connected to the anode of the light-emitting element EL and the source of transistor MP15. The gate of transistor MP15 is connected to the control line AZSL, the source is connected to the drain of transistor MP14 and the anode of the light-emitting element EL, and the drain is connected to the power supply line VSS.

[0085] With this configuration, in pixel PIX, when transistor MP12 is turned on, the voltage across capacitor C12 is set based on the pixel signal supplied from signal line SGL. Transistor MP13 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line DSL. While transistor MP13 is on, transistor MP14 passes a current corresponding to the voltage across capacitor C12 through light-emitting element EL. Light-emitting element EL emits light based on the current supplied from transistor MP14. In this way, pixel PIX emits light at a luminance corresponding to the pixel signal. Transistor MP15 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line AZSL. While transistor MP15 is on, the anode voltage of light-emitting element EL is initialized by being set to the voltage of power supply line VSS.

[0086] The transistors MP12 to MP15 may be transistors using low temperature polysilicon (LTPS), and at least one of the transistors MP12 and MP15 may be a transistor using an oxide semiconductor.

[0087] 8 shows another example of the configuration of pixel PIX. This pixel PIX has a capacitor C21, transistors MN22 to MN25, and a light-emitting element EL. Transistors MN22 to MN25 are N-type MOSFETs. The gate of transistor MN22 is connected to a control line WSL, the drain is connected to a signal line SGL, and the source is connected to the gate of transistor MN24 and capacitor C21. One end of capacitor C21 is connected to the source of transistor MN22 and the gate of transistor MN24, and the other end is connected to the source of transistor MN24, the drain of transistor MN25, and the anode of light-emitting element EL. The gate of transistor MN23 is connected to a control line DSL, the drain is connected to a power supply line VCCP, and the source is connected to the drain of transistor MN24. The gate of transistor MN24 is connected to the source of transistor MN22 and one end of capacitor C21, the drain is connected to the source of transistor MN23, the source is connected to the other end of capacitor C21, the drain of transistor MN25, and the anode of light-emitting element EL. The gate of transistor MN25 is connected to control line AZSL, the drain is connected to the source of transistor MN24, the other end of capacitor C21, and the anode of light-emitting element EL, and the source is connected to power supply line VSS.

[0088] With this configuration, in pixel PIX, when transistor MN22 is turned on, the voltage across capacitor C21 is set based on the pixel signal supplied from signal line SGL. Transistor MN23 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line DSL. While transistor MN23 is on, transistor MN24 passes a current corresponding to the voltage across capacitor C21 through light-emitting element EL. The light-emitting element EL emits light based on the current supplied from transistor MN24. In this way, pixel PIX emits light at a luminance corresponding to the pixel signal. Transistor MN25 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line AZSL. While transistor MN25 is on, the anode voltage of light-emitting element EL is initialized by being set to the voltage of power supply line VSS.

[0089] The transistors MN22 to MN25 may be transistors using low temperature polysilicon (LTPS), and at least one of the transistors MN22 and MN25 may be a transistor using an oxide semiconductor.

[0090] 9 shows another example of the configuration of pixel PIX. This pixel PIX has a capacitor C31, transistors MP32 to MP36, and a light-emitting element EL. Transistors MP32 to MP36 are P-type MOSFETs. The gate of transistor MP32 is connected to a control line WSL, its source is connected to a signal line SGL, and its drain is connected to the gate of transistor MP33, the drain of transistor MP34, and capacitor C31. One end of capacitor C31 is connected to a power supply line VCCP, and the other end is connected to the drain of transistor MP32, the gate of transistor MP33, and the drain of transistor MP34. The gate of transistor MP34 is connected to a control line AZSL1, its source is connected to the drain of transistor MP33 and the source of transistor MP35, and its drain is connected to the drain of transistor MP32, the gate of transistor MP33, and the other end of capacitor C31. The gate of transistor MP35 is connected to the control line DSL, the source is connected to the drain of transistor MP33 and the source of transistor MP34, the drain is connected to the source of transistor MP36 and the anode of the light-emitting element EL, the gate of transistor MP36 is connected to the control line AZSL2, the source is connected to the drain of transistor MP35 and the anode of the light-emitting element EL, and the drain is connected to the power supply line VSS.

[0091] With this configuration, in pixel PIX, when transistor MP32 is turned on, the voltage across capacitor C31 is set based on the pixel signal supplied from signal line SGL. Transistor MP35 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line DSL. While transistor MP35 is on, transistor MP33 passes a current corresponding to the voltage across capacitor C31 through light-emitting element EL. The light-emitting element EL emits light based on the current supplied from transistor MP33. In this way, pixel PIX emits light at a luminance corresponding to the pixel signal. Transistor MP34 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line AZSL1. While transistor MP34 is on, the drain and gate of transistor MP33 are connected to each other. Transistor MP36 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line AZSL2. While transistor MP36 is on, the anode voltage of light-emitting element EL is initialized by being set to the voltage of power supply line VSS.

[0092] The transistors MP32 to MP36 may be transistors using low temperature polysilicon (LTPS), and at least one of the transistors MP32, MP34, and MP36 may be a transistor using an oxide semiconductor.

[0093] 10 shows another example of the configuration of pixel PIX. One end of capacitor C48 is connected to signal line SGL1, and the other end is connected to power supply line VSS. One end of capacitor C49 is connected to signal line SGL1, and the other end is connected to signal line SGL2. Transistor MP49 is a P-type MOSFET, and its gate is connected to control line WSL2, its source is connected to signal line SGL1, and its drain is connected to signal line SGL2.

[0094] The pixel PIX includes a capacitor C41, transistors MP42 to MP46, and a light-emitting element EL. Transistors MP42 to MP46 are P-type MOSFETs. The gate of transistor MP42 is connected to a control line WSL1, its source is connected to a signal line SGL2, and its drain is connected to the gate of transistor MP43 and capacitor C41. One end of capacitor C41 is connected to a power supply line VCCP, and the other end is connected to the drain of transistor MP42 and the gate of transistor MP43. The gate of transistor MP43 is connected to the drain of transistor MP42 and the other end of capacitor C41, its source is connected to the power supply line VCCP, and its drain is connected to the sources of transistors MP44 and MP45. The gate of transistor MP44 is connected to a control line AZSL1, its source is connected to the drain of transistor MP43 and the source of transistor MP45, and its drain is connected to signal line SGL2. The gate of transistor MP45 is connected to control line DSL, the source is connected to the drain of transistor MP43 and the source of transistor MP44, the drain is connected to the source of transistor MP46 and the anode of light-emitting element EL, the gate of transistor MP46 is connected to control line AZSL2, the source is connected to the drain of transistor MP45 and the anode of light-emitting element EL, and the drain is connected to power supply line VSS.

[0095] With this configuration, in pixel PIX, when transistor MP42 is turned on, the voltage across capacitor C41 is set based on the pixel signal supplied from signal line SGL1 via capacitor C49. Transistor MP45 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line DSL. While transistor MP45 is on, transistor MP43 passes a current corresponding to the voltage across capacitor C41 through light-emitting element EL. Light-emitting element EL emits light based on the current supplied from transistor MP43. In this way, pixel PIX emits light at a luminance corresponding to the pixel signal. Transistor MP44 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line AZSL1. While transistor MP44 is on, the drain of transistor MP43 and signal line SGL2 are connected to each other. Transistor MP46 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line AZSL2. While transistor MP46 is on, the anode voltage of light-emitting element EL is initialized by being set to the voltage of power supply line VSS.

[0096] The transistors MP42 to MP46 and MP49 may be transistors using low temperature polysilicon (LTPS). At least one of the transistors MP42, MP46 and MP49 may be a transistor using an oxide semiconductor.

[0097] 11 shows another example of the configuration of the pixel PIX. A plurality of pixels PIX are arranged in a matrix in a display area 100, and the display area 100 is provided between a first control unit 40 and a second control unit 70.

[0098] The first control unit 40 includes transmission gates TG45 and TG46, transistors MP56 and MP57, and a capacitor C61. Transistors MP56 and MP57 are P-type MOSFETs. A pixel signal is supplied to the input terminal of the transmission gate TG45, and the output terminal of the transmission gate TG45 is connected to one end of the signal line 14a. The input terminal of the transmission gate TG46 is connected to the signal line 14b, and the output terminal of the transmission gate TG46 is connected to the power supply line Vorst. One end of the capacitor C61 is connected to the signal line 14a, and the other end is connected to the power supply line VSS1. The gate of the transistor MP56 is connected to the control line INIL, the source is connected to the power supply line Vini, and the drain is connected to the signal line 14b. The gate of the transistor MP57 is connected to the control line ELL, the source is connected to the power supply line Vel, and the drain is connected to the signal line 14b.

[0099] The second control unit 70 has a transmission gate TG72, a transistor MP73, and a capacitor C82. The transistor MP73 is a P-type MOSFET. The input terminal of the transmission gate TG72 is connected to the other end of the signal line 14a, and the output terminal is connected to the drain of the transistor MP73 and one end of the capacitor C82. The gate of the transistor MP73 is connected to the control line REFL, the source is connected to the power supply line Vref, and the drain is connected to the output terminal of the transmission gate TG72 and one end of the capacitor C82. One end of the capacitor C82 is connected to the output terminal of the transmission gate TG72 and the drain of the transistor MP73, and the other end is connected to one end of the signal line 14b.

[0100] The pixel PIX includes a capacitor C132, transistors MP121 to MP125, and a light-emitting element EL. Transistors MP121 to MP125 are P-type MOSFETs. The gate of transistor MP122 is connected to a control line WSL, its source is connected to a signal line 14b, and its drain is connected to the gate of transistor MP121 and capacitor C132. One end of capacitor C132 is connected to a power supply line Vel, and the other end is connected to the drain of transistor MP122 and the gate of transistor MP121. The gate of transistor MP121 is connected to the drain of transistor MP122 and the other end of capacitor C132, its source is connected to the power supply line Vel, and its drain is connected to the sources of transistors MP123 and MP124. The gate of transistor MP123 is connected to a control line AZSL, its source is connected to the drain of transistor MP121 and the source of transistor MP124, and its drain is connected to signal line 14b. The gate of transistor MP124 is connected to the control line DSL, the source is connected to the drain of transistor MP121 and the source of transistor MP123, and the drain is connected to the drain of transistor MP125 and the anode of the light-emitting element 130. The gate of transistor MP125 is connected to the control line AZSL, the source is connected to the power supply line Vorst, and the drain is connected to the drain of transistor MP124 and the anode of the light-emitting element 130.

[0101] With this configuration, in pixel PIX, when transistor MP122 is turned on, the voltage across capacitor C132 is set based on the pixel signal supplied via transmission gate TG45, signal line 14a, transmission gate TG72, capacitor C82, and signal line 14b. Transistor MP124 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line DSL. While transistor MP124 is on, transistor MP121 passes a current corresponding to the voltage across capacitor C132 through light-emitting element EL. Light-emitting element EL emits light based on the current supplied from transistor MP121. In this way, pixel PIX emits light at a luminance corresponding to the pixel signal. Transistors MP123 and MP125 are turned on and off based on the signal on control line AZSL. While transistor MP123 is on, the drain of transistor MP121 and the source of transistor MP124 are connected to signal line 14b. During the period when transistor MP125 is in the ON state, the anode voltage of light-emitting element EL is initialized by being set to the voltage of power supply line Vorst. Furthermore, transistor MP56 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line INIL, transistor MP57 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line ELL, and transistor MP73 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line REFL. When transistor MP56 is turned on, signal line 14b is set to the voltage of power supply line Vini, and when transistor MP57 is turned on, signal line 14b is set to the voltage of power supply line Vel. When transistor MP73 is turned on, one end of capacitor C82 is initialized by being set to the voltage of power supply line Vref.

[0102] The transistors MP121 to MP125, MP56, and MP57 may be transistors using low temperature polysilicon (LTPS), and at least one of the transistors MP122 and MP125 may be a transistor using an oxide semiconductor.

[0103] 12 shows another example of the configuration of pixel PIX. This pixel PIX has a capacitor C51, transistors MP52 to MP60, and a light-emitting element EL. Transistors MP52 to MP60 are P-type MOSFETs. The gate of transistor MP52 is connected to a control line WSL, its source is connected to a signal line SGL, and its drain is connected to the drain of transistor MP53 and the source of transistor MP54. The gate of transistor MP53 is connected to a control line DSL, its source is connected to a power supply line VCCP, and its drain is connected to the drain of transistor MP52 and the source of transistor MP54. The gate of transistor MP54 is connected to the source of transistor MP55, the drain of transistor MP57, and capacitor C51, its source is connected to the drains of transistors MP52 and MP53, and its drain is connected to the sources of transistors MP58 and MP59. One end of capacitor C51 is connected to the power supply line VCCP, and the other end is connected to the gate of transistor MP54, the source of transistor MP55, and the drain of transistor MP57. Capacitor C51 may include two capacitors connected in parallel. Transistor MP55 has a gate connected to control line AZSL1, a source connected to the gate of transistor MP54, the drain of transistor MP57, and the other end of capacitor C51, and a drain connected to the source of transistor MP56. Transistor MP56 has a gate connected to control line AZSL1, a source connected to the drain of transistor MP55, and a drain connected to power supply line VSS. Transistor MP57 has a gate connected to control line WSL, a drain connected to the gate of transistor MP54, the source of transistor MP55, and the other end of capacitor C51, and a source connected to the drain of transistor MP58. The gate of the transistor MP58 is connected to the control line WSL, the drain is connected to the source of the transistor MP57, and the source is connected to the drain of the transistor MP54 and the source of the transistor MP59.The gate of transistor 59 is connected to control line DSL, the source is connected to the drain of transistor MP54 and the source of transistor MP58, the drain is connected to the source of transistor MP60 and the anode of light-emitting element EL, the gate of transistor MP60 is connected to control line AZSL2, the source is connected to the drain of transistor MP59 and the anode of light-emitting element EL, and the drain is connected to power supply line VSS.

[0104] With this configuration, in pixel PIX, transistors MP52, MP54, MP58, and MP57 are turned on, and the voltage across capacitor C51 is set based on the pixel signal supplied from signal line SGL. Transistors MP53 and MP59 are turned on and off based on the signal on control line DSL. While transistors MP53 and MP59 are on, transistor MP54 passes a current corresponding to the voltage across capacitor C51 through light-emitting element EL. The light-emitting element EL emits light based on the current supplied from transistor MP54. In this way, pixel PIX emits light at a luminance corresponding to the pixel signal. Transistors MP55 and MP56 are turned on and off based on the signal on control line AZSL1. While transistors MP55 and MP56 are on, the gate voltage of transistor MP54 is initialized by being set to the voltage of power supply line VSS. Transistor MP60 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line AZSL2. During the period in which the transistor MP60 is in the on state, the voltage of the anode of the light-emitting element EL is initialized by being set to the voltage of the power supply line VSS.

[0105] The transistors MP52 to MP60 may be transistors using low temperature polysilicon (LTPS), and at least one of the transistors MP55 to MP58 and MP60 may be a transistor using an oxide semiconductor.

[0106] 13 shows another example of the configuration of the pixel PIX. The signal on the control line WSNL and the signal on the control line WSPL are mutually inverted signals.

[0107] The pixel PIX has capacitors C61 and C62, transistors MN63, MP64, and MN65 to MN67, and a light-emitting element EL. The transistors MN63, MN65 to MN67 are N-type MOSFETs, and the transistor MP64 is a P-type MOSFET. The gate of the transistor MN63 is connected to a control line WSNL, the drain is connected to a signal line SGL and the source of the transistor MP64, and the source is connected to the drain of the transistor MP64, the capacitors C61 and C62, and the gate of the transistor MN65. The gate of the transistor MP64 is connected to a control line WSPL, the source is connected to the signal line SGL and the drain of the transistor MN63, and the drain is connected to the source of the transistor MN63, the capacitors C61 and C62, and the gate of the transistor MN65. The capacitor C61 is configured using, for example, a metal oxide metal (MOM) capacitor, with one end connected to the source of transistor MN63, the drain of transistor MP64, capacitor C62, and the gate of transistor MN65, and the other end connected to the power supply line VSS2. The capacitor C61 may be configured using, for example, a metal oxide metal (MOS) capacitor or a metal insulator metal (MIM) capacitor. The capacitor C62 is configured using, for example, a MOS capacitor, with one end connected to the source of transistor MN63, the drain of transistor MP64, one end of capacitor C61, and the gate of transistor MN65, and the other end connected to the power supply line VSS2. The capacitor C62 may be configured using, for example, a MOM capacitor or a MIM capacitor. The other end of the capacitor C62 may be connected to the power supply line VSS3 (not shown). The gate of transistor MN65 is connected to the source of transistor MN63, the drain of transistor MP64, and one end of capacitors C61 and C62, the drain is connected to the power supply line VCCP, and the source is connected to the drains of transistors MN66 and MN67. The gate of transistor MN66 is connected to control line AZL, the drain is connected to the source of transistor MN65 and the drain of transistor MN67, and the source is connected to power supply line VSS1.The gate of transistor MN67 is connected to the control line DSL, the drain is connected to the source of transistor MN65 and the drain of transistor MN66, and the source is connected to the anode of the light-emitting element EL. Note that the transistor MN67 and the control line DSL may be omitted, and the source of transistor MN65 may be connected to the drain of transistor MN66 and the anode of the light-emitting element EL.

[0108] With this configuration, in pixel PIX, when at least one of transistors MN63 and MP64 is turned on, the voltage across capacitors C61 and C62 is set based on the pixel signal supplied from signal line SGL. Transistor MN67 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line DSL. While transistor MN67 is on, transistor MN65 passes a current corresponding to the voltage across capacitors C61 and C62 through light-emitting element EL. Light-emitting element EL emits light based on the current supplied from transistor MP65. In this way, pixel PIX emits light at a luminance corresponding to the pixel signal. Transistor MN66 may be turned on and off based on the signal on control line AZL. Transistor MN66 may also function as a resistor element having a resistance value corresponding to the signal on control line AZL. In this case, transistors MN65 and MN66 form a so-called source follower circuit.

[0109] The transistors MN63, MP64, MN65 to MN67 may be transistors using low temperature polysilicon (LTPS), and at least one of the transistors MN63, MP64, and MN66 may be a transistor using an oxide semiconductor.

[0110] 14 shows another example of the configuration of pixel PIX. This pixel PIX has a capacitor C71, transistors MN72 to MN77, and a light-emitting element EL. Transistors MN72 to MN77 are N-type MOSFETs. The gate of transistor MN72 is connected to a control line WSL, its drain is connected to a signal line SGL, and its source is connected to the source of transistor MN74 and the drain of transistor MN75. One end of capacitor C71 is connected to the gate of transistor MN74 and the source of transistor MN76, and the other end is connected to the drain of transistor MN77, the source of transistor MN75, and the anode of light-emitting element EL. The gate of transistor MN73 is connected to control line DLS1, its drain is connected to the power supply line VCCP, and its source is connected to the drain of transistor MN74 and the drain of transistor MN76. The gate of transistor MN74 is connected to the source of transistor MN76 and one end of capacitor C71, the drain is connected to the source of transistor MN73 and the drain of transistor MN76, and the source is connected to the source of transistor MN72 and the drain of transistor MN75. The gate of transistor MN75 is connected to control line DSL2, the drain is connected to the source of transistor MN72 and the source of transistor MN74, and the source is connected to the other end of capacitor C71, the drain of transistor MN77, and the anode of light-emitting element EL. The gate of transistor MN76 is connected to control line AZSL, the drain is connected to the source of transistor MN73 and the drain of transistor MN74, and the source is connected to the gate of transistor MN74 and one end of capacitor C71. The gate of transistor MN77 is connected to control line AZSL, the drain is connected to the other end of capacitor C71, the source of transistor MN75, and the anode of light-emitting element EL, and the source is connected to power supply line VSS.

[0111] With this configuration, in pixel PIX, transistors MN72, MN74, and MN76 are turned on, and the voltage across capacitor C71 is set based on the pixel signal supplied from signal line SGL. Transistor MN73 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line DSL1, and transistor MN75 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line DSL2. While transistors MN73 and MN75 are on, transistor MN74 passes a current corresponding to the voltage across capacitor C71 through light-emitting element EL. Light-emitting element EL emits light based on the current supplied from transistor MN74. In this way, pixel PIX emits light at a luminance corresponding to the pixel signal. Transistor MN77 is turned on and off based on the signal on control line AZSL. While transistor MN77 is on, the anode voltage of light-emitting element EL is initialized by being set to the voltage of power supply line VSS.

[0112] The transistors MN72 to MN77 may be transistors using low temperature polysilicon (LTPS), and the transistor MN76 may be a transistor using an oxide semiconductor.

[0113] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a display device 1 according to a first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0114] In this modification, the display device 1 includes four panels 10, panels A, B, C, and D, each having the same shape, and displays a high-resolution image by combining the multiple panels 10. In this example, the display device 1 matches the luminance and chromaticity of panels B, C, and D to the luminance and chromaticity, which are the optical characteristic information of panel A.

[0115] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a display device 1 according to a first modification of the first embodiment.

[0116] For the sake of explanation, the following describes the blocks in panel C as memory unit 30'', REG 31'', first serial IF 32'', second serial IF 33'', characteristic comparison unit 34'', chromaticity gradation conversion unit 35'', luminance voltage conversion unit 36'', video IF 50'', color signal conversion unit 51'', input gradation conversion unit 52'', image signal processing unit 53'', output gradation conversion unit 54'', panel drive unit 55'', and display panel 56''.

[0117] Furthermore, the individual blocks in panel D are represented as memory unit 30''', REG 31''', first serial IF 32''', second serial IF 33''', characteristic comparison unit 34''', chromaticity gradation conversion unit 35''', luminance voltage conversion unit 36''', video IF 50''', color signal conversion unit 51''', input gradation conversion unit 52''', image signal processing unit 53''', output gradation conversion unit 54''', panel drive unit 55''', and display panel 56'''.

[0118] Unlike the example of FIG. 3, the first serial IF 32 of the panel A is connected to the first serial IF 32 of the panels B, C, and D.

[0119] In this example, panel A is configured to transmit its own optical characteristic information to panels B, C, and D via wiring 15, but it may also be configured such that, for example, panel B receives optical characteristic information from panel A, and then panel B transmits the optical characteristic information of panel A to panel C, and so on, so that panel 10 that has received the optical characteristic information of panel A transmits the optical characteristic information to the next panel 10. Alternatively, wiring 15 may be a connection method that can transmit optical characteristic information to a required destination depending on the self-correction method.

[0120] Panels B, C, and D receive the optical characteristic information from panel A and perform self-correction using the same process as described above. As described above, other methods may be used for self-correction between panels 10 as long as they correct for differences in characteristics between panels 10.

[0121] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a display device 1 according to a second modification of the first embodiment.

[0122] In this modification, unlike the first modification, the display device 1 is realized by combining different types of panels 10. In this example, a high-resolution panel A is placed in the center, and rectangular low-resolution panels B and C are placed on either side of panel A.

[0123] In this example, the display device 1 matches the luminance and chromaticity of panels B and C to the luminance and chromaticity that are the optical characteristic information of panel A. Since panel A is different from panels B and C in type, the target chromaticity of these panels may be different.

[0124] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a display device 1 according to a second modification of the first embodiment.

[0125] In this example, panel A is configured to transmit its own optical characteristic information to panels B and C via wiring 15, but it may also be configured such that, for example, panel B receives the optical characteristic information from panel A, and then panel C receives the optical characteristic information of panel A from panel B, and so on, so that the panel 10 that receives the optical characteristic information of panel A transmits the optical characteristic information to the next panel 10. Wiring 15 may also be a connection method that allows optical characteristic information to be transmitted to a required destination depending on the self-correction method.

[0126] Panels B and C receive the optical characteristic information from panel A and perform self-correction using the same process as described above. As described above, other methods may be used for self-correction between panels 10 as long as they correct for differences in characteristics between panels 10.

[0127] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a display device 1 according to a third modification of the first embodiment.

[0128] In this modification, a single display device 1 is realized by combining panels A and B, each having a different pixel pitch. In this display device 1, panel A, which has a narrow pixel pitch, is arranged in the center, which is the gaze area, and panel B, which has a wide pixel pitch, is arranged around panel A, which is the peripheral visual field area. By arranging the panels in this manner, a wide FOV (Fields of View) can be achieved, for example, when using the display device 1 for VR purposes. The relationship between panels A and B is such that they each have a relatively narrow pixel pitch and a relatively wide pixel pitch.

[0129] 19 , in the case of a display device 1 that combines panels A and B with different pixel pitches, the difference in resolution may cause the user to see the boundary between the panels 10. Furthermore, when black is displayed, the user may see the boundary between a panel 10 with low black luminance and a panel 10 with high black luminance. Therefore, the display device 1 in this modification corrects the characteristic deviation that occurs due to the difference in pixel pitch of the light-emitting elements arranged at the boundary between panel A and panel B.

[0130] In this example, the display device 1 matches the luminance and chromaticity of panel B to the luminance and chromaticity of panel A, which are optical characteristic information. As another self-correction, when the display device 1 emits light, it gradually thins out the light-emitting elements on the narrower pitch side (higher resolution side) arranged around the boundary between the panels 10 based on the optical characteristic information, thereby making the boundary between the panels 10 less visible due to the difference in resolution. For example, at startup, the display device 1 may determine the number of light-emitting elements to be thinned out on the higher resolution side by transmitting and receiving the pixel pitch and resolution (number of pixels) of the panels 10 between the panels 10 as optical characteristic information. Similarly to the above, the display device 1 may also transmit and receive optical characteristic information between the panels 10 in response to input of a predetermined signal.

[0131] As another self-correction, the display device 1 increases the luminance of black on the panel 10 with low black luminance, thereby making the boundary less visible. For example, the display device 1 can adjust the luminance of the panel with low black luminance by comparing the luminance values ​​of the panels 10 when displaying black. For example, the display device 1 may transmit and receive the luminance values ​​of the panels 10 when displaying black as optical characteristic information between the panels 10, thereby correcting the luminance of the panel 10 with low black luminance to match that of the panel 10 with high black luminance.

[0132] 19 , a display device 1 having different types of panels A and B can be mounted on, for example, a digital still camera. For example, a display device 1 can be considered in which an electronic viewfinder is panel A and a monitor (rear display) is panel B. The camera monitor can perform self-calibration based on the optical characteristic information received from the viewfinder.

[0133] The block diagram of this modification is the same as that of Fig. 3, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Self-correction between panels 10 is performed in the same manner as in Fig. 10, but as described above, any other method may be used as long as it corrects the deviation in characteristics between panels 10.

[0134] According to this embodiment, the display device 1 can correct the characteristic discrepancy between the panels 10 using optical characteristic information such as brightness, chromaticity, or gamma value, thereby preventing the characteristic discrepancy from being visible to the user.

[0135] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the display device 1 performs self-correction, communication between the panels 10 is performed via the wiring 15 without going through the CPU or AP on the set side, so that it is possible to correct the deviation in characteristics that occurs between the multiple panels 10 while reducing the processing load on the set side.

[0136] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the panels A and B are connected to each other by wiring so that they can communicate with each other. This allows communication between the panels 10 to be achieved without requiring extra space or impairing the aesthetic appearance, even in a display device 1 that includes small panels 10, such as a head-mounted display.

[0137] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the user of the display device 1 simply sets the desired luminance, and the panels 10 self-correct the optical characteristics, thereby reducing the operational burden on the user.

[0138] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling fatigued due to deviations in characteristics in the display device 1 such as a head-mounted display.

[0139] Furthermore, according to the third variant of this embodiment, a display device 1 having a plurality of panels 10 with different pixel pitches can make the boundaries between panels 10 less visible to the user due to differences in resolution by thinning out the light-emitting elements on the high-resolution side and causing them to emit light based on characteristic information transmitted and received between the panels 10, thereby blurring the boundaries.

[0140] Furthermore, according to the third variant of this embodiment, a display device 1 having multiple panels 10 with different pixel pitches can make the boundaries between panels 10 less visible to the user by increasing the black brightness of panels 10 with low black brightness based on characteristic information transmitted and received between the panels 10.

[0141] Second Embodiment FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a display device 1 according to a second embodiment.

[0142] The display device 1 of this embodiment is provided with a temperature sensor 38 for measuring the temperature of each panel. For ease of explanation, the temperature sensor 38 for measuring the temperature of panel B will be referred to as temperature sensor 38' below. Description of the same configuration as in FIG. 3 will be omitted.

[0143] For example, the temperature of some panels 10 may increase due to processing within the panels 10, or the display device 1 may be placed in direct sunlight, and depending on the processing or installation environment of the display device 1, the temperature may vary between the panels 10. The panels 10 have temperature characteristics, and the luminance, chromaticity, and gamma values ​​may exhibit different values ​​depending on the temperature, and may vary between the panels 10.

[0144] The display device 1 transmits and receives temperature data of the panels 10 as characteristic information between the panels 10. This temperature data is stored in the memory unit 30. In the transmitting panel 10, the temperature data is registered in REG 31 using a brightness setting signal as a trigger, and then transmitted to the receiving panel 10 via the first serial IF 32. In the receiving panel 10, the temperature data received via the first serial IF 32 is registered in REG 31 and used in self-correction calculations.

[0145] In this example, panel A transmits temperature data as characteristic information to panel B in addition to the luminance, chromaticity, and gamma value of panel A. The transmitted temperature data is registered in REG 31′, and then the offset amount is calculated by characteristic comparison unit 34′.

[0146] The offset amount is calculated taking into account the temperature characteristics. For example, the characteristic comparison unit 34' calculates the offset amount from the luminance, chromaticity, and gamma value that have changed due to the temperature characteristics using the temperature data of panels A and B. At this time, the characteristic comparison unit 34' may calculate the offset amount so as to match the luminance, chromaticity, and gamma value at normal temperature.

[0147] The chromaticity gradation converter 35', luminance voltage converter 36', and gamma gradation converter 37' perform conversion based on the offset amount in the same manner as described above.

[0148] According to this embodiment, the display device 1 can correct the deviation in characteristics between the panels 10 according to the temperature characteristics using the temperature data of the panels 10, thereby preventing the deviation in characteristics from being visible to the user.

[0149] 2. Application Examples Next, application examples of the display systems described in the above embodiments and modifications will be described.

[0150] 21 shows an example of the appearance of a head-mounted display 110. The head-mounted display 110 has, for example, ear hooks 112 for wearing on the user's head on both sides of a glasses-shaped display unit 111. The techniques according to the above-described embodiments and the like can be applied to such a head-mounted display 110.

[0151] (Application Example 2) FIG. 22 shows an example of the appearance of another head-mounted display 120. The head-mounted display 120 is a see-through head-mounted display having a main body 121, an arm 122, and a lens barrel 123. This head-mounted display 120 is attached to eyeglasses 128. The main body 121 has a control board and a display unit for controlling the operation of the head-mounted display 120. The display unit emits image light of a display image. The arm 122 connects the main body 121 to the lens barrel 123 and supports the lens barrel 123. The lens barrel 123 projects the image light supplied from the main body 121 via the arm 122 toward the user's eyes via lenses 129 of the eyeglasses 128. The techniques according to the above-described embodiments and the like can be applied to such a head-mounted display 120.

[0152] The head-mounted display 120 is a so-called light guide plate type head-mounted display, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a so-called birdbath type head-mounted display. The birdbath type head-mounted display includes, for example, a beam splitter and a partially transparent mirror. The beam splitter outputs light encoded with image information toward the mirror, and the mirror reflects the light toward the user's eyes. Both the beam splitter and the partially transparent mirror are partially transparent. This allows light from the surrounding environment to reach the user's eyes.

[0153] (Application Example 3) Figures 23A and 23B show an example of the appearance of a digital still camera 130, with Figure 23A showing a front view and Figure 23B showing a rear view. This digital still camera 130 is an interchangeable-lens single-lens reflex camera and has a camera main body 131, a photographing lens unit 132, a grip unit 133, a monitor 134, and an electronic viewfinder 135. The photographing lens unit 132 is an interchangeable lens unit and is provided near the center of the front of the camera main body 311. The grip unit 133 is provided on the left side of the front of the camera main body 311, and is held by the photographer. The monitor 134 is provided to the left of the center of the back of the camera main body 131. The electronic viewfinder 135 is provided above the monitor 134 on the back of the camera main body 131. By looking through this electronic viewfinder 135, the photographer can visually confirm the optical image of the subject guided by the photographing lens unit 132 and determine the composition. The techniques according to the above-described embodiments and the like can be applied to the electronic viewfinder 135.

[0154] For example, if the electronic viewfinder 135 is panel A and the monitor 134 is panel B, then panel B performs self-correction based on the optical characteristic information received from panel A.

[0155] The present disclosure has been described above by way of embodiments, their modifications, application examples, and applied examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, etc., and various modifications are possible. Note that the effects described in this specification are merely examples. The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects described in this specification. The present disclosure may have effects other than those described in this specification.

[0156] Furthermore, for example, the present disclosure can be configured as follows.

[0157] (1) A display device comprising: a plurality of panels including a first panel and a second panel; a first communication unit that communicates between the first panel and the second panel via a first communication IF in the first panel and a first communication IF in the second panel; and a second communication unit that communicates between the first panel and an external device of the plurality of panels via a second communication IF in the first panel, wherein the first panel and the second panel communicate via the first communication unit in response to input of a predetermined signal, and corrects a deviation in characteristics between the first panel and the second panel.

[0158] (2) The display device according to (1), wherein the first communication IF in the first panel and the first communication IF in the second panel are communicatively connected by a wired connection.

[0159] (3) The display device according to (1), wherein the first panel and the second panel correct deviations in the characteristics due to variations in optical characteristics.

[0160] (4) The display device according to (3), wherein the optical characteristics include at least one of luminance, chromaticity, and gamma value.

[0161] (5) The display device according to (4), wherein the second panel receives at least one of luminance, chromaticity, and gamma value of the first panel from the first panel as characteristic information.

[0162] (6) The display device according to (5), wherein the second panel adjusts at least one optical characteristic of luminance, chromaticity, and gamma value to match the optical characteristic of the first panel, thereby correcting a deviation in the characteristics.

[0163] (7) The display device according to (1), wherein the second communication unit receives input of the predetermined signal related to input of the brightness setting from an AP disposed outside the plurality of panels.

[0164] (8) The display device according to (1), wherein the correction is performed based on an offset amount of characteristic information between the first panel and the second panel.

[0165] (9) The display device according to (1), wherein the first panel and the second panel correct a deviation in the characteristics due to burn-in of the first panel and the second panel.

[0166] (10) The display device according to (9), wherein the second panel receives, from the first panel, information indicating a deterioration characteristic of the light emission time or the amount of burn-in of the first panel as characteristic information.

[0167] (11) The display device according to (1), wherein the first panel and the second panel correct the characteristic deviation caused by a difference in IR drop amount resulting from a difference in power supply wiring length between the first panel and the second panel.

[0168] (12) The display device according to (11), wherein the second panel receives, from the first panel, a value of a power supply voltage within the first panel as characteristic information.

[0169] (13) A display device comprising: a plurality of panels including a first panel arranged in the center of a screen and having a relatively narrow pixel pitch; and a second panel arranged around the first panel and having a relatively wide pixel pitch; a first communication unit that communicates between the first panel and the second panel via a first communication IF in the first panel and a first communication IF in the second panel; and a second communication unit that communicates between the first panel and the outside of the plurality of panels via a second communication IF in the first panel, wherein the first panel and the second panel communicate via the first communication unit at startup, and correct a deviation in characteristics due to a difference in pixel pitch of light-emitting elements arranged at the boundary between the first panel and the second panel.

[0170] (14) The display device according to (13), wherein the first communication IF in the first panel and the first communication IF in the second panel are communicatively connected by a wired connection.

[0171] (15) The display device according to (13), wherein the first panel and the second panel thin out light-emitting elements of the first panel having the narrow pixel pitch at the boundary between the first panel and the second panel, or correct the panel having low brightness when displaying black to increase its brightness.

[0172] (16) The display device according to (15), wherein the second panel receives, from the first panel, the pixel pitch, resolution, or luminance when displaying black of the first panel as characteristic information.

[0173] (17) The display device according to (1), wherein the first panel and the second panel further include temperature sensors that measure the temperatures of the respective panels, and correct the characteristic deviation due to the temperature characteristics of the first panel and the second panel.

[0174] (18) The display device according to (1), wherein the display device is a head-mounted display.

[0175] (19) An electronic device including a display device, wherein the display device includes: a plurality of panels including a first panel and a second panel; a first communication unit that communicates between the first panel and the second panel via a first communication IF in the first panel and a first communication IF in the second panel; and a second communication unit that communicates between the first panel and an external device of the plurality of panels via a second communication IF in the first panel, wherein the first panel and the second panel communicate via the first communication unit in response to input of a predetermined signal, and correct a deviation in characteristics between the first panel and the second panel.

[0176] (20) The electronic device according to (19), wherein the electronic device is a digital still camera, the first panel is a viewfinder, and the second panel is a rear display.

[0177] 1: Display device, 10: Panel, 13: Bridge, 15: Wiring, 17: Set board, 20: AP, 30: Memory unit, 31: REG, 32: First serial IF, 33: Second serial IF, 34: Characteristics comparison unit, 35: Chromaticity gradation conversion unit, 36: Luminance voltage conversion unit, 37: Gamma gradation conversion unit, 38: Temperature sensor, 50: Video IF, 51: Color signal conversion unit, 52: Input gradation conversion unit, 53: Image signal processing unit, 54: Output gradation conversion unit, 55: Panel driving unit, 56: Display panel, 110: Head mounted display, 111: Display unit, 112: Ear hook unit, 120: Head mounted display, 121: Main body unit, 122: Arm unit, 123: Lens barrel unit, 128: Glasses, 129: Lens, 130: Digital still camera, 131: Camera body, 132: Shooting lens unit, 133: Grip, 134: Monitor, 135: Electronic viewfinder

Claims

1. A display device comprising: a plurality of panels including a first panel and a second panel; a first communication unit that communicates between the first panel and the second panel via a first communication IF in the first panel and a first communication IF in the second panel; and a second communication unit that communicates between the first panel and the outside of the plurality of panels via a second communication IF in the first panel, wherein the first panel and the second panel communicate via the first communication unit in response to input of a predetermined signal, and corrects any discrepancy in characteristics between the first panel and the second panel.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first communication IF in the first panel and the first communication IF in the second panel are communicatively connected by a wired connection.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first panel and the second panel correct deviations in the characteristics due to variations in optical characteristics.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the optical characteristics include at least one of luminance, chromaticity, and gamma value.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the second panel receives at least one of the luminance, chromaticity, and gamma value of the first panel from the first panel as characteristic information.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the second panel adjusts at least one optical characteristic of luminance, chromaticity, and gamma value to match the optical characteristic of the first panel, thereby correcting the deviation of the characteristics.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the second communication unit receives input of the predetermined signal from an AP disposed outside the plurality of panels.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the correction is performed based on an offset amount of characteristic information between the first panel and the second panel.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first panel and the second panel correct the deviation in characteristics due to burn-in of the first panel and the second panel.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein the second panel receives, from the first panel, information indicating the deterioration characteristics of the light emission time or the amount of burn-in of the first panel as characteristic information.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first panel and the second panel correct the deviation in characteristics due to a difference in IR drop amount caused by a difference in power wiring length between the first panel and the second panel.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the second panel receives, from the first panel, the value of the power supply voltage within the first panel as characteristic information.

13. A display device comprising: a plurality of panels including a first panel arranged in the center of a screen and having a relatively narrow pixel pitch; and a second panel arranged around the first panel and having a relatively wide pixel pitch; a first communication unit that communicates between the first panel and the second panel via a first communication IF in the first panel and a first communication IF in the second panel; and a second communication unit that communicates between the first panel and the outside of the plurality of panels via a second communication IF in the first panel, wherein the first panel and the second panel communicate via the first communication unit at startup, and corrects deviations in characteristics due to differences in pixel pitch of light-emitting elements arranged at the boundary between the first panel and the second panel.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the first communication IF in the first panel and the first communication IF in the second panel are communicatively connected by a wired connection.

15. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the first panel and the second panel thin out the light-emitting elements of the first panel having the narrow pixel pitch at the boundary between the first panel and the second panel, or correct the brightness of the panel that has low brightness when displaying black to increase it.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein the second panel receives, from the first panel, the pixel pitch, resolution, or luminance when displaying black of the first panel as characteristic information.

17. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first panel and the second panel further comprise temperature sensors for measuring the temperatures of the respective panels, and correct the deviation in characteristics due to the temperature characteristics of the first panel and the second panel.

18. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is a head-mounted display.

19. An electronic device comprising a display device, the display device comprising: a plurality of panels including a first panel and a second panel; a first communication unit that communicates between the first panel and the second panel via a first communication IF in the first panel and a first communication IF in the second panel; and a second communication unit that communicates between the first panel and the outside of the plurality of panels via a second communication IF in the first panel, wherein the first panel and the second panel communicate via the first communication unit in response to input of a predetermined signal, and corrects a deviation in characteristics between the first panel and the second panel.

20. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the electronic device is a digital still camera, the first panel is a viewfinder, and the second panel is a rear display.

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