Display device

Abstract

The invention provides a display device. The purpose of the present invention is to improve the visibility of a virtual image in a display device capable of visually recognizing one of two different images as the virtual image. A display device (1) is provided with: a light source device (10) that emits first emission light (SL1) including first linearly polarized light (PL1) and second linearly polarized light (PL2) along a first direction (W1); a first liquid crystal panel (20) including a reflective polarizing plate (25) that transmits the first linearly polarized light (PL1) and reflects the second linearly polarized light (PL2) along the second direction (W2), the first liquid crystal panel (20) modulating the first linearly polarized light (PL1) and emitting the modulated first linearly polarized light (PL1) toward the translucent body (2) as second emission light (SL2) corresponding to the first image (G1); and an optical element (30) on which the reflected second linearly polarized light (PL2) is incident along a second direction (W2), the optical element (30) emitting third emitted light (SL3) imparting a phase difference to the second linearly polarized light (PL2) toward the reflective polarizing plate (25) along the second direction (W2). The first liquid crystal panel (20) modulates the third emitted light (SL3) that has passed through the reflective polarizing plate (25) and displays a second image (G2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to display devices. Background Technology

[0002] As an example of a display device, Patent Document 1 discloses an information display device having a display capable of displaying two pieces of information on a single screen. The display device in Patent Document 1 is characterized in that one piece of information is obtained through a direct-view display, and the other piece of information is obtained via a projection surface located above the display surface.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-259043 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the display device of Patent Document 1, information obtained through the projection surface is visually recognized as a virtual image. This virtual image is difficult to visually recognize in bright ambient light, such as during the day.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to improve the visual recognizability of a virtual image in a display device capable of visually recognizing one of two different images as a virtual image.

[0009] Solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] The display device disclosed herein includes: a light source device that emits first emitted light along a first direction, the first emitted light including first linearly polarized light and second linearly polarized light whose polarization direction is orthogonal to the first linearly polarized light; a first liquid crystal panel including a reflective polarizing plate, the first liquid crystal panel modulating the first linearly polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing plate to emit as second emitted light corresponding to a first image along the first direction toward a light-transmitting body, the reflective polarizing plate allowing the first linearly polarized light to pass through when the first emitted light is incident on the plate surface, and reflecting the second linearly polarized light by the plate surface in a second direction different from the first direction; and an optical element that is reflected by the plate surface. The second linearly polarized light is incident on the optical element along the second direction, and the optical element imparts a phase difference to the incident second linearly polarized light, causing it to be emitted as a third emitted light along the second direction toward the plate surface. The first liquid crystal panel modulates the third emitted light that has passed through the reflective polarizing plate and displays a second image on the display surface. The optical element includes: a second liquid crystal panel, on which the second linearly polarized light reflected by the plate surface is incident along the second direction, and the second liquid crystal panel imparts a phase difference to the transmitted light; and a reflective plate, which reflects the light transmitted through the second liquid crystal panel toward the second liquid crystal panel in a manner that is along the second direction. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a top view of the light source device.

[0013] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the light source device along line III-III shown.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shown is a conceptual representation of the first liquid crystal panel.

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The top view of the first liquid crystal panel shown.

[0016] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 The diagram shows the configuration of the first and second sub-pixels.

[0017] Figure 7 It means Figure 5 The diagram shows the circuit structure of the first liquid crystal panel.

[0018] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the first liquid crystal panel shown.

[0019] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The top view of the parallax barrier shown.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the second LCD panel.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a top view of the second LCD panel.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the reflector.

[0023] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing the brightness distribution of the second and third emitted light.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a display device according to a first variation of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 15 This is a block diagram of a display device according to a second variation of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 16 This diagram illustrates the configuration of the first and second sub-pixels in the first liquid crystal panel of a display device according to a third variation of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 17 This is a top view of the parallax barrier in the first liquid crystal panel of a display device according to a third variation of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0029] 1…Display device; 2…Light-transmitting body; 10…Light source device; 12…Light-emitting body; 14…Second lens; 20…First liquid crystal panel; 20a…Display surface; 25…Reflective polarizing plate; 25a…First plate surface; 27…Parallelism barrier; 30…Optical element; 40…Second liquid crystal panel; 50…Reflector; 229…Illuminance sensor; D1…First panel direction; D2…Second panel direction; D3…Third panel direction (orthogonal direction); G1…First image; G2…Second image; PL1…First linearly polarized light; PL2…Second linearly polarized light; SL1…First emitted light; SL2…Second emitted light; SL3…Third emitted light; SP1…First sub-pixel; SP2…Second sub-pixel; VG…Virtual image; W1…First direction; W2…Second direction; θt…Tilting angle. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The content described in the following embodiments is not intended to limit the present disclosure. In addition, the constituent elements described below include elements that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art and are substantially the same. Moreover, the constituent elements described below can be appropriately combined.

[0031] It should be noted that the disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that can be readily conceived by those skilled in the art while maintaining the spirit of this disclosure are naturally included within its scope. Furthermore, to make the description clearer, the drawings sometimes schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc., of various parts compared to the actual embodiment, but these are merely examples and not intended to limit the interpretation of this disclosure. Additionally, in this specification and the various drawings, for figures that have already appeared, the same reference numerals are sometimes used for elements that are the same as those described above, and detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0032] The X, Y, and Z directions shown in the attached figures represent the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions of the display device 1, respectively. The X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other. In the X direction, the side indicated by the arrow is the +X side, and the opposite side is the -X side. In the Y direction, the side indicated by the arrow is the +Y side, and the opposite side is the -Y side. In the Z direction, the side indicated by the arrow is the +Z side (upper side), and the opposite side is the -Z side (lower side). It should be noted that the X, Y, and Z directions are examples, and this disclosure is not limited to these directions.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the display device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Display device 1 projects a first image onto light-transmitting body 2, enabling observer M to visually identify a virtual image VG corresponding to the first image. Light-transmitting body 2 is plate-shaped and translucent. Light-transmitting body 2 can be, for example, a vehicle's windshield and assembly, but is not limited to windshields and assemblies; it can be any component of the image output by projection display device 1.

[0035] Furthermore, the display device 1 displays a second image on the display surface 20a of the first liquid crystal panel 20, which will be described later. The observer M can visually recognize the second image by viewing the display surface 20a.

[0036] The display device 1 includes a light source device 10, a first liquid crystal panel 20, and optical elements 30.

[0037] The light source device 10 is positioned on the -Z side relative to the first liquid crystal panel 20. The light source device 10 emits a first emitted light SL1. The optical axis of the first emitted light SL1 is along a first direction W1. In this embodiment, the first direction W1 is parallel to the Z direction. It should be noted that the first direction W1 may also be tilted relative to the Z direction. The first emitted light SL1 includes a first linearly polarized light PL1 and a second linearly polarized light PL2. The first polarization direction of the first linearly polarized light PL1 and the second polarization direction of the second linearly polarized light PL2 are orthogonal to each other.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a top view of the light source device 10. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the light source device 10 along line III-III shown.

[0039] The light source device 10 includes a housing 11, a plurality of light-emitting elements 12, a first lens 13, and a plate-shaped second lens 14 (equivalent to a "lens").

[0040] A plurality of light-emitting elements 12 are disposed on a substrate 15 located at the bottom of the housing 11. The plurality of light-emitting elements 12 are arranged in a row along a direction orthogonal to the first direction W1 (the Y direction in this embodiment). The light-emitting elements 12 are, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The light-emitting elements 12 emit light L toward the first lens 13.

[0041] Multiple first lenses 13 are housed within the housing 11. The number of first lenses 13 is equal to the number of light emitters 12. The first lenses 13 are configured to overlap with the light emitters 12 in the Z direction. The first lenses 13 are diffusers. The first lenses 13 diffuse the light L emitted from the light emitters 12 along both the X and Y directions and direct it toward the second lens 14. In the first lenses 13, the diffusion degree of light L in the X direction is greater than that in the Y direction. As a result, the distribution of light L incident on the second lens 14 can be made more uniform.

[0042] The second lens 14 refracts the light L emitted from the first lens 13 into parallel light along the first direction W1 (Z direction). The second lens 14 is, for example, a Fresnel lens composed of multiple convex lenses. The parallel light emitted from the second lens 14 corresponds to the first emitted light SL1 of the light source device 10. That is, the second lens 14 refracts the light L emitted from the light source 12 in a manner along the first direction W1 and emits it as the first emitted light SL1. The first emitted light SL1 travels along the first direction W1.

[0043] Thus, when the light source device 10 has the second lens 14, compared to when the light source device 10 does not have the second lens 14, the diffusion degree of the first emitted light SL1 can be reduced, and the brightness of the first emitted light SL1 along the first direction W1 can be increased. It should be noted that the light source device 10 may also not have the first lens 13.

[0044] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a concept of the first liquid crystal panel 20. In the display area DA of the first liquid crystal panel 20, the first image G1 and the second image G2 are simultaneously displayed in the entire display area DA from different viewing angles.

[0045] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The attached figure shows a top view of the first liquid crystal panel 20. The first panel direction D1, the second panel direction D2, and the third panel direction D3 (equivalent to "orthogonal directions") shown in the figure are orthogonal to each other and correspond to the width direction, depth direction, and vertical direction of the first liquid crystal panel 20, respectively. Furthermore, in the first panel direction D1, the side indicated by the arrow corresponds to the +D1 side of the first liquid crystal panel 20, and the opposite side corresponds to the -D1 side of the first liquid crystal panel 20. In the second panel direction D2, the side indicated by the arrow corresponds to the +D2 side of the first liquid crystal panel 20, and the opposite side corresponds to the -D2 side of the first liquid crystal panel 20. In the third panel direction D3, the side indicated by the arrow corresponds to the +D3 side (upper side) of the first liquid crystal panel 20, and the opposite side corresponds to the -D3 side (lower side) of the first liquid crystal panel 20. It should be noted that the first panel direction D1, the second panel direction D2, and the third panel direction D3 are examples, and this disclosure is not limited to these directions.

[0046] The first liquid crystal panel 20 displays images based on image signals output from an external device (e.g., a car navigation system) electrically connected via a flexible wiring substrate (not shown).

[0047] The first liquid crystal panel 20 is configured such that the second panel direction D2 is parallel to the Y direction, and the third panel direction D3 is inclined to the first direction W1. Specifically, the tilt angle θt between the third panel direction D3 and the first direction W1 (refer to...) Figure 1 The tilt angle θt is 30° ± 5°. With a tilt angle θt of 30° ± 5°, the observer M can adequately visually identify the virtual image VG and the second image G2. It should be noted that the tilt angle θt can be greater than 35° or less than 25°.

[0048] The first liquid crystal panel 20 is a transmissive liquid crystal display. It should be noted that the first liquid crystal panel 20 can also be, for example, an organic EL display or an inorganic EL display. Figure 5As shown, the first liquid crystal panel 20 has a display area DA for displaying images on the display surface 20a. The display surface 20a is flat and planar. The display surface 20a is orthogonal to the direction D3 of the third panel.

[0049] The first liquid crystal panel 20 has a plurality of pixels P arranged in a matrix when viewed from above. The row direction is parallel to the first panel direction D1. The column direction is parallel to the second panel direction D2. When the first liquid crystal panel 20 is viewed from above, the plurality of pixels P overlap with the display area DA. Pixel P includes each of a plurality of first pixels P1 and second pixels P2.

[0050] The first pixel P1 is the pixel corresponding to the first image G1. The first pixel P1 has a first sub-pixel SP1a, a second first sub-pixel SP1b, and a third first sub-pixel SP1c. The first first sub-pixel SP1a is a red sub-pixel. The second first sub-pixel SP1b is a green sub-pixel. The third first sub-pixel SP1c is a blue sub-pixel. Hereinafter, when describing the first first sub-pixel SP1a, the second first sub-pixel SP1b, and the third first sub-pixel SP1c without distinguishing between them, they will be simply referred to as "first sub-pixel SP1".

[0051] The second pixel P2 is the pixel corresponding to the second image G2. The second pixel P2 has a first second sub-pixel SP2a, a second second sub-pixel SP2b, and a third second sub-pixel SP2c. The first second sub-pixel SP2a is a red sub-pixel. The second second sub-pixel SP2b is a green sub-pixel. The third second sub-pixel SP2c is a blue sub-pixel. Hereinafter, without distinguishing between the first second sub-pixel SP2a, the second second sub-pixel SP2b, and the third second sub-pixel SP2c, they will be simply referred to as "second sub-pixel SP2".

[0052] Thus, the first pixel P1 has three first sub-pixels SP1, and the second pixel P2 has three second sub-pixels SP2. The number and color of the first sub-pixels SP1 and the number and color of the second sub-pixels SP2 are, of course, not limited to the numbers and colors mentioned above.

[0053] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 The diagram shows the configuration of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2. It should be noted that... Figure 6 In the diagram, a rectangular shape represented by a dashed line is added to the first sub-pixel SP1, and a rectangular shape represented by a dotted line is added to the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0054] The first pixel P1 and the second pixel P2 are configured along the row direction (first panel direction D1). In addition, the first pixel P1 and the second pixel P2 are configured in a zigzag pattern along the column direction (second panel direction D2).

[0055] In the row direction, when focusing on the first pixel P1, the first first sub-pixel SP1a, the third first sub-pixel SP1c, and the second first sub-pixel SP1b are repeatedly configured in this order. Similarly, in the row direction, when focusing on the second pixel P2, the second second sub-pixel SP2b, the first second sub-pixel SP2a, and the third second sub-pixel SP2c are repeatedly configured in this order.

[0056] Furthermore, the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 are arranged alternately along the row direction. That is, in the row direction, the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 are adjacent to each other. Specifically, in the row direction, the first first sub-pixel SP1a is adjacent to at least one of the second second sub-pixel SP2b and the third second sub-pixel SP2c. Additionally, in the row direction, the second first sub-pixel SP1b is adjacent to at least one of the third second sub-pixel SP2c and the first second sub-pixel SP2a. Furthermore, in the row direction, the third first sub-pixel SP1c is adjacent to at least one of the first second sub-pixel SP2a and the second second sub-pixel SP2b.

[0057] Furthermore, in the row direction, the first second sub-pixel SP2a is adjacent to at least one of the second first sub-pixel SP1b and the third first sub-pixel SP1c. Additionally, in the row direction, the second second sub-pixel SP2b is adjacent to at least one of the third first sub-pixel SP1c and the first first sub-pixel SP1a. Moreover, in the row direction, the third second sub-pixel SP2c is adjacent to at least one of the first first sub-pixel SP1a and the second first sub-pixel SP1b.

[0058] Furthermore, the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 are arranged alternately along the column direction. That is, in the column direction, the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 are adjacent to each other. Specifically, the first first sub-pixel SP1a and the first second sub-pixel SP2a are arranged alternately along the column direction. The second first sub-pixel SP1b and the second second sub-pixel SP2b are arranged alternately along the column direction. The third first sub-pixel SP1c and the third second sub-pixel SP2c are arranged alternately along the column direction.

[0059] Figure 7 It means Figure 5The diagram shows the circuit structure of the first liquid crystal panel 20. The first liquid crystal panel 20 includes a first driving circuit 21, and switching elements SW, sub-pixel electrodes PE, common electrodes CE, liquid crystal capacitors LC, and holding capacitors CS, each of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2. The first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 are configured in the same manner.

[0060] The first driving circuit 21 drives the first liquid crystal panel 20. The first driving circuit 21 includes a signal processing circuit 21a, a signal output circuit 21b, and a scanning circuit 21c.

[0061] Based on the image signal sent from the external device, signal processing circuit 21a outputs a first sub-pixel signal representing the grayscale of the first sub-pixel SP1 and a second sub-pixel signal representing the grayscale of the second sub-pixel SP2 to signal output circuit 21b. Additionally, signal processing circuit 21a outputs a clock signal to both signal output circuit 21b and scanning circuit 21c to synchronize the operation of signal output circuit 21b with the operation of scanning circuit 21c.

[0062] The signal output circuit 21b outputs the first sub-pixel signal to the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel signal to the second sub-pixel SP2. The signal output circuit 21b is electrically connected to the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 via a plurality of signal lines Lb extending along the second panel direction D2.

[0063] The scanning circuit 21c scans the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 synchronously with the first sub-pixel signal and the second sub-pixel signal output by the signal output circuit 21b. The scanning circuit 21c is electrically connected to the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 via a plurality of scan lines Lc extending along the first panel direction D1.

[0064] When viewing the display surface 20a from above, the area divided by two adjacent signal lines Lb in the first panel direction D1 and two adjacent scan lines Lc in the second panel direction D2 corresponds to one of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0065] The switching element SW is, for example, composed of a thin-film transistor (TFT). In the switching element SW, the source electrode is electrically connected to the signal line Lb, and the gate electrode is electrically connected to the scan line Lc.

[0066] The sub-pixel electrode PE is connected to the drain electrode of the switching element SW. Multiple common electrodes CE are configured corresponding to multiple scan lines Lc. Both the sub-pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE are transparent.

[0067] The liquid crystal capacitor LC is the capacitive component of the liquid crystal material in the first liquid crystal layer 23 (described later) located between the sub-pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. The capacitor CS is maintained between an electrode at the same potential as the common electrode CE and an electrode at the same potential as the sub-pixel electrode PE.

[0068] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the first liquid crystal panel 20. The first liquid crystal panel 20 further includes a first substrate 22, a first liquid crystal layer 23, and a second substrate 24. The first substrate 22, the first liquid crystal layer 23, and the second substrate 24 are each transparent and are arranged in this order along the third panel direction D3 from the -D3 side to the +D3 side. The first substrate 22 and the second substrate 24 are rectangular when viewed from above. It should be noted that the shapes of the first substrate 22 and the second substrate 24 when viewed from above can also be, for example, shapes other than rectangles, such as circles or trapezoids.

[0069] A common electrode CE is disposed on the main surface 22a of the +D3 side of the first substrate 22. In addition, an insulating layer IL is disposed on the +D3 side of the common electrode CE, and a sub-pixel electrode PE and a first alignment film AL1 are also disposed thereon.

[0070] The sub-pixel electrode PE is disposed between the insulating layer IL and the first alignment film AL1. Thus, the common electrode CE and the sub-pixel electrode PE are disposed on the first substrate 22. In other words, the first liquid crystal panel 20 is a liquid crystal display using a lateral electric field.

[0071] The second substrate 24 is located on the +D3 side of the first substrate 22. An outer coating OC, a first color filter CF1, a second color filter CF2, a light-shielding film SM, and a second alignment film AL2 are disposed on the lower surface 24b side of the second substrate 24. The light-shielding film SM, the first color filter CF1, the second color filter CF2, and the outer coating OC are disposed between the second substrate 24 and the second alignment film AL2.

[0072] The outer coating OC is formed from a light-transmitting material.

[0073] A first color filter CF1 and a second color filter CF2 are disposed between the second substrate 24 and the first liquid crystal layer 23. The first color filter CF1 is a color filter included in the first sub-pixel SP1. The second color filter CF2 is a color filter included in the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0074] The first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 are rectangular when viewed from above. Both color filters CF1 and CF2 are translucent, and the peak values ​​of the transmitted light's spectrum are predetermined. These peak values ​​correspond to the colors of the first and second color filters CF1 and CF2, respectively. In other words, the light transmitted through the first and second color filters CF1 and CF2 is colored. It should be noted that the shapes of the first and second color filters CF1 and CF2 when viewed from above can also be changed to match the shapes of the first and second sub-pixels SP1 and SP2.

[0075] The color of the first color filter CF1 is the same as the color of the first sub-pixel SP1. The color of the second color filter CF2 is the same as the color of the second sub-pixel SP2. That is, the first red sub-pixel SP1a has the red first color filter CF1, the second green sub-pixel SP1b has the green first color filter CF1, and the third blue sub-pixel SP1c has the blue first color filter CF1. Similarly, the first red second sub-pixel SP2a has the red second color filter CF2, the second green second sub-pixel SP2b has the green second color filter CF2, and the third blue second sub-pixel SP2c has the blue second color filter CF2.

[0076] The light-shielding film SM has light-shielding properties and overlaps with the boundaries of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2, which are adjacent to each other in the first panel direction D1 and the second panel direction D2, when the display surface 20a is viewed from above. That is, the light-shielding film SM overlaps with the signal line Lb and the scan line Lc when the display surface 20a is viewed from above. It should be noted that... Figure 8 The diagram of signal line Lb and scan line Lc is omitted. Signal line Lb and scan line Lc are disposed on the main surface 22a of the first substrate 22. Additionally, in... Figure 6 In the image, the solid line dividing the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 corresponds to the light-shielding film SM. Furthermore, the periphery of the first color filter CF1 and the periphery of the second color filter CF2 overlap with the light-shielding film SM when the display surface 20a is viewed from above.

[0077] like Figure 8 As shown, the first liquid crystal layer 23 is located between the first substrate 22 and the second substrate 24. The first liquid crystal layer 23 includes a plurality of first liquid crystal molecules LM1. The first liquid crystal layer 23 overlaps with the display area DA when the display surface 20a is viewed from above. Specifically, the first liquid crystal layer 23 is located between mutually opposing first alignment films AL1 and second alignment films AL2. The initial orientation of the first liquid crystal molecules LM1 is determined by the mutually opposing first alignment films AL1 and second alignment films AL2.

[0078] In addition, the first liquid crystal panel 20 also includes a reflective polarizer 25, a polarizer 26, and a parallax barrier 27.

[0079] A reflective polarizer 25 is disposed on the lower surface 22b of the first substrate 22. The reflective polarizer 25 allows the first linearly polarized light PL1 to pass through while the first emitted light SL1 is incident on the first plate surface 25a (equivalent to "plate surface"), and reflects the second linearly polarized light PL2 at the first plate surface 25a in a second direction W2 different from the first direction W1 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0080] The first plate surface 25a is the -D3 side surface of the reflective polarizer 25. The first plate surface 25a corresponds to the -D3 side surface of the first liquid crystal panel 20 and is orthogonal to the third panel direction D3. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the first plate surface 25a faces the light source device 10. The first emitted light SL1 is directly incident on the first plate surface 25a.

[0081] The reflective polarizer 25 has a transmission axis parallel to the first polarization direction and the third panel direction D3. That is, the reflective polarizer 25 allows the first linearly polarized light PL1 to pass through.

[0082] Furthermore, the reflective polarizer 25 reflects a second linearly polarized light PL2, whose polarization direction is orthogonal to the first linearly polarized light PL1, from the first plate surface 25a. The second linearly polarized light PL2 reflected at the first plate surface 25a propagates along the second direction W2. The tilt angle θt between the third plate direction D3 and the first direction W1 and the angle θa between the third plate direction D3 and the second direction W2 are equal (θt = θa).

[0083] like Figure 8 As shown, a polarizer 26 is disposed on the upper surface 24a of the second substrate 24. The polarizer 26 has a transmission axis of the reflective polarizer 25 and a transmission axis orthogonal to the third panel direction D3. The +D3 side of the polarizer 26 corresponds to the display surface 20a.

[0084] A parallax barrier 27 is disposed between the second substrate 24 and the polarizing plate 26. The parallax barrier 27 is plate-shaped. The parallax barrier 27 is disposed on the side (upper surface 24a) of the second substrate 24 opposite to the surface (lower surface 24b) that faces the first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2. The parallax barrier 27 has a plurality of openings 27a and light-blocking portions 27b.

[0085] The opening 27a allows light traveling along the first direction W1 in the light passing through the first color filter CF1 of the first sub-pixel SP1 to pass through. The first direction W1 is... Figure 8The solid line indicates this. It should be noted that the light emitted from the first liquid crystal panel 20 through the opening 27a and along the first direction W1 is referred to as the second emitted light SL2 (see reference). Figure 1 (Details will be described later). Additionally, the opening 27a allows light traveling along the second direction W2 in the light passing through the second color filter CF2 of the second sub-pixel SP2 to pass through. The second direction W2 is... Figure 8 The middle part is represented by a dashed line.

[0086] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A top view of the parallax barrier 27 shown. Figure 9 In the diagram, the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 are represented by dashed lines. For example... Figure 8 , 9 As shown, when viewing the display surface 20a from above, the multiple openings 27a overlap with the first color filter CF1 of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second color filter CF2 of the second pixel P2, which are adjacent to each other in the row direction. Figure 9 When viewed from above, the multiple openings 27a overlap with the -D1 side of the first color filter CF1 and the +D1 side of the second color filter CF2, respectively.

[0087] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, the plurality of openings 27a are arranged along the row direction when the display surface 20a is viewed from above. Furthermore, the plurality of openings 27a are arranged in a serrated shape along the column direction when viewed from above.

[0088] Figure 8 , 9 The light-shielding portion 27b shown is formed of a material with high light absorption (e.g., metallic chromium (Cr), chromium oxide (CrO2), resin, etc.). The light-shielding portion 27b blocks light traveling along the second direction W2 from the light passing through the first color filter CF1 of the first sub-pixel SP1. Additionally, the light-shielding portion 27b blocks light traveling along the first direction W1 from the light passing through the second color filter CF2 of the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0089] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first substrate 22 has an exposed portion E that protrudes from the second substrate 24 when viewed from above. The exposed portion E is positioned on the -D2 side relative to the second substrate 24 when viewed from above. Furthermore, an IC chip Ti, including a first driving circuit 21, is disposed on the upper surface of the exposed portion E. The +D3 side of the exposed portion E is part of the main surface 22a of the first substrate 22.

[0090] like Figure 1As shown, the optical element 30 is positioned where the second linearly polarized light PL2, reflected from the first plate surface 25a, is incident along the second direction W2. The optical element 30 is positioned on the -X side relative to the light source device 10. When viewing the display device 1 along the first direction W1 (Z direction), the optical element 30 does not overlap with the light source device 10 and the first liquid crystal panel 20. Furthermore, the optical element 30 is plate-shaped and is arranged such that the second plate surface 40a, described later, is parallel to the Z direction.

[0091] The optical element 30 includes a second liquid crystal panel 40 and a reflector 50.

[0092] The second linearly polarized light PL2, reflected by the first plate surface 25a of the reflective polarizer 25, is incident on the second liquid crystal panel 40 from the second plate surface 40a along the second direction W2. The second plate surface 40a corresponds to the +X side of the optical element 30.

[0093] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the second liquid crystal panel 40. The second liquid crystal panel 40 is a TN (Twisted Nematic) liquid crystal panel.

[0094] The second liquid crystal panel 40 includes a third substrate 41, a second liquid crystal layer 42, and a fourth substrate 43. The third substrate 41, the second liquid crystal layer 42, and the fourth substrate 43 are each transparent and are arranged in this order along the X direction from the +X side to the -X side. The third substrate 41 and the fourth substrate 43 are rectangular when viewed from above. It should be noted that the shapes of the third substrate 41 and the fourth substrate 43 when viewed from above can also be, for example, circular, trapezoidal, or other shapes other than rectangular.

[0095] A third electrode 44 is disposed on the -X side of the third substrate 41. A third alignment film 45 is disposed on the -X side of the third electrode 44. A fourth substrate 43 is located on the -X side of the third substrate 41. A fourth electrode 46 is disposed on the +X side of the fourth substrate 43. A fourth alignment film 47 is disposed on the +X side of the fourth electrode 46.

[0096] The second liquid crystal layer 42 is located between the third substrate 41 and the fourth substrate 43. The second liquid crystal layer 42 includes a plurality of second liquid crystal molecules LM2. The second liquid crystal layer 42 is located between opposing third alignment films 45 and fourth alignment films 47. The initial alignment of the second liquid crystal molecules LM2 is determined by the opposing third alignment films 45 and fourth alignment films 47. Additionally, the second liquid crystal panel 40 also includes a second driving circuit 48 for driving the second liquid crystal panel 40 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0097] Figure 11 This is a top view of the second LCD panel 40.

[0098] The third alignment direction 45a of the third alignment film 45 is parallel to the second polarization direction PW2 of the second linearly polarized light PL2. Furthermore, when viewing the second liquid crystal panel 40 from above, the angle θb between the third alignment direction 45a of the third alignment film 45 and the fourth alignment direction 47a of the fourth alignment film 47 is 45°. That is, in the initial alignment of the second liquid crystal molecules LM2, the direction of the major axis of the plurality of second liquid crystal molecules LM2 gradually changes (rotates) from the third alignment direction 45a to the fourth alignment direction 47a as they move from the third alignment film 45 towards the fourth alignment film 47.

[0099] The second linearly polarized light PL2 is incident on the second liquid crystal panel 40 along the second direction W2. As the second linearly polarized light PL2 passes through the second liquid crystal panel 40, the polarization direction of the second linearly polarized light PL2 changes by 45° from the second polarization direction PW2 according to the change in the direction of the long axis of the multiple second liquid crystal molecules LM2. That is, the second liquid crystal panel 40 imparts a 1 / 4 wavelength phase difference to the transmitted light.

[0100] Furthermore, the second driving circuit 48 applies a voltage in such a way that a predetermined potential difference exists between the third electrode 44 and the fourth electrode 46. This generates an electric field in the second liquid crystal layer 42, causing the second liquid crystal molecules LM2 to tilt, thereby reducing the light transmittance of the second liquid crystal layer 42. In other words, the second liquid crystal panel 40 reduces the brightness of the transmitted light.

[0101] Figure 12 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the reflector 50. The reflector 50 is disposed on the opposite side 40b of the second liquid crystal panel 40, which is opposite to the second panel surface 40a.

[0102] The reflector 50 is a retroreflector. That is, the reflector 50 reflects light incident at an exit angle equal to the incident angle of the incident light. The reflector 50 includes a substrate 51, a plurality of light-transmitting spheres 52, and an adhesive layer 53.

[0103] The substrate 51 is, for example, a metal film with high reflectivity such as aluminum or silver. The light-transmitting spheres 52 are, for example, light-transmitting spheres such as glass. Multiple light-transmitting spheres 52 are disposed on the surface of the substrate 51. The adhesive layer 53 is formed into a layer by a light-transmitting adhesive. The multiple light-transmitting spheres 52 are fixed to the substrate 51 by the adhesive layer 53.

[0104] Light incident along the second direction W2 through the second liquid crystal panel 40 is converged and reflected at the bottom of the light-transmitting sphere 52 due to the lens effect of the light-transmitting sphere 52. The light reflected from the bottom of the light-transmitting sphere 52 is then emitted along the second direction W2 due to the lens effect of the light-transmitting sphere 52. Thus, the reflector 50 reflects light incident along the second direction W2 in a manner consistent with the second direction W2. That is, the reflector 50 reflects light transmitted through the second liquid crystal panel 40 towards the second liquid crystal panel 40 in a manner consistent with the second direction W2.

[0105] The light reflected by the reflector 50 passes through the second liquid crystal panel 40 again and is further given a phase difference of 1 / 4 wavelength as described above. Therefore, the second linearly polarized light PL2 incident on the optical element 30 along the second direction W2 passes through the second liquid crystal panel 40 twice when reflected by the optical element 30, thereby being given a phase difference of 1 / 2 wavelength (=2×(1 / 4 wavelength)) and exiting from the optical element 30 along the second direction W2. Hereinafter, the light emitted from the optical element 30 will be referred to as the third emitted light SL3.

[0106] The third emitted light SL3 is given a phase difference of 1 / 2 wavelength relative to the second polarization direction PW2 of the second linearly polarized light PL2. Therefore, the polarization direction of the third emitted light SL3 is orthogonal to the second polarization direction PW2. In other words, the third emitted light SL3 is linearly polarized light with a polarization direction parallel to the first polarization direction.

[0107] Furthermore, as described above, the second liquid crystal panel 40 reduces the brightness of the transmitted light. That is, the brightness of the third emitted light SL3 is less than the brightness of the second linearly polarized light PL2.

[0108] like Figure 1 As shown, the third emitted light SL3 from the optical element 30 travels along the second direction W2 toward the first plate surface 25a of the reflective polarizer 25. In this way, the optical element 30 imparts a phase difference to the second linearly polarized light PL2, causing it to be emitted as the third emitted light SL3 along the second direction W2 toward the first plate surface 25a.

[0109] Next, the operation of display device 1 will be explained.

[0110] like Figure 1As shown, the light source device 10 emits a first emitted light SL1 along a first direction W1 toward the first liquid crystal panel 20. A first linearly polarized light PL1, contained in the first emitted light SL1, passes through a reflective polarizer 25 and along the first direction W1 through the first liquid crystal panel 20. As described above, the transmission axis of the reflective polarizer 25 is parallel to the first polarization direction of the first linearly polarized light PL1. Therefore, the brightness of the first linearly polarized light PL1 does not decrease when it passes through the reflective polarizer 25.

[0111] On the other hand, the second linearly polarized light PL2, contained in the first emitted light SL1, is reflected by the first plate surface 25a of the reflective polarizer 25 and incident on the optical element 30. As described above, the optical element 30 causes the third emitted light SL3, which imparts a phase difference to the second linearly polarized light PL2, to be emitted along the second direction W2 toward the reflective polarizer 25.

[0112] As described above, the polarization direction of the third emitted light SL3 is parallel to the first polarization direction. Therefore, the third emitted light SL3 passes through the reflective polarizer 25. Furthermore, as described above, the brightness of the third emitted light SL3 is less than the brightness of the second linearly polarized light PL2. The brightness of the second linearly polarized light PL2 is equal to the brightness of the first linearly polarized light PL1. That is, the brightness of the first linearly polarized light PL1 is higher than the brightness of the third emitted light SL3. The third emitted light SL3, passing through the reflective polarizer 25, passes through the first liquid crystal panel 20 along the second direction W2.

[0113] When acquiring image signals sent from an external device Figure 8 The first liquid crystal panel 20 shown displays a first image G1 and a second image G2 in the display area DA as described below.

[0114] The image signal includes the gray level of the first sub-pixel SP1 corresponding to the first image G1 and the gray level of the second sub-pixel SP2 corresponding to the second image G2. As described above, the first sub-pixel signal representing the gray level of the first sub-pixel SP1 is output to the first sub-pixel SP1, and the second sub-pixel signal representing the gray level of the second sub-pixel SP2 is output to the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0115] A voltage corresponding to the grayscale represented by the first sub-pixel signal is applied to the first liquid crystal layer 23 corresponding to the first sub-pixel SP1, causing the first liquid crystal molecule LM1 to tilt. The degree of tilt of the first liquid crystal molecule LM1 varies according to the grayscale represented by the first sub-pixel signal. The first linearly polarized light PL1 and the third emitted light SL3 transmitted through the first liquid crystal layer 23 corresponding to the first sub-pixel SP1 are modulated to the grayscale represented by the first sub-pixel signal. Furthermore, the first linearly polarized light PL1 and the third emitted light SL3 transmitted through the first liquid crystal layer 23 corresponding to the first sub-pixel SP1 are colored by the first color filter CF1. The first linearly polarized light PL1 and the third emitted light SL3 transmitted through the first color filter CF1 to the first liquid crystal panel 20 correspond to the first image G1.

[0116] The first linearly polarized light PL1 and the third emitted light SL3, which pass through the first color filter CF1, travel along the second direction W2 and are blocked by the light-shielding part 27b. Therefore, the third emitted light SL3 passing through the first color filter CF1 cannot be visually identified.

[0117] On the other hand, the first linearly polarized light PL1, which passes through the first color filter CF1 and the third emitted light SL3, travels along the first direction W1 and is emitted from the display surface 20a to the outside through the opening 27a of the parallax barrier 27. The first linearly polarized light PL1 emitted from the display surface 20a is equivalent to the second emitted light SL2 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0118] The second emitted light SL2 corresponds to the first image G1. The second emitted light SL2 travels along the first direction W1 toward the light-transmitting body 2 (see reference). Figure 1 In this way, the first liquid crystal panel 20 modulates the first linearly polarized light PL1 that has passed through the reflective polarizer 25, so that it is emitted as the second emitted light SL2 corresponding to the first image G1 along the first direction W1 toward the light-transmitting body 2.

[0119] Furthermore, a voltage corresponding to the grayscale represented by the second sub-pixel signal is applied to the first liquid crystal layer 23 corresponding to the second sub-pixel SP2, causing the first liquid crystal molecule LM1 to tilt. The degree of tilt of the first liquid crystal molecule LM1 varies according to the grayscale represented by the second sub-pixel signal. The first linearly polarized light PL1 and the third emitted light SL3 transmitted through the first liquid crystal layer 23 corresponding to the second sub-pixel SP2 are modulated into the grayscale represented by the second sub-pixel signal. Moreover, the first linearly polarized light PL1 and the third emitted light SL3 transmitted through the first liquid crystal layer 23 corresponding to the second sub-pixel SP2 are colored by the second color filter CF2. The first linearly polarized light PL1 and the third emitted light SL3 transmitted through the second color filter CF2 to the first liquid crystal panel 20 correspond to the second image G2.

[0120] The first linearly polarized light PL1 in the first linearly polarized light PL1 passing through the second color filter CF2 and the third emitted light SL3 travels along the first direction W1 and is blocked by the light-shielding part 27b. Therefore, the first linearly polarized light PL1 passing through the second color filter CF2 and the first linearly polarized light PL1 traveling along the first direction W1 in the third emitted light SL3 cannot be visually distinguished.

[0121] On the other hand, the third emitted light SL3, which is the first linearly polarized light PL1 passing through the second color filter CF2, travels along the second direction W2 and is emitted from the display surface 20a to the outside through the opening 27a of the parallax barrier 27. In other words, the third emitted light SL3 can be visually recognized as the second image G2. That is, the first liquid crystal panel 20 modulates the third emitted light SL3 passing through the reflective polarizer 25 and displays the second image G2 on the display surface 20a.

[0122] Thus, the parallax barrier 27 allows the first linearly polarized light PL1 passing through the first sub-pixel SP1 to pass through and the third emitted light SL3 passing through the second sub-pixel SP2 to pass through, while blocking the third emitted light SL3 passing through the first sub-pixel SP1 and the first linearly polarized light PL1 passing through the second sub-pixel SP2. Through the parallax barrier 27, the viewing angles of the first image G1 and the second image G2 are different from each other.

[0123] Figure 1 The observer M can directly visually identify the second image G2 through the display surface 20a. However, the observer M cannot directly visually identify the first image G1 through the display surface 20a.

[0124] The second emitted light SL2, emitted from the display surface 20a, travels along the first direction W1 toward the light-transmitting body 2 and is projected onto the light-transmitting body 2. An observer M, whose line of sight Lv is directed toward the second emitted light SL2 projected onto the light-transmitting body 2, visually recognizes the first image G1 as a virtual image VG.

[0125] As described above, the first linearly polarized light PL1 is included in the first emitted light SL1, emitted from the light source device 10 along the first direction W1, and passes through the first liquid crystal panel 20. Therefore, high brightness can be achieved for the first linearly polarized light PL1 and the second emitted light SL2. As a result, the visual recognizability of the virtual image VG is improved. Thus, in the display device 1, which is capable of visually recognizing one of two different images as the virtual image VG, the visual recognizability of the virtual image VG can be improved.

[0126] Furthermore, the second lens 14 of the light source device 10 can achieve high brightness of the first emitted light SL1. Therefore, it is possible to further achieve high brightness of the first linearly polarized light PL1, i.e., the second emitted light SL2, contained in the first emitted light SL1. Thus, in the display device 1, the visual recognizability of the virtual image VG can be further improved.

[0127] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the brightness distribution of the second emitted light SL2 and the third emitted light SL3. Figure 13 The vertical axis shown represents brightness. Figure 13 The horizontal axis shown represents the viewing angle in the first panel direction D1. A viewing angle of 0° means viewing the display surface 20a of the first liquid crystal panel 20 along the third panel direction D3.

[0128] The brightness of the second emitted light SL2 is equivalent to the brightness of the first linearly polarized light PL1, and higher than the brightness of the third emitted light SL3. Therefore, even with the first emitted light SL1 being made brighter, the brightness of the third emitted light SL3 can still be made to a suitable level. In other words, the observer M can visually recognize the second image G2 with appropriate brightness. The brightness of the third emitted light SL3 can be adjusted by applying voltage to the third electrode 44 and the fourth electrode 46 in the second liquid crystal panel 40. The greater the potential difference between the third electrode 44 and the fourth electrode 46, the lower the transmittance of the second liquid crystal layer 42, and the lower the brightness of the third emitted light SL3.

[0129] Furthermore, as described above, compared to the case without the second lens 14, the light source device 10 reduces the diffusion degree of the first emitted light SL1, i.e., the first linearly polarized light PL1. Moreover, the diffusion degree of the third emitted light SL3 is approximately equal to that of the first linearly polarized light PL1. Therefore, the viewing angle of the first image G1 corresponding to the first linearly polarized light PL1 and the viewing angle of the second image G2 corresponding to the third emitted light SL3 can be made to not overlap. Thus, the situation where visual recognition occurs with the first image G1 and the second image G2 overlapping when the observer M observes the display surface 20a from between the first panel direction D1 and the second panel direction D2 (so-called crosstalk) can be suppressed.

[0130] Furthermore, by making the reflector 50 a regressive reflector, the degree of freedom of the orientation of the optical element 30 is increased. In this embodiment, as described above, by arranging the optical element 30 with its plate surface (second plate surface 40a) parallel to the Z direction, miniaturization of the display device 1 can be achieved. It should be noted that the optical element 30 can also be arranged with its plate surface (second plate surface 40a) tilted relative to the Z direction.

[0131] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. The content disclosed in the embodiments is ultimately just an example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Appropriate modifications made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure naturally fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0132] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a display device 1 according to a first variation of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] Compared to the display device 1 of the above-described embodiment, the display device 1 of this first modification further includes a diffuser 128. The diffuser 128 is disposed between the light source device 10 and the first plate surface 25a, and between the optical element 30 and the first plate surface 25a. In this modification, the diffuser 128 is disposed on the first plate surface 25a.

[0134] The first linearly polarized light PL1 contained in the first emitted light SL1 passes through the diffuser 128 and the first liquid crystal panel 20 and propagates towards the light-transmitting body 2 as the second emitted light SL2, and is visually recognized as a virtual image VG corresponding to the first image G1. That is, the first linearly polarized light PL1 passes through the diffuser 128 once until it is visually recognized as the virtual image VG.

[0135] On the other hand, the second linearly polarized light PL2, contained in the first emitted light SL1, passes through the diffuser 128 and is reflected by the first plate surface 25a of the reflective polarizer 25. The second linearly polarized light PL2 reflected by the first plate surface 25a passes through the diffuser 128 again and is incident on the optical element 30, emitting as the third emitted light SL3 from the optical element 30. Moreover, the third emitted light SL3 passes through the diffuser 128 and the first liquid crystal panel 20 and is visually recognized as the second image G2. In other words, the second linearly polarized light PL2 passes through the diffuser 128 three times until it is visually recognized as the second image G2.

[0136] Therefore, in this first variation, as Figure 13 As shown by the double-dotted line, the diffusion degree of the third emitted light SL3 is greater than that of the second emitted light SL2, resulting in a larger viewing angle for the second image G2. Therefore, it is possible to increase the viewing angle of the second image G2 while suppressing so-called crosstalk.

[0137] Furthermore, the diffuser 128 allows the brightness of the third emitted light SL3, i.e., the brightness of the second image G2, to be lower than the brightness of the first linearly polarized light PL1, i.e., the brightness of the first image G1. In other words, the diffuser 128 can adjust the brightness difference between the first image G1 and the second image G2. It should be noted that in this case, voltage may not be applied to the third electrode 44 and the fourth electrode 46 in the second liquid crystal panel 40.

[0138] Figure 15 This is a block diagram of a display device 1 according to a second variation of the embodiments of this disclosure. In this second variation, the display device 1 further includes an illuminance sensor 229 for detecting the brightness level of the exterior of the display device 1. The illuminance sensor 229 includes phototransistors and photodiodes, etc. The detection result of the illuminance sensor 229 is sent to the light source device 10 and the second liquid crystal panel 40.

[0139] Alternatively, the greater the degree of brightness detected by the illuminance sensor 229 (the brighter the outside), the more the light source device 10 increases the brightness of the first emitted light SL1. In other words, the greater the degree of brightness detected by the illuminance sensor 229, the more the light source device 10 increases the brightness of the light emitter 12.

[0140] Thus, for example, the brightness of the first linearly polarized light PL1 and the second emitted light SL2 can be increased during the day, the brightness of the virtual image VG increases, and the visual recognizability of the virtual image VG is improved.

[0141] Alternatively, the greater the brightness detected by the illuminance sensor 229, the lower the brightness of the transmitted light in the second liquid crystal panel 40. In other words, the second driving circuit 48 of the second liquid crystal panel 40 applies voltage to the third electrode 44 and the fourth electrode 46 in such a way that the greater the brightness detected by the illuminance sensor 229, the greater the potential difference between the third electrode 44 and the fourth electrode 46. As a result, the transmittance of the second liquid crystal layer 42 decreases.

[0142] Therefore, the brightness of the third emitted light SL3 decreases, and the brightness of the second image G2 is suppressed. In other words, the greater the brightness detected by the illuminance sensor 229, the greater the difference between the brightness of the second emitted light SL2 and the brightness of the third emitted light SL3 transmitted through the first liquid crystal panel 20, and the greater the difference in brightness between the virtual image VG and the second image G2.

[0143] In this case, as described above, the degree to which the brightness of the second image G2 increases due to the increased brightness of the light source 12 is suppressed, and the observer M is able to visually recognize the second image G2 with appropriate brightness.

[0144] It should be noted that the detection result of the illuminance sensor 229 can also be sent to the first liquid crystal panel 20. Alternatively, the greater the brightness detected by the illuminance sensor 229, the more the first driving circuit 21 of the first liquid crystal panel 20 reduces the gray level of the second sub-pixel SP2 in the second sub-pixel signal corresponding to the second image G2.

[0145] As a result, the brightness of the third emitted light SL3 transmitted through the first liquid crystal panel 20 decreases, and the brightness of the second image G2 is suppressed. In other words, the greater the brightness detected by the illuminance sensor 229, the greater the difference between the brightness of the second emitted light SL2 and the brightness of the third emitted light SL3 transmitted through the first liquid crystal panel 20, and the greater the difference in brightness between the virtual image VG and the second image G2.

[0146] In this case, as described above, the increase in brightness of the second image G2 due to the increased brightness of the light source 12 is also suppressed, and the observer M is able to visually recognize the second image G2 with appropriate brightness.

[0147] Figure 16 This diagram illustrates the configuration of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 in the first liquid crystal panel 20 of the display device 1 according to the third variation of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0148] In this third variation, the first pixel P1 and the second pixel P2 are arranged along the row direction (first panel direction D1) and the column direction (second panel direction D2), respectively. In the row direction, when focusing on the first pixel P1, the first first sub-pixel SP1a, the third first sub-pixel SP1c, and the second first sub-pixel SP1b are arranged repeatedly in this order. Similarly, in the row direction, when focusing on the second pixel P2, the second second sub-pixel SP2b, the first second sub-pixel SP2a, and the third second sub-pixel SP2c are arranged repeatedly in this order.

[0149] Furthermore, the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 are arranged alternately along the row direction. That is, in the row direction, the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 are adjacent to each other. Specifically, in the row direction, the first first sub-pixel SP1a is adjacent to at least one of the second second sub-pixel SP2b and the third second sub-pixel SP2c. Additionally, in the row direction, the second first sub-pixel SP1b is adjacent to at least one of the third second sub-pixel SP2c and the first second sub-pixel SP2a. Furthermore, in the row direction, the third first sub-pixel SP1c is adjacent to at least one of the first second sub-pixel SP2a and the second second sub-pixel SP2b.

[0150] Furthermore, in the row direction, the first second sub-pixel SP2a is adjacent to at least one of the second first sub-pixel SP1b and the third first sub-pixel SP1c. Additionally, in the row direction, the second second sub-pixel SP2b is adjacent to at least one of the third first sub-pixel SP1c and the first first sub-pixel SP1a. Moreover, in the row direction, the third second sub-pixel SP2c is adjacent to at least one of the first first sub-pixel SP1a and the second first sub-pixel SP1b.

[0151] Furthermore, multiple first sub-pixels SP1 are arranged along the column direction. Specifically, multiple first sub-pixels SP1a are arranged in a state where they are adjacent to each other along the column direction. Multiple second first sub-pixels SP1b are arranged in a state where they are adjacent to each other along the column direction. Multiple third first sub-pixels SP1c are arranged in a state where they are adjacent to each other along the column direction.

[0152] Furthermore, multiple second sub-pixels SP2 are arranged along the column direction. Specifically, multiple first second sub-pixels SP2a are arranged in a state where they are adjacent to each other along the column direction. Multiple second second sub-pixels SP2b are arranged in a state where they are adjacent to each other along the column direction. Multiple third second sub-pixels SP2c are arranged in a state where they are adjacent to each other along the column direction.

[0153] Figure 17 This is a top view of the parallax barrier 327 in the first liquid crystal panel 20 of the display device 1 according to the third modification of the embodiments of this disclosure. The parallax barrier 327 of this modification is... Figure 16 The configurations of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 shown correspond. The parallax barrier 327 has an opening 327a and a light-shielding portion 327b.

[0154] exist Figure 17 In the diagram, the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 are represented by dashed lines. In this modified example, the plurality of openings 327a overlap with a first color filter CF1 and a second color filter CF2 that are adjacent to each other in the row direction when viewed from above. Figure 17 When viewed from above, as in the embodiment described above, the plurality of openings 327a overlap with the -D1 side of the first color filter CF1 and the +D1 side of the second color filter CF2, respectively.

[0155] The opening 327a has a shape that extends along the column direction (second panel direction D2). When viewed from above, the multiple openings 327a overlap with a plurality of first sub-pixels SP1 arranged along the column direction and a plurality of second sub-pixels SP2 arranged along the column direction, respectively. Multiple openings 327a are arranged along the row direction (first panel direction D1).

[0156] like Figure 16 , 17 As shown, by configuring the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the opening 327a, similar to the embodiment described above, the viewing angles of the first image G1 and the second image G2 are different from each other. Furthermore, in this modified example, the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 are also configured throughout the entire display area DA. Therefore, the first image G1 and the second image G2 are simultaneously displayed throughout the entire display area DA.

[0157] It should be noted that, in Figure 17 In the parallax barrier 27 shown, the opening 327a can also be formed such that, when viewed from above, it overlaps with a first sub-pixel SP1 and a second sub-pixel SP2 in the column direction. In this case, multiple openings 327a are arranged along the row direction (first panel direction D1) and the column direction (second panel direction D2), respectively.

[0158] It should be noted that in the display device 1 according to the above-described embodiments and the display device 1 according to various modifications, when viewing the second liquid crystal panel 40 from above, the angle θb between the third alignment direction 45a and the fourth alignment direction 47a may be an angle other than 45°. In this case, the brightness of the third emitted light SL3 transmitted through the reflective polarizer 25 varies according to the polarization direction of the third emitted light SL3.

[0159] Alternatively, the reflector 50 may not be a retroreflector, but rather a mirror with a mirror surface that reflects light transmitted through the second liquid crystal panel 40. In this case, the optical element 30 is arranged with the mirror surface orthogonal to the second direction W2.

[0160] Regarding other effects resulting from the methods described in this embodiment, effects that are obvious from the description in this specification, or effects that can be reasonably conceived by those skilled in the art, are of course understood to be caused by this disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: A light source device emits a first emitted light along a first direction, the first emitted light comprising a first linearly polarized light and a second linearly polarized light whose polarization direction is orthogonal to the first linearly polarized light; A first liquid crystal panel includes a reflective polarizing plate. The first liquid crystal panel modulates the first linearly polarized light that has passed through the reflective polarizing plate and emits it as a second emitted light corresponding to a first image along the first direction toward a light-transmitting body. The reflective polarizing plate allows the first linearly polarized light to pass through while the first emitted light is incident on the plate surface, and reflects the second linearly polarized light by the plate surface in a second direction different from the first direction. as well as An optical element is used to receive linearly polarized light reflected from the plate surface along the second direction. The optical element imparts a phase difference to the incident linearly polarized light, causing it to exit as a third emitted light along the second direction towards the plate surface. The first liquid crystal panel modulates the third emitted light that has passed through the reflective polarizer and displays a second image on the display surface. The optical element comprises: The second liquid crystal panel is provided with a phase difference for the transmitted light, which is reflected by the panel surface and incident on the second liquid crystal panel along the second direction. as well as A reflector that reflects light that has passed through the second liquid crystal panel toward the second liquid crystal panel in a manner that follows the second direction.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The light source device includes: Multiple light-emitting bodies; and A lens refracts the light emitted by the light source in a manner that follows the first direction, so that the light is emitted as the first emitted light.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The reflector is a regressive reflector.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The angle of inclination between the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the plate surface and the first direction is 30°±5°.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second liquid crystal panel imparts a 1 / 4 wavelength phase difference to the transmitted light.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second liquid crystal panel reduces the brightness of the transmitted light.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first liquid crystal panel includes a plurality of first sub-pixels and a plurality of second sub-pixels arranged in a matrix when viewed from above. The plurality of first sub-pixels correspond to the first image, and the plurality of second sub-pixels correspond to the second image. The first liquid crystal panel also includes a parallax barrier that allows the first linearly polarized light passing through the first sub-pixel to pass through and allows the third emitted light passing through the second sub-pixel to pass through, while blocking the third emitted light passing through the first sub-pixel and the first linearly polarized light passing through the second sub-pixel.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display device also includes an illuminance sensor that detects the level of external brightness. The greater the degree of brightness detected by the illuminance sensor, the more the light source device increases the brightness of the first emitted light.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display device also includes an illuminance sensor that detects the level of external brightness. The greater the brightness detected by the illuminance sensor, the less light the second liquid crystal panel transmits.

Images