Light control device

Abstract

To provide a dimmer capable of suppressing unevenness of transmissivity.SOLUTION: A dimmer 10 includes a dimming element 11 containing a liquid crystal layer, and having a plurality of pixels arranged matrically, and a driving circuit 12 capable of setting each of the plurality of pixels to either of a transmission state and a shading state. The driving circuit 12 can change transmissivity of the dimming element 11 by changing the ratio of pixels in the shading state to the whole pixels.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a light control device that controls the transmittance of light. [Background technology]

[0002] A light control film (light control element) with a guest-host type liquid crystal layer is known. The guest-host type liquid crystal layer is composed of a dichroic dye dissolved in liquid crystal. The transmittance of the light control film is changed by changing the orientation of the dichroic dye in accordance with the movement of the liquid crystal due to an electric field.

[0003] The light control film includes, for example, first and second transparent substrates arranged opposite to each other, a first transparent electrode provided in a planar shape on the first transparent substrate, a second transparent electrode provided in a planar shape on the second transparent substrate, and a guest-host type liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first and second transparent substrates. By changing the voltage between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode, the light control film can be set to a transmitting state, a light-shielding state, or an intermediate state between the transmitting state and the light-shielding state.

[0004] The resistance value of the first transparent electrode changes depending on the distance from the terminal connected to it, with the resistance value increasing the further away from the terminal. Due to unevenness in the resistance value of this first transparent electrode, when a voltage is applied to the first transparent electrode via the terminal, the voltage changes depending on the position within the first transparent electrode. The same is true for the second transparent electrode. This causes unevenness in the transmittance of the light control film. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-17775 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-187810 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention provides a light control device capable of suppressing unevenness in transmittance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A light control device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a light control element including a liquid crystal layer and a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and a drive circuit capable of setting each of the plurality of pixels to either a transmitting state or a light blocking state. The drive circuit changes the transmittance of the light control element by changing the ratio of pixels in a light blocking state to all pixels. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a light control device capable of suppressing unevenness in transmittance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a light control device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the light control element shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the light control element taken along line AA′ in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a plurality of first electrodes. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a plurality of second electrodes. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, and a group of signal lines. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a liquid crystal layer in the off state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a liquid crystal layer in the on-state. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light control element with a transmittance of 100%. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light control element with a transmittance of 75%. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light control element with a transmittance of 50%. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light control element with a transmittance of 25%. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light control element with a transmittance of 0%. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating the transmittance of the pixel PX. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram in which four pixels are extracted. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a light control element with a transmittance of 100%. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a light control element with a transmittance of 75%. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a light control element with a transmittance of 50%. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a light control element with a transmittance of 25%. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a light control element with a transmittance of 0%. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of a camera according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a camera according to a modified example. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a camera according to another modified example. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes according to the third embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram in which four pixels are extracted. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a plan view of the light control element according to the third embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the light control element taken along line AA′ in FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a plan view illustrating the base material 20 and the multiple first electrodes. [Figure 29]FIG. 29 is a plan view illustrating the base material 21 and the multiple second electrodes. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating the area ratio of pixels. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation and transmittance of a pixel. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the light blocking area ratio and the transmittance. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a light control element according to the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of one pixel group. [Diagram 35] FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a light control element according to the fifth embodiment. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the light control element shown in FIG. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of a pixel in the on state. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a light control element according to the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the dimensions and ratios of each drawing are not necessarily the same as those in reality. In addition, even when the same parts are shown between the drawings, the dimensional relationships and ratios between the drawings may be different. In particular, the following embodiments are examples of devices and methods for embodying the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not specified by the shape, structure, arrangement, etc. of the components. In the following description, elements having the same function and configuration are given the same reference numerals, and repeated description is given only when necessary.

[0011] [1] First embodiment [1-1] Configuration of dimming device 1 is a block diagram of a light control device 10 according to a first embodiment. The light control device 10 includes a light control element 11 and a drive circuit 12.

[0012] The light control element 11 is an element capable of controlling the transmittance of light. The light control element 11 is composed of, for example, a light control film. The light control element 11 is switchable between a transmission state in which light is transmitted and a light blocking state in which light is blocked, and can be set to an intermediate state between the transmission state and the light blocking state.

[0013] The light control element 11 includes a plurality of first electrodes each extending in the X direction and a plurality of second electrodes each extending in the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction. The configurations of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes will be described later. A liquid crystal layer is disposed between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes.

[0014] The drive circuit 12 is connected to the dimming element 11 via a signal line group 13 and a signal line group 14. The signal line group 13 is connected to a plurality of first electrodes of the dimming element 11. The signal line group 14 is connected to a plurality of second electrodes of the dimming element 11. The drive circuit 12 applies a voltage to the dimming element 11 to control the operation of the dimming element 11.

[0015] [1-2] Configuration of dimming element 11 Fig. 2 is a plan view of the light control element 11 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the light control element 11 taken along line AA' in Fig. 2. The light control element 11 of this embodiment is of a passive matrix type (simple matrix type) and also of a dot matrix type.

[0016] The light control element 11 includes substrates 20 and 21 arranged opposite to each other, and a liquid crystal layer 22 arranged between the substrates 20 and 21. The substrates 20 and 21 are made of transparent materials, for example, transparent films. The substrates 20 and 21 can be, for example, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, a polyethylene (PE) film, or a polycarbonate (PC) film.

[0017] The liquid crystal layer 22 is, for example, a guest-host type liquid crystal layer. The guest-host type liquid crystal layer is formed by dissolving a dichroic dye as a guest in a liquid crystal as a host. The specific structure of the liquid crystal layer 22 will be described later.

[0018] The sealant 27 seals the liquid crystal layer 22 between the base materials 20 and 21. The sealant 27 is made of, for example, a photocurable resin.

[0019] A plurality of first electrodes 23 are provided on the base material 20. Fig. 4 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the plurality of first electrodes 23. Fig. 4 illustrates the base material 20 and the plurality of first electrodes 23 extracted from the light control element 11.

[0020] In this embodiment, as an example, the light control element 11 includes eight first electrodes 23-1 to 23-8. The first electrodes 23-1 to 23-8 each extend in the Y direction and are arranged side by side in the X direction.

[0021] The first electrodes 23-1, 23-3, 23-5, and 23-7 are connected to a connection electrode 28-1 extending in the X direction. One end of the connection electrode 28-1 is connected to a terminal 29-1 extending in the Y direction. The terminal 29-1 is connected to the drive circuit 12 via a group of signal lines 13.

[0022] The first electrodes 23-2, 23-4, 23-6, and 23-8 are connected to a connection electrode 28-2 extending in the X direction. One end of the connection electrode 28-2 is connected to a terminal 29-2 extending in the Y direction. The terminal 29-2 is connected to the drive circuit 12 via a group of signal lines 13.

[0023] The first electrodes 23-1 to 23-8, the connection electrodes 28-1, 28-2, and the terminals 29-1, 29-2 are made of transparent electrodes, and are made of, for example, ITO (indium tin oxide).

[0024] An alignment film 25 for controlling the initial alignment of the liquid crystal layer 22 is provided on the base material 20 and the first electrodes 23-1 to 23-8.

[0025] A plurality of second electrodes 24 are provided on the base material 21. Fig. 5 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the plurality of second electrodes 24. Fig. 5 illustrates the base material 21 and the plurality of second electrodes 24 extracted from the light control element 11.

[0026] In this embodiment, as an example, the light control element 11 includes eight second electrodes 24-1 to 24-8. The second electrodes 24-1 to 24-8 each extend in the X direction and are arranged side by side in the Y direction.

[0027] The second electrodes 24-1, 24-3, 24-5, and 24-7 are connected to a connection electrode 28-3 extending in the Y direction. One end of the connection electrode 28-3 is connected to a terminal 29-3 extending in the X direction. The terminal 29-3 is connected to the drive circuit 12 via a signal line group 14.

[0028] The second electrodes 24-2, 24-4, 24-6, and 24-8 are connected to a connection electrode 28-4 extending in the Y direction. One end of the connection electrode 28-4 is connected to a terminal 29-4 extending in the X direction. The terminal 29-4 is connected to the drive circuit 12 via a group of signal lines 14.

[0029] The second electrodes 24-1 to 24-8, the connection electrodes 28-3, 28-4, and the terminals 29-3, 29-4 are made of transparent electrodes, and are made of, for example, ITO.

[0030] An alignment film 26 for controlling the initial alignment of the liquid crystal layer 22 is provided on the base material 21 and the second electrodes 24-1 to 24-8.

[0031] 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the first electrodes 23, the second electrodes 24, the signal line group 13, and the signal line group 14. Each of the intersection regions between the first electrodes 23 and the second electrodes 24 constitutes a pixel PX. The pixels are arranged in a matrix. The signal line group 13 includes signal lines 13-1 and 13-2. The signal line group 14 includes signal lines 14-1 and 14-2.

[0032] The first electrodes 23-1, 23-3, 23-5, and 23-7 are connected to a signal line 13-1 via a terminal (not shown). The drive circuit 12 supplies a signal X1 to the signal line 13-1.

[0033] The first electrodes 23-2, 23-4, 23-6, and 23-8 are connected to a signal line 13-2 via terminals (not shown). The drive circuit 12 supplies a signal X1 to the signal line 13-1.

[0034] The second electrodes 24-1, 24-3, 24-5, and 24-7 are connected to a signal line 14-1 via terminals (not shown). The drive circuit 12 supplies a signal Y1 to the signal line 14-1.

[0035] The second electrodes 24-2, 24-4, 24-6, and 24-8 are connected to a signal line 14-2 via a terminal (not shown). The drive circuit 12 supplies a signal Y2 to the signal line 14-2.

[0036] (Configuration of liquid crystal layer 22) Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the liquid crystal layer 22. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the liquid crystal layer 22 in the off state. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of the liquid crystal layer 22 in the on state. Figs. 7 and 8 show a partial region of the liquid crystal layer 22.

[0037] The off state is a state in which a voltage lower than the threshold voltage of the liquid crystal is applied to the liquid crystal layer 22, for example, a state in which the same potential (for example, 0 V) ​​is applied to the first electrode 23 and the second electrode 24. The on state is a state in which a voltage equal to or greater than the threshold voltage of the liquid crystal is applied to the liquid crystal layer 22. The threshold voltage of the liquid crystal is the voltage at which the liquid crystal molecules switch from vertical alignment to horizontal alignment.

[0038] The liquid crystal layer 22 includes a liquid crystal 22A and a dichroic dye 22B. The liquid crystal 22A is, for example, composed of an N-type nematic liquid crystal having negative dielectric anisotropy. The long axes of the liquid crystal molecules included in the liquid crystal 22A are aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate in the OFF state, and are tilted in a direction horizontal to the surface of the substrate in the ON state.

[0039] The dichroic dye 22B is a dye having anisotropy in light absorptivity. The long axes of the dye molecules contained in the dichroic dye 22B are aligned in the same direction as the liquid crystal molecules. In the OFF state, the light absorptivity of the dichroic dye 22B is low, and the liquid crystal layer 22 is in a transmissive state. In the ON state, the light absorptivity of the dichroic dye 22B is high, and the liquid crystal layer 22 is in a light-shielding state. In the light-shielding state, the dichroic dye 22B displays, for example, black.

[0040] Alternatively, the liquid crystal 22A may be a P-type nematic liquid crystal having positive dielectric anisotropy. In this case, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal 22A are aligned substantially horizontally to the surface of the substrate when no electric field is applied, and tilt vertically to the surface of the substrate when an electric field is applied. In this case, in the OFF state, the light absorptance of the dichroic dye 22B is high, and the liquid crystal layer 22 is in a light-shielding state. In the ON state, the light absorptance of the dichroic dye 22B is low, and the liquid crystal layer 22 is in a transmissive state.

[0041] [1-3] Operation of dimmer 10 The operation of the light control device 10 configured as above will be described.

[0042] The light control element 11 includes a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix. Each of the plurality of pixels PX can be set to either a transmitting state or a light-shielding state. The light control element 11 can change the transmittance by changing the ratio of the pixels PX in the light-shielding state to the total number of pixels PX.

[0043] 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the light-adjusting element 11 with a transmittance of 100%. With a transmittance of 100%, all pixels PX are set to a transmissive state.

[0044] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light-adjusting element 11 with a transmittance of 75%. At a transmittance of 75%, one pixel PX out of four pixels PX arranged in a matrix is ​​set to a light-shielding state. The remaining pixel group, each consisting of four pixels, is also set to the same state.

[0045] 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light-adjusting element 11 with a transmittance of 50%. At a transmittance of 50%, two pixels PX out of four pixels PX arranged in a matrix are set to a light-shielding state.

[0046] 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light-adjusting element 11 with a transmittance of 25%. With a transmittance of 25%, three pixels PX out of four pixels PX arranged in a matrix are set to a light-shielding state.

[0047] 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the light-adjusting element 11 with a transmittance of 0%. At a transmittance of 0%, all pixels PX are set to a light-shielding state. Note that the transmittance referred to here is a relative value in which the transmitting state is 100% and the light-shielding state is 0%.

[0048] Fig. 14 is a graph for explaining the transmittance of the pixel PX. The horizontal axis of Fig. 14 represents voltage, and the vertical axis of Fig. 14 represents transmittance.

[0049] In the off state where no voltage is applied to the pixel PX, the transmittance of the pixel PX is the highest, and the pixel PX is in a transmissive state. As the voltage applied to the pixel PX increases, the transmittance decreases. When the voltage applied to the pixel PX exceeds the threshold value of the liquid crystal, the transmittance of the pixel PX becomes the lowest, and the pixel PX is in a light-shielding state.

[0050] In this embodiment, the pixel PX is set to either a transmitting state or a light-shielding state, and an intermediate state between the transmitting state and the light-shielding state is not used, that is, the pixel PX is driven in two values.

[0051] [1-3-1] Details of the drive system The following describes in detail the driving method of the light control device 10. In this embodiment, a time-division driving method is applied as an example.

[0052] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram in which four pixels are extracted. The four pixels arranged in a matrix are denoted as PX_11, PX_12, PX_21, and PX_22. Signals X1 and Y1 are supplied to pixel PX_11. Signals X2 and Y1 are supplied to pixel PX_12. Signals X1 and Y2 are supplied to pixel PX_21. Signals X2 and Y2 are supplied to pixel PX_22. The same operation as the pixel group in Fig. 15 is performed for pixel groups each consisting of the other four pixels.

[0053] [1-3-2] Transmittance 100% FIG. 16 is a diagram explaining the operation of a light-adjusting element 11 with a transmittance of 100%. FIG. 16(a) is a diagram explaining a group of pixels with a transmittance of 100%. Pixels without hatching indicate a transparent state. FIG. 16(a) shows only the branch numbers of the pixels. FIG. 16(b) shows the waveform of signal X1. FIG. 16(c) shows the waveform of signal X2. FIG. 16(d) shows the waveform of signal Y1. FIG. 16(e) shows the waveform of signal Y2.

[0054] Fig. 16(f) shows the waveform of the voltage applied to the pixel PX_11. The voltage applied to the pixel is the voltage (potential difference) between the first electrode 23 and the second electrode 24. That is, Fig. 16(f) shows the voltage waveform of "Y1-X1".

[0055] Fig. 16(g) shows the waveform of the voltage applied to pixel PX_12, which is the voltage waveform of "Y1-X2". Fig. 16(h) shows the waveform of the voltage applied to pixel PX_21, which is the voltage waveform of "Y2-X1". Fig. 16(i) shows the waveform of the voltage applied to pixel PX_22, which is the voltage waveform of "Y2-X2".

[0056] In Figures 16(b) to 16(i), the horizontal axis is time and the vertical axis is voltage. Note that Figure 16(b) representatively depicts times t1 to t5. To avoid cluttering the drawings, the times in Figures 16(c) to 16(i) are omitted, but the times on the corresponding scales are the same as those in Figure 16(b).

[0057] In Fig. 16, signals X1 and X2 have a voltage V1 (>0V) at times t1 and t2, and a voltage -V1 at times t3 and t4. Signal Y1 has a voltage V3 (>V2) at time t1, 0V at time t2, -V3 at time t3, and 0V at time t4. Voltage V3 is, for example, 3 x V1. Periods t1 to t3 and periods t3 to t5 are each a frame. The frame period can be set arbitrarily.

[0058] To the pixels PX_11 and PX_12, a voltage V2 is applied at time t1, a voltage -V1 is applied at time t2, a voltage -V2 is applied at time t3, and a voltage V1 is applied at time t4. The voltage V2 is, for example, 2×V1. The effective frame voltage in the pixels PX_11 and PX_12 is "(V1+V2) / 2".

[0059] A voltage -V1 is applied to the pixels PX_21 and PX_22 at time t1, a voltage V2 is applied to the pixels PX_21 and PX_22 at time t2, a voltage V1 is applied to the pixels PX_21 and PX_22 at time t3, and a voltage -V2 is applied to the pixels PX_21 and PX_22 at time t4. The effective voltage of the frame at the pixels PX_21 and PX_22 is "(V1+V2) / 2".

[0060] The effective voltage "(V1+V2) / 2" is set lower than the threshold voltage of the liquid crystal, thereby setting the pixels PX_11 to PX_22 in the transmissive state.

[0061] [1-3-3] Transmittance 75% Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the light control element 11 with a transmittance of 75%. Fig. 17(a) is a diagram for explaining a pixel group with a transmittance of 75%. The hatched pixels indicate a light-shielding state.

[0062] In Fig. 17, the signal X1 has a voltage -V1 at time t1, a voltage V1 at times t2 and t3, and a voltage -V1 at time t4. The signal X2 has a voltage V1 at times t1 and t2, and a voltage -V1 at times t3 and t4. The signals Y1 and Y2 in Fig. 17 are the same as those in Fig. 16.

[0063] A voltage V4 (>V3) is applied to pixel PX_11 at time t1, a voltage -V1 is applied to pixel PX_11 at time t2, a voltage -V4 is applied to pixel PX_11 at time t3, and a voltage V1 is applied to pixel PX_11 at time t4. The voltage V4 is, for example, 4×V1. The effective frame voltage of pixel PX_11 is "(V1+V4) / 2".

[0064] The voltage waveform of pixel PX_12 is the same as that in FIG.

[0065] A voltage V1 is applied to pixel PX_21 at time t1, a voltage V2 is applied to pixel PX_21 at time t2, a voltage −V1 is applied to pixel PX_21 at time t3, and a voltage −V2 is applied to pixel PX_21 at time t4. The effective voltage of the frame at pixel PX_21 is “(V1+V2) / 2”.

[0066] The voltage waveform of pixel PX_22 is the same as that in FIG.

[0067] The effective voltage "(V1+V4) / 2" is set to be equal to or higher than the threshold voltage of the liquid crystal. This sets the pixel PX_11 in a light-shielding state. In addition, the pixels PX_12, PX_21, and PX_22 in a transmissive state.

[0068] [1-3-4] Transmittance 50% FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the light control element 11 with a transmittance of 50%.

[0069] In Fig. 18, the signal X1 has a voltage -V1 at time t1, a voltage V1 at times t2 and t3, and a voltage -V1 at time t4. The signal X2 has a voltage V1 at time t1, a voltage -V1 at times t2 and t3, and a voltage V1 at time t4. The signals Y1 and Y2 in Fig. 18 are the same as those in Fig. 16.

[0070] The voltage waveform of the pixel PX_11 is the same as that in FIG.

[0071] A voltage V2 is applied to pixel PX_12 at time t1, a voltage V1 is applied to pixel PX_12 at time t2, a voltage -V2 is applied to pixel PX_12 at time t3, and a voltage -V1 is applied to pixel PX_12 at time t4. The effective voltage of the frame at pixel PX_12 is "(V1+V2) / 2".

[0072] The voltage waveform of pixel PX_21 is the same as that in FIG.

[0073] A voltage −V1 is applied to pixel PX_22 at time t1, a voltage V4 is applied to pixel PX_22 at time t2, a voltage V1 is applied to pixel PX_22 at time t3, and a voltage −V4 is applied to pixel PX_22 at time t4. The effective voltage of the frame at pixel PX_22 is “(V1+V4) / 2”.

[0074] As a result, the pixels PX_11 and PX_22 are set to a light-shielding state, and the pixels PX_12 and PX_21 are set to a light-transmitting state.

[0075] [1-3-5] Transmittance 25% FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the light control element 11 with a transmittance of 25%.

[0076] 19, the signal X1 has a voltage -V1 at times t1 and t2, and a voltage V1 at times t3 and t4. The signal X2 has a voltage V1 at time t1, a voltage -V1 at times t2 and t3, and a voltage V1 at time t4. The signals Y1 and Y2 are the same as those in FIG.

[0077] A voltage V4 is applied to pixel PX_11 at time t1, a voltage V1 is applied to pixel PX_11 at time t2, a voltage -V4 is applied to pixel PX_11 at time t3, and a voltage -V1 is applied to pixel PX_11 at time t4. The effective voltage of the frame at pixel PX_11 is "(V1+V4) / 2".

[0078] The voltage waveform of the pixel PX_12 is the same as that in FIG.

[0079] To pixel PX_21, a voltage V1 is applied at time t1, a voltage V4 is applied at time t2, a voltage -V1 is applied at time t3, and a voltage -V4 is applied at time t4. The effective voltage of the frame at pixel PX_12 is "(V1+V4) / 2".

[0080] The voltage waveform of pixel PX_22 is the same as that in FIG.

[0081] As a result, the pixels PX_11, PX_21, and PX_22 are set to a light-shielding state, and the pixel PX_12 is set to a transmitting state.

[0082] [1-3-6] Transmittance 0% FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the light control element 11 with a transmittance of 0%.

[0083] 20, signals X1 and X2 are at voltage -V1 at times t1 and t2, and at voltage V1 at times t3 and t4. Signals Y1 and Y2 are the same as in FIG.

[0084] The voltage waveform of pixel PX_11 is the same as that of pixel PX_11 in Fig. 19. The voltage waveform of pixel PX_12 is the same as that of pixel PX_11.

[0085] The voltage waveform of pixel PX_21 is the same as that of pixel PX_21 in Fig. 19. The voltage waveform of pixel PX_22 is the same as that of pixel PX_21.

[0086] As a result, the pixels PX_11 to PX_22 are set to a light-shielded state.

[0087] In this embodiment, four (=2×2) pixels are used as a unit, and the four pixels are driven using signal lines X1, X2 and signal lines Y1, Y2. However, the invention is not limited to time-division driving using four pixels as a unit. It is also possible to drive more than four pixels as a unit, and add signal lines according to the number of rows and columns of this pixel group. This allows the transmittance to be changed more finely.

[0088] [1-4] Effects of the first embodiment As described above in detail, in the first embodiment, the light control device 10 includes the light control element 11 including the guest-host liquid crystal layer 22 and having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and the drive circuit 12 capable of setting each of the plurality of pixels to either a transmissive state or a light-shielding state. The drive circuit 12 changes the transmittance of the light control element 11 by changing the ratio of pixels in the light-shielding state to all pixels.

[0089] Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the pattern formed by the pixels in the light-shielding state allows the dimming element 11 to be set to a transmittance of 100% corresponding to the transparent state, a transmittance of 0% for the light-shielding state, or a transmittance corresponding to an intermediate state between the transparent state and the light-shielding state.

[0090] Moreover, by setting the pixel to one of two states, a transmitting state or a light blocking state, an intermediate transmittance can be realized, whereby unevenness in the transmittance of the light adjusting element 11 can be suppressed.

[0091] [2] Second embodiment The second embodiment is an application example of the light control device 10. The light control device 10 can be applied to, for example, a camera.

[0092] 21 is a schematic diagram of a camera 30 according to the second embodiment. The camera 30 includes the light adjusting element 11, a lens group 31, and an imaging element 32 according to the first embodiment.

[0093] The lens group 31 includes a convex lens and a concave lens. The imaging element 32 is composed of a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor. The imaging element 32 converts light transmitted through the lens group 31 into an electrical signal. The light adjustment element 11 is disposed on the opposite side of the lens group 31 to the imaging element 32.

[0094] Light from an object 33 is incident on the light control element 11. The light control element 11 can change the transmittance of light. The light transmitted through the light control element 11 is incident on the imaging element 32 via the lens group 31. An image 34 of the object 33 is formed on the imaging surface of the imaging element 32.

[0095] 21, light transmitted through the light control element 11 is incident on the imaging element 32 via the lens group 31. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the display pattern of the light control element 11 from being formed on the imaging element 32.

[0096] 22 is a schematic diagram of a camera 30 according to a modified example. The light adjustment element 11 is disposed between a lens group 31 and an imaging element 32.

[0097] The light transmitted through the lens group 31 is incident on the light control element 11. The light transmitted through the light control element 11 is incident on the imaging element 32. In the configuration example of Fig. 22, the light collected by the lens group 31 is incident on the light control element 11. Therefore, the size of the light control element 11 can be reduced.

[0098] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a camera 30 according to another modified example.

[0099] The camera 30 includes a plurality of lenses, for example, a convex lens 31-1, a concave lens 31-2, and a convex lens 31-3. The light control element 11 is disposed between the concave lens 31-2 and the convex lens 31-3. In this manner, the light control element 11 may be inserted between the lens groups.

[0100] [3] Third embodiment In the third embodiment, the areas of, for example, four pixels included in a pixel group that is one repeating unit are set to be different from one another, thereby enabling the transmittance to be set more finely.

[0101] [3-1] Configuration of dimming element 11 FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a plurality of first electrodes 23 and a plurality of second electrodes 24 according to the third embodiment.

[0102] The light adjusting element 11 includes a plurality of first electrodes 23 each extending in the Y direction, and a plurality of second electrodes 24 each extending in the X direction. Each of a plurality of intersection regions between the plurality of first electrodes 23 and the plurality of second electrodes 24 constitutes a pixel PX. In this embodiment, eight first electrodes 23-1 to 23-8 and eight second electrodes 24-1 to 24-8 are shown as an example.

[0103] The odd-numbered first electrodes 23-1 and the even-numbered first electrodes 23-2 have different widths (wiring widths). The width of an electrode is the length in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the electrode extends. For example, the width of the first electrode 23-2 is twice the width of the first electrode 23-1. That is, the ratio of the width of the first electrode 23-1 to the width of the first electrode 23-2 is "1:2". The configurations of the other odd-numbered first electrodes 23-3, 23-5, and 23-7 are the same as the configuration of the first electrode 23-1 described above. The configurations of the other even-numbered first electrodes 23-4, 23-6, and 23-8 are the same as the configuration of the first electrode 23-2 described above.

[0104] The odd-numbered second electrodes 24-1 and the even-numbered second electrodes 24-2 have different widths (wiring widths). For example, the width of the second electrode 24-2 is four times the width of the second electrode 24-1. That is, the ratio of the width of the second electrode 24-1 to the width of the second electrode 24-2 is "1:4". The configurations of the other odd-numbered second electrodes 24-3, 24-5, and 24-7 are the same as the configuration of the second electrode 24-1 described above. The configurations of the other even-numbered second electrodes 24-4, 24-6, and 24-8 are the same as the configuration of the second electrode 24-2 described above.

[0105] Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram of four pixels extracted, which correspond to four pixels present in an area where two first electrodes 23-1, 23-2 and two second electrodes 24-1, 24-2 intersect.

[0106] The four pixels arranged in a matrix are denoted as PX_11, PX_12, PX_21, and PX_22. A set of four pixels PX_11, PX_12, PX_21, and PX_22 is called a pixel group PG. Pixel PX_11 is connected to signal line 13-1 and signal line 14-1. Pixel PX_12 is connected to signal line 13-2 and signal line 14-1. Pixel PX_21 is connected to signal line 13-1 and signal line 14-2. Pixel PX_22 is connected to signal line 13-2 and signal line 14-2. The other pixel groups each consisting of four pixels each have the same configuration as the pixel group in FIG. 25.

[0107] As described above, the ratio between the width of the odd-numbered first electrodes 23 and the width of the even-numbered first electrodes 23 is "1:2", and the ratio between the width of the odd-numbered second electrodes 24 and the width of the even-numbered second electrodes 24 is "1:4". Therefore, the area ratio of the pixels PX_11, PX_12, PX_21, and PX_22 is "1:2:4:8". Thus, in the third embodiment, the four pixels PX arranged in a matrix have different areas from each other.

[0108] Next, a specific structure of the light control element 11 according to the third embodiment will be described. Fig. 26 is a plan view of the light control element 11 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the light control element 11 taken along line AA' in Fig. 26. Fig. 28 is a plan view of the base material 20 and the multiple first electrodes 23. Fig. 29 is a plan view of the base material 21 and the multiple second electrodes 24. Figs. 28 and 29 show, as an example, eight first electrodes 23-1 to 23-8 and eight second electrodes 24-1 to 24-8.

[0109] 28, the odd-numbered first electrodes 23-1, 23-3, 23-5, and 23-7 are commonly connected to a connection electrode 28-1. The odd-numbered first electrodes 23-1, 23-3, 23-5, and 23-7 have the same width. The connection electrode 28-1 is connected to a terminal 29-1.

[0110] The even-numbered first electrodes 23-2, 23-4, 23-6, and 23-8 are commonly connected to a connection electrode 28-2. The even-numbered first electrodes 23-2, 23-4, 23-6, and 23-8 have the same width. The even-numbered first electrodes 23-2, 23-4, 23-6, and 23-8 have twice the width of the odd-numbered first electrodes 23-1, 23-3, 23-5, and 23-7. The connection electrode 28-2 is connected to a terminal 29-2.

[0111] 29, the odd-numbered second electrodes 24-1, 24-3, 24-5, and 24-7 are commonly connected to a connection electrode 28-3. The odd-numbered second electrodes 24-1, 24-3, 24-5, and 24-7 have the same width. The connection electrode 28-3 is connected to a terminal 29-3.

[0112] The even-numbered second electrodes 24-2, 24-4, 24-6, and 24-8 are commonly connected to a connection electrode 28-4. The even-numbered second electrodes 24-2, 24-4, 24-6, and 24-8 have the same width. The even-numbered second electrodes 24-2, 24-4, 24-6, and 24-8 have four times the width of the odd-numbered second electrodes 24-1, 24-3, 24-5, and 24-7. The connection electrode 28-4 is connected to a terminal 29-4.

[0113] [3-2] Operation of dimming element 11 Next, the operation of the light control element 11 will be described.

[0114] Fig. 30 is a schematic diagram for explaining the area ratio of pixels (pixel area ratio). In Fig. 30, the X width ratio means the ratio between the width of the odd-numbered first electrode 23-1 to which the signal X1 is supplied and the width of the even-numbered first electrode 23-2 to which the signal X2 is supplied. The Y width ratio means the ratio between the width of the odd-numbered second electrode 24-1 to which the signal Y1 is supplied and the width of the even-numbered second electrode 24-2 to which the signal Y2 is supplied.

[0115] The four numerical values ​​in the matrix represent the area ratios of the four pixels PX_11, PX_12, PX_21, and PX_22. The total area of ​​the pixel group PG is 15. The area ratio of pixel PX_11 is "1", the area ratio of pixel PX_12 is "2", the area ratio of pixel PX_21 is "4", and the area ratio of pixel PX_22 is "8".

[0116] FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between pixel operation and transmittance. The pixel numbers correspond to the numbers of pixels PX_11, PX_12, PX_21, and PX_22. The light-shielding area ratio is the ratio of the total light-shielding area to the total area "15" of the pixel group PG. The circles in FIG. 31 represent pixels in a light-shielding state, and the blank spaces in FIG. 31 represent pixels in a transmitting state.

[0117] Fig. 32 is a graph for explaining the relationship between the light blocking area ratio and the transmittance, in which the horizontal axis represents the light blocking area ratio and the vertical axis represents the transmittance (%).

[0118] The light-shielding area ratio can be set to 16 levels from 0 to 15. The transmittance decreases as the light-shielding area ratio increases. The transmittance at a light-shielding area ratio of 0 is 100%, and the transmittance at a light-shielding area ratio of 15 is 0%.

[0119] When a pixel is set to a transparent state, the pixel is turned off, i.e., a voltage lower than the threshold voltage is applied to the pixel. When a pixel is set to a light-shielding state, the pixel is turned on, i.e., a voltage equal to or higher than the threshold voltage is applied to the pixel. The operations for setting the pixel to the light-shielding state and the transparent state are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0120] [3-3] Effects of the third embodiment In the third embodiment, the widths of the first electrodes 23 are different, and the widths of the second electrodes are different. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the transmittance can be set more finely. According to the example of this embodiment, the transmittance can be changed in 16 steps.

[0121] Moreover, the amount of change in transmittance can be further reduced by increasing the number of first electrodes 23 with different widths and by increasing the number of second electrodes 24 with different widths. Other effects are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0122] [4] Fourth embodiment In the fourth embodiment, the widths of the plurality of first electrodes 23 are made the same, and the widths of the plurality of second electrodes 24 are made the same, while the transmittance is set more finely.

[0123] [4-1] Configuration of dimming element 11 FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a light control element 11 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0124] The light control element 11 includes a plurality of first electrodes 23 each extending in the Y direction, and a plurality of second electrodes 24 each extending in the X direction. Each of a plurality of intersection regions between the plurality of first electrodes 23 and the plurality of second electrodes 24 constitutes a pixel PX. In Fig. 33, 12 first electrodes 23-1 to 23-12 and 20 second electrodes 24-1 to 24-20 are shown as an example.

[0125] The first electrodes 23 have the same width. The second electrodes 24 have the same width. For example, the width of the first electrodes 23 is twice the width of the second electrodes 24.

[0126] The first electrodes 23-2, 23-5, 23-8, and 23-11 are commonly connected to a signal line 13-1. A signal X1 is supplied to the signal line 13-1. The first electrodes 23-1, 23-3, 23-4, 23-6, 23-7, 23-9, 23-10, and 23-12 are commonly connected to a signal line 13-2. A signal X2 is supplied to the signal line 13-2.

[0127] The second electrodes 24-3, 24-8, 24-13, and 24-18 are commonly connected to a signal line 14-1. A signal Y1 is supplied to the signal line 14-1. The second electrodes 24-1, 24-2, 24-4 to 24-7, 24-9 to 24-12, 24-14 to 24-17, 24-19, and 24-20 are commonly connected to a signal line 14-2. A signal Y2 is supplied to the signal line 14-2.

[0128] The three first electrodes 23-1 to 23-3 and the five second electrodes 24-1 to 24-5 constitute one repeating unit, and the relationship of this repeating unit is the same for the other electrodes (the first electrodes 23-4 to 23-12 and the second electrodes 24-6 to 24-20). In Fig. 33, the spacing between the electrodes is partially enlarged to clarify the repeating unit, but in reality, the spacing between the electrodes is set to be the same.

[0129] Except for the difference in the width of the electrodes, the cross-sectional structure of the light control element 11 in the fourth embodiment is the same as that in the third embodiment.

[0130] Fig. 34 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of one pixel group PG. Fig. 34 shows an extracted pixel group PG consisting of three first electrodes 23-1 to 23-3 and five second electrodes 24-1 to 24-5. The pixel group PG in Fig. 34 is made up of pixels PX_11, PX_12, PX_21, and PX_22. Only pixel numbers are shown in Fig. 34.

[0131] The pixel PX_11 is formed in the intersection region between a first electrode 23-2 and a second electrode 24-3.

[0132] The pixel PX_12 is composed of two sub-pixels PX_12-1 and PX_12-2. The sub-pixel PX_12-1 is composed of an intersection region between a first electrode 23-1 and a second electrode 24-3. The sub-pixel PX_12-2 is composed of an intersection region between a first electrode 23-3 and a second electrode 24-3.

[0133] The pixel PX_21 is composed of two sub-pixels PX_21-1 and PX_21-2. The sub-pixel PX_21-1 is composed of an intersection region between a first electrode 23-2 and two second electrodes 24-1 and 24-2. The sub-pixel PX_21-2 is composed of an intersection region between a first electrode 23-2 and two second electrodes 24-4 and 24-5.

[0134] The pixel PX_22 is composed of four sub-pixels PX_22-1 to PX_22-4. The sub-pixel PX_22-1 is composed of an intersection region between a first electrode 23-1 and two second electrodes 24-1 and 24-2. The sub-pixel PX_22-2 is composed of an intersection region between a first electrode 23-3 and two second electrodes 24-1 and 24-2. The sub-pixel PX_22-3 is composed of an intersection region between a first electrode 23-1 and two second electrodes 24-4 and 24-5. The sub-pixel PX_22-4 is composed of an intersection region between a first electrode 23-3 and two second electrodes 24-4 and 24-5.

[0135] The area of ​​pixel PX_12 is twice the area of ​​pixel PX_11. The area of ​​pixel PX_21 is four times the area of ​​pixel PX_11. The area of ​​pixel PX_22 is eight times the area of ​​pixel PX_11. In other words, the area ratio of pixels PX_11, PX_12, PX_21, and PX_22 is "1:2:4:8".

[0136] A plurality of pixel groups other than the pixel group PG shown in FIG. 34 also have the same connection relationship as in FIG.

[0137] [4-2] Operation of dimming element 11 Next, the operation of the light control element 11 will be described.

[0138] In FIG. 34, when pixel PX_11 is set to the on state, for example, 0 V is applied to the first electrode 23-2, and a positive voltage equal to or greater than the threshold voltage is applied to the second electrode 24-3.

[0139] When the pixel PX_12 is set to the on state, for example, 0 V is applied to the first electrodes 23-1 and 23-3, and a positive voltage is applied to the second electrode 24-3.

[0140] When the pixel PX_21 is set to the on state, for example, 0 V is applied to the first electrode 23-2, and a positive voltage is applied to the second electrodes 24-1, 24-2, 24-4, and 24-5.

[0141] When the pixel PX_22 is set to the on state, for example, 0 V is applied to the first electrodes 23-1 and 23-3, and a positive voltage is applied to the second electrodes 24-1, 24-2, 24-4, and 24-5.

[0142] Moreover, the light blocking area ratio of the pixel group PG can be set to 16 levels from 0 to 15, similarly to the third embodiment.

[0143] [4-3] Effects of the fourth embodiment According to the fourth embodiment, the widths of the first electrodes 23 can be made the same, and the widths of the second electrodes 24 can be made the same. This simplifies the manufacturing process of the electrodes. Other effects are the same as those of the third embodiment.

[0144] [5] Fifth embodiment In the fifth embodiment, one common electrode 24 is disposed so as to face a plurality of first electrodes 23. Then, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 24, while the voltages applied to the plurality of first electrodes 23 are controlled, thereby controlling the transmittance.

[0145] [5-1] Configuration of dimming element 11 Fig. 35 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the light control element 11 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the light control element 11 shown in Fig. 35. Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view cut in the X direction at an arbitrary position in the Y direction. Although not shown, the layout of the connection electrodes 28 and terminals 29 for the first electrode 23 and the common electrode 24 is the same as in the first embodiment, and can be designed arbitrarily.

[0146] The light control element 11 includes a plurality of first electrodes 23 each extending in the Y direction, and a common electrode 24. The plurality of first electrodes 23 are provided on a substrate 20, and the common electrode 24 is provided on a substrate 21. In Fig. 35, 16 first electrodes 23-1 to 23-16 are shown as an example.

[0147] Four first electrodes 23-1 to 23-4 constitute one repeat unit. The width of first electrode 23-2 is twice the width of first electrode 23-1. The width of first electrode 23-3 is four times the width of first electrode 23-1. The width of first electrode 23-4 is eight times the width of first electrode 23-1. That is, the ratio of the widths of first electrodes 23-1 to 23-4 is "1:2:4:8". The configuration of first electrodes 23-5 to 23-16 is similar to the configuration of first electrodes 23-1 to 23-4.

[0148] The first electrodes 23-1, 23-5, 23-9, and 23-13 are commonly connected to a signal line 13-1. A signal X1 is supplied to the signal line 13-1 from the drive circuit 12. That is, the same voltage is applied to the first electrodes 23-1, 23-5, 23-9, and 23-13 as the signal X1.

[0149] The first electrodes 23-2, 23-6, 23-10, and 23-14 are commonly connected to a signal line 13-2. A signal X2 is supplied to the signal line 13-2 from the drive circuit 12. That is, the same voltage is applied to the first electrodes 23-2, 23-6, 23-10, and 23-14 as the signal X2.

[0150] The first electrodes 23-3, 23-7, 23-11, and 23-15 are commonly connected to a signal line 13-3. A signal X3 is supplied to the signal line 13-3 from the drive circuit 12. That is, the same voltage is applied to the first electrodes 23-3, 23-7, 23-11, and 23-15 as the signal X3.

[0151] The first electrodes 23-4, 23-8, 23-12, and 23-16 are commonly connected to a signal line 13-4. A signal X4 is supplied to the signal line 13-4 from the drive circuit 12. That is, the same voltage is applied to the first electrodes 23-4, 23-8, 23-12, and 23-16 as the signal X4.

[0152] The common electrode 24 is formed in a planar shape on the substrate 21. The common electrode 24 has a size sufficient to cover the first electrodes 23-1 to 23-16 in their entirety. An intersection region between the common electrode 24 and each of the first electrodes 23 constitutes a pixel PX. The common electrode 24 is connected to a signal line 14. A signal COM is supplied from the drive circuit 12 to the signal line 14. The signal COM is a common voltage, for example, 0V.

[0153] [5-2] Operation of dimming element 11 Next, the operation of the light control element 11 will be described.

[0154] 37 is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of the pixel PX in the on-state. The driving circuit 12 applies an AC voltage of amplitude V1 to the corresponding first electrode 23. The voltage V1 is a voltage equal to or greater than the threshold voltage. The driving circuit 12 also applies 0V to the common electrode 24.

[0155] When a pixel PX is set to the off state, 0 V is applied to both the corresponding first electrode 23 and common electrode 24.

[0156] The light blocking area can be controlled by controlling the voltages applied to the signals X1 to X4. Similarly to the third embodiment, the light blocking area ratio of the light adjusting element 11 can be set to 16 levels from 0 to 15.

[0157] The number of first electrodes 23 having different widths is not limited to 4. By changing the number of first electrodes 23 having different widths, the amount of change in transmittance can be set arbitrarily.

[0158] [5-3] Effects of the fifth embodiment According to the fifth embodiment, the common electrode 24 is formed in a planar shape on the substrate 21. This simplifies the electrode structure. In addition, since a static driving method can be applied, the driving method can be simplified. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0159] [6] Sixth embodiment The sixth embodiment is a modification of the fifth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the widths of the plurality of first electrodes 23 are made the same, while the transmittance is set more finely.

[0160] Fig. 38 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a light control element 11 according to the sixth embodiment. The light control element 11 includes a plurality of first electrodes 23 each extending in the Y direction, and a common electrode 24. The cross-sectional structure of the light control element 11 is the same as that in Fig. 36 except that the width of the first electrodes 23 is different. Fig. 38 shows 45 first electrodes 23-1 to 23-45 as an example.

[0161] Fifteen first electrodes 23-1 to 23-15 form one repeating unit (pixel group PG). The first electrodes 23-1 to 23-15 have the same width. In Fig. 38, the spacing between electrodes is partially enlarged to clarify the repeating unit, but in reality, the spacing between electrodes is set to be the same.

[0162] The first electrode 23-8 is connected to a signal line 13-1. A signal X1 is supplied from the drive circuit 12 to the signal line 13-1.

[0163] The two first electrodes 23-4 and 23-12 are commonly connected to a signal line 13-2. A signal X2 is supplied to the signal line 13-2 from the drive circuit 12. That is, the same voltage is applied to the first electrodes 23-4 and 23-12 as the signal X2.

[0164] The four first electrodes 23-2, 23-6, 23-10, and 23-14 are commonly connected to a signal line 13-3. A signal X3 is supplied to the signal line 13-3 from the drive circuit 12. That is, the same voltage is applied to the first electrodes 23-2, 23-6, 23-10, and 23-14 as the signal X3.

[0165] The eight first electrodes 23-1, 23-3, 23-5, 23-7, 23-9, 23-11, 23-13, and 23-15 are commonly connected to a signal line 13-4. A signal X4 is supplied to the signal line 13-4 from the drive circuit 12. That is, the same voltage is applied to the first electrodes 23-1, 23-3, 23-5, 23-7, 23-9, 23-11, 23-13, and 23-15 as the signal X4.

[0166] The common electrode 24 has a size sufficient to cover the first electrodes 23-1 to 23-45 in their entirety. An intersection region between the common electrode 24 and each of the first electrodes 23 constitutes a pixel PX. The common electrode 24 is connected to a signal line 14. A signal COM is supplied from the drive circuit 12 to the signal line 14. The signal COM is, for example, 0V.

[0167] The method of driving the light control element 11 is the same as in the fifth embodiment.

[0168] According to the sixth embodiment, the widths of the multiple first electrodes 23 can be made the same. This allows the electrode manufacturing process to be simplified. Other effects are the same as those of the fifth embodiment. Note that the number of first electrodes 23 included in the pixel group PG is not limited to 15. By changing the number of first electrodes 23 included in the pixel group PG, the amount of change in transmittance can be set arbitrarily.

[0169] In the above embodiments, a guest-host type liquid crystal layer is described as an example of the liquid crystal layer 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC: Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) or a polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC: Polymer Network Liquid Crystal) may be used. Furthermore, the liquid crystal layer 22 may be a TN (Twisted Nematic) type liquid crystal or a STN (Super Twisted Nematic) type liquid crystal.

[0170] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. In addition, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combination, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiment includes various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from the multiple components disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and the effect can be obtained even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment, the configuration from which the components are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0171] 10... dimming device, 11... dimming element, 12... driving circuit, 13... signal line group, 14... signal line group, 20, 21... substrate, 22... liquid crystal layer, 23... first electrode, 24... second electrode, 25, 26... alignment film, 27... sealing material, 28-1 to 28-4... connection electrodes, 29-1 to 29-4... terminals, 30... camera, 31... lens group, 32... imaging element, 33... object, 34... image.

Claims

1. First and second transparent substrates; a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first and second transparent substrates and composed of a guest-host type liquid crystal layer containing a dichroic dye; A plurality of first electrodes provided on the first transparent substrate, each of which extends in a first direction and is arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of second electrodes provided on the first transparent substrate, each of the second electrodes extending in the first direction and each of the second electrodes being adjacent to the first electrodes; a plurality of third electrodes provided on the second transparent substrate, each of the third electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction; a light-adjusting element including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, the plurality of pixels including a plurality of fourth electrodes provided on the second transparent base material, each of the fourth electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged adjacent to the plurality of third electrodes; a first signal line commonly connected to the plurality of first electrodes; a second signal line commonly connected to the plurality of second electrodes; a third signal line commonly connected to the third electrodes; a fourth signal line commonly connected to the plurality of fourth electrodes; a drive circuit that controls voltages of the first to fourth signal lines to set each of the plurality of pixels to either a light-transmitting state or a light-shielding state; A dimming device comprising:

2. a first connection electrode commonly connected to the first electrode; a second connection electrode commonly connected to the second electrode; a third connection electrode commonly connected to the third electrode; a fourth connection electrode commonly connected to the fourth electrode; Further comprising: The first to fourth signal lines are connected to the first to fourth connection electrodes, respectively. The light control device according to claim 1 .

3. The widths of the first electrodes and the second electrodes are the same, The widths of the third electrodes and the fourth electrodes are the same. The light control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The widths of the first electrodes and the second electrodes are different, The widths of the third electrodes and the fourth electrodes are different from each other. The light control device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The driving circuit performs time-division driving on the first to fourth signal lines. The light control device according to claim 1 .

6. The drive circuit is configured to be able to apply a first voltage to the first and second signal lines, and is configured to be able to apply a second voltage higher than the first voltage to the third and fourth signal lines. The light control device according to claim 5 .

7. The pulse width of the second voltage is half the pulse width of the first voltage. The light control device according to claim 6.

8. First and second transparent substrates; a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first and second transparent substrates and composed of a guest-host type liquid crystal layer containing a dichroic dye; A plurality of first electrodes provided on the first transparent substrate, each of which extends in a first direction and is arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of second electrodes provided on the first transparent substrate, each of the second electrodes extending in the first direction and each of the second electrodes being adjacent to the first electrodes; a common electrode provided on the second transparent base material and covering the first electrodes and the second electrodes in a plan view; and a light control element including a plurality of pixels; a first signal line commonly connected to the plurality of first electrodes; a second signal line commonly connected to the plurality of second electrodes; A third signal line connected to the common electrode; a drive circuit that controls voltages of the first to third signal lines to set each of the plurality of pixels to either a light-transmitting state or a light-shielding state; Equipped with The width of each of the first electrodes is narrower than the width of each of the second electrodes. Dimmer.

9. The driving circuit performs static driving on the first to third signal lines. The light control device according to claim 8.

10. The drive circuit changes the transmittance of the light control element by changing the ratio of pixels in a light-shielded state to all pixels. The light control device according to claim 1 .

11. The dichroic dye is capable of displaying black. The light control device according to claim 1 .

Images