Display device

Abstract

To provide a display device that can set arbitrarily a region that is invisible from one surface or the other surface.SOLUTION: A display device includes: a display panel DISP including a display region 7 where a plurality of pixels are arranged in a first direction and a second direction that intersects with the first direction, in which an image resulting from a plan view of the display region 7 from one direction (first visual line direction dir1) can be recognized from the other direction (second visual line direction dir2); a first light control panel DIM1 provided on one surface (first surface 7a) of the display panel and making at least a partial region thereof invisible; and a second light control panel DIM2 provided on the other surface (second surface 7b) of the display panel DISP and making at least a partial region thereof invisible.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a display device configured so that the background on the other side of the display panel can be seen from one side. The display device in Patent Document 1 is a so-called transparent display, and includes a display panel having a liquid crystal layer containing polymer dispersed liquid crystal, and a light source disposed opposite the side of the display panel. In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a transparent display configured using a spontaneously emitting organic EL display device in which the interlayer insulating film and planarizing film in the display area have been removed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-160254 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-207486 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a transparent display, the same image can be viewed from both sides of the display panel, but depending on the display content, it may be desirable to make at least a portion of the display area invisible from one side or the other.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a display device that can arbitrarily set an area that is invisible from one side or the other side. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display panel having a display area in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and in which an image of the display area viewed in plan from one direction can be viewed from another direction; a first dimming panel provided on one side of the display panel and making at least a portion of the area invisible; and a second dimming panel provided on the other side of the display panel and making at least a portion of the area invisible. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing sub-frame periods and light emission periods in one frame period in which image data for display is displayed. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a conceptual diagram of a display mode according to a comparative example, viewed from a first line of sight direction. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a conceptual diagram of a display mode according to a comparative example viewed from a second line of sight direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display area in the display device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a conceptual diagram showing a first display example according to the embodiment as viewed from a first line of sight direction. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a conceptual diagram showing the first display example according to the embodiment as viewed from a second line of sight direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display area in the first display example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a conceptual diagram of a second display example according to the embodiment as viewed from a first line of sight direction. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a conceptual diagram of the second display example according to the embodiment as viewed from a second line of sight direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display region in the second display example shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. [Figure 10A]FIG. 10A is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display mode in which the third display example according to the embodiment is viewed from a first line of sight. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a conceptual diagram of the third display example according to the embodiment as viewed from the second line of sight direction. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is an enlarged view showing a first example of a text information display area in a third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a first line of sight. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is an enlarged view showing the first example of the text information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from the second line of sight. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is an enlarged view showing a second example of the text information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a first line of sight. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is an enlarged view showing a second example of the text information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a second line of sight. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is an enlarged view showing a third example of a text information display area in a third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a first line of sight direction. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is an enlarged view showing the third example of the text information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from the second line of sight. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. [Figure 17A] FIG. 17A is an enlarged view showing a fourth example of the text information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a first line of sight. [Figure 17B]FIG. 17B is an enlarged view showing a fourth example of the text information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from the second line of sight. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. [Figure 19A] FIG. 19A is an enlarged view showing a fifth example of the text information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a first line of sight. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B is an enlarged view showing a fifth example of the text information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from the second line of sight. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B. [Figure 21A] FIG. 21A is an enlarged view showing a sixth example of the text information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a first line of sight. [Figure 21B] FIG. 21B is an enlarged view showing a sixth example of the text information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from the second line of sight. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Modes (embodiments) for carrying out the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments. Furthermore, the components described below include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art and those that are substantially identical. Furthermore, the components described below can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, the disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive while maintaining the gist of the disclosure are naturally included within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity of explanation, the drawings may schematically depict the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment. However, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in this specification and each figure, elements similar to those described above with reference to the previous figures may be designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display device according to an embodiment. In the present disclosure, the display device 100 is a transmissive liquid crystal display device that performs display output using a so-called field sequential color (FSC) method, which controls pixels so that light of multiple colors is transmitted from the same pixel at different times.

[0010] 1, a display device 100 according to the embodiment includes a display panel module DPM and an image processing circuit 70. The display panel module DPM includes a display panel DISP and a light source device L.

[0011] The display panel DISP includes a display area 7, a signal output circuit 8, a scanning circuit 9, a VCOM drive circuit 10, a timing controller 13, and a power supply circuit 14. Hereinafter, one surface of the display panel DISP when the display area 7 is viewed in a plan view from one direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "first viewing direction") will be referred to as the first surface, and the other surface on which a mirror image of the display image on the first surface can be viewed from the other direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "second viewing direction") will be referred to as the second surface. Furthermore, when referring to a side of the display device 100, it refers to a position located in a direction intersecting (for example, perpendicular to) the opposing direction of the first surface and the second surface with the display device 100 as the reference.

[0012] In the display area 7, a plurality of pixels Pix are arranged in a matrix in the X direction (first direction) and the Y direction (second direction). The Y direction (second direction) is a direction that intersects with the X direction (first direction). More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the Y direction (second direction) is a direction that is perpendicular to the X direction (first direction).

[0013] The pixel Pix includes a switching element 1 and two electrodes. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel. In Figs. 1 and 2, a pixel electrode 2 and a common electrode 6 are shown as the two electrodes.

[0014] The display panel DISP has two opposing substrates and liquid crystal 3 sealed between the two substrates. Hereinafter, one of the two substrates will be referred to as a first substrate 30, and the other as a second substrate 20. In the present disclosure, the surface of the display panel DISP facing the first substrate 30 will be referred to as a first surface 7a, and the surface of the display panel DISP facing the second substrate 20 will be referred to as a second surface 7b.

[0015] The first substrate 30 includes a light-transmitting glass substrate 35, a pixel electrode 2 laminated on the second substrate 20 side of the glass substrate 35, and an insulating layer 55 laminated on the second substrate 20 side so as to cover the pixel electrode 2. The pixel electrode 2 is provided individually for each pixel Pix. The second substrate 20 includes a light-transmitting glass substrate 21, a common electrode 6 laminated on the first substrate 30 side of the glass substrate 21, and an insulating layer 56 laminated on the first substrate 30 side so as to cover the common electrode 6. The common electrode 6 has a plate-like or film-like shape that is shared by multiple pixels Pix.

[0016] The liquid crystal 3 in the first embodiment is a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC). In other words, in this embodiment, the display panel DISP is a liquid crystal panel in which a polymer dispersed liquid crystal is sealed. Specifically, the liquid crystal 3 includes a bulk 51 and fine particles 52. The orientation of the fine particles 52 changes within the bulk 51 depending on the potential difference between the pixel electrode 2 and the common electrode 6. The potential of the pixel electrode 2 is individually controlled for each pixel Pix, thereby controlling the scattering state of the liquid crystal 3 for each pixel Pix.

[0017] Figure 2 shows an example in which the pixel electrode 2 and the common electrode 6 are arranged opposite each other with the liquid crystal 3 in between, but the display panel DISP may also be configured in such a way that the pixel electrode 2 and the common electrode 6 are provided on a single substrate, and the orientation changes due to the electric field generated by the pixel electrode 2 and the common electrode 6, thereby controlling the scattering state of the liquid crystal 3.

[0018] Next, a mechanism for controlling the potentials of the pixel electrode 2 and the common electrode 6 will be described.

[0019] The switching element 1 is a switching element that uses a semiconductor, such as a thin film transistor (TFT). One of the source or drain of the switching element 1 is connected to one of two electrodes (pixel electrode 2). The other of the source or drain of the switching element 1 is connected to a signal line SDL(m) (m is an integer from 1 to M, M is the total number of signal lines). The gate of the switching element 1 is connected to a scanning line SCL(n) (n is an integer from 1 to N, N is the total number of scanning lines). The scanning line SCL(n) applies a potential to open and close between the source and drain of the switching element 1 under the control of a scanning circuit 9. The scanning circuit 9 controls the potential.

[0020] In the example shown in FIG. 1, multiple signal lines SDL(n) are arranged along one of the arrangement directions of the pixels Pix (row direction). Signal line SDL(m) extends along the other of the arrangement directions of the pixels Pix (column direction). The signal line SDL(m) is shared by the switching elements 1 of multiple pixels Pix arranged in the column direction. Multiple scanning lines SCL(n) are arranged along the column direction. The scanning line SCL(n) extends along the row direction. The scanning line SCL(n) is shared by the switching elements 1 of multiple pixels Pix arranged in the row direction.

[0021] In the present disclosure, the direction in which the scanning lines SCL(n) extend is defined as the X direction (first direction), and the direction in which the multiple scanning lines SCL(n) are arranged is defined as the Y direction (second direction).

[0022] The common electrode 6 is connected to a VCOM drive circuit 10. The VCOM drive circuit 10 applies a common potential to the common electrode 6.

[0023] The scanning circuit 9 sequentially supplies a driving signal that functions as an on-potential (driving potential) of the switching element 1 to the scanning line SCL(n) to which the multiple pixels Pix aligned in the X direction (first direction) are connected. In other words, the scanning circuit 9 simultaneously supplies the driving signal to the multiple pixels Pix aligned in the X direction (first direction). The scanning circuit 9 also sequentially supplies the driving signal to the multiple pixels Pix aligned in the Y direction (second direction).

[0024] The signal output circuit 8 sequentially supplies pixel signals that function as pixel data (hereinafter also referred to as "pixel data") corresponding to each pixel Pix to signal lines SDL(m) to which multiple pixels Pix aligned in the Y direction (second direction) are connected. In other words, the signal output circuit 8 sequentially supplies pixel data to multiple pixels Pix aligned in the Y direction (second direction). The signal output circuit 8 also simultaneously supplies pixel data to multiple pixels Pix aligned in the X direction (first direction).

[0025] When the scanning circuit 9 supplies a drive signal to the scanning line SCL(n) and the switching elements 1 of the multiple pixels Pix arranged in the X direction (first direction) are controlled to be on, the signal output circuit 8 supplies a pixel signal to the signal line SDL(m), thereby charging the storage capacitance formed between the pixel electrodes 2 and the common electrode 6 of the multiple pixels Pix arranged in the X direction (first direction) and the liquid crystal 3 (particles 52) which serves as a capacitive load. As a result, a voltage corresponding to pixel data corresponding to each pixel Pix is ​​applied between the pixel electrodes 2 and the common electrode 6 of the multiple pixels Pix arranged in the X direction (first direction). The scanning circuit 9 sequentially supplies drive signals to the scanning lines SCL(n) arranged in the Y direction (second direction), and the signal output circuit 8 supplies pixel data corresponding to the multiple pixels Pix connected to the scanning line SCL(n) to which the drive signal is supplied by the scanning circuit 9, thereby writing pixel data for one subframe's worth of image (multiple monochrome images constituting one frame's worth of image).

[0026] After the switching element 1 is turned off, the voltage applied between the pixel electrode 2 and the common electrode 6 is maintained by the liquid crystal 3 (particles 52), which is a storage capacitor and a capacitive load. The degree of scattering of the liquid crystal 3 (particles 52) is controlled according to the voltage applied between the pixel electrode 2 and the common electrode 6 for each pixel Pix. The liquid crystal 3 may be, for example, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal in which the degree of scattering increases as the voltage applied between the pixel electrode 2 and the common electrode 6 for each pixel Pix increases, or may be a polymer dispersed liquid crystal in which the degree of scattering increases as the voltage applied between the pixel electrode 2 and the common electrode 6 for each pixel Pix decreases.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2, a light source device L is disposed on the side of the display panel DISP (below the display panel DISP in Fig. 1). The light source device L includes a light source 11 that irradiates light onto the side surface of the display panel DISP, and a light source drive circuit 12 that controls the light source 11. The light source 11 includes a first light source 11R, a second light source 11G, and a third light source 11B.

[0028] The first light source 11R, the second light source 11G, and the third light source 11B each emit light under the control of a light source drive circuit 12. The first light source 11R, the second light source 11G, and the third light source 11B are light sources that use light-emitting elements such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), but are not limited to this and may be any light source whose emission timing can be controlled.

[0029] The light source drive circuit 12 controls the light emission timing of the first light source 11R, the second light source 11G, and the third light source 11B under the control of the timing controller 13. In the present disclosure, the emission color (first color) of the first light source 11R is red (R), the emission color (second color) of the second light source 11G is green (G), and the emission color (third color) of the third light source 11B is blue (B).

[0030] When light is emitted from the light source 11, the display area 7 is illuminated by the light (first color, second color, third color) emitted from one side in the Y direction. Each pixel Pix transmits or scatters the light emitted from one side in the Y direction. The degree of scattering of the liquid crystal 3 for each pixel Pix depends on the state of the liquid crystal 3, which is controlled in accordance with the pixel signal for each pixel Pix.

[0031] The timing controller 13 is a circuit that controls the operation timing of the signal output circuit 8, the scanning circuit 9, the VCOM drive circuit 10, and the light source drive circuit 12. In the present disclosure, the timing controller 13 operates based on a signal input via the image processing circuit 70.

[0032] The image processing circuit 70 outputs a signal based on the display image data to the signal output circuit 8 and the timing controller 13. If pixel data is data indicating RGB gradation values ​​assigned to one pixel Pix among the plurality of pixels Pix provided in the display area 7, the display image data input to the image processing circuit 70 to output a display image is a collection of multiple pixel data for each pixel Pix in the display area 7. The image processing circuit 70 may be provided on one of the substrates constituting the display panel DISP, or may be mounted on a flexible printed circuit board on which wiring and the like extending from the display panel DISP are provided, or may be configured to be provided outside the display panel DISP.

[0033] 3 is a timing chart showing the sub-frame periods and light emission periods of one frame period during which image data for display is displayed. In FIG. 3, the image display period FP of one frame is set to 20 ms. At this time, the image display frame rate of the display device 100 is set to 50 FPS.

[0034] In a display device 100 that performs display output using the FSC system, an image display period FP for one frame based on display image data is time-divided into a first sub-frame period RF, a second sub-frame period GF, and a third sub-frame period BF, as shown in Fig. 3. Each of the first sub-frame period RF, the second sub-frame period GF, and the third sub-frame period BF is set to 6.67 ms.

[0035] During the vertical scanning period GateScan (first period) of the first sub-frame period RF, pixel data is written according to the output gradation value of each pixel Pix corresponding to the first color (red (R)) of the display image data. As a result, a voltage according to the pixel data for each pixel Pix is ​​applied to the pixel electrode 2, and the scattering state of the liquid crystal 3 for each pixel Pix is ​​controlled according to the applied voltage to the pixel electrode 2. The vertical scanning period GateScan (first period) of the first sub-frame period RF is set to, for example, 2.5 ms.

[0036] In the subsequent light emission period RON (second period), the first light source 11R emits light. During this light emission period RON (second period), light of the first color (red (R)) corresponding to the pixel data for each pixel Pix written in the immediately preceding vertical scanning period GateScan is scattered and displayed.

[0037] During the vertical scanning period GateScan (first period) of the second sub-frame period GF, pixel data is written according to the output gradation value of each pixel Pix corresponding to the second color (green (G)) of the display image data. As a result, a voltage according to the pixel data for each pixel Pix is ​​applied to the pixel electrode 2, and the scattering state of the liquid crystal 3 for each pixel Pix is ​​controlled according to the applied voltage to the pixel electrode 2. The vertical scanning period GateScan (first period) of the second sub-frame period GF is set to, for example, 2.5 ms.

[0038] In the subsequent light emission period GON (second period), the second light source 11G emits light. In this light emission period GON (second period), light of a second color (green (G)) corresponding to the pixel data for each pixel Pix written in the immediately preceding vertical scanning period GateScan is scattered and displayed.

[0039] During the vertical scanning period GateScan (first period) of the third sub-frame period BF, pixel data is written according to the output gradation value of each pixel Pix corresponding to the third color (blue (B)) of the display image data. As a result, a voltage according to the pixel data for each pixel Pix is ​​applied to the pixel electrode 2, and the scattering state of the liquid crystal 3 for each pixel Pix is ​​controlled according to the applied voltage to the pixel electrode 2. The vertical scanning period GateScan (first period) of the third sub-frame period BF is set to, for example, 2.5 ms.

[0040] In the subsequent light emission period BON (second period), the third light source 11B emits light. In this light emission period BON (second period), light of a third color (blue (B)) corresponding to the pixel data for each pixel Pix written in the immediately preceding vertical scanning period GateScan is scattered and displayed.

[0041] In the above-described FSC display device 100, due to the afterimage phenomenon that occurs due to the limitations of the temporal resolution of the human eye, an image that is a composite (mixture) of three colors, namely, a first color (red (R)), a second color (green (G)), and a third color (blue (B)), is perceived. Furthermore, in the FSC display device 100, there is no need to provide a color filter for each pixel Pix, so the light transmittance in the display area 7 can be increased.

[0042] Fig. 4A is a conceptual diagram of a display mode according to a comparative example viewed from a first line of sight direction, and Fig. 4B is a conceptual diagram of a display mode according to a comparative example viewed from a second line of sight direction.

[0043] As described above, the display panel DISP is configured so that a mirror image of an image obtained when the display area 7 is viewed in a plan view from a first line of sight can be viewed from another direction. In other words, the image displayed on the first surface 7a of the display panel DISP when the display area 7 is viewed in a plan view from the first line of sight and the image displayed on the second surface 7b of the display panel DISP when the display area 7 is viewed in a plan view from a second line of sight are mirror images of each other.

[0044] Fig. 4A shows an example of a display on the first surface 7a of the display panel DISP when the display area 7 is viewed in a plane from a first viewing direction. Fig. 4B shows an example of a display on the second surface 7b of the display panel DISP when the display area 7 is viewed in a plane from a second viewing direction. Here, an example is shown in which first character information CHAR1a that is readable when the first surface 7a of the display panel DISP is viewed in a plane from the first viewing direction and second character information CHAR2b that is readable when the second surface 7b of the display panel DISP is viewed in a plane from the second viewing direction.

[0045] When the second surface 7b of the display panel DISP is viewed in plan from the second viewing direction, the first character information CHAR1a is viewed as a mirror-inverted version of the first character information CHAR1b. When the second surface 7b of the display panel DISP is viewed in plan from the second viewing direction, the second character information CHAR2b is viewed as a mirror-inverted version of the second character information CHAR2a. Thus, in the display mode shown in the comparative example, to ensure the readability of the character information both when the first surface 7a of the display panel DISP is viewed from the first viewing direction and when the second surface 7b of the display panel DISP is viewed from the second viewing direction, a display area twice as large is required. Alternatively, for example, if the display area of ​​the character information is reduced by reducing the font size, the readability of the characters may be reduced.

[0046] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display area in a display device according to an embodiment. In the present disclosure, a first dimming panel DIM1 that renders at least a portion of the display area 7 invisible is provided on a first surface 7a of a display panel DISP when the display area 7 is viewed in a plan view from a first viewing direction dir1. In the present disclosure, a second dimming panel DIM2 that renders at least a portion of the display area 7 invisible is provided on a second surface 7b of the display panel DISP when the display area 7 is viewed in a plan view from a second viewing direction dir2.

[0047] The first and second dimming panels DIM1 and DIM2 may be configured to transmit or block light emitted from the display panel DISP by controlling the alignment state of a liquid crystal layer, for example. Alternatively, the first and second dimming panels DIM1 and DIM2 may be configured to transmit or block light emitted from the display panel DISP by controlling the light transmittance of an electrochromic layer, for example. The first and second dimming panels DIM1 and DIM2 may be configured to make at least a portion of the display area 7 invisible when the display area 7 is viewed in plan from the first viewing direction dir1 or the second viewing direction dir2.

[0048] Fig. 6A is a conceptual diagram of a first display example according to an embodiment viewed from a first line of sight direction. Fig. 6B is a conceptual diagram of the first display example according to an embodiment viewed from a second line of sight direction. Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display area in the first display example shown in Figs. 6A and 6B.

[0049] In the first display example, an area VIS that is made visible when the display area 7 is viewed in a plan view from the first viewing direction dir1 and an area INV that is made invisible when the display area 7 is viewed in a plan view from the second viewing direction dir2 overlap in the viewing direction. This makes it possible to make invisible, for example, the first character information CHAR1b that is viewed as mirror-inverted character information when the second surface 7b of the display panel DISP is viewed in a plan view from the second viewing direction.

[0050] Fig. 8A is a conceptual diagram of a second display example according to an embodiment when viewed from a first line of sight. Fig. 8B is a conceptual diagram of the second display example according to an embodiment when viewed from a second line of sight. Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display area in the second display example shown in Figs. 8A and 8B.

[0051] In the second display example, the area INV that is made invisible when the display area 7 is viewed in plan view from the first viewing direction dir1 and the area VIS that is made visible when the display area 7 is viewed in plan view from the second viewing direction dir2 overlap in the viewing direction. This makes it possible to make invisible, for example, the second character information CHAR2a that is viewed as mirror-inverted character information when the first surface 7a of the display panel DISP is viewed in plan view from the first viewing direction.

[0052] 10A and 10B are conceptual diagrams showing an example of a display mode in which a third display example according to an embodiment is viewed from a first line of sight direction, respectively, and are conceptual diagrams showing the third display example according to an embodiment as viewed from a second line of sight direction.

[0053] 10A shows an example in which first character information CHAR1a that is readable when the display area 7 is viewed in plan view from the first viewing direction dir1 is visible in a character information display area AAa on the first surface 7a of the display panel DISP when the display area 7 is viewed in plan view from the first viewing direction dir1. FIG 10B shows an example in which second character information CHAR2b that is readable when the display area 7 is viewed in plan view from the second viewing direction dir2 is visible in a character information display area AAb on the second surface 7b of the display panel DISP when the display area 7 is viewed in plan view from the second viewing direction dir2.

[0054] In this embodiment, the character information display areas AAa and AAb are provided on the first surface 7a and second surface 7b of the display panel DISP, respectively, as an integral part of each other, and a mirror image (corresponding to CHAR1b shown in FIG. 4B) of the first character information CHAR1a displayed in the character information display area AAa when the first surface 7a of the display panel DISP is viewed in plan from the first viewing direction dir1 is not visible when the second surface 7b of the display panel DISP is viewed in plan from the second viewing direction dir2. Furthermore, a mirror image (corresponding to CHAR2a shown in FIG. 4A) of the second character information CHAR2b displayed in the character information display area AAb when the second surface 7b of the display panel DISP is viewed in plan from the second viewing direction dir2 is not visible when the first surface 7a of the display panel DISP is viewed in plan from the first viewing direction dir1.

[0055] A configuration capable of realizing the display mode of the third display example according to the embodiment described above will be described below.

[0056] Fig. 11A is an enlarged view showing a first example of a text information display area in a third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a first line of sight. Fig. 11B is an enlarged view showing a first example of a text information display area in a third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a second line of sight. Fig. 12A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in Figs. 11A and 11B. Fig. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in Figs. 11A and 11B.

[0057] 11A shows a first light-shielding pattern S1 when the text information display area AAa is viewed from above in the first viewing direction dir1, and FIG. 11B shows a second light-shielding pattern S2 when the text information display area AAb is viewed from above in the first viewing direction dir1.

[0058] The text information display area AA (AAa, AAb) includes a plurality of first areas A1 that are visible when the display area 7 is viewed in a plane from the first viewing direction dir1, and are blocked and made invisible by a second shading pattern S2 formed by the second dimming panel DIM2 provided on the second surface 7b side when the display area 7 is viewed in a plane from the second viewing direction dir2, and a plurality of second areas A2 that are visible when the display area 7 is viewed in a plane from the second viewing direction dir2, and are blocked and made invisible by a first shading pattern S1 formed by the first dimming panel DIM1 provided on the first surface 7a side when the display area 7 is viewed in a plane from the first viewing direction dir1.

[0059] In the first example, the first region A1 and the second region A2 are arranged alternately in the X direction (first direction). The first region A1 and the second region A2 are arranged alternately in the Y direction (second direction). In the first example, the first region A1 and the second region A2 each include at least one pixel Pix in the X direction (first direction). The first region A1 and the second region A2 each include at least one pixel Pix in the Y direction (second direction). As a result, the first region A1 and the second region A2 are arranged in a checkerboard pattern.

[0060] Fig. 13A is an enlarged view showing a second example of the character information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a first line of sight. Fig. 13B is an enlarged view showing a second example of the character information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a second line of sight. Fig. 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in Figs. 13A and 13B. Fig. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in Figs. 13A and 13B.

[0061] Fig. 13A shows a first light-shielding pattern S1 when the text information display area AAa is viewed from above in the first viewing direction dir1, and Fig. 13B shows a second light-shielding pattern S2 when the text information display area AAb is viewed from above in the first viewing direction dir1.

[0062] In the second example, in a plan view, the first region A1 and the second region A2 overlap within a predetermined range including the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2, indicated by the dashed line. This makes it possible to suppress light leakage from the second region A2 when the first surface 7a of the display panel P is viewed from the first viewing direction dir1. It also makes it possible to suppress light leakage from the first region A1 when the second surface 7b of the display panel P is viewed from the second viewing direction dir2.

[0063] Fig. 15A is an enlarged view showing a third example of a text information display area in a third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a first line of sight. Fig. 15B is an enlarged view showing a third example of a text information display area in a third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a second line of sight. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in Figs. 15A and 15B.

[0064] Fig. 15A shows a first light-shielding pattern S1 when the text information display area AAa is viewed from above in the first viewing direction dir1, and Fig. 15B shows a second light-shielding pattern S2 when the text information display area AAb is viewed from above in the first viewing direction dir1.

[0065] In the third example, the first regions A1 and the second regions A2 are arranged alternately in the X direction (first direction). Also, in the third example, the first region A1 and the second region A2 each include at least one pixel Pix in the X direction (first direction). This causes the first regions A1 and the second regions A2 to be arranged in a vertical stripe pattern.

[0066] Fig. 17A is an enlarged view showing a fourth example of the character information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a first line of sight. Fig. 17B is an enlarged view showing a fourth example of the character information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a second line of sight. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in Figs. 17A and 17B.

[0067] Fig. 17A shows a first light-shielding pattern S1 when the text information display area AAa is viewed from above in the first viewing direction dir1, and Fig. 17B shows a second light-shielding pattern S2 when the text information display area AAb is viewed from above in the first viewing direction dir1.

[0068] In the fourth example, in a plan view, the first region A1 and the second region A2 overlap within a predetermined range including the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2, which is indicated by the dashed line. This makes it possible to suppress light leakage from the second region A2 when the first surface 7a of the display panel P is viewed from the first viewing direction dir1. Also, it makes it possible to suppress light leakage from the first region A1 when the second surface 7b of the display panel P is viewed from the second viewing direction dir2.

[0069] Fig. 19A is an enlarged view showing a fifth example of the character information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a first line of sight. Fig. 19B is an enlarged view showing a fifth example of the character information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a second line of sight. Fig. 20 is an arrow cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in Figs. 19A and 19B.

[0070] Fig. 19A shows a first light-shielding pattern S1 when the text information display area AAa is viewed from above in the first viewing direction dir1, and Fig. 19B shows a second light-shielding pattern S2 when the text information display area AAb is viewed from above in the first viewing direction dir1.

[0071] In the fifth example, the first regions A1 and the second regions A2 are arranged alternately in the Y direction (second direction). Also, in the fifth example, the first regions A1 and the second regions A2 each include at least one pixel Pix in the Y direction (second direction). This causes the first regions A1 and the second regions A2 to be arranged in horizontal stripes.

[0072] Fig. 21A is an enlarged view showing a sixth example of the character information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a first line of sight. Fig. 21B is an enlarged view showing a sixth example of the character information display area in the third display example according to the embodiment, viewed from a second line of sight. Fig. 22 is an arrow cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in Figs. 21A and 21B.

[0073] 21A shows a first light-shielding pattern S1 when the text information display area AAa is viewed from above in the first viewing direction dir1. FIG. 21B shows a second light-shielding pattern S2 when the text information display area AAb is viewed from above in the first viewing direction dir1.

[0074] In the sixth example, in a plan view, the first region A1 and the second region A2 overlap within a predetermined range including the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2, indicated by the dashed line. This makes it possible to suppress light leakage from the second region A2 when the first surface 7a of the display panel P is viewed from the first viewing direction dir1. It also makes it possible to suppress light leakage from the first region A1 when the second surface 7b of the display panel P is viewed from the second viewing direction dir2.

[0075] In the third display example described above, the image processing circuit 70 performs image processing so that when the first surface 7a of the display panel DISP is viewed in a plane from the first viewing direction dir1, the first character information CHAR1a that is readable is visible from the first viewing direction dir1, and when the second surface 7b of the display panel DISP is viewed in a plane from the second viewing direction dir2, the second character information CHAR2b that is readable is visible from the second viewing direction dir2.

[0076] In other words, when the first surface 7a of the display panel DISP is viewed in a plane from the first viewing direction dir1, the image displayed in the character information display area AAa is such that, when the first surface 7a of the display panel DISP is viewed in a plane from the first viewing direction dir1, the pixel Pix2 corresponding to the second character information CHAR2a, which is a mirror image of the second character information CHAR2b, is masked by the first shading pattern S1 formed by the first dimming panel DIM1 provided on the first surface 7a side, and the first character information CHAR1a, which is readable from the first viewing direction dir1, is formed by the pixels Pix1 corresponding to the multiple first areas A1.

[0077] Furthermore, when the second surface 7b of the display panel DISP is viewed in a plane from the second viewing direction dir2, the image displayed in the character information display area AAb is such that, when the second surface 7b of the display panel DISP is viewed in a plane from the second viewing direction dir2, the pixel Pix1 corresponding to the first character information CHAR1b, which is a mirror image of the first character information CHAR1a, is masked by the second shading pattern S2 formed by the second dimming panel DIM2 provided on the second surface 7b side, and the pixel Pix2 corresponding to the multiple second areas A2 forms second character information CHAR2b that can be read from the second viewing direction dir2.

[0078] This makes it possible to optimize the display area and font size of character information while ensuring readability both when the first surface 7a of the display panel DISP is viewed from one direction and when the second surface 7b of the display panel DISP is viewed from the other direction. Also, because mirror-image characters are not visible, the visibility of the entire image can be improved.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the mirror image (first character information CHAR1b) of the legible first character information CHAR1a visible in a planar view from the first viewing direction dir1 is made invisible by being masked by the second shading pattern S2 formed by the second dimming panel DIM2 provided on the second surface 7b side, and the mirror image (second character information CHAR2a) of the legible second character information CHAR2b visible in a planar view from the second viewing direction dir2 is made invisible by being masked by the first shading pattern S1 formed by the first dimming panel DIM1 provided on the first surface 7a side. However, the image information made invisible by the first dimming panel DIM1 or the second dimming panel DIM2 is not limited to mirror images of character information. For example, it is also possible to make invisible the mirror image of two-dimensional image information such as a map containing directional information or a two-dimensional code. Furthermore, content creators can intentionally create display content that is visible only from one viewpoint. In other words, the degree of freedom in content to be displayed on the display device 100 according to the embodiment can be increased.

[0080] Although a transmissive liquid crystal display device that displays and outputs in the FSC mode has been described as an example, the display panel DISP is not limited to an FSC liquid crystal display device. The display panel DISP may be, for example, a transmissive color liquid crystal display panel in which each pixel is composed of a first subpixel, in which a first color filter that transmits a first color (e.g., red (R)) is disposed overlapping therewith, a second subpixel, in which a second color filter that transmits a second color (e.g., green (G)) is disposed overlapping therewith, and a third subpixel, in which a third color filter that transmits a third color (e.g., blue (B)) is disposed overlapping therewith. In this case, the first region A1 and the second region A2 may be composed of the first subpixel, the second subpixel, and the third subpixel as one unit. Alternatively, the display panel DISP may be composed of, for example, a spontaneously emitting organic EL display device.

[0081] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. The contents disclosed in the embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, appropriate modifications made within the scope of the present disclosure naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 3 LCD 7 Display area 7a 1st page 7b 2nd side 11 Light source 11R 1st light source 11G 2nd light source 11B Third light source 70 Image processing circuit 100 display device A1 1st area A2 2nd area AA Character information display area AAa Text information display area (first page) AAb Text information display area (second page) CHAR1a First character information CHAR1b First character information (mirror image) CHAR2a Second character information (mirror image) CHAR2b Second character information DPM Display Panel Module DISP Display panel DIM1 1st dimming panel DIM2 Second Dimming Panel dir1 1st viewing direction dir2 2nd line of sight direction L light source device Pix S1 First light blocking pattern S2 Second light blocking pattern

Claims

1. a display panel having a display area in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and an image obtained by viewing the display area in a plan view from one direction can be viewed from another direction; a first light control panel provided on one surface of the display panel and configured to make at least a portion of the display panel invisible; a second light control panel provided on the other side of the display panel and configured to make at least a portion of the display panel invisible; Equipped with Display device.

2. At least one of the first and second dimming panels is provided with an electrochromic layer that overlaps the display area. The display device according to claim 1 .

3. At least one of the first and second light control panels is provided with a liquid crystal layer overlapping the display area. The display device according to claim 1 .

4. an area made visible by the first light control panel and an area made invisible by the second light control panel overlap in a line of sight direction; The display device according to claim 1 .

5. an area made invisible by the first light control panel and an area made visible by the second light control panel overlap in a line of sight direction; The display device according to claim 1 .

6. a first region that is made visible by the first dimming panel and invisible by the second dimming panel, and a second region that is made invisible by the first dimming panel and made visible by the second dimming panel, are arranged alternately in the first direction and the second direction; The display device according to claim 1 .

7. the first region and the second region each include at least one pixel in the first direction; the first region and the second region each include at least one pixel in the second direction; The display device according to claim 6.

8. In a plan view, the first region and the second region overlap each other in a predetermined range including a boundary line between the first region and the second region. The display device according to claim 7 .

9. a first region that is made visible by the first dimming panel and invisible by the second dimming panel, and a second region that is made invisible by the first dimming panel and made visible by the second dimming panel, are alternately arranged in the first direction; The display device according to claim 1 .

10. the first region and the second region each include at least one pixel in the first direction; The display device according to claim 9 .

11. In a plan view, the first region and the second region overlap each other in a predetermined range including a boundary line between the first region and the second region. The display device according to claim 10.

12. a first region that is made visible by the first dimming panel and invisible by the second dimming panel, and a second region that is made invisible by the first dimming panel and made visible by the second dimming panel, are alternately arranged in the second direction; The display device according to claim 1 .

13. the first region and the second region each include at least one pixel in the second direction; The display device according to claim 12.

14. In a plan view, the first region and the second region overlap each other in a predetermined range including a boundary line between the first region and the second region. The display device according to claim 13.

Images