JP2006267558A - Method and apparatus for adjusting electro-optical device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adjust an electric potential of a counter electrode of an electro-optical device adopting a driving method having a relatively fast polarity reversal period such as area scanning double speed V reversal driving, for example, a liquid crystal device. Enable.
An electro-optical device adjustment method is an adjustment method of an electro-optical device for adjusting a potential of a counter electrode in an electro-optical device, and is emitted from an image display region by combining two or more electro-optical devices. A color composition projection step of combining the light to be projected onto the screen as a single projection image, and an adjustment step of adjusting the potential so as to reduce the color break phenomenon in the projection image.
[Selection] Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field of an adjustment method and apparatus for adjusting a potential of a counter electrode in an electro-optical device such as a liquid crystal device.

  For example, in an electro-optical device such as a liquid crystal device, it is desirable to prevent the electro-optical material from being deteriorated by applying a DC electric field to the electro-optical material such as liquid crystal, and to reduce flicker in a display image. For this reason, inversion driving is performed so that the electric field applied to the electro-optical material between the counter electrode and the pixel electrode is alternately positive and negative with respect to a predetermined potential or a reference potential at an appropriate period. It is common to do. For example, there is field inversion driving in which the polarity is inverted for each screen, that is, for each field period or for each vertical scanning period. Alternatively, there is horizontal line inversion driving (for example, 1H inversion driving) for inverting the polarity for each scanning line line, that is, for each horizontal scanning period. Further, there are vertical line inversion driving (for example, 1S inversion driving) for inverting the polarity for each data line line and dot inversion driving for inverting the polarity for each vertical and horizontal dot. In the case of performing such inversion driving, from the viewpoint of avoiding the application of a DC electric field and having the same gradation in the positive polarity and the negative polarity, the optimum value of the potential of the counter electrode is the positive polarity and the negative polarity. This is the central value.

  Therefore, conventionally, the following method has been widely used as an adjustment method for adjusting the potential of the counter electrode in such an electro-optical device to an optimum value.

  That is, first, three electro-optical devices are combined as RGB light valves, and the light emitted from each light valve is synthesized and projected onto the screen as a single RGB color image. In this state, flicker is visually observed. Here, the more the potential of the counter electrode deviates from its optimum value, the greater the degree of flicker that is visible. Conversely, the closer the potential of the counter electrode is to its optimum value, the smaller the level of flicker that is visible. For this reason, by visually observing the flicker and adjusting the flicker to be small, the potential of the counter electrode can be adjusted to the optimum value.

JP 2000-221925 A

  By the way, the present inventors have found a unique driving method for displaying an image by scanning a plurality of partial areas obtained by dividing the image display area by dividing lines along the scanning lines as follows. ing. That is, according to this driving method, the driving circuit generates a scanning signal based on the horizontal synchronizing signal and the vertical synchronizing signal, and supplies the scanning signal to each partial area alternately and sequentially to each scanning line. In addition, for two partial regions that are paired among a plurality of partial regions, a pixel portion of one partial region of the two partial regions and a pixel portion of the other partial region of the two partial regions are scanned lines. The image signal generated on the basis of the display data by the drive circuit is supplied to each data line so as to be driven based on the image signals having different polarities with respect to the reference potential in the cycle in which is selected. According to such a driving method, when the plurality of partial areas are two partial areas, one screen is displayed on each pixel portion in one field period defined by the interval between the output timings of the two vertical synchronization signals. The image signal to be written is written twice with the polarity changed. In the specification of the present application, such driving is hereinafter referred to as “region scanning double speed V inversion driving” (that is, “region scanning double speed field inversion driving”). However, the present invention is not limited to this area scanning double speed V inversion drive, and may be n times or more of double speed. In other words, the area scanning double speed V inversion driving referred to here includes the case of n times as high as double speed or more in a broad sense. According to the area scanning double speed V inversion driving, even if flicker occurs, since the frequency is high, flicker that can be visually recognized can be reduced extremely effectively.

  However, in the adjustment method in which the potential of the counter electrode is set to the optimum value by visually observing the flicker as described above, the frequency of flicker is doubled or more in the case of the area scanning double speed V inversion driving. , I can not see the flicker of importance. That is, observing flicker causes a very serious technical problem that the potential of the counter electrode cannot be adjusted.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. For example, even in an electro-optical device that employs a driving method having a relatively fast polarity inversion period, such as the above-described area scanning double speed V inversion driving, It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustment method and apparatus for an electro-optical device that makes it possible to adjust the potential of a counter electrode.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the electro-optical device adjustment method of the present invention includes a pair of first and second substrates bonded together, and (i) a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in an image display region; A plurality of data lines and a plurality of scanning lines crossing each other, (iii) a plurality of switching elements provided corresponding to the plurality of pixel electrodes, and (iv) a plurality of pixel electrodes, respectively. An electro-optical device adjustment method for adjusting a potential of the counter electrode in an electro-optical device including the counter electrode, wherein two or more electro-optical devices are combined and light emitted from the image display region Are combined and projected onto the screen as a single projected image, and an adjustment step is performed to adjust the potential so that the color break phenomenon in the projected image is reduced.

  According to the method for adjusting an electro-optical device of the present invention, for example, an active matrix drive type electro-optical device is adjusted.

  That is, according to this type of electro-optical device, during the operation, the image signal is supplied via the data line to the switching element corresponding to the scanning line to which the scanning signal is supplied. For example, a scanning signal is supplied from a scanning line to a pixel electrode electrically connected to these switching elements, and a switching element such as a thin film transistor (hereinafter referred to as “TFT”) is turned on. Thus, an image signal is supplied from the corresponding data line via the switching element. For this reason, a voltage is applied to the electro-optical material such as liquid crystal between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode based on the image signal, and image display is performed.

  In particular, according to the method for adjusting an electro-optical device according to the present invention, when adjusting the above-described electro-optical device, first, in the color composition projection step, for example, the above-described three electro-optical devices are used for RGB. The three light valves are combined and the light emitted from each light valve is combined and projected onto the screen as a single RGB color image. Next, a color break phenomenon is generated in the projected image. Here, the “color break phenomenon” is a phenomenon that occurs due to the interaction between the movement of the image and the movement of the viewer's eyes. When the object image moving on the background image is followed by the eye, This refers to a phenomenon in which an afterimage of a predetermined color such as a rainbow color is seen, in other words, the object image appears to move with a certain color tail. For example, a phenomenon in which a rainbow-colored afterimage is visible behind the ball when following the fast ball movement on the image. Generally, it is also called “color breakup phenomenon” or “rainbow effect”, and is a well-known phenomenon in a technical field such as DMD (Digital Mirror Device). Specifically, for example, the projected image has a pattern that is a plain, relatively light color, preferably a white background, a color darker than the background color, for example, a black square at the center. An image. A color break phenomenon occurs by moving this quadrangle left and right or up and down.

  Next, in the adjustment step, the color break phenomenon is visually observed in this state. Here, the more the potential of the counter electrode deviates from the optimum value, the greater the level of color break phenomenon that is visible. Conversely, the closer the potential of the counter electrode is to its optimum value, the smaller the visually observed color break phenomenon. Therefore, by visually observing the color break phenomenon and adjusting the color break phenomenon to be small, the potential of the counter electrode can be adjusted to the optimum value. Here, “reducing the color break phenomenon” means to make the color break phenomenon less likely to occur, preferably to prevent it from occurring at all. Specifically, for example, the potential of the counter electrode is changed until the rainbow afterimage becomes invisible.

  Here, in particular, when the driving frequency of the active matrix drive is higher than a predetermined value determined according to the visual power of the observer, flicker does not occur to the extent that it can be visually observed. Even when the driving frequency is higher than the predetermined value, the frequency is visible to the same observer. Therefore, even when the driving frequency of the active matrix drive is high enough that flicker does not occur with normal visual observation, such as area scanning double speed V inversion and double speed V inversion, the potential of the counter electrode can be reduced by reducing the color break phenomenon. It becomes possible to adjust the potential of the counter electrode so as to approach the optimum.

  According to one aspect of the method for adjusting an electro-optical device of the present invention, a plurality of partial areas obtained by dividing the image display area by dividing lines along the scanning lines are compared with the plurality of partial areas. A scanning line driving circuit for supplying a scanning signal in turn to the plurality of scanning lines included in each partial region, and each of the plurality of partial regions is 1 / n of a horizontal scanning period in display data. An image signal supply circuit that generates an image signal based on the display data and supplies the image data to the plurality of data lines so that horizontal scanning is performed with a period of n (where n is a natural number of 2 or more) as one horizontal scanning period. This is an adjustment method for adjusting the potential of the counter electrode in the electro-optical device including the above.

  According to this aspect, the electro-optical device that performs area scanning driving such as area scanning double speed V inversion driving is adjusted as follows.

  That is, according to this electro-optical device, a source signal is supplied from a video deck, a personal computer, or the like when driving. Then, based on the horizontal synchronizing signal, the vertical synchronizing signal, and the display data, area scanning driving such as area scanning double speed V inversion driving is performed in the image display area of the electro-optical device as follows.

  The image signal supply circuit generates an image signal so that the image display area is vertically scanned in the 1 / n field period obtained by dividing the vertical scanning period or the field period related to the display data by n. The horizontal scanning period is defined by a horizontal synchronization signal related to display data. The vertical scanning period or field period is defined by a vertical synchronization signal related to display data. Also, typically, the image signal supply circuit generates the image signal while adjusting the image signal to one of a positive polarity voltage and a negative polarity voltage with respect to the reference potential. For example, the polarity is inverted with respect to the reference potential every ½ field period obtained by dividing the field period related to the display data by 2. The scanning line driving circuit generates a scanning signal at a timing based on the horizontal synchronization signal in one field period, and outputs the scanning signal in turn, for example, line-sequentially to a plurality of scanning lines in each partial region. For example, the plurality of partial areas are two partial areas obtained by dividing by a dividing line, and the scanning line driving circuit alternately performs a line with respect to the scanning lines in each of the partial areas. Scan signals are sequentially supplied. However, each of the plurality of partial areas is four partial areas obtained by dividing by a dividing line, and the scanning line driving circuit alternates with respect to these four partial areas and also with respect to the scanning lines in each partial area. You may comprise so that a scanning signal may be supplied line-sequentially. The “plurality n” according to the present invention is typically equal to the total number of the partial areas. However, it may be a natural number of 2 or more, which is larger or smaller than the total number of the plurality of partial areas.

  In the 1/2 horizontal scanning period located in the first half of one horizontal scanning period, the image signal supplied from the image signal supply circuit is transferred to the switching element corresponding to the scanning line to which the scanning signal is supplied in one partial region. Supplied via line. For example, a scanning signal is supplied from the scanning line to the pixel electrode electrically connected to the switching element, and the switching element such as a TFT is turned on, so that the corresponding data line is connected via the switching element. Thus, an image signal is supplied. For this reason, a voltage is applied to the electro-optical material such as liquid crystal between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode based on the image signal, and image display is performed. In addition, in the half horizontal scanning period located in the second half of one horizontal scanning period, the image signal supplied from the image signal supply circuit corresponds to the pixel electrode corresponding to the scanning line to which the scanning signal is supplied in the other partial region. Is supplied via a data line. For this reason, a voltage is applied to the electro-optical material such as liquid crystal between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode in the same manner as the electro-optical material in one partial region, and image display is performed.

  In the area scanning as described above, the image signal is generated so as to vertically scan the image display area in a 1/2 field period obtained by dividing the display data by 2. Therefore, an image signal for displaying one screen in one field period is written twice in the pixel electrode while changing the polarity. That is, the area scanning double speed V inversion driving previously proposed by the applicant of the present application is performed.

  Here, in particular, in the case of the area scanning double speed V inversion driving as described above, flicker does not occur to the extent that it can be visually observed, whereas the color break phenomenon has a high driving frequency like the area scanning double speed V inversion driving. Even in the case of this driving method, it is visible to the extent. Accordingly, in an electro-optical device that employs a driving method having a relatively fast polarity reversal period, such as area scanning double speed V reversal driving, the counter electrode is brought close to its optimum by reducing the color break phenomenon. Can be adjusted.

  According to another aspect of the method for adjusting an electro-optical device of the present invention, the image display area is vertically scanned in a period of 1 / n (where n is a natural number of 2 or more) of one field period in display data. An image signal supply circuit that generates an image signal based on the display data and supplies the image data to the plurality of data lines so that horizontal scanning is performed with a 1 / n period of the horizontal scanning period in the display data as one horizontal scanning period; This is an adjustment method for adjusting the potential of the counter electrode in the electro-optical device including the above.

  According to this aspect, the electro-optical device that performs inversion driving such as double speed V inversion driving is adjusted as follows.

  That is, according to this electro-optical device, during the driving, the image signal supply circuit vertically scans the image display area in the 1 / n field period obtained by dividing the field period related to the display data by the aforementioned n. Generate an image signal. The field period is defined by a vertical synchronization signal related to display data. Also, typically, the image signal supply circuit generates the image signal while adjusting the image signal to one of a positive polarity voltage and a negative polarity voltage with respect to the reference potential. For example, the polarity is inverted with respect to the reference potential every ½ field period obtained by dividing the field period related to the display data by 2. The scanning line driving circuit generates a scanning signal at a timing based on the horizontal synchronization signal in one field period, and outputs the scanning signal to the plurality of scanning lines in the image display region in order, for example, line sequential. For example, in one horizontal scanning period, the image signal supplied from the image signal supply circuit is supplied via the data line to the switching element corresponding to the scanning line to which the scanning signal is supplied. For example, a scanning signal is supplied from the scanning line to the pixel electrode electrically connected to the switching element, and the switching element such as a TFT is turned on, so that the corresponding data line is connected via the switching element. Thus, an image signal is supplied. For this reason, a voltage is applied to the electro-optical material such as liquid crystal between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode based on the image signal, and image display is performed. In the area scanning as described above, the image signal is generated so that the image display area is vertically scanned in a 1/2 field period obtained by dividing the display data by 2. Therefore, an image signal for displaying one screen in one field period is written twice in the pixel electrode while changing the polarity. That is, the double speed V inversion driving previously proposed by the applicant of the present application is performed.

  In particular, as described above, in the case of double speed V inversion driving, flicker does not occur to the extent that it can be visually observed, whereas the color break phenomenon is caused by a driving method with a high driving frequency such as double speed V inversion driving. Even in such a case, it occurs to the extent that it is visible. Therefore, in an electro-optical device that employs a drive method with a relatively fast polarity reversal period, such as double speed V reversal drive, the potential of the counter electrode is brought close to its optimum by reducing the color break phenomenon. Can be adjusted.

  In another aspect of the adjustment method of the electro-optical device according to the aspect of the invention, in the color synthesis projection step, the three electro-optical devices are combined to project a single RGB color image as the projection image, and the adjustment step Reduces the color break phenomenon in the color image.

  According to this aspect, since one RGB color image is projected as a projection image, an image that is easier to see can be selected in the step of adjusting the color break phenomenon, and by reducing the color break phenomenon. The potential of the counter electrode can be easily brought close to the optimum value.

  In another aspect of the adjustment method of the electro-optical device according to the aspect of the invention, in the adjustment step, the display may be performed so that a moving image in which a pattern of a predetermined shape moves in a predetermined direction in a background image is displayed in the image display area. A display data generation step of generating data, wherein the color break phenomenon in a region adjacent to the moving image in the projection image is reduced;

  According to this aspect, a moving image in which a pattern of a predetermined shape moves in a predetermined direction in the background image is displayed in the image display area. At this time, a color break phenomenon is likely to occur in a region adjacent to the moving image in the projected image to such an extent that it can be easily visually observed. For example, a color break phenomenon is likely to occur in the case of a moving image in which a black square moves in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction in a white plain background image. For this reason, the color break phenomenon that is adjacent to the moving image in the projected image, more specifically, adjacent to the rear side with respect to the moving direction of the moving image, can be easily observed. Therefore, by reducing the color break phenomenon, the potential of the counter electrode can be easily brought close to the optimum value.

  In another aspect of the adjustment method of the electro-optical device according to the aspect of the invention, the adjustment step includes: a display data generation step for generating the display data so that a background image is displayed in the image display region; A pattern operation step of moving an opaque pattern of a predetermined shape in a predetermined direction on the front side.

  According to this aspect, in the pattern operation step, on the front side of the background image displayed in the image display area based on the display data generated in the display data generation step, that is, in the space between the screen and the observer. At any position, an opaque pattern of a predetermined shape, such as a black square, for example, made of a three-dimensional flat plate or block, is moved in a predetermined direction, for example, left and right or up and down. For this reason, a color break phenomenon is likely to occur. In particular, it tends to occur on the rear side with respect to the moving direction of the predetermined pattern. Therefore, the color break phenomenon is easily visible. Therefore, by reducing the color break phenomenon, the potential of the counter electrode can be easily brought close to the optimum value.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the electro-optical device adjusting apparatus according to the present invention includes a pair of first and second substrates bonded together, and (i) a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in an image display region; A plurality of data lines and a plurality of scanning lines crossing each other, (iii) a plurality of switching elements provided corresponding to the plurality of pixel electrodes, and (iv) a plurality of pixel electrodes, respectively. An electro-optical device adjusting device for adjusting a potential of the counter electrode in an electro-optical device including the counter electrode, wherein two or more electro-optical devices are combined and emitted from the image display region. A color composition projection device that synthesizes light and projects the image on a screen as a single projection image, and an adjustment device that adjusts the potential so that a color break phenomenon in the projection image is reduced.

  According to the adjustment apparatus of the electro-optical device of the present invention, a driving method having a relatively quick cycle of polarity reversal, such as, for example, area scanning double speed V inversion driving, is used in the same manner as the adjustment method of the electro-optical device of the present invention described above. In the electro-optical device to be employed, it is possible to adjust the potential of the counter electrode so that the potential of the counter electrode approaches the optimum by reducing the color break phenomenon. Here, in particular, since the above-described color composition projection step and adjustment step are performed by the apparatus, it is possible to reduce or automate the variation in adjustment that is likely to occur when visually observed.

  Such an operation and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, an example in which the method for adjusting an electro-optical device of the present invention is applied to a liquid crystal device with a built-in driving circuit TFT active matrix that is an example of an electro-optical device will be described.

(First embodiment)
A method and apparatus for adjusting an electro-optical device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, an overall configuration of a liquid crystal panel in a liquid crystal device to which the electro-optical device adjustment method of the present embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of a liquid crystal panel in a liquid crystal device to which the method for adjusting an electro-optical device according to this embodiment is applied, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH ′ of FIG. is there.

  1 and 2, in the liquid crystal panel 100 in the liquid crystal device to which the adjustment method of the electro-optical device of the present embodiment is applied, the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 are arranged to face each other. A liquid crystal layer 50 is sealed between the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20, and the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 are provided with a sealing material 52 provided in a seal region positioned around the image display region 10a. Are bonded to each other.

  In FIG. 1, a light-shielding frame light-shielding film 53 that defines the frame area of the image display region 10a is provided on the counter substrate 20 side in parallel with the inside of the seal region where the sealing material 52 is disposed. A data line driving circuit 101 and an external circuit connection terminal 102 are provided along one side of the TFT array substrate 10 in a region located outside the sealing region in which the sealing material 52 is disposed in the peripheral region. The sampling circuit 101b is provided so as to be covered with the frame light shielding film 53 on the inner side of the seal region along the one side. Further, the scanning line driving circuit 104 is provided so as to be covered with the frame light-shielding film 53 inside the seal region along two sides adjacent to the one side. On the TFT array substrate 10, vertical conduction terminals 106 for connecting the two substrates with the vertical conduction material 107 are arranged in regions facing the four corner portions of the counter substrate 20. Thus, electrical conduction can be established between the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20.

  On the TFT array substrate 10, a lead wiring 90 is formed for electrically connecting the external circuit connection terminal 102 to the data line driving circuit 101, the scanning line driving circuit 104, the vertical conduction terminal 106, and the like. .

  In FIG. 2, on the TFT array substrate 10, a laminated structure in which wiring such as a pixel switching TFT (Thin Film Transistor) as a driving element, a scanning line, and a data line is formed. In the image display area 10a, a pixel electrode 9a is provided in an upper layer of wiring such as a pixel switching TFT, a scanning line, and a data line. On the other hand, a light shielding film 23 is formed on the surface of the counter substrate 20 facing the TFT array substrate 10. A counter electrode 21 made of a transparent material such as ITO is formed on the light shielding film 23 so as to face the plurality of pixel electrodes 9a.

  Although not shown here, in addition to the data line driving circuit 101 and the scanning line driving circuit 104, the TFT array substrate 10 is used for inspecting the quality, defects, and the like of the liquid crystal device during manufacturing or at the time of shipment. An inspection circuit, an inspection pattern, or the like may be formed.

  The overall electrical configuration of the liquid crystal device will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the liquid crystal device, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the liquid crystal panel. 4 shows a plan view in which the top and bottom are reversed with respect to the plan view shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid crystal device includes, as main parts, a liquid crystal panel 100, an image signal supply circuit 300, a timing control circuit 400, a first frame memory 62 and a second frame memory 63, a display data generation circuit 502, and a power source. A circuit 700 is provided.

  The display data generation circuit 502 generates a horizontal synchronization signal Hs, a vertical synchronization signal Vs, a dot clock DCLK, and display data D0 based on a source signal DATA supplied from, for example, a video deck or a personal computer.

  The timing control circuit 400 is configured to output various timing signals used in each unit. The timing control circuit 400 generates a Y clock signal CLY, an inverted Y clock signal CLYinv, an X clock signal CLX, and an inverted X based on the horizontal synchronization signal Hs, the vertical synchronization signal Vs, and the dot clock DCLK supplied from the display data generation circuit 502. A clock signal XCLinv, a Y start pulse DY, and an X start pulse DX are generated. Further, the timing control circuit 400 generates two types of enable signals ENB1 and ENB2 that determine the output timing of the scanning signal.

  The image signal supply circuit 300 is supplied with the horizontal synchronization signal Hs, the vertical synchronization signal Vs, the dot clock DCLK, and the display data D0 from the display data generation circuit 502. The image signal supply circuit 300 generates two types of field data based on the display data D0, and generates the two types of field data in a cycle in which the scanning signal is supplied to one scanning line as will be described later. Is temporarily stored in one of the first frame memory 62 and the second frame memory 63, and one type of stored field data is read from the other. Each of the two types of field data includes display data for displaying one screen.

  Then, the image signal supply circuit 300 performs a predetermined process on the read one type of field data. As an example of the predetermined processing, in the image signal supply circuit 300, for example, one type of field data is serial-parallel converted, that is, phase-expanded, and an N-phase, for example, 6-phase (N = 6) image signal VID1. ~ VID6 may be generated. Further, the image signal supply circuit 300 reverses the voltage of the generated image signal VIDk (where k = 1, 2,..., 6) to a positive polarity and a negative polarity with respect to a predetermined reference potential v0. The image signal VIDk is output.

  The power supply circuit 700 supplies a common power supply having a predetermined common potential LCC to the counter electrode 21 shown in FIG. The counter electrode 21 is formed on the lower side of the counter substrate 20 shown in FIG. 2 so as to face the plurality of pixel electrodes 9a.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the liquid crystal panel 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal panel 100 is provided with an internal drive circuit including a scanning line drive circuit 104 and a data line drive circuit 101 in the peripheral region of the TFT array substrate 10.

  In FIG. 4, the scanning line driving circuit 104 can perform basic line-sequential horizontal scanning by being supplied with a Y clock signal CLY, an inverted Y clock signal CLYinv, and a Y start pulse DY. Further, the scanning line driving circuit 104 outputs the scanning signals G1, G2,..., Gy in the order described later at a timing based on the supplied enable signals ENB1 and ENB2.

  The main part of the data line driving circuit 101 includes a sampling signal supply circuit 101a and a sampling circuit 101b. The sampling signal supply circuit 101a is supplied with the X clock signal CLX, the inverted X clock signal CLXinv, and the X start pulse DX. When the X start pulse DX is input, the sampling signal supply circuit 101a sequentially generates and outputs sampling signals S1,..., Sx at a timing based on the X clock signal CLX and the inverted X clock signal XCLXinv.

  The sampling circuit 101b includes a plurality of sampling switches 202 each composed of a P-channel or N-channel single-channel TFT or a complementary TFT.

  The liquid crystal panel 100 further includes data lines 114 and scanning lines 112 wired vertically and horizontally in the image display area 10a occupying the center of the TFT array substrate, and the pixel portions 70 corresponding to the intersections are arranged in a matrix. The pixel electrodes 9a of the arranged liquid crystal elements 118 and the TFTs 116 for controlling the switching of the pixel electrodes 9a are provided.

  In this embodiment, in particular, the total number of scanning lines 112 is y (where y is a natural number of 2 or more), and the total number of data lines 114 is x (where x is a natural number of 2 or more). To do.

  As described above, for example, the image signals VID <b> 1 to VID <b> 6 that are serially / parallel-developed in six phases are supplied to the liquid crystal panel 100 via the image signal lines 171.

  In the sampling circuit 101b, six sampling switches 202 are grouped, and sampling signals Si (i = 1, 2,..., X) are input to the sampling switches 202 belonging to the group. The sampling switch 202 belonging to the first group includes six data lines 114 as one group, and samples and supplies the image signal VIDk to the data lines 114 belonging to the first group according to the sampling signal Si. That is, the data line 114 belonging to the first group and the image signal line 171 are electrically connected via the sampling switch 202 belonging to the first group. Therefore, since the x data lines 114 are driven for each data line 114 belonging to one group, the driving frequency can be suppressed.

  In FIG. 4, focusing on the configuration of one pixel portion 70, the data line 114 to which the image signal VIDk is supplied is electrically connected to the source electrode of the TFT 116, while the gate electrode of the TFT 116 is The scanning line 112 to which the scanning signal Gj (where j = 1, 2, 3,..., Y) is supplied is electrically connected, and the drain electrode of the TFT 116 is connected to the pixel electrode 9a of the liquid crystal element 118. Is connected. Here, in each pixel portion 70, the liquid crystal element 118 has a liquid crystal sandwiched between the pixel electrode 9 a and the counter electrode 21. Accordingly, each pixel unit 70 is arranged in a matrix corresponding to each intersection of the scanning line 112 and the data line 114.

  An image signal VIDk is supplied to the pixel electrode 9a of the liquid crystal element 118 from the data line 114 at a predetermined timing by closing the switch of the TFT 116 for a certain period. As a result, an applied voltage defined by the potentials of the pixel electrode 9 a and the counter electrode 21 is applied to the liquid crystal element 118. The liquid crystal modulates light and enables gradation display by changing the orientation and order of the molecular assembly depending on the applied voltage level. In the normally white mode, the transmittance for incident light is reduced according to the voltage applied in units of each pixel, and in the normally black mode, the light is incident according to the voltage applied in units of each pixel. The light transmittance is increased, and light having a contrast corresponding to the image signal VIDk is emitted from the liquid crystal panel 100 as a whole.

  Here, a storage capacitor 119 is added in parallel with the liquid crystal element 118 in order to prevent the held image signal from leaking. For example, since the voltage of the pixel electrode 118 is held by the storage capacitor 119 for a time that is three orders of magnitude longer than the time when the source voltage is applied, the holding characteristics are improved, resulting in a high contrast ratio. Become.

  Next, a method for driving the liquid crystal device will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining generation of an image signal in the image signal supply circuit. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a partial region in the image display region. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram having the same concept as in FIG. 6 in the modified example.

  According to this liquid crystal device, at the time of driving, the source signal DATA is supplied from a video deck, a personal computer or the like as described above with reference to FIG. Then, based on the horizontal synchronizing signal Hs, the vertical synchronizing signal Vs, and the display data D0, the area scanning driving of the area scanning double speed V inversion driving is performed in the image display area 10a of the liquid crystal device as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image signal supply circuit 300 generates the image signal VIDk so as to vertically scan the image display area 10a in a 1/2 field period obtained by dividing the field period related to the display data D0 by 2. To do. The horizontal scanning period is defined by the horizontal synchronization signal Hs related to the display data D0. The field period is defined by the vertical synchronization signal Vs related to the display data D0. In addition, the image signal supply circuit 300 generates the image signal VIDk while adjusting either the positive polarity or the negative polarity voltage with respect to the reference potential v0. More specifically, these polarities are inverted with respect to the reference potential v0 every half field period obtained by dividing the field period related to the display data D0 by 2. In FIG. 5, the positive image signal VIDk is shown as an image signal A, and the negative image signal VIDk is shown as an image signal B. The scanning line driving circuit 104 generates the scanning signal Gj (where j = 1, 2, 3,..., Y) at a timing based on the horizontal synchronization signal Hs in one field period.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the image display area 10 a is divided into two equal parts by a dividing line 600 along the scanning line 112 into a first partial area 10 aa and a second partial area 10 ab. The scanning line driving circuit 104 supplies a scanning signal Gj line-sequentially to the plurality of scanning lines 112 alternately to the first partial region 10aa and the second partial region 10ab. However, as shown in FIG. 7 as a modified example, each of the plurality of partial areas is four partial areas obtained by dividing by the dividing lines 611 to 613, that is, the partial areas 10ae, 10af, 10ag, and 10ah. The drive circuit 104 may be configured to supply the scanning signal Gj to these four partial areas alternately and line-sequentially to the scanning lines 112 in each partial area. The “plurality n” according to the present invention is equal to the total number 2 of the plurality of partial regions in the present embodiment.

  4 to 6, the image signal VIDk supplied from the image signal supply circuit 300 is supplied in the first partial region 10aa and the scan signal Gj is supplied in the half horizontal scanning period located in the first half of one horizontal scanning period. The data is supplied to the TFT 116 corresponding to the scanning line 112 via the data line 114. The pixel electrode 9a electrically connected to these TFTs 116 is supplied with the scanning signal Gj from the scanning line 112, and the TFT 116 is turned on, whereby the image signal VIDk is transmitted from the corresponding data line 114 via the TFT 116. Is supplied. Therefore, a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 50 between the pixel electrode 9a and the counter electrode 21 based on the image signal VIDk, and image display is performed. In addition, the scanning line 112 in which the image signal VIDk supplied from the image signal supply circuit 300 is supplied to the scanning signal Gj in the second partial region 10ab in the half horizontal scanning period located in the second half of one horizontal scanning period. Is supplied to the pixel electrode 9a corresponding to 1 through the data line 114. Therefore, a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 50 between the pixel electrode 9a and the counter electrode 21 in the same manner as the liquid crystal layer 50 in the first partial region 10aa, and an image display is performed.

  As described above, in the area scanning in this liquid crystal device, the image signal VIDk is generated so as to vertically scan the image display area 10a in a 1/2 field period obtained by dividing the display data by 2. Therefore, an image signal for displaying one screen in one field period is written twice in the pixel electrode 9a while changing the polarity. That is, the area scanning double speed V inversion driving previously proposed by the applicant of the present application is performed.

  Next, an adjustment method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the adjustment method according to this embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the color composition projection step. FIG. 10 shows display data generated in the display data generation step.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, according to the adjustment method according to the present embodiment, when adjusting the liquid crystal device described above, first, in the color composition projection step (step S10), the three liquid crystal devices described above. Three projectors 500R, 510G, and 510B are combined as an R (red) light valve, a G (green) light valve, and a B (blue) light valve to constitute the projector 500. The projector 500 combines the light emitted from each light valve by the dichroic prism 512 and projects it on the screen 550 as a single RGB color image via the projection lens 514. As the light source 502, a white light source such as a halogen lamp is used. The projection light emitted from the light source 502 is separated into three primary colors of RGB by four mirrors 506 and two dichroic mirrors 508, and is incident on liquid crystal devices 510R, 510B, and 510G as light valves corresponding to the respective primary colors. ing.

  Next, in the display data generation step (step S21) in the adjustment step (step S20), a moving image in which an opaque pattern having a predetermined shape moves in a predetermined direction in the background image is displayed in the image display area 10a. Generate display data. As the display data, for example, a moving image in which a black square pattern moves vertically or horizontally in a white background image as shown in FIG. 10 may be generated. However, the projected image is not limited to a black and white image, and may be a single RGB color image. In the case of a color image, it is possible to select an image that is easier to view in the subsequent step of adjusting the color break.

  Next, in an adjustment step (step S20), a moving image in which an opaque pattern having a predetermined shape moves in a predetermined direction is displayed based on the generated display data. For example, in the white background image 800 as shown in FIG. 10, a moving image that moves up and down or left and right in a black square pattern 810 is displayed. This causes a color break phenomenon. That is, when a black square pattern 810 moving on the background image is followed by an eye, an afterimage such as a rainbow color is seen behind the black square pattern 810. In other words, a phenomenon occurs in which the black square pattern 810 appears to move while drawing some color tail.

  Next, in the adjustment step (step S20), the color break phenomenon is visually observed in this state (step S23). Here, as the potential of the counter electrode 21 (see FIG. 2) deviates from the optimum value, the degree of the visually observed color break phenomenon increases. Conversely, the closer the potential of the counter electrode 21 is to its optimum value, the smaller the visually observed color break phenomenon. Therefore, when the color break phenomenon is not the minimum (step S23: NO), the counter electrode potential adjustment unit 560 (see FIG. 9) reduces the potential of the counter electrode 21 so as to reduce the visually recognized color break phenomenon. Adjust (step S22). Then, the potential of the counter electrode 21 approaches its optimum value. Ideally, the potential of the counter electrode 21 is adjusted so that the visually observed color break phenomenon is minimized. Then, the potential of the counter electrode 21 at this time becomes the optimum value in a practical sense. Specifically, such adjustment is performed by changing the potential of the counter electrode 21 until the rainbow afterimage becomes invisible (step S23: YES), and the series of processes is completed. The value of the potential of the counter electrode 21 adjusted at this time is recorded in the memory unit 570 (see FIG. 9) and can be used for setting the optimum value.

  Thus, by visually observing the color break phenomenon and adjusting the color break phenomenon to be small, the potential of the counter electrode 21 can be adjusted to the optimum value.

  Here, in the present embodiment, since the area scanning double speed V inversion driving as described above is performed, even if the potential of the counter electrode deviates from the optimum value, flicker does not occur to the extent that it can be visually observed. On the other hand, the color break phenomenon occurs to such a degree that it can be visually observed even in the case of a driving method with a high driving frequency such as area scanning double speed V inversion driving. Accordingly, in a liquid crystal device that employs a driving method having a relatively fast polarity inversion period, such as area scanning double speed V inversion driving, the counter electrode 21 is brought close to its optimum potential by reducing the color break phenomenon. The potential of 21 can be adjusted.

(Second Embodiment)
A method and apparatus for adjusting an electro-optical device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG.

  First, a driving method of a liquid crystal device to which the adjustment method of the electro-optical device of the second embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

  According to this liquid crystal device, the area scanning drive of the double speed V inversion drive is performed as follows at the time of driving.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image signal supply circuit 300 generates the image signal VIDk so as to vertically scan the image display area 10a in a 1/2 field period obtained by dividing the field period related to the display data D0 by 2. To do. The field period is defined by the vertical synchronization signal Vs related to the display data D0. In addition, the image signal supply circuit 300 generates the image signal VIDk while adjusting either the positive polarity or the negative polarity voltage with respect to the reference potential v0. More specifically, these polarities are inverted with respect to the reference potential every 1/2 field period obtained by dividing the field period related to the display data D0 by 2. In FIG. 5, the positive image signal VIDk is shown as an image signal A, and the negative image signal VIDk is shown as an image signal B. The scanning line driving circuit 104 generates the scanning signal Gj (where j = 1, 2, 3,..., Y) at a timing based on the horizontal synchronization signal Hs in one field period.

  Further, the scanning line driving circuit 104 supplies a scanning signal Gj line by line to the plurality of scanning lines 112 in the image display area 10a.

  4 and 5, the image signal VIDk supplied from the image signal supply circuit 300 is supplied to the TFT 116 corresponding to the scanning line 112 to which the scanning signal Gj is supplied via the data line 114 in one horizontal scanning period. Is done. The pixel electrode 9a electrically connected to these TFTs 116 is supplied with the scanning signal Gj from the scanning line 112, and the TFT 116 is turned on, whereby the image signal VIDk is transmitted from the corresponding data line 114 via the TFT 116. Is supplied. Therefore, a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 50 between the pixel electrode 9a and the counter electrode 21 based on the image signal VIDk, and image display is performed.

  As described above, in the area scanning in this liquid crystal device, the image signal VIDk is generated so as to vertically scan the image display area 10a in a 1/2 field period obtained by dividing the display data by 2. Therefore, the image signal VIDk for displaying one screen in one field period is written twice in the pixel electrode while changing the polarity. That is, the double speed V inversion driving previously proposed by the applicant of the present application is performed.

  Here, in particular, the adjustment method of the electro-optical device according to the second embodiment synthesizes the light emitted from the image display region 10a, as shown in FIG. 8, similarly to the adjustment method of the electro-optical device according to the first embodiment. Then, a color composition projection step (step S10) for projecting onto the screen as a single projection image, and reducing the color break phenomenon in the projection image, the potential of the counter electrode 21 is made close to its optimum value. An adjustment step (step S20) for adjustment. Similar to the area scanning double speed V inversion driving, the color break phenomenon occurs to the extent that it can be visually observed even in the case of a driving method with a high driving frequency such as double speed V inversion driving. Therefore, in a liquid crystal device that employs a driving method with a relatively fast polarity reversal period, such as double speed V reversal driving, the potential of the counter electrode 21 is brought close to its optimum by reducing the color break phenomenon. The potential can be adjusted.

(Third embodiment)
An adjustment method of the electro-optical device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 11, and 12. FIG. 11 is a flowchart having the same concept as in FIG. 8 in the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the pattern operation in the pattern operation step. In FIG. 12, the same steps as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same step numbers, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  The adjustment method of the electro-optical device of the third embodiment is similar to the adjustment method of the electro-optical device of the first embodiment described above for adjusting the potential of the counter electrode 21 in the area scanning double speed V inversion driving liquid crystal device. It is an adjusting device for an electro-optical device.

  As shown in FIG. 11, according to the adjustment method according to the third embodiment, when adjusting the liquid crystal device described above, first, in the color composition projection step (step S10), the adjustment method according to the first embodiment. In the same manner as described above, a single RGB color image is projected onto the screen 550 (see FIG. 9).

  Next, in the display data generation step (step S21) in the adjustment step (step S20), display data is generated so that the background image is displayed in the image display area 10a. As the display data, for example, a white background image as shown in FIG. 12 may be generated. However, the background image is not limited to white, and may be another color.

  Next, in the pattern operation step (step S25) in the adjustment step (step S20), as shown in FIG. 12, it is displayed in the image display area 10a based on the display data generated in the display data generation step (step S21). When the black block 910 is viewed from the viewer's side at the front side of the white background image 900, that is, at any position in the space between the screen 550 and the viewer, Move to. This causes a color break phenomenon. That is, when the black block 910 that moves on the front side of the white background image 900 is followed by an eye, an afterimage such as a rainbow color is seen behind the black block 910. In other words, a phenomenon occurs in which the black block 910 appears to move while pulling the tail of some color. Thereafter, as in the case of the first embodiment (see FIG. 8), a series of processes is terminated through steps S22 and S23.

  As described above, since the color break phenomenon can be generated, the potential of the counter electrode 21 can be easily set to the optimum value by reducing the color break phenomenon, similarly to the adjustment method of the electro-optical device according to the first embodiment. It becomes possible to approach.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification. The adjusting method and the adjusting device for the electro-optical device are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

It is a top view which shows the structure of the liquid crystal panel in the liquid crystal device to which the adjustment method which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is applied. It is sectional drawing of HH 'of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of a liquid crystal device. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of a liquid crystal panel. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the production | generation of the image signal in an image signal supply circuit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the partial area | region in an image display area. It is a figure of the same meaning as FIG. 6 in a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the adjustment method which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of a color synthetic | combination projection step. This is display data generated in the display data generation step. It is a flowchart with the same meaning as FIG. 8 in 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the pattern operation | movement in a pattern operation | movement step.

Explanation of symbols

  9a ... pixel electrode, 10 ... TFT array substrate, 10a ... image display area, 10aa, 10ab, 10ae, 10af, 10ag, 10ah ... partial area, 20 ... counter substrate, 21 ... counter electrode, 23 ... light shielding film, 50 ... liquid crystal Layer 52 sealing material 53 frame light shielding film 62 first frame memory 63 second frame memory 70 pixel unit 100 liquid crystal panel 101 data line driving circuit 101b sampling circuit 102 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... External circuit connection terminal 104 ... Scan line drive circuit 106 ... Vertical conduction terminal 110 ... Image signal supply circuit 112 ... Scan line 114 ... Data line 116 ... TFT 171 ... Image signal line 300 ... Image signal Supply circuit 400 ... Timing control circuit 502 ... Display data generation circuit 506 ... Mirror 508 ... Dichroic mirror 51 R, 510G, 510B ... liquid crystal device, 550 ... screen, 560 ... counter electrode potential adjustment unit, 570 ... memory unit, 600 ... dividing line, 700 ... power supply circuit, 810 ... pattern, 900 ... background image, 910 ... block, D0 ... display data, Gj ... scanning signal, Hs ... horizontal synchronization signal, Si ... sampling signal, v0 ... reference potential, VIDk ..., image signal, Vs ... vertical synchronization signal,

Claims (7)

A pair of first and second substrates bonded together; (i) a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in the image display region; (ii) a plurality of crossing data lines and a plurality of scanning lines; and (iii) Adjusting the potential of the counter electrode in an electro-optical device, comprising: a plurality of switching elements each provided corresponding to the plurality of pixel electrodes; and (iv) a counter electrode disposed opposite to the plurality of pixel electrodes. An electro-optical device adjustment method for
A color combining projection step of combining two or more of the electro-optical devices, combining the light emitted from the image display region and projecting it on the screen as a single projected image;
An adjustment method for adjusting the electric potential so that a color break phenomenon in the projected image is reduced. With respect to the plurality of partial areas obtained by dividing the image display area by dividing lines along the scanning lines, the plurality of partial areas are alternated with respect to the plurality of partial areas and the plurality of scanning lines included in each partial area. In order, a scanning line driving circuit for supplying a scanning signal;
Based on the display data, each of the plurality of partial regions is horizontally scanned with one horizontal scanning period of 1 / n (where n is a natural number of 2 or more) of the horizontal scanning period in the display data. The adjustment method for adjusting the electric potential of the counter electrode in an electro-optical device including an image signal supply circuit that generates an image signal and supplies the image signal to the plurality of data lines. Adjustment method of the electro-optical device.   The image display area is vertically scanned in a period of 1 / n (where n is a natural number of 2 or more) of one field period in display data and 1 / n of a horizontal scanning period in the display data is scanned horizontally. Adjusting the potential of the counter electrode in an electro-optical device including an image signal supply circuit that generates an image signal based on the display data and supplies the image signal to the plurality of data lines so as to perform horizontal scanning as a period The method for adjusting an electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the method is an adjustment method. In the color composition projection step, the three electro-optical devices are combined to project a single RGB color image as the projection image,
4. The electro-optical device adjustment method according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment step reduces the color break phenomenon in the color image. 5. The adjustment step includes
A display data generation step for generating the display data so that a moving image in which a pattern of a predetermined shape moves in a predetermined direction in a background image is displayed in the image display area;
The method of adjusting an electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the color break phenomenon in a region adjacent to the moving image in the projected image is reduced. The adjustment step includes
A display data generation step for generating the display data so that a background image is displayed in the image display area;
The method of adjusting an electro-optical device according to claim 1, further comprising: a pattern operation step of moving an opaque pattern having a predetermined shape in a predetermined direction on the front side of the screen. A pair of first and second substrates bonded together; (i) a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in the image display region; (ii) a plurality of crossing data lines and a plurality of scanning lines; and (iii) Adjusting the potential of the counter electrode in an electro-optical device, comprising: a plurality of switching elements each provided corresponding to the plurality of pixel electrodes; and (iv) a counter electrode disposed to face the plurality of pixel electrodes. An electro-optical device adjustment device for performing
A color combining and projecting device that combines two or more electro-optical devices and combines the light emitted from the image display area and projects the combined light onto a screen as a single projected image;
An adjusting device for an electro-optical device, comprising: an adjusting device that adjusts the potential so that a color break phenomenon in the projected image is reduced.

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