Indication device

Abstract

To improve the visibility of a virtual image in a display device that allows one of two different images to be perceived as a virtual image. [Solution] The display device 1 includes a first light source device 10 that emits a first emitted light SL1 along a first direction W1, a second light source device 20 that emits a second emitted light SL2 along a second direction W2 different from the first direction W1, and a liquid crystal panel 30 into which the first emitted light SL1 and the second emitted light SL2 are incident. The liquid crystal panel 30 modulates the first emitted light SL1 and emits it toward the light-transmitting body 2 toward the first direction W1 as a third emitted light SL3 corresponding to the first image G1, and modulates the second emitted light SL2 to display the second image G2 on the display surface 30a. The brightness of the first emitted light SL1 is higher than the brightness of the second emitted light SL2.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As an example of a display device, Patent Document 1 discloses an information display device having a display that can display two pieces of information on one screen. In the display device of Patent Document 1, one piece of information is obtained by directly viewing the display, and the other piece of information is obtained through a projection surface located above the display surface of the display.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the display device of Patent Document 1, the information obtained through the projection surface is visually recognized as a virtual image. The virtual image is difficult to visually recognize, for example, when the surroundings are bright, such as during the day.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to improve the visibility of a virtual image in a display device capable of visually recognizing one of two different images as a virtual image.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The display device of this disclosure comprises a first light source device that emits first emitted light along a first direction, a second light source device that emits second emitted light along a second direction different from the first direction, and a liquid crystal panel into which the first emitted light and the second emitted light are incident, wherein the liquid crystal panel modulates the first emitted light and emits it toward a translucent material toward the first direction as third emitted light corresponding to a first image, and modulates the second emitted light to display a second image on the display surface, and the brightness of the first emitted light is higher than the brightness of the second emitted light. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a display device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of the first light source device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first light source device along the line III-III shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the second light source device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first and second prism sheets along the VV line shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram of the liquid crystal panel shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a plan view of the liquid crystal panel shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the arrangement of the first and second subpixels as shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the circuit configuration of the liquid crystal panel shown in Figure 7. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal panel shown in Figure 7. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a plan view of the parallax barrier shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the luminance distribution of the first and second emitted light. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a display device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the second light source device shown in Figure 13. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows the arrangement of the first subpixel and the second subpixel in the liquid crystal panel of a display device according to a modified example of each embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a plan view of a parallax barrier in a liquid crystal panel of a display device according to a modified example of each embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the components described below include those that are readily conceivable to those skilled in the art, and those that are substantially the same. In addition, the components described below can be combined as appropriate.

[0009] Furthermore, the disclosure is merely an example, and any modifications that a person skilled in the art could easily conceive of while maintaining the spirit of this disclosure are naturally included within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part in order to clarify the explanation, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of this disclosure. In addition, in this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those described above in previously shown drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] The X, Y, and Z directions shown in the drawings represent the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions of the display device 1. The X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other. In the X direction, the side indicated by the arrow is the +X side, and the opposite side is the -X side. In the Y direction, the side indicated by the arrow is the +Y side, and the opposite side is the -Y side. In the Z direction, the side indicated by the arrow is the +Z side (up), and the opposite side is the -Z side (down). Note that the X, Y, and Z directions are examples, and this disclosure is not limited to these directions.

[0011] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a display device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] The display device 1 projects a first image onto a light-transmitting body 2 so that an observer M can visually recognize a virtual image VG corresponding to the first image. The light-transmitting body 2 is plate-shaped and has light-transmitting properties. The light-transmitting body 2 is, for example, a windshield and a combiner of a vehicle, but it is needless to say that it is not limited to the windshield and the combiner, and any configuration can be used as long as an image output by the display device 1 can be projected.

[0013] Further, the display device 1 displays a second image on a display surface 30a of a liquid crystal panel 30 described later. The observer M can visually recognize the second image by looking at the display surface 30a.

[0014] The display device 1 includes a first light source device 10, a second light source device 20, and a liquid crystal panel 30.

[0015] The first light source device 10 is disposed on the -Z side of the liquid crystal panel 30. The first light source device 10 emits first emitted light SL1. The optical axis of the first emitted light SL1 extends along a first direction W1. The first direction W1 is parallel to the Z direction. Note that the first direction W1 may be inclined with respect to the Z direction.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the first light source device 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first light source device 10 taken along line III-III shown in FIG. 2.

[0017] The first light source device 10 is a so-called direct-lit backlight. The first light source device 10 includes a housing 11, a plurality of first light emitters 12, a first lens 13, and a plate-shaped second lens 14 (corresponding to a "lens").

[0018] Multiple first light-emitting elements 12 are arranged on a substrate 15 located at the bottom of the housing 11. The multiple first light-emitting elements 12 are arranged in a row along a direction perpendicular to the first direction W1 (the Y direction in this first embodiment). The first light-emitting elements 12 are, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The first light-emitting elements 12 emit first light L1 toward the first lens 13.

[0019] Multiple first lenses 13 are housed in the housing 11. The number of first lenses 13 is equal to the number of first light emitters 12. The first lenses 13 are arranged so as to overlap with the first light emitters 12 in the Z direction. The first lenses 13 are diffusion lenses. The first lenses 13 diffuse the first light L1 emitted from the first light emitters 12 in the X and Y directions, respectively, and emit it towards the second lens 14. In the first lens 13, the degree of diffusion of the first light L1 in the X direction is greater than the degree of diffusion of the first light L1 in the Y direction. This makes it possible to equalize the distribution of the first light L1 incident on the second lens 14.

[0020] The second lens 14 refracts the first light L1 emitted from the first lens 13 to make it parallel light along the first direction W1 (Z direction). The second lens 14 is, for example, a Fresnel lens composed of multiple convex lenses. The parallel light emitted from the second lens 14 corresponds to the first emitted light SL1 of the first light source device 10. In other words, the second lens 14 refracts the first light L1 emitted from the first light emitter 12 so that it is along the first direction W1 and emits it as the first emitted light SL1. The first emitted light SL1 travels along the first direction W1.

[0021] As described above, when the first light source device 10 is equipped with the second lens 14, the degree of diffusion of the first emitted light SL1 can be reduced compared to when the first light source device 10 is not equipped with the second lens 14, and the brightness of the first emitted light SL1 can be increased. Note that the first light source device 10 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the first lens 13.

[0022] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the second light source device 20 shown in Figure 1. The first light source direction DL1, the second light source direction DL2, and the third light source direction DL3 shown in the drawing are orthogonal to each other and correspond to the width direction, depth direction, and vertical direction of the second light source device 20, respectively. In the first light source direction DL1, the side indicated by the arrow corresponds to the +DL1 side of the second light source device 20, and the opposite side corresponds to the -DL1 side of the second light source device 20. In the second light source direction DL2, the side indicated by the arrow corresponds to the +DL2 side of the second light source device 20, and the opposite side corresponds to the -DL2 side of the second light source device 20. In the third light source direction DL3, the side indicated by the arrow corresponds to the +DL3 side (upper side) of the second light source device 20, and the opposite side corresponds to the -DL3 side (lower side) of the second light source device 20. Note that the first light source direction DL1, the second light source direction DL2, and the third light source direction DL3 are examples, and this disclosure is not limited to these directions.

[0023] The second light source device 20 is a so-called side-light type backlight. The second light source device 20 comprises a second light emitter 21, a light guide 22, a reflective sheet 23, a diffusion sheet 24, a first prism sheet 25, and a second prism sheet 26. The first prism sheet 25 and the second prism sheet 26 correspond to "prism sheets".

[0024] There are multiple second light-emitting elements 21, which are arranged along the direction DL2 of the second light source. The second light-emitting elements 21 are, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The second light-emitting elements 21 emit second light L2 toward the light guide 22.

[0025] The light guide 22 is plate-shaped and has a side plate surface 22a, a first plate surface 22b (corresponding to the "plate surface"), and a second plate surface 22c opposite to the first plate surface 22b. The side plate surface 22a is the surface of the light guide 22 facing the -DL1 side. The first plate surface 22b is the surface of the light guide 22 facing the +DL3 side. The second plate surface 22c is the surface of the light guide 22 facing the -DL3 side. The first plate surface 22b and the second plate surface 22c are perpendicular to the third light source direction DL3. The light guide 22 has a plurality of protrusions 22d on the second plate surface 22c.

[0026] The light guide 22 is translucent. The second light L2 emitted from the second light emitter 21 enters the light guide 22 from the side plate surface 22a. The second light L2 that enters the light guide 22 is reflected by the inner surface of the light guide 22. The second light L2 is reflected by the convex portion 22d and exits from the first plate surface 22b. In other words, the shape and position of the convex portion 22d are determined so that the second light L2 exits from the first plate surface 22b. The convex portion 22d has a semicircular cross-section, but it may also have a triangular cross-section.

[0027] The reflective sheet 23 is positioned on the second plate surface 22c side of the light guide 22. It is a metal film with relatively high reflectivity, such as aluminum or silver. The reflective sheet 23 reflects the second light L2 emitted from the second plate surface 22c towards the light guide 22. The reflective sheet 23 suppresses the decrease in brightness of the second light L2 emitted from the first plate surface 22b.

[0028] The diffusion sheet 24 is placed on the first plate surface 22b side of the light guide 22. The diffusion sheet 24 diffuses the second light L2 emitted from the first plate surface 22b. The diffusion sheet 24 can make the brightness of the second light L2 emitted from the first plate surface 22b more uniform.

[0029] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first prism sheet 25 and the second prism sheet 26 along the VV line shown in Figure 4.

[0030] The first prism sheet 25 and the second prism sheet 26 shown in Figures 4 and 5 refract the second light L2 emitted from the first plate surface 22b so that it is aligned with the second direction W2, and emits it as the second emitted light SL2. The optical axis of the second emitted light SL2 is aligned with the second direction W2. In this first embodiment, the second direction W2 is parallel to the third light source direction DL3.

[0031] The first prism sheet 25 is positioned on the +DL3 side of the light guide 22 and the diffusion sheet 24. The first prism sheet 25 has a plate-shaped first base portion 25a and a plurality of first prism portions 25b.

[0032] Multiple first prism sections 25b are arranged on the +DL3 side surface of the first base section 25a. The multiple first prism sections 25b have a triangular cross-section, extend along the second light source direction DL2, and are arranged so that their bases B1 are adjacent to each other along the first light source direction DL1. The cross-sectional shape of the first prism section 25b is an isosceles triangle. That is, in the cross-sectional shape of the first prism section 25b, the first base angle θ1 and the second base angle θ2 are equal to each other. Furthermore, the first base angle θ1 and the second base angle θ2 are determined so that the second light L2 is refracted in the second direction W2 in the first light source direction DL1 by the first prism section 25b.

[0033] In other words, the first prism sheet 25 refracts the second light L2 in the second direction W2 in the direction DL1 of the first light source. To put it another way, when viewed along the direction DL2 of the second light source, the first prism sheet 25 refracts the second light L2 in the second direction W2.

[0034] The second prism sheet 26 is positioned on the +DL3 side of the first prism sheet 25. The second prism sheet 26 has a plate-shaped second base portion 26a and a plurality of second prism portions 26b.

[0035] Multiple second prism sections 26b are arranged on the +DL3 side surface of the second base section 26a. The multiple second prism sections 26b have a triangular cross-section, extend along the first light source direction DL1, and are arranged so that their bases B2 are adjacent to each other along the second light source direction DL2. The cross-sectional shape of the second prism section 26b is an isosceles triangle. That is, in the cross-sectional shape of the second prism section 26b, the third base angle θ3 and the fourth base angle θ4 are equal to each other. Furthermore, the third base angle θ3 and the fourth base angle θ4 are determined so that the second light L2 is refracted in the second direction W2 in the second light source direction DL2 by the second prism section 26b.

[0036] In other words, the second prism sheet 26 refracts the second light L2 in the second direction W2 in the second light source direction DL2. To put it another way, when viewed along the first light source direction DL1, the second prism sheet 26 refracts the second light L2 in the second direction W2. The second light L2 emitted from the second prism sheet 26 corresponds to the second emitted light SL2.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the second light source device 20 is positioned in the Z direction so as not to overlap with the first light source device 10 and the liquid crystal panel 30, and is located on the -X side of the liquid crystal panel 30. The second light source device 20 is positioned such that the first direction W1 and the second direction W2 are different from each other. Specifically, the second light source device 20 is positioned such that the second light source direction DL2 is parallel to the Y direction and the third light source direction DL3 is inclined with respect to the Z direction. In this way, the second light source device 20 emits the second emitted light SL2 along the second direction W2, which is different from the first direction W1.

[0038] As described above, the first light source device 10 is a direct-type backlight, and the second light source device 20 is a side-light type backlight. Therefore, the brightness of the first emitted light SL1 of the first light source device 10 is higher than the brightness of the second emitted light SL2 of the second light source device 20.

[0039] Specifically, the brightness and number of the first light emitters 12, the brightness and number of the second light emitters 21, and the specifications of the light guide 22, reflective sheet 23, diffusion sheet 24, and the first prism sheet 25 and second prism sheet 26 are determined so that the brightness of the first emitted light SL1 is higher than the brightness of the second emitted light SL2. In addition, the brightness of the first emitted light SL1 can be increased by the second lens 14 of the first light source device 10.

[0040] Furthermore, the degree of diffusion of the second emitted light SL2 is greater than the degree of diffusion of the first emitted light SL1. Specifically, the characteristics of the second lens 14, the light guide 22, the diffusion sheet 24, and the specifications of the first prism sheet 25 and the second prism sheet 26 are determined so that the degree of diffusion of the second emitted light SL2 is greater than the degree of diffusion of the first emitted light SL1.

[0041] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram of the liquid crystal panel 30 shown in Figure 1. In the display area DA of the liquid crystal panel 30, the first image G1 and the second image G2 are simultaneously displayed across the entire display area DA with different viewing angles.

[0042] Figure 7 is a plan view of the liquid crystal panel 30 shown in Figure 1. The first panel direction DP1, the second panel direction DP2, and the third panel direction DP3 shown in the drawing are orthogonal to each other and correspond to the width direction, depth direction, and vertical direction of the liquid crystal panel 30, respectively. In the first panel direction DP1, the side indicated by the arrow corresponds to the +DP1 side of the liquid crystal panel 30, and the opposite side corresponds to the -DP1 side of the liquid crystal panel 30. In the second panel direction DP2, the side indicated by the arrow corresponds to the +DP2 side of the liquid crystal panel 30, and the opposite side corresponds to the -DP2 side of the liquid crystal panel 30. In the third panel direction DP3, the side indicated by the arrow corresponds to the +DP3 side (upper side) of the liquid crystal panel 30, and the opposite side corresponds to the -DP3 side (lower side) of the liquid crystal panel 30. Note that the first panel direction DP1, the second panel direction DP2, and the third panel direction DP3 are examples, and this disclosure is not limited to these directions.

[0043] The liquid crystal panel 30 is positioned such that the second panel direction DP2 is parallel to the Y direction, and the third panel direction DP3 is tilted to the first direction W1 (see Figure 1). Alternatively, the liquid crystal panel 30 may be positioned such that the third panel direction DP3 is tilted to the second direction W2.

[0044] The liquid crystal panel 30 displays an image based on an image signal output from an external device (e.g., a car navigation system) that is electrically connected via a flexible wiring board (not shown).

[0045] The liquid crystal panel 30 is a transmissive liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal panel 30 may also be, for example, an organic EL display or an inorganic EL display. As shown in Figure 7, the liquid crystal panel 30 has a display area DA on its display surface 30a where an image is displayed. The display surface 30a is flat and planar. The display surface 30a is perpendicular to the third panel direction DP3.

[0046] The liquid crystal panel 30 has a plurality of pixels P arranged in a matrix in a planar view. The row direction is parallel to the first panel direction DP1. The column direction is parallel to the second panel direction DP2. In a planar view of the liquid crystal panel 30, the plurality of pixels P overlap with the display area DA. The pixel P includes multiple first pixels P1 and multiple second pixels P2.

[0047] The first pixel P1 is the pixel corresponding to the first image G1. The first pixel P1 has a first sub-pixel SP1a, a second first sub-pixel SP1b, and a third first sub-pixel SP1c. The first first sub-pixel SP1a is a red sub-pixel. The second first sub-pixel SP1b is a green sub-pixel. The third first sub-pixel SP1c is a blue sub-pixel. Hereafter, when describing the first first sub-pixel SP1a, the second first sub-pixel SP1b, and the third first sub-pixel SP1c without distinction, they will simply be referred to as "first sub-pixel SP1".

[0048] The second pixel P2 is the pixel corresponding to the second image G2. The second pixel P2 has a first second sub-pixel SP2a, a second second sub-pixel SP2b, and a third second sub-pixel SP2c. The first second sub-pixel SP2a is a red sub-pixel. The second second sub-pixel SP2b is a green sub-pixel. The third second sub-pixel SP2c is a blue sub-pixel. Hereafter, when describing the first second sub-pixel SP2a, the second second sub-pixel SP2b, and the third second sub-pixel SP2c without distinction, they will simply be referred to as "second sub-pixel SP2".

[0049] Thus, the first pixel P1 has three first subpixels SP1, and the second pixel P2 has three second subpixels SP2. Needless to say, the number and color of the first subpixels SP1, and the number and color of the second subpixels SP2, are not limited to the above.

[0050] Figure 8 shows the arrangement of the first subpixel SP1 and the second subpixel SP2 as shown in Figure 7. In Figure 8, the first subpixel SP1 is marked with a rectangular shape indicated by a dashed line, and the second subpixel SP2 is marked with a rectangular shape indicated by a dotted line.

[0051] The first pixel P1 and the second pixel P2 are arranged along the row direction (first panel direction DP1), respectively. Furthermore, the first pixel P1 and the second pixel P2 are arranged in a zigzag pattern along the column direction (second panel direction DP2), respectively.

[0052] In the row direction, focusing on the first pixel P1, the first sub-pixel SP1a, the third sub-pixel SP1c, and the second sub-pixel SP1b are repeatedly arranged in this order. Also, in the row direction, focusing on the second pixel P2, the second sub-pixel SP2b, the first sub-pixel SP2a, and the third sub-pixel SP2c are repeatedly arranged in this order.

[0053] Furthermore, the first subpixel SP1 and the second subpixel SP2 are arranged alternately along the row direction. That is, in the row direction, the first subpixel SP1 and the second subpixel SP2 are adjacent to each other. Specifically, in the row direction, the first first subpixel SP1a is adjacent to at least one of the second second subpixel SP2b and the third second subpixel SP2c. Also, in the row direction, the second first subpixel SP1b is adjacent to at least one of the third second subpixel SP2c and the first second subpixel SP2a. Furthermore, in the row direction, the third first subpixel SP1c is adjacent to at least one of the first second subpixel SP2a and the second second subpixel SP2b.

[0054] Furthermore, in the row direction, the first second subpixel SP2a is adjacent to at least one of the second first subpixel SP1b and the third first subpixel SP1c. Also, in the row direction, the second second subpixel SP2b is adjacent to at least one of the third first subpixel SP1c and the first first subpixel SP1a. Moreover, in the row direction, the third second subpixel SP2c is adjacent to at least one of the first first subpixel SP1a and the second first subpixel SP1b.

[0055] Furthermore, the first subpixel SP1 and the second subpixel SP2 are arranged alternately along the column direction. That is, the first subpixel SP1 and the second subpixel SP2 are adjacent to each other in the column direction. Specifically, the first first subpixel SP1a and the first second subpixel SP2a are arranged alternately along the column direction. The second first subpixel SP1b and the second second subpixel SP2b are arranged alternately along the column direction. The third first subpixel SP1c and the third second subpixel SP2c are arranged alternately along the column direction.

[0056] Figure 9 shows the circuit configuration of the liquid crystal panel 30 shown in Figure 7. The liquid crystal panel 30 includes a drive circuit 31, and switching elements SW, sub-pixel electrodes PE, common electrodes CE, liquid crystal capacitors LC, and holding capacitors CS, which are present in the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2, respectively. The first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 are configured similarly.

[0057] The drive circuit 31 drives the liquid crystal panel 30. The drive circuit 31 includes a signal processing circuit 31a, a signal output circuit 31b, and a scanning circuit 31c.

[0058] The signal processing circuit 31a outputs a first sub-pixel signal indicating the gradation of the first sub-pixel SP1 and a second sub-pixel signal indicating the gradation of the second sub-pixel SP2 to the signal output circuit 31b based on the image signal transmitted from an external device. The signal processing circuit 31a also outputs a clock signal to the signal output circuit 31b and the scanning circuit 31c to synchronize the operation of the signal output circuit 31b and the scanning circuit 31c.

[0059] The signal output circuit 31b outputs the first sub-pixel signal to the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel signal to the second sub-pixel SP2. The signal output circuit 31b and the first sub-pixel SP1 and second sub-pixel SP2 are electrically connected via a plurality of signal lines Lb that extend along the second panel direction DP2.

[0060] The scanning circuit 31c scans the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 in synchronization with the output of the first sub-pixel signal and the second sub-pixel signal by the signal output circuit 31b. The scanning circuit 31c and the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 are electrically connected via a plurality of scan lines Lc that extend along the first panel direction DP1.

[0061] In a plan view of the display surface 30a, the region demarcated by two adjacent signal lines Lb in the first panel direction DP1 and two adjacent scan lines Lc in the second panel direction DP2 corresponds to either the first sub-pixel SP1 or the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0062] A switching element SW is composed of, for example, a thin-film transistor (TFT). In a switching element SW, the source electrode and the signal line Lb are electrically connected, and the gate electrode and the scan line Lc are electrically connected.

[0063] The sub-pixel electrode PE is connected to the drain electrode of the switching element SW. Multiple common electrodes CE are arranged to correspond to multiple scan lines Lc. Both the sub-pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE are translucent.

[0064] The liquid crystal capacitance LC is the capacitance component of the liquid crystal material in the liquid crystal layer 33, which will be described later, located between the sub-pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. The retained capacitance CS is located between the electrode at the same potential as the common electrode CE and the electrode at the same potential as the sub-pixel electrode PE.

[0065] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal panel 30 shown in Figure 7. The liquid crystal panel 30 further comprises a first substrate 32, a liquid crystal layer 33, and a second substrate 34. The first substrate 32, the liquid crystal layer 33, and the second substrate 34 are all translucent and are arranged in this order along the third panel direction DP3 from the -DP3 side to the +DP3 side. The first substrate 32 and the second substrate 34 are rectangular in plan view. However, the plan view shape of the first substrate 32 and the second substrate 34 may be a shape other than rectangular, such as a circle or a trapezoid.

[0066] A common electrode CE is placed on the main surface 32a of the first substrate 32 on the +DP3 side. An insulating layer IL is placed on the +DP3 side of the common electrode CE, and furthermore, a sub-pixel electrode PE and an alignment film AL are placed thereon.

[0067] The sub-pixel electrode PE is positioned between the insulating layer IL and the alignment layer AL. Thus, the common electrode CE and the sub-pixel electrode PE are positioned on the first substrate 32. In other words, the liquid crystal panel 30 is a transverse electric field type liquid crystal display.

[0068] The second substrate 34 is located on the +DP3 side of the first substrate 32. On the lower surface 34b side of the second substrate 34, the overcoat layer OC, the first color filter CF1, the second color filter CF2, the light-shielding film SM, and the alignment film AL are arranged. The light-shielding film SM, the first color filter CF1, the second color filter CF2, and the overcoat layer OC are arranged between the second substrate 34 and the alignment film AL.

[0069] The overcoat layer OC is formed from a translucent material.

[0070] The first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 are placed between the second substrate 34 and the liquid crystal layer 33. The first color filter CF1 is a color filter included in the first sub-pixel SP1. The second color filter CF2 is a color filter included in the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0071] The first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 are rectangular in plan view. The first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 are light-transmitting, and the peaks of the spectrum of the light they transmit are predetermined. These spectral peaks correspond to the colors of the first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2. In other words, the light transmitted through the first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 is colored. Note that the plan view shapes of the first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 may be changed to match the shapes of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0072] The color of the first color filter CF1 is the same as the color of the first sub-pixel SP1. The color of the second color filter CF2 is the same as the color of the second sub-pixel SP2. In other words, the first red sub-pixel SP1a has a red first color filter CF1, the second green sub-pixel SP1b has a green first color filter CF1, and the third blue sub-pixel SP1c has a blue first color filter CF1. Also, the first red sub-pixel SP2a has a red second color filter CF2, the second green sub-pixel SP2b has a green second color filter CF2, and the third blue sub-pixel SP2c has a blue second color filter CF2.

[0073] The light-shielding film SM has light-shielding properties and, in a plan view of the display surface 30a, it overlaps with the boundaries of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 that are adjacent to each other in the first panel direction DP1 and the second panel direction DP2. In other words, the light-shielding film SM overlaps with the signal line Lb and the scan line Lc in a plan view of the display surface 30a. Note that the signal line Lb and the scan line Lc are not shown in Figure 9. The signal line Lb and the scan line Lc are located on the main surface 32a of the first substrate 32. Also, in Figure 8, the solid lines that demarcate the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 correspond to the light-shielding film SM. Furthermore, the periphery of the first color filter CF1 and the periphery of the second color filter CF2 overlap with the light-shielding film SM in a plan view of the display surface 30a.

[0074] As shown in Figure 10, the liquid crystal layer 33 is located between the first substrate 32 and the second substrate 34. The liquid crystal layer 33 contains multiple liquid crystal molecules LM. The liquid crystal layer 33 overlaps with the display area DA in a plan view of the display surface 30a. Specifically, the liquid crystal layer 33 is located between two opposing alignment films AL. The initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules LM is determined by the two opposing alignment films AL.

[0075] Furthermore, the liquid crystal panel 30 further comprises a first polarizing plate 35, a second polarizing plate 36, and a parallax barrier 37.

[0076] The first polarizing plate 35 is positioned on the lower surface 32b of the first substrate 32. The -D3 side of the first polarizing plate 35 corresponds to the lower surface of the liquid crystal panel 30. As shown in Figure 1, the lower surface of the liquid crystal panel 30 faces the first light source device 10. The first emitted light SL1 is incident on the liquid crystal panel 30 from below along the first direction W1, and the second emitted light SL2 is incident on the liquid crystal panel 30 from below along the second direction W2.

[0077] As shown in Figure 10, the second polarizing plate 36 is positioned on the upper surface 34a of the second substrate 34. The transmission axis of the second polarizing plate 36 is perpendicular to the transmission axis of the first polarizing plate 35. The +DP3 side of the second polarizing plate 36 corresponds to the display surface 30a.

[0078] The parallax barrier 37 is positioned between the second substrate 34 and the second polarizing plate 36. The parallax barrier 37 is plate-shaped. On the second substrate 34, the parallax barrier 37 is positioned on the side opposite to the surface (top surface 34a) facing the first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 (bottom surface 34b). The parallax barrier 37 has a plurality of openings 37a and light-shielding portions 37b.

[0079] Aperture 37a allows light that has passed through the first color filter CF1 of the first subpixel SP1 to pass through, specifically light that travels along the first direction W1. The first direction W1 is shown by a solid line in Figure 10. Aperture 37a also allows light that has passed through the second color filter CF2 of the second subpixel SP2 to pass through, specifically light that travels along the second direction W2. The second direction W2 is shown by a dashed line in Figure 10.

[0080] Figure 11 is a plan view of the parallax barrier 37 shown in Figure 10. In Figure 11, the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 are shown by dashed lines. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the multiple apertures 37a each overlap with the first color filter CF1 of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second color filter CF2 of the second pixel P2, which are adjacent to each other in the row direction, in a plan view of the display surface 30a. In the plan view shown in Figure 11, the multiple apertures 37a each overlap with the -DP1 side of the first color filter CF1 and the +DP1 side of the second color filter CF2, respectively.

[0081] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the multiple openings 37a are arranged along the row direction in a plan view of the display surface 30a. In addition, the multiple openings 37a are arranged in a zigzag pattern along the column direction in a plan view.

[0082] The light-shielding portion 37b shown in Figures 10 and 11 is made of a material with high light absorption (for example, metallic chromium (Cr), chromium oxide (CrO2), resin, etc.). The light-shielding portion 37b blocks the light that travels along the second direction W2 from the light that has passed through the first color filter CF1 of the first sub-pixel SP1. In addition, the light-shielding portion 37b blocks the light that travels along the first direction W1 from the light that has passed through the second color filter CF2 of the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0083] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the first substrate 32 has an exposed portion E that is exposed from the second substrate 34 in a plan view. The exposed portion E is located on the -DP2 side of the second substrate 34 in a plan view. An IC chip Ti including a drive circuit 31 is placed on the upper surface of the exposed portion E. The +DP3 side surface of the exposed portion E is part of the main surface 32a of the first substrate 32.

[0084] Next, the operation of the display device 1 will be described.

[0085] As shown in Figure 1, the first light source device 10 emits a first emitted light SL1 toward the liquid crystal panel 30 along a first direction W1. The second light source device 20 emits a second emitted light SL2 toward the liquid crystal panel 30 along a second direction W2.

[0086] The liquid crystal panel 30 shown in Figure 10, upon acquiring an image signal transmitted from an external device, displays the first image G1 and the second image G2 in the display area DA, as described below.

[0087] The image signal includes the gradation of the first sub-pixel SP1 corresponding to the first image G1, and the gradation of the second sub-pixel SP2 corresponding to the second image G2. As described above, the first sub-pixel signal indicating the gradation of the first sub-pixel SP1 is output to the first sub-pixel SP1, and the second sub-pixel signal indicating the gradation of the second sub-pixel SP2 is output to the second sub-pixel SP2.

[0088] A voltage corresponding to the gradation indicated by the first sub-pixel signal is applied to the liquid crystal layer 33 corresponding to the first sub-pixel SP1, causing the liquid crystal molecules LM to tilt. The degree of tilt of the liquid crystal molecules LM changes according to the gradation indicated by the first sub-pixel signal. The first emitted light SL1 and the second emitted light SL2 that pass through the liquid crystal layer 33 corresponding to the first sub-pixel SP1 are modulated to the gradation indicated by the first sub-pixel signal. Furthermore, the first emitted light SL1 and the second emitted light SL2 that have passed through the liquid crystal layer 33 corresponding to the first sub-pixel SP1 are colored by passing through the first color filter CF1. The first emitted light SL1 and the second emitted light SL2 that have passed through the liquid crystal panel 30 via the first color filter CF1 correspond to the first image G1.

[0089] Of the first and second emitted light SL2 that have passed through the first color filter CF1, the second emitted light SL2 travels along the second direction W2 and is blocked by the light-shielding portion 37b. Therefore, the second emitted light SL2 that has passed through the first color filter CF1 is not visible.

[0090] Meanwhile, of the first and second emitted light SL1 and SL2 that have passed through the first color filter CF1, the first emitted light SL1 travels along the first direction W1, passes through the opening 37a of the parallax barrier 37, and is emitted to the outside from the display surface 30a. Hereinafter, the first emitted light SL1 emitted from the display surface 30a will be referred to as the third emitted light SL3.

[0091] The third emitted light SL3 corresponds to the first image G1. The third emitted light SL3 travels toward the light-transmitting material 2 along the first direction W1 (see Figure 1). In this way, the liquid crystal panel 30 modulates the first emitted light SL1 and emits it toward the light-transmitting material 2 in the first direction W1 as the third emitted light SL3 corresponding to the first image G1.

[0092] Furthermore, a voltage corresponding to the gradation indicated by the second sub-pixel signal is applied to the liquid crystal layer 33 corresponding to the second sub-pixel SP2, causing the liquid crystal molecules LM to tilt. The degree of tilt of the liquid crystal molecules LM changes according to the gradation indicated by the second sub-pixel signal. The first emitted light SL1 and the second emitted light SL2 that pass through the liquid crystal layer 33 corresponding to the second sub-pixel SP2 are modulated to the gradation indicated by the second sub-pixel signal. In addition, the first emitted light SL1 and the second emitted light SL2 that have passed through the liquid crystal layer 33 corresponding to the second sub-pixel SP2 are colored by passing through the second color filter CF2. The first emitted light SL1 and the second emitted light SL2 that have passed through the liquid crystal panel 30 via the second color filter CF2 correspond to the second image G2.

[0093] Of the first and second emitted light SL1 and SL2 that have passed through the second color filter CF2, the first emitted light SL1 travels along the first direction W1 and is blocked by the light-shielding portion 37b. Therefore, of the first and second emitted light SL1 and SL2 that have passed through the second color filter CF2, the first emitted light SL1 traveling along the first direction W1 is not visible.

[0094] Meanwhile, of the first and second emitted light SL1 and SL2 that have passed through the second color filter CF2, the second emitted light SL2 travels along the second direction W2, passes through the opening 37a of the parallax barrier 37, and is emitted to the outside from the display surface 30a. In other words, the second emitted light SL2 is visible as the second image G2. That is, the liquid crystal panel 30 modulates the second emitted light SL2 and displays the second image G2 on the display surface 30a.

[0095] Thus, the parallax barrier 37 allows the first emitted light SL1 that passes through the first subpixel SP1 to pass through, and the second emitted light SL2 that passes through the second subpixel SP2 to pass through, while blocking the second emitted light SL2 that passes through the first subpixel SP1 and the first emitted light SL1 that passes through the second subpixel SP2. Due to the parallax barrier 37, the viewing angles of the first image G1 and the second image G2 are different from each other.

[0096] As shown in Figure 1, observer M directly views the second image G2 on the display surface 30a. However, observer M cannot directly view the first image G1 on the display surface 30a.

[0097] The third emitted light SL3, projected from the display surface 30a, travels along the first direction W1 toward the translucent body 2 and is projected by the translucent body 2. Observer M, directing their line of sight Lv toward the third emitted light SL3 projected onto the translucent body 2, perceives the first image G1 as a virtual image VG.

[0098] Figure 12 shows the luminance distribution of the first emitted light SL1 and the second emitted light SL2. The vertical axis in Figure 12 represents luminance. The horizontal axis in Figure 12 represents the viewing angle in the first panel direction DP1. A viewing angle of 0° means that the liquid crystal panel 30 is viewed along the third panel direction DP3, with the display surface 30a being viewed.

[0099] Angle θt is the angle between the third panel direction DP3 and the first direction W1, and angle θa is the angle between the third panel direction DP3 and the second direction W2 (see Figure 1). Also, the luminance and diffusion degree of the first emitted light SL1 are equal to the luminance and diffusion degree of the third emitted light SL3.

[0100] As described above, the brightness of the first emitted light SL1 (third emitted light SL3) is higher than the brightness of the second emitted light SL2. Therefore, the visibility of the virtual image VG corresponding to the first emitted light SL1 (third emitted light SL3) can be further improved in the display device 1. In addition, the observer M can view the second image G2 with appropriate brightness.

[0101] Furthermore, as described above, the degree of diffusion of the second emitted light SL2 is greater than the degree of diffusion of the first emitted light SL1 (third emitted light SL3). This makes it possible to make the field of view of the second image G2, which corresponds to the second emitted light SL2, larger than the field of view of the virtual image VG, which corresponds to the first emitted light SL1. Therefore, observer M can properly view the second image G2.

[0102] Furthermore, by adjusting the dispersion degree of the first emitted light SL1 and the dispersion degree of the second emitted light SL2, the field of view of the first image G1 corresponding to the first emitted light SL1 and the field of view of the second image G2 corresponding to the second emitted light SL2 can be prevented from overlapping. This suppresses the overlapping of the first image G1 and the second image G2 (so-called crosstalk) when the observer M views the display surface 30a from between the first panel direction DP1 and the second panel direction DP2.

[0103] In this first embodiment, the second light source device 20 does not necessarily have to include either the first prism sheet 25 or the second prism sheet 26.

[0104] <Second Embodiment> Next, the display device 1 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described in terms of how it differs from the display device 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0105] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the display device 1 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the second light source device 20 shown in Figure 13.

[0106] In this second embodiment, the first plate surface 22b is inclined with respect to the second direction W2. That is, the second direction W2 is inclined with respect to the third light source direction DL3. In this second embodiment, the second light source device 20 is arranged such that the first plate surface 22b is parallel to the first direction W1. Specifically, the second light source device 20 is arranged such that the third light source direction DL3 is perpendicular to the Z direction (the first light source direction DL1 is parallel to the Z direction). This makes it possible to miniaturize the display device 1.

[0107] The second light source device 20 of this second embodiment differs from the second light source device 20 of the first embodiment described above in the shape of the first prism sheet 125. The first prism sheet 125 has a plate-shaped first base portion 125a and a plurality of first prism portions 125b.

[0108] In the cross-sectional shape of the first prism section 125b, the first base angle θ1 is set to be smaller than the second base angle θ2. As a result, the first prism sheet 125 refracts the second light L2 in the second direction W2 in the first light source direction DL1.

[0109] Furthermore, the second prism sheet 26 refracts the second light L2 in the second light source direction DL2 towards the third light source direction DL3, similar to the second prism sheet 26 in the first embodiment described above. In other words, when viewed along the first light source direction DL1, the second prism sheet 26 refracts the second light L2 towards the third light source direction DL3.

[0110] In this second embodiment, the second light source device 20 does not necessarily have to include the second prism sheet 26.

[0111] While preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. The content disclosed in the embodiments is merely an example, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Any modifications made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure will naturally fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0112] For example, the first light source device 10 may be a side-light type backlight. In this case, the first light source device 10 may be configured in the same way as the second light source device 20.

[0113] Furthermore, the second light source device 20 may be a direct-lit backlight. In this case, the second light source device 20 may be configured in the same way as the first light source device 10.

[0114] Furthermore, the second light source device 20 does not necessarily have to include a diffusion sheet 24.

[0115] Furthermore, the degree of diffusion of the second emitted light SL2 may be equal to the degree of diffusion of the first emitted light SL1, or it may be less than the degree of diffusion of the first emitted light SL1.

[0116] Figure 15 shows the arrangement of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 in the liquid crystal panel 30 of a display device 1 according to a modified example of each embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] In this modified example, the first pixel P1 and the second pixel P2 are arranged along the row direction (first panel direction DP1) and the column direction (second panel direction DP2), respectively. Focusing on the first pixel P1 in the row direction, the first sub-pixel SP1a, the third sub-pixel SP1c, and the second sub-pixel SP1b are repeatedly arranged in this order. Similarly, focusing on the second pixel P2 in the row direction, the second sub-pixel SP2b, the first sub-pixel SP2a, and the third sub-pixel SP2c are repeatedly arranged in this order.

[0118] Furthermore, the first subpixel SP1 and the second subpixel SP2 are arranged alternately along the row direction. That is, in the row direction, the first subpixel SP1 and the second subpixel SP2 are adjacent to each other. Specifically, in the row direction, the first first subpixel SP1a is adjacent to at least one of the second second subpixel SP2b and the third second subpixel SP2c. Also, in the row direction, the second first subpixel SP1b is adjacent to at least one of the third second subpixel SP2c and the first second subpixel SP2a. Furthermore, in the row direction, the third first subpixel SP1c is adjacent to at least one of the first second subpixel SP2a and the second second subpixel SP2b.

[0119] Furthermore, in the row direction, the first second subpixel SP2a is adjacent to at least one of the second first subpixel SP1b and the third first subpixel SP1c. Also, in the row direction, the second second subpixel SP2b is adjacent to at least one of the third first subpixel SP1c and the first first subpixel SP1a. Moreover, in the row direction, the third second subpixel SP2c is adjacent to at least one of the first first subpixel SP1a and the second first subpixel SP1b.

[0120] Furthermore, multiple first subpixels SP1 are arranged along the column direction. Specifically, multiple first subpixels SP1a are arranged adjacent to each other along the column direction. Multiple second subpixels SP1b are arranged adjacent to each other along the column direction. Multiple third subpixels SP1c are arranged adjacent to each other along the column direction.

[0121] Furthermore, multiple second subpixels SP2 are arranged along the column direction. Specifically, multiple first second subpixels SP2a are arranged adjacent to each other along the column direction. Multiple second second subpixels SP2b are arranged adjacent to each other along the column direction. Multiple third second subpixels SP2c are arranged adjacent to each other along the column direction.

[0122] Figure 16 is a plan view of the parallax barrier 237 in the liquid crystal panel 30 of a display device 1 according to a modified example of each embodiment of the present disclosure. The parallax barrier 237 in this modified example corresponds to the arrangement of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 shown in Figure 15. The parallax barrier 237 has an opening 237a and a light-shielding portion 237b.

[0123] In Figure 16, the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 are shown by dashed lines. In this modified example, the multiple apertures 237a each overlap in plan view with one first color filter CF1 and one second color filter CF2 that are adjacent to each other in the row direction. In the plan view shown in Figure 16, similar to the embodiment described above, the multiple apertures 237a each overlap with the -DP1 side of the first color filter CF1 and the +DP1 side of the second color filter CF2, respectively.

[0124] The aperture 237a has a shape that extends along the column direction (second panel direction DP2). Multiple apertures 237a each overlap in a plan view with multiple first subpixels SP1 and multiple second subpixels SP2 arranged along the column direction. Multiple apertures 237a are arranged along the row direction (first panel direction DP1).

[0125] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the arrangement of the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the aperture 237a results in different viewing angles for the first image G1 and the second image G2, similar to the embodiment described above. In this modified example, the first sub-pixel SP1 and the second sub-pixel SP2 are also arranged across the entire display area DA. Therefore, the first image G1 and the second image G2 are displayed simultaneously across the entire display area DA.

[0126] In the parallax barrier 37 shown in Figure 16, the aperture 237a may be formed so as to overlap with one first subpixel SP1 and one second subpixel SP2 in a plan view in the column direction. In this case, multiple apertures 237a are arranged along the row direction (first panel direction DP1) and the column direction (second panel direction DP2), respectively.

[0127] Furthermore, any other effects and advantages brought about by the embodiments described herein that are obvious from the description herein or that can be appropriately conceived by a person skilled in the art are naturally provided for by this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 1 Display device 2 Translucent body 10 First light source device 12. First light-emitting element 14. Second lens (lens) 20 Second light source device 21. Second light-emitting element 22 Light guide 22a Side plate surface 22b 1st board surface (board surface) 24 Diffusion Sheets 25. First prism sheet (prism sheet) 26. Second prism sheet (prism sheet) 30 LCD panels 30a Display surface 37 Parallax Barrier L1 1st light L2 2nd light SL1 First emitted light SL2 2nd output light SL3 Third emitted light SP1 First subpixel SP2 2nd subpixel W1 1st direction W2 Second direction

Claims

1. A first light source device that emits first emitted light along a first direction, A second light source device that emits a second emitted light along a second direction different from the first direction, The system comprises a liquid crystal panel into which the first emitted light and the second emitted light are incident, The liquid crystal panel modulates the first emitted light and emits it toward the light-transmitting material in the first direction as a third emitted light corresponding to the first image, and modulates the second emitted light to display the second image on the display surface. The brightness of the first emitted light is higher than the brightness of the second emitted light. Display device.

2. The degree of diffusion of the second emitted light is greater than the degree of diffusion of the first emitted light. The display device according to claim 1.

3. The first light source device is Multiple first light emitters that emit first light, The device comprises a lens that refracts the first light along a first direction and emits it as the first emitted light, The display device according to claim 1.

4. The second light source device is Multiple second light emitters that emit second light, A light guide having a side plate surface into which the second light is incident, and a plate surface from which the second light incident from the side plate surface is emitted, The system comprises a prism sheet that refracts the second light emitted from the plate surface along a second direction and emits it as the second emitted light, The display device according to claim 1.

5. The plate surface is inclined with respect to the second direction, The second light source device is arranged such that the plate surface is parallel to the first direction. The display device according to claim 4.

6. The second light source device further comprises a diffusion sheet disposed on the plate surface side. The display device according to claim 4.

7. The aforementioned liquid crystal panel is In a planar view, they are arranged in a matrix, and include a plurality of first subpixels corresponding to the first image and a plurality of second subpixels corresponding to the second image, The device further comprises a parallax barrier that allows the first emitted light passing through the first sub-pixel and the second emitted light passing through the second sub-pixel to pass through, while blocking the second emitted light passing through the first sub-pixel and the first emitted light passing through the second sub-pixel. The display device according to claim 1.

Images