Dimmer, display system, and dimming method

Abstract

To provide a dimmer capable of improving display performance.SOLUTION: A disclosed dimmer has a light-controlling film and a control unit. The light-controlling film consists of multiple grids arranged two-dimensionally. The control unit is configured to control two or more of the multiple grids to get into a dimmed-on state. The control unit is also configured so as to, when changing the dimming on state pattern according to demand, control at least part of the two or more grids to temporarily get off during the change.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light control device, a display system, and a light control method. [Background technology]

[0002] A display system including a light control device and a display device can make an image more visible by transmitting or attenuating external light from behind using the light control device while displaying an image on the display device. It is desirable to improve the display performance of the display system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7338146 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2021 / 234981 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a light control device, a display system, and a light control method suitable for improving display performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The light control device according to the present disclosure includes a light control film and a control unit. The light control film has a plurality of grids arranged two-dimensionally. The control unit sets two or more of the plurality of grids to a dimming-on state. When the control unit changes the dimming-on state pattern in response to a request, it temporarily sets at least some of the two or more grids to a dimming-off state during the change. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the light control device according to the present disclosure, light can be appropriately controlled. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a display system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic operation of the display system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a display system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of the display system according to the embodiment at the time of a click operation. [Figure 5] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an operation of the light control device during a click operation according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an operation of the light control device during a click operation according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of the display system according to the embodiment at the time of a change operation. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an operation of the light control device according to the embodiment when the light control device is moved. [Figure 9] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing the operation of the light control device according to the embodiment when performing an enlargement / reduction operation. [Figure 10] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an operation of the light control device according to the embodiment during a rotation operation. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of a display system according to a first modified example of the embodiment when a change operation is performed. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation of a light control device according to a first modified example of an embodiment when the light control device is moved. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of the light control device according to the first modified example of the embodiment when performing a zoom-in / zoom-out operation. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a display system according to a second modified example of the embodiment at the time of a change operation. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of a display system according to a second modified example of the embodiment at the time of a movement operation. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of a display system according to a third modified example of the embodiment when a click operation is performed. [Figure 17]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of a display system according to a third modified example of the embodiment at the time of a click operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a display system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (Embodiment) The display system according to the embodiment includes a dimming device and a display device, and while an image is displayed on the display device, the dimming device transmits or attenuates external light from behind, making the image easier to see, but some improvements are made to improve display performance.

[0010] A display system 1 can be configured as shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the display system. The display system 1 has a control device 2, a light control device 3, and a display device 4. The control device 2 is connected to each of the light control device 3 and the display device 4 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0011] The light control device 3 has a light control film 32. The display device 4 has a transparent display 42. In the following, the direction perpendicular to the surface 32a of the light control film 32 is defined as the Z direction, the longitudinal direction of the light control film 32 is defined as the X direction, and the widthwise direction of the light control film 32 is defined as the Y direction.

[0012] The light control film 32 extends in a plate-like shape in the XY directions. The light control film 32 is arranged on the -Z side of the transparent display 42. The light control film 32 has a surface 32a on the +Z side and a back surface 32b on the -Z side. The transparent display 42 extends in a plate-like shape in the XY directions. The transparent display 42 is arranged on the +Z side of the light control film 32. The transparent display 42 has a surface 42a on the +Z side and a back surface 42b on the -Z side. The transparent display 42 is arranged in a position where the user U can view the surface 42a.

[0013] In this specification, a state in which the light control device 3 transmits external light through the light control film 32 is referred to as a dimming-off state, and a state in which the light control device 3 attenuates external light through the light control film 32 is referred to as a dimming-on state. Attenuating external light can also be said to block light. Furthermore, when a portion of the light control film 32 is in a state in which external light is transmitted, that portion is referred to as being in a dimming-off state. Transmitting external light can also be said to be transparent. Similarly, when a portion of the light control film 32 is in a state in which external light is attenuated, that portion is referred to as being in a dimming-on state.

[0014] In this specification, when a first element and a second element are "electrically connected," this includes a connection between the first element and the second element via a third element interposed therebetween, as long as the respective functions of the first element and the second element are not impeded.

[0015] The control device 2 receives requests related to image display and dimming. The requests may include a specification of the two-dimensional position of the area to be shaded, or a specification of a grid for which dimming is to be turned on. The control device 2 can control the dimming device 3 and the display device 4 in response to the requests.

[0016] The light control device 3, under the control of the control device 2, can perform two-dimensional light control by transmitting or attenuating external light from the back surface 3b through the light control film 32. The light control film 32 has a plurality of grids arranged two-dimensionally. Each grid is a unit area for switching between a light control on state and a light control off state. Each grid may be substantially rectangular in the XY plane view. In the light control film 32, a plurality of grids may be arranged in a matrix in the X and Y directions.

[0017] The display device 4, under the control of the control device 2, can display an image on the transparent display 42 and transmit external light from the rear surface 42b. The transparent display 42 has unit areas, each having a transparent area and a light-emitting area, arranged two-dimensionally. Each light-emitting area has a plurality of light-emitting pixels (e.g., R pixels, G pixels, B pixels). The R pixels, G pixels, and B pixels emit light corresponding to red (R), green (G), and blue (B), respectively.

[0018] For example, as shown in the YZ cross-sectional view of Figure 1, suppose that the +Y side area of ​​the light control film 32 is controlled to be in a light-blocking state and the -Y side area is controlled to be in a light-transmitting state. In this case, an image displayed in the +Y side area of ​​the transparent display 42 can be viewed better by the user with improved contrast in bright areas because the back side is light-blocked by the light control film 32. Furthermore, if no image is displayed or a black image is displayed in the -Y side area of ​​the transparent display 42, the background scenery that passes through the light control film 32 can be further transmitted through the transparent display 42 and viewed better by the user.

[0019] Alternatively, suppose the background shown in FIG. 2(a) exists behind the light-controlling film 32, and the +X and +Y side regions and the Y-width / 4 region on the -Y side of the light-controlling film 32 are controlled to be light-blocking, as shown in the XY plan view of FIG. 2(b). In this case, the image displayed in the +X and +Y side regions of the transparent display 42 is shielded from light by the light-controlling film 32 behind it, allowing the user to see it clearly with improved contrast in bright areas. Furthermore, the advertising display displayed in the Y-width / 4 region on the -Y side of the transparent display 42 is shielded from light by the light-controlling film 32 behind it, allowing the user to see it clearly with improved contrast in bright areas. Furthermore, if no image is displayed or a black image is displayed in other regions of the transparent display 42, the background scenery that passes through the light-controlling film 32 can be further transmitted through the transparent display 42 and be clearly visible to the user.

[0020] This allows for both the image display and the through display of the background to be performed satisfactorily.

[0021] The control device 2 may be capable of accepting a request from a user U via an aerial operation, as shown in FIG.

[0022] Air manipulation is equivalent to making hand movements in the air that correspond to touch manipulations on a touch panel. Air manipulation includes click manipulations and change manipulations. A click manipulation is equivalent to touching the touch panel once. A change manipulation is an operation that causes a change in the object that is touched. Change manipulations include move manipulations, zoom in / out manipulations, and rotate manipulations. A move manipulation is equivalent to a linear drag movement manipulation on a touch panel. A zoom in / out manipulation is equivalent to a pinch out manipulation or pinch in manipulation on a touch panel. A rotate manipulation is equivalent to a curved drag movement manipulation on a touch panel.

[0023] In order to detect an aerial operation, the control device 2 may include a camera 21 and a detection unit 22, as shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the display system 1.

[0024] The camera 21 is disposed in a position where it can capture an image of the hand of the user U (see FIG. 1). The control device 2 captures an image of the hand of the user U with the camera 21, and analyzes the request based on the image of the hand of the user U with the detection unit 22. Based on the analysis result, the detection unit 22 generates a display control signal and supplies it to the display device 4, and also generates a dimming control signal and supplies it to the dimming device 3.

[0025] The light control device 3 has a light control control unit 31 in addition to the light control film 32. The light control unit 31 receives a light control signal from the control device 2, and generates a drive signal in response to the light control signal and supplies it to the light control film 32. The light control film 32 is driven in accordance with the drive signal, and can block light from a designated area.

[0026] The display device 4 has a display control unit 41 in addition to a transparent display 42. The display control unit 41 receives a display control signal from the control device 2, and generates a drive signal in response to the display control signal and supplies the drive signal to the light control film 32. The transparent display 42 is driven in accordance with the drive signal and can display an image in a specified area.

[0027] The resolution of the light control film 32 may be lower than the resolution of the transparent display 42. The resolution of the light control film 32 may be expressed as the reciprocal of the grid size. The resolution of the transparent display 42 may be expressed as the reciprocal of the pixel size.

[0028] Alternatively, the response speed of the light control film 32 may be slower than the response speed of the transparent display 42. The response speed is the time from when the control device 2 issues a command to change the position until the position changes by a unit amount.

[0029] For example, in response to a click operation from the user U, the display system 1 may operate as shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the display system 1 when a click operation is performed.

[0030] In response to the request, the display system 1 displays an image of the click operation target on the screen (S1). For example, in response to the request, the control device 2 generates a display control signal and supplies it to the display device 4. In response to the display control signal, the display device 4 displays the image in the region R1 on the transparent display 42.

[0031] The display system 1 turns on the dimming of the image portion of the light control film 32 (S2). For example, the control device 2 generates a dimming control signal in response to a request and supplies it to the dimming device 3. In response to the dimming control signal, the dimming device 3 may turn on the dimming of the region R1 of the light control film 32, as shown in FIG. 5(a). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operation of the dimming device 3 during a click operation. In FIG. 5, the portion of the light control film 32 that corresponds to the region R1 of the transparent display 42 is referred to as region R1 for convenience.

[0032] The display system 1 waits until a click operation is detected (No in S3). For example, the control device 2 analyzes an image of the user U's hand, and can detect a click operation when the area R1 of the transparent display 42 is located on an extension of the user U's index finger, as shown in FIG. 5(a). The detection of a click operation may be performed by other methods. For example, the control device 2 may detect a click operation when the area R1 of the transparent display 42 is located on an extension of the user U's eye and index finger.

[0033] When the display system 1 detects a click operation (Yes in S3), it determines whether the click operation location on the light control device 3 is currently in the dimming on state (S4).

[0034] If the click operation location on the light control device 3 is in the dimming on state (Yes in S4), the display system 1 turns off the dimming of the image portion on the light control film 32 (S5). For example, if the region R1 on the light control film 32 is in the dimming on state as shown in Fig. 5(a), the control device 2 turns the region R1 on the light control film 32 to the dimming off state in response to a click operation on the region R1 of the transparent display 42 as shown in Fig. 5(b).

[0035] If the click operation location on the light control device 3 is not in the dimming on state (No in S4), the display system 1 turns on the dimming of the image portion on the light control film 32 (S6). For example, if the region R1 on the light control film 32 is in the dimming off state as shown in Fig. 6(a), the control device 2 turns the region R1 on the light control film 32 to the dimming on state in response to a click operation on the region R1 of the transparent display 42 as shown in Fig. 6(b).

[0036] Thereafter, if the display system 1 detects a click operation (Yes in S7), it returns the process to S4, but if it does not detect a click operation within a predetermined time (No in S7), it ends the process.

[0037] Furthermore, in response to a changing operation from the user U, the display system 1 may operate as shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the display system 1 when a changing operation is performed.

[0038] In response to the request, the display system 1 displays the image to be changed on the screen (S11).

[0039] For example, in response to a request, the control device 2 generates a display control signal and supplies it to the display device 4. The display device 4 displays an image in the region R11 (or regions R11a, R11b) on the transparent display 42 in response to the display control signal.

[0040] The display system 1 turns on the dimming of the image portion of the dimming film 32 of the dimming device 3 (S12). The dimming device 3 may turn on the dimming of two or more grids corresponding to the image portion among the plurality of grids in the dimming film 32.

[0041] For example, the control device 2 generates a dimming control signal in response to a request and supplies it to the dimming device 3. In response to the dimming control signal, the dimming device 3 may turn on the dimming state for the region R11 in the dimming film 32, as shown in FIG. 8(a). That is, in response to the dimming control signal, the dimming device 3 may turn on the dimming state for two or more grids corresponding to the region R11 in the dimming film 32. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the operation of the dimming device 3 during a movement operation. In FIG. 8, the portion of the dimming film 32 corresponding to the region R11 in the transparent display 42 is referred to as region R11 for convenience. Alternatively, the dimming device 3 may turn on the dimming state for the region R11a in the dimming film 32, as shown in FIG. 9(a), in response to the dimming control signal. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the operation of the dimming device 3 during a zooming operation. In FIG. 9, the portion of the dimming film 32 corresponding to the region R11a in the transparent display 42 is referred to as region R11a for convenience. Alternatively, the light control device 3 may turn on the dimming state for the region R11b of the light control film 32 in response to the dimming control signal, as shown in Fig. 10(a). Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of the light control device 3 during a rotation operation. In Fig. 10, the portion of the light control film 32 that corresponds to the region R11b of the transparent display 42 is referred to as region R11b for convenience.

[0042] The display system 1 waits until a change operation is detected (No in S13). For example, the control device 2 analyzes an image of the user U's hand and can detect a movement operation when the region R1 of the transparent display 42 is located on an extension of the user U's index finger, as shown in FIG. 8(a). Alternatively, the control device 2 analyzes an image of the user U's hand and can detect a zoom-in / zoom-out operation when both ends of the region R11a of the transparent display 42 are located on the respective extensions of the user U's thumb and index finger, as shown in FIG. 9(a). Alternatively, the control device 2 analyzes an image of the user U's hand and can detect a rotation operation when two adjacent sides of the region R11b of the transparent display 42 are located parallel to the user U's thumb and index finger, as shown in FIG. 10(a). The movement operation, zoom-in / zoom-out operation, and rotation operation may each be detected by other methods. For example, the control device 2 may detect a zoom-in operation when the user U separates two fingers from each other in the center of the region R11a. For example, the control device 2 may detect a zoom-in operation when the user U brings two fingers close to each other in the center of the region R11a.

[0043] When the display system 1 detects the change operation (Yes in S13), it sets the change operation location on the dimming film 32 of the dimming device 3 to the dimming off state (S14). The dimming device 3 may set two or more grids on the dimming film 32 that are in the dimming on state to the dimming off state.

[0044] For example, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the control device 2 detects a movement operation in response to a change in the extension of the index finger of the user U from region R11 to region R12. Region R12 has, for example, the same area and shape as region R11, but is located in a different position from region R11. In the case of FIG. 8(b), region R12 is located on the +X side of region R11. In response to the movement operation, the control device 2 moves the image on the transparent display 42 from region R11 to region R12, and, as shown in FIG. 8(b), turns region R11 of the light control film 32 into a dimming-off state and maintains region R12 in a dimming-off state. That is, in response to a dimming control signal from the control device 2, the dimming device 3 turns two or more grids corresponding to region R11 of the light control film 32 into a dimming-off state and maintains two or more grids corresponding to region R12 in a dimming-off state.

[0045] Alternatively, the control device 2 detects a zoom operation in response to a change in the positions of the extensions of the user U's thumb and index finger from both ends of region R11a to both ends of region R12a. Region R12a is, for example, included in region R11a and has the same shape as region R11a but a different area from region R11a. In the case of FIG. 9(b), region R12a has a smaller area than region R11a. In response to the zoom operation, the control device 2 zooms in or out the image on the transparent display 42 from region R11a to region R12a, and sets regions R11a and R12a of the light control film 32 to a dimming-off state, as shown in FIG. 9(b). That is, in response to the dimming control signal from the control device 2, the dimming device 3 sets two or more grids corresponding to region R11a of the light control film 32 to a dimming-off state, and sets two or more grids corresponding to region R12a to a dimming-off state.

[0046] Alternatively, the control device 2 detects a rotation operation in response to a change in the user U's thumb and index finger from being parallel to two sides of region R11b to being parallel to two sides of region R12b. Region R12b, for example, has the same area and shape as region R11b but a different orientation from region R11b. In the case of FIG. 10(b), region R12b is oriented by rotating region R11b at a positive angle around the Z axis. In response to the rotation operation, the control device 2 rotates the image on the transparent display 42 from region R11b to region R12b, and sets regions R11b and R12b of the light control film 32 to the dimming-off state, as shown in FIG. 10(b). That is, in response to the dimming control signal from the control device 2, the dimming device 3 sets two or more grids corresponding to region R11b of the light control film 32 to the dimming-off state, and sets two or more grids corresponding to region R12b to the dimming-off state.

[0047] The display system 1 maintains the change operation portion on the light control film 32 in the dimming off state until the change operation is completed (No in S15), and when the change operation is completed (Yes in S15), turns on the dimming of the image portion on the light control film 32 (S16). When the change operation is completed, the dimming device 3 turns on the dimming of two or more grids corresponding to the image portion on the light control film 32 that is in the dimming off state in response to the dimming control signal from the control device 2.

[0048] For example, as shown in FIGS. 8(b) and 8(c), the control device 2 detects the completion of the movement operation when the extension of the index finger of the user U changes from region R12 to region R13 and does not change in region R13 for a predetermined time. Region R13 has, for example, the same area and shape as region R12, but is located in a different position from region R12. In the case of FIG. 8(c), region R13 is located on the +X side of region R12. In response to the completion of the movement operation, the control device 2 turns region R13 in the light control film 32 into a dimming-on state, as shown in FIG. 8(c). That is, upon completion of the movement operation, the light control device 3 turns two or more grids in the light control film 32 corresponding to region R13 into a dimming-on state in response to a dimming control signal from the control device 2.

[0049] Alternatively, the control device 2 detects the completion of the zoom operation when the extensions of the user U's thumb and index finger change from both ends of region R12a to both ends of region R13a and do not change at both ends of region R13a for a predetermined period of time. Region R13a is, for example, included in region R12a and has the same shape as region R12a but a different area from region R12a. In the case of FIG. 9(c), region R13a has a smaller area than region R12a. Upon completion of the zoom operation, the control device 2 turns on the dimming state for region R13a in the light control film 32, as shown in FIG. 9(c). That is, upon completion of the zoom operation, the light control device 3 turns on the dimming state for two or more grids corresponding to region R13 in the light control film 32 in response to the dimming control signal from the control device 2.

[0050] Alternatively, the control device 2 detects the completion of the rotation operation when the user U's thumb and index finger change from a state parallel to two sides of region R12b to a state parallel to two sides of region R13b and remain parallel to the two sides of region R13b for a predetermined period of time. Region R13b, for example, has the same area and shape as region R12b but a different orientation from region R12b. In the case of FIG. 10(c), region R13b is in an orientation obtained by rotating region R12b at a positive angle around the Z axis. Upon completion of the rotation operation, the control device 2 switches region R13b of the light control film 32 to the dimming-on state, as shown in FIG. 10(c). That is, upon completion of the rotation operation, the light control device 3 switches two or more grids corresponding to region R13 of the light control film 32 to the dimming-on state in response to a dimming control signal from the control device 2.

[0051] Thereafter, if the display system 1 detects a changing operation (Yes in S17), it returns the process to S14, but if it does not detect a changing operation within a predetermined time (No in S17), it ends the process.

[0052] As described above, in the embodiment, when the display system 1 changes the image on the transparent display 42 and the dimming-on state pattern on the light control film 32 in response to a request, it temporarily changes two or more grids that are in the dimming-on state to the dimming-off state during the change. This makes it possible to make the influence of differences in the change characteristics between the transparent display 42 and the light control film 32 less noticeable, and allows the dimming-on state pattern on a grid-by-grid basis to appear natural and unobtrusive to the user.

[0053] For example, if the resolution of the light control film 32 and the resolution of the transparent display 42 are different, the image on the transparent display 42 changes independently during the change, so the pattern of the light control on state in grid units can be made to look natural and unnatural to the user.

[0054] Alternatively, if the response speed of the light control film 32 and the response speed of the transparent display 42 are different, the image on the transparent display 42 changes independently during the change, so that the pattern of the dimming on state in grid units can be viewed naturally and without discomfort to the user.

[0055] In addition, in the display system 1, when the image on the transparent display 42 and the dimming on state pattern on the dimming film 32 are changed, the areas where the impact of the difference in the change characteristics between the transparent display 42 and the dimming film 32 is noticeable are thought to be located near the contour of the image.

[0056] Based on this idea, as a first modified example of the embodiment, the display system 1 may temporarily put some of the two or more grids that are in the dimming-on state into the dimming-off state, as shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the display system 1 according to the first modified example of the embodiment at the time of a change operation.

[0057] After steps S11 and S12 are performed in the same manner as in the embodiment, the display system 1 waits until a change operation is detected (No in S13), and when a change operation is detected (Yes in S13), it turns off the dimming of the grid including the outline of the image (S21). The control device 2 identifies the outline of the image displayed on the transparent display 42 of the display device 4, and identifies the grid including the outline of the image from among the two or more grids that are in the dimming on state on the dimming film 32 of the dimming device 3. The control device 2 turns off the dimming of the grid including the outline of the image on the dimming film 32 of the dimming device 3.

[0058] For example, as shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b), the control device 2 detects a movement operation in response to a change in the extension of the index finger of the user U from region R21 to region R22. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the behavior of a light control device according to a first modified example of the embodiment during a movement operation. Region R22 has, for example, the same area and shape as region R21, but is located in a different position from region R21. In the case of FIG. 12(b), region R22 is located on the +X side of region R21. In response to the movement operation, the control device 2 moves the image on the transparent display 42 from region R21 to region R22, and, as shown in FIG. 12(b), turns off the dimming of grids GD1, GD2, GD3, and GD4 on the light control film 32 that include the outline of region R22, and maintains one or more grids GD completely included in region R22 in the dimming on state. That is, in response to a dimming control signal from the control device 2, the dimming device 3 sets two or more grids that include the outline of the image on the dimming film 32 to a dimming-off state, and maintains one or more grids that are included inside the image in a dimming-on state.

[0059] Alternatively, the control device 2 detects a zoom-in / zoom-out operation in response to the change in the positions of the extensions of the thumb and index finger of the user U from both ends of the area R21a to both ends of the area R22a, as shown in Fig. 13(a) and Fig. 13(b). Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the operation of a light control device according to a first modified example of an embodiment during a zoom-in / zoom-out operation. The area R22a is included in the area R21a, for example, and has the same shape as the area R21a but a different area from the area R21a. In Fig. 13(b), the area R22a is smaller than the area R21a. The control device 2 enlarges or reduces the image on the transparent display 42 from region R21a to region R22a in response to the enlargement or reduction operation, and sets grids GD1a, GD2a,...GD5a,...GD12a,...GD16a,...GD22a that include the outline of region RR22a in the light control film 32 to a dimming-off state, and maintains one or more grids GD that are completely included in region R22a in a dimming-on state, as shown in Fig. 13(b). That is, in response to the dimming control signal from the control device 2, the dimming device 3 sets two or more grids that include the outline of the image in the light control film 32 to a dimming-off state, and maintains one or more grids included inside the image in a dimming-on state.

[0060] The display system 1 maintains the change operation portion on the light control film 32 in the dimming off state until the change operation is completed (No in S15), and when the change operation is completed (Yes in S15), turns on the dimming of the image portion on the light control film 32 (S16). When the change operation is completed, the dimming device 3 turns on the dimming of two or more grids corresponding to the image portion on the light control film 32 that is in the dimming off state in response to the dimming control signal from the control device 2.

[0061] For example, as shown in FIGS. 12(b) and 12(c), the control device 2 detects the completion of the movement operation when the extension of the user U's index finger changes from region R22 to region R23 and remains in region R23 for a predetermined period of time. Region R23 has, for example, the same area and shape as region R22, but is located in a different position from region R22. In the case of FIG. 12(c), region R23 is located on the +X side of region R22. In response to the completion of the movement operation, the control device 2 turns region R23 in the light control film 32 into a dimming-on state, as shown in FIG. 12(c). That is, upon completion of the movement operation, the light control device 3 turns two or more grids in the light control film 32 corresponding to region R23 into a dimming-on state in response to a dimming control signal from the control device 2.

[0062] Alternatively, the control device 2 detects the completion of the zoom operation when the extensions of the user U's thumb and index finger change from both ends of region R22a to both ends of region R23a and do not change at both ends of region R23a for a predetermined period of time. Region R23a is, for example, included in region R22a and has the same shape as region R22a but a different area from region R22a. In the case of FIG. 13(c), region R23a has a smaller area than region R22a. Upon completion of the zoom operation, the control device 2 turns on the dimming state for region R23a in the light control film 32, as shown in FIG. 13(c). That is, upon completion of the zoom operation, the light control device 3 turns on the dimming state for two or more grids in the light control film 32 corresponding to region R23 in accordance with the dimming control signal from the control device 2.

[0063] Thereafter, step S17 is carried out in the same manner as in the embodiment.

[0064] By operating the display system 1 in this manner, the effects of differences in the change characteristics between the transparent display 42 and the dimming film 32 can be made less noticeable, and the dimming-on pattern on a grid-by-grid basis can be made to look natural and unobtrusive to the user.

[0065] Alternatively, if the transparent display 42 in the display system 1 has greater freedom of control than the dimming film 32, it is expected that when changing the image on the transparent display 42 and the dimming-on state pattern on the dimming film 32, the change pattern of the transparent display 42 can be made closer to the change pattern of the dimming film 32, thereby making the difference in the change characteristics of the two less noticeable.

[0066] Based on this idea, as a second modified example of the embodiment, the display system 1 changes the image on the transparent display 42 in synchronization with the change in the pattern of the dimming-on state of the light control film 32, as shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the display system 1 according to the second modified example of the embodiment when a change operation is performed.

[0067] After steps S11 and S12 are performed in the same manner as in the embodiment, the display system 1 waits until a change operation is detected (No in S13), and when a change operation is detected (Yes in S13), it synchronizes the change in the image on the transparent display 42 with the change in the pattern of the dimming on state of the light control film 32 (S31). The control device 2 identifies the change pattern of the two or more grids that are in the dimming on state on the light control film 32 of the dimming device 3 in accordance with the change operation. The control device 2 identifies the change pattern of the image according to the change pattern of the two or more grids. The control device 2 generates a display control signal according to the change pattern of the image and supplies it to the display device 2.

[0068] For example, the control device 2 detects a movement operation in response to a change in the extension of the index finger of the user U from region R31 to region R32. Region R32 has, for example, the same area and shape as region R31, but is located in a different position from region R31 and partially overlaps region R31. In the case of FIG. 15(b), the +X side end of region R32 is located closer to the +X side than region R31, and partially overlaps region R31. In response to the movement operation, as shown in FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b), the control device 2 moves the image on the transparent display 42 from region R31 to region R32 in units of the X width of the grid, and moves the region of the light control film 32 that is to be in the dimming-off state from region R31 to region R32. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a display system according to a second modified example of the embodiment during a movement operation. That is, in response to a dimming control signal from the control device 2, the dimming device 3 switches two or more grids corresponding to region R31 in the dimming film 32 to a dimming-off state, and maintains two or more grids corresponding to region R32 in a dimming-off state.

[0069] The display system 1 maintains the change operation portion on the light control film 32 in the dimming off state until the change operation is completed (No in S15), and when the change operation is completed (Yes in S15), turns on the dimming of the image portion on the light control film 32 (S16). When the change operation is completed, the dimming device 3 turns on the dimming of two or more grids corresponding to the image portion on the light control film 32 that is in the dimming off state in response to the dimming control signal from the control device 2.

[0070] For example, as shown in Figures 15(b) and 15(c), the control device 2 detects the completion of the movement operation when the extension of the user U's index finger changes from region R32 to region R33 and does not change in region R33 for a predetermined time. Region R33 has, for example, the same area and shape as region R32, but is located in a different position from region R32. In the case of Figure 15(c), region R33 is located on the +X side of region R32. In response to the completion of the movement operation, the control device 2 turns region R23 of the light control film 32 into a dimming-on state, as shown in Figure 15(c). That is, upon completion of the movement operation, the light control device 3 turns two or more grids of the light control film 32 corresponding to region R23 into a dimming-on state in response to a dimming control signal from the control device 2.

[0071] Thereafter, step S17 is carried out in the same manner as in the embodiment.

[0072] By operating the display system 1 in this manner, the effects of differences in the change characteristics between the transparent display 42 and the dimming film 32 can be made less noticeable, and the dimming-on pattern on a grid-by-grid basis can be made to look natural and unobtrusive to the user.

[0073] Alternatively, the click operation may be used to turn on / off selective dimming of an image on the transparent display 42, instead of turning on / off dimming of the light control film 32. Selective dimming is dimming for emphasizing a selected image among multiple images on the transparent display 42.

[0074] Based on this idea, as a third modified example of the embodiment, the display system 1 may select or deselect a plurality of images on the transparent display 42 in response to a click operation, as shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the display system 1 according to the third modified example of the embodiment when a change operation is performed.

[0075] After steps S1 to S2 are performed in the same manner as in the embodiment, the display system 1 waits until it detects a click operation (No in S3), and when it detects a click operation (Yes in S3), it determines whether selective dimming is currently on (S41).

[0076] If selective dimming is turned off (No in S41), the display system 1 turns on selective dimming in response to a click operation (S42).

[0077] For example, as shown in Fig. 17(a), when image IM3, among multiple images IM1 to IM3 on the transparent display 42, is positioned on an extension of the index finger of the user U, the control device 2 maintains the region R43 corresponding to image IM3 in the dimming-on state as shown in Fig. 17(b). Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the operation of a display system according to a third modified example of the embodiment during a click operation. At this time, the control device 2 transitions the regions R41 and R42 corresponding to the other images IM1 and IM2 from the dimming-on state shown in Fig. 17(a) to the dimming-off state shown in Fig. 17(b).

[0078] If selective dimming is on (No in S41), the display system 1 turns off selective dimming in response to a click operation (S42).

[0079] For example, as shown in Fig. 17(b), when the region R43 corresponding to the image IM3 is in the selective dimming on state and the regions R41 and R42 corresponding to the other images IM1 and IM2 are in the dimming off state, the control device 2 transitions the regions R41 and R42 from the dimming off state shown in Fig. 17(b) to the dimming on state shown in Fig. 17(a). As a result, the control device 2 cancels (turns off) the selective dimming of the region R43 (S43), and returns each of the regions R41 to R42 of the light control film 32 corresponding to the multiple images IM1 to IM3 on the transparent display 42 to the dimming on state.

[0080] According to the operation of the display system 1, selective dimming for emphasizing an image selected from a plurality of images on the transparent display 42 can be realized.

[0081] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 Display System 2. Control device 3. Dimmer 4 Display device 32 Light control film 42 Transparent Display

Claims

1. a light control film in which a plurality of grids are arranged two-dimensionally; a control unit that sets two or more grids among the plurality of grids to a dimming-on state; Equipped with When the control unit changes the pattern of the dimming-on state in response to a request, the control unit temporarily puts at least some of the two or more grids into the dimming-off state during the change. Dimmer.

2. When the control unit changes the pattern of the dimming-on state in response to a request, the control unit temporarily puts the two or more grids into the dimming-off state during the change. The light control device according to claim 1 .

3. Further provided is a display disposed in front of the light control film, When the control unit changes the pattern of the dimming-on state in response to a request, the control unit temporarily puts some of the grids included inside the image of the display among the two or more grids into a dimming-off state during the change. The light control device according to claim 1 .

4. Further provided is a display disposed in front of the light control film, The resolution of the light management film is lower than the resolution of the display. The light control device according to claim 1 .

5. Further provided is a display disposed in front of the light control film, The response speed of the light-control film is slower than the response speed of the display. The light control device according to claim 1 .

6. The light control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a display device that is disposed in front of the light control device and is capable of displaying an image; A display system comprising:

7. A light control device including a light control film in which a plurality of grids are two-dimensionally arranged, and a control unit that turns two or more of the plurality of grids into a light control on state; a display device that is arranged in front of the light control device, is capable of displaying an image, and when a pattern of a dimming-on state is changed by the light control device, changes the image in synchronization with the change of the pattern of the dimming-on state; A display system comprising:

8. a display device capable of displaying a plurality of images; A light control device including a light control film arranged behind the display device and having a plurality of grids arranged two-dimensionally, and a control unit that turns on two or more grids corresponding to one or more images among the plurality of grids in a light control on state in response to a request corresponding to one or more images among the plurality of images; A display system comprising:

9. In a light control film in which a plurality of grids are arranged two-dimensionally, turning two or more of the plurality of grids into a light control on state; When changing the pattern of the dimming on state, at least some of the two or more grids are temporarily put into a dimming off state during the change; A dimming method including:

10. An image is displayed on a display device, and one or more grids corresponding to the image among the plurality of grids in a light control film arranged behind the display device and having a plurality of grids arranged two-dimensionally are turned on for light control; When changing the pattern of the dimming on state, changing the image in synchronization with the change of the pattern of the dimming on state; A dimming method including:

11. A plurality of images are displayed on a display device, and two or more grids corresponding to the plurality of images are turned on in a dimming on state among the plurality of grids in a light control film arranged behind the display device and having a plurality of grids arranged two-dimensionally; receiving a request to select one or more images from the plurality of images; In response to the request, turning off the dimming of the grids corresponding to the non-selected images among the two or more grids; A dimming method including:

Images