Indication device

Abstract

To provide a display device that can improve the quality of the display. [Solution] A display device according to one embodiment comprises a plurality of light-emitting units arranged in a first direction, a liquid crystal panel inclined with respect to the normal of the light-emitting surface of each of the plurality of light-emitting units, a prism sheet located between the plurality of light-emitting units and the liquid crystal panel and having a plurality of prisms on the side facing the plurality of light-emitting units, and a lens element located between the prism sheet and the liquid crystal panel and having a plurality of lenticular lenses arranged in a first direction on the side facing the liquid crystal panel. The plurality of light-emitting units are configured to emit illumination light from their light-emitting surfaces, the prism sheet is configured to split the illumination light into transmitted light and refracted light, the lens element is configured to diffuse the transmitted light and refracted light, and the liquid crystal panel is illuminated by the transmitted light and refracted light and is configured to display a first image based on the transmitted light and a second image based on the refracted light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device.

Background Art

[0002] In a display device mounted on a vehicle, a technique is known in which two images are displayed on one screen and the screen is divided into one image and the other image. One image can be visually recognized by looking straight at the screen. The other image can be visually recognized as an image projected onto a front windshield or the like. In such a display device, improvement in display quality is desired.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One of the objects of the embodiments is to provide a display device capable of improving display quality.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to an embodiment, the display device The device comprises a plurality of light-emitting units arranged in a first direction, a liquid crystal panel inclined with respect to the normal of the light-emitting surface of each of the plurality of light-emitting units, a prism sheet located between the plurality of light-emitting units and the liquid crystal panel and having a plurality of prisms on the side facing the plurality of light-emitting units, and a lens element located between the prism sheet and the liquid crystal panel and having a plurality of lenticular lenses arranged in the first direction on the side facing the liquid crystal panel, wherein the plurality of light-emitting units are configured to emit illumination light from the light-emitting surface, the prism sheet is configured to split the illumination light into transmitted light and refracted light, the lens element is configured to diffuse the transmitted light and the refracted light, and the liquid crystal panel is configured to be illuminated by the transmitted light and the refracted light and to display a first image based on the transmitted light and a second image based on the refracted light.

[0006] According to the embodiment, the display device is The optical element comprises a plurality of light-emitting units arranged in a first direction, a liquid crystal panel inclined with respect to the normal of the light-emitting surface of each of the plurality of light-emitting units, a prism unit located between the plurality of light-emitting units and the liquid crystal panel and having a plurality of prisms on the side facing the plurality of light-emitting units, and a lens unit having a plurality of lenticular lenses arranged in the first direction on the side facing the liquid crystal panel. The plurality of light-emitting units are configured to emit illumination light from the light-emitting surface, the prism unit is configured to split the illumination light into transmitted light and refracted light, the lens unit is configured to diffuse the transmitted light and the refracted light, and the liquid crystal panel is configured to be illuminated by the transmitted light and the refracted light and to display a first image based on the transmitted light and a second image based on the refracted light. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of the display device DSP. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the display device DSP. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a magnified view of a portion of the prism sheet 10. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a magnified view of a portion of the lens element 20. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic AA cross-sectional view of the display device DSP shown in Figure 1 in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the BB of the display device DSP shown in Figure 1 in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 illustrates the effects of the lenticular lens LEN and the isotropic diffusion sheet DS. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the display device DSP in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a magnified view of a part of the optical element 30. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic AA cross-sectional view of the display device DSP shown in Figure 1 in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the BB of the DSP display device shown in Figure 1 in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. 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 the invention are naturally included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the 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 the present invention. In addition, in this specification and each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for components that perform the same or similar functions as those described above with respect to previously shown drawings, and redundant detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] Furthermore, the drawings will include the X-axis, the Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis, and the Z-axis perpendicular to the X-axis, as needed, to facilitate understanding. The direction along the X-axis is referred to as the first direction X, the direction along the Y-axis as the second direction Y, and the direction along the Z-axis as the third direction Z. Viewing various elements parallel to the third direction Z is called a plan view. In addition, terms such as "up," "above," "between," and "opposite" refer to the positional relationship between two or more constituent elements, and include not only cases where the two or more constituent elements of an object are in direct contact, but also cases where they are separated from each other by gaps or other constituent elements. The positive direction of the Z-axis is referred to as "up" or "above."

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of the display device DSP.

[0011] The display device DSP comprises a liquid crystal panel PNL and a housing HS. The display device DSP in this embodiment has an illumination device for illuminating the liquid crystal panel PNL and can be applied, for example, to an in-vehicle display device.

[0012] The liquid crystal panel PNL is positioned parallel to the XY plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y, and is inclined with respect to the third direction Z. In the illustrated example, the liquid crystal panel PNL is a flat plate with a long length in the first direction X. The long side of the liquid crystal panel PNL is parallel to the first direction X, and the short side of the liquid crystal panel PNL is parallel to the second direction Y. Note that the planar shape of the liquid crystal panel PNL is not limited to the rectangular example shown in Figure 1, but may also be circular, elliptical, or a polygon other than a quadrilateral.

[0013] Such liquid crystal panel PNLs are configured to display images by selectively transmitting illumination light. Furthermore, these liquid crystal panel PNLs can display two types of images; for example, they can be configured to display two types of images facing different directions using a parallax barrier method.

[0014] The housing HS is formed in a box shape that holds the liquid crystal panel PNL and houses elements that constitute a display device DSP including elements for generating illumination light. Note that the shape of the housing HS is not limited to this example and can be a desired shape.

[0015] (First Embodiment) FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the display device DSP in the first embodiment.

[0016] The display device DSP according to the first embodiment includes, in addition to the liquid crystal panel PNL, as elements for generating illumination light, a plurality of light emitting units EM, a plurality of first lenses LNS1, a second lens LNS2, a prism sheet 10, a lens element 20, and an isotropic diffusion sheet DS.

[0017] The plurality of light emitting units EM are arranged at intervals in the first direction X. In the illustrated example, the plurality of light emitting units EM are arranged in a row. Each of the plurality of light emitting units EM has a light emitting surface EMF as shown enlarged. In one example, each of the plurality of light emitting units EM is arranged such that the normal N of the light emitting surface EMF each has is parallel to the third direction Z. Such a plurality of light emitting units EM are, for example, light emitting diodes.

[0018] The plurality of first lenses LNS1 are arranged such that each faces each of the plurality of light emitting units EM in the third direction Z. That is, the plurality of first lenses LNS1 are arranged at intervals in the first direction X. In the example of FIG. 2, each of the plurality of first lenses LNS1 has a circular bottom surface facing the light emitting surface EMF and a curved surface (convex surface) on the side facing the prism sheet 10. In one example, the bottom surface of the first lens LNS1 is parallel to the opposing light emitting surface EMF.

[0019] The second lens LNS2 is located between the first lens LNS1 and the prism sheet 10 in the third direction Z. In the illustrated example, the second lens LNS2 is formed as a long, flat plate in the first direction X, but has a lens portion such as a Fresnel lens on at least one of the sides facing the first lens LNS1 and the side facing the prism sheet 10. The second lens LNS2 is arranged such that the optical axis of the lens portion is parallel to the third direction Z. In other words, the second lens LNS2 is perpendicular to the normal N of each of the light-emitting surfaces EMF of the multiple light-emitting parts EM.

[0020] The prism sheet 10 is positioned between the multiple light-emitting units EM and the liquid crystal panel PNL in the third direction Z. In the illustrated example, the prism sheet 10 is positioned between the second lens LNS2 and the lens element 20. The prism sheet 10 has multiple prisms PRI on the side facing the multiple light-emitting units EM, and a first flat surface 10A on the opposite side of the multiple prisms PRI. For example, the prism sheet 10 is positioned such that the first flat surface 10A is inclined with respect to the normal N of the light-emitting surface EMF of each of the multiple light-emitting units EM.

[0021] The lens element 20 is located between the prism sheet 10 and the liquid crystal panel PNL in the third direction Z. In the illustrated example, the lens element 20 is located between the prism sheet 10 and the isotropic diffusion sheet DS. The lens element 20 has a plurality of lenticular lenses LEN on the side facing the liquid crystal panel PNL, and a second flat surface 20B on the opposite side of the plurality of lenticular lenses LEN. The second flat surface 20B is opposite to the first flat surface 10A. For example, the lens element 20 is arranged such that the second flat surface 20B is inclined with respect to the normal N of the light-emitting surface EMF of each of the plurality of light-emitting parts EM. Also, the second flat surface 20B is parallel to the first flat surface 10A.

[0022] The isotropic diffusion sheet DS is located between the lens element 20 and the liquid crystal panel PNL in the third direction Z. In the example shown in Figure 2, the isotropic diffusion sheet DS is a long, flat plate in the first direction X and is positioned to be inclined with respect to the normal N of the light-emitting surface EMF of each of the multiple light-emitting units EM.

[0023] The liquid crystal panel PNL is positioned to face the lens element 20 in the third direction Z. In the illustrated example, the liquid crystal panel PNL faces the isotropic diffusion sheet DS. The liquid crystal panel PNL is inclined with respect to the normal N of the light-emitting surface EMF of each of the multiple light-emitting parts EM. In one example, the prism sheet 10 is positioned so that its first flat surface 10A is parallel to the liquid crystal panel PNL, and the lens element 20 is positioned so that its second flat surface 20B is parallel to the liquid crystal panel PNL. In one example, air layers are interposed between the prism sheet 10, the lens element 20, the isotropic diffusion sheet DS, and the liquid crystal panel PNL.

[0024] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the prism sheet 10. Figure 3 shows a portion of the prism sheet 10 as seen from the light-emitting section EM side.

[0025] The prism sheet 10 has a plurality of prisms PRI and a first flat surface 10A on the opposite side. In this embodiment, the plurality of prisms PRI are arranged in the second direction Y. Also, in a plan view, the direction in which the plurality of prisms PRI are arranged is perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of light-emitting parts EM shown in Figure 2 are arranged.

[0026] A first incident surface 11 is provided between adjacent prisms PRI. In one example, the first incident surface 11 is parallel to the first flat surface 10A. That is, the first incident surface 11 is parallel to the liquid crystal panel PNL.

[0027] Each of the multiple prisms PRI is formed in the shape of a triangular prism. In the YZ plane defined by the second direction Y and the third direction Z, the cross-section of the prism PRI is triangular. Each of the multiple prisms PRI has two faces that intersect the first incident surface 11 at an angle greater than 90°. One face functions as the second incident surface 12, and the other face functions as the first reflecting surface 13. The second incident surface 12 and the first reflecting surface 13 face each other in the second direction Y. In addition, each of the multiple prisms PRI extends in the first direction X. That is, the first incident surface 11, the second incident surface 12, and the first reflecting surface 13 all extend in the first direction X.

[0028] Figure 4 is a magnified view of a portion of the lens element 20. Figure 4 shows the lens element 20 as seen from the liquid crystal panel side.

[0029] The lens element 20 has a plurality of lenticular lenses LEN and a second flat surface 20B on the opposite side. In this embodiment, the plurality of lenticular lenses LEN are aligned in the first direction X. That is, the direction in which the plurality of prisms PRI are aligned is the same as the direction in which the plurality of light-emitting parts EM shown in Figure 2 are aligned. In addition, each of the plurality of lenticular lenses LEN extends in the second direction Y.

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic AA cross-sectional view of the display device DSP shown in Figure 1 in the first embodiment. In Figure 5, the direction of light propagation is indicated by dashed arrows.

[0031] The light-emitting section EM is configured to emit illumination light L0 from the light-emitting surface EMF toward the liquid crystal panel PNL. The illumination light L0 travels along the third direction Z, but is divergent light.

[0032] The first lens LNS1 is configured to focus the illumination light L0 emitted from the light-emitting unit EM.

[0033] The second lens LNS2 is configured to collimate the illumination light L0 focused by the first lens LNS1. The illumination light L0 that passes through the second lens LNS2 is collimated light traveling along the third direction Z.

[0034] The prism sheet 10 is configured to split the illumination light L0 that has passed through the second lens LNS2 into transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2. Specifically, the illumination light L0 incident from the first incident surface 11 is emitted as transmitted light L1 from the first flat surface 10A with little influence from the prism sheet 10. Therefore, the transmitted light L1 travels along the third direction Z.

[0035] On the other hand, the illumination light L0 incident on each prism PRI is refracted in a direction different from the third direction Z. Specifically, a portion of the illumination light L0 incident on the second incident surface 12 of the prism PRI and refracted is reflected by the first reflective surface 13 and emitted as refracted light L2 from the first flat surface 10A. In this case, the refracted light L2 propagates in a direction different from the transmitted light L1.

[0036] The prism sheet 10 can adjust the amount of transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2 by changing the spacing between adjacent prisms PRI.

[0037] The lens element 20 is configured to diffuse the transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2 emitted from the prism sheet 10. The isotropic diffusion sheet DS is configured to further diffuse the transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2 that have been diffused by the lens element 20.

[0038] A liquid crystal panel (PNL) is illuminated by transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2, and is configured to display a first image based on transmitted light L1 and a second image based on refracted light L2. The first and second images are distinct from each other. For example, in a liquid crystal panel (PNL), pixels in the area illuminated by transmitted light L1 are driven by a video signal corresponding to the first image, and pixels in the area illuminated by refracted light L2 are driven by a video signal corresponding to the second image.

[0039] The first display light DL1, which forms the first image, is projected onto, for example, the vehicle's windshield or combiner, making it visible to the user. The second display light DL2, which forms the second image, is directly visible to the user.

[0040] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the BB of the display device DSP shown in Figure 1 in the first embodiment. In Figure 6, the direction of light propagation is indicated by dashed arrows, similar to Figure 5.

[0041] Multiple light-emitting units EM are arranged in a first direction X at a constant pitch Pem. Illumination light L0 emitted from the light-emitting surfaces EMF of the multiple light-emitting units EM is split into transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2 by the prism sheet 10.

[0042] Multiple lenticular lenses LEN are aligned in the first direction X with a constant pitch Plen. As shown in Figure 6, the pitch Plen of the multiple lenticular lenses LEN is smaller than the pitch Pem of the multiple light-emitting elements EM.

[0043] The transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2 are diffused by each of the lenticular lenses LEN. At this time, each of the multiple lenticular lenses LEN diffuses the transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2 more strongly in the first direction X than in the second direction Y.

[0044] The isotropic diffusion sheet DS further diffuses the transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2 that have been diffused by the lens element 20. Unlike each of the multiple lenticular lenses LEN, the isotropic diffusion sheet DS diffuses the incident transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2 almost uniformly in any direction in the XY plane.

[0045] The transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2, diffused by the isotropic diffusion sheet DS, are emitted by the liquid crystal panel PNL as a first display light DL1 that forms the first image and a second display light DL2 that forms the second image.

[0046] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the effects of the lenticular lens LEN and the isotropic diffusion sheet DS. In Figure 7, all components except the lens element 20, the isotropic diffusion sheet DS, and the liquid crystal panel PNL are omitted.

[0047] The liquid crystal panel PNL shown in Figure 7 is arranged parallel to the XY plane. The lens element 20 is arranged so that its second flat surface 20B is parallel to the liquid crystal panel PNL, and the isotropic diffusion sheet DS is also arranged parallel to the liquid crystal panel PNL.

[0048] The multiple lenticular lenses LEN of the lens element 20 are aligned in the first direction X, and each of the multiple lenticular lenses extends in the second direction Y. Below, the diffusion range of transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2 in each of the following cases will be conceptually described: when only the lens element 20 is used (A), when only the isotropic diffusion sheet DS is used (B), and when the lens element 20 and the isotropic diffusion sheet DS are combined (C).

[0049] As shown on the left side of the figure, in the case of only the lens element 20 (A), the transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2 emitted from the prism sheet 10 are diffused into a first diffusion range DR1, which is shown by an ellipse extending in the first direction X. In other words, when multiple lenticular lenses LEN are aligned in the first direction X, the lens element 20 has the function of diffusing the transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2 more strongly in the first direction X than in the second direction Y.

[0050] As shown in the center of the figure, in the case of only the isotropic diffusion sheet DS (B), the transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2 emitted from the prism sheet 10 are diffused into the second diffusion range DR2, which is shown as a circle. In other words, the isotropic diffusion sheet DS diffuses transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2 with approximately equal intensity in the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0051] As shown on the right side of the figure, in the case of the combination of the lens element 20 and the isotropic diffusion sheet DS (C), the transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2 emitted from the prism sheet 10 are diffused into the third diffusion range DR3, which is shown by an ellipse extending in the first direction X. At this time, the length of the minor axis of the third diffusion range DR3 along the second direction Y is longer than the length of the minor axis of the first diffusion range DR1. In other words, by combining the lens element 20 and the isotropic diffusion sheet DS, the diffusion in the second direction Y is stronger compared to the case of the lens element 20 alone.

[0052] When multiple light-emitting units EM are aligned in the first direction X, high-brightness and low-brightness regions alternate along the first direction X, and streaky brightness unevenness tends to occur in the transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2 that illuminate the liquid crystal panel PNL, parallel to the second direction Y. To improve such brightness unevenness, it is necessary to diffuse the transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2 in the first direction X.

[0053] In this regard, as shown in Figure 7, the lens element 20 has the function of strongly diffusing the incident light in the direction in which the multiple lenticular lenses LEN are aligned. Therefore, by equipping the display device DSP with the lens element 20, the aforementioned streaky brightness unevenness can be reduced.

[0054] Furthermore, by adding an isotropic diffusion sheet DS in addition to the lens element 20, the light diffusion range is widened compared to the case with the lens element 20 alone, and streaky brightness unevenness can be further reduced. Therefore, the display quality of images displayed on the liquid crystal panel PNL can be improved. Furthermore, if the desired diffusion performance can be achieved with the lens element 20 alone, the isotropic diffusion sheet DS may be omitted.

[0055] Another method for reducing the aforementioned streaky brightness unevenness is to incorporate an anisotropic diffusion sheet. However, compared to the lens element 20, the anisotropic diffusion sheet experiences greater brightness loss when extracting light.

[0056] Furthermore, anisotropic diffusion sheets are generally more expensive than a lens element 20 equipped with an isotropic diffusion sheet DS and multiple lenticular lenses LEN, due to their limited applications. Therefore, the display device DSP according to this embodiment can reduce manufacturing costs compared to a system equipped with an anisotropic diffusion sheet.

[0057] (Second Embodiment) Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the display device DSP in the second embodiment.

[0058] The configuration example shown in Figure 8 differs from the configuration example shown in Figure 2 in that it includes an optical element 30 instead of the prism sheet 10 and lens element 20. The optical element 30 is located between the multiple light-emitting parts EM and the liquid crystal panel PNL in the third direction Z. In the illustrated example, the optical element 30 is located between the second lens LNS2 and the isotropic diffusion sheet DS. The optical element 30 has a prism part PM on the side facing the multiple light-emitting parts EM and a lens part LM on the side facing the liquid crystal panel PNL.

[0059] The prism section PM has multiple prisms PRI arranged at intervals in the second direction Y. A third flat surface 30C is provided between adjacent prisms PRI. In one example, the optical element 30 is arranged such that the third flat surface 30C is parallel to the liquid crystal panel PNL.

[0060] The lens section LM has multiple lenticular lenses LEN. The multiple lenticular lenses LEN are arranged in a first direction X.

[0061] In one example, an air layer is interposed between the optical element 30, the isotropic diffusion sheet DS, and the liquid crystal panel PNL.

[0062] Furthermore, elements identical to those in the configuration example of the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 6 are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0063] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the optical element 30. Figure 9 shows a portion of the optical element 30 as seen from the light-emitting section EM side.

[0064] A third flat surface 30C is provided between adjacent prisms PRI. Hereinafter, the third flat surface 30C will also be referred to as the third incident surface 33. In one example, the third flat surface 30C is parallel to the liquid crystal panel PNL.

[0065] Each of the multiple prisms PRI is formed in the shape of a triangular prism in the YZ plane defined by the second direction Y and the third direction Z. The cross-section of the prism PRI is triangular. Each of the multiple prisms PRI has two faces that intersect the third incident surface 33 at an angle greater than 90°. One face functions as the fourth incident surface 34, and the other face functions as the second reflecting surface 35. The fourth incident surface 34 and the second reflecting surface 35 face each other in the second direction Y. In addition, each of the multiple prisms PRI extends in the first direction X. That is, the third incident surface 33, the fourth incident surface 34, and the second reflecting surface 35 extend in the first direction X.

[0066] Figure 10 is a schematic AA cross-sectional view of the display device DSP shown in Figure 1 in the second embodiment.

[0067] The optical element 30 is configured to split the illumination light L0 that has passed through the second lens LNS2 into transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2 by the prism section PM, and then diffuse them by the lens section LM. Specifically, the illumination light L0 incident from the third incident surface 33 travels toward the lens section LM with little influence from the prism section PM. This illumination light L0 is then diffused from the multiple lenticular lenses LEN of the lens section LM and emitted as transmitted light L1. Therefore, the transmitted light L1 travels along the third direction Z.

[0068] On the other hand, illumination light L0 incident from the fourth incident surface 34 of prism PRI is refracted by each of the multiple prisms PRI. A portion of the illumination light L0 incident from the fourth incident surface 34 and refracted is reflected by the second reflecting surface 35 and travels toward the lens section LM. This illumination light L0 is diffused from the multiple lenticular lenses LEN of the lens section LM and emitted as refracted light L2. In this case, the refracted light L2 travels in a direction different from the third direction Z.

[0069] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the BB of the DSP display device shown in Figure 1 in the second embodiment.

[0070] Illumination light L0 emitted from the light-emitting surfaces EMF of multiple light-emitting units EM aligned in the first direction X is split by the prism unit PM into two types of light that travel in different directions within the optical element 30. The two types of light that are split are diffused by each of the lenticular lenses LEN aligned in the first direction X and emitted as transmitted light L1 and refracted light L2.

[0071] With such a display device, the prism sheet 10 and lens element 20 of the display device DSP according to the first embodiment can be integrated, thereby further reducing the manufacturing cost of the display device DSP.

[0072] Furthermore, the display device DSP according to the first embodiment can suppress unwanted light reflections that may occur between the prism sheet 10 and the lens element 20, thereby improving display quality.

[0073] According to the embodiments described above, a display device capable of improving display quality can be provided.

[0074] All display devices that a person skilled in the art can implement by appropriately modifying the design based on the display devices described above as embodiments of the present invention also fall within the scope of the present invention insofar as they encompass the gist of the present invention.

[0075] Within the scope of the concept of this invention, a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications, and such modifications are also understood to fall within the scope of this invention. For example, any modifications made by a person skilled in the art to add, delete, or change the design of any of the above-described embodiments, or to add, omit, or change the conditions of any process, are also included within the scope of this invention, as long as they retain the essence of this invention.

[0076] Furthermore, any other effects and advantages brought about by the embodiments described above that are obvious from the description herein or that can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art are naturally considered to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] DSP...Display device, PNL...Liquid crystal panel, DS...Isotropic diffusion sheet LNS1...First lens, LNS2...Second lens EM...Emitting part, EMF...Emitting surface, N...Normal, L0...Illumination light, L1...Transmitted light, L2...Refracted light 10...Prism sheet, PRI...Prism, 10A...First flat surface 20...Lens element, LEN...Lenticular lens, 20B...Second flat surface 30...Optical element, PM...Prism section, LM...Lens section, 30C Third flat surface

Claims

1. Multiple light-emitting parts arranged in the first direction, A liquid crystal panel that is inclined with respect to the normal of the light-emitting surface of each of the plurality of light-emitting units, A prism sheet is located between the plurality of light-emitting units and the liquid crystal panel, and has a plurality of prisms on the side facing the plurality of light-emitting units, A lens element is provided, which is located between the prism sheet and the liquid crystal panel and has a plurality of lenticular lenses arranged in the first direction on the side facing the liquid crystal panel, The plurality of light-emitting units are configured to emit illumination light from the light-emitting surface, The prism sheet is configured to split the illumination light into transmitted light and refracted light. The lens element is configured to diffuse the transmitted light and the refracted light, The liquid crystal panel is illuminated by the transmitted light and the refracted light, and is configured to display a first image based on the transmitted light and a second image based on the refracted light. Display device.

2. The prism sheet has a first flat surface on the side opposite to the plurality of prisms, The lens element has a second flat surface on the opposite side of the plurality of lenticular lenses, The first flat surface is opposite the second flat surface. The display device according to claim 1.

3. The prism sheet is arranged such that the first flat surface is parallel to the liquid crystal panel. The lens element is arranged such that the second flat surface is parallel to the liquid crystal panel. The display device according to claim 2.

4. The system further comprises an isotropic diffusion sheet located between the lens element and the liquid crystal panel. The display device according to claim 1.

5. An air layer is interposed between the prism sheet, the lens element, the isotropic diffusion sheet, and the liquid crystal panel. The display device according to claim 4.

6. Multiple light-emitting parts arranged in the first direction, A liquid crystal panel that is inclined with respect to the normal of the light-emitting surface of each of the plurality of light-emitting units, The optical element includes a prism section located between the plurality of light-emitting sections and the liquid crystal panel, having a plurality of prisms on the side facing the plurality of light-emitting sections, and a lens section having a plurality of lenticular lenses arranged in the first direction on the side facing the liquid crystal panel, The plurality of light-emitting units are configured to emit illumination light from the light-emitting surface, The prism section is configured to split the illumination light into transmitted light and refracted light. The lens portion is configured to diffuse the transmitted light and the refracted light, The liquid crystal panel is illuminated by the transmitted light and the refracted light, and is configured to display a first image based on the transmitted light and a second image based on the refracted light. Display device.

7. The prism section has a third flat surface between each of the adjacent prisms, The optical element is arranged such that the third flat surface is parallel to the liquid crystal panel. The display device according to claim 6.

8. The system further comprises an isotropic diffusion sheet located between the optical element and the liquid crystal panel. The display device according to claim 6.

9. An air layer is interposed between the optical element, the isotropic diffusion sheet, and the liquid crystal panel. The display device according to claim 8.

10. A plurality of first lenses are configured to face the light-emitting surface of each of the plurality of light-emitting units and to concentrate the illumination light, The system further comprises a second lens facing the plurality of first lenses and configured to collimate the illumination light that has passed through the first lenses. The display device according to claim 1 or 6.

11. Each of the plurality of prisms extends in the first direction, The plurality of prisms are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, Each of the plurality of lenticular lenses extends in the second direction, The display device according to claim 1 or 6.

12. The pitch of the plurality of lenticular lenses in the first direction is smaller than the pitch of the plurality of light-emitting parts in the first direction. The display device according to claim 1 or 6.

Images