Display device and electronic apparatus

Abstract

[Problem] To improve the quality of an image. [Solution] This display device comprises first to third transistors, a control transistor, a drive transistor, and first and second capacitors, which constitute a circuit for driving a light-emitting element. The drive transistor has a first end connected to a power supply line. The control transistor has a first end connected to a second end of the drive transistor, and a second end connected to the light-emitting element. The first transistor has a first end connected to a reference signal line, and a second end connected to a drive terminal of the drive transistor. The second transistor has a first end connected to a signal line. The first capacitor has a first end connected to a second end of the second transistor, and a second end connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor. The second capacitor has a first end connected to the power supply line, and a second end connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor. The third transistor has a first end connected to the second end of the drive transistor, and a second end connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor.

Description

Display device and electronic device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device and an electronic device.

[0002] Elements such as Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Organic electro-luminescence element (organic EL element) are used as light emitting elements for displaying images and videos in a display device. This light emitting element constitutes a pixel together with a circuit for driving it, and emits light with appropriate luminance by controlling this pixel.

[0003] Transistors for driving the light emitting element are provided in each pixel, but their characteristics are not constant. Variations in the characteristics of these transistors, particularly variations in the threshold voltage, may cause variations in the light emission of the light emitting element even when the same luminance value is input.

[0004] The light emitting device corrects the characteristics of this driving transistor in order to suppress variations in light emission, and then causes the light emitting element to emit light. However, the correction for this threshold is affected by the influence of the parasitic capacitance added to the gate of the driving transistor by the bootstrap operation during light emission and the influence of the substrate bias effect. Therefore, even if it is appropriately corrected, variations in light emission may occur for each pixel due to these causes.

[0005] On the other hand, circuits for not degrading the image quality have also been studied, but they require complex constant design, and there are problems such as not being able to freely set the capacitive coupling ratio for input signal writing due to the constraints of this constant design. As a result, it is not possible to cope with the high efficiency of the light emitting element, and it is difficult to maintain gradation accuracy.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-310006

[0007] Therefore, one of the non-limiting problems that the embodiments of this disclosure aim to solve is to improve image quality. The problems that the embodiments of this disclosure aim to solve may, in some more limited examples, be problems corresponding to the effects described in the embodiments. That is, any problem corresponding to at least one of the effects described in the description of the embodiments of this disclosure may be a problem that the embodiments of this disclosure aim to solve.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the display device includes a pixel circuit. The pixel circuit is a circuit for driving a light-emitting element and includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, a control transistor, a drive transistor, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor. The first terminal of the drive transistor is connected to a power line; the first terminal of the control transistor is connected to the second terminal of the drive transistor, and the second terminal is connected to the light-emitting element; the first transistor is connected to a reference signal line, and the second terminal is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor; the second transistor is connected to a signal line; the first terminal of the first capacitor is connected to the second terminal of the second transistor, and the second terminal is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor; the first terminal of the second capacitor is connected to the power line, and the second terminal is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor; the third transistor is connected to the second terminal of the drive transistor, and the second terminal is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor.

[0009] In the pixel circuit, the first transistor, the second transistor, and the third transistor may be turned on, and the control transistor may be turned off, at the timing of correcting the voltage of the node to which the drive terminal of the drive transistor is connected.

[0010] In the above, the potential of the signal line may be set to an initialization potential, in which case current flows through a path including the power line, from the first terminal to the second terminal of the drive transistor, from the first terminal to the second terminal of the third transistor, and from the second terminal to the first terminal of the first transistor.

[0011] In the pixel circuit, the second transistor may be turned on at the timing of writing the brightness signal, while the first transistor, the third transistor, and the control transistor may be turned off.

[0012] In the above, the potential of the signal line may be set to the luminance signal.

[0013] The control transistor and the drive transistor may be p-type transistors.

[0014] The first transistor, the second transistor, and the third transistor may be n-type transistors.

[0015] The first transistor, the second transistor, and the third transistor may be formed using an oxide semiconductor.

[0016] The first transistor, the second transistor, and the third transistor may be p-type transistors.

[0017] The system may further include a fourth transistor, the first of which is connected to the second terminal of the second transistor, the second terminal of which is connected to a reference power line, and the drive terminal of which is connected to the drive terminal of the third transistor.

[0018] The third and fourth transistors may be formed from transistors with the same conductivity type.

[0019] The third transistor and the fourth transistor may be switched on and off at the same time.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the electronic device includes a pixel circuit. The pixel circuit is a circuit for driving a light-emitting element and includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, a control transistor, a drive transistor, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor. The first terminal of the drive transistor is connected to a power line; the first terminal of the control transistor is connected to the second terminal of the drive transistor, and the second terminal is connected to the light-emitting element; the first transistor is connected to a reference signal line, and the second terminal is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor; the second transistor is connected to a signal line; the first terminal of the first capacitor is connected to the second terminal of the second transistor, and the second terminal is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor; the first terminal of the second capacitor is connected to the power line, and the second terminal is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor; the third transistor is connected to the second terminal of the drive transistor, and the second terminal is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor.

[0021] A block diagram schematically showing an example of a part of a display device according to one embodiment. A circuit diagram showing an example of a pixel circuit according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a timing chart of a pixel circuit according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of transistor switching according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of transistor switching according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of transistor switching according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of transistor switching according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of the layout of a pixel circuit according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a part of a pixel circuit according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a part of a pixel circuit according to one embodiment. A circuit diagram showing an example of a pixel circuit according to one embodiment. A diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a semiconductor substrate of a light-emitting device according to one embodiment. A circuit diagram showing an example of a pixel circuit according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a timing chart of a pixel circuit according to one embodiment. An external view of a head-mounted display, which is an electronic device as an example of an application. An external view of smart glasses, which is an electronic device as an example of an application. A front view of a digital camera, which is an electronic device as an example of an application. A rear view of a digital camera, which is an electronic device as an example of an application. An external view of a television device, which is an electronic device as an example of an application. An external view of a smartphone, which is an electronic device as an example of an application. A diagram showing the interior of a vehicle from the rear to the front, which includes an electronic device as an example of an application. A diagram showing the interior of a vehicle, from the rear to the front, as an example of an application, which includes electronic equipment.

[0022] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only, and the shape, size, or size ratio of each component in the actual device does not need to be exactly as shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the drawings are simplified, so any other components necessary for implementation should be appropriately provided in addition to those shown in the drawings.

[0023] In this disclosure, the expressions "turning on" and "turning off" a transistor or switch may be used. However, it should be noted that these expressions are not limited to changing from an off state to an on state and from an on state to an off state, respectively, but can be interpreted, depending on the context, as "maintaining an on state" and "maintaining an off state," respectively.

[0024] This disclosure will be described in the following order: 1. Outline of the display device 2. Example of pixel circuit configuration 3. Example of pixel circuit layout 4. Other example of pixel circuit configuration 5. Example of application to electronic equipment

[0025] <1. Display device>

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a part of a display device according to one embodiment. The display device 1 comprises a pixel array 10, a control circuit 12, a first drive circuit 14, and a second drive circuit 16. The display device 1 is a device that displays images, videos, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "images, etc.") in at least a part of the area of ​​the pixel array 10. The display device 1 may be incorporated into a part of an electronic device.

[0027] The pixel array 10 is a region in which pixels 100 are arranged in a two-dimensional array along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first direction may be, for example, a line direction. The second direction may be, for example, a column direction.

[0028] Each pixel 100 comprises a light-emitting element and a pixel circuit. By emitting light from the light-emitting element in response to a signal supplied to the pixel circuit, it operates as a unit for displaying images and the like in the pixel array 10. Each pixel 100 emits light with a brightness based on the input image information, thereby enabling the display of images and the like in the pixel array 10.

[0029] The light-emitting element may be an organic light-emitting element (including OLED), an inorganic light-emitting element, another LED element, an LD (laser diode) element, or any other element that emits light spontaneously.

[0030] The first and second directions are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the forms of this disclosure are not limited to these directions. For example, the first direction may be the line direction and the second direction may be the column direction.

[0031] Each individual pixel 100 can also emit light of the appropriate color. By combining the emission intensity of each color in each pixel 100 with the emission of the same or different colors from surrounding pixels 100, various colors of light can be emitted. As a result, the display device 1 can display a color image or the like in the pixel array 10.

[0032] Pixel 100 may be formed to emit light of one of the following colors, for example: blue, green, or red. Pixels 100 that emit light of each color may be arranged to emit light of various colors, for example, in a Bayer array. The selection of colors to emit light, the number of colors, and the arrangement of each color are not limited to those described above; other color combinations and arrangements are also possible.

[0033] Alternatively, each of the 100 pixels may be provided with a segmented pixel, and each pixel 100 itself may emit light of various colors and brightness levels. In this case, the color combinations and color arrangements in each individual pixel 100 are not limited, and any configuration that can appropriately emit various colors is acceptable.

[0034] The pixel array 10 may form a display area using all of the pixels 100 it has arranged, or it may form a display area using pixels 100 that belong to a predetermined area among the pixels 100 it has arranged. Pixels 100 located near the outer edge of the pixel array 10 may be, for example, dummy pixels. In this case, the display area where an image or the like is displayed in the pixel 100 can be formed using the pixels 100 excluding these dummy pixels.

[0035] The control circuit 12 is a circuit that appropriately processes the input image information, appropriately distributes it to the pixels 100 belonging to the pixel array 10, and controls the illumination and extinction of the light-emitting elements of these pixels 100. For example, the control circuit 12 can control illumination and extinction by outputting appropriate drive signals to the first drive circuit 14 and the second drive circuit 16. The control circuit 12 can also control the initialization of the pixels 100.

[0036] The first drive circuit 14 selects a line in the pixel array 10 and outputs a signal to drive a light-emitting element for each line. The first drive circuit 14 outputs a control signal to each pixel 100 belonging to each line of the pixel array 10 via the signal line 140.

[0037] The first drive circuit 14 outputs a control signal, for example, via the signal line 140, that enables the pixels 100 belonging to the selected line to be driven. The first drive circuit 14 can also output a control signal, for example, via the signal line 140, to initialize the pixels 100 belonging to the selected line.

[0038] The second drive circuit 16 selects a column in the pixel array 10 and outputs a signal for each column that includes information such as the light emission intensity of the light-emitting element for each pixel 100 in the line selected by the first drive circuit 14. The second drive circuit 16 outputs a control signal to each pixel 100 belonging to each column of the pixel array 10 via the signal line 160.

[0039] The second drive circuit 16 can output a signal indicating the brightness value for a pixel belonging to a line selected by the first drive circuit 14, for example, via the signal line 160.

[0040] That is, based on data such as an image input to the control circuit 12 via an appropriate interface, the control circuit 12 controls the pixel 100 to emit light and extinguish at an appropriate luminance and at an appropriate timing via the first drive circuit 14 and the second drive circuit 16, thereby displaying the input image and the like. Further, the control circuit 12 can control to initialize each pixel 100 at an appropriate timing.

[0041] In FIG. 1, the first drive circuit 14 is provided on the left side facing the drawing and the control circuit 12 is provided on the upper side facing the drawing, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first drive circuit 14 may be provided on both the left and right sides of the drawing, or may be provided on the right side. For example, the control circuit 12 may be provided on both the upper and lower sides of the drawing, or may be provided on the lower side.

[0042] <2. Configuration example of pixel circuit>

[0043] (First Embodiment)

[0044] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram schematically showing an example of a circuit of a pixel 100 according to an embodiment. The pixel 100 includes, for example, a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, a third transistor T3, a first capacitor C1, a second capacitor C2, a drive transistor Tdr, a control transistor Tds, and a light emitting element L.

[0045] The control lines VWS1, VWS2, and VDS are, for example, each one of the signal lines 140, and a control signal is applied from the first drive circuit 14. Further, the reference signal line IREF and the signal line VSL are, for example, one of the signal lines 160, and a reference signal and a luminance signal are respectively provided from the second drive circuit 16.

[0046] In FIG. 1, although only one first drive circuit 14 is shown, a scanning circuit that outputs a control signal to each of the control line VWS1, the control line VWS2, and the control line VDS may be provided. In other words, these scanning circuits can be collectively referred to as the first drive circuit 14. Each scanning circuit outputs a signal to the corresponding control line for each line, for example.

[0047] Similarly, although only one second drive circuit 16 is shown, a scanning circuit that provides a signal current to each of the reference signal line IREF and the signal line VSL may be provided. In other words, these scanning circuits can be collectively referred to as the second drive circuit 16. Each scanning circuit, for example, outputs a signal to the corresponding signal line for each column.

[0048] The first transistor T1 is a transistor for transferring the reference signal output from the second drive circuit 16 into the pixel 100. The first transistor T1 is connected such that, for example, the first end is connected to the reference signal line IREF, the second end is connected to the second ends of the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2, and the gate is connected to the control line VWS1. The first transistor T1 is turned on / off by a control signal applied to the control line VWS1, and in the on state, transfers the reference signal applied to the reference signal line IREF from the first end to the second end.

[0049] As a non-limiting example, the first transistor T1 may be a p-type transistor (including Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor: MOSFET), and in this case, the first end may be the source and the second end may be the drain.

[0050] The second transistor T2 is connected such that the first end is connected to the signal line VSL, the second end is connected to the first end of the first capacitor C1, and the gate is connected to the control line VWS2. The second transistor T2 is turned on / off by a control signal applied to the control line VWS2, and in the on state, transfers the luminance signal applied to the signal line VSL to the first end of the first capacitor C1.

[0051] As an example that is not limited, the second transistor T2 may be a p-type transistor (including a MOSFET), in which case the first terminal may be the source and the second terminal may be the drain.

[0052] The first capacitor C1 has its first terminal connected to the second terminal of the second transistor T2, and its second terminal connected to the second terminal of the first transistor T1, the second terminal of the second capacitor C2, the second terminal of the third transistor T3, and the drive terminal (gate) of the drive transistor Tdr. The first capacitor C1 acts as a capacitor to define the gate potential of the drive transistor Tdr.

[0053] The second capacitor C2 has its first end connected to the power line VCC, and its second end connected to the second end of the first transistor T1, the second end of the first capacitor C1, the second end of the third transistor T3, and the gate of the drive transistor Tdr. Together with the first capacitor C1, the second capacitor C2 acts as a capacitor to define the potential of the gate of the drive transistor Tdr. The power supply voltage Vcc is applied to the power line VCC.

[0054] The third transistor T3 has its first terminal connected to the second terminal of the drive transistor Tdr and the first terminal of the control transistor Tds, and its second terminal connected to the second terminal of the first transistor T1, the second terminal of the first capacitor C1, the second terminal of the second capacitor C2 and the gate of the drive transistor Tdr, and its gate is connected to the control line VWS1. The third transistor T3 is turned on / off by the control signal applied to the control line VWS1, and when it is on, it short-circuits the second terminal of the drive transistor Tdr and the gate of the drive transistor Tdr.

[0055] As an example that is not limited, the third transistor T3 may be a p-type transistor (including a MOSFET), in which case the first terminal may be the source and the second terminal may be the drain.

[0056] The drive transistor Tdr has its first end connected to the power line VCC, its second end connected to the first end of the control transistor Tds and the first end of the third transistor T3, and its gate connected to the second end of the first transistor T1, the second end of the first capacitor C1, the second end of the second capacitor C2, and the second end of the third transistor T3. The drive transistor Tdr flows current from the first end to the second end based on the signal applied to its gate.

[0057] As an example that is not limited, the driving transistor Tdr may be a p-type transistor (including a MOSFET), in which case the first terminal may be the source and the second terminal may be the drain.

[0058] The control transistor Tds has its first end connected to the second end of the drive transistor Tdr and the first end of the third transistor T3, its second end connected to the light-emitting element L (for example, the anode of the light-emitting element L), and its gate connected to the control line VDS. The control transistor Tds is turned on / off by a control signal applied to the control line VDS, and in the on state (and when the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, and the third transistor T3 are off), it directs the current output by the drive transistor Tdr (including the current based on this current) to the anode of the light-emitting element L.

[0059] As an example that is not limited, the control transistor Tds may be a p-type transistor (including a MOSFET), in which case the first terminal may be the source and the second terminal may be the drain.

[0060] As described above, the light-emitting element L is, for example, an LED. The anode of the light-emitting element L is connected to the second terminal of the control transistor Tds, and the cathode is connected to the power line VCATH. The power line VCATH applies a cathode voltage Vcath so that the light-emitting element L can emit light properly. The light-emitting element L emits light at the appropriate intensity when the control transistor Tds is turned on, with the drive transistor Tdr able to supply current based on the brightness signal.

[0061] Figure 3 shows an example of a timing chart for the pixel circuit shown in Figure 2 according to one embodiment. From top to bottom, the chart shows the control signals applied to control lines VWS1, VWS2, and VDS, the signal applied to signal line VSL, the potential of the first terminal of the first capacitor C1, and the potentials of nodes S and G (source and gate of the drive transistor Tdr) shown in Figure 2. In the circuit diagram used for explanation, dashed lines indicate paths that are not electrically connected due to the switch being in the off state.

[0062] The leftmost figure shows the light emission period of the previous frame. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the state of the transistors during the light emission period according to one embodiment. During the light emission period, the control transistor Tds is turned on, and the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, and the third transistor T3 are turned off, causing a current according to the gate potential of the drive transistor Tdr to flow from the power line VCC to the light-emitting element L, and the light-emitting element L emits light based on the gate potential of the drive transistor Tdr.

[0063] When the light emission period ends, pixel 100 is quenched. Figure 5 shows the state of the transistors during the quenching period according to one embodiment. During the quenching period, the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, the third transistor T3, and the control transistor Tds are turned off. When the control transistor Tds is turned off, the drain current of the drive transistor Tdr does not flow to the light-emitting element L, and the light-emitting element L transitions to the quenched state.

[0064] Next, the control circuit 12 performs Vth correction processing for pixel 100. Figure 6 shows the state of the transistors during the Vth correction period according to one embodiment. During the Vth correction period, the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, and the third transistor T3 are turned on, and the control transistor Tds is turned off. With the control transistor Tds turned off, the extinguishing state of the light-emitting element L continues, and during this time the gate and drain potentials of the drive transistor Tdr are initialized.

[0065] During this period, current flows from the power line VCC to the reference signal line IREF through the paths from the first to the second terminal of the drive transistor Tdr, from the first to the second terminal of the third transistor T3, and from the second to the first terminal of the first transistor T1. Since the gate of the drive transistor Tdr is between the second terminal of the third transistor T3 and the first terminal of the second transistor T2, the carriers accumulated at this node are also initialized by the same current path. In this state, an initialization voltage Vofs is applied to the signal line VSL, so the potential at the first terminal of the first capacitor C1 is the initialization potential Vofs, and the potential at the second terminal is the potential due to the reference signal Iref, causing carriers to move and initializing each connected node.

[0066] In other words, the drain current flows through the drive transistor Tdr until the gate-source voltage of the drive transistor Tdr becomes voltage Vref, at which point it reaches equilibrium. This gate potential is maintained by the second capacitor C2. Meanwhile, carriers corresponding to this voltage Vref are accumulated at the first end of the first capacitor C1 via the second transistor T2 from the signal line VSL.

[0067] As shown in Figure 3, during this Vth correction period, the gate potential of the drive transistor Tdr is corrected to the voltage Vref. Note that depending on the coefficients of the elements constituting the circuit, transient voltages shown by the dotted line may occur, but this does not pose a particular problem. The voltage Vref can be expressed as follows. Here, Vth is the threshold voltage of the drive transistor Tdr, μ is the carrier mobility, W is the channel width, L is the channel length, and Cox is the gate oxide capacitance per unit area.

[0068] After Vth correction is complete, the control circuit 12 transitions to the luminance signal writing period for the drive transistor Tdr. Figure 7 shows the state of the transistors during the luminance signal writing period according to one embodiment. During the luminance signal writing period, the first transistor T1, the third transistor T3, and the control transistor Tds are turned off, and the second transistor T2 is turned on after being turned off once. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the luminance signal Vsig is applied to the signal line VSL, and the second transistor T2 is turned on, thereby defining the luminance signal at the gate node of the drive transistor Tdr via the second transistor T2 and the first capacitor C1, through the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2.

[0069] The luminance signal applied to the signal line VSL is applied to the first terminal of the first capacitor C1 via the second transistor T2. As a result, the voltage indicated by the lower arrow in Figure 3 is expressed as follows, depending on the coupling capacitance of the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2. Here, the voltage Vcc is the voltage applied from the power line VCC.

[0070] As a result, during the writing period, the gate-source voltage Vgs of the drive transistor Tdr can be expressed as follows:

[0071] Then, as shown in Figure 4, pixel 100, which has transitioned to the light-emitting period, emits light by allowing the drain current of the drive transistor Tdr to flow to the light-emitting element L via the control transistor Tds. The drain current of a transistor is generally expressed by the following equation. Here, μ is the carrier mobility, W is the channel width, L is the channel length, and Cox is the gate oxide capacitance per unit area. Substituting equation (5) into Vgs in equation (4), the drain current of the drive transistor Tdr, i.e., the light-emitting current of the light-emitting element L, can be expressed as follows.

[0072] In this way, the influence of the threshold voltage Vth on the light-emitting current of the light-emitting element L can be eliminated. As a result, the circuit configuration shown in Figure 2 makes it possible to achieve light emission that compensates for variations in Vth.

[0073] As described above, according to this embodiment, the display device 1 can display high-quality images with suppressed effects of light-emitting bootstrap and substrate bias. Furthermore, by sharing the initialization power supply with another potential within the pixel, high resolution and high yield can be achieved in the layout. In addition, the amplitude of the luminance signal Vsig can be sufficiently increased by capacitive voltage division, thereby improving the accuracy of gradation.

[0074] <3. Pixel Circuit Layout Examples>

[0075] Next, we will describe an example of a pixel circuit layout. Figure 8 is an example of a layout that is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2. For example, it shows the transistor configuration of 100 pixels, each representing one of the three primary colors, RGB.

[0076] The final r, g, and b in the component signs indicate the components of the red-emitting, green-emitting, and blue-emitting pixels, respectively. G represents node G in Figure 2, and Vin represents the node between the second transistor T2 and the first capacitor C1. As shown in this figure, a simplified layout configuration can be achieved by initializing each pixel 100 using its own power supply.

[0077] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the positions of capacitors and various wirings in a pixel circuit according to one embodiment. As shown in this figure, the pixel 100 may be formed with control lines, signal lines, and other wirings arranged on a transistor, and various capacitors provided on top thereof. The transistor, wiring, and capacitors are electrically connected via contacts as needed.

[0078] Note that the arrangement examples are not limited to those shown here; other arrangements such as the one shown in Figure 10 are also possible. By sharing the initialization power supply with other power supplies within pixel 100, it is possible to reduce wiring and transistors, resulting in a simple layout as shown in these figures. This allows for higher resolution and a simpler configuration, thus increasing yield.

[0079] <4. Other examples of pixel circuit configurations>

[0080] (Second Embodiment)

[0081] Figure 11 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a pixel 100 according to one embodiment, which is not limited to this example. The pixel 100 is similar in that it comprises a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, a third transistor T3, a control transistor Tds, a drive transistor Tdr, a first capacitor C1, and a second capacitor C2. Unlike the first embodiment described above, the pixel 100 can be configured such that the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, and the third transistor T3 are n-type transistors (including MOSFETs), as an example that is not limited to this example.

[0082] In this case, the first terminal of the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, and the third transistor T3 can be interpreted as the drain and the second terminal as the source. Furthermore, in Figure 3, the same operation as in the first embodiment can be achieved by inverting the voltages applied to the control lines VWS1 and VWS2.

[0083] Thus, some transistors can be made n-type. The transistor configuration may be appropriately selected and determined depending on the layout and other configurations.

[0084] This configuration is particularly effective, for example, when using oxide semiconductors. Figure 12 schematically shows an example of a configuration of a display device 1 having an oxide semiconductor layer, which is not limited to this example. The display device 1 may be configured, for example, with a first substrate 30, a second substrate 32, and a third substrate 34.

[0085] The first substrate 30 may be, for example, a layer on which a light-emitting element such as an LED and an optical system associated with the light-emitting element are formed.

[0086] The second substrate 32 may be, for example, an oxide semiconductor layer on which an oxide semiconductor is formed. n-type transistors, such as a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, and a third transistor T3, can be formed on this second substrate 32. That is, the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, and the third transistor T3 can be formed as transistors having an oxide semiconductor such as IGZO. Of course, the oxide semiconductor is not limited to IGZO; each transistor may be formed using a different oxide semiconductor.

[0087] The third substrate 34 may be, for example, a layer on which components other than the transistors described above and other logic circuits are formed.

[0088] Each substrate may be connected by any method. For example, an electrical connection may be formed by creating a metal joint in each layer and then applying heat while the layers are bonded together. Alternatively, each layer may be joined by via holes, microbumps, or the like.

[0089] Any joining method can be used for the joining units. For example, each layer may be stacked using any unit such as Chip on Chip (CoC), Chip on Wafer (CoW), or Wafer on Wafer (WoW).

[0090] As described above, some transistors can be formed as n-type transistors. In particular, by forming some transistors as oxide semiconductor transistors, it is possible to create a display device 1 that takes advantage of the manufacturing, structural, and operational benefits of using oxide semiconductors.

[0091] (Third embodiment)

[0092] Figure 13 is a circuit diagram showing an unspecified example of a pixel 100 according to one embodiment. The basic configuration is the same as that of the pixel 100 according to the first embodiment, but it can also be configured to include a fourth transistor T4.

[0093] The fourth transistor T4 has its first end connected to the second end of the second transistor T2 and the first end of the first capacitor C1, its second end connected to the reference power line VOFS, and its gate connected to the gate of the third transistor T3, i.e., the control line VWS1. In this configuration as well, operation similar to the first embodiment can be achieved using the power supply within the pixel 100. The fourth transistor T4 is a transistor of the same conductivity type as the third transistor T3 and is switched on / off at the same timing as the third transistor T3 (and the first transistor T1). A reference voltage Vofs is applied to the reference power line VOFS.

[0094] Figure 14 shows an example of a timing chart for the pixel circuit shown in Figure 13. From top to bottom, the chart shows the control signals applied to control lines VWS1, VWS2, and VDS, the signal applied to signal line VSL, the potential of the first terminal of the first capacitor C1, and the potentials of nodes S and G shown in Figure 13.

[0095] The luminance signal Vsig for the current frame is applied to the signal line VSL at an appropriate time after the writing of the previous frame is complete.

[0096] At the timing of extinction, the first transistor T1, the second transistor T2, the third transistor T3, the fourth transistor T4, and the control transistor Tds are turned off, and the drain current of the drive transistor Tdr is controlled so that it does not flow to the light-emitting element L.

[0097] At the timing of Vth correction, the second transistor T2 and the control transistor Tds remain off, while the first transistor T1, the third transistor T3, and the fourth transistor T4 are turned on. When the fourth transistor T4 is turned on, the potential of the first terminal of the first capacitor C1 transitions to the reference voltage Vofs. In other words, the same operation as in the first embodiment can be achieved. As a result, the same operation as in the first embodiment can be achieved without lowering the potential of the signal line VSL to the initialization potential, and without turning on the second transistor T2 at this timing.

[0098] The subsequent operation is equivalent to that of the first embodiment described above. The set voltage and the current flowing through the light-emitting element L also conform to equations (1) to (6) described above.

[0099] As described above, this embodiment also makes it possible to perform Vth correction appropriately, as shown in equations (5) and (6), similar to the previously described embodiment, and achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0100] <5. Examples of applications for electronic equipment>

[0101] Next, we will describe some application examples of the display device / display system described in the above embodiments.

[0102] (First application example)

[0103] The display device 1 described herein is also applicable to head-mounted displays (HMDs). HMDs can be used for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), substitutional reality (SR), etc.

[0104] Figure 15 is an external view of HMD 320, which is a first application example of the display device / system. The HMD 320 in Figure 15 has a mounting member 322 for wearing over a person's eyes. This mounting member 322 is secured, for example, by hooking onto a person's ears.

[0105] A display device 321 is located inside the HMD 320, allowing the wearer to view stereoscopic images and other content on this display device 321. The HMD 320 is equipped with features such as wireless communication and an accelerometer, and can switch the stereoscopic images and other content displayed on the display device 321 according to the wearer's posture and gestures.

[0106] Alternatively, the HMD 320 may be equipped with a camera to capture images of the wearer's surroundings, and the display device 321 may display a composite image of the camera's captured images and a computer-generated image.

[0107] For example, by placing a camera on the back side of the display device 321 that the wearer of the HMD 320 sees, and using this camera to capture images of the area around the wearer's eyes, and displaying these images on a separate display on the outer surface of the HMD 320, people around the wearer can understand the wearer's facial expressions and eye movements in real time.

[0108] (Second application example)

[0109] Various types of HMD 320 are possible. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the display device / display system according to this disclosure can also be applied to smart glasses 340 that project various information onto eyeglasses 344.

[0110] The smart glasses 340 in Figure 16 have a main body 341, an arm 342, and a lens barrel 343.

[0111] The main unit 341 is connected to the arm unit 342. The main unit 341 is detachable from the glasses 344. The main unit 341 contains a control board and display unit for controlling the operation of the smart glasses 340.

[0112] The main body 341 and the lens barrel are connected to each other via the arm 342. The lens barrel 343 emits the image light emitted from the main body 341 through the arm 342 towards the lens 345 of the glasses 344. This image light enters the human eye through the lens 345.

[0113] As shown in Figure 16, the wearer of the smart glasses 340 can see not only the surrounding environment but also various information emitted from the lens barrel 343, just like with regular glasses.

[0114] (Third application example)

[0115] The display device / display system described herein is applicable not only to various displays used in vehicles, but also to displays mounted on various electronic devices.

[0116] Figure 17A is a front view of a digital camera 310, which is a third application example of the display device / display system, and Figure 17B is a rear view of the digital camera 310. The digital camera 310 in Figures 17A and 17B shows an example of a single-lens reflex camera with an interchangeable lens 312, but it is also applicable to cameras in which the lens 312 cannot be changed.

[0117] In the cameras shown in Figures 17A and 17B, when the photographer holds the grip 313 of the camera body 311, looks through the electronic viewfinder 315 to compose the shot, adjusts the focus, and presses the shutter button, the shooting data is saved to the camera's memory.

[0118] As shown in Figure 17B, the rear of the camera is equipped with a monitor screen 314 that displays shooting data and live images, and an electronic viewfinder 315. Additionally, the top of the camera may have a sub-screen that displays setting information such as shutter speed and exposure value.

[0119] By placing the sensor on top of the back side of the monitor screen 314, electronic viewfinder 315, sub-screen, etc. used in the camera, it can be used as a display device / display system according to this disclosure.

[0120] (Fourth application example)

[0121] Figure 18 shows an example of the appearance of the television device 330. The television device 330 has a video display screen section 331 which includes a front panel 332 and a filter glass 333.

[0122] The technology described in the above embodiment can be applied to this video display screen unit 331.

[0123] (Fifth Application Example) Figure 19 shows an example of the appearance of a smartphone 350. The smartphone 350 has a display unit 351 that displays various information and an operation unit 352 that includes buttons and the like that accept user input.

[0124] The technology described in the above embodiment can be applied to this display unit 351.

[0125] (Sixth application example)

[0126] The display device / display system according to this disclosure can be used for various applications. Figures 20A and 20B show the internal configuration of a vehicle 360, which is a sixth application example of the display device / display system according to this disclosure. Figure 20A shows the interior of the vehicle 360 ​​from the rear to the front, and Figure 20B shows the interior of the vehicle 360 ​​from the diagonal rear to the diagonal front.

[0127] The vehicle 360 ​​in Figures 20A and 20B includes a center display 361, a console display 362, a head-up display 363, a digital rear mirror 364, a steering wheel display 365, and a rear entertainment display 366.

[0128] The center display 361 is located on the dashboard 367, facing the driver's seat 368 and the passenger seat 369. Figures 20A and 20B show an example of a horizontally elongated center display 361 extending from the driver's seat 368 to the passenger seat 369, but the screen size and placement of the center display 361 are arbitrary.

[0129] The center display 361 can display information detected by various sensors. Specifically, the center display 361 can display images captured by an image sensor, distance images to obstacles in front of and to the sides of the vehicle measured by a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor, and passenger body temperature detected by an infrared sensor. The center display 361 can be used to display, for example, at least one of safety-related information, operation-related information, life logs, health-related information, authentication / identification-related information, and entertainment-related information.

[0130] Safety-related information includes data such as drowsiness detection, distraction detection, detection of mischief by a passenger, seatbelt usage status, and detection of an unattended occupant. This information is detected, for example, by sensors positioned on the back of the center display 361.

[0131] Operation-related information is obtained by detecting occupant gestures using sensors. The detected gestures may include the operation of various equipment within the vehicle's 360-degree space. For example, the operation of air conditioning, navigation systems, AV equipment, lighting systems, etc., may be detected.

[0132] The life log includes the life logs of all occupants. For example, the life log includes a record of each occupant's actions while on board. By acquiring and saving life logs, it is possible to determine the state of the occupants at the time of an accident.

[0133] Health-related information is obtained by detecting the occupant's body temperature using a temperature sensor and inferring their health status based on the detected temperature. Alternatively, the occupant's face may be captured using an image sensor, and their health status may be inferred from the captured facial expression. Furthermore, the occupant may be spoken to using an automated voice system, and their health status may be inferred based on their responses.

[0134] Authentication / identification-related information includes features such as a keyless entry function that uses sensors for facial recognition, and an automatic seat height and position adjustment function based on facial recognition.

[0135] Entertainment-related information includes functions that use sensors to detect information on how occupants operate AV equipment, and functions that use sensors to recognize occupants' faces and provide content tailored to them through the AV equipment.

[0136] The console display 362 can be used, for example, to display life log information. The console display 362 is located near the shift lever 371 on the center console 370 between the driver's seat 368 and the passenger seat 369. The console display 362 can also display information detected by various sensors. In addition, the console display 362 may display images of the area around the vehicle captured by an image sensor, or distance images to obstacles around the vehicle.

[0137] The head-up display 363 is virtually displayed behind the windshield 372 in front of the driver's seat 368. The head-up display 363 can be used to display, for example, at least one of safety-related information, operation-related information, life logs, health-related information, authentication / identification-related information, and entertainment-related information. Because the head-up display 363 is often virtually positioned in front of the driver's seat 368, it is suitable for displaying information directly related to the operation of the vehicle 360, such as the vehicle's speed and fuel (battery) level.

[0138] The digital rearview mirror 364 can not only display the area behind the vehicle 360, but also show the condition of the rear-seat occupants. By placing a sensor on top of the back of the digital rearview mirror 364, it can be used, for example, to display life log information.

[0139] The steering wheel display 365 is positioned near the center of the steering wheel 373 of the vehicle 360. The steering wheel display 365 can be used to display at least one of the following: safety-related information, operation-related information, life log, health-related information, authentication / identification-related information, and entertainment-related information. In particular, because the steering wheel display 365 is located near the driver's hands, it is suitable for displaying life log information such as the driver's body temperature, or information related to the operation of AV equipment, air conditioning equipment, etc.

[0140] The rear entertainment display 366 is mounted on the back of the driver's seat 368 or passenger seat 369 and is intended for viewing by rear-seat passengers. The rear entertainment display 366 can be used to display at least one of the following: safety-related information, operation-related information, life logs, health-related information, authentication / identification-related information, and entertainment-related information. In particular, because the rear entertainment display 366 is in front of the rear-seat passengers, it displays information relevant to them. For example, it may display information related to the operation of AV equipment or air conditioning equipment, or it may display the results of temperature sensor measurements of rear-seat passengers' body temperature, etc.

[0141] As mentioned above, by placing sensors on the back side of a display device / display system, it is possible to measure the distance to surrounding objects. Optical distance measurement methods can be broadly divided into passive and active types.

[0142] Passive distance measurement methods do not project light onto an object from the sensor, but rather measure distance by receiving light from the object. Examples of passive methods include the lens focusing method, the stereo method, and the monocular method.

[0143] Active radar systems measure distance by projecting light onto an object and receiving the reflected light with a sensor. Examples of active radar systems include optical radar, active stereo, illuminance difference stereo, moiré topography, and interferometry.

[0144] The display device 1 according to this disclosure is applicable to any of these distance measurement methods. By using a sensor placed on top of the back side of the display device 1 according to this disclosure, the passive or active distance measurement described above can be performed.

[0145] The embodiments described above may also take the following forms.

[0146] (1) A display device comprising a pixel circuit for driving a light-emitting element, the pixel circuit comprising: a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, a control transistor, a drive transistor, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor, wherein the first end of the drive transistor is connected to a power line, the first end of the control transistor is connected to the second end of the drive transistor and the second end is connected to the light-emitting element, the first end of the first transistor is connected to a reference signal line and the second end is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor, the first end of the second transistor is connected to a signal line, the first end of the first capacitor is connected to the second end of the second transistor and the second end is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor, the first end of the second capacitor is connected to the power line and the second end is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor, and the third transistor is connected to the second end of the drive transistor and the second end is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor.

[0147] (2) The display device according to (1), wherein the pixel circuit is such that, at the timing of voltage correction of the node to which the drive terminal of the drive transistor is connected, the first transistor, the second transistor and the third transistor are turned on and the control transistor is turned off.

[0148] In the above, the potential of the signal line is set to the initialization potential. In this state, current is passed through a path including the power line, from the first terminal to the second terminal of the drive transistor, from the first terminal to the second terminal of the third transistor, and from the second terminal to the first terminal of the first transistor.

[0149] (3) The display device according to (1) or (2), wherein the pixel circuit is such that, at the timing of writing the brightness signal, the second transistor is turned on and the first transistor, the third transistor and the control transistor are turned off.

[0150] In the above, the potential of the signal line is set to the luminance signal.

[0151] (4) The display device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control transistor and the drive transistor are p-type transistors.

[0152] (5) The display device according to (4), wherein the first transistor, the second transistor and the third transistor are n-type transistors.

[0153] (6) The display device according to (5), wherein the first transistor, the second transistor and the third transistor are formed using an oxide semiconductor.

[0154] (7) The display device according to (4), wherein the first transistor, the second transistor and the third transistor are p-type transistors.

[0155] (8) The display device according to any one of (1) to (7), further comprising: a fourth transistor, the first of which is connected to the second terminal of the second transistor, the second terminal of which is connected to a reference power line, and the drive terminal is connected to the drive terminal of the third transistor.

[0156] (9) The display device according to (8), wherein the third transistor and the fourth transistor are formed from transistors of the same conductivity type.

[0157] (10) The display device according to (9), wherein the third transistor and the fourth transistor are turned on and off at the same time.

[0158] (11) A pixel circuit for driving a light-emitting element, comprising: a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, a control transistor, a drive transistor, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor, wherein the first end of the drive transistor is connected to a power line, the first end of the control transistor is connected to the second end of the drive transistor and the second end is connected to the light-emitting element, the first end of the first transistor is connected to a reference signal line and the second end is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor, the first end of the second transistor is connected to a signal line, the first end of the first capacitor is connected to the second end of the second transistor and the second end is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor, the first end of the second capacitor is connected to the power line and the second end is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor, and the third transistor is connected to the second end of the drive transistor and the second end is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor, electronic equipment.

[0159] The aspects of this disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described above, but include various conceivable variations, and the effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above. The components in each embodiment may be appropriately combined and applied. That is, various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible, as long as they do not deviate from the conceptual idea and spirit of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents.

[0160] 1: Display device, 10: Pixel array, 100: Pixel, T1: First transistor, T2: Second transistor, T3: Third transistor, T4: Fourth transistor, Tds: Control transistor, Tdr: Drive transistor, C1: First capacitor, C2: Second capacitor, L: Light-emitting element, VSL: Signal line, VWS1: Control line, VWS2: Control line, VDS: Control line, VCC: Power line, VCATH: Power line, IREF: Reference signal line, VOFS: Reference power line, 12: Control circuit, 14: First drive circuit, 140: Signal line, 16: Second drive circuit, 160: Signal line, 30: First board, 32: Second board, 34: Third board, 310: Digital camera, 311: Camera body, 312: Lens, 313: Grip 314: Monitor screen, 315: Electronic viewfinder, 320: HMD, 321: Display device, 322: Mounting component, 330: Television device, 331: Video display screen section, 332: Front panel, 333: Filter glass, 340: Smart glasses, 341: Main unit, 342: Arm section, 343: Lens barrel section, 344: Glasses, 345: Lens, 350: Smartphone, 351: Display unit, 352: Control unit, 360: Vehicle, 361: Center display, 362: Console display, 363: Head-up display, 364: Digital rear mirror, 365: Steering wheel display, 366: Rear entertainment display, 367: Dashboard, 368: Driver's seat, 369: Passenger seat, 370: Center console, 371: Shift lever, 372: Windshield, 373: Steering wheel

Claims

1. A display device comprising a pixel circuit for driving a light-emitting element, the pixel circuit comprising: a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, a control transistor, a drive transistor, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor, wherein the first end of the drive transistor is connected to a power line, the first end of the control transistor is connected to the second end of the drive transistor and the second end is connected to the light-emitting element, the first end of the first transistor is connected to a reference signal line and the second end is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor, the first end of the second transistor is connected to a signal line, the first end of the first capacitor is connected to the second end of the second transistor and the second end is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor, the first end of the second capacitor is connected to the power line and the second end is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor, and the third transistor is connected to the second end of the drive transistor and the second end is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the pixel circuit is configured such that, at the timing of voltage correction of the node to which the drive terminal of the drive transistor is connected, the first transistor, the second transistor and the third transistor are turned on and the control transistor is turned off.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the pixel circuit is turned on at the timing of writing the brightness signal, and the first transistor, the third transistor, and the control transistor are turned off.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the control transistor and the drive transistor are p-type transistors.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the first transistor, the second transistor, and the third transistor are n-type transistors.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the first transistor, the second transistor, and the third transistor are formed using an oxide semiconductor.

7. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the first transistor, the second transistor, and the third transistor are p-type transistors.

8. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth transistor, the first of which is connected to the second terminal of the second transistor, the second of which is connected to a reference power line, and the drive terminal is connected to the drive terminal of the third transistor.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the third transistor and the fourth transistor are formed from transistors of the same conductivity type.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein the third transistor and the fourth transistor are switched on / off at the same time.

11. A pixel circuit for driving a light-emitting element, comprising: a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, a control transistor, a drive transistor, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor, wherein the first end of the drive transistor is connected to a power line, the first end of the control transistor is connected to the second end of the drive transistor and the second end is connected to the light-emitting element, the first end of the first transistor is connected to a reference signal line and the second end is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor, the first end of the second transistor is connected to a signal line, the first end of the first capacitor is connected to the second end of the second transistor and the second end is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor, the first end of the second capacitor is connected to the power line and the second end is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor, and the third transistor is connected to the second end of the drive transistor and the second end is connected to the drive terminal of the drive transistor, electronic equipment.

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