Image display device

Abstract

An image display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a display layer in which a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged in an array; and a design layer in which a plurality of openings are provided in an array, and which has a plurality of light guide parts respectively embedded in the plurality of openings, and is disposed on the display surface side of the display layer.

Description

Image display device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image display device.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a display device that aims to achieve high decorativeness while maintaining the functionality of the display and operating sections without compromising them by placing a surface film with a predetermined thickness and light transmittance on the front surface of a display element including a light source.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-144511

[0004] Incidentally, in image display devices in which a sophisticated surface film is disposed in front of the display surface, there is a demand for improved display quality.

[0005] It is desirable to provide an image display device that can improve display quality.

[0006] An image display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a display layer having a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in an array, and a design layer having a plurality of apertures arranged in an array and a plurality of light-guiding sections embedded in each of the apertures, the design layer being arranged on the display surface side of the display layer.

[0007] In an image display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a design layer disposed on the display surface side of a display layer has a plurality of apertures arranged in an array, and a plurality of light guides are embedded in the plurality of apertures, respectively, thereby superimposing a high-brightness, wide-viewing-angle image on the design layer.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a plan view (A) and a cross-sectional view (B) illustrating an example of the configuration of an image display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the shape of a light guide embedded in the leather material shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the shape of a light guide embedded in the leather material shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the shape of a light guide embedded in the leather material shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of an image display device as Comparative Example 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of an image display device as Comparative Example 2. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the viewing angle of the image display device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a plan view (A) and a cross-sectional view (B) illustrating an example of the configuration of an image display device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of a yarn constituting the fabric material shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of a yarn constituting the fabric material shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a plan view (A) and a cross-sectional view (B) illustrating an example of the configuration of an image display device according to Modification 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of yarns constituting the fabric material shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of an image display device according to Modification 2 of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of an image display device according to Modification 3 of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a plan view (A) and a cross-sectional view (B) illustrating an example of the configuration of an image display device according to Modification 4 of the present disclosure. FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the operation of the image display device shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the operation of the image display device shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a plan view (A) and a cross-sectional view (B) illustrating an example of the configuration of an image display device according to Modification 5 of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating an example of a pixel arrangement according to another modification. FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating another example of a pixel arrangement according to another modification.

[0009] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The following description is a specific example of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following aspects. Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the arrangement, dimensions, dimensional ratios, etc. of each component shown in each drawing. The order of description is as follows: 1. First embodiment (an example of an image display device in which minute openings are formed in leather material and light guides are provided in the openings) 2. Second embodiment (an example of an image display device in which light guides are provided using transparent thread as a fabric material) 3. Modification 1 (another example of the configuration of an image display device) 4. Modification 2 (another example of the configuration of an image display device) 5. Modification 3 (another example of the configuration of an image display device) 6. Modification 4 (another example of the configuration of an image display device) 7. Modification 5 (another example of the configuration of an image display device) 8. Other modifications (examples of pixel layouts in a display layer)

[0010] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a planar configuration (A) and a cross-sectional configuration (B) of an image display device (image display device 1) according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The image display device 1 functions as a display only when emitting light in, for example, an automobile cabin, and can be suitably used as a decorative panel that exhibits high designability when not emitting light.

[0011] The image display device 1 of this embodiment includes a display layer 10 in which a plurality of light-emitting elements 12 are arranged in an array as light sources, and a thick material (leather material 21) arranged on the surface 10S1 side of the display layer 10. A plurality of openings 21H are provided in an array in the leather material 21, and a light guide 22 is embedded in each of the plurality of openings 21H. Note that the leather material 21 is not limited to genuine leather, but also includes synthetic leather and artificial leather.

[0012] Here, the display layer 10 corresponds to a specific example of the "display layer" in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The plurality of light-emitting elements 12 correspond to a specific example of the "plurality of light-emitting elements" in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and the surface 10S1 corresponds to a specific example of the "display surface" in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The leather material 21 corresponds to a specific example of the "design layer" in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The plurality of openings 21H correspond to a specific example of the "plurality of openings" in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and the light-guiding section 22 corresponds to a specific example of the "light-guiding section" in the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Configuration of Image Display Device] As described above, the image display device 1 includes the display layer 10 having a plurality of light-emitting elements 12 arranged in an array, and a leather material 21 arranged on the surface 10S1 side of the display layer 10. The leather material 21 has a plurality of apertures 21H arranged in an array. A light guide 22 is embedded in each of the apertures 21H, and light L (see, for example, FIG. 7) emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 12 is extracted to the display surface side S1 via the light guide 22. For convenience, the display surface side S1 of the image display device 1 may be referred to herein as "top," "upper side," or "upper side," and the side opposite the display surface side S1 may be referred to as "bottom," "lower side," or "below."

[0014] The display layer 10 includes, for example, a drive substrate 11, a plurality of light-emitting elements 12, a planarization layer 13, and a color filter layer 14. The plurality of light-emitting elements 12 are arranged, for example, in a two-dimensional array on the drive substrate 11. The planarization layer 13 and the color filter layer 14 are stacked in this order on the drive substrate 11.

[0015] The drive substrate 11 supports a plurality of light-emitting elements 12 arranged in a two-dimensional array, and is provided with a plurality of drive circuits that control the driving of the plurality of light-emitting elements 12 .

[0016] There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the display element that displays an image in the display layer 10. In the image display device 1, a liquid crystal element, an electroluminescence element, a light-emitting diode (LED), or the like can be used as the display element.

[0017] The plurality of light-emitting elements 12 are used in the display layer 10 as display elements themselves or as light sources constituting the display elements. The plurality of light-emitting elements 12 are, for example, solid-state light-emitting elements that emit light in a predetermined wavelength band, such as LED chips. The term "LED chip" refers to an element cut from a wafer used for crystal growth, and is not a packaged type covered with molded resin or the like. Small LED chips have a size of, for example, 500 nm to 100 μm, and are known as micro-LEDs. Light in the blue band of, for example, 430 nm to 500 nm is extracted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 12. In addition, light with a wavelength corresponding to the ultraviolet region (ultraviolet light) may also be extracted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 12.

[0018] The planarization layer 13 embeds the light-emitting elements 12 and forms a flat layered surface on the display surface side S1. The planarization layer 13 can be formed using, for example, silicon oxide (SiO) or silicon nitride (SiN).

[0019] The color filter layer 14 converts light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 12 into light of a desired wavelength and extracts the light from the display surface side S1. The color filter layer 14 includes, for example, a red filter 14R that converts light emitted from the light-emitting elements 12 into light in a red wavelength range (red light), a green filter 14G that converts light emitted from the light-emitting elements 12 into light in a green wavelength range (green light), and a blue filter 14B that converts light emitted from the light-emitting elements 12 into light in a blue wavelength range (blue light). The red filter 14R, the green filter 14G, and the blue filter 14B are provided, for example, for each pixel and constitute a red pixel Pr, a green pixel Pg, and a blue pixel Pb, respectively.

[0020] Each of the color filters 14R, 14G, and 14B can be formed using quantum dots corresponding to the respective colors. Specifically, when red light is to be obtained, the quantum dots can be selected from, for example, InP, GaInP, InAsP, CdSe, CdZnSe, CdTeSe, or CdTe. When green light is to be obtained, the quantum dots can be selected from, for example, InP, GaInP, ZnSeTe, ZnTe, CdSe, CdZnSe, CdS, or CdSeS. When blue light is to be obtained, the quantum dots can be selected from, for example, ZnSe, ZnTe, ZnSeTe, CdSe, CdZnSe, CdS, CdZnS, and CdSeS. Note that when blue light is emitted from the light-emitting element 12 as described above, the blue filter 14B may be formed from a light-transmitting resin layer.

[0021] The leather material 21 is a decorative member that enhances design, and is used, for example, as wallpaper for the interior of an automobile or the interior of a building, or as the exterior of furniture such as a desk. The leather material 21 has a pair of opposing surfaces (a front surface 21S1 and a back surface 21S2). The leather material 21 has a thickness W (see FIG. 2 ) of, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 3 mm or less. The leather material 21 has a two-dimensional array of multiple minute openings 21H that penetrate between the front surface 21S1 and the back surface 21S2. The average diameter D (see FIG. 2 ) of the multiple openings 21H is, for example, 50 μm or more and 300 μm or less.

[0022] The light guide 22 is an optical element that, when the display layer 10 is driven, efficiently propagates light emitted from each light-emitting element 12 of the display layer 10 arranged on the back surface 21S2 side of the leather material 21 to the front surface 21S1 side of the leather material 21. The light guide 22 is made of, for example, glass or a resin material having a light transmittance of 90% or more.

[0023] 1B, the light guide section 22 is preferably disposed opposite each of the plurality of light-emitting elements 12 arranged in a two-dimensional array in the display layer 10. In other words, the plurality of light-emitting elements 12 arranged in a two-dimensional array in the display layer 10 and the plurality of openings 21H formed in a two-dimensional array in the leather material 21 are preferably disposed opposite each other. This allows light emitted from each light-emitting element 12 to be efficiently extracted to the surface 21S1 side of the leather material 21.

[0024] In addition to solid-state light-emitting elements, the plurality of light-emitting elements 12 may be surface-emitting devices such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or organic electroluminescence (OLED). In such cases, it is preferable to shift the orientation of the array at an angle relative to the X-axis and Y-axis directions, for example. This can make moire less visible.

[0025] 2 to 4 are schematic diagrams showing examples of the cross-sectional shape of the light guide portion 22 embedded in the leather material 21. FIG.

[0026] 2, the light guide 22 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and its front surface 22S1 and back surface 22S2 are respectively flush with the front surface 21S1 and back surface 21S2 of the leather material 21. The front surface 22S1 of the light guide 22, which is flush with the front surface 21S1 of the leather material 21, may have fine irregularities formed thereon by surface treatment such as etching or wet blasting.

[0027] The surface 22S1 of the light guide 22 may protrude from the surface 21S1 of the leather material 21 to the display surface side S1, as shown in Fig. 3, for example. Alternatively, the surface 22S1 of the light guide 22 may protrude from the surface 21S1 of the leather material 21 to the display surface side S1, as shown in Fig. 3, for example. Alternatively, the surface 22S1 of the light guide 22 may be formed between the surface 21S1 and the back surface 21S2 of the leather material 21, as shown in Fig. 4, for example.

[0028] 3 and 4, the surface 22S1 of the light guide 22 may have a lens shape. As described above, by forming minute irregularities on the surface 22S1 of the light guide 22 or by making the surface 22S1 of the light guide 22 have a lens shape, the light L emitted from the surface 22S1 can be emitted at a wide angle. Therefore, it becomes possible to superimpose a high-brightness, wide-viewing-angle image on the display surface side S1 of the leather material 21 having a predetermined thickness.

[0029] [Functions and Effects] In the image display device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of apertures 21H are provided in an array on the surface 10S1 side of the display layer 10 on which a plurality of light-emitting elements 12 are arranged in an array, and a leather material 21 is arranged in which a plurality of light-guiding sections 22 are embedded in each of the plurality of apertures 21H. As a result, when the display layer 10 is driven, an image with high brightness and a wide viewing angle is superimposed on the leather material 21. This will be described below.

[0030] Decorative panels with a leather-like appearance are often used in the interior of automobiles to create a luxurious feel. However, as automobiles have become increasingly multifunctional in recent years, the area around the driver's seat and passenger seat, such as the instrument panel and dashboard, tends to be dominated by various displays, operation switches, meters, etc. As a result, the cluttered arrangement of these devices can detract from the design, creating an issue.

[0031] In response to this, so-called stealth displays have been developed, in which a translucent decorative sheet with a highly decorative design, such as a wood grain or leather-like pattern, is placed in front of a display, operation switch, instrument, etc., making the presence of the display invisible when not emitting light, but superimposing an image by emitting strong light from within when emitting light. A typical object-embedded display, such as the image display device 100A shown in FIG. 5, has a configuration in which a highly decorative translucent decorative sheet 121 is placed on the surface 110S1 of a display layer 110, which includes a drive substrate 111 on which a plurality of light-emitting elements 112 are arranged, a planarization layer 113, a color filter layer 114, and a protective layer stacked in this order. This image display device 100A has problems such as a reduction in the amount of light and a deterioration in color reproducibility due to light L emitted from the display layer 110 passing through the decorative sheet 121.

[0032] 6, an image display device 100B can be conceived that solves this problem, for example, by providing openings 131H penetrating a decorative sheet 131 above a plurality of light-emitting elements 112 arranged on a drive substrate 111. However, simply providing openings 131H in a decorative sheet 131 having a predetermined thickness means that the light L emitted from each of the plurality of light-emitting elements 112 is blocked by the side walls of the openings 131H, and an image with a narrow viewing angle is superimposed on the display surface side S1.

[0033] In contrast, in the present embodiment, a plurality of apertures 21H are formed in an array in the leather material 21 disposed on the surface 10S1 side of the display layer 10, and a plurality of light guides 22 are embedded in each of the apertures 21H. FIG. 7 illustrates the viewing angle of the image display device 1. Light L emitted from each of the plurality of light-emitting elements 12 propagates through the light guides 22 disposed above and is emitted at a wide angle from the surface 22S1. This allows a high-brightness, wide-viewing-angle image to be superimposed on the display surface side S1 of the leather material 21. In other words, the viewer 1000 can view a clear image with high color reproducibility that is not affected by a design layer (e.g., the leather material 21) disposed in front of the display layer 10.

[0034] As described above, in the image display device 1 of the present embodiment, in a configuration in which a design layer (e.g., leather material 21) such as a wood grain pattern or leather look is arranged on the front surface of the display layer 10, it is possible to improve the display quality of the image superimposed on the design layer when the display layer 10 is driven. Therefore, it is possible to provide an object-embedded display that has high display functionality and excellent design.

[0035] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure and modifications 1 to 4 will be described. Note that components corresponding to those in the image display device 1 of the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0036] 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a planar configuration (A) and a cross-sectional configuration (B) of an image display device (image display device 2) according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to the image display device 1 according to the first embodiment, the image display device 2 functions as a display only when emitting light in, for example, the interior of an automobile, and can be suitably used as a decorative panel that exhibits high designability when not emitting light.

[0037] The image display device 2 of this embodiment includes a display layer 10 having a plurality of light-emitting elements 12 arranged in an array as a light source, and a fabric material 31 arranged on the surface 10S1 side of the display layer 10. The fabric material 31 has a plurality of openings 31H arranged in an array, and a light guide section 32 formed in each of the plurality of openings 31H.

[0038] Here, fabric material 31 corresponds to a specific example of a "design layer" in the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Multiple apertures 31H correspond to a specific example of a "multiple apertures" in the second embodiment of the present disclosure, and light guide portion 32 corresponds to a specific example of a "light guide portion" in the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] [Configuration of Image Display Device] As described above, the image display device 2 includes a display layer 10 having a plurality of light-emitting elements 12 arranged in an array, and a fabric material 31 arranged on the surface 10S1 side of the display layer 10. A plurality of apertures 31H are formed in an array in the fabric material 31. A light guide section 32 is formed in each of the plurality of apertures 31H, and light L (see, for example, FIG. 7 ) emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 12 is extracted to the display surface side S1 via the light guide section 32. For convenience, the display surface side S1 of the image display device 2 may be referred to herein as "top," "upper side," or "upper side," and the side opposite the display surface side S1 may be referred to as "bottom," "lower side," or "below."

[0040] As in the first embodiment, the display layer 10 includes, for example, a drive substrate 11, a plurality of light-emitting elements 12, a planarization layer 13, and a color filter layer 14. The plurality of light-emitting elements 12 are arranged, for example, in a two-dimensional array on the drive substrate 11. The planarization layer 13 and the color filter layer 14 are stacked in this order on the drive substrate 11.

[0041] The fabric material 31 is, for example, a decorative member that enhances design and is used, for example, in the interior of an automobile cabin, wallpaper in the interior of a building, or the exterior of furniture such as a desk. The fabric material 31 is, for example, a woven or knitted fabric made using two or more types of yarn. The two or more types of yarn include a colored yarn 331 having an arbitrary color and a transparent yarn 332 having, for example, 60% or more light transmittance, and the transparent yarn 332 is woven at a certain rate (for example, 25%). The fabric material 31 has a pair of opposing surfaces (a front surface 31S1 and a back surface 31S2). Similar to the leather material 21, the fabric material 31 has a thickness of, for example, 0.26 mm or more and 0.36 mm or less, and the average pore diameter D (see FIG. 2 ) of the multiple openings 31H is, for example, 200 μm or more and 300 μm or less. In this embodiment, for example, the area made of the transparent thread 332 in plan view (see, for example, FIGS. 9 and 10) corresponds to the opening 32H shown in FIG. 8A.

[0042] The light guide 32 is an optical element that, when the display layer 10 is driven, efficiently propagates light emitted from each light-emitting element 12 of the display layer 10 arranged on the back surface 31S2 side of the fabric material 31 to the front surface 31S1 side of the fabric material 31. In this embodiment, the light guide 32 is constituted by transparent threads 332 present in the openings 32H.

[0043] Here, the transparent thread 332 corresponds to a specific example of the "first thread" in the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] As described above, the transparent thread 332 has a light transmittance of, for example, 60% or more. The transparent thread 332 can be formed from synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon. Alternatively, the transparent thread 332 can be a so-called reverse photochromic thread blended with reverse photochromic molecules. Reverse photochromic molecules change to transparency when irradiated with light in a specific wavelength band. A thread blended with reverse photochromic molecules (reverse photochromic thread) becomes transparent when irradiated with light in a specific wavelength band (e.g., visible light), and naturally returns to its colored state when irradiation is stopped.

[0045] When reverse photochromic yarns are used as the transparent yarns 332, the ratio of the colored yarns 331 to the transparent yarns 332 constituting the fabric material 31 may be reversed, for example. This improves the aperture ratio of the fabric material 31 when the display layer 10 is driven, and an image with higher brightness and resolution is superimposed on the display surface side S1 of the fabric material 31.

[0046] The fiber diameter of the transparent yarn 332 is, for example, 130 μm or more and 180 μm or less. The transparent yarn 332 may have, for example, a substantially circular cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 8 or a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 9. When the transparent yarn 332 having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape is used, the light L incident on the transparent yarn 332 is diffused and emitted at a wide angle, as shown in FIG. 8. When the transparent yarn 332 having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape is used, the light efficiency of the light L incident on the transparent yarn 332 is improved when the image display device 2 is viewed from the front, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0047] The material of the colored thread 331 is not particularly limited, but a color and material with high light blocking properties is preferable. As an example of the colored thread 331, black dyed polyester fiber can be used.

[0048] [Functions and Effects] In the image display device 2 of this embodiment, a fabric material 31 having a plurality of light guide sections 32 formed in an array, each made of transparent threads 332, is disposed on the surface 10S1 side of the display layer 10 on which a plurality of light emitting elements 12 are disposed in an array. This allows an image with high brightness and a wide viewing angle to be superimposed on the display surface side S1 of the fabric material 31. In other words, the viewer 1000 can view a clear image with high color reproducibility that is not affected by the design layer (e.g., fabric material 31) disposed in front of the display layer 10.

[0049] As described above, in the image display device 2 of this embodiment, similar to the image display device 1 of the first embodiment, in a configuration in which a design layer (e.g., fabric material 31) such as a wood grain pattern or leather look is arranged on the front surface of the display layer 10, it is possible to improve the display quality of the image superimposed on the design layer when the display layer 10 is driven. Therefore, it is possible to provide an object-embedded display that has high display functionality and excellent design.

[0050] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a planar configuration (A) and a cross-sectional configuration (B) of an image display device (image display device 2A) according to Modification 1 of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of threads constituting the fabric material 31. Similar to the image display device 1 in the first embodiment, the image display device 2A functions as a display only when emitting light in, for example, the interior of an automobile, and can be suitably used as a decorative panel that exhibits high design quality when not emitting light.

[0051] In the second embodiment, an example was shown in which a fabric material 31 including colored yarns 331 of any color and transparent yarns 332 having a light transmittance of, for example, 60% or more was used, with the transparent yarns 332 woven in at a certain ratio (for example, 25%), but the configuration of the fabric material 31 is not limited to this. In this modified example, instead of using transparent yarns 332 having a light transmittance of, for example, 60% or more, the ratio of transparent yarns 332 having a light transmittance of 20% to 40% (average 30%) is increased to improve the opening ratio.

[0052] As described above, in this modification, the transparent threads 332 have a lower light transmittance than the second embodiment, and the aperture ratio is improved by increasing the proportion of the transparent threads 332. This makes it possible to sufficiently conceal the display layer 10 arranged on the back surface 31S2 side of the fabric material 31 when the display layer 10 is not driven, while improving the resolution when the display layer 20 is driven.

[0053] 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional configuration of an image display device (image display device 3) according to Modification 2 of the present disclosure. Similar to the image display device 1 in the first embodiment, the image display device 3 functions as a display only when emitting light in, for example, the interior of an automobile, and can be suitably used as a decorative panel that exhibits high designability when not emitting light.

[0054] The fabric material 31 using the reverse photochromic yarn as the transparent yarn 332 becomes transparent when irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength band (for example, visible light) as described above, and spontaneously returns to its colored state when the irradiation is stopped. This coloring can be achieved by using, for example, ultraviolet light, which can quickly return the transparent reverse photochromic yarn to its colored state.

[0055] In the image display device 3 of this modified example, a light guide plate 16 is laminated on a color filter layer 14, and an ultraviolet light source 18 is disposed on the side surface of the light guide plate 16.

[0056] In this way, in this modified example, a light guide plate 16 is laminated on the color filter layer 14, and an ultraviolet light source 18 is disposed on the side of this light guide plate 16. This makes it possible to quickly return the reverse photochromic yarn from a transparent state to a colored state.

[0057] 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional configuration of an image display device (image display device 4) according to Modification 3 of the present disclosure. Similar to the image display device 1 in the first embodiment, the image display device 4 functions as a display only when emitting light in, for example, the interior of an automobile, and can be suitably used as a decorative panel that exhibits high designability when not emitting light.

[0058] In the image display device 4 of this modified example, a protective layer 15 having a plurality of protrusions 17 on its surface may be laminated on the color filter layer 14, and the plurality of protrusions 17 may be inserted into each of the plurality of openings 21H of the leather material 21.

[0059] Here, the plurality of protrusions 17 correspond to a specific example of a "light guide portion" in the third modification of the present disclosure.

[0060] The protective layer 15 is for protecting the surface of the color filter layer 14, and is made of, for example, silicon oxide (SiO) or silicon nitride (SiN).

[0061] The plurality of protrusions 17 can be formed using a resin material having a light transmittance of 90% or more.

[0062] In this way, in this modification, the protective layer 15 provided with the plurality of protrusions 17 is laminated on the color filter layer 14, and the plurality of protrusions 17 are inserted into the plurality of openings 21H of the leather material 21. Even with this configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0063] 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a planar configuration (A) and a cross-sectional configuration (B) of an image display device (image display device 5) according to Modification 4 of the present disclosure. 16A and 16B are schematic diagrams showing an example of the operation of the image display device 5. Similar to the image display device 1 in the first embodiment, the image display device 5 functions as a display only when emitting light in, for example, the interior of an automobile, and can be suitably used as a decorative panel exhibiting high designability when not emitting light.

[0064] In the first and second embodiments, the leather material 21 or the fabric material 31 is used as the design layer, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the image display device 5 of this modified example, a raised material 51 is used as the design layer.

[0065] The raised material 51 has, for example, a support layer 511 that is both optically transparent and electrically conductive, and a plurality of raised portions 512 formed on the support layer 511. A voltage application unit 53 is connected to the support layer 511. For example, as shown in FIG. 16B , the plurality of raised portions 512 are caused to stand up by static electricity when a predetermined potential is applied from the voltage application unit 53 to the support layer 511. When the plurality of raised portions 512 stand up, light L emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 12 passes through the support layer 511 and is extracted to the display surface side S1 through between the plurality of raised portions 512.

[0066] Here, the raised material 51 corresponds to a specific example of a "design layer" in Modification 4 of the present disclosure. The support layer 511 corresponds to a specific example of a "light guiding section" in Modification 4 of the present disclosure.

[0067] In this way, the image display device 5 of this modified example uses the raised material 51 having the plurality of raised portions 512 as the design layer, and the rising of the plurality of raised portions 512 is controlled by, for example, static electricity, thereby making it possible to change the aperture ratio of the image display device 5.

[0068] 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a planar configuration (A) and a cross-sectional configuration (B) of an image display device (image display device 6) according to Modification 5 of the present disclosure. Similar to the image display device 1 in the first embodiment, the image display device 6 functions as a display only when emitting light in, for example, the interior of an automobile, and can be suitably used as a decorative panel that exhibits high designability when not emitting light.

[0069] For example, a light-transmitting resin film 63 may be attached or welded to the back surface (e.g., back surface 21S2) of the leather material 21, fabric material 31, or raised material 51. The light guide section 62 may be integrally formed on the surface of the resin film.

[0070] <8. Other Modifications> In the above modification 2, a light guide plate 16 is laminated on the color filter layer 14, and an ultraviolet light source 18 is placed on the side of this light guide plate 16 to quickly return the reverse photochromic yarn from a transparent state to a colored state, but this is not limited to this.

[0071] For example, the above-mentioned image display device (e.g., image display device 1) has red pixels Pr, green pixels Pg, and blue pixels Pb, and these red pixels Pr, green pixels Pg, and blue pixels Pb are arranged, for example, as shown in Figure 18, with two green pixels Pg arranged on a diagonal line and one red pixel Pr and one green pixel Pg arranged on each of perpendicular diagonal lines.

[0072] One of the two green pixels Pg may be replaced with an ultraviolet pixel Pu, which may include, for example, a light-emitting element that emits ultraviolet light. Even with this configuration, the reverse photochromic yarn can be quickly returned from a transparent state to a colored state.

[0073] Although the present technology has been described above with reference to the embodiments and Modifications 1 to 4, the present technology is not limited to the above embodiments, etc., and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiments, a light-emitting device is shown as an example of a semiconductor device, but the semiconductor device to which the present technology is applied is not limited to this. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a photodetector equipped with a light-receiving element, or a storage device equipped with a memory element, etc., as a semiconductor element, and similar effects can be obtained.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and the like, examples have been shown in which the light emitted from the light emitting element 12 is blue light or ultraviolet light, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, each component constituting the image display device (e.g., image display device 1) is specifically listed and described, but it is not necessary to include all components, and other components may also be included.

[0076] The effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limited to those described, and other effects may also be obtained.

[0077] The present technology can also be configured as follows. According to the present technology configured as follows, it is possible to superimpose an image with high brightness and a wide viewing angle on a design layer. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image display device with excellent display quality. (1) An image display device comprising: a display layer in which a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged in an array; and a design layer in which a plurality of apertures are provided in an array and which has a plurality of light-guiding sections embedded in each of the plurality of apertures, and which is arranged on the display surface side of the display layer. (2) The image display device according to (1), wherein the design layer has a thickness of 0.05 mm or more and 3 mm or less. (3) The image display device according to (1) or (2), wherein the plurality of apertures have an average pore size of 50 μm or more and 300 μm or less. (4) The image display device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the design layer is a fabric material including a woven or knitted fabric formed using two or more types of yarns each containing a first yarn having optical transparency at a predetermined ratio. (5) The image display device according to (4), wherein an area of ​​the fabric material constituted only by the first thread corresponds to the plurality of light guiding sections. (6) The image display device according to (4) or (5), wherein the first thread has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. (7) The image display device according to (4) or (5), wherein the first thread has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. (8) The image display device according to any one of (4) to (7), wherein the first thread includes an inverse photochromic material. (9) The image display device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the design layer is a leather material. (10) The image display device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the design layer is a raised material. (11) The image display device according to (10), wherein the transmittance of the light guiding sections changes depending on the angle of the pile of the raised material with respect to the display surface. (12) The image display device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the design layer has a first surface facing the display layer and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the end face of the light guide portion on the second surface side forms a plane that is substantially flush with the second surface.(13) The image display device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the design layer has a first surface facing the display layer and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an end surface of the light guiding unit on the second surface side protrudes from the second surface. (14) The image display device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the design layer has a first surface facing the display layer and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an end surface of the light guiding unit on the second surface side is formed between the first surface and the second surface. (15) The image display device according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements and the plurality of light guiding units are arranged opposite to each other.

[0078] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-214886, filed on December 20, 2023, in the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, combinations, subcombinations, and variations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors, and are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An image display device comprising: a display layer having a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in an array; and a design layer arranged on the display surface side of the display layer, the design layer having a plurality of apertures arranged in an array and a plurality of light-guiding sections embedded in each of the apertures.

2. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the design layer has a thickness of 0.05 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

3. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the average diameter of the plurality of apertures is 50 μm or more and 300 μm or less.

4. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the design layer is a fabric material including a woven or knitted fabric formed using two or more types of yarn containing a first yarn having optical transparency in a predetermined ratio.

5. The image display device according to claim 4, wherein areas of said fabric material constituted only by said first yarns correspond to said plurality of light guiding sections.

6. The image display device according to claim 4, wherein the first thread has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

7. The image display device according to claim 4, wherein the first thread has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape.

8. The image display device of claim 4, wherein the first thread comprises a reverse photochromic material.

9. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the design layer is a leather material.

10. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the design layer is a raised material.

11. The image display device according to claim 10, wherein the transmittance of said light guide section changes depending on the angle of the fibers of said raised material with respect to said display surface.

12. An image display device as described in claim 1, wherein the design layer has a first surface facing the display layer and a second surface opposite the first surface, and an end face of the light guiding portion on the second surface side forms approximately the same plane as the second surface.

13. An image display device as described in claim 1, wherein the design layer has a first surface facing the display layer and a second surface opposite the first surface, and an end face of the light guiding portion on the second surface side protrudes from the second surface.

14. An image display device as described in claim 1, wherein the design layer has a first surface facing the display layer and a second surface opposite the first surface, and an end face of the light guiding portion on the second surface side is formed between the first surface and the second surface.

15. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light emitting elements and the plurality of light guiding sections are disposed opposite to each other.

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