JP2007018845A - LIGHTING DEVICE, ELECTRO-OPTICAL DEVICE HAVING LIGHTING DEVICE, OPTICAL CHARACTERISTIC ADJUSTING METHOD USING SUCH ELECTRO-OPTICAL DEVICE, AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an illumination device capable of accurately adjusting the optical characteristics of light emitted from a plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths by using one dimming sensor while preventing an increase in size of the device, and so on Provided are an electro-optical device provided with a simple illumination device, a white balance adjustment method using such an electro-optical device, and an electronic apparatus.
In an illuminating device for making light incident on an electro-optical panel, to detect optical characteristics of light emitted from each of a plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths and a plurality of light sources sequentially turned on. And a correction circuit for adjusting optical characteristics of light emitted from the plurality of light sources based on values detected by the light adjustment sensor.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an illumination device, an electro-optical device including the illumination device, an optical property adjusting method using such an electro-optical device, and an electronic apparatus. In particular, a plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths, and an illuminating device including a dimming sensor for adjusting optical characteristics of light emitted from the light source, an electro-optical device including the illuminating device, and such an electro-optical device The present invention relates to a method for adjusting optical characteristics using an apparatus, and an electronic apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a liquid crystal device which is an aspect of an electro-optical device is configured by disposing a pair of substrates each having an electrode so as to face each other and enclosing a liquid crystal material between the pair of substrates. A voltage is applied between these opposing electrodes to align the liquid crystal material, and light is allowed to pass through the liquid crystal material to display an image.
In such a liquid crystal device, in order to enable transmissive display, an illumination device (backlight) for illuminating the liquid crystal panel from the back is provided. By providing this backlight, for example, a liquid crystal panel is illuminated by one or a plurality of white LEDs or cold cathode fluorescent tubes, or a plurality of light sources emitting three primary colors of RGB are all lit and mixed. For example, the liquid crystal panel is illuminated with white.

  Here, when white light is composed by mixing light of three primary colors having different main wavelengths, the balance of the light emission amount becomes worse as the lighting time elapses, and the white balance may change. was there. In such a case, there is a problem that the display quality of the liquid crystal panel in the initial state and the liquid crystal panel after use for a predetermined time changes.

Therefore, in a liquid crystal device having three types of backlights with different emission colors for illuminating the liquid crystal panel from the back, a liquid crystal device that performs feedback control using three types of optical sensors corresponding to the three types of emission colors has been proposed. ing. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, by optical sensors 505, 506, and 507 that detect the illuminance of three types of backlights 502, 503, and 504 having different emission colors, and comparison operation circuits 509, 510, and 511, The liquid crystal device is configured to perform a feedback operation so that the light emission amounts of the three types of backlights are always set by the light emission amount setting unit 508 (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-11-295589 (Claims Fig. 1)

  However, since the liquid crystal device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which an optical sensor is arranged for each of the three types of light emission colors, the problem is that the product becomes large and the cost of the optical sensor increases. It was observed.

Accordingly, the inventors of the present invention have made diligent efforts to provide a dimming sensor capable of detecting the optical characteristics of light that is sequentially turned on from a plurality of light sources in a lighting device including a plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths. It has been found that such a problem can be solved by providing, and the present invention has been completed.
That is, the present invention provides an illumination device that can accurately adjust the optical characteristics of light emitted from a plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths by using a single dimming sensor while preventing an increase in size of the device. An object of the present invention is to provide an electro-optical device including the illumination device, an optical property adjusting method using the electro-optical device, and an electronic apparatus.

According to the present invention, an illumination device for making light incident on an electro-optical panel, the optical characteristics of light emitted from each of a plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths and a plurality of light sources sequentially turned on And a correction circuit for adjusting the optical characteristics of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources based on the values detected by the dimming sensor. Provided is a lighting device characterized by comprising the above-described problems.
In other words, since a plurality of light sources are sequentially turned on and a dimming sensor for detecting the optical characteristics of each light is provided, even if a plurality of light sources are provided, an increase in the size of the lighting device is prevented. The optical characteristics of the light emitted from each light source can be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to always make light having a certain optical characteristic incident on the electro-optical panel.
Note that one light adjustment sensor means a sensor composed of only one element, and does not include a sensor having a plurality of elements in one package.

In configuring the illumination device of the present invention, the correction circuit compares the value detected by the dimming sensor with a predetermined reference value, and the light source so that the detected value matches the reference value. A circuit that adjusts the optical characteristics of the light emitted from the light source is preferable.
With this configuration, light can be incident on the electro-optical panel in a state where the set desired optical characteristics are always maintained.

In configuring the lighting device of the present invention, it is preferable that the light control sensor is a photodiode.
By configuring in this way, a smaller dimming sensor can be used, so that the enlargement of the lighting device can be further prevented.

In configuring the lighting device of the present invention, the optical characteristic is preferably any one of luminance, illuminance, and chromaticity.
With this configuration, regardless of the type of light source used, the optical characteristics of light emitted from each light source can be adjusted to a desired value and incident on the electro-optical panel.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electro-optical panel in which an electro-optical material is held on an electro-optical device substrate, and an illumination device including a light source for emitting light incident on the electro-optical panel. And a light control device for detecting optical characteristics of light emitted from each of a plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths as a light source and a plurality of light sources that are sequentially turned on. An electro-optical device comprising: a sensor; and a correction circuit for adjusting optical characteristics of light respectively emitted from the plurality of light sources based on values detected by the light control sensor. is there.
That is, since a plurality of light sources are sequentially turned on to provide a dimming sensor that detects the optical characteristics of each light, even when a plurality of light sources are provided, an increase in the size of the liquid crystal device is prevented. The optical characteristics of the light emitted from each light source can be adjusted. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the display quality of an image displayed on the electro-optical panel from being deteriorated even when used for a long time.

Still another embodiment of the present invention is an optical characteristic adjustment method for adjusting optical characteristics of light emitted from a plurality of light sources having different principal wavelengths and incident on an electro-optical panel. A step of sequentially lighting a plurality of light sources, a step of detecting optical characteristics of light respectively emitted from the plurality of light sources using a single dimming sensor, and a detection by the dimming sensor And adjusting the optical characteristics of light respectively emitted from a plurality of light sources, and comparing the measured value with a predetermined reference value.
That is, even when only one light control sensor is provided, the optical characteristics of light emitted from light sources having different main wavelengths can be sequentially detected and adjusted, thereby preventing an increase in the size of the entire apparatus. The optical characteristics of the light incident on the electro-optical panel can always be kept constant. Therefore, the display quality of the image displayed on the electro-optical panel can be maintained in a desired state even when used for a long time.

In carrying out the method for adjusting optical characteristics of the present invention, it is preferable to adjust the optical characteristics while displaying an image on the display surface of the electro-optical panel.
With this configuration, when adjusting the optical characteristics of a so-called field-sequential type liquid crystal device, the optical characteristics can be adjusted at a fixed timing, effectively preventing the image display quality from deteriorating. can do.

In carrying out the method for adjusting optical characteristics of the present invention, it is preferable to adjust the optical characteristics at the start of lighting of the lighting device.
With this configuration, when adjusting the optical characteristics of an electro-optical device of a type in which white light is incident on the electro-optical panel, RGB can be turned on in a time-sharing manner to verify the optical characteristics of each light. it can.

In carrying out the optical property adjustment method of the present invention, the total current value per unit time can be changed by changing the current supply time and / or the magnitude of the current in the step of adjusting the optical property. It is preferable to adjust.
With this configuration, even when the light source is deteriorated and the light emission performance is deteriorated, the light emitted from each light source can always be maintained so as to exhibit predetermined optical characteristics. Accordingly, the optical characteristics of the light incident on the electro-optical panel can always be maintained in a constant state.

In carrying out the method for adjusting optical characteristics of the present invention, it is preferable to verify the optical characteristics by using a photodiode as a dimming sensor.
With this configuration, it is possible to accurately adjust the optical characteristics of the light incident on the electro-optical panel using a device that includes a smaller dimming sensor and prevents an increase in size.

In carrying out the method for adjusting optical characteristics of the present invention, it is preferable to adjust any one of luminance, illuminance, and chromaticity as the optical characteristics.
With this configuration, the optical characteristics of the light emitted from each light source are adjusted to a desired value regardless of the type of light source used, and the optical characteristics of the light incident on the electro-optical panel are always constant. Can be maintained in a state.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is an electronic apparatus including the above-described electro-optical device.
That is, an electronic apparatus that can maintain display quality even when used for a long time because it includes an electro-optical device that can adjust optical characteristics using a light control sensor while preventing an increase in size. Can be provided.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments relating to an illumination device of the present invention, an electro-optical device provided with the illumination device, a method for adjusting optical characteristics using such an electro-optical device, and an electronic apparatus will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. explain. However, this embodiment shows one aspect of the present invention and does not limit the present invention, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the present invention.

[First Embodiment]
The first embodiment includes an electro-optical panel in which an electro-optical material is held on a substrate for an electro-optical device, and an illuminating device including a light source for emitting light incident on the electro-optical panel. It is an optical device.
Such an electro-optical device includes a plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths as a light source, one light adjustment sensor for detecting optical characteristics of light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources that are sequentially turned on, An electro-optical device comprising: a correction circuit for adjusting optical characteristics of light respectively emitted from the plurality of light sources based on values detected by a light sensor.

Hereinafter, an active matrix liquid crystal device including a TFT element (Thin Film Transistor) will be described as an example of the electro-optical device of the present embodiment. However, the present invention includes not only a liquid crystal device having a TFT element but also an active matrix liquid crystal device having a TFD element (Thin Film Diode) and a passive matrix liquid crystal device having no switching element. The present invention can be applied to various electro-optical devices.
In the following description, a liquid crystal panel refers to a state in which a liquid crystal material is injected between a pair of substrates bonded with a sealing material, and a flexible circuit board, an electronic component, a light source, and the like are included in the liquid crystal panel. The attached state is referred to as a liquid crystal device. Moreover, in each figure, what is attached | subjected with the same code | symbol shows the same member, and while abbreviate | omitting description suitably, in each figure, one part member was abbreviate | omitted suitably.

1. Basic Configuration First, the basic configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the liquid crystal device 10 of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, a liquid crystal device 10 includes an illumination device (hereinafter referred to as a liquid crystal panel) in which an element substrate and a counter substrate are opposed to each other, and a plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal panel , Sometimes referred to as a backlight). In such a liquid crystal device, the light emitted from the light source enters the liquid crystal panel via the light guide plate, and passes through a predetermined pixel region in the liquid crystal panel, whereby an image is displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal panel.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, in the liquid crystal panel provided with the TFT element used in the liquid crystal device, the counter substrate 30 and the element substrate 60 are bonded together with a sealing material (not shown) at the peripheral portion thereof. Further, the liquid crystal material 21 is sealed in a gap surrounded by the counter substrate 30, the element substrate 60, and the sealing material.

Here, the counter substrate 30 is formed of glass, plastic, or the like, and is formed on the counter substrate 30 on the color filters, that is, the colored layers 37r, 37g, and 37b and the colored layers 37r, 37g, and 37b. A counter electrode 33 and an alignment film 45 formed on the counter electrode 33 are provided. In addition, an insulating layer 41 for optimizing retardation is provided between the colored layers 37r, 37g, and 37b and the counter electrode 33 in the reflective region R.
Here, the counter electrode 33 is a planar electrode formed over the entire surface of the counter substrate 30 with ITO (indium tin oxide) or the like. In addition, the colored layers 37r, 37g, and 37b are disposed at positions facing the pixel electrode 63 on the element substrate 60 side, such as R (red), G (green), B (blue), or C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y. A color filter element of any color such as (yellow) is provided. A black mask or black matrix, that is, a light shielding film 39 is provided next to the colored layers 37 r, 37 g, and 37 b and at a position that does not face the pixel electrode 63.

The opposing element substrate 60 is formed of glass, plastic or the like, and on the element substrate 60, a TFT element 69 as an active element functioning as a switching element and a TFT element 69 with a transparent insulating film 81 interposed therebetween. And a pixel electrode 63 formed in an upper layer.
Here, the pixel electrode 63 is formed as a light reflection film 79 (63a) for performing reflective display in the reflective region R, and is formed as a transparent electrode 63b with ITO or the like in the transmissive region T. . The light reflection film 79 as the pixel electrode 63a is formed of a light reflective material such as Al (aluminum) or Ag (silver). An alignment film 85 made of a polyimide-based polymer resin is formed on the pixel electrode 63, and a rubbing process as an alignment process is performed on the alignment film 85.

  Further, a phase difference plate 47 is formed on the outer surface (that is, the upper side in FIG. 2) of the counter substrate 30, and a polarizing plate 49 is further formed thereon. Similarly, a retardation plate 87 is formed on the outer surface of the element substrate 60 (that is, the lower side in FIG. 2), and a polarizing plate 89 is further formed thereunder. Further, a backlight (not shown) is disposed below the element substrate 60.

The TFT element 69 includes a gate electrode 71 formed on the element substrate 60, a gate insulating film 72 formed on the entire area of the element substrate 60 on the gate electrode 71, and the gate insulating film 72 interposed therebetween. A semiconductor layer 70 formed above the gate electrode 71, a source electrode 73 formed on one side of the semiconductor layer 70 via a contact electrode 77, and a contact electrode 77 on the other side of the semiconductor layer 70. And a drain electrode 66 formed through the electrode.
The gate electrode 71 extends from the gate bus wiring (not shown), and the source electrode 73 extends from the source bus wiring (not shown). Further, a plurality of gate bus lines extend in the horizontal direction of the element substrate 60 and are formed in parallel in the vertical direction at equal intervals, and the source bus lines cross the gate bus lines with the gate insulating film 72 interposed therebetween. A plurality of lines extending in the vertical direction are formed in parallel in the horizontal direction at equal intervals.
Such a gate bus wiring is connected to a liquid crystal driving IC (not shown) and functions as, for example, a scanning line, while a source bus wiring is connected to another driving IC (not shown), for example, a signal line. Acts as
The pixel electrode 63 is formed in a region excluding a portion corresponding to the TFT element 69 in a rectangular region defined by the gate bus wiring and the source bus wiring intersecting each other.

  Here, the gate bus wiring and the gate electrode can be formed of chromium, tantalum, or the like, for example. The gate insulating film is formed of, for example, silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), or the like. Further, the semiconductor layer can be formed of, for example, doped a-Si, polycrystalline silicon, CdSe, or the like. Further, the contact electrode can be formed of, for example, a-Si, and the source electrode and the source bus wiring and the drain electrode integrated therewith can be formed of, for example, titanium, molybdenum, aluminum, or the like.

The organic insulating film 81 is formed over the entire area of the element substrate 60 so as to cover the gate bus lines, the source bus lines, and the TFT elements. However, a contact hole 83 is formed in a portion corresponding to the drain electrode 66 of the organic insulating film 81, and the pixel electrode 63 and the drain electrode 66 of the TFT element 69 are electrically connected at the contact hole 83.
In addition, in the organic insulating film 81, a resin film having a concavo-convex pattern composed of a regular or irregular repetitive pattern of peaks and valleys is formed as a scattering shape in a region corresponding to the reflective region R. Has been. As a result, the light reflection film 79 (63a) laminated on the organic insulating film 81 also has a light reflection pattern composed of an uneven pattern. However, this uneven pattern is not formed in the transmission region T.

In the liquid crystal device 10 having the above-described structure, during reflective display, external light such as sunlight or indoor illumination light enters the liquid crystal device 10 from the counter substrate 30 side, and the colored layers 37r, 37g, 37b, the liquid crystal material 21, and the like, reach the light reflection film 79, reflected there, and again pass through the liquid crystal material 21, the colored layers 37r, 37g, 37b, etc., and then exit from the liquid crystal device 10 to be reflected. Display is performed.
On the other hand, in the case of transmissive display, the backlight is turned on, and the light emitted from the backlight passes through the transparent transparent electrode 63b portion and passes through the colored layers 37r, 37g, 37b, the liquid crystal material 21, and the like. By passing through and exiting the liquid crystal device 10, transmissive display is performed.

2. Illumination Device (1) Overall Configuration As shown in FIG. 3, the illumination device 15 used in the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment emits a plurality of light sources 12 having different main wavelengths as light sources and the plurality of light sources 12, respectively. Based on one dimming sensor 14 for detecting the optical characteristics of the light and the values detected by the dimming sensor 14, the optical characteristics of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources 12 are adjusted. And a correction circuit (not shown). In other words, with such a lighting device, even when a plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths are provided, the optical characteristics of light emitted from each light source can be adjusted with only one light control sensor. Further, it is possible to adjust the optical characteristics of the light incident on the liquid crystal panel while preventing the illumination device and thus the liquid crystal device from becoming large.
Note that one light adjustment sensor means a sensor composed of only one element, and does not include a sensor having a plurality of elements in one package.

As such an illuminating device, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a light source 12 such as a plurality of LEDs, a light guide plate 13 for guiding light emitted from the light source to a liquid crystal panel, and a single dimming device It can be set as the illuminating device 15 provided with the sensor.
Thus, when the light guide plate is provided, the material of the light guide plate is not particularly limited. For example, the light guide plate can transmit visible light having a wavelength of about 380 nm to 780 nm, and is made of a transparent or translucent material. A light guide plate can be used. More specifically, it can be a light guide plate made of polycarbonate, amorphous polyolefin, or the like and having a thickness of about 1 to 2 mm. In addition, a light reflection plate 16 made of a metal or a metal compound such as iron, aluminum, silver, or gold is provided on the side opposite to the surface in contact with the liquid crystal panel in the light guide plate.
As another example of the configuration of the lighting device, as shown in FIG. 4, a lighting device 15 including a plurality of cold cathode fluorescent tubes 12 arranged in a plane and one dimming sensor 14 is used. Can do. The illuminating device 15 is a illuminating device capable of covering a plurality of cold cathode fluorescent tubes arranged in a plane with a light diffusion plate or the like and emitting light uniformly to a display area of a liquid crystal panel.
In the following description, an illumination device having a light guide plate as shown in FIG. 3 is taken as an example.

(2) Multiple light sources Here, the light source provided in the illumination device is not particularly limited, and may be a plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths, such as red (R), green (G), and blue (B). A plurality of LEDs having different main wavelengths can be selected and used from LEDs emitting colors such as yellow and cold cathode fluorescent tubes emitting colors such as yellow (Y).
For example, in the case of a liquid crystal device of a type in which white light is incident on a liquid crystal panel, a plurality of light sources that emit light of three primary colors of RGB are provided, or an LED that emits RB color and a fluorescence that emits Y color Can be provided with a tube.
In addition, in the case of a so-called field sequential type liquid crystal device in which light of different colors such as RGB is alternately incident on a liquid crystal panel at a predetermined timing, a plurality of light sources that emit light of a desired color are provided. Can do.

(3) Light control sensor Moreover, as a light control sensor with which an illuminating device is equipped, if the optical characteristics which the light radiate | emitted from a light source has, such as a brightness | luminance, illumination intensity, or chromaticity, can be verified. There is no particular limitation.
Here, in the present embodiment, while having a plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths and only one light control sensor, each light source is turned on sequentially when verifying the optical characteristics. In addition, in order to verify any of luminance, illuminance, and chromaticity in each light, it is possible to accurately verify the optical characteristics of the light emitted from each light source.

For example, a photodiode is preferably used as a light control sensor for verifying such optical characteristics.
This is because the photodiode has a small outer shape, so that even if the photodiode is provided in the lighting device, the overall size of the device can be prevented.
That is, for example, such a photodiode is a diode that generates a current having an intensity proportional to a value such as the luminance of light, and the optical characteristics can be verified through the value of the current. With such a photodiode, even when a plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths are provided, by setting a current value corresponding to the reference value of the luminance value in the light emitted from each light source, It can be confirmed whether the light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources can maintain predetermined optical characteristics.

Further, regarding the arrangement position of the light control sensor, the arrangement position is not particularly limited as long as the light emitted from the light source reaches the position.
However, in the case of an illuminating device including a light guide plate, while preventing the influence of light such as external light other than light emitted from the light source, conventionally, using the space where the light source is arranged, Since an increase in the size of the apparatus can be prevented, as shown in FIG. 3, it is preferable to arrange the light guide plate 13 on the same side as the side where the light source 12 is arranged.
Even in the case of a lighting device that does not include a light guide plate, it is possible to prevent influence other than light emitted from the light source, and conventionally, using a space to which a flexible circuit board or the like is connected, Since an increase in size can be prevented, as shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable that the lighting device 15 be disposed on the same side as the side to which the flexible circuit board 94 is connected.

When the light source 12 and the light control sensor 14 are disposed on the same side of the light guide plate 13, the light source 12 and the light control sensor 14 are disposed on the same substrate 17 as shown in FIG. It is preferable.
This is because the light source and the dimming sensor can be arranged on the substrate in the same process, the number of parts can be reduced, and the manufacturing efficiency can be increased.

Further, when the light control sensor is arranged on the same side of the light guide plate as the side where the light source is arranged, the light control sensor 14 is connected to the light source 12 as shown in FIGS. It is preferable to arrange in the region other than the region where the emitted light travels. The reason is that the optical characteristics of the light emitted from each light source can be accurately verified by using a dimming sensor without being strongly influenced only by the optical characteristics of the light emitted from a specific light source. This is because it can.
In particular, from the viewpoint of space saving, it is preferable that the light control sensor 14 is disposed at the corner 13 a of the light guide plate 13 as shown in FIG. This is because the light control sensor can be arranged using a region that does not affect the light incident on the display region A of the electro-optical panel, and thus the enlargement of the lighting device can be prevented. It is.
In addition, the area | region where the light radiate | emitted from the light source advances means the area | region where the light radiate | emitted from the light source advances linearly, without being reflected by the side surface of a light-guide plate.

Further, when the light control sensor is disposed on the same side of the light guide plate as the light source is disposed, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the light source 12 and the light control sensor 14 or any of them. It is preferable that one of them is disposed in the recess 18 provided in the light guide plate 13.
The reason for this is that when the light source is disposed in the recess, most of the light emitted from the light source can be reliably incident on the light guide plate, while when the light control sensor is disposed in the recess. This is because the light traveling through the light guide plate can be reliably detected.

  Even when the cold cathode fluorescent tube 12 is used as the light source, the light control sensor can be arranged in the same manner as described above as shown in FIGS.

(4) Correction Circuit In addition, the illumination device used in the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment adjusts the optical characteristics of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources based on the values detected by the dimming sensor. The correction circuit is provided. Specifically, the correction circuit compares the value detected by the dimming sensor with a predetermined reference value, and adjusts the light emitted from the light source so that the detected value matches the reference value. A circuit for adjusting optical characteristics is preferable.
This is because the optical characteristics of the light incident on the electro-optical panel can be kept constant by maintaining the optical characteristics of the light emitted from each light source so as to always have a desired set value. It is.
Note that an optical characteristic adjustment method using the correction circuit will not be described here in order to be described in the second embodiment.

3. Method for Manufacturing Liquid Crystal Device Hereinafter, an example of a method for manufacturing the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment will be described.
First, a liquid crystal panel including an element substrate and a color filter substrate as a counter substrate arranged to face each other is manufactured.
An element substrate constituting such a liquid crystal panel is obtained by laminating various members on a glass substrate or the like as a substrate of the element substrate, so that a TFT element, a predetermined pattern scanning line, a predetermined pattern data line, an external connection terminal, etc. Are formed as appropriate. Next, after laminating a transparent conductive film such as ITO by sputtering or the like, pixel electrodes are formed in a matrix in the display region by photolithography and etching. Further, an alignment film made of polyimide is formed on the substrate surface on which the pixel electrode is formed. In this way, an element substrate on which various resin films and conductive films are formed is manufactured.

  In addition, a colored layer and a light-shielding film are appropriately formed by laminating various members on a glass substrate or the like as a base constituting a color filter substrate as a counter substrate. Next, after laminating a transparent conductive film such as ITO by sputtering or the like, a counter electrode over the entire display region is formed by photolithography and etching. Further, an alignment film made of polyimide is formed on the substrate surface on which the counter electrode is formed. In this way, a color filter substrate on which various resin films and conductive films are formed is manufactured.

  Next, the color filter substrate and the element substrate are bonded to each other through a sealing material to form a cell structure, and a liquid crystal material is injected into the cell structure. Then, a liquid crystal panel can be manufactured by sticking a polarizing plate or the like on the outer surfaces of the color filter substrate and the element substrate, respectively.

  Next, an illumination device to be arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal panel is prepared. Such an illumination device is formed by integrating a plurality of light sources, a dimming sensor, and a substrate on which a correction circuit is formed. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, a metal material such as aluminum or tantalum or a transparent conductive material such as ITO (indium tin oxide) is applied to the surface of an insulating circuit substrate 17 made of polyimide or the like as a base. A wiring pattern (not shown) including a correction circuit is formed, and LEDs as a plurality of light sources 12 having different main wavelengths, cold cathode fluorescent tubes, and photodiodes as dimming sensors 14 are mounted. 9B, the circuit board 17 on which the light source 12 and the dimming sensor 14 are mounted and the correction circuit is formed is disposed so as to contact the edge portion of the light guide plate 15. A lighting device can be manufactured.

  Next, the illuminating device is arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal panel, and they are electrically connected and incorporated in the housing, whereby the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment can be manufactured.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment is an optical characteristic adjustment method for adjusting the optical characteristics of light emitted from a plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths toward the electro-optical panel in the electro-optical device of the first embodiment. And
A step of sequentially lighting a plurality of light sources,
Detecting the optical characteristics of the light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources using a single dimming sensor;
Comparing the value detected by the light control sensor with a predetermined reference value and adjusting the optical characteristics of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources;
It is the adjustment method of the optical characteristic characterized by including.
Hereinafter, a white balance adjustment method will be described as an example of an optical property adjustment method using the liquid crystal device of the first embodiment.

Here, FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a correction circuit for controlling the luminance of light emitted from each light source in order to adjust the white balance of light incident on the liquid crystal panel, and FIG. The flowchart which implements the adjustment method of a balance is shown.
First, among a plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths, for example, one light source R that emits red (R) light is turned on (S1). The light emitted from the light source R is detected by a photodiode as a dimming sensor, and the luminance is converted into a current value and sent to the adjustment circuit (S2). Then, the adjustment circuit compares the sent current value with the initially set reference value (S3). As a result, if the respective values match, it is determined that there is no abnormality and is reset (S6). On the other hand, if there is a difference between the values, a luminance control signal is transmitted to the drive circuit R (S4). When the luminance control signal is transmitted in this way, the total current value per unit time in the current for turning on the light source R is changed, and the light emitted from the light source R always has a predetermined luminance. It is maintained as shown (S5).
Next, the light source B that emits blue (B) light, which is different from the previous light source, is turned on, and the luminance of the light emitted from the light source B is adjusted in the same manner as described above (S7 to 12). ). Further, the luminance of the light source G that emits green (G) light is adjusted in the same manner as described above (S13 to S18). Thus, by adjusting the brightness of the light emitted from each of the light sources R, G, and B, the light of each wavelength is transmitted even in the case where the deterioration occurs depending on the material of the light source. It is possible to maintain the optimum display state by always controlling the white balance of the light that is mixed and incident on the liquid crystal panel to a constant value.

As described above, in a liquid crystal device including a plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths, when verifying the optical characteristics of light emitted from each light source using a single dimming sensor, the respective lights are used. It is necessary to light in time division so that it can be detected independently.
Further, in the case of the liquid crystal device having such a configuration, it is difficult to light up RGB in a time division manner in order to ensure display in a state where an image is displayed. It is preferable to perform such optical characteristic control immediately after the power is turned on or when the display is restored from the sleep mode.
However, in the case of a device that always emits light with different main wavelengths such as RGB in a time-division manner while displaying an image, such as a so-called field sequential type liquid crystal device, the image is displayed. While displaying, it is possible to appropriately control the optical characteristics at a predetermined timing.

Further, as described above, in changing the total current value per unit time in the current for turning on the light source based on the luminance control signal, the current supply time or the magnitude of the current, or either one of them is changed. By changing, the total current value per unit time can be changed.
More specifically, the luminance of light emitted from each light source can be controlled by the total current value supplied to the light source per unit time. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, the reference value of the luminance of light emitted from the light source is the luminance when the total current value X obtained from the current supply time per unit time and the magnitude of the current is supplied to the light source. Is set to the value of.
On the other hand, as the material of the light source gradually deteriorates as the liquid crystal device is used, the luminance of the emitted light gradually increases even when the same amount of current is supplied to the light source per unit time. It goes down. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12B, the total current value X ′ is increased by increasing the current supply time per unit time without changing the magnitude of the flowing current, and emitted from the light source. The brightness of the light can be maintained at the same level as the reference value.
As another example, as shown in FIG. 12C, the total current value X ″ is increased by increasing the magnitude of the current to be supplied without changing the current supply time per unit time. Thus, the brightness of the light emitted from the light source can be maintained at the same level as the reference value.
Furthermore, by changing both the current supply time per unit time and the magnitude of the flowing current, the total current value per unit time is increased, and the luminance of the light emitted from the light source is the same as the reference value. It is possible to maintain the degree.

[Third Embodiment]
3rd Embodiment of this invention is an electronic device provided with the liquid crystal device of 1st Embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the electronic apparatus of the present embodiment. This electronic apparatus has a liquid crystal panel 20 provided in the liquid crystal device, and a control means for controlling the liquid crystal panel 20. In FIG. 13, the liquid crystal panel 20 is conceptually divided into a panel structure 20 </ b> A and a drive circuit 20 </ b> B composed of a semiconductor element (IC) or the like. The control means 200 also includes a display information output source 201, a display processing circuit 202, a power supply circuit 203, and a timing generator 204.
The display information output source includes a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage unit such as a magnetic recording disk or an optical recording disk, and a tuning circuit that tunes and outputs a digital image signal. The display information is supplied to the display processing circuit in the form of a predetermined format image signal or the like based on various clock signals generated by the timing generator.

The display processing circuit 202 includes various well-known circuits such as a serial-parallel conversion circuit, an amplification / inversion circuit, a rotation circuit, a gamma correction circuit, and a clamp circuit, and executes processing of input display information to display the image. Information is supplied to the driving circuit together with the clock signal CLK. Furthermore, the drive circuit 20B can include a first electrode drive circuit, a second electrode drive circuit, and an inspection circuit. Further, the power supply circuit 203 has a function of supplying a predetermined voltage to each of the above-described components.
And if it is the electronic device of this embodiment, the adjustment of the optical characteristic of the light radiate | emitted from the several light source from which a main wavelength differs is accurately performed using one light control sensor, preventing the enlargement of an apparatus. An electronic device that can be provided can be provided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the illumination apparatus which can adjust correctly the optical characteristic of the light radiate | emitted from the several light source from which a main wavelength differs using one light control sensor, preventing the enlargement of an apparatus. Further, it is possible to provide an electro-optical device including such an illumination device, an optical property adjusting method using such an electro-optical device, and an electronic apparatus. Accordingly, electro-optical devices and electronic devices such as liquid crystal devices equipped with TFT elements, such as mobile phones and personal computers, liquid crystal televisions, viewfinder type / monitor direct view type video tape recorders, car navigation devices, pagers, etc. , Electrophoresis device, electronic notebook, calculator, word processor, workstation, video phone, POS terminal, electronic device with touch panel, device with electron emission element (FED: Field Emission Display or SCEED: Surface-Conduction Electron-Emitter It can be widely applied to Display).

It is sectional drawing which shows the liquid crystal device of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the liquid crystal panel provided with the TFT element used for a liquid crystal device. It is a figure which shows the example of the illuminating device used for the liquid crystal device of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows another structural example of an illuminating device. (A)-(b) is a figure which shows the example which has arrange | positioned the sensor for light control in area | regions other than the area | region where the light radiate | emitted from the light source advances. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows the example by which the recessed part was provided in the light-guide plate. (A)-(b) is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the structure in case a cold cathode fluorescent tube is included as a light source (the 1). (A)-(b) is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the structure in case a cold cathode fluorescent tube is included as a light source (the 1). (A)-(b) is a figure for demonstrating the manufacturing method of an illuminating device. It is a block diagram of the correction circuit which controls the brightness | luminance of an illuminating device. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the adjustment method of the white balance as an optical characteristic. (A)-(c) is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the method to change the total electric current value which flows into a light source. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic device of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure provided in order to demonstrate the illuminating device feedback-controlled by the conventional three types of optical sensors.

Explanation of symbols

10: liquid crystal device (electro-optical device), 12: light source, 13: light guide plate, 13a: corner, 14: sensor for light control, 15: illumination device, 16: light reflector, 17: substrate, 18: recess, 20: Liquid crystal panel, 30: Counter substrate, 60: Element substrate

Claims (12)

An illumination device for making light incident on an electro-optic panel,
A plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths;
One dimming sensor for detecting optical characteristics of light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources that are sequentially lit;
A correction circuit for adjusting the optical characteristics of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources based on the value detected by the light control sensor;
A lighting device comprising:   The correction circuit compares a value detected by the dimming sensor with a predetermined reference value, and optical characteristics of light emitted from the light source so that the detected value matches the reference value. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device is a circuit that adjusts the brightness.   The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light control sensor is a photodiode.   The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the optical characteristic is any one of luminance, illuminance, and chromaticity. In an electro-optical device comprising: an electro-optical panel in which an electro-optical material is held on a substrate for an electro-optical device; and an illumination device including a light source for emitting light incident on the electro-optical panel.
A plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths as the light source;
One dimming sensor for detecting optical characteristics of light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources that are sequentially lit;
A correction circuit for adjusting the optical characteristics of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources based on the value detected by the light control sensor;
An electro-optical device comprising: It is light emitted from a plurality of light sources having different main wavelengths, and is an optical property adjustment method for adjusting optical properties of light incident on an electro-optical panel,
Sequentially lighting each of the plurality of light sources;
Detecting the optical characteristics of the light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources using a single dimming sensor;
Comparing the value detected by the dimming sensor with a predetermined reference value and adjusting the optical characteristics of the light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources;
A method for adjusting optical characteristics, comprising:   The method for adjusting an optical characteristic according to claim 6, wherein the optical characteristic is adjusted while an image is displayed on a display surface of the electro-optical panel.   The method for adjusting an optical characteristic according to claim 6, wherein the optical characteristic is adjusted at the start of lighting of the illumination device.   9. The step of adjusting the optical characteristics, wherein the total current value per unit time is changed and adjusted by changing a current supply time and / or a current magnitude. The method for adjusting an optical characteristic according to any one of the above.   The optical characteristic adjustment method according to claim 6, wherein the optical characteristic is detected using a photodiode as the light control sensor.   The method for adjusting an optical characteristic according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein any one of luminance, illuminance, and chromaticity is adjusted as the optical characteristic.   An electronic apparatus comprising the electro-optical device according to claim 5.

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