Display device

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of reducing display flicker in a display panel in a display device that rotates or moves the display panel.SOLUTION: A display device includes a plurality of display panels, each having a plurality of signal lines, a plurality of scanning lines, and a plurality of pixels surrounded by the plurality of signal lines and the plurality of scanning lines. Each pixel includes a pixel electrode, a common electrode, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode. The scanning lines extend in a first direction and are arrayed in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The signal lines extend in the second direction and are arranged in the first direction. The plurality of display panels are arranged around a central axis such that the scanning line located at the center in the first direction of one display panel or the signal line located at the center in the second direction is aligned parallel to a line extending in a circumferential direction from the central axis of a concentric circle. The plurality of display panels are rotatable about the central axis. The polarities of the pixel electrodes and common electrodes of the corresponding display panels are inverted according to the rotation angle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 32

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device.

Background Art

[0002] There has been proposed a display device including a first light-transmissive substrate, a second light-transmissive substrate disposed opposite to the first light-transmissive substrate, a liquid crystal layer having a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal encapsulated between the first light-transmissive substrate and the second light-transmissive substrate, and at least one light-emitting portion disposed opposite to at least one side surface of the first light-transmissive substrate and the second light-transmissive substrate (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Further, there has been proposed a liquid crystal display device including a polarity inversion control unit that controls a source voltage application unit so as to transition from a state in which a voltage of one polarity is applied to electrodes of all pixels in the liquid crystal display panel to a state in which a voltage of the other polarity is applied while a frame image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel is switched a plurality of times (for example, Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a display device having a transparent (see through) display panel using a polymer dispersed liquid crystal, since the scanning lines and signal lines are thick, the wiring portions within the active region become prominent, and there is a possibility that the transparency of the display panel cannot be maintained. Further, when reversing the electrical polarity between the pixel electrode and the common electrode, a transparent display panel using a polymer dispersed liquid crystal has large wiring resistances such as scanning lines, signal lines, pixel electrodes, and common electrodes, and requires a long time to discharge charges during polarity reversal. Therefore, when the transparent display panel is rotated to be dynamically displayed, it has been found that the update speed of the display is slow and the rotation speed cannot be increased.

[0006] Further, when updating by reversing the polarity every several frames, there is a possibility that the display is interrupted during the driving of the polarity reversal, or the update speed of the display temporarily becomes slow, causing irregular display. In particular, when the transparent display panel is moved for display, if irregular display dropout occurs during the moving display, the display luminance in the display area passing through during the display disturbance time is impaired, causing display flicker.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a technique capable of reducing display flicker in a display device that rotates or moves a display panel.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] A display device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of display panels each having a plurality of signal lines, a plurality of scanning lines, and a plurality of pixels surrounded by the plurality of signal lines and the plurality of scanning lines, each of the plurality of pixels having a pixel electrode, a common electrode, and a liquid crystal layer between the pixel electrode and the common electrode, the plurality of scanning lines extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the plurality of signal lines extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction, The plurality of display panels are arranged around the central axis such that the scanning line arranged at the center of one display panel in the first direction or the signal line arranged at the center of the second direction is parallel to the line connecting the circumferential direction from the central axis of the concentric circles. The plurality of display panels are rotatable about the central axis. The pixel electrode and the common electrode of the corresponding display panel are inverted in polarity according to the rotation angle.

[0009] Also, another display device according to an aspect of the present disclosure has a display panel having a plurality of signal lines, a plurality of scanning lines, and a plurality of pixels surrounded by the plurality of signal lines and the plurality of scanning lines. Each of the plurality of pixels has a pixel electrode, a common electrode, and a liquid crystal layer between the pixel electrode and the common electrode. The plurality of scanning lines extend in a first direction and are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The plurality of signal lines extend in the second direction and are arranged in the first direction. The display panel is movable in the first direction or the second direction. The pixel electrode and the common electrode are inverted in polarity according to the amount of movement.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0010]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the disclosure is merely an example, and for those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art with appropriate changes while maintaining the gist of the present disclosure, they are naturally included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, for the purpose of making the description clearer, the drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual aspect, but this is merely an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present disclosure. Also, in this specification and each figure, elements that are the same as those described above with respect to the previously presented figures may be given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) The overall configuration of the display system 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the display system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of the display system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the display system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the display element radius, the viewing angle, and the display element angle. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the display device according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the display system 1 includes a display device 100, a light shielding panel 200, a rotating device 300, and a control circuit 400. Here, one direction in the plane of the display system 1 is defined as the first direction Dx, the direction orthogonal to the first direction Dx is defined as the second direction Dy, and the direction orthogonal to the Dx-Dy plane is defined as the third direction Dz. Further, "plan view" means viewing the display device 1 from the -Dz side to the +Dz side along the third direction Dz. Note that the directions of Dx, Dy, and Dz are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to these directions.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rotating device 300 includes a mounting portion 310, a shaft 320, and a motor 330. As shown in FIG. 2, the mounting portion 310 is connected to the shaft 320 via a slip ring SR with respect to the third direction Dz. Further, the shaft 320 is connected to a motor 330 disposed at a position opposite to the mounting portion 310 with respect to the third direction Dz. The shape of the mounting portion 310 is circular. Note that the shape of the mounting portion 310 may be any shape that can fix the display panel 2, for example, a polygon.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the rotating device 300, when the motor 330 is driven, the shaft 320 rotates around the rotation axis AX along the third direction Dz passing through the rotation center O. The shaft 320 is connected to the mounting portion 310, and the mounting portion 310 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the shaft 320. In the present embodiment, the mounting portion 310 and the shaft 320 are provided to be rotatable around the rotation axis AX, and rotate clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed in the third direction Dz.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 100 includes four display devices 100. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, each display device 100 has a display panel 2, a light source 3, and a drive circuit 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the display panel 2 includes an array substrate 10, a counter substrate 20, and a liquid crystal layer 50 (see FIG. 9). The drive circuit 4 is fixed to the surface of the array substrate 10. The array substrate 10 has a second side surface 10D on the drive circuit 4 side. The counter substrate 20 faces in a direction (Dz direction shown in FIG. 4) perpendicular to the surface of the array substrate 10. The liquid crystal layer 50 (see FIG. 8a) is sealed with the array substrate 10, the counter substrate 20, and a sealing portion 18 with a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal LC described later.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, two of the display devices 100 face each other with the rotating device 300 interposed therebetween in the first direction Dx. Also, the other two display devices 100 face each other with the rotating device 300 interposed therebetween in the second direction Dy. The active region AA side of each display panel 2 is arranged so as to be on the -Dz side along the third direction Dz, and the second side surface 10D side is fixed to the mounting portion 310. Each display panel 2 is arranged in the circumferential direction around the rotation center O of the rotating device 300.

[0017] Thereby, the display panel 2 can rotate around the rotation axis AX together with the mounting portion 310 and the shaft 320, and the observer visually recognizes the time-average luminance of an arbitrary display image displayed in the active region AA at the position of each display panel 2 in a state where the display panel 2 is rotating at a high speed.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 5, in the display panel 2, there are an active area AA where an image can be displayed and a peripheral area FR outside the active area AA. In the active area AA, a plurality of pixels Pix are arranged in a matrix. In the present disclosure, a row refers to a pixel row having m pixels Pix arranged in one direction. Also, a column refers to a pixel column having n pixels Pix arranged in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the rows are arranged. The values of m and n are determined according to the display resolution in the vertical direction and the display resolution in the horizontal direction. Further, a plurality of scanning lines GL are wired for each row, and a plurality of signal lines SL are wired for each column.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light shielding panel 200 is arranged on the -Dz side of the rotating device 300 and the display device 100 with respect to the third direction Dz in a plan view. The light shielding panel 200 shields the light of the display panel 2 that overlaps with the light shielding panel 200. The light shielding panel 200 is formed of a black resin or a metal material. In the first embodiment, the shape of the light shielding panel 200 is formed in a fan shape in a plan view, but for example, it may be a shape in which a part of a square, a polygon, etc. is cut out.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the control circuit 400 is fixed to the attachment portion 310. As shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit 400 includes a controller IC, an angular velocity sensor 440, and a receiver 460. The control circuit 400 is electrically connected to each display panel 2. The controller IC includes a storage circuit 410, a display position calculation circuit 420, and a display conversion circuit 430.

[0021] The control circuit 400 is supplied with power and a drive signal from a drive power source AW arranged outside via a slip ring SR. The slip ring SR separates the power and the drive signal on the rotating device 300 side. The slip ring SR can prevent twisting and interference of the wiring.

[0022] The memory circuit 410 stores data on the appearance display position (X, Y). As shown in FIG. 4, the appearance display position (X, Y) is coordinates with the rotation center O as the origin, representing the position of the display image visually recognized from the observer side when the display panel 2 rotates circumferentially around the rotation center O. Coordinate X represents the coordinate of the position parallel to the first direction Dx. Coordinate Y represents the coordinate of the position parallel to the second direction Dy.

[0023] The memory circuit 410 includes a coordinate conversion table 411. In the coordinate conversion table 411, a correspondence table or relational expression showing the relationship between the display element radius r and the display element angle Φ and the display element position (x, y) is input. The memory circuit 410 stores the data input to the coordinate conversion table 411.

[0024] Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the display element radius r represents the distance from the rotation center O to each lit pixel Pix in the display image T0. As shown in FIG. 4, the display element angle Φ is an angle representing how much the display element radius r is deviated from the second reference line CL2 with respect to the second reference line CL2 that is π / 4 counterclockwise around the rotation center O along the second direction Dy and passes through the center of the active area AA.

[0025] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the display element position (x, y) represents the position of each lit pixel Pix in the display image T0 displayed within the active AA. The display element position (x, y) is coordinates with the intersection point of the reference line CL2 and the pixel Pix closest to the rotation center O as the origin o. Coordinate x represents the coordinate of the position parallel to the first direction Dx. Coordinate y represents the coordinate of the position parallel to the second direction Dy.

[0026] The angular velocity sensor 440 detects the angular velocity ω of the rotationally driven display panel 2. The angular velocity ω is the speed per unit time of the display panel 2 that rotates circumferentially around the rotation center O. For example, when the display element radius of the display panel 2 is 25 cm, the angular velocity ω is, for example, 1080° / s or more.

[0027] The angle sensor 441 is arranged on the shaft 320 that rotates, and detects the rotation angle θ of the shaft 320. As shown in FIG. 4, the rotation angle θ is the rotation angle at which the display panel 2 rotates in the circumferential direction around the rotation center O from the first reference line CL1.

[0028] The display position calculation circuit 420 calculates the display element radius r and the rotation angle θ from the coordinates X and Y of the appearance display position stored in the memory circuit 410 according to the following mathematical formulas (1-1) to (1-3).

[0029] (X, Y) = (r cos θ, r sin θ) (1-1) r = √(X 2 + Y 2 ) (1-2) θ = arctan(Y / X) (1-3) Thereby, the coordinate transformation is performed from the rectangular coordinate system (X, Y) of the appearance display to the polar coordinate system (r, θ) of the appearance display.

[0030] Next, the display position calculation circuit 420 calculates the display element angle Φ from the display element radius r, the rotation angle θ detected by the angle sensor 441, and the angular velocity ω detected by the angular velocity sensor 440 according to the following mathematical formulas (2-1) to (2-3).

[0031] θ = ωt - Φi, Φi = Φmap (2-1) Φi = (3π / 4) + 2π(i / n) - arctan(Yi / Xi) (i = 0, 1, 2, 3) (n = 4) (2-2) (Yi / Xi) = (r cos((3π / 4) - Φi), r cos((3π / 4) - Φi)) (2-3) Here, t is the time when the display panel 2 rotates and moves, and i is an integer of the number representing the position of each display panel 2. In Embodiment 1, i is from 0 to 3. n is the number of display panels 2, and n is 4.

[0032] When the display panel 2 with i = 0 is parallel to the second direction Dy and located on the +Dy side of the second direction Dy, the display panel 2 with i = 1 is positioned in a state shifted counterclockwise by π / 2 in the circumferential direction around the rotation center O with respect to the display panel 2 with i = 0. The display panel 2 with i = 2 is positioned in a state shifted counterclockwise by π / 2 in the circumferential direction around the rotation center O with respect to the display panel 2 with i = 1. The display panel 2 with i = 3 is positioned in a state shifted counterclockwise by π / 2 in the circumferential direction around the rotation center O with respect to the display panel 2 with i = 2.

[0033] For each display panel 2, the display conversion circuit 430 performs display conversion of the display element radius r and the display element angle Φ (= Φi) calculated by the display position calculation circuit 420 into x coordinates and y coordinates based on the correspondence table or relational expression (mathematical expressions (2-1) to (2-3)) input to the coordinate conversion table 411.

[0034] A display signal DS1 for driving the display image is transmitted to the transmitter 450 arranged outside. The transmitter 450 communicates wirelessly with the receiver 460. The receiver 460 transmits the display signal DS1 to the display conversion circuit 430.

[0035] Then, the control circuit 400 controls so that the display element can be displayed while sliding temporally at the positions of the x coordinates and y coordinates of each display panel 2 by the display signal DS1.

[0036] Next, the display device will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the display device of FIG. 5.

[0037] The light source 3 includes a plurality of light emitting units 31. As shown in FIG. 6, the light source control unit 32 is included in the drive circuit 4. Note that the light source control unit 32 may be a circuit separate from the circuit of the drive circuit 4. The light emitting unit 31 and the light source control unit 32 are electrically connected by wiring in the array substrate 10.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, the drive circuit 4 includes a signal processing circuit 41, a pixel control circuit 42, a gate drive circuit 43, a source drive circuit 44, and a common potential drive circuit 45. The area of the array substrate 10 in the Dx-Dy plane is larger than that of the counter substrate 20, and the drive circuit 4 is provided in the overhanging portion of the array substrate 10 exposed from the counter substrate 20.

[0039] An input signal (such as an RGB signal) VS is input to the signal processing circuit 41 from the image output unit 91 of an external upper control unit 9 via a flexible substrate 92.

[0040] The signal processing circuit 41 includes an input signal analysis unit 412 and a signal adjustment unit 413. The input signal analysis unit 412 generates a second input signal VCS based on the first input signal VS input from the outside.

[0041] The second input signal VCS is a signal that determines what gradation value to give to each pixel Pix of the display panel 2 based on the first input signal VS. In other words, the second input signal VCS is a signal that includes gradation information regarding the gradation value of each pixel Pix.

[0042] The signal adjustment unit 413 generates a third input signal VCSA from the second input signal VCS. The signal adjustment unit 413 sends the third input signal VCSA to the pixel control circuit 42 and sends a light source control signal LCSA to the light source control unit 32. The light source control signal LCSA is, for example, a signal that includes information on the light amount of the light emitting unit 31 set according to the input gradation value to the pixel Pix. For example, when a dark image is displayed, the light amount of the light emitting unit 31 is set small. When a bright image is displayed, the light amount of the light emitting unit 31 is set large.

[0043] Then, the pixel control circuit 42 generates a horizontal drive signal HDS and a vertical drive signal VDS based on the third input signal VCSA.

[0044] The gate drive circuit 43 sequentially selects the scan lines GL of the display panel 2 within one vertical scan period based on the horizontal drive signal HDS. The order of selection of the scan lines GL is arbitrary.

[0045] The source drive circuit 44 supplies a gradation signal corresponding to the output gradation value of each pixel Pix to each signal line SL of the display panel 2 within one horizontal scanning period based on the vertical drive signal VDS.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the display panel 2 is an active matrix type panel. For this reason, it has signal (source) lines SL extending in the second direction Dy in a plan view and scanning (gate) lines GL extending in the first direction Dx, and has switching elements Tr at the intersections of the signal lines SL and the scanning lines GL.

[0047] A thin film transistor is used as the switching element Tr. As an example of the thin film transistor, a bottom gate type transistor or a top gate type transistor may be used. Although a single gate thin film transistor is exemplified as the switching element Tr, a double gate transistor may also be used. One of the source electrode and the drain electrode of the switching element Tr is connected to the signal line SL, the gate electrode is connected to the scanning line GL, and the other of the source electrode and the drain electrode is connected to one end of the capacitance of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal LC described later. One end of the capacitance of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal LC is connected to the switching element Tr via the pixel electrode PE, and the other end is connected to the common potential wiring COML via the common electrode CE. Also, a holding capacitance HC is generated between the pixel electrode PE and the holding capacitance electrode IO electrically connected to the common potential wiring COML. Note that the common potential wiring COML is supplied from the common potential drive circuit 45.

[0048] The light emitting unit 31 includes a light emitter 33R of the first color (for example, red), a light emitter 33G of the second color (for example, green), and a light emitter 33B of the third color (for example, blue). The light source control unit 32 controls the light emitters 33R of the first color, the light emitters 33G of the second color, and the light emitters 33B of the third color to emit light simultaneously and emit white light based on the light source control signal LCSA. Thereby, a scattered image is displayed depending on the presence or absence of light scattering. Note that it is not limited to white light emission, and any single color light emission may be used.

[0049] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the voltage applied to the pixel electrode and the scattering state of the pixel. FIG. 8a is a cross-sectional view showing an example of use of the display device of FIG. 5 during single-color light emission. FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view showing an example of use during non-light emission. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the plane of the display device of FIG. 5. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal layer portion of FIG. 8a. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the non-scattering state in the liquid crystal layer. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the scattering state in the liquid crystal layer.

[0050] If a gradation signal corresponding to the output gradation value of each pixel Pix is supplied to each signal line SL described above to the pixel Pix selected within one vertical scanning period GateScan, the voltage applied to the pixel electrode PE changes according to the gradation signal. When the voltage applied to the pixel electrode PE changes, the voltage between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE changes. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, according to the voltage applied to the pixel electrode PE, the scattering state of the liquid crystal layer 50 for each pixel Pix is controlled, and the scattering ratio within the pixel Pix changes.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, when the voltage applied to the pixel electrode PE becomes equal to or higher than the saturation voltage Vsat, the change in the scattering ratio within the pixel Pix becomes small. Therefore, the driving circuit 4 changes the voltage applied to the pixel electrode PE according to the vertical driving signal VDS in a voltage range Vdr lower than the saturation voltage Vsat.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 8a and 9, the array substrate 10 includes a first main surface 10A, a second main surface 10B, a first side surface 10C, a second side surface 10D, a third side surface 10E, and a fourth side surface 10F. The first main surface 10A and the second main surface 10B are parallel planes. Also, the first side surface 10C and the second side surface 10D are parallel planes. The third side surface 10E and the fourth side surface 10F are parallel planes.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 9, the opposing substrate 20 includes a first main surface 20A, a second main surface 20B, a first side surface 20C, a second side surface 20D, a third side surface 20E, and a fourth side surface 20F. The first main surface 20A and the second main surface 20B are parallel planes. The first side surface 20C and the second side surface 20D are parallel planes. The third side surface 20E and the fourth side surface 20F are parallel planes.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 9, the light source 3 faces the second side surface 20D of the opposing substrate 20. The light source 3 may also be called a side light source. As shown in FIG. 5, the light source 3 irradiates the light source light L onto the second side surface 20D of the opposing substrate 20. The second side surface 20D of the opposing substrate 20 facing the light source 3 serves as a light incident surface.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 8A, the light source light L irradiated from the light source 3 propagates in a direction away from the second side surface 20D (second direction Dy) while being reflected by the first main surface 10A of the array substrate 10 and the first main surface 20A of the opposing substrate 20. When the light source light L goes from a medium with a large refractive index to a medium with a small refractive index when going from the first main surface 10A of the array substrate 10 or the first main surface 20A of the opposing substrate 20 to the outside, if the incident angle of the light source light L incident on the first main surface 10A of the array substrate 10 or the first main surface 20A of the opposing substrate 20 is greater than the critical angle, the light source light L is totally reflected by the first main surface 10A of the array substrate 10 or the first main surface 20A of the opposing substrate 20.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 8A, the light source light L that has propagated inside the array substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 20 is scattered by the liquid crystal in a scattered state in the pixel Pix, and the incident angle of the scattered light becomes an angle smaller than the critical angle, so that the emitted lights 68, 68A are respectively emitted to the outside from the first main surface 20A of the opposing substrate 20 and the first main surface 10A of the array substrate 10. The emitted lights 68, 68A emitted to the outside from the first main surface 20A of the opposing substrate 20 and the first main surface 10A of the array substrate 10 are observed by the observer.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 8b, external light L2 is scattered by pixel Pix, and a cloud-like pattern is visually recognized. When there is sufficient external light, even if the light-emitting portion 31 is not used without light emission, a scattered image can be observed by the observer.

[0058] Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12, the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal in a scattered state and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal in a non-scattered state will be described.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 10, a first alignment film AL1 is provided on the array substrate 10. A second alignment film AL2 is provided on the counter substrate 20. When the alignment film is subjected to an alignment treatment, for example, the alignment direction of the first alignment film AL1 is on one side of the first direction Dx, and the alignment direction of the second alignment film AL2 is subjected to an alignment treatment on the other side of the first direction Dx. The first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2 may be, for example, vertical alignment films, or may be alignment films subjected to an alignment treatment in the first direction Dx in which a plurality of light-emitting portions 31 are arranged. The alignment treatment is performed by a rubbing treatment or a photo-alignment treatment.

[0060] The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal LC of the liquid crystal layer 500 shown in FIG. 11 is encapsulated between the array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20. Next, in a state where the monomer and the liquid crystal are aligned by the first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2, the monomer is polymerized by ultraviolet rays or heat to form a three-dimensional network-like polymer network 510. Thereby, a liquid crystal layer 500 having a reverse-mode polymer-dispersed liquid crystal LC in which liquid crystal molecules 520 are dispersed in the gaps of the three-dimensional network-like polymer network 510 formed in a network shape is formed.

[0061] Thus, the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal LC has a three-dimensional network-like polymer network 510 and liquid crystal molecules 520.

[0062] The alignment of the liquid crystal molecules 520 is controlled by the voltage difference between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. The alignment of the liquid crystal molecules 520 changes due to the applied voltage to the pixel electrode PE. When the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules 520 changes, the degree of light scattering passing through the pixel Pix changes.

[0063] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when no voltage is applied between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, the directions of the optical axis Ax1 of the polymer network 510 and the optical axis Ax2 of the liquid crystal molecules 520 are generally equal to each other. The optical axis Ax2 of the liquid crystal molecules 520 is parallel to the first direction Dx (FIG. 8a) of the liquid crystal layer 500. Also, the optical axis Ax1 of the polymer network 510 is parallel to the first direction Dx of the liquid crystal layer 500 regardless of the presence or absence of a voltage.

[0064] The ordinary light refractive indices of the polymer network 510 and the liquid crystal molecules 520 are equal to each other. When no voltage is applied between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE, the refractive index difference between the polymer network 510 and the liquid crystal molecules 520 becomes almost zero in all directions. The liquid crystal layer 500 is in a non-scattering state where it does not scatter the light from the light source. The light from the light source propagates in a direction away from the light source 3 (light emitting unit 31). When the liquid crystal layer 500 is in the non-scattering state where it does not scatter the light from the light source, the background on the first main surface 20A side of the counter substrate 20 can be visually recognized from the first main surface 10A of the array substrate 10, and the background on the first main surface 10A side of the array substrate 10 can be visually recognized from the first main surface 20A of the counter substrate 20.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 12, between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE to which a voltage is applied, the optical axis Ax2 of the liquid crystal molecules 520 will be tilted by the electric field generated between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. Since the optical axis Ax1 of the polymer network 510 does not change due to the electric field, the directions of the optical axis Ax1 of the polymer network 510 and the optical axis Ax2 of the liquid crystal molecules 520 are different from each other. In the pixel Pix where the pixel electrode PE to which a voltage is applied exists, the light from the light source is scattered. A part of the scattered light from the light source as described above that is radiated to the outside from the first main surface 10A of the array substrate 10 or the first main surface 20A of the counter substrate 20 is observed by the observer.

[0066] In a pixel Pix having a pixel electrode PE to which no voltage is applied, the background on the first main surface 20A side of the counter substrate 20 is visible from the first main surface 10A of the array substrate 10, and the background on the first main surface 10A side of the array substrate 10 is visible from the first main surface 20A of the counter substrate 20. Then, when the first input signal VS is input from the image output unit 91, the display device 1 of the present embodiment applies a voltage to the pixel electrode PE of the pixel Pix where an image is to be displayed, and an image based on the third input signal VCSA is visible together with the background. In this way, when the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal LC is in a scattered state, an image is displayed in the display area.

[0067] In a pixel Pix having a pixel electrode PE to which a voltage is applied, the image displayed by the light scattered by the light source light and radiated to the outside overlaps the background and is to be displayed. In other words, the display device 1 of the present embodiment can display an image by superimposing it on the background by combining the emitted light 68 or the emitted light 68A and the background.

[0068] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the transmission region and the non-transmission region of the display system. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an arbitrary display image viewed from the observer side.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 13, the region having the light-shielding panel 200 is a non-transmission region DA where light is not transmitted. The light-shielding panel 200 has a notch portion 210 in which a part is cut out. The notch portion 210 is a transmission region DB where light is transmitted.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 13, even when the display panel 2 is rotated counterclockwise, the observer OB can view the display panel 2 within the transmission region DB. Thereby, the observer OB can recognize the display image T1 shown in FIG. 14 displayed on the display panel 2.

[0071] When the pixels Pix within the active region AA around the display image T1 shown in FIG. 14 are in the first state, the background is visible around the display image T1. When the pixels Pix within the active region AA corresponding to the display image T1 are in the second state, the background becomes less visible around the display image T1, and the display image T1 becomes more visible.

[0072] Here, the first state refers to a state in which the liquid crystal layer 500 is in a non-scattering state and the pixels Pix do not scatter light and the background BG is visible. Also, the second state refers to a state in which the liquid crystal layer 500 is in a scattering state and the pixels Pix scatter light and the display image T1 is displayed.

[0073] As a result, even when the display panel 2 is viewed in a state where the display panel 2 is rotated, the scanning lines GL and signal lines SL within the active region AA become less visible, and in the case of the first state, the transparency of the pixels Pix can be maintained.

[0074] Here, as shown in FIG. 13, the display element radius r ranges from a minimum value r 10 to a maximum value r 25 The size of the minimum value r 10 is, for example, 10 mm, and the size of the maximum value r 25 is, for example, 25 mm. The intermediate value r 18 of the display element radius is the radius between the minimum value r 10 and the maximum value r 25 The size of the intermediate value r 18 is 18 mm.

[0075] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the temporal change of an arbitrary display image represented by the display element radius and the rotation angle. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the temporal change of an arbitrary display image represented by the display element radius and the display element angle.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 15, in the polar coordinate system (r, θ) of the appearance display, the display image T1 recognized by the observer OB is a still image. A still image does not move in position according to time. That is, as shown in Fig. 16, the display image T1 does not change its position in the polar coordinate system (r, θ) of the appearance display even as time passes. Therefore, the observer OB can visually recognize the display image T1 at the intended position.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 16, since the display element angle Φi(x, y, t) of each display panel 2 depends on time, as time passes, it shifts in the direction opposite to the direction in which the display panel 2 rotates. The display image T1 within the active area AA is displayed while sliding and moving in the direction opposite to the direction in which the display panel 2 rotates at the same speed as the display panel 2. As a result, when it is converted to the display in the polar coordinate system (r, θ) of the appearance display shown in Fig. 15, the display image T1 is visually recognized by the observer OB as if it were a still image.

[0078] Also, different images can be switched every frame so that the display image T1 is displayed differently for each time. At this time, as time passes, it shifts in the direction opposite to the direction in which the display panel 2 rotates. The display image T1, which is displayed differently for each time, is displayed while sliding and moving at the same speed as the display panel 2.

[0079] As a result, when it is converted to the display in the polar coordinate system (r, θ) of the appearance display shown in Fig. 15, the display image T1 is not a still image, but is visually recognized by the observer OB as a moving image so that the display image T1 moves and is displayed over time.

[0080] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the drawing process to the pixels according to the display device of Embodiment 1. Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the presence or absence of pixels corresponding to the display element radius and the display element angle.

[0081] A flow of drawing an image on each pixel Pix of the display panel 2 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 17, the display position calculation circuit 420 calculates a display element radius r and a rotation angle θ from the coordinates X and Y of the appearance display position stored in the storage circuit 410 according to Expressions (1-1) to (1-3) (step S1).

[0082] Thereby, coordinate conversion is performed from the orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y) of the appearance display to the polar coordinate system (r, θ) of the appearance display.

[0083] Next, the display position calculation circuit 420 calculates a display element angle Φi from the display element radius r, the rotation angle θ, and the angular velocity ω detected by the angular velocity sensor 440 according to Expressions (2-1) to (2-3) (step S1).

[0084] The display conversion circuit 430 causes the display element radius r and the display element angle Φi calculated by the display position calculation circuit 420 to be display-converted into x coordinates and y coordinates (xi, yi) for each display panel 2.

[0085] Here, the presence or absence of pixels corresponding to the display element radius r and the display element angle Φi will be described. FIG. 18 is a graph with the display element angle Φmap on the horizontal axis and the display element radius r on the vertical axis. Here, the display element angle Φi calculated in step S1 is set as the display element angle Φmap.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 18, the pixel display area AP is an area where pixel positions (xi, yi) of pixels Pix corresponding to the display element radius r and the display element angle Φmap exist. The non-pixel display area BP is an area where pixel positions (xi, yi) of pixels Pix corresponding to the display element radius r and the display element angle Φmap do not exist. Within the range where the display element angle Φmap is from 0° to 360°, a mountain-shaped pixel display area AP is displayed for each display panel 2. At this time, as time passes, the shift amount Φshift of the display element angle Φmap increases, and it is divided into a drawable area AP1 that can be drawn at the pixel position (xi, yi) and a non-drawable area BP1 that is not drawn at the pixel position (xi, yi). The shift amount Φshift represents, in terms of angle, the shift amount of the pixel position (xi, yi) selected by the gate drive circuit 43 as time elapses during which each display panel 2 rotates at high speed.

[0087] After step S1, the display position calculation circuit 420 calculates the display element angle roll(Φi) according to the following mathematical formula (3-1) (step S2).

[0088] roll(Φ)=Φmap+Φshift(Φshift=ωt,Φi=Φmap) (3-1) Here, in the coordinate conversion table 411, a correspondence table or relational expression showing the relationship between the display element radius r and roll(Φi) and the pixel position (xi, yi) is input. For example, when the relational expression is xy_Datatable(r,roll(φ)):exist (when the pixel position (xi, yi) exists), (x_i,y_i)=xy_Datatable(r,roll(φ)).

[0089] The control circuit 400 determines the presence or absence of the pixel position (xi, yi) of the pixel Pix corresponding to the display element radius r and roll(Φi) (step S3).

[0090] In step S3, if it is determined that the display element positions (xi, yi) exist (Y in step S3), an image is drawn on the pixels Pix for each display panel 2 within the pixel display area AP (step S4).

[0091] On the other hand, in step S3, if it is determined that the display element positions (xi, yi) do not exist (N in step S3), since there are no display element positions (xi, yi) for the pixels Pix corresponding to the display element radius r and roll (Φi), an image is not drawn on the pixels Pix within the non-pixel display area BP (step S5).

[0092] Next, a method for updating the display of the display panel 2 will be described. FIG. 19a is an explanatory diagram showing the shift amount transition during image data transmission in an arbitrary display image represented by the display element radius and the display element angle. As shown in FIG. 19a, during the transmission of one-frame data, in the display image T1, a shift amount Φshift occurs from the image data AX1 to AX6.

[0093] FIG. 19b is a time chart of display data when an image is generated in frame units. FIG. 19c is a time chart of display data when there is line unit shift correction. As shown in FIG. 19b, when an image is generated in frame units, in order to correct the shift amount Φshift of the display data 90 in one frame unit, it is necessary to correct the shift amount Φshift of up to 2ωt. This is because there is an error in the position where the image is displayed due to the rotational movement during the update of one-frame display.

[0094] In contrast, as shown in FIG. 19c, when there is line unit shift correction, if the shift amount Φshift of the display data 90 is corrected in line units selected by the gate drive circuit 43, the error can be eliminated by correcting only up to ωt.

[0095] FIG. 20 is a graph showing the relationship between the display element radius and the element filling ratio of the display device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 21 is a graph showing the relationship between the display element radius and the correction rate with respect to the gradation value of the display device according to Embodiment 1.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 13, in the display system 1 of Embodiment 1, each display panel 2 has a rectangular shape in plan view, the display panel 2 has a long side and a short side, and the long side extends radially from the rotation center O. The display panel 2 has a structure in which the gap between the display panels 2 becomes wider as it goes farther outward in the circumferential direction from the rotation center O.

[0097] Due to such a structure, as shown in FIG. 20, from the pixel Pix closest to the rotation center O (the display element radius r is the minimum value r 10 ) to the pixel Pix farthest from the rotation center O (the display element radius r is the maximum value r 25 ), the element filling ratio of the pixel Pix that lights up the display image T1 decreases.

[0098] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21, from the pixel Pix closest to the rotation center O (the display element radius r is the minimum value r 10 ) to the pixel Pix farthest from the rotation center O (the display element radius r is the maximum value r 25 ), the gradation value of the pixel Pix in the display image T1 is corrected so as to increase. Here, the correction rate when the gradation value is 255 is set to 100%.

[0099] Thereby, the luminance of the display image T1 visually recognized by the observer OB can be made uniformly bright.

[0100] (Modification 1 of Embodiment 1) FIG. 22 is a plan view showing an example of the display system of Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 23 is a graph showing the relationship between the display element radius and the element filling ratio of the display device according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 24 is a graph showing the relationship between the display element radius and the correction rate with respect to the gradation value of the display device according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. In the following description, the same components as those described in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 22, the display system 1A according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 includes each display device 100A having a display panel 2A, a light source 3A, and a drive circuit 4A. Each of the display panel 2A, the light source 3A, and the drive circuit 4A has a fan shape in plan view. The display panel 2A has a structure in which the gap between the display panels 2 is uniform even when it is far from the rotation center O in the circumferential direction.

[0102] Due to such a structure, as shown in FIG. 23, from the pixel Pix closest to the rotation center O (the display element radius r is the minimum value r 10 ) to the pixel Pix farthest from the rotation center O (the display element radius r is the maximum value r 25 ), the element filling ratio of the pixel Pix that lights up the display image T1 remains constant.

[0103] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 25, from the pixel Pix closest to the rotation center O (the display element radius r is the minimum value r 10 ) to the pixel Pix farthest from the rotation center O (the display element radius r is the maximum value r 25 ), the gradation value of the pixel Pix in the display image T1 is corrected so as to increase.

[0104] Thereby, the luminance of the display image T1 visually recognized by the observer OB can be made uniformly bright.

[0105] (Modification 2 of Embodiment 1) FIG. 25 is a plan view showing an example of the display system according to Modification Example 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 26 is a graph showing the relationship between the display element radius and the element filling rate of the display device according to Modification Example 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 27 is a graph showing the relationship between the display element radius and the correction rate with respect to the gradation value of the display device according to Modification Example 2 of Embodiment 1. In the following description, the same components as those described in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 25, the display system 1B according to Modification Example 2 of Embodiment 1 includes display devices 100B each having a display panel 2, a light source 3, and a drive circuit 4. The number of each display device 100B is eight.

[0107] Each display panel 2 has a rectangular shape in plan view, the display panel 2 has a long side and a short side, and the long side extends radially from the rotation center O. Also, in the display system 1B, when the display element radius r is r 13 a part of the pixels Pix of the display panel 2 overlaps between adjacent display panels 2 on the circumference. The structure is such that the gap between the display panels 2 becomes wider as it goes farther outward in the circumferential direction from the rotation center O.

[0108] The display position calculation circuit 420 in the display system 1B calculates the display element angle Φ from the display element radius r, the rotation angle θ, and the angular velocity ω detected by the angular velocity sensor 440 according to the following mathematical formula (4-1) and mathematical formulas (2-1) and (2-3).

[0109] Φi = (3π / 4) + 2π(i / n) - arctan(Yi / Xi) (i = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) (n = 8) (4-1) Here, in Modification Example 2 of Embodiment 1, i ranges from 0 to 7. Also, n is 8.

[0110] When the display panel 2 of i=0 is parallel to the second direction Dy and is located on the +Dy side of the second direction Dy, the display panel 2 of i=1 is located at a position shifted by π / 4 counterclockwise in the circumferential direction around the rotation center O from the display panel 2 of i=0. The display panel 2 of i=2 is located at a position shifted by π / 4 counterclockwise in the circumferential direction around the rotation center O from the display panel 2 in the state when i is 1. The display panel 2 of i=3 is located at a position shifted by π / 4 counterclockwise in the circumferential direction around the rotation center O from the display panel 2 of i=2. The display panel 2 of i=4 is located at a position shifted by π / 4 counterclockwise in the circumferential direction around the rotation center O from the display panel 2 in the state when i is 3. The display panel 2 of i=5 is located at a position shifted by π / 4 counterclockwise in the circumferential direction around the rotation center O from the display panel 2 in the state when i is 4. The display panel 2 at i=6 is positioned at a circumferential offset of π / 4 counterclockwise around the rotation center O relative to the display panel 2 at i=5. The display panel 2 at i=7 is positioned at a circumferential offset of π / 4 counterclockwise around the rotation center O relative to the display panel 2 at i=6.

[0111] With this structure, as shown in FIG. 26, the element packing ratio of the pixel Pix that lights up the display image T1 is the pixel Pix closest to the rotation center O (when the display element radius r is the minimum value r 10 ) to the position where a part of the pixel Pix overlaps between the adjacent display panels 2 (when the display element radius r is r 13 ), but the position where a part of the pixel Pix overlaps between adjacent display panels 2 (when the display element radius r is r 13 ) from the pixel Pix farthest from the rotation center O (when the display element radius r is the maximum value r 25 ), the element packing rate of the pixels Pix that light up the display image T1 decreases. 13 The size is, for example, 13 mm.

[0112] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 27, the pixel Pix closest to the rotation center O (when the display element radius r is the minimum value r 10From the position where a part of the pixel Pix overlaps between two adjacent display panels 2 (where the display element radius r is r 13 ), as the position is reached, the gradation value of the pixel Pix in the display image T1 is corrected to be constant.

[0113] Also, from the position where a part of the pixel Pix overlaps between two adjacent display panels 2 (where the display element radius r is r 13 ) to the pixel Pix that is farthest from the rotation center O (where the display element radius r is the maximum value r 25 ), as the position is reached, the gradation value of the pixel Pix in the display image T1 is corrected to increase.

[0114] Thereby, the luminance of the display image T1 visually recognized by the observer OB can be made uniformly brighter.

[0115] Also, regarding other operational effects brought about by the aspects described in the present embodiment, those that are obvious from the description in this specification or can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present disclosure.

[0116] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. In the following Embodiment 2, since the description content of Embodiment 1 can be used, duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0117] In Embodiment 2, consider the case of reversing the electrical polarity between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE in Embodiment 1. In the transparent display panel 2 using polymer-dispersed liquid crystal LC, it was found that the wiring resistances of the signal line SL, the scanning line GL, the pixel electrode PE, the common electrode CE, etc. are large, and it takes a long time to discharge the charges during polarity inversion. Therefore, for example, in the rotating display that moves the display device 100 to perform dynamic display as in Embodiment 1, the update speed of the display on the display panel 2 is slow, and the rotation speed of the display panel 2 cannot be increased. In a liquid crystal display such as the display panel 2, polarity inversion is often performed for each frame, so it takes time for the update. Although a method of updating every few frames has been proposed, the display is interrupted during reverse driving, or the update speed of the display temporarily slows down, causing irregular display. In particular, when an irregular display cut occurs during the motion display of the display panel 2, the display luminance in the display area that passes through during the display disturbance time is impaired, causing display flicker.

[0118] FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of polarity inversion for reversing the electrical polarity between the signal line SL (pixel electrode PE) and the common electrode CE in the display device according to Embodiment 2.

[0119] In Embodiment 2, for example, the polarity inversion between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE is configured to be performed according to the rotation angle. When switching the polarity, it takes time to move the charges charged between the common electrode CE and the signal line SL or between the common electrode CE and the scanning line GL. Therefore, the display panel 2 is rotatable about the central axis O by the rotating device 300 not within the period of each vertical synchronization signal Vsync, and when the rotation position or rotation angle of the rotated display panel 2 comes to a specific area at the lower part (in this example, the polarity inversion area A1), for example, it is detected and the polarity inversion is performed. That is, the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE of the corresponding display panel 2 invert their polarities according to the rotation angle.

[0120] As described in Embodiment 1, the plurality of display panels are arranged around the central axis O such that the scanning line GL arranged at the center of the display panel 2 in the first direction Dx or the signal line SL arranged at the center of the display panel 2 in the second direction Dy is parallel to the line connecting the circumferential direction from the central axis O of the concentric circles, and the plurality of display panels are configured to be rotatable about the central axis O. Further, when a still image is displayed on the plurality of display panels, the images of each of the plurality of display panels move at the same speed as the angular velocity of rotation in the direction opposite to the rotation direction.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 28, the source drive circuit 44 includes a polarity inversion control device 441, a first power supply BV1, a second power supply BV2, a first switch SW1, and a second switch SW2. The positive electrode (+) of the first power supply BV1 is connected to each signal line SL via the first switch SW1, and the negative electrode (-) of the first power supply BV1 is connected to a common potential wiring COML to which a common potential VCOM is supplied. Further, the negative electrode (-) of the second power supply BV2 is connected to each signal line SL via the second switch SW2, and the positive electrode (+) of the second power supply BV2 is connected to a common potential wiring COML to which a common potential VCOM is supplied. The common potential wiring COML is connected to the common electrode CE.

[0122] The source drive circuit 44 sets the switch control signal SWS to a high level (H) or a low level (L) according to the rotation position or rotation angle of the display panel 2 rotated by the rotation device 300. The switch control signal SWS can also be regarded as a polarity inversion signal SWS.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 28, in response to the high level (H) of the switch control signal SWS, the first switch SW1 is turned on and the second switch SW2 is turned off, so that the positive electrode (+) of the first power supply BV1 is connected to the signal line SL, and the negative electrode (-) of the first power supply BV1 is connected to the common electrode CE. As a result, the polarity between the signal line SL and the common electrode CE becomes positive (+). Then, the potential supplied to the signal line SL is supplied to the pixel electrode PE when the scanning line GL is selected. Therefore, the polarity between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE becomes positive (+).

[0124] On one hand, according to the low level (L) of the switch control signal SWS, the first switch SW1 is turned off, the second switch SW2 is turned on, the negative electrode (-) of the second power supply BV2 is connected to the signal line SL, and the positive electrode (+) of the second power supply BV2 is connected to the common electrode CE. Thereby, the polarity between the signal line SL and the common electrode CE becomes the negative electrode (-). The potential supplied to the signal line SL is supplied to the pixel electrode PE when the scanning line GL is in the selected state. Therefore, the polarity between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE becomes the negative electrode (-).

[0125] Here, the display panel 2 is rotatable about the central axis O and is rotated counterclockwise to the left by the rotating device 300. When the rotation position or rotation angle of the display panel 2 rotated by the rotating device 300 comes to the polarity inversion area A1, polarity inversion is performed to move the charges charged between the common electrode CE and the signal line SL or between the common electrode CE and the scanning line GL. At this time, the source drive circuit 44 transitions the switch control signal SWS from the high level (H) to the low level (L), or from the low level (L) to the high level (H). Thereby, the polarity between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE is inverted from the positive electrode (+) to the negative electrode (-), or from the negative electrode (-) to the positive electrode (+). Based on the calculated value of various sensors or the rotation angle obtained from the angle sensor 441, when the rotation position or rotation angle of the display panel 2 rotated by the rotating device 300 is in the non-polarity inversion area A2, the source drive circuit 44 maintains the switch control signal SWS at the high level (H) or the low level (L).

[0126] In the polarity inversion area A1, the display panel 2 is set to a non-display state. On the other hand, in the non-polarity inversion area A2, it is preferable to cause the display panel 2 to perform a display operation of a plurality of frames.

[0127] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the time required for polarity switching (polarity inversion) that the periodically moving liquid crystal display device performs in one frame period, and improve the frame rate. Also, polarity inversion is performed every several frames. Polarity inversion is performed when the display panel 2 reaches the polarity inversion area A1 (non-display area) as a specific position. In the case of rotational movement, polarity inversion is performed only when the display panel 2 to be subjected to polarity inversion, for example, reaches the lower end (polarity inversion area A1). That is, the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE of the corresponding display panel 2 are inverted in polarity according to the rotation angle. Also, the plurality of display panels have a non-display period during polarity inversion and a display period when polarity inversion is not performed.

[0128] If for some reason the display panel 2 does not reach the (polarity inversion area A1) as the planned position of polarity inversion and a predetermined time has elapsed, it is advisable to perform polarity inversion for each frame to protect the display of the display panel 2.

[0129] Next, with reference to FIGS. 29, 30, and 31, the configuration of the display device according to Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 29 is a diagram conceptually explaining the rotational positions of the display panel according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 30 is a diagram explaining the timing of polarity inversion of the display panel according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 31 is a diagram explaining a modification of the position of polarity inversion of the display panel according to Embodiment 2.

[0130] In this configuration example of Embodiment 2, the phase of the non-display period including the polarity inversion period is uniformly shifted so that the luminance of the display of the display panel does not partially decrease. That is, the position of the non-display period is configured to be continuously shifted leftward. There may be a plurality of non-display periods within the period of rotational movement.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 29, the rotational positions of the display panel 2 of the display device are divided along the counterclockwise direction with respect to the central axis O from the first (a1) to the twenty-fourth (a24) when viewed from the front side of the rotating device 300. It is assumed that the plurality of display panels 2 are rotatable about the central axis O. Further, when still images are displayed on the plurality of display panels 2, the images of each of the plurality of display panels 2 are configured to move at the same speed as the angular velocity of rotation in the direction opposite to the rotational direction.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 30, the display panel 2 of the display device is assumed to transition in its operating state along with the passage of time through the first non-display period P1, the positive polarity period P2, the second non-display period P3, the negative polarity period P4, and the third non-display period P5. In each of the non-display periods P1, P3, and P5, it is configured such that a polarity inversion is performed. The switch control signal SWS is set to a high level (H) in the positive polarity period P2 and to a low level (L) in the negative polarity period P4.

[0133] In this example, in the first non-display period P1, the display panel 2 is arranged at the twenty-fourth (a24). When the display panel 2 is arranged at the twenty-fourth (a24), the display panel 2 is set to a non-display state and a polarity inversion operation is performed. When the first non-display period P1 ends, the display panel 2 transitions to the positive polarity period P2.

[0134] In the positive polarity period P2, first, the display panel 2 is arranged at the first (a1) and display is performed. Thereafter, the display panel 2 is sequentially rotated counterclockwise from the second (a2) to the twenty-fourth (a24) and display is performed. Here, in the positive polarity period P2, a plurality of frames of images are displayed on the display panel 2.

[0135] Next, when the display panel 2 is rotated and placed in the first position (a1), the display panel 2 transitions to the second non-display period P3. When the display panel 2 is placed in the first position (a1), the display panel 2 is set to a non-display state and a polarity inversion operation is performed. When the second non-display period P3 ends, the display panel 2 transitions to the negative polarity period P4.

[0136] During the negative polarity period P4, first, the display panel 2 is placed in the second position (a2) and display is performed. Then, the display panel 2 is sequentially rotated counterclockwise from the third position (a3) to the first position (a1) and display is performed. Here, during the negative polarity period P4, a plurality of frames of images are displayed on the display panel 2.

[0137] Next, when the display panel 2 is rotated and placed in the second position (a2), the display panel 2 transitions to the third non-display period P5. When the display panel 2 is placed in the second position (a2), the display panel 2 is set to a non-display state and a polarity inversion operation is performed.

[0138] Here, as shown in the non-display periods P1, P3, and P5, it is configured to shift the phase of the non-display period. That is, in order to prevent flickering, the phase is shifted from the previous update position (the position during the polarity inversion period) so that the motion period of the display panel 2 and the frame update (polarity inversion) do not overlap, and then the update (polarity inversion) is performed. That is, the polarity inversion is performed according to the rotation angle with respect to the central axis O of the rotation of the display panel 2. In other words, the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE of the corresponding display panel are inverted in polarity according to the rotation angle. Also, the plurality of display panels have a non-display period during the polarity inversion and a display period when the polarity inversion is not performed. And the rotation angle of the non-display period is sequentially changed.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 31, there may be a plurality of non-display periods during the motion cycle. In this example, a first configuration example 311 in which non-display periods are arranged at two positions, the 24th (a24) and the 12th (a12), and a second configuration example 312 in which non-display periods are arranged at four positions, the 24th (a24), the 6th (a6), the 12th (a12), and the 18th (a18), are exemplarily shown.

[0140] Next, with reference to FIG. 32, an example of driving a display device that performs polarity switching only when the display panel to be subjected to polarity switching comes to the lower end (polarity inversion area A1) of the rotational motion will be described. FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining another timing of polarity inversion of the display panel of the display device according to Embodiment 2. It is assumed that a plurality of display panels 2 are rotatable about a central axis O. Further, when a still image is displayed on the plurality of display panels 2, the image of each of the plurality of display panels 2 is configured to move at the same speed as the angular velocity of rotation in a direction opposite to the rotation direction.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 32, the display panel 2 of the display device is assumed to transit in its operating state through a positive polarity period P2, a first non-display period (polarity inversion period) P3, and a negative polarity period P4 over time. In the non-display period (polarity inversion period) P3, polarity inversion is configured to be performed. The switch control signal SWS is set to a high level (H) in the positive polarity period P2 and to a low level (L) in the negative polarity period P4. As described with reference to FIG. 28, when the rotating device 300 is viewed from the front side, it has a polarity inversion area A1 and a non-polarity inversion area A2. When the display panel 2 is disposed in the polarity inversion area A1, the display panel 2 is subjected to polarity inversion and is set to a non-display state. When the display panel 2 is disposed in the non-polarity inversion area A2, a plurality of frames of images are displayed on the display panel 2.

[0142] In the positive polarity period P2, the display panel 2 is disposed in the non-polarity inversion area A2, and a plurality of frames of images are displayed on the display panel 2. Next, the display panel 2 rotates counterclockwise and is disposed in the polarity inversion area A1, and the display panel 2 transits to the non-display period (polarity inversion period) P3.

[0143] During the non-display period (polarity inversion period) P3, the display panel 2 undergoes polarity inversion and is set to the non-display state. Next, the display panel 2 rotates counterclockwise and is placed in the non-polarity inversion area A2, and the display panel 2 transitions to the negative polarity period P4.

[0144] During the negative polarity period P4, the display panel 2 is placed in the non-polarity inversion area A2, and images of multiple frames are displayed on the display panel 2. After the negative polarity period P4, the display panel 2 rotates and is repeatedly placed in the polarity inversion area A1 and the non-polarity inversion area A2 again. Therefore, the operating state of the display panel 2 transitions as follows: non-display period (polarity inversion period) -> positive polarity period -> non-display period (polarity inversion period) -> negative polarity period.

[0145] That is, the polarity inversion is performed according to the rotation angle with respect to the central axis O of the rotation of the display panel 2. In other words, the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE of the corresponding display panel are inverted in polarity according to the rotation angle. Also, the plurality of display panels have a non-display period during the polarity inversion and a display period when the polarity inversion is not performed.

[0146] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a configuration example in which 600 frame updates are performed in one cycle (one rotation). In FIG. 33, Fn (n = 0 - 599) indicates the frame number. As shown in FIG. 1, in this example, since there are 4 display panels 2, each 1 / 4 of the 90° area is displayed in 150 frames, and one cycle of display is performed. Since the polymer dispersed liquid crystal LC has liquid crystal molecules covered with a polymer film, it has a strong tendency to be resistant to oxidation stress. The polarity inversion performed for protecting the liquid crystal molecules can be performed slower than the frame rate for which speed is required.

[0147] The frame update of the first example will be described. Assuming that the frame update is driven at 150 Hz (6.67 ms), with a radius r = 10 cm and a rotation speed of 3 rotations per second, ω = 2 * pi * 3 (rad / s) v = rω = 0.1 * 2 * π * 3 = 1.88 m / s. The maximum displacement width at the outer circumference is x = vt = 12.5 mm. This means that the displacement amount is large.

[0148] The frame update of the second example will be described. When the frame update is driven at 1000 Hz (1 ms), with a radius r = 10 cm and a rotational speed of 3 revolutions per second, ω = 2 * π * 3 (rad / s) v = rω = 0.1 * 2 * π * 3 = 1.88 m / s. The maximum displacement width at the outer circumference is, x = vt = 1.88 mm. Therefore, it can be seen that a motion display can operate practically near the performance limit of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal LC.

[0149] Next, with reference to FIGS. 34, 35, and 36, a configuration example of a display device in which a display panel reciprocates in, for example, the left-right direction will be described. FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining a display device including a display panel that reciprocates in the left-right direction according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining the timing of polarity inversion of the display panel in the display device of FIG. 34. FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining a modification example of the position of polarity inversion of the display panel in the display device of FIG. 34.

[0150] In this example, in a display device in which the display panel reciprocates in, for example, the left-right direction, the phase of the non-display period including the polarity inversion period is shifted uniformly so that the luminance does not partially decrease. In this example, the position of the non-display period is continuously shifted. There may be a plurality of non-display periods within the motion cycle of the reciprocating motion.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 34, the display device 100D has a display panel 2 which is a single transparent display. The display panel 2 can use the display panel of Embodiment 1. The display panel 2 is configured to be movable such that it moves in the first direction Dx (right direction) from the first region b1 to the eighth region b8 by a reciprocating device (not shown), and then moves in the first direction Dx (left direction) from the eighth region b8 to the first region b1. In this example, the moving direction of the display panel 2 is the first direction Dx, but it may also be the second direction Dy. Here, when a still image is displayed on the display panel 2, the image of the display panel 2 is configured to move at the same speed as the moving speed in the direction opposite to the moving direction.

[0152] In FIGS. 34 and 35, first, assume that the display panel 2 is located in the second region b2 and then moves in the direction of the third region b3.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 35, the display device 100D is assumed to transit its operating state along with the passage of time to the first non-display period P1, the positive polarity period P2, the second non-display period P3, the negative polarity period P4, and the third non-display period P5. In each of the non-display periods P1, P3, P5, a polarity inversion is configured to be performed. The switch control signal SWS is set to a high level (H) in the positive polarity period P2 and a low level (L) in the negative polarity period P4.

[0154] In this example, in the first non-display period P1, the display panel 2 is arranged in the second region b2. When the display panel 2 is arranged in the second region b2, the display panel 2 is set to a non-display state and a polarity inversion operation is performed. When the first non-display period P1 ends, the display panel 2 transits to the positive polarity period P2.

[0155] During the positive polarity period P2, first, the display panel 2 is moved to the third region b3 and display is performed. Thereafter, the display panel 2 moves rightward from the third region b3 to the eighth region b8, and then further moves leftward from the eighth region b8 to the first region b1. Then, the display panel 2 moves leftward from the first region b1 to the second region b2. During the positive polarity period P2, images of a plurality of frames are displayed on the display panel 2.

[0156] Next, when the display panel 2 moves and is disposed in the third region b3, the display panel 2 transitions to the second non-display period P3. When the display panel 2 is disposed in the third region b3, the display panel 2 is set to a non-display state and a polarity inversion operation is performed. When the second non-display period P3 ends, the display panel 2 transitions to the negative polarity period P4.

[0157] During the negative polarity period P4, first, the display panel 2 is disposed in the fourth region b4 and display is performed. Thereafter, the display panel 2 moves rightward from the third region b3 to the eighth region b8, and then further moves leftward from the eighth region b8 to the first region b1. Then, the display panel 2 moves leftward from the first region b1 to the third region b3. During the negative polarity period P4, images of a plurality of frames are displayed on the display panel 2.

[0158] Next, when the display panel 2 moves and is disposed in the fourth region b4, the display panel 2 transitions to the third non-display period P5. When the display panel 2 is disposed in the fourth region b4, the display panel 2 is set to a non-display state and a polarity inversion operation is performed.

[0159] Here, as shown in the non-display periods P1, P3, and P5, the display device 100D is configured to shift the phase of the non-display period according to the movement amount of the display panel 2. That is, the polarity inversion is performed according to the movement amount of the display panel 2. In other words, the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE are inverted in polarity according to the movement amount. Further, the display panel 2 has a non-display period during the polarity inversion and has a display period when the polarity inversion is not performed. Also, the location of the non-display period is sequentially changed.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 36, there may be a plurality of non-display periods during the reciprocating motion cycle. In this example, a first configuration example 361 in which the non-display periods are arranged at two locations, i.e., the third region b3 and the seventh region b7, is exemplarily shown.

[0161] Next, with reference to FIG. 37, the control flow of the display device according to Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining the control flow of the display device according to Embodiment 2.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 37, in step S10, the display on the display panel 2 is started.

[0163] Next, in step S11, in the control device in the display device, it is determined whether the polarity inversion is performed within a predetermined period. If it is determined that the polarity inversion is performed within the predetermined period (Y), the process proceeds to step S12. If it is determined that the polarity inversion is not performed within the predetermined period (N), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0164] In step S12, the movement (rotational movement, reciprocating movement) of the display panel 2 and the polarity inversion are performed according to the rotation angle and the movement amount. Then, the process returns to step S11 again.

[0165] In step S13, for protecting the display panel 2, the polarity inversion is performed on the display panel 2 at the frame period. Then, the process returns to step S11 again.

[0166] Next, with reference to FIG. 38, the control device of the display device according to Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining the control device of the display device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 38 can be, for example, the control device for the display device shown in FIG. 30 or FIG. 32.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 38, the control device 38 of the display device includes a timing generator 381, a stepping motor 382, an angle sensor 383, and a display driver 384. The timing generator 381 detects the rotation angle of the stepping motor of the angle sensor, and based on the detection result of the rotation angle from the angle sensor, controls the rotation amount, rotation speed, rotation speed, etc. of the stepping motor. Further, the timing generator 381 supplies a video timing signal as a control signal to the display driver 384 based on the detection result of the angle sensor. The video timing signal includes a timing control signal for controlling polarity inversion and a switch control signal SWS. Thereby, the display operation and the polarity inversion operation of the display driver 384 are controlled. That is, the timing generator 381 generates a timing control signal and a switch control signal SWS for controlling the polarity inversion operation according to the rotation angle.

[0168] Next, with reference to FIG. 39, the timing chart of the display device according to Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining the timing chart of the display device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 39 shows the potential (VCOM) of the common electrode CE, the potential of the gate electrode GL, and the period TPI of polarity inversion. In FIG. 39, the horizontal axis represents time (t), and the vertical axis represents voltage (V).

[0169] In this example, during the period TPI of polarity inversion, the potential (VCOM) of the common electrode CE changes from a high level (H) to a low level (L) or from a low level (L) to a high level (H). Also, during the period TPI of polarity inversion, the application of potential to the gate electrode GL is configured not to be performed.

[0170] Based on the display device described above as an embodiment of the present disclosure, all display devices that can be appropriately designed and modified by those skilled in the art also belong to the scope of the present disclosure as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0171] Those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the idea of the present disclosure, and it is understood that those modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, with respect to each of the above-described embodiments, those obtained by appropriately adding, deleting, or changing the design of components by those skilled in the art, or those obtained by adding, omitting, or changing the conditions of steps, are included in the scope of the present disclosure as long as they have the gist of the present invention.

[0172] In addition, with respect to other operational effects brought about by the aspects described in the present embodiment that are obvious from the description herein or can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art, they are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention.

[0173] Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0174] 1, 1A, 1B: Display system 100, 100A, 100B: Display device 2, 2A: Display panel 3: Light source 4: Driving circuit 300: Rotating device 500: Liquid crystal layer O: Rotation center AX: Rotation axis SL: Signal line GL: Scanning line AA: Active area CL1, CL2: Reference line

Claims

1. having a plurality of display panels each having a plurality of signal lines, a plurality of scanning lines, and a plurality of pixels surrounded by the plurality of signal lines and the plurality of scanning lines, each of the plurality of pixels having a pixel electrode, a common electrode, and a liquid crystal layer between the pixel electrode and the common electrode, the plurality of scanning lines extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the plurality of signal lines extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction, the plurality of display panels being arranged around the central axis such that the scanning line arranged at the center of the first direction or the signal line arranged at the center of the second direction of one display panel is parallel to a line connecting the circumferential direction from the central axis of the concentric circle, the plurality of display panels being rotatable about the central axis, a display device in which the pixel electrode and the common electrode of the corresponding display panel are inverted in polarity according to the rotation angle.

2. In the display device according to Claim 1, the plurality of display panels having a non-display period during the polarity inversion and having a display period when the polarity inversion is not performed, the rotation angle of the non-display period being sequentially changed, the display period having a plurality of frames, a display device.

3. In the display device according to Claim 2, when a still image is displayed on the plurality of display panels, each image of the plurality of display panels moves at the same speed as the angular velocity of rotation in the direction opposite to the rotation direction, a display device.

4. In the display device according to Claim 1, each of the plurality of display panels being a transparent display, a display device.

5. In the display device according to Claim 1, the liquid crystal layer being a polymer dispersed liquid crystal, a display device.

6. It has a display panel having a plurality of signal lines, a plurality of scanning lines, and a plurality of pixels surrounded by the plurality of signal lines and the plurality of scanning lines. Each of the plurality of pixels has a pixel electrode, a common electrode, and a liquid crystal layer between the pixel electrode and the common electrode. The plurality of scanning lines extend in a first direction and are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The plurality of signal lines extend in the second direction and are arranged in the first direction. The display panel is movable in the first direction or the second direction. A display device in which the pixel electrode and the common electrode are polarity-inverted according to the amount of movement.

7. In the display device according to claim 6, The display panel has a non-display period during the polarity inversion and has a display period when the polarity inversion is not performed. The location of the non-display period is sequentially changed. A display device in which the display period has a plurality of frames.

8. In the display device according to claim 6, When a still image is displayed on the display panel, the image of the display panel moves at the same speed as the moving speed in the direction opposite to the moving direction.

9. In the display device according to claim 6, The display panel is a transparent display.

10. In the display device according to claim 6, The liquid crystal layer is a polymer dispersed liquid crystal.

Images