Display device

Abstract

The present invention realizes a display device capable of providing a display with high interest and excellent design. The display device (10) includes: a light guide plate (11) that guides incident light and emits it from a light emission surface; a transflective mirror (21) disposed on the light emission surface side of the light guide plate; and a reflector (22) disposed on the side opposite to the light emission surface of the light guide plate. The light guide plate forms an image of a change along the direction from the transflective mirror toward the reflector in a space different from the light emission surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device for displaying an image in space. Background Art

[0002] A display device is disclosed in Patent Document 1, which includes: a transparent light guide plate formed with a display portion composed of a plurality of concave portions having a reflecting surface for reflecting incident light to the surface side; a semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror plate disposed on the surface side of the light guide plate; and a reflecting mirror plate disposed on the back side of the light guide plate. The display device causes light from a light source that travels in the light guide plate and is reflected by the reflecting surface of the concave portion to be multiply (repeatedly) reflected between the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror plate and the reflecting mirror plate, thereby displaying a multiple image of the display portion.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-2635

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, the display device disclosed in Patent Document 1 can only display a multiple image of a planar image, which is an image of the display portion formed on the back surface of the light guide plate, and thus there is a problem of insufficient design. Summary of the Invention

[0008] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to realize a display device capable of providing a display with high interest and excellent design.

[0009] To solve the above problems, a display device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a light guide plate that guides incident light and reflects the light through an optical path changing portion formed at a predetermined position to emit the light from a light emitting surface; a semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror disposed on the light emitting surface side of the light guide plate; and a reflecting mirror disposed on the opposite side of the light emitting surface of the light guide plate. The light guide plate forms an image of a change accompanying the direction from the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror toward the reflecting mirror in a space different from the light emitting surface by the light emitted from the light emitting surface.

[0010] Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display device capable of providing a display with high interest and excellent design can be realized. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the structure of the display device of the present embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2It is a perspective view for explaining the display principle of the display device of the present embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of the optical path in the display device of the present embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed by the light guide plate included in the display device of the present embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of an image formed by the display device of the present embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the relationship between the distance between the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror and the reflector and the full length of the image in the depth direction of the display device.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing an example of a game machine to which the display device of the present embodiment is applied.

[0019] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the case where the display device of the present embodiment is applied to the taillight of a vehicle.

[0020] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing the display device of the first modification example.

[0021] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing the display device of the second modification example.

[0022] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing the light guide plate included in the display device of the third modification example.

[0023] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing a specific example of an image formed by the display device of the third modification example.

[0024] Figure 13 It is a diagram for explaining the display device of the fourth modification example.

[0025] Figure 14 It is a diagram for explaining the display device of the fifth modification example.

[0026] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing the display device of the sixth modification example.

[0027] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing the display device of the seventh modification example.

[0028] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing the display device of the eighth modification example.

[0029] Figure 18It is a diagram showing a display device according to a ninth modification example.

[0030] Figure 19 It is a diagram showing a display device according to a tenth modification example.

[0031] Figure 20 It is a diagram showing a display device according to an eleventh modification example.

[0032] Figure 21 It is a diagram showing a display device according to a twelfth modification example.

[0033] Figure 22 It is a perspective view showing a display device according to a thirteenth modification example.

[0034] Figure 23 It is a sectional view showing the structure of a display device according to a thirteenth modification example.

[0035] Figure 24 It is a plan view showing the structure of a display device according to a thirteenth modification example.

[0036] Figure 25 It is a perspective view showing the structure of an optical path changing unit included in a display device according to a thirteenth modification example.

[0037] Figure 26 It is a perspective view showing the arrangement of an optical path changing unit included in a display device according to a thirteenth modification example.

[0038] Figure 27 It is a perspective view showing an imaging method of a stereoscopic image of a display device according to a thirteenth modification example. Detailed Implementation Modes

[0039] (Embodiment 1)

[0040] Hereinafter, an embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as "this embodiment") related to one aspect of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0041] §1 Application Example

[0042] First, the display principle of the display device of the present invention will be described. In addition, hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, sometimes Figure 2 the +X direction in is taken as the front direction, the -X direction as the rear direction, the +Y direction as the upper direction, the -Y direction as the lower direction, the +Z direction as the right direction, and the -Z direction as the left direction for explanation.

[0043] Figure 2 It is a perspective view for explaining the display principle of the display device 10. The display device 10 forms a stereoscopic image recognizable by the user's vision in a space without a screen. Figure 2In [description], the state where the display device 10 displays the stereoscopic image I is shown. More specifically, the display device 10 displays a stereoscopic image I in the shape of a button, and the character "ON" is displayed on the stereoscopic image I. Figure 2 In [description], the light guide plate 11 and the light source 12 among the components included in the display device 10 are shown.

[0044] The light guide plate 11 guides (directs) the light incident from the light source 12 so that the light is emitted from the light emitting surface 11a and the above-mentioned image is formed in space. The light guide plate 11 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is formed of a resin material having transparency and a relatively high refractive index. The material forming the light guide plate 11 may be, for example, polycarbonate resin, polymethyl methacrylate resin, glass, etc. The light guide plate 11 includes: a light emitting surface 11a (light emitting face) for emitting light, a back face 11b on the side opposite to the light emitting surface 11a, and end faces 11c, 11d, 11e, and 11f which are the four side end faces. The end face 11c is the incident face on which the light projected from the light source 12 is incident on the light guide plate 11. The end face 11d is the face on the side opposite to the end face 11c. The end face 11e is the face on the side opposite to the end face 11f. The light guide plate 11 expands and guides the light from the light source 12 in a plane parallel to the light emitting surface 11a to the plane. The light source 12 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source.

[0045] On the back face 11b of the light guide plate 11, a plurality of optical path changing portions 13 including an optical path changing portion 13a, an optical path changing portion 13b, and an optical path changing portion 13c are formed. The optical path changing portions 13 are formed substantially continuously in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the plurality of optical path changing portions 13 are respectively formed along a predetermined line in a plane parallel to the light emitting surface 11a. The light projected from the light source 12 and guided by the light guide plate 11 is incident on respective positions in the Z-axis direction of the optical path changing portion 13. The optical path changing portion 13 causes the light incident on respective positions of the optical path changing portion 13 to substantially converge to fixed points corresponding to the respective optical path changing portions 13. In Figure 2 In [description], as a part of the optical path changing portion 13, the optical path changing portion 13a, the optical path changing portion 13b, and the optical path changing portion 13c are particularly shown. Specifically, the situation where a plurality of lights emitted from the optical path changing portion 13a, the optical path changing portion 13b, and the optical path changing portion 13c respectively converge is shown.

[0046] Specifically, the optical path changing unit 13a corresponds to the fixed point PA of the stereoscopic image I. The light from each position of the optical path changing unit 13a converges at the fixed point PA. Therefore, the wavefront of the light from the optical path changing unit 13a becomes the wavefront of the light emitted from the fixed point PA. The optical path changing unit 13b corresponds to the fixed point PB on the stereoscopic image I. The light from each position of the optical path changing unit 13b converges at the fixed point PB. In this way, the light from each position of any of the optical path changing units 13 substantially converges at the fixed point corresponding to each optical path changing unit 13. Thus, through any of the optical path changing units 13, it is possible to provide the wavefront of the light emitted from the corresponding fixed point. The fixed points corresponding to the respective optical path changing units 13 are different from each other, and the stereoscopic image I recognizable by the user is imaged in space (more specifically, in the space from the light guide plate 11 to the light emitting surface 11a side) by the set of a plurality of fixed points corresponding to the optical path changing units 13 respectively.

[0047] As Figure 2 shown, the optical path changing unit 13a, the optical path changing unit 13b, and the optical path changing unit 13c are respectively formed along the line La, the line Lb, and the line Lc. Here, the line La, the line Lb, and the line Lc are straight lines substantially parallel to the Z-axis direction. Any of the optical path changing units 13 is formed substantially continuously along a straight line parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0048] §2 Structural Example

[0049] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the specific structure of the display device 10 of the present embodiment. In Figure 1 it, the perspective view of the display device 10 is denoted by the symbol 1001, and the side view is denoted by the symbol 1002. As Figure 1 shown, in addition to the above-described light guide plate 11 and light source 12, the display device 10 further includes a half mirror 21 and a mirror 22.

[0050] The half mirror 21 is a half mirror that reflects a part of the incident light and transmits the remaining part. The half mirror 21 is disposed on the light emitting surface 11a side of the light guide plate 11. The mirror 22 is a mirror that reflects the incident light. The mirror 22 is disposed on the side opposite to the light emitting surface 11a of the light guide plate 11.

[0051] The light transmittance of the half mirror 21 is preferably 80% or less. In the display device 10, it is possible that blurring caused by noise light (interference light) occurs in the imaged image I. By making the transmittance of the half mirror 21 80% or less, the noise light is difficult to be visually recognized, and the visual recognition property of the image I is improved. However, the light transmittance of the half mirror 21 and the mirror 22 does not necessarily have to be 80% or less.

[0052] Figure 3This is a diagram showing an example of the optical path in the display device 10. A part of the light emitted from the light-emitting surface 11a of the light guide plate 11 passes through the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 and is emitted to the outside of the display device 10 as light L1. On the other hand, the light reflected by the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 passes through the light guide plate 11, is reflected by the mirror 22, passes through the light guide plate 11 again, and reaches the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 again. A part of the light that reaches the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 again passes through the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 and is emitted to the outside of the display device 10 as light L2 along an optical path different from that of light L1.

[0053] The light reflected again by the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 is further emitted toward the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 side via the light guide plate 11, the mirror 22, and the light guide plate 11. In Figure 3 the example shown, the light that is emitted from the light guide plate 11 toward the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 for the third time passes outside the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 and is emitted to the outside as light L3. However, depending on the emission position of the initial light, the number of reflections of the light emitted from the light-emitting surface 11a between the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 and the mirror 22 may increase or decrease compared to the Figure 3 example shown.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the image I formed by the light guide plate 11 included in the display device 10. The light guide plate 11 forms the image I, which changes along the direction from the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 toward the mirror 22, in a space different from the light-emitting surface 11a by the light emitted from the light-emitting surface 11a. The image I is, for example, a planar image having an angle greater than 0° with respect to the light-emitting surface 11a. In Figure 4 the examples indicated by reference numerals 4001 and 4002, the image I formed by the light guide plate 11 is a planar image parallel to the plane PI perpendicular to the light-emitting surface 11a. However, the image I may not be parallel to the plane PI perpendicular to the light-emitting surface 11a. In addition, the image I may be a stereoscopic image.

[0055] In addition, the light guide plate 11 forms the image I such that when the user's eyes are arranged in a direction (lateral direction) perpendicular to the direction (longitudinal direction) in which the light incident from the light source 12 is guided in the light guide plate 11, the user can visually recognize the image I. In addition, the light guide plate 11 may form the image I such that it can be visually recognized when the user's eyes are arranged longitudinally or obliquely instead of laterally.

[0056] In addition, in Figure 4 the examples indicated by reference numerals 4001 and 4002, a plurality of images I are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the light from the light source 12 is guided in the light guide plate 11. In the display device 10, the shape of the image I can be controlled by changing the orientation of the reflecting surface of the optical path changing unit 13.

[0057] Figure 5This is a diagram showing an example of an image I formed by the display device 10. As Figure 3 shown, the light emitted from the light emitting surface 11a is repeatedly reflected between the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 and the reflector 22. Therefore, when visually recognizing the display device 10 from the side of the light emitting surface 11a of the light guide plate 11, as Figure 5 shown by the symbol 5001, the image I formed in the space is formed by arranging multiple images in the depth direction.

[0058] In addition, as Figure 5 shown by the symbol 5002, the image I can also be in the shape of a switch protruding from the light guide plate 11. In addition, as Figure 5 shown by the symbol 5003, the image I can also be in the shape of an arrow pointing towards the light guide plate 11. In addition, as Figure 5 shown by the symbol 5004, the image I can also be in the shape of a triangular prism separated from the light guide plate 11.

[0059] In addition, as Figure 5 shown by the symbols 5005 to 5007, the image I can also be a rectangle on a plane that is not parallel to the light guide plate 11. In this case, an image B that serves as a reference for visually recognizing the image I can also be further displayed. As Figure 5 shown by the symbol 5005 in, the image B can be a two-dimensional coordinate axis. In addition, as Figure 5 shown by the symbol 5006, the image B can also be a plane on the light guide plate 11. In addition, as Figure 5 shown by the symbol 5007 in, the image B can be a three-dimensional coordinate axis.

[0060] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the distance between the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 and the reflector 22 and the total length of the image I in the depth direction of the display device 10. As Figure 6 shown, let the distance between the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 and the reflector 22 be L1, and let the total length of the image I in the depth direction of the display device 10 be L2.

[0061] If L2 is greater than twice L1, the images I formed by the display device 10 by multiple imaging have overlapping regions with each other. In this case, the images I formed by multiple imaging can be represented as a single continuous image in the depth direction. On the other hand, if L2 is less than or equal to twice L1, the images I formed by the display device 10 by multiple imaging do not have overlapping regions with each other. In this case, it can be represented as a case where multiple images I are aggregated.

[0062] §3 Operation Example

[0063] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing an example of a game machine to which the display device 10 is applied. In Figure 7In the figure, the illustration of the display device 10 is omitted. The display device 10 can be applied to an input device used in an entertainment device such as a game machine. The input device includes a display device 10 and a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object at the position of the image displayed on the display device 10. When a user performs an input operation on the image displayed on the display device 10 using an indicator such as a finger, the sensor detects the indicator, and thus the input device accepts the input.

[0064] As Figure 7 shown by reference numeral 7001 in, on the operation panel for operating the game machine M1, as at least one of a plurality of switches for user operation, a stereoscopic image I can also be formed by the display device 10. Further, as Figure 7 shown by reference numeral 7002 in, in the game machine M2, a stereoscopic image I can also be formed by the display device 10, and the stereoscopic image I is formed so as to overlap with the screen for displaying a performance image for the user and serves as a switch that is an operation object for the user. In this case, the display device 10 can display the stereoscopic image I only when a performance is required. Further, the display device 10 can be applied to a game machine not as an input device but as a display device for displaying performance images. Further, the display device 10 can also be applied as a lighting fixture provided on a frame or the like of a game machine provided in a casino or the like.

[0065] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a case where the display device 10 is applied to a taillight of a vehicle C. The display device 10, for example Figure 8 shown by reference numeral 8001 in, can be applied to the taillight 1A of the vehicle C. In this case, as Figure 8 shown by reference numeral 8002 in, the display device 10 includes a light guide plate 11A and a light source 12. The light guide plate 11A is different from the light guide plate 11 in that the light guide plate 11A has a shape bent according to the shape of the vehicle C. The light incident from the light source 12 is subjected to a light path change by a light path change portion 13 formed in the light guide plate 11A, thereby displaying the stereoscopic image I. Further, the display device 10 can also be applied to vehicle lamps other than taillights or vehicle display devices.

[0066] §4 Variation

[0067] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the description up to the above is merely illustrative of the present invention in all aspects. Of course, various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the following changes can be made. Further, the same reference numerals are used for the same constituent elements as those in the above embodiments, and the description of the same points as those in the above embodiments is appropriately omitted. The following variation examples can be combined as appropriate.

[0068] <4.1>

[0069] Figure 9 This is a diagram of the display device 110 showing the first modification example. For simplicity, the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 and the reflecting mirror 22 are omitted in Figure 9 . In the display device 10 shown in Figure 1 , a plurality of images I are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the light from the light source 12 is guided in the light guide plate 11. In contrast, in the display device 110 shown in Figure 9 , a plurality of images I are imaged so as to be arranged in the same direction as the direction in which the light from the light source 12 is guided in the light guide plate 11. In addition, in the display device 110, the width of the light guide plate 11 as viewed from the light source 12 is narrower than that of the display device 10. Therefore, in the display device 110, the light entering the light guide plate 11 from the light source 12 is appropriately calibrated, and the shape of the image I is controlled according to the orientation of the reflection surface of the optical path changing unit 13.

[0070] <4.2>

[0071] Figure 10 This is a diagram of the display device 120 showing the second modification example. In the display device 120, among the images imaged by the light guide plate 11, the images imaged closer to the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 side than the light emitting surface 11a are different from the images imaged closer to the reflecting mirror 22 side than the light emitting surface 11a. For example, as shown by the reference numeral 10001 in Figure 10 , the light guide plate 11 images the image IA in front of the paper surface with respect to the light guide plate 11 and images the image IB inside the paper surface with respect to the light guide plate 11. Therefore, as shown by the reference numeral 10002 in Figure 10 , the display device 120 images a plurality of images IA on the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 side with respect to the light guide plate 11 and images a plurality of images IB on the reflecting mirror 22 side with respect to the light guide plate 11. Therefore, in the depth direction, images that change on the front side and the inside of the light guide plate 11 can be displayed. In addition, in the display device 120, as shown by the reference numeral 10003 in Figure 10 , the images IA and IB may also be planar images respectively displayed on the front surface and the back surface of the light guide plate 11.

[0072] <4.3>

[0073] Figure 11 This is a diagram of the light guide plate 11 included in the display device 130 (refer to Figure 12 ) showing the third modification example. In the display device 130, the images imaged by the light guide plate 11 are different depending on the direction in which the images are imaged. The light guide plate 11 in the display device 130, for example, as shown by the reference numerals 11001, 11002, and 11003 in Figure 11 , images different images IA, IB, or IC according to the direction in which the images are imaged.

[0074] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a specific example of the image formed by the display device 130. As Figure 12 shown by the symbol 12001 in [reference], in the direction in which the light guide plate 11 forms the image IA, the display device 130 forms a plurality of images IA. On the other hand, as Figure 12 shown by the symbol 12002 in [reference], in the direction in which the light guide plate 11 forms the image IB, the display device 130 forms a plurality of images IB. Therefore, different images can be formed multiple times according to the direction in which the user visually recognizes the display device 130.

[0075] <4.4>

[0076] Figure 13 This is a diagram for explaining the display device 140 of the fourth modification example. For simplicity, the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 and the reflector 22 are omitted in Figure 13 . In the display device 140, the image I formed by the light guide plate 11 has a focused shape on the side closer to the side where the reflector 22 is arranged than the light guide plate 11. For example, as Figure 13 shown by the symbol 13001 in [reference], the light guide plate 11 included in the display device 140 forms a plurality of images I. The plurality of images I are designed to focus on a specified vanishing point V.

[0077] Therefore, as Figure 13 shown by the symbol 13002 in [reference], the image formed by the display device 140 also has a design that focuses on a specified vanishing point. Therefore, according to the display device 140, the three-dimensional effect of the image I can be emphasized.

[0078] In addition, in the light guide plate 11 included in the display device 140, the plurality of images I do not necessarily need to have a design that faces a specified vanishing point. For example, they may also have a design that focuses on a specified vanishing line.

[0079] <4.5>

[0080] Figure 14 This is a diagram for explaining the display device 150 of the fifth modification example. For simplicity, the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror 21 and the reflector 22 are omitted in Figure 14 . As Figure 14 shown by the symbol 14001 in [reference], the light guide plate 11 included in the display device 150 forms an image ID parallel to the emission surface 11a in addition to the plurality of images I.

[0081] In the images formed multiple times by the display device 150, as Figure 14 shown by the symbol 14002 in [reference], the plurality of images I and the image ID parallel to the emission surface 11a are formed multiple times. At this time, the plane on which the image ID is formed becomes the reference plane when visually recognizing the image I. Therefore, according to the display device 150, the three-dimensional effect of the image I can be emphasized.

[0082] <4.6>

[0083] Figure 15 This is a diagram of the display device 160 showing the sixth modification example. As Figure 15 indicated by reference numerals 15001 and 15002, in addition to the structure of the display device 10, the display device 160 further includes a light-emitting component 23. The light-emitting component 23 has a prescribed shape and is a component that emits light. The light-emitting component 23 is disposed in the region between the transflective mirror 21 and the reflector 22. For example, the light-emitting component 23 may include a light source for the light-emitting component and a light guide plate. Additionally, the light-emitting component 23 may also be a plurality of LEDs or the like arranged in a prescribed shape.

[0084] In the image multiply-imaged by the display device 160, as Figure 15 indicated by reference numeral 15003, the image I and the image IE of the light-emitting component 23 are multiply-imaged. At this time, the position of the image IE of the light-emitting component 23 becomes the reference position when visually recognizing the image I. Therefore, with the display device 160, the three-dimensional effect of the image I can be emphasized.

[0085] <4.7>

[0086] Figure 16 This is a diagram of the display device 170 showing the seventh modification example. In the display device 170, either the transflective mirror 21 or the reflector 22 is formed on the surface of the light guide plate 11. In Figure 16 the example indicated by reference numeral 16001, the transflective mirror 21 is vapor-deposited on the surface of the light guide plate 11. In this case, the display device 170 multiplies the image I only on the reflector 22 side. Additionally, in Figure 16 the example indicated by reference numeral 16002, the reflector 22 is vapor-deposited on the surface of the light guide plate 11. In this case, the display device 170 multiplies the image I only on the transflective mirror 21 side.

[0087] Alternatively, either the transflective mirror 21 or the reflector 22 may be formed on the surface of the light guide plate 11 by a method other than vapor deposition. In the display device 170, by forming the transflective mirror 21 or the reflector 22 on the surface of the light guide plate 11, the number of components and the space of the display device 170 can be reduced.

[0088] <4.8>

[0089] Figure 17 This is a diagram of the display device 180 showing the eighth modification example. As Figure 17As shown by reference numeral 17001, in the display device 180, the transflective mirror 21 and the reflector 22 are longer than the light guide plate 11 in a direction parallel to the light guide plate 11. Therefore, in the display device 180, the light emitted from the light guide plate 11 is repeatedly reflected within a range wider than the light guide plate 11 in a direction parallel to the surface of the light guide plate 11, and the image I is formed. Thus, according to the display device 180, as Figure 17 shown by reference numeral 17001, even when the user's viewing point E is farther from the center of the light guide plate 11 than the end of the light guide plate 11 in a direction parallel to the light guide plate 11, the multi-imaged image I can have a sense of depth.

[0090] However, in the display device 180, as Figure 17 shown by reference numeral 17002, the transflective mirror 21 and the reflector 22 only need to be longer than the length of the region R where the optical path changing unit 13 is provided in a direction parallel to the light guide plate 11. Even when the user's viewing point E is farther from the center of the light guide plate 11 than the end of the light guide plate 11 in a direction parallel to the light guide plate 11, such a display device 180 can also make the multi-imaged image I have a sense of depth.

[0091] <4.9>

[0092] Figure 18 FIG. is a diagram showing a display device 190 according to a ninth modification. For simplicity, the light source 12 is omitted in Figure 18 . As Figure 18 shown, in the display device 190, the light guide plate 11, the transflective mirror 21, and the reflector 22 are bent so as to protrude toward the side where the image I is observed. According to such a display device 190, the bent image I can be multi-imaged.

[0093] <4.10>

[0094] Figure 19 FIG. is a diagram showing a display device 200 according to a tenth modification. For simplicity, the reflector 22 is omitted in Figure 19 . As Figure 19 shown, the display device 200 further includes a cover 24 that transmits at least a part of the incident light on the side of the transflective mirror 21 opposite to the light guide plate 11 in addition to the structure of the display device 10. In the display device 200, the light transmittance of the transflective mirror 21 is lower than the light transmittance of the cover 24.

[0095] As described above, in the display device 10, blurring caused by noise light may occur in the formed image I. In the display device 200, by providing the cover 24, the noise light is difficult to be visually recognized, and the visual recognition of the image I is improved.

[0096] <4.11>

[0097] Figure 20 FIG. is a diagram showing a display device 210 according to an eleventh modification example. The display device 210 can be applied to, for example, a rear combination lamp of a vehicle. As shown by reference numerals 20001 and 20002 in Figure 20 , the display device 210 includes an inner cover 40 in addition to the structure of the display device 10. By applying the display device 210 to the rear combination lamp, a rear combination lamp that saves space and can image a three-dimensional image can be realized.

[0098] <4.12>

[0099] Figure 21 FIG. is a diagram showing a display device 220 according to a twelfth modification example. For simplicity, the half-transmissive half-reflective mirror 21 and the reflector 22 are omitted in Figure 21 . As shown by reference numerals 21001 and 21002 in Figure 21 , the display device 220 includes a turn signal lamp 41 and a brake lamp 42 in addition to the structure of the display device 10. In other words, the display device 220 has a structure in which the turn signal lamp 41 and the brake lamp 42 overlap on the light guide plate 11.

[0100] In the display device 220, in addition to the image I, the light when the turn signal lamp 41 and / or the brake lamp 42 operates is also multiplexed and imaged. Therefore, according to the display device 220, a vehicle lamp with high interest can also be realized for the turn signal lamp 41 and the brake lamp 42.

[0101] In the display device 220, the turn signal lamp 41 and the brake lamp 42 are disposed, for example, between the light guide plate 11 and the reflector 22. Further, in the display device 220, the turn signal lamp 41 and the brake lamp 42 may be disposed between the light guide plate 11 and the half-transmissive half-reflective mirror 21. However, in the display device 220, the turn signal lamp 41 and the brake lamp 42 do not necessarily need to be disposed on the same side with respect to the light guide plate 11. Further, the display device 220 does not necessarily need to include both the turn signal lamp 41 and the brake lamp 42, and may include only one of them.

[0102] <4.13>

[0103] Refer to Figures 22 - 27 to describe a display device 10A according to a thirteenth modification example.

[0104] Figure 22 FIG. is a perspective view of the display device 10A. Figure 23 FIG. is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the display device 10A. Figure 24 FIG. is a plan view showing the structure of the display device 10A. Figure 25 FIG. is a perspective view showing the structure of an optical path changing unit 16 included in the display device 10A.

[0105] As shown in Figure 22 and Figure 23 FIG. 1, the display device 10A includes a light source 12 and a light guide plate 15 (first light guide plate).

[0106] The light guide plate 15 is a component that guides the light (incident light) incident from the light source 12. The light guide plate 15 is formed of a transparent resin material having a relatively high refractive index. As the material for forming the light guide plate 15, for example, polycarbonate resin, polymethyl methacrylate resin, etc. can be used. In this modification, the light guide plate 15 is formed of polymethyl methacrylate resin. As shown in Figure 23 FIG. 2, the light guide plate 15 includes an emission surface 15a (light emission surface), a back surface 15b, and an incident surface 15c.

[0107] The emission surface 15a is a surface that emits the light guided inside the light guide plate 15 and whose optical path has been changed by an optical path changing unit 16 described later. The emission surface 15a constitutes the front surface of the light guide plate 15. The back surface 15b is a surface parallel to the emission surface 15a, and is a surface on which the optical path changing unit 16 described later is disposed. The incident surface 15c is a surface that allows the light emitted from the light source 12 to enter the inside of the light guide plate 15.

[0108] The light emitted from the light source 12 and incident on the light guide plate 15 from the incident surface 15c is totally reflected on the emission surface 15a or the back surface 15b and is guided inside the light guide plate 15.

[0109] As shown in Figure 23 FIG. 3, the optical path changing unit 16 is formed on the back surface 15b inside the light guide plate 15, and is a component that changes the optical path of the light guided inside the light guide plate 15 so that the light is emitted from the emission surface 15a. A plurality of optical path changing units 16 are provided on the back surface 15b of the light guide plate 15.

[0110] As shown in Figure 24 FIG. 4, the optical path changing unit 16 is provided along a direction parallel to the incident surface 15c. As shown in Figure 25 FIG. 5, the optical path changing unit 16 has a triangular pyramid shape and includes a reflection surface 16a that reflects (totally reflects) the incident light. The optical path changing unit 16 may also be, for example, a concave portion formed on the back surface 15b of the light guide plate 15. In addition, the optical path changing unit 16 is not limited to the triangular pyramid shape. As shown in Figure 24 FIG. 6, on the back surface 15b of the light guide plate 15, a plurality of optical path changing unit groups 17a, 17b, 17c,... each composed of a plurality of optical path changing units 16 are formed.

[0111] Figure 26 FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the optical path changing units 16. As shown in Figure 26As shown, in each optical path changing unit group 17a, 17b, 17c..., the reflecting surfaces 16a of the plurality of optical path changing units 16 are arranged on the back surface 15b of the light guide plate 15 such that the angles with respect to the light incident direction are different from each other. Thus, each optical path changing unit group 17a, 17b, 17c... changes the optical path of the incident light so that it is emitted from the emission surface 15a in various directions.

[0112] Next, with reference to Figure 27 the imaging method of the stereoscopic image I of the display device 10A will be described. Here, the case where the stereoscopic image I as a surface image is imaged on the stereoscopic image imaging surface P which is a plane perpendicular to the emission surface 15a of the light guide plate 15 by the light whose optical path has been changed by the optical path changing unit 16 will be described.

[0113] Figure 27 is a stereoscopic view showing the imaging method of the stereoscopic image I of the display device 10A. Here, the case where the slanted circular mark is imaged as the stereoscopic image I on the stereoscopic image imaging surface P will be described.

[0114] In the display device 10A, as Figure 27 shown, for example, the light whose optical path has been changed by each optical path changing unit 16 of the optical path changing unit group 17a intersects the stereoscopic image imaging surface P on lines La1 and La2. Thus, a line image LI which is a part of the stereoscopic image I is imaged on the stereoscopic image imaging surface P. The line image LI is a line image parallel to the YZ plane. In this way, the line image LI of lines La1 and La2 is formed by the light from the plurality of optical path changing units 16 belonging to the optical path changing unit group 17a. In addition, it is sufficient that the light imaging the images of lines La1 and La2 is provided by at least two optical path changing units 16 in the optical path changing unit group 17a.

[0115] Similarly, the light whose optical path has been changed by each optical path changing unit 16 of the optical path changing unit group 17b intersects the stereoscopic image imaging surface P on lines Lb1, Lb2, and Lb3. Thus, a line image LI which is a part of the stereoscopic image I is imaged on the stereoscopic image imaging surface P.

[0116] In addition, the light whose optical path has been changed by each optical path changing unit 16 of the optical path changing unit group 17c intersects the stereoscopic image imaging surface P on lines Lc1 and Lc2. Thus, a line image LI which is a part of the stereoscopic image I is imaged on the stereoscopic image imaging surface P.

[0117] The positions of the line images LI formed by the respective optical path changing unit groups 17a, 17b, 17c... in the X-axis direction are different from each other. In the display device 10A, by reducing the distances between the optical path changing unit groups 17a, 17b, 17c..., the distances of the line images LI formed by the respective optical path changing unit groups 17a, 17b, 17c... in the X-axis direction can be reduced. As a result, in the display device 10A, by aggregating a plurality of line images LI formed by the light whose optical path has been changed by each of the optical path changing units 16 of the optical path changing unit groups 17a, 17b, 17c..., a stereoscopic image I as a planar image is substantially formed on the stereoscopic image forming surface P.

[0118] The stereoscopic image forming surface P may be a plane perpendicular to the X-axis, a plane perpendicular to the Y-axis, or a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis. In addition, the stereoscopic image forming surface P may also be a plane that is not perpendicular to the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis. Furthermore, the stereoscopic image forming surface P may not be a plane but a curved surface. That is, the display device 10A can form the stereoscopic image I on an arbitrary surface (plane and curved surface) in space through the optical path changing unit 16. In addition, by combining a plurality of planar images, a three-dimensional image can be formed.

[0119] <4.14>

[0120] The display device 10 can form images for a plurality of viewpoints respectively. For example, the display device 10 may include a display pattern for the right eye that forms an image for the right eye and a display pattern for the left eye that forms an image for the left eye. In this case, the display device 10 can form a stereoscopic image. In addition, the display device 10 can form images for three or more viewpoints respectively.

[0121] (Summary)

[0122] A display device according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a light guide plate that guides incident light and reflects the light through an optical path changing unit formed at a predetermined position to emit the light from a light emitting surface; a semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror disposed on the light emitting surface side of the light guide plate; and a reflecting mirror disposed on the opposite side of the light emitting surface of the light guide plate, and the light guide plate forms an image that changes in the direction from the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror toward the reflecting mirror in a space different from the light emitting surface through the light emitted from the light emitting surface.

[0123] According to the above structure, the image formed by the light guide plate is repeatedly reflected between the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror and the reflector. Therefore, when visually recognized from the light-emitting surface side of the light guide plate, multiple images in which the images formed in the space are arranged in the depth direction can be displayed. Here, the image formed in the space is an image that changes in the direction from the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror toward the reflector. By making such an image into a multiple image further displayed in the depth direction, a display with high interest and excellent design can be provided.

[0124] In addition, in a display device according to an aspect of the present invention, it may be that the distance between the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror and the reflector is L1, and when the total length of the image formed by the light guide plate in the direction from the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror toward the reflector is L2, L2 is greater than twice L1.

[0125] According to the above structure, the images formed by multiple imaging have overlapping regions with each other. Therefore, the images formed by multiple imaging can be expressed as a single image continuous in the depth direction.

[0126] In addition, in a display device according to an aspect of the present invention, it may be that the distance between the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror and the reflector is L1, and when the total length of the image formed by the light guide plate in the direction in which the reflector is arranged is L2, L2 is equal to or less than twice L1.

[0127] According to the above structure, the images formed by multiple imaging do not have overlapping regions with each other. Therefore, the images formed by multiple imaging can be expressed as a set of multiple images.

[0128] In addition, in a display device according to an aspect of the present invention, it may be that among the images formed by the light guide plate, the image formed closer to the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror side than the light-emitting surface is different from the image formed closer to the reflector side than the light-emitting surface.

[0129] According to the above structure, an image that changes in the front side and the back side of the light guide plate in the depth direction can be displayed.

[0130] In addition, in a display device according to an aspect of the present invention, it may be that the image formed by the light guide plate is different depending on the direction in which the image is formed.

[0131] According to the above structure, an image that changes according to the direction in which the display device is visually recognized can be displayed.

[0132] In addition, in a display device according to an aspect of the present invention, it may be that the image formed by the light guide plate has a focused shape on the side closer to the side where the reflector is arranged than the light guide plate.

[0133] According to the above structure, the images of the multiple imaging also have a focused shape on the side closer to the configured mirror than the light guide plate, and thus, the three-dimensional effect of the images can be emphasized.

[0134] In addition, in a display device according to an aspect of the present invention, it may also be that the mirror and the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror are longer than the region provided with the optical path changing portion in a direction parallel to the light guide plate.

[0135] According to the above structure, even when the user's viewing point is farther from the center of the light guide plate than the end of the light guide plate, the images of the multiple imaging can have a sense of depth.

[0136] In addition, in a display device according to an aspect of the present invention, it may also be that the mirror and the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror are longer than the light guide plate in a direction parallel to the light guide plate.

[0137] According to the above structure, even when the user's viewing point is farther from the center of the light guide plate than the end of the light guide plate, the images of the multiple imaging can have a sense of depth.

[0138] In addition, in a display device according to an aspect of the present invention, it may also be that either the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror or the mirror is formed on the surface of the light guide plate.

[0139] According to the above structure, the number of components and the space of the display device can be reduced.

[0140] In addition, in a display device according to an aspect of the present invention, it may also be that the light guide plate, the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror, and the mirror are bent so as to protrude toward the side where the images are observed.

[0141] According to the above structure, the bent images can be multiply imaged.

[0142] In addition, in a display device according to an aspect of the present invention, it may also be that the light transmittance of the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror is 80% or less.

[0143] According to the above structure, the noise light is difficult to be visually recognized, and the visual recognition of the images is improved.

[0144] In addition, in a display device according to an aspect of the present invention, it may also be that a cover is further provided on the side of the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror opposite to the light guide plate, and the transmittance of the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror is lower than the transmittance of the cover.

[0145] According to the above structure, the noise light is difficult to be visually recognized, and the visual recognition of the images is improved.

[0146] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means separately disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0147] Reference Signs

[0148] 10, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 10A Display Device

[0149] 11 Light Guide Plate

[0150] 11a Light Emitting Surface (Light Output Surface)

[0151] 12 Light Source

[0152] 21 Half-Mirror

[0153] 22 Reflecting Mirror

[0154] 24 Cover.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a light guide plate that guides incident light and reflects the light through an optical path changing portion formed at a specified position so that the light is emitted from a light emitting surface; a semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror disposed on the light emitting surface side of the light guide plate; a reflector disposed on the side opposite to the light emitting surface of the light guide plate, the light guide plate forms an image of a change accompanying the direction from the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror toward the reflector in a space different from the light emitting surface by the light emitted from the light emitting surface, when the distance between the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror and the reflector is set as L1, and when the full length of the image formed by the light guide plate in the direction from the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror toward the reflector is set as L2, L2 is greater than twice L1.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, in the image formed by the light guide plate, the image formed closer to the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror side than the light emitting surface is different from the image formed closer to the reflector side than the light emitting surface.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, the image formed by the light guide plate is different according to the direction in which the image is formed.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, the image formed by the light guide plate has a focused shape on the side closer to the side where the reflector is disposed than the light guide plate.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, the reflector and the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror are longer than the region provided with the optical path changing portion in a direction parallel to the light guide plate.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, the reflector and the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror are longer than the light guide plate in a direction parallel to the light guide plate.

7. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, either the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror or the reflector is formed on the surface of the light guide plate.

8. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, the light guide plate, the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror, and the reflector are bent so as to protrude toward the side where the image is observed.

9. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, the transmittance of the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror is 80% or less.

10. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, a cover is further provided on the side opposite to the light guide plate of the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror, and the transmittance of the semi-transmissive semi-reflective mirror is lower than the transmittance of the cover.

Images