Display Device

• US 20140293192A1
• Filed: 03/25/2014
• Published: 10/02/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
• Inventors: Hatano, Kaoru
• Granted Patent: US 9,715,103 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 349/69
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/005 based on electrowetting
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/13 based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/157 Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. reflectors or illuminating devices
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2201/44 Arrangements combining different electro-active layers, e.g. electrochromic, liquid crystal or electroluminescent layers
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 50/841 Self-supporting sealing arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 50/85 Arrangements for extracting light from the devices
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 59/121 characterised by the geometry or disposition of pixel elements
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 59/878 comprising reflective means

Abstract

A display panel can display images or information on at least one surface side and transmit external light through a transmissive display element. The display panel includes a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit light to the one surface side and can be driven independently and a plurality of transmissive display elements that can be driven independently. Alternatively, a display panel transmits external light through a double-side light-emitting element and a transmissive display element. The display panel includes a plurality of double-side light-emitting elements that can be driven independently and a plurality of transmissive display elements that can be driven independently.

Claims

1. A display device comprising:

a display panel capable of transmitting external light, the display panel comprising;

a transmissive display element; and

a light-emitting element overlapping the transmissive display element, the light-emitting element comprising;

a first electrode capable of transmitting visible light;

a second electrode; and

an electroluminescent layer between the first electrode and the second electrode,

wherein the transmissive display element and the light-emitting element overlap with each other, and

wherein the transmissive display element comprises;

a first region overlapping with the light-emitting element; and

a second region overlapping with none of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the electroluminescent layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the second electrode is capable of reflecting visible light.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the transmissive display element comprises a non-light-transmissive portion.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the transmissive display element is an electrochromic element.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the transmissive display element is an electrowetting element.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the transmissive display element is a liquid crystal element.

7. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a control circuit; and

a light-receiving element,

wherein the control circuit is configured to control display on the display panel in response to the light-receiving element.

8. A display device comprising:

a display panel capable of transmitting external light, the display panel comprising;

a transmissive display element; and

a light-emitting element comprising;

a first electrode capable of transmitting visible light;

a second electrode capable of transmitting visible light; and

an electroluminescent layer between the first electrode and the second electrode,

wherein the transmissive display element and the light-emitting element are positioned side by side.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the transmissive display element comprises a non-light-transmissive portion.

10. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the transmissive display element is an electrochromic element.

11. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the transmissive display element is an electrowetting element.

12. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the transmissive display element is a liquid crystal element.

13. The display device according to claim 8, further comprising:

a control circuit; and

a light-receiving element,

wherein the control circuit is configured to control display on the display panel in response to the light-receiving element.