Display device

Abstract

To provide a display device with which it is possible to enable a touch operation by one user of a plurality of users and disable a touch operation by some other user.SOLUTION: A first electrode has a left-side first electrode located on the left side of a virtual line for dividing into two halves and passing through the geometric center of a display region, and a right-side first electrode located on the right side of the virtual line, and a detection unit includes a determination processing unit that determines, on the basis of the detection value of the left-side first electrode, that a detection object moving from the left to the right side is a left-side user approaching from the left side, and determines, on the basis of the detection value of the right-side first electrode, that a detection object moving from the right to the left side of the display region is a right-side user approaching from the right side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known a two-screen display that can display an image visible only to a user located on the left side facing the display screen and an image visible only to a user located on the right side facing the display screen (for example, Patent Document 1). Further, in a display device mounted on a vehicle such as a four-wheel automobile, there is known a display device in which an image can be viewed from the passenger seat side and the image cannot be viewed from the driver's seat side except during driving (for example, Patent Document 2). By combining such a display device with a touch detection device capable of detecting a detected object approaching from the outside, there is a desire to enable a touch operation by one of a plurality of users and disable a touch operation by any other user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in such a display device with a touch detection function, it was impossible to identify whether the detected object was a left user approaching from the left side or a right user approaching from the right side. Therefore, even if an operation is performed by a user who cannot view the display image, it may be determined as an operation by a user who can view the display image.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of enabling a touch operation by one of a plurality of users and disabling a touch operation by the other user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A display device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a display panel having a display area for outputting an image, a plurality of first electrodes provided in a frame area outside the display area, a plurality of second electrodes provided in the display area, and a detection unit that detects a detected object based on a detection signal of the first electrode. The first electrode has a left first electrode disposed on the left side and a right first electrode disposed on the right side with respect to a virtual line that bisects the display area through the geometric center of the display area. The detection unit has a determination processing unit that determines, based on a detection value of the left first electrode, the detected object moving from the left side to the right side as a left user approaching from the left side, and determines, based on a detection value of the right first electrode, the detected object moving from the right side to the left side of the display area as a right user approaching from the right side.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] The mode (embodiment) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited by the content described in the following embodiments. Further, the constituent elements described below include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the constituent elements described below can be combined as appropriate. Note that the disclosure is merely an example, and those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art with appropriate modifications while maintaining the gist of the present disclosure are naturally included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, for the sake of clarity of explanation, 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 the present disclosure and each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those described above with respect to the already shown figures, and detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] In this specification and the claims, when expressing the manner of arranging one structure on top of another structure, if simply denoted as "on top", unless otherwise specified, it shall include both the case where another structure is arranged directly on top in contact with a certain structure and the case where another structure is arranged above a certain structure via yet another structure.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a display panel according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 1 can display a first image l for a user UL located on the left side facing the display panel, and can display a second image r different from the first image l for a user UR located on the right side facing the display panel. Note that when the operation mode of the two-screen display is turned off and the display is performed in the operation mode of a single-screen display, the display device 1 can also display the same image for the user UL and the user UR.

[0011] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the user UL, who is the left-side user, can visually recognize the button l1 displayed in the first image l, but cannot visually recognize the button r1 displayed in the second image r. The user UR, who is the right-side user, can visually recognize the button r1 displayed in the second image r, but cannot visually recognize the button l1 displayed in the first image l. Here, the button r1 and the button l1 are so-called GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces), and each may be other graphic objects such as windows, icons, and menus in addition to the buttons.

[0012] In the operation mode of the two-screen display, when user UL touches button l1 displayed on the first image l, the control assigned to button l1 is executed. Also, when user UR touches button r1 displayed on the second image r, the control assigned to button r1 is executed. Here, when user UL touches the position of button r1 that cannot be seen in the first image l, the control assigned to button r1 should not be executed. Also, when user UR touches the position of button l1 that cannot be seen in the second image r, the control assigned to button l1 should not be executed. For this reason, when touch detection is performed, the display device 1 needs to identify whether the touch operation is by user UL or user UR, and determine whether to execute the control assigned to the touch position of the touch detection or not to execute the control assigned to the touch position of the touch detection.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the display device 1 is laminated in the order of a parallax barrier 11, a light-transmissive substrate 110, a display panel 30, and a light source 60. Note that the display device 1 shown in FIG. 2 shows only the parts related to two-screen display, and illustrations of a polarizing layer, electrodes, etc. are omitted.

[0014] Here, the direction in which the light source 60, the display panel 30, the light-transmissive substrate 110, and the parallax barrier 11 overlap is defined as the third direction Dz, one of the two directions orthogonal to the third direction Dz is defined as the first direction Dx, and the other is defined as the second direction Dy. The first direction Dx and the second direction Dy are orthogonal to each other.

[0015] The parallax barrier 11 is provided on the light-transmissive substrate 110. The light-transmissive substrate 110 is a substrate having light-transmitting properties such as glass or optical resin, for example. The parallax barrier 11 distributes the light transmitted through the display panel 30 to the user UL side or the user UR side.

[0016] The light source 60 irradiates the display panel 30 uniformly. The light source 60 is, for example, an LED or the like.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, in the liquid crystal layer LQ, a first image l that transmits light for displaying an image to the left user UL and a second image r that transmits light for displaying an image to the right user UR are alternately displayed in each row. The parallax barrier 11 is provided with a plurality of openings 11a that penetrate in the third direction Dz and are arranged at a predetermined interval in the first direction Dx so as to extend in the second direction Dy.

[0018] As a result, the first image l is visually recognized by the user UL through the opening 11a of the parallax barrier 11, and the second image r is visually recognized by the user UR through the opening 11a of the parallax barrier 11.

[0019] Next, a configuration example of the display device 1 of the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic cross-sectional structure of the display device according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the display device 1 includes a light source 60, a display panel 30, a light-transmissive substrate 110, a parallax barrier 11, and a cover member 100 provided on the parallax barrier 11 via an adhesive layer 75.

[0020] The cover member 100 is a plate-like or film-like member having a first surface 100a and a second surface 100b opposite to the first surface 100a. As the cover member 100, for example, a glass substrate, a resin substrate, a resin film, or the like can be used. The first surface 100a of the cover member 100 is a detection surface that serves as a reference surface when detecting a detected object. Detecting the contact of the detected object with the detection surface is referred to as touch detection. Further, detecting the position and movement of the detected object in a state where the detected object is not in contact with the detection surface is referred to as hover detection. Thus, in the display device 1 of the present embodiment, touch detection is performed when the detected object contacts the first surface 100a. Further, the display device 1 can perform so-called hover detection (proximity detection) for detecting the position of a detected object such as a finger in a state where it is separated from the first surface 100a by a predetermined distance. In addition, the first surface 100a is a display surface for an observer to visually recognize the image of the display panel 30 that has passed through the display area Ad.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the display panel 30 has a display area Ad for outputting an image. The display area Ad is an area for displaying an image, and is an area in which a plurality of pixel electrodes P are arranged in the display panel 30. In the display device 1, a frame area Gd is provided outside the display area Ad.

[0022] In the frame area Gd, a plurality of first electrodes 53 are provided on the second surface 100b of the cover member 100. The first electrode 53 is provided on the second surface 100b, but may be provided on the first surface 100a or on the display panel 30. The first electrode 53 can use a light-transmissive conductive material such as ITO, for example. The first electrode 53 functions as a detection electrode during hover detection.

[0023] The display panel 30 is a so-called active matrix type liquid crystal panel for image display provided so as to be able to display and output an arbitrary image by individually controlling the degree of light transmission in each pixel electrode P. More specifically, in the display panel 30 of the embodiment, a reference potential is applied to the second electrode DE. Further, by applying individual potentials (pixel signals) to the plurality of pixel electrodes P, the degree of light transmission in each pixel electrode P is individually controlled. Therefore, it can be said that the display area Ad is an area where image display output is performed.

[0024] The display panel 30 includes a pixel substrate SUB1, a counter substrate SUB2 provided to face the pixel substrate SUB1 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the pixel substrate SUB1, and a liquid crystal layer LQ inserted between the pixel substrate SUB1 and the counter substrate SUB2.

[0025] The pixel substrate SUB1 has a first polarizing layer 41, a first substrate 31, a second electrode DE, and pixel electrodes P. The counter substrate SUB2 has a second substrate 32, a color filter 12 formed on one surface of the second substrate 32, and a second polarizing layer 42. The first polarizing layer 41 is provided on one surface side of the first substrate 31. The second polarizing layer 42 is provided on the other surface side of the second substrate 32.

[0026] The color filter 12 faces the liquid crystal layer LQ in a direction perpendicular to the first substrate 31. Note that the color filter 12 may be disposed on the first substrate 31. In the present embodiment, the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32 are, for example, glass substrates or resin substrates.

[0027] On the other surface side of the first substrate 31, a plurality of second electrodes DE, an insulating layer 33, a plurality of pixel electrodes P, and an insulating layer 34 are laminated from one side to the other side in the third direction Dz. On one surface of the color filter 12, a second substrate 32 and a second polarizing layer 42 are laminated. Further, outside the display area Ad, a seal portion 36 is interposed between the insulating layer 34 and the color filter 12. The liquid crystal layer LQ is enclosed by the seal portion 36 between the insulating layer 34 and the color filter 12 and is thus encapsulated within the display panel 30.

[0028] The pixel electrodes P are provided above the second electrodes DE via the insulating layer 33 and are arranged in a matrix in a plan view (see FIG. 5).

[0029] A first polarizing layer 41 is provided below the first substrate 31 via an adhesive layer (not shown). For the pixel electrodes P and the second electrodes DE, a conductive material having translucency such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) is used. The second electrode DE detects the position of the object to be detected on the display area Ad. Further, during the display operation, a DC drive signal for display is supplied to the second electrode DE, and the second electrode DE functions as a common electrode for the plurality of pixel electrodes P.

[0030] The second polarizing layer 42 and the second surface 100b of the cover member 100 are bonded together via an adhesive layer 75. As the adhesive layer 75, for example, an optical adhesive film (OCA: Optical Clear Adhesive) or an optical transparent resin (OCR: Optical Clear Resin) which is a liquid UV curable resin can be used.

[0031] The liquid crystal layer LQ modulates the light passing therethrough according to the state of the electric field. For example, a lateral electric field mode liquid crystal such as IPS (In-Plane Switching) including FFS (Fringe Field Switching) is used. Note that alignment films are provided between the liquid crystal layer LQ and the pixel substrate SUB1 shown in FIG. 3 and between the liquid crystal layer LQ and the counter substrate SUB2, respectively.

[0032] A light source 60 is provided below the pixel substrate SUB1. The light from the light source 60 is emitted toward the first substrate 31 through the first polarizing layer 41. The light from the light source 60 passes through the display panel 2 and is modulated according to the state of the liquid crystal at that position, and the transmission state to the display surface changes depending on the location. Thereby, an image is displayed on the display surface (the first surface 100a).

[0033] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing the pixel arrangement in the display area. On the pixel substrate SUB1, switching elements Tr, signal lines SGL, scanning lines GCL, etc. of each sub-pixel SPix shown in FIG. 4 are formed. The signal line SGL is a wiring for supplying a pixel signal to each pixel electrode P (see FIG. 3). The scanning line GCL is a wiring for supplying a gate signal for driving each switching element Tr.

[0034] The pixel Pix includes a plurality of sub-pixels SPix. Each sub-pixel SPix has a switching element Tr and the capacitance of the liquid crystal layer LQ. The switching element Tr is constituted by a thin film transistor, and in this example, it is constituted by an n-channel MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type TFT. An insulating layer 33 is provided between the pixel electrode P and the second electrode DE, which will be described later, and a holding capacitance Cs shown in FIG. 4 is formed by these.

[0035] The pixel electrode P is provided corresponding to each sub-pixel SPix constituting each pixel Pix of the display panel 30, and a pixel signal for performing a display operation is supplied thereto.

[0036] The color filter 12 shown in FIG. 3 may have color regions of a color filter colored, for example, in three colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) arranged periodically. To each sub-pixel SPix shown in FIG. 4, three color regions 32R, 32G, and 32B of three colors of R, G, and B are associated as a set, and a pixel Pix is configured with a set of sub-pixels SPix corresponding to the three color regions 32R, 32G, and 32B as a set.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing the relationship between the first electrode and the second electrode. FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing the display device according to Embodiment 1. The virtual line AX shown in FIG. 5 is a virtual line that bisects through the geometric center O of the display area along the second direction Dy.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, the display device 1 further includes flexible substrates 71, 71A and a detection unit 40. Hereinafter, when described as the left side, it refers to the left side (flexible substrate 71, 71A side) with respect to the virtual line AX. Also, when described as the right side, it refers to the right side (opposite side to the flexible substrates 71, 71A) with respect to the virtual line AX.

[0039] The detection unit 40 shown in FIG. 5 includes a control board 410 and detection ICs 18, 19. The detection IC 18 is an IC for controlling the detection operation of the first electrode 53. The detection IC 19 is an IC for controlling the detection operation of the second electrode DE.

[0040] The first electrode 53 shown in FIG. 5 has a left first electrode 530 arranged on the left side and a right first electrode 531 arranged on the right side.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first electrode 53 is provided in the display area Ad of the first substrate 31, extends in the first direction Dx, and is arranged in a plurality in the second direction Dy.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, a flexible substrate 71 is connected to the frame region Gd. The flexible substrate 71 is electrically connected to the control substrate 410 via a connection portion 71Ac. Each of the first electrodes 53 is electrically connected to the detection IC 18 via a wiring (not shown) and the flexible substrate 71.

[0043] Further, a flexible substrate 71A is connected to the first substrate 31. The flexible substrate 71A is electrically connected to the control substrate 410 via a connection portion 71Ac. Each of the second electrodes DE is electrically connected to the detection IC 19 via a wiring 12L and the flexible substrate 71A. Note that the detection ICs 18 and 19 and the display IC 20L are not limited thereto, and may be provided on a control substrate outside the module, for example.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, various circuits such as a gate scanner circuit 12A and a multiplexer circuit 13A are provided in the frame region Gd.

[0045] The gate scanner circuit 12A is disposed to face an end of the display region Ad. In the present embodiment, the gate scanner circuit 12A is disposed on one end side and the other end side of the display region Ad, but it may be disposed on either one of them. Further, the multiplexer circuit 13A is disposed between the display region Ad and the flexible substrate 71. In addition, a display IC 20L for controlling the display operation of the display panel 30 is provided in the frame region Gd of the first substrate 31.

[0046] The gate scanner circuit 12A sequentially selects the scanning lines GCL based on a control signal supplied from the display IC 20L via the wiring 12M. The multiplexer circuit 13A sequentially selects the signal lines SGL based on a control signal supplied from the display IC 20L.

[0047] In addition, in the present embodiment, the cover member 100 and the display panel 30 are rectangular in plan view, but are not limited thereto, and may be circular, oval, or irregular shapes lacking a part of these outer shapes. Further, for example, even when the cover member 100 is circular and the display panel 30 is a regular polygon or the like, the outer shapes of the cover member 100 and the display panel 30 may be different. The cover member 100 is not limited to a flat plate shape, and for example, a curved surface display having a curved surface, such as a display area Ad formed of a curved surface or a frame area Gd curved toward the display panel 30 side, can also be adopted.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a detection unit of the detection device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, a detection signal VdetA is output from the first electrode 53 to the detection IC 18. A detection signal VdetA is output from the second electrode DE to the detection IC 19. The detection unit 40 can detect the presence or absence of a detection target based on the detection signal VdetB of the first electrode, and can detect the presence or absence of a touch on the display panel 30 based on the detection signal VdetA.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the detection IC 18 includes a signal detection unit 43, an A / D conversion unit 44, a coordinate calculation unit 45, and a determination processing unit 46. The detection IC 19 includes a signal detection unit 430, an A / D conversion unit 440, and a coordinate calculation unit 450.

[0050] The signal detection unit 43 generates an output value of each first electrode 53 based on the detection signal VdetA of each first electrode 53. The A / D conversion unit 44 samples the output value of each first electrode 53 and converts it into a digital signal.

[0051] The coordinate calculation unit 45 calculates the spatial coordinates of the position where the detected detection target exists based on the output value of each first electrode 53.

[0052] The determination processing unit 46 determines a detection target moving from the left side to the right side as a left user approaching from the left side, and determines a detection target moving from the right side to the left side as a right user approaching from the right side, based on the detection value of the first electrode 53.

[0053] Based on the detection signal VdetB of each second electrode DE, the signal detection unit 430 generates an output value of each second electrode DE. The A / D conversion unit 440 samples the output value of each second electrode DE and converts it into a digital signal.

[0054] Based on the output value of each second electrode DE, the coordinate calculation unit 450 calculates the spatial coordinates of the position where the detected object exists.

[0055] The detection IC 18 transmits a command indicating the processing result of the determination processing unit 46, that is, being determined as the left user or the right user in the space on the first electrode 53, to the host device arranged outside.

[0056] Further, the detection IC 19 transmits the spatial coordinates indicating the position of the detected object in the space on the display area Ad calculated by the coordinate calculation unit 450 to the host device arranged outside.

[0057] Next, the process of determining whether the detected object is approaching from the left side or the detected object is approaching from the right side will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the determination process in the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0058] First, the determination processing unit 46 determines whether there is a detected object in the space on the first electrode 53 (step S101). When the determination processing unit 46 determines that there is a detected object in the space on the first electrode 53 (step S101; Yes), it specifies which side of the left first electrode 530 and the right first electrode 531 the first electrode 53 is reacting (step S102). In step S102, when the first electrode 53 is reacting, the detection unit 40 performs hover detection on the detected object approaching the first electrode 53.

[0059] When the determination processing unit 46 determines that there is no detected object in the space on the first electrode 53 (step S101; No), it returns to the process of step S101.

[0060] Next, the determination processing unit 46 determines whether the reaction of the first electrode 53 continues (step S103).

[0061] When the determination processing unit 46 determines that the reaction of the first electrode 53 continues (step S103; Yes), based on the result of step S102, it identifies whether the detected object approaching the first electrode 53 is the left user (step S104). When the determination processing unit 46 does not determine that the reaction of the first electrode 53 continues (step S103; No), the detected object in the space on the first electrode 53 has disappeared, and the processes from step S101 to step S103 are repeated.

[0062] When the determination processing unit 46 identifies that the detected object approaching the first electrode 53 is the left user (step S104; Yes), the detection unit 40 outputs the ID of the left user (step S105).

[0063] Next, the determination processing unit 46 determines whether the reaction of the left first electrode 530 continues (step S106).

[0064] When the determination processing unit 46 determines that the reaction of the left first electrode 530 continues (step S106; Yes), the host device permits control for the operation of the left user (step S107). When the determination processing unit 46 does not determine that the reaction of the left first electrode 530 continues (step S106; No), the detected object on the left first electrode 530 has disappeared, and the processes from step S101 to step S106 are repeated.

[0065] When the determination processing unit 46 does not identify that the detected object approaching the first electrode 53 is the left user (step S104; No), it identifies that the detected object approaching the first electrode 53 is the right user. The detection unit 40 outputs the ID of the right user (step S108).

[0066] In step S108, the determination processing unit 46 determines whether the reaction of the right first electrode 531 continues (step S109).

[0067] When the determination processing unit 46 determines that the reaction of the right first electrode 531 continues (step S109; Yes), the host device permits control for the operation of the right user (step S110). When the determination processing unit 46 does not determine that the reaction of the right first electrode 531 continues (step S109; No), the detected object in the space on the right first electrode 531 is in a disappeared state, and the processes from step S101 to step S109 are repeated.

[0068] Therefore, the determination processing unit 46 can invalidate the touch operation at the position of the button r1 that cannot be visually recognized in the first image l by the left user, and can validate the touch operation of the button r1 displayed in the second image r by the right user. That is, when the left user operates, the control assigned to the button r1 that cannot be visually recognized in the first image l is not executed, and when the right user operates, the control assigned to the button r1 displayed in the second image r is executed.

[0069] Also, the determination processing unit 46 can invalidate the touch operation at the position of the button l1 that cannot be visually recognized in the second image r by the right user, and can validate the touch operation of the button l1 displayed in the first image l by the left user. That is, when the right user performs a touch operation, the control assigned to the button l1 that cannot be visually recognized in the second image r is not executed, and when the left user performs a touch operation, the control assigned to the button l1 displayed in the first image l is executed.

[0070] As a result, as shown in FIG. 1, the user UL, who is the left user who can view the first image l, can perform a touch operation on the button l1 displayed on the first image l, and the user UR, who is the right user who can view the second image r, can perform a touch operation on the button r1 displayed on the second image r. At this time, the user UL cannot perform a touch operation on the button r1 displayed on the second image r, and the user UR cannot perform a touch operation on the button l1 displayed on the first image l.

[0071] (Embodiment 2) FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic cross-sectional structure of the display device according to Embodiment 2. 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. Also, the plan view of the display device 1A according to Embodiment 2 is omitted because it is the same as FIG. 5.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 9, the display device 1A according to Embodiment 2 includes a light control unit 80, a display panel 30, a light source 60, a retardation generation layer 51, a retardation generation layer 52, and a cover member 100. The display device 1A is laminated in the order of the light source 60, the retardation generation layer 51, the light control unit 80, the retardation generation layer 52, the display panel 30, and the cover member 100 from one side to the other side in the third direction Dz.

[0073] The light control unit 80 has a configuration in which a third polarizing layer 130, a liquid crystal panel 20, and a fourth polarizing layer 131 overlap from one side to the other side in the third direction Dz. The third polarizing layer 130 and the fourth polarizing layer 131 are optical members provided so as to transmit polarized light in a specific direction most. The specific direction is described as the transmission axis direction. The transmission axis direction is along the polarizing plate. The transmission axis direction is orthogonal to the third direction Dz. Also, the direction orthogonal to the transmission axis direction and the third direction Dz is described as the absorption axis direction. The absorption axis direction is the polarization direction in which light is least transmitted through the polarizing plate.

[0074] The liquid crystal panel 20 has a third substrate 21 provided on one side with the liquid crystal layer LM interposed therebetween, and a fourth substrate 22 provided on the other side. The third substrate 21 and the fourth substrate 22 are light-transmissive substrates such as glass substrates, for example. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and other light-transmissive substrates may be used. Hereinafter, when one surface is described, it refers to one surface on one side in the third direction Dz in a plate-like configuration. Also, when the other surface is described, it refers to the other surface on the other side in the third direction Dz in a plate-like configuration.

[0075] A third electrode FE1 is formed on the other surface of the third substrate 21. A fourth electrode FE2 is formed on one surface of the fourth substrate 22. The third electrode FE1 and the fourth electrode FE2 are electrodes provided so as to cover the display region Ad. The other surface of the third electrode FE1 and the other surface of the third substrate 21 in a range where the third electrode FE1 is not formed are covered with an insulating layer 23. The one surface of the fourth electrode FE2 and the one surface of the fourth substrate 22 in a range where the fourth electrode FE2 is not formed are covered with an insulating layer 24.

[0076] At least one of the third electrode FE1 and the fourth electrode FE2 is provided so that its potential can be changed according to the ON / OFF of the operation of the liquid crystal panel 20. That is, the voltage generated between the third electrode FE1 and the fourth electrode FE2 is different when the liquid crystal panel 20 is operating (ON) and when it is not operating (OFF).

[0077] At least within the display region AA, a liquid crystal layer LM is interposed between the insulating layer 23 and the insulating layer 24. Also, outside the display region AA, a seal 25 is interposed between the insulating layer 23 and the insulating layer 24. The seal 25 is a frame-shaped member that surrounds the liquid crystal layer LQ when viewed from a viewpoint looking at the plane (Dx-Dy plane) orthogonal to the third direction Dz. The liquid crystal layer LM is enclosed within the liquid crystal panel 20 by being surrounded by the seal 25 between the insulating layer 23 and the insulating layer 24.

[0078] Also, an alignment film 23a is provided in a range that covers at least the display area Ad on the other surface of the insulating layer 23. An alignment film 24a is provided in a range that covers at least the display area Ad on one surface of the insulating layer 24. The alignment film 23a and the alignment film 24a direct the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer LM in a specific direction. When the potential difference between the third electrode FE1 and the fourth electrode FE2 changes, the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules changes.

[0079] The retardation generating layer 51 and the retardation generating layer 52 are optical members that change the phase of light entering from one side of the third direction Dz and allow it to pass through to the other side of the third direction Dz. The retardation generating layer 51 and the retardation generating layer 52 are so-called half-wave plates.

[0080] The polarization generating layer 13 is an optical member that polarizes the light emitted from the other surface of the light source 60 into polarized light at a specific angle. The polarization generating layer 13 is, for example, a DBEF (Dual Brightness Enhancement Film), but is not limited thereto, and any configuration that can polarize the light emitted from the other surface of the light source 60 into polarized light at a specific angle may be used. The light generated by the light source 60 is emitted to the other surface side of the display device 1A through the polarization generating layer 13, the dimming unit 80, and the display panel 30.

[0081] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the relationship between a display device, a user who can view an image regardless of whether the liquid crystal panel is operating / non-operating (ON / OFF), and a user who cannot view an image when the liquid crystal panel is operating (ON). In the present embodiment, the case where the display device 1A is provided inside a four-wheeled vehicle will be described.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 10, the user UR and the user UL are located at positions where they view the other side of the display device 1A, that is, the side of the second polarizing layer 42, from a direction inclined to the other side of the first direction Dx with respect to the third direction Dz. The light LS1 of the image heading towards each user UR along with the display output by the display device 1A is inclined to one side of the first direction Dx. The light LS2 of the image heading towards each user UL along with the display output by the display device 1A is inclined to the other side of the first direction Dx. In the case of the positional relationship between the display device 1A, the user UR, and the user UL, it can be said that the user UR and the user UL are at the viewpoints for perspective viewing of the display device 1A.

[0083] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, it is assumed that the user UL is sitting in the driver's seat and the user UR is sitting in the passenger seat. Note that the arrangement of the driver's seat and the passenger seat is not limited to this, and it may be reversed. For example, it may be the case where the user UL is sitting in the passenger seat and the user UR is sitting in the driver's seat.

[0084] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the differences in the images viewed by the user who views the display device in perspective. As shown in FIG. 11, the state of the display device 1A in which the display output of the image by the display panel 30 is performed and the liquid crystal panel 20 is non-operating (OFF) is defined as the first state. Also, the state of the display device 1A in which the display output of the image by the display panel 30 is performed and the liquid crystal panel 20 is operating (ON) is defined as the second state.

[0085] As described above, the degree to which the light along the third direction Dz passes through the liquid crystal panel 20 when the liquid crystal panel 20 is non-operating (OFF) is equal to or greater than the degree to which the light intersecting the third direction Dz passes through the liquid crystal panel 20. Also, even when the liquid crystal panel 20 is operating (ON), when the user is sitting on the passenger seat side, a relatively high light transmittance can be obtained. Therefore, from the user UR who views the display device 1A in perspective, the image DSP can be visually recognized regardless of whether the operating state of the display device 1A is the first state or the second state. Note that the mode of the image DSP shown in FIG. 10 is merely an example and is not limited thereto. The display panel 30 can display and output any image.

[0086] On the other hand, when the liquid crystal panel 20 is operating (ON), the light transmittance is significantly lower than that on one side. Therefore, for a user who views the display device 1A obliquely from the other side in the first direction Dx, that is, a user sitting on the driver's seat side, when the operating state of the display device 1A is in the second state, the image DSP cannot be substantially visually recognized. For this reason, when the operating state of the display device 1A is in the first state, the image DSP can also be visually recognized by a user who views the display device 1A obliquely from the other side in the first direction Dx, that is, a user sitting on the driver's seat side.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 11, the image DSP is visually recognized as a rectangular image. That is, when the user sits on the passenger seat side, the display area Ad is rectangular corresponding to the image DSP shown in FIG. 11. Two of the four sides of the rectangle are along the first direction Dx, and the other two sides are along the second direction Dy. The dimming unit 80 makes the degree of light transmission of the rays inclined to one side in the longitudinal direction (first direction Dx) of the rectangle different from the degree of light transmission of the rays inclined to the other side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the third direction Dz. Thereby, the dimming unit 80 causes a difference in visual recognition between the first state and the second state shown in FIG. 11.

[0088] Next, the process of determining whether the detected object is approaching from the left side or the detected object is approaching from the right side will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the determination process in the display device according to Embodiment 2.

[0089] First, the determination processing unit 46 determines whether there is a detected object in the space on the first electrode 53 (step S201). When the determination processing unit 46 determines that there is a detected object in the space on the first electrode 53 (step S201; Yes), the determination processing unit 46 specifies which side of the left first electrode 530 and the right first electrode 531 the first electrode 53 is reacting on (step S202). In step S202, when the first electrode 53 is reacting, the detection unit 40 performs hover detection on the detected object approaching the first electrode 53.

[0090] When the determination processing unit 46 determines that there is no detected object in the space above the first electrode 53 (step S201; No), the process returns to the process of step S201.

[0091] Next, the determination processing unit 46 determines whether the reaction of the first electrode 53 continues (step S203).

[0092] When the determination processing unit 46 determines that the reaction of the first electrode 53 continues (step S203; Yes), based on the result of step S202, it identifies whether the detected object approaching the first electrode 53 is the left user (step S204). When the determination processing unit 46 determines that the reaction of the first electrode 53 does not continue (step S203; No), there is no detected object in the space above the first electrode 53, and the processes from step S201 to step S203 are repeated.

[0093] When the determination processing unit 46 identifies that the detected object approaching the first electrode 53 is the left user (step S204; Yes), the detection unit 40 outputs the ID of the left user (step S205).

[0094] Next, the determination processing unit 46 determines whether the reaction of the left first electrode 530 continues (step S206).

[0095] When the determination processing unit 46 determines that the reaction of the left first electrode 530 does not continue (step S206; No), there is no detected object in the space above the first electrode 53, and the processes from step S201 to step S206 are repeated.

[0096] When the determination processing unit 46 determines that the reaction of the left first electrode 530 continues (step S206; Yes), the determination processing unit 46 determines whether the privacy mode is in the ON state (step S207). When the privacy mode is in the ON state (step S207; Yes), the host device does not permit control for operations on the display panel 2 (step S208). In this case, the host device permits control only for operations by a user who can view the display panel 2.

[0097] Therefore, the determination processing unit 46 can invalidate the operation by the left user and validate the operation by the right user. That is, when the left user operates, the control assigned to the button on the display panel is not executed, and when the right user operates, the control assigned to the button on the display panel is executed.

[0098] As a result, for the user sitting on the driver's seat side, the operating state of the display device 1A becomes the second state shown in FIG. 11, and the image DSP cannot be substantially viewed.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 11, the user on the passenger seat side can view the button l2 displayed on the image DSP and can perform a touch operation on the button l2. On the other hand, the user on the driver's seat side cannot view the button l2 displayed on the image DSP and cannot perform a touch operation on the button l2.

[0100] When the privacy mode is not in the ON state (step S207; No), the host device permits control for the operation by which user, the left user or the right user (step S209).

[0101] As a result, the determination processing unit 46 can validate operations from both the user sitting on the driver's seat side and the user sitting on the passenger seat side. That is, for any touch operation by the left user or the right user, the control assigned to the button on the display panel is executed. Note that cases where the privacy mode is not in the ON state are assumed to be, for example, when the four-wheel vehicle is stopped or parked.

[0102] When the determination processing unit 46 does not identify the detected object approaching the first electrode 53 as the left user (step S204; No), it identifies the detected object approaching the first electrode 53 as the right user. The detection unit 40 outputs the ID of the right user (step S210).

[0103] After step S110, the determination processing unit 46 determines whether the reaction of the right first electrode 531 continues (step S211).

[0104] When the determination processing unit 46 determines that the reaction of the right first electrode 531 continues (step S211; Yes), the host device permits control for the operation of the left user (step S212). When the determination processing unit 46 does not determine that the reaction of the right first electrode 531 continues (step S211; No), the detected object with space on the first electrode 53 is in a disappeared state, and the processing from step S201 to step S208 is repeated.

[0105] Thereby, only the left user can perform a touch operation on the button displayed in the image of the display panel 30, and the right user cannot perform a touch operation on the button displayed in the image of the display panel 30.

[0106] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. The content disclosed in the embodiments is merely an example, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Appropriate modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. At least one of various omissions, substitutions, and changes of components can be made without departing from the gist of each of the above-described embodiments and each modification.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0107] 1, 1A Detection device 11 Parallax barrier 30 Display panel 40 Detection unit 46 Determination processing unit 53 First electrode Ad Display area AX Virtual line DE Second electrode Gd Frame area O Geometric center

Claims

1. A display panel having a display area for outputting an image, a plurality of first electrodes provided in a frame area outside the display area, a plurality of second electrodes provided in the display area, a detection unit that detects a detection target based on a detection signal of the first electrode, and comprising, the first electrode includes a left first electrode disposed on the left side with respect to a virtual line that bisects the display area through the geometric center of the display area, and a right first electrode disposed on the right side of the virtual line, and having, the detection unit, based on the detection value of the left first electrode, determines the detection target moving from the left side to the right side as a left user approaching from the left side, A display device having a determination processing unit that determines the detection target moving from the right side to the left side of the display area as a right user approaching from the right side based on the detection value of the right first electrode.

2. A parallax barrier that distributes the light transmitted through the display panel to one user or the other user is provided at a position overlapping the display panel, the display panel allows one user to view a first image and the other user to view a second image, The display device according to claim 1.

3. The determination processing unit disables an operation by a left user approaching from the left side and enables an operation by a right user approaching from the right side, The display device according to claim 1.

4. The determination processing unit disables an operation by a right user approaching from the right side and enables an operation by a left user approaching from the left side, The display device according to claim 1.

5. The determination processing unit enables operations by both a left user approaching from the left side and a right user approaching from the right side, The display device according to claim 3 or 4.

Images