Indication device

Abstract

Images are displayed using a variety of expressive techniques. [Solution] The display device 21 comprises an electronic paper display 22 and an illuminator 23. The electronic paper display 22 has a display surface 25 for displaying electronic paper images. The illuminator 23 is positioned at a distance from the display surface 25 and irradiates the display surface 25 with light L1. The illuminator 23 is configured to allow changing the color of the light L1 it emits.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] An electronic paper display is known as one form of displays. Instead of emitting light on its own, an electronic paper display displays an image on its display surface by reflecting external light. While a user viewing the display surface is less prone to eye fatigue, it is difficult for the user to see the image in dark places such as at night. Accordingly, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a display device formed by combining an illuminator with an electronic paper display. In this display device, when it is dark such as at night, the illuminator irradiates light onto the display surface of the electronic paper display to improve the visibility of the image.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above conventional display device, only the same display can be provided at night as in the daytime, so there are few variations in image expression. The conventional display device has room for improvement in achieving diverse expressions of images.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] Various aspects of the display device for solving the above problem will be described. [Aspect 1] A display device comprising: an electronic paper display having a display surface that displays an electronic paper image; and an illuminator disposed at a position spaced apart from the display surface and configured to irradiate light onto the display surface, wherein the illuminator is configured to be capable of changing the color of the irradiated light.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when the surroundings of the display device are bright, the user can see the entire electronic paper image displayed on the display surface. When light is shone onto this display surface from an illuminator, the user sees a composite image of the electronic paper image and the shone light, which is a mixture of the colors of the electronic paper image and the color of the shone light.

[0007] When the surroundings of a display device are dark, if the display surface is not illuminated by a light source, the user will not be able to see the e-paper image, or it will be difficult to see. However, if light is illuminated by a light source, the user will see a composite image of the e-paper image and the illuminated light, with colors that are a mixture of the colors of the e-paper image and the illuminated light. In this way, the visibility of the display device is improved when the surroundings are dark.

[0008] Therefore, by selecting the color of the light being emitted, it is possible to make the composite image appear in the same colors as the electronic paper image when the surroundings of the display device are dark, or to make it appear in different colors.

[0009] Furthermore, by changing the color of the light being emitted depending on the situation, it is possible to change the color of the composite image. In this way, it becomes possible to represent images in a variety of ways.

[0010] [Aspect 2] The electronic paper display, on which the light is irradiated onto the display surface, displays the electronic paper image on the display surface such that at least one of the display color and the intensity changes gradually in a direction along the display surface, as in [Aspect 1].

[0011] According to the above configuration, when the surroundings of the display device are bright, the user can see an electronic paper image displayed on the display surface, that is, an electronic paper image in which at least one of the display color and density gradually changes in a direction along the display surface.

[0012] When light is shone onto this display surface from an illuminator, the user will see a composite image of the electronic paper image and the shone light, regardless of whether the surroundings of the display device are bright or dark. This composite image will appear as a mixture of the colors of the electronic paper image and the shone light.

[0013] In this way, it becomes possible to represent images in a wider variety of ways. [Aspect 3] A display device comprising an electronic paper display having a display surface for displaying electronic paper images, and an illuminator positioned at a location spaced apart from the display surface and irradiating the display surface with light, wherein the illuminator is a projector that uses at least a portion of the display surface as a projection surface and projects a pattern image onto the projection surface by irradiating with light.

[0014] According to the above configuration, when the surroundings of the display device are bright, the user can see the entire electronic paper image displayed on the display surface. If a graphic image is projected onto this display surface from the projector, the user will see a composite image in which the graphic image is superimposed on the electronic paper image, with a color that is a mixture of the colors of the electronic paper image and the graphic image. Furthermore, if light is shone from the projector onto an area of ​​the display surface other than the graphic image, the user will see a composite image of the parts of the electronic paper image that were not projected onto and the shone light, with a color that is a mixture of the colors of the electronic paper image and the color of the light.

[0015] When the surroundings of the display device are dark, if light is not projected onto the display surface from the projector, the user will not be able to see the e-paper image, or it will be difficult to see. However, if a pattern image is projected onto the display surface by light from the projector, the user will see a composite image in which the pattern image is superimposed on the e-paper image, with colors that are a mixture of the colors of the e-paper image and the pattern image. In this way, the visibility of the display device is improved when the surroundings are dark.

[0016] Furthermore, if light is not projected onto areas of the display surface other than the graphic image, the parts of the electronic paper image that are not projected will be invisible or difficult to see for the user. Furthermore, if light is projected onto areas of the display surface other than the image, the user will see a composite image of the parts of the e-paper image that were not projected and the light that was projected, similar to when the surroundings of the display device are bright. This composite image will appear as a mixture of the colors of the e-paper image and the light.

[0017] In this way, it becomes possible to represent images in a variety of ways. [Aspect 4] The display device according to [Aspect 3], wherein the projector comprises a pattern plate having a shape corresponding to the pattern image and a light-transmitting portion that transmits light, and a light-shielding portion located around the light-transmitting portion that blocks the transmission of light, and a light source that irradiates the pattern plate with light, and the projector projects the light that has passed through the light-transmitting portion from the light source onto the pattern plate as the pattern image onto the projection surface.

[0018] According to the above configuration, when light is shone from the light source onto the pattern plate in the projector, light is transmitted through the light-transmitting section, while light transmission is blocked through the light-shielding section. The light that has passed through the light-transmitting section is shone onto the display surface of the electronic paper display, thereby projecting the pattern image onto the projection surface. Therefore, the display device operates in the same manner as in [Aspect 3] above. However, when the area around the display device is dark, light is not shone onto parts of the display surface other than the pattern image. In the electronic paper image, the parts where the pattern image is not projected are not visible to the user, or are difficult to see.

[0019] [Aspect 5] The display device according to [Aspect 3] or [Aspect 4], wherein the projector uses a portion of the area spaced apart from the periphery of the display surface as the projection surface, and projects a single pattern image onto the projection surface.

[0020] According to the above configuration, a partial region spaced apart from the peripheral edge of the display surface serves as the projection surface. When the surroundings of the display device are dark, a single pattern image is projected onto the region serving as the projection surface among the display surface on which an electronic paper image is displayed. For a user, a composite image of the portion of the electronic paper image displayed on the projection surface and the pattern image projected onto the projection surface is visible in a color that is a mixture of the color of the electronic paper image and the color of the pattern image.

[0021] Among the display surface on which an electronic paper image is displayed, the region serving as the projection surface, that is, the partial region spaced apart from the peripheral edge of the display surface, is in a state as if irradiated by a spotlight. In other words, the electronic paper image is partitioned by the pattern image into a region that is a partial region spaced apart from the peripheral edge of the display surface and is visible to the user, and a region surrounding the aforementioned region that is not visible or hardly visible to the user. The former region is smaller by the size of the latter region than the region that is visible when the surroundings of the display device are bright.

[0022] Therefore, a partial region spaced apart from the peripheral edge of the display surface serves as the projection surface, and the composite image formed by projecting the pattern image onto this region allows the user to perceive a sense of depth and a sense of spatial expansiveness when the surroundings of the display device are dark.

[0023] [Aspect 6] The display device according to any one of [Aspect 3] to [Aspect 5], wherein the electronic paper display on which the pattern image is projected onto the projection surface displays the electronic paper image on the display surface such that at least one of display color and gradation gradually changes in a direction along the display surface.

[0024] According to the above configuration, when the surroundings of the display device are bright, the user can see the entire electronic paper image displayed on the display surface, that is, the entire electronic paper image in which at least one of display color and gradation gradually changes in a direction along the display surface.

[0025] When a pattern image is projected from the projector onto this display surface, a user perceives a composite image of the electronic paper image and the pattern image in a color obtained by mixing the color of the electronic paper image and the color of the pattern image. Further, when the projector irradiates light onto a region of the display surface other than the region where the pattern image is projected, the user perceives a composite image of the portion of the electronic paper image onto which no pattern image is projected and the irradiated light in a color obtained by mixing the color of the electronic paper image and the color of the light.

[0026] In contrast, when the surroundings of the display device are dark and a pattern image is projected from the projector onto the display surface on which an electronic paper image is displayed, the user can perceive the same composite image as when the surroundings of the display device are bright as described above.

[0027] In this way, it becomes possible to express images in more diverse modes. [Aspect 7] The display device according to any one of [Aspect 3] to [Aspect 6], wherein the projector projects the pattern image onto the projection surface such that a display position of the pattern image changes over time.

[0028] According to the above configuration, a pattern image is projected from the projector onto the display surface on which an electronic paper image is displayed. The display position of this pattern image changes over time. The user perceives a composite image in which the electronic paper image and the pattern image whose display position changes over time are superimposed. That is, the user perceives a composite image having the electronic paper image as a background and the pattern image moving like an animation. Moreover, in the composite image, a portion where the pattern image is superimposed is perceived in a color obtained by mixing the color of the electronic paper image and the color of the pattern image.

[0029] In this way, adding the movement of the pattern image to the composite image achieves diverse expression of images. [Aspect 8] The display device according to [Aspect 4], wherein a plurality of said projectors are used, the plurality of projectors each comprise, as said pattern plate, one in which positions of said light transmission portions are different from each other, and a period during which each projector irradiates light is set to be different from each other among the plurality of projectors.

[0030] According to the above configuration, when light is shone from each of the multiple projectors, the pattern image is projected onto the projection surface. Here, since the position of the light-transmitting portion on the pattern plate differs for each projector, the position where the pattern image is projected on the display surface (the position of the projection surface) also differs for each projector. Furthermore, the duration for which each projector emits light differs from one another among multiple projectors. Therefore, the pattern image is projected onto the projection surface in a shifting position over time.

[0031] Therefore, when the surroundings of the display device are bright, and the display position of the pattern images projected from multiple projectors changes over time as described above, the user will see a composite image with an e-paper image as the background and the pattern images moving like an animation.

[0032] In this way, the movement of the patterned image is added to the composite image, enabling a wide range of visual expressions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the present invention, images can be displayed using a variety of expressions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the display device and is an explanatory diagram illustrating the installation location of the display device in the vehicle compartment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an electronic paper image displayed on the display surface of an electronic paper display in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a composite image when light from an illuminator is shone onto the display surface in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of an electronic paper image displayed on the display surface of an electronic paper display in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a composite image of the display surface in Figure 4 when light is shone from the illuminator. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image to be displayed in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the display surface of an e-paper display showing an e-paper image corresponding to the image in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a composite image in the first embodiment, where light is shone from an illuminator onto the display surface in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an electronic paper image and a composite image displayed on the display surface of an electronic paper display in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the display device, and is an explanatory diagram showing a composite image when the pattern image in Figure 2 is projected onto the display surface when the surroundings of the display device are dark. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of an electronic paper image in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a composite image when a pattern image is projected onto the projection surface of Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of an electronic paper image in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the composite image when the pattern image is projected onto the projection surface of Figure 13. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the display device, and is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an electronic paper image displayed on the display surface of an electronic paper display. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a composite image when a pattern image is projected onto the projection surface of Figure 15 such that the display position changes over time. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the display device in the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention, which is implemented in a vehicle display device, will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, in the passenger compartment 11 of the vehicle 10, an instrument panel 14 is positioned in front of the driver's seat 12 and the passenger seat 13 as one of the interior components. A display 15, such as an LCD, is incorporated into a part of the instrument panel 14 as a display device for displaying various information. Side doors 16 are positioned on both sides of the vehicle 10 in the vehicle width direction. Each side door 16 is equipped with a door trim 17 as one of the interior components at the part facing the passenger compartment 11.

[0037] <Display device 21> The vehicle compartment 11 is equipped with display devices 21A and 21B. Display device 21A includes an electronic paper display 22A and an illuminator 23A. Display device 21B includes an electronic paper display 22B and an illuminator 23B. Electronic paper displays 22A and 22B have similar configurations. Therefore, when there is no need to distinguish between the two electronic paper displays 22A and 22B, they may simply be referred to as electronic paper display 22. Illuminators 23A and 23B have similar configurations. Therefore, when there is no need to distinguish between the two illuminators 23A and 23B, they may simply be referred to as illuminator 23. Thus, display devices 21A and 21B have similar configurations. Therefore, when there is no need to distinguish between the two display devices 21A and 21B, they may simply be referred to as display device 21.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the electronic paper display 22A in the display device 21A is mounted on the instrument panel 14 to the side of the display 15 and in front of the passenger seat 13. The illuminator 23A in the display device 21A is mounted at a distance from the display surface 25 of the electronic paper display 22A, in this embodiment, on the back side (front side of the vehicle) of the display 15. This illuminator 23A is equipped with a light source 24 (see Figure 3) that emits light L1. The illuminator 23A irradiates the display surface 25 of the electronic paper display 22A with the light L1 emitted from the light source 24.

[0039] The electronic paper display 22B in the display device 21B is mounted on the door trim 17. The illuminator 23B in the display device 21B is mounted at a location spaced apart from the display surface 25 of the electronic paper display 22B, in this embodiment, on the side wall of the instrument panel 14 on the door trim 17 side. This illuminator 23B is equipped with a light source 24 (see Figure 3) that emits light L1. The illuminator 23B illuminates the display surface 25 of the electronic paper display 22B with light L1 emitted from the light source 24.

[0040] <Electronic Paper Display 22> In this embodiment, an electrophoretic electronic paper display 22 is used, comprising a transparent electrode layer, a back electrode layer, and a display medium layer disposed between these layers and consisting of a plurality of microcapsules. Each microcapsule contains a pigment that is either positively or negatively charged in a transparent dispersion medium. When displaying an image on the display surface 25 of the electronic paper display 22, the polarity of the electrodes of the back electrode layer that contact each microcapsule is controlled to be either a positive or negative electrode, thereby causing the positively or negatively charged pigment to undergo electrophoresis within the microcapsule. Through this electrophoresis, the electronic paper display 22 displays a color electronic paper image 26 on the display surface 25 via the transparent electrode layer.

[0041] In addition to electrophoresis, other methods such as electrodeposition, movable film, electrochromic, twist ball, powder transfer, electrowetting, thermal, and magnetic electrophoresis may also be employed.

[0042] The electronic paper display 22 has the following characteristics: Power is consumed only when updating the e-paper image 26. Once an e-paper image 26 is displayed, it is retained until the next update, and no power is consumed during that time. Therefore, it consumes less power compared to other display devices.

[0043] The electronic paper display 22 does not have a backlight. Like paper, the electronic paper display 22 uses a reflective display with a viewing angle of nearly 180 degrees. Therefore, the eyes are less likely to get tired even when looking at the electronic paper display 22 for a long time.

[0044] <Lighting fixture 23> The light source 24 of the lighting fixture 23 can be an LED (light-emitting diode), incandescent bulb, halogen bulb, fluorescent lamp, discharge lamp, etc. Alternatively, the light source 24 may emit light of a specific color from among various colors such as white, red, green, and blue. A combination of multiple light sources with different emission colors may also be used as the light source 24.

[0045] In each of the illuminators 23, the light L1 emitted from the light source 24 spreads radially as it travels, making it possible to illuminate a wide area of ​​the display surface 25 with light L1. Furthermore, each of the illuminators 23 is configured to allow the color of the light L1 being emitted to be changed.

[0046] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The occupants of vehicle 10 become users of the display device 21. As shown in Figure 2, when the area around the display device 21 is bright, such as during the daytime, the user can see the electronic paper image 26 displayed on the display surface 25. When light L1 is shone onto this display surface 25 from the illuminator 23, as shown in Figure 3, the user can see a composite image 27 of the electronic paper image 26 and the light L1, which is a mixture of the colors of the electronic paper image 26 and the color of the shone light L1.

[0047] When the surroundings of the display device 21 are dark, such as at night, if light L1 is not irradiated onto the display surface 25 from the illuminator 23, the user will not be able to see the electronic paper image 26, or it will be difficult to see. If light L1 is irradiated onto the display surface 25 from the illuminator 23, the user will see a composite image 27 of the electronic paper image 26 and light L1, which will appear as a mixture of the colors of the electronic paper image 26 and the irradiated light L1, just as when the surroundings of the display device 21 are bright. The composite image 27 will appear as a different color from, for example, the color of the electronic paper image 26 and the color of the irradiated light L1.

[0048] Therefore, by selecting the color of the irradiated light L1, it is possible to make the composite image 27 appear in the same colors as the electronic paper image 26 when the surroundings of the display device 21 are bright, or to make it appear in different colors, when the surroundings of the display device 21 are dark.

[0049] Furthermore, depending on the situation, the color of the irradiated light L1 is changed, which in turn changes the color of the composite image 27. Here, as shown in Figure 4, a plurality of patterns 31 having similar shapes, for example, a plurality of triangular patterns 31 arranged together, may be displayed on the display surface 25 as an electronic paper image 26. In this case, depending on the color of the irradiated light L1, the density of the patterns 31 in the electronic paper image 26 may be coarser than when light L1 is not irradiated.

[0050] Figure 4 shows the image (electronic paper image 26) visible to the user when the surroundings of the display device 21 are bright and light L1 from the illuminator 23 is not illuminating the display surface 25. The user sees an image (electronic paper image 26) in which the density of the pattern 31 is dense. Figure 5 shows the image (composite image 27) visible to the user when, for example, white light L1 is illuminating the display surface 25 from the illuminator 23. When light L1 is illuminating, some of the pattern 31 having a specific color are represented in white, for example, and the remaining pattern 31 are represented in a color other than white. In this case, the proportion of pattern 31 represented in a color other than white in the composite image 27 is reduced by the amount of pattern 31 represented in white. The user sees a composite image 27 in which the density of the pattern 31 is coarse.

[0051] Incidentally, in an electronic paper display 22 that displays a color electronic paper image 26, a general characteristic is that the electronic paper image 26 tends to be displayed in a lighter color than the desired color. For example, Figure 7 shows an example where the electronic paper image 26 includes images of cherry blossoms 32 and 33 and images of petals 34 and 35. Figure 6 shows the images of the blossoms 32 and 33 and the petals 34 and 35, respectively, represented in pink, the desired color. In the figure, the image of the blossom on the left 32 is represented in a dark pink color, while the image of the blossom on the right 33 is represented in a lighter pink color than the image of the blossom on the left 32. Also, the image of the upper petal 34 is represented in a dark pink color, while the image of the lower petal 35 is represented in a lighter pink color than the image of the upper petal 34.

[0052] In contrast, Figure 7 shows an electronic paper image 26, including flower images 32, 33 and petal images 34, 35, displayed on the display surface 25 of the electronic paper display 22. In the figure, the flower image 32 on the left is displayed in light pink. The flower image 33 on the right is displayed in an even lighter pink than the flower image 32 on the left. The upper petal image 34 is also displayed in light pink. The lower petal image 35 is displayed in an even lighter pink than the upper petal image 34. Note that in Figure 7, the flower image 33 on the right and the lower petal image 35 are indicated by dashed lines.

[0053] Figure 8 shows a composite image 27 when a pink light L1, which is close in color to the electronic paper image 26 shown in Figure 7, is shone from an illuminator 23 onto the display surface 25 where the electronic paper image 26 is displayed. The color of the electronic paper image 26 shown in Figure 7 is complemented by the color of the shone light L1. Due to this complementation, the composite image 27 in Figure 8 is a different color from the electronic paper image 26 shown in Figure 7, and is displayed in a color close to the desired color as shown in Figure 6. That is, in Figure 8, the image 32 of the flower on the left is displayed in a dark pink color, and the image 33 of the flower on the right is displayed in a lighter pink color than the image 32 of the flower on the left. Also, the image 34 of the upper petal is displayed in a dark pink color, and the image 35 of the lower petal is displayed in a lighter pink color than the image 34 of the upper petal.

[0054] In this way, even colors that cannot be displayed by the electronic paper display 22 alone can be displayed by irradiating the display surface 25 with light L1 of a color close to the color of the electronic paper image 26, thereby enabling the display of colors that could not be displayed before.

[0055] In this case, with an illuminator 23 that emits monochromatic light L1, it is difficult to irradiate the display surface 25 with light L1 in such a way that the color gradually changes in a direction aligned with the display surface 25. In contrast, such display is possible with an electronic paper display 22. Therefore, by irradiating the display surface 25, which displays an electronic paper image 26 in which the display color gradually changes in a direction aligned with the display surface 25, with light L1 from the illuminator 23, it is possible to change the color of the electronic paper image 26.

[0056] Figure 9 shows the display surface 25 of the electronic paper display 22, where an electronic paper image 26 is displayed, in which the display color gradually changes in a direction along the display surface 25. When the area around the display device 21 is bright, the user can see the electronic paper image 26. When light L1 is shone from the illuminator 23 onto the display surface 25, the user can see a composite image 27 of the electronic paper image 26 and the light L1. In this case, the user sees the composite image 27, which is a mixture of the colors of the electronic paper image 26 and the light L1, superimposed on the electronic paper image 26, whose display color gradually changes in the direction along the display surface 25.

[0057] When the surroundings of the display device 21 are dark, if light L1 is not shone from the illuminator 23 onto the display surface 25 on which the electronic paper image 26 is displayed, the user will not be able to see the electronic paper image 26 or will have difficulty seeing it. If light L1 is shone from the illuminator 23 onto the display surface 25, the user will see a composite image 27 in which the colors of the electronic paper image 26, whose display color gradually changes in the direction along the display surface 25, are mixed with the color of the shone light L1.

[0058] Therefore, by selecting the color of the irradiated light L1, it is possible to make the composite image 27 appear in the same colors as the electronic paper image 26 when the surroundings of the display device 21 are bright, or to make it appear in different colors, when the surroundings of the display device 21 are dark.

[0059] Furthermore, when the color of the irradiated light L1 is changed, the color of the composite image 27, which gradually changes in the direction along the display surface 25, is also changed. <Effects of the First Embodiment> (1-1) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the display device 21 of the first embodiment comprises an electronic paper display 22 and an illuminator 23. The electronic paper display 22 has a display surface 25 for displaying an electronic paper image 26. The illuminator 23 is positioned at a distance from the display surface 25 and irradiates the display surface 25 with light L1. In addition, the illuminator 23 is configured to allow the color of the irradiated light L1 to be changed.

[0060] Therefore, even when the area around the display device 21 is dark, the composite image 27 of the electronic paper image 26 and light L1 can be displayed in a way that is visible to the user. In this respect, the visibility of the display device 21 can be improved when the area around the display device 21 is dark.

[0061] Furthermore, the display device 21 of the first embodiment can realize a wide variety of image representations in the following ways. As shown in Figure 3, the composite image 27 can be represented by a color that is a mixture of the color of the electronic paper image 26 and the color of the irradiated light L1.

[0062] By selecting the color of the irradiated light L1, the composite image 27 can be displayed in the same colors as the electronic paper image 26 when the surroundings of the display device 21 are bright, or in different colors, when the surroundings of the display device 21 are dark. The composite image 27 can be displayed in various colors.

[0063] Depending on the situation, the color of the irradiated light L1 can be changed to alter the color of the composite image 27. In addition, the display device 21 of the first embodiment also enables the following expressions. This is effective in realizing a wider variety of expressions.

[0064] As shown in Figure 4, when the electronic paper image 26 consists of multiple patterns 31 that have similar shapes, the color of the light L1 to be irradiated is selected. In this way, when light L1 is irradiated, the composite image 27 can be represented such that the density of the patterns 31 is coarser than when light is not irradiated.

[0065] As shown in Figure 8, by complementing the colors of the electronic paper image 26 with the colors of the irradiated light L1, it is possible to represent colors that cannot be represented by the electronic paper display 22 alone.

[0066] (1-2) As shown in Figure 9, in the first embodiment, in an electronic paper display 22 in which light L1 is irradiated onto the display surface 25, an electronic paper image 26 is displayed on the display surface 25 such that the display color gradually changes in a direction along the display surface 25.

[0067] Therefore, when the area around the display device 21 is bright, it is possible to display an electronic paper image 26 in which the display color gradually changes in a direction along the display surface 25. Furthermore, light L1 is shone from the illuminator 23 onto the display surface 25 on which the electronic paper image 26 is displayed. In this way, whether the surroundings of the display device 21 are bright or dark, a composite image 27 can be displayed in which the displayed color gradually changes in the direction along the display surface 25, by mixing the color of the electronic paper image 26 with the color of the shone light L1. In this respect, it is possible to improve the visibility of the display device 21 when the surroundings of the display device 21 are dark while realizing a variety of image expressions.

[0068] (1-3) As shown in Figure 1, an illuminator 23A that emits light L1 to the electronic paper display 22A mounted on the instrument panel 14 is installed behind the display 15 located at the front of the passenger compartment 11. Therefore, it is possible to suppress obstruction of the illumination of the electronic paper display 22A (display surface 25) by the occupants by the light L1 emitted from the illuminator 23A.

[0069] Furthermore, a illuminator 23B that emits light L1 onto the electronic paper display 22B mounted on the door trim 17 is installed on the side wall of the instrument panel 14 located at the front of the passenger compartment 11. This prevents the illumination of the light L1 emitted from the illuminator 23B onto the electronic paper display 22B (display surface 25) from being obstructed by the occupants.

[0070] Furthermore, since the lighting fixtures 23A and 23B are installed in the above-mentioned locations, the lighting fixtures 23A and 23B can be made less visible to the crew. (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the vehicle display device will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 14.

[0071] As shown in Figure 10, in the second embodiment, a projector 45 is used as the illuminator, which uses a portion of the display surface 25 of the electronic paper display 22 as a projection surface 41 and projects a pattern image 43 onto the projection surface 41 by irradiating it with light L1. In this respect, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a illuminator 23 is used as the illuminator, which irradiates the entire display surface 25 with light L1.

[0072] The projector 45 is positioned in the same location as the illuminator 23 in the first embodiment. The electronic paper display 22 used has the same configuration as in the first embodiment. The electronic paper display 22 is mounted in the same location as in the first embodiment.

[0073] The projector 45 of the second embodiment includes a light source 46 that emits light L1 and a pattern plate 47. The pattern plate 47 has a shape corresponding to the pattern image 43 and includes a light-transmitting portion 48 that transmits light L1, and a light-shielding portion 49 located around the light-transmitting portion 48 that blocks the transmission of light L1.

[0074] The configuration other than that described above is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, elements similar to those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. <Operation of the second embodiment> As shown in Figure 2, when the area around the display device 21 is bright, the user can see the electronic paper image 26 displayed on the display surface 25. As shown in Figure 10, when light L1 is shone from the light source 46 of the projector 45 onto the pattern plate 47, the light L1 is transmitted through the light-transmitting section 48, while the light-shielding section 49 blocks the transmission of the light L1. The light L1 that has passed through the light-transmitting section 48 is shone onto the display surface 25, and the pattern image 43 is projected onto the projection surface 41.

[0075] The user sees a composite image 27 in which the pattern image 43 is superimposed on the e-paper image 26. In other words, the user sees the parts of the e-paper image 26 on which the pattern image 43 is projected as a mixture of the colors of the unprojected parts and the colors of the pattern image 43. Because the area around the display device 21 is bright, the user sees the parts of the e-paper image 26 on which the pattern image 43 is not projected as the original colors of the e-paper image 26.

[0076] When the area surrounding the display device 21 is dark, if light L1 is not shone from the projector 45 onto the display surface 25 in Figure 2, the user will not be able to see the electronic paper image 26, or it will be difficult to see. As shown in Figure 10, when light L1 is shone from the light source 46 of the projector 45 onto the pattern plate 47, the pattern image 43 is projected onto the projection surface 41, just as when the area surrounding the display device 21 is bright. At this time, the user will see a composite image 27 in which the pattern image 43 is superimposed on the electronic paper image 26. That is, the user will see the portion of the electronic paper image 26 onto which the pattern image 43 is projected as a color that is a mixture of the colors of the electronic paper image 26 and the pattern image 43. The composite image 27 will appear as a different color from, for example, the color of the electronic paper image 26 and the color of the pattern image 43.

[0077] Furthermore, in the electronic paper image 26, the portion of the design image 43 that was not projected is invisible or difficult for the user to see because the area around the display device 21 is dark. Generally, when only a portion of an image, such as the central part, is displayed, and the surrounding area is displayed in a dark, solid color, the displayed central part tends to appear to have depth.

[0078] Therefore, by utilizing this tendency, it is possible to express a composite image 27 with a sense of depth. Figures 11 and 12 show an example. Figure 11 shows an example of an electronic paper image 26 displayed on the display surface 25 of the electronic paper display 22. In Figure 11, the electronic paper image 26 is an image consisting of a geometric pattern, but it is not limited to this. The electronic paper image 26 may be other patterns, such as animal patterns. When the surroundings of the display device 21 are bright, the user can see this electronic paper image 26.

[0079] Figure 12 shows the display surface 25 when the surrounding area of ​​the display device 21 is dark, and a circular projection surface 41 is set in a part of the display surface 25 that is separated from the peripheral edge 25a, for example, in the central part, and a single circular pattern image 43 is projected onto this projection surface 41. A pattern plate 47 with a circular light-transmitting portion 48 is used to project the pattern image 43. Light L1 is shone from the light source 46 of the projector 45 onto the pattern plate 47, and the circular pattern image 43 is projected onto the projection surface 41.

[0080] On the display surface 25, areas where the pattern image 43 is not projected are invisible or difficult for the user to see. The user can only see a portion of the electronic paper image 26 that is separated from the peripheral edge 25a of the display surface 25. This area is illuminated as if by a spotlight. In other words, the electronic paper image 26 is divided into an area that is separated from the peripheral edge 25a of the display surface 25 and is visible to the user, and an area surrounding that area that is invisible or difficult for the user to see. The size of the former area is smaller than the size of the area visible when the area around the display device 21 is bright, by the amount of the latter area. Therefore, the composite image 27 formed by projecting the pattern image 43 onto the above area gives the user a sense of depth and spaciousness.

[0081] Incidentally, in the second embodiment as well, similar to the first embodiment, a portion of the display surface 25 on which an electronic paper image 26 is displayed, in which the display color gradually changes in the direction along the display surface 25, is made into a projection surface 41, and a pattern image 43 is projected onto it. By doing so, it is possible to realize a wide variety of image expressions.

[0082] Figure 13 shows the display surface 25 of the electronic paper display 22, where an electronic paper image 26 is displayed, in which the display color gradually changes in a direction along the display surface 25. When the area surrounding the display device 21 is bright, the user sees the electronic paper image 26 shown in Figure 13, in which the display color gradually changes in the direction along the display surface 25, similar to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, when the pattern image 43 is projected onto the display surface 25 by the projector 45, the user sees a composite image 27 of the electronic paper image 26 and the pattern image 43. In this case, the user sees the composite image 27, in which the projected pattern image 43 is superimposed on the electronic paper image 26, in a color that is a mixture of the colors of the electronic paper image 26 and the colors of the pattern image 43. That is, the user sees the parts of the electronic paper image 26 on which the pattern image 43 is projected as a mixture of the color of the unprojected part and the color of the pattern image 43. The parts of the electronic paper image 26 on which the pattern image 43 is not projected as seen by the user as the original color of the electronic paper image 26.

[0083] When the area surrounding the display device 21 is dark, if the pattern image 43 is not projected by the projector 45 onto the display surface 25 (see Figure 13) on which the electronic paper image 26 is displayed, the user will not be able to see the electronic paper image 26 or will have difficulty seeing it. If the pattern image 43 is projected onto the display surface 25 as shown in Figure 14, the user will be able to see the same composite image 27 as when the area surrounding the display device 21 is bright.

[0084] Furthermore, when the area surrounding the display device 21 is dark, parts of the electronic paper image 26 that are not illuminated by the light L1 from the projector 45, that is, parts where the pattern image 43 does not overlap, are not visible to the user, or are difficult to see.

[0085] <Effects of the second embodiment> According to the second embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effects as (1-3) above, the following effects can also be obtained.

[0086] (2-1) As shown in Figure 10, the display device 21 of the second embodiment includes an electronic paper display 22 similar to that of the first embodiment. The display device 21 includes a projector 45 as an illuminator, which makes a part of the display surface 25 a projection surface 41 and projects a pattern image 43 onto the projection surface 41 by irradiation with light L1.

[0087] Therefore, even when the area around the display device 21 is dark, the composite image 27 of the electronic paper image 26 and the pattern image 43 can be displayed in a way that is visible to the user. In this respect, as with (1-1) above, the visibility of the display device 21 can be improved when the area around the display device 21 is dark.

[0088] Furthermore, the display device 21 of the second embodiment can realize a wide variety of image representations in the following ways. A composite image 27 is formed from the portion of the electronic paper image 26 onto which the pattern image 43 is projected, and the pattern image 43 itself. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, the image when the surroundings of the display device 21 are bright (electronic paper image 26) can be made to differ from the image when it is dark (composite image 27), as shown in Figure 10. The appearance of the image can be made to differ depending on whether the surroundings of the display device 21 are bright or dark.

[0089] Related to the above, when the area around the display device 21 is dark, only the composite image 27 is visible, and the area of ​​the electronic paper image 26 where the pattern image 43 is not projected can be made invisible or difficult to see.

[0090] When the surroundings of the display device 21 are bright, the areas of the electronic paper image 26 on which the pattern image 43 is projected can be represented by a color that is a mixture of the color of the area where the pattern image 43 is not projected and the color of the pattern image 43. In addition, the areas of the electronic paper image 26 on which the pattern image 43 is not projected can be represented by the original color of the electronic paper image 26.

[0091] As shown in Figure 10, when the surroundings of the display device 21 are dark, the areas of the electronic paper image 26 where the pattern image 43 is projected can be represented by a color that is a mixture of the color of the area where it is not projected and the color of the pattern image 43. The areas of the electronic paper image 26 where the pattern image 43 is not projected can be made invisible or difficult to see.

[0092] (2-2) As shown in Figure 10, in the second embodiment, the projector 45 is equipped with a pattern plate 47 and a light source 46. The pattern plate 47 has a shape corresponding to the pattern image 43 and includes a light-transmitting portion 48 that transmits light L1, and a light-shielding portion 49 located around the light-transmitting portion 48 that blocks the transmission of light L1.

[0093] Therefore, by irradiating the pattern plate 47 with light L1 from the light source 46 of the projector 45, the pattern image 43 can be projected onto the projection surface 41. The effects described in (2-1) above can be obtained.

[0094] (2-3) As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the projector 45 uses a portion of the area separated from the peripheral edge 25a of the display surface 25 as the projection surface 41, and projects a single pattern image 43 onto the projection surface 41.

[0095] Therefore, when the area around the display device 21 is dark, it is possible to display a composite image 27 that gives the user a sense of depth and spaciousness. In this respect, a wide range of image expressions can be realized.

[0096] (2-4) As shown in Figures 13 and 14, in an electronic paper display 22 on which a pattern image 43 is projected onto a projection surface 41, the electronic paper image 26 is displayed on the display surface 25 such that the display color gradually changes in a direction along the display surface 25.

[0097] Therefore, when the area around the display device 21 is bright, it is possible to display an electronic paper image 26 in which the display color gradually changes in a direction along the display surface 25. Furthermore, when the surroundings of the display device 21 are dark, projecting the pattern image 43 onto the projection surface 41 allows the electronic paper image 26, whose display color gradually changes in a direction aligned with the display surface 25, to be represented as a composite image 27 in the area where the pattern image 43 is projected. The areas of the electronic paper image 26 where the pattern image 43 is not projected can be made invisible or difficult to see for the user. In this respect, it is possible to improve the visibility of the display device 21 when the surroundings of the display device 21 are dark while realizing a variety of image expressions.

[0098] (2-5) As shown in Figure 1, in a display device 21 in which an electronic paper display 22B is mounted on the door trim 17 and a projector 45 is mounted on the side wall of the instrument panel 14 as an illuminator, the following effects can be expected. The angle of illumination of light L1 to the door trim 17 (the projection angle of the pattern image 43) changes according to the opening and closing of the side door 16. Therefore, the shape and size of the composite image 27 displayed on the display surface 25 of the electronic paper display 22 can be changed according to the opening angle of the side door 16.

[0099] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the vehicle display device will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16.

[0100] In the third embodiment, the entire display surface 25 is used as the projection surface 41. Furthermore, a projector 51, such as a small projector, is used as the illuminator, capable of projecting the pattern image 43 so that the display position of the pattern image 43 changes over time.

[0101] The projector 51 is positioned in the same location as the illuminator 23 in the first embodiment. The electronic paper display 22 used has the same configuration as in the first and second embodiments. The electronic paper display 22 is mounted in the same location as in the first and second embodiments.

[0102] The configuration other than that described above is the same as in the second embodiment. Therefore, in the third embodiment, elements similar to those described in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. <Operation of the Third Embodiment> Figure 15 shows an example of an electronic paper image 26 in which an image of a castle 52 and an image of a cherry tree in bloom 54 are displayed on the display surface 25. Figure 16 shows an example of a composite image 27 in which the entire display surface 25 on which the electronic paper image 26 is displayed is used as a projection surface 41, and an image of cherry blossom petals 55 whose display position changes over time is projected onto this projection surface 41 as a pattern image 43.

[0103] Regardless of the ambient light surrounding the display device 21, that is, whether it is bright or dark, the user sees a composite image 27 in which the electronic paper image 26 and the pattern image 43, whose display position changes over time, are superimposed. In other words, the user sees a composite image 27 with the electronic paper image 26 as the background and the pattern image 43 moving.

[0104] In Figure 16, the user sees a composite image 27 in which the castle image 52 and the cherry tree image 54 are superimposed with the moving cherry blossom petal image 55. To put it another way, the user sees a composite image 27 with the castle image 52 and the cherry tree image 54 as the background, and the cherry blossom petal image 55 moving (fluttering).

[0105] <Effects of the Third Embodiment> According to the third embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effects as in (1-3) and (2-1), (2-4), and (2-5) above, the following effects can also be obtained.

[0106] (3-1) In the third embodiment, the projector 51 projects the pattern image 43 onto the display surface 25 such that the display position changes over time. Therefore, a composite image 27 can be created in which the electronic paper image 26 serves as the background and the pattern image 43 appears to move like an animation. In this way, according to the third embodiment, by adding the movement of the pattern image 43 to the composite image 27, a variety of image expressions can be realized.

[0107] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the vehicle display device will be described with reference to Figure 17. The display device 21 of the fourth embodiment includes a plurality of projectors 45 similar to those used in the second embodiment. However, each projector 45 uses a pattern plate 47 in which the position of the light-transmitting portion 48 is different from that of the others. The duration for which each projector 45 irradiates light L1 is set to be different from that of the plurality of projectors 45. The plurality of projectors 45 emit light L1 toward the display surface 25 of a common electronic paper display 22.

[0108] The configuration other than that described above is the same as in the second embodiment. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, elements similar to those described in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. Alternatively, this may be implemented by equipping a single projector 45 with multiple light sources 46.

[0109] <Operation of the 4th Embodiment> When light L1 is emitted from each of the multiple projectors 45, the pattern image 43 is projected onto the projection surface 41 on the display surface 25 of the electronic paper display 22.

[0110] Here, since the position of the light-transmitting portion 48 on the pattern plate 47 differs for each projector 45, the position where the pattern image 43 is projected on the display surface 25 (the position of the projection surface 41) differs for each projector 45. Moreover, the duration for which each projector 45 irradiates light L1 differs from one another among the multiple projectors 45. Therefore, the pattern image 43 is projected onto the display surface 25 in a changing position over time.

[0111] <Effects of the 4th Embodiment> According to the third embodiment, the same effects as those described in (1-3) and (2-1) to (2-5) above can be obtained. In addition, the following effect can be obtained instead of (3-1) above.

[0112] (4-1) In the fourth embodiment, a plurality of projectors 45 are used, each having a pattern plate 47 in a different position from the other, and the duration for which each projector 45 irradiates light L1 is made different from the other among the plurality of projectors 45.

[0113] Therefore, a pattern image 43 that changes position over time can be projected onto the projection surface 41 of the display surface 25. A composite image 27 can be expressed that appears to have an electronic paper image 26 as the background and the pattern image 43 appears to be moving. In this way, according to the fourth embodiment, by adding the movement of the pattern image 43 to the composite image 27, a variety of image expressions can be realized.

[0114] <Example of changes> This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0115] (Matters concerning the installation location of the electronic paper display 22) The electronic paper display 22 may be installed in a location different from the locations of each embodiment (instrument panel 14, door trim 17), provided that it is an interior part of the vehicle interior 11. For example, it may be installed on the pillar, console box, ceiling, floor, etc.

[0116] (Matters concerning the installation location of lighting fixtures) The illuminators (illuminator 23, projector 45, projector 51) may be installed in locations different from those in each embodiment (behind the display 15, on the side wall of the instrument panel 14), provided that they are spaced apart from the electronic paper display 22.

[0117] (Matters concerning pattern plate 47) In the second embodiment, multiple pattern plates 47 with different shapes of light-transmitting sections 48 may be prepared, and the pattern plate 47 used in the projector 45 may be replaced. In this way, even with the same projector 45, the pattern image 43 projected onto the display surface 25 after passing through the light-transmitting section 48 can be changed (switched), enabling a wider variety of image expression.

[0118] The pattern plate 47 may be moved relative to the light source 46. For example, the pattern plate 47 may be rotated. In this way, it is possible to project a pattern image 43 that changes position over time onto the projection surface 41 of the display surface 25.

[0119] In the third and fourth embodiments, as in the first and second embodiments, the color of the pattern image 43 emitted from the projectors 45 and 51 and projected onto the display surface 25 may be changed. In this way, the color of the composite image 27 will also be changed. As a result, the image expression becomes more diverse.

[0120] Furthermore, the colors of the electronic paper image 26 can be complemented by the colors of the pattern image 43. This makes it possible to display the composite image 27 in a different color from the electronic paper image 26. In other words, even colors that cannot be represented by the electronic paper display 22 alone can be represented by overlaying the pattern image 43 on the electronic paper image 26.

[0121] (Matters concerning electronic paper image 26) In the first and second embodiments, the electronic paper display 22 may display the electronic paper image 26 on the display surface 25 such that, in place of or in addition to the display color, the shades of gray gradually change in a direction along the display surface 25.

[0122] (others) The display device 21 of the present invention may be installed and used in a location other than the passenger compartment 11 of the vehicle 10. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0123] 21,21A,21B…Display device 22, 22A, 22B… Electronic paper displays 23,23A,23B…Illuminator 24,46…Light source 25…Display surface 25a... Peripheral area 26…Electronic paper images 41...Projection surface 43…Pattern image 45,51...Projector (illumination device) 47... Patterned plate 48...Light transmission part 49...Light shielding part L1…light

Claims

1. An electronic paper display having a display surface for displaying electronic paper images, An illuminator positioned at a location separated from the display surface and illuminating the display surface with light, Equipped with, The aforementioned illuminator is a display device configured to change the color of the light it emits.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic paper display, to which the light is irradiated onto the display surface, displays the electronic paper image on the display surface such that at least one of the display color and the intensity gradually changes in a direction along the display surface.

3. An electronic paper display having a display surface for displaying electronic paper images, An illuminator positioned at a location separated from the display surface and illuminating the display surface with light, Equipped with, The illuminator is a display device comprising a projector that uses at least a portion of the display surface as a projection surface and projects a pattern image onto the projection surface by irradiation with light.

4. The projector comprises a pattern plate having a shape corresponding to the pattern image and a light-transmitting portion that transmits light, and a light-shielding portion located around the light-transmitting portion that blocks the transmission of light, and a light source that irradiates the pattern plate with light. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the projector projects the light that has passed through the light-transmitting portion from the light source irradiated onto the pattern plate as the pattern image onto the projection surface.

5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the projector uses a portion of the area spaced apart from the periphery of the display surface as the projection surface, and projects a single pattern image onto the projection surface.

6. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the electronic paper display on which the pattern image is projected onto the projection surface displays the electronic paper image on the display surface such that at least one of the display color and the intensity gradually changes in a direction along the display surface.

7. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the projector projects the pattern image onto the projection surface such that the display position of the pattern image changes over time.

8. Multiple projectors were used. Multiple projectors are equipped with pattern plates in which the positions of the light-transmitting portions differ from each other. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the duration for which each projector emits light is set to differ from that of the plurality of projectors.

Images