JP2008070533A - Image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image display device having a simple structure and low power consumption and capable of performing display of high contrast. <P>SOLUTION: The image display device 1 is constituted of a display part 7 wherein a plurality of pixels 3 are disposed in a matrix shape on a transparent substrate 2 and a color liquid crystal module 8 disposed on the rear surface of the display part 7. Before an image is displayed on the display part 7, each pixel 3 is in an initial state that can not transmit light by a film 5 whose one side is fixed to an upper surface of a pole 4 and which has light shielding properties and photoinduced bending properties. When a prescribed pixel 3 is irradiated with light having a first wavelength using the color liquid crystal module 8, the film 5 having the photoinduced bending properties in the pixel 3 is bent to form a light transmission region and the image is displayed by combination with a light shielding region where light can not be transmitted. When the displayed image is erased, all the pixels 3 are turned to the initial state by irradiation with light having a second wavelength using the color liquid crystal module 8. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display device capable of high contrast display with low power consumption.

  In recent years, so-called flat panel displays have become the mainstream in place of cathode ray tubes that have been conventionally used as display devices, and the market is expanding. Among these, a liquid crystal display (Liquid Crystal Display) is characterized by thinness, light weight, low power consumption, and high definition, and is used in a wide range of fields such as televisions, personal computers, digital cameras, and mobile phones.

  As the liquid crystal, a TN (Twisted Nematic) type using a nematic liquid crystal or an STN (Super Twisted Nematic) type is used. When used as an image display device, a liquid crystal is injected between two substrates, It has a structure that adjusts the intensity of voltage applied thereto to adjust the amount of light transmitted by the phase transition phenomenon of liquid crystal molecules, for example, a pair of transparent substrates having a transparent electrode formed on the inner surface, It is comprised from the liquid crystal enclosed in the meantime, and the polarizing plate provided in the outer side of each transparent substrate which polarizes light.

  Further, since the liquid crystal display device is not a self-luminous type, the viewing angle is narrow, and a light source such as a backlight is required, so that there is a limit to reducing power consumption. Therefore, as a display device replacing the liquid crystal display device, for example, a self-luminous display device using organic electroluminescence (hereinafter referred to as organic EL) has been studied.

  In this case, pixels provided with organic EL elements are arranged in a matrix, and each organic EL element is driven to emit light to display an image. When the active matrix method is used as this driving method, each pixel can be independently driven by providing a thin film transistor (hereinafter referred to as TFT) in each pixel, so that a high-definition and high-luminance display can be obtained. Efficient light emission characteristics can be obtained, and low power consumption can be realized.

  However, in a display device using liquid crystal or organic EL, electric energy such as voltage is used to display an image as described above. Therefore, the running cost of the display device is increased, and active elements such as electrodes and TFTs, and a circuit and a power source for supplying power to them are required on the substrate side, which complicates the structure of the display device.

  Therefore, an image display device having a low power consumption and a simple structure has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an optical functional element using a photochromic material whose refractive index reversibly changes by light irradiation. Patent Document 2 discloses a recording apparatus and a recording method in which a photochromic sheet having different absorption spectra is used as a recording medium between a light irradiated region and a non-irradiated region. Patent Documents 3 and 4 disclose a photoresponsive film that is reversibly bent and restored by light irradiation, and describes that it can be used for an optical element and a display element.

However, in the methods of Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is a limit to increasing the display contrast because the image portion and the background portion are distinguished by the difference in refractive index. Patent Documents 3 and 4 did not describe any specific usage method or usage example of the photoresponsive film.
JP 2000-47270 A JP 2003-186142 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-256031 JP 2005-255805 A

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image display device having a simple structure, low power consumption, and capable of high contrast display.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix on a transparent substrate, and light-shielding columns are formed in a lattice pattern along the periphery of the pixels. A display portion provided with a transparent protective layer covering the surface of the light-flexible film, a transmissive liquid crystal panel, and a backlight device. A first wavelength light configured to bend the light-flexible film along the support column and a second wavelength light that extends the light-flexible film to the original state are pixels from the back side of the display unit. A color liquid crystal module that can selectively irradiate every time, and the color liquid crystal module irradiates light of the first and second wavelengths to a predetermined pixel to bend or extend the light-flexible film. By The serial display unit to form a light transmitting area and the light shielding region is an image display device that performs display and rewriting of an image.

  The present invention also provides a light-shielding light in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix on a transparent substrate, pillars are formed in a lattice pattern along the periphery of the pixels, and a part of the pillar is fixed to the tip of the pillar. A display unit having a flexible film for each pixel; a first wavelength light disposed on the back surface of the display unit for bending the light flexible film; and a second for extending the light flexible film to an original state. An image recording / erasing light source that selectively irradiates light of a wavelength, and irradiates a predetermined pixel with light of the first and second wavelengths, whereby a light transmission region and a light shielding are provided on the display unit. An image display device that forms an area and displays and rewrites an image.

  According to the present invention, in the image display device configured as described above, the light-flexible film is bent along the support column.

  According to the present invention, in the image display device configured as described above, the support column is formed of a light shielding material.

  In the image display device having the above-described configuration, the present invention is characterized in that a transparent protective layer covering the surface of the light-flexible film is provided.

  In the image display device having the above-described configuration, the image recording / erasing light source includes a light source that emits visible light and a plurality of filters that selectively transmit only light in a predetermined range of visible light. It is characterized by being combined with a switchable filter provided.

  According to the present invention, in the image display device configured as described above, the image recording / erasing light source is used as an image display light source for irradiating the display unit with visible light.

  According to the present invention, in the image display device having the above-described configuration, an optical path control unit that guides light from the image recording / erasing light source to a predetermined pixel is provided between the image recording / erasing light source and the display unit. It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, in the image display device configured as described above, the optical path control means is a transmissive liquid crystal panel.

  According to the present invention, in the image display device configured as described above, the optical path control means is a digital mirror device including a plurality of mirrors that are independently controlled.

  In the image display device having the above-described configuration, the image recording / erasing light source is a color liquid crystal module including a transmissive liquid crystal panel capable of color display and a backlight device. .

  According to the present invention, in the image display device having the above-described configuration, the light-flexible film is formed by mixing another resin material into a photochromic material.

  According to the present invention, in the image display device having the above-described configuration, the light-flexible film is formed by bonding a film formed of a photochromic material and a film formed of another resin material.

  According to the first configuration of the present invention, an image display device having a simple configuration capable of repeatedly displaying and rewriting an image by reversibly bending and restoring the light-flexible film along the support column. Also, a high-contrast image is displayed only by irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength only at the time of rewriting the image, and electric energy is not required during the display of the image.

  In addition, since the light of the first and second wavelengths that bend and restore the light-flexible film is irradiated using the color liquid crystal module, it is possible to precisely irradiate each pixel with a simple configuration, and to erase images. Since a new image can be displayed at the same time, the display switching time of the display unit can be further shortened. Further, the light-shielding column prevents light leakage to adjacent pixels and enables accurate display. Since the light flexible film is covered with a transparent protective layer, the surface of the display portion can be smoothed and dust and dirt can be prevented from adhering to the light flexible film and the pixels.

  Moreover, according to the 2nd structure of this invention, it becomes an image display device which can display and rewrite an image repeatedly using the reversible bending | flexion and decompression | restoration of a light-flexible film by light energy. Also, a high-contrast image is displayed only by irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength only at the time of rewriting the image, and electric energy is not required during the display of the image.

  Further, according to the third configuration of the present invention, in the image display device having the second configuration, the light bendable film bends downward along the support column, so that the light bendable film after bending has pixels. There is no risk of blocking the light path.

  According to the fourth configuration of the present invention, in the image display device having the second or third configuration, the support column is formed of a light-shielding material, so that leakage of irradiation light to adjacent pixels is ensured. Therefore, it is possible to display a high-definition image.

  According to the fifth configuration of the present invention, in the image display device having any one of the second to fourth configurations, the transparent protective layer that covers the surface of the light-flexible film is provided. Smoothes the surface and effectively protects the light flexible film from dust and dirt. In addition, the entry of dust and dirt into the pixel is prevented, and a decrease in light transmittance of the pixel is suppressed.

  According to the sixth configuration of the present invention, in the image display device having any one of the second to fifth configurations, only a light source that emits visible light and a wavelength range of visible light is selected. A light source for recording and erasing an image by combining a switchable filter having a plurality of filters that transmit light, and irradiating light of the first and second wavelengths without using an expensive LD or LED Can do.

  According to the seventh configuration of the present invention, in the image display device having the sixth configuration, the image recording / erasing light source is used as an image display light source that irradiates the display unit with visible light. The display can be seen even in dark places.

  According to the eighth configuration of the invention, in the image display device having any one of the second to seventh configurations, the optical path control means for guiding the light from the image recording / erasing light source to a predetermined pixel. Since a predetermined pixel can be irradiated using light from one image recording / erasing light source, there is no need to provide an image recording / erasing light source for each pixel.

  According to the ninth configuration of the present invention, in the image display device having the above-described eighth configuration, a transmissive liquid crystal panel is used as the optical path control means, so that light is transmitted onto the liquid crystal panel by a control signal corresponding to the image data. A transmissive part and a non-transmissive part are formed, and light from the image recording / erasing light source can be guided to a predetermined pixel via the light transmissive part.

  According to the tenth configuration of the present invention, in the image display device according to the eighth configuration, a digital mirror device including a plurality of movable mirrors is used as the optical path control means, so that a control signal corresponding to the image data is obtained. By tilting the predetermined movable mirror, the light from the image recording / erasing light source can be guided to the predetermined pixel.

  According to the eleventh configuration of the present invention, in the image display device having any one of the second to fifth configurations, a color liquid crystal module including a transmissive liquid crystal panel capable of color display and a backlight device. Is used as a light source for image recording / erasing to form a light transmitting portion and a non-transmitting portion on the liquid crystal panel by a control signal corresponding to the image data, and from the backlight device via a color filter provided on the liquid crystal panel. After the visible light is narrowed down to a predetermined wavelength, it becomes possible to accurately irradiate a predetermined pixel. In addition, since the image can be erased and a new image can be displayed at the same time, the display switching time of the display unit can be further shortened.

  According to the twelfth configuration of the present invention, in the image recording medium having any one of the first to eleventh configurations, the photochromic material is mixed with another resin material to form a light-flexible film. Further, the reactivity of the light-flexible film can be adjusted to prevent the image displayed on the display unit from being deteriorated by room light.

  According to the thirteenth configuration of the present invention, in the image recording medium having any one of the first to eleventh configurations, a film formed of another resin material is bonded to a film formed of a photochromic material. By forming the light-flexible film, the reactivity of the light-flexible film can be adjusted to prevent the image displayed on the display portion from being deteriorated by room light.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A is a partial plan view of an image display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a partial cross-sectional view of the image display device (cross section AA ′ in FIG. 1A). is there. The image display device 1 includes a display unit 7 in which a plurality of rectangular pixels 3 are arranged in a matrix on a transparent substrate 2, and a color liquid crystal module 8 arranged on the back surface of the display unit 7. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 1 shows only five pixels in the row direction or column direction of the matrix.

  As shown in FIG. 1, pillars 4 are erected on the transparent substrate 2 in a lattice pattern along the periphery of each pixel 3, and one side of the light-shielding light-flexible film 5 is formed on the upper surface of the pillars 4. It is fixed. 6 is a transparent protective layer for protecting the surface of the display unit 7, and is laminated on the light-flexible film 5. This protective layer 6 is not fixed to the surface of the light flexible film 5, and the light flexible film 5 can be freely bent downward. In FIG. 1A, the protective layer 6 is not shown.

  Before the image is displayed on the display unit 7, the light-flexible film 5 extends in parallel with the transparent substrate 2 as shown in FIG. 1, and each pixel 3 is in a state where it cannot transmit light (initial state). Yes. From this initial state, when the color liquid crystal module 8 is used to irradiate a predetermined pixel 3 with light having a predetermined wavelength (hereinafter referred to as a first wavelength) that causes the light flexible film 5 to be bent, the irradiated light in the pixel 3 is irradiated. The flexible film 5 is bent to form a light transmission region 20 (see FIG. 2), and an image is displayed in combination with a light shielding region 21 (see FIG. 2) that is not irradiated with light. When the displayed image is erased, the color liquid crystal module 8 is used to irradiate light having a predetermined wavelength (hereinafter referred to as a second wavelength) that restores the light flexible film 5 to the original state. All the pixels 3 are returned to the initial state.

  The material of the support 4 is not particularly limited, and a material such as metal or resin can be used as appropriate. However, when the support 4 is formed of a transparent material, the first wavelength from the adjacent pixel 3 when displaying an image is displayed. May leak and bend up to the light-flexible film 5 of the pixel 3 to be a light-shielding region. Therefore, it is preferable to form the support column 4 with a light shielding material.

  As the material of the photoflexible film 5, a photochromic material that can be trans-cis photoisomerized or ring-opened-closed photoisomerized in response to light having a predetermined wavelength is used. A compound having an azobenzene structure with a long wavelength and a large change in molecular shape due to isomerization is preferably used. When the photoflexible film 5 is formed using a material having an azobenzene structure, the first wavelength is about 300 to 400 nm, and the second wavelength is about 500 to 650 nm on the longer wavelength side than the first wavelength.

  As the transparent substrate 2 and the protective layer 6, a glass plate, a transparent resin plate such as acrylic, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, a transparent resin sheet, or the like is used. The transparent substrate 2 through which the light from the color liquid crystal module 8 is transmitted is made of a material that does not absorb light of the first and second wavelengths so as not to affect the bending and restoring properties of the light flexible film 5. Is preferred.

  Next, the configuration of the color liquid crystal module 8 will be described. The color liquid crystal module 8 includes a liquid crystal panel 12 in which a liquid crystal 10 is sealed between two opposing glass substrates 9 and a color filter 11 is disposed on the upper surface, and a backlight device 13 disposed on the back surface of the liquid crystal panel 12. Consists of. Here, when no voltage is applied, the liquid crystal panel 12 is aligned with the liquid crystal molecular long axis perpendicular to the substrate surface to display black, and when the voltage is applied, the liquid crystal long axis is tilted in a direction parallel to the substrate surface to display white. The so-called vertical alignment type normally black method is used. In addition, the transparent electrode, TFT, etc. which are arrange | positioned at the glass substrate 9 are abbreviate | omitting description.

  The color filter 11 is a passive element that takes charge of color generation. Basically, red (R), green (G), blue (B), or cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). It has primary color pixels. By combining the color filter 11 and the liquid crystal panel 12 functioning as an optical shutter, a desired full color display can be achieved.

  The backlight device 13 includes a light guide plate 14, a reflection sheet 15, and a backlight light source 16. An optical sheet (not shown) composed of a diffusion sheet and a light collecting sheet is laminated on the upper surface of the light guide plate 14 to make the luminance distribution of the light guided by the light guide plate 14 uniform. A reflection sheet 15 that reflects light upward is laminated on the lower surface of the light guide plate 14, and a backlight light source 16 is disposed on one end surface side of the light guide plate 14.

  Light incident on the end face of the light guide plate 14 from the backlight source 16 spreads to every corner while repeating irregular reflection on the inner surface of the light guide plate 14, and is reflected upward by the reflection sheet 15 laminated on the lower surface of the light guide plate 14. The light is emitted from the upper surface of the light guide plate 14. The emitted light uniformly illuminates the liquid crystal panel 12 from behind. Although the backlight source 16 may be arranged in parallel throughout the back surface of the liquid crystal panel 12 without providing the light guide plate 14, a large number of backlight sources 16 are required, and the thickness of the color liquid crystal module 8 increases. The configuration of FIG. 1 in which light is introduced from the lateral direction using the light guide plate 14 is preferable.

  Next, a mechanism for displaying an image on the display unit 7 will be described. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing how an image is displayed on the image display device of the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing how the image displayed on the image display device is erased. Portions common to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. 2 and 3, the description of the backlight device 13 is omitted.

  When displaying an image on the display unit 7, first, a voltage is applied only to a predetermined liquid crystal cell in the liquid crystal panel 12. As a result, the major axis of the liquid crystal molecules at the voltage application portion is tilted in the direction parallel to the substrate surface, resulting in a white display 17a. On the other hand, in the portion where no voltage is applied, the major axis of the liquid crystal molecules is aligned perpendicular to the substrate surface, resulting in black display 17b. An image pattern to be displayed on the display unit 7 is formed on the liquid crystal panel 12 by a combination of the white display 17a and the black display 17b.

  Next, the visible light 18 from the backlight device 13 (see FIG. 1) is narrowed down by transmitting pixels of a predetermined color (for example, blue) of the color filter 11 to obtain light 19 of the first wavelength. The display unit 7 is irradiated from the transparent substrate 2 side. At this time, in the pixel 3 that overlaps the black display 17b of the liquid crystal panel 12, the visible light 18 from the backlight device 13 is blocked by the liquid crystal panel 12, and the light-flexible film 5 remains stretched. Sex is preserved.

  On the other hand, in the pixel 3 overlapping the white display 17a, the light bendable film 5 is bent along the support column 4 by the light 19 having the first wavelength that has passed through the color filter 11 and the transparent substrate 2, and light can be transmitted. It becomes like this. As a result, a light transmission region 20 is formed on the display unit 7 and a desired image is displayed by a combination with the light shielding region 21 that cannot transmit light. After the image is displayed, even if the color liquid crystal module 8 is turned off, the light transmission region 20 and the light shielding region 21 are maintained as they are.

  When the displayed image is erased, the visible light 18 from the backlight device 13 is passed through pixels of a predetermined color (for example, red) of the color filter 11 as shown in FIG. The light 3 having the second wavelength is irradiated onto the pixel 3 irradiated with the light 19 having the first wavelength. As a result, the light-flexible film 5 that has been bent along the support column 4 is expanded again to the original state, and the light-transmitting area 20 becomes all the light-shielding area 21 so that the display unit 7 can initially display a new image. Return to state.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the color liquid crystal module 8 includes an image recording / erasing light source capable of selectively irradiating light of the first and second wavelengths from the back side of the display unit 7, and the first and second light sources. It also serves as an optical path control means for guiding light having a wavelength of 2 to a predetermined pixel 3.

  FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of the image display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Portions common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, instead of the color liquid crystal module 8, a light source 23 that emits visible light, a digital mirror device (hereinafter referred to as DMD) 27 that includes a plurality of movable mirrors 25 that can be driven independently, and a DMD 27. A switchable filter 29 that selectively converts visible light from the light into first and second wavelength light is disposed on the back surface of the display unit 7.

  When displaying an image on the display unit 7, the movable mirror 25 (three at the both ends and the center in FIG. 4) corresponding to the image data signal is driven and inclined at a predetermined angle, and then the light source 23 is turned on. Visible light from the light source 23 is reflected upward by a predetermined movable mirror 25 that is inclined. This reflected light is transmitted through the switching filter 29 switched to a predetermined color (for example, blue), becomes a first wavelength light, and irradiates the predetermined pixel 3 from the transparent substrate 2 side.

  Thereby, the light bendable film 5 in the pixel 3 is bent in the direction of the arrow along the support column 4 so that light can be transmitted. On the other hand, in a portion where the movable mirror 25 is not driven, visible light from the light source 23 is not reflected in the direction of the display unit 7 and the light blocking property of the pixels 3 is maintained. In this way, the light transmission region 20 and the light shielding region 21 (see FIG. 2) are formed on the display unit 7, and a desired image is displayed. After the image is displayed, even if the light source 23 is turned off, the light transmission region 20 and the light shielding region 21 are maintained as they are.

  When deleting the displayed image, the DMD 27 is left as it is, the switching filter 25 is switched to a predetermined color (for example, red), and the light source 23 is turned on again. Visible light from the light source 23 passes through the switchable filter 29 to become light of the second wavelength, and is irradiated from the transparent substrate 2 side to the pixels 3 in the light transmission region 20 where the light flexible film 5 is bent. As a result, the light-flexible film 5 that has been bent along the support column 4 is expanded again to the original state, and the light-transmitting area 20 becomes all the light-shielding area 21 so that the display unit 7 can initially display a new image. Return to state.

  Further, the switchable filter 29 is configured to be movable, and after the image is displayed, all the movable mirrors 25 in the DMD 27 are tilted, and the light source 23 is turned on without the switchable filter 29 interposed therebetween. Reference numeral 23 functions as an image display light source for irradiating the display unit 7 with visible light, and becomes an image display device capable of clear display even at night or in a dark place. In this case, it is preferable to adjust the light intensity so that the displayed image is not altered or erased by visible light, or to adjust the photoresponsiveness of the light-flexible film 5 by a method described later.

  In FIG. 4, the switchable filter 29 is disposed between the DMD 27 and the display unit 7, but may be disposed between the light source 23 and the DMD 27. In this case, the switching filter 29 can be reduced in size, and the space for moving the switching filter 29 is also reduced. In addition, although the DMD 27 is used here as the optical path control means, a monochrome display liquid crystal panel 12 that does not have the color filter 11 may be arranged instead of the DMD 27.

  By adopting the configuration of the first and second embodiments, it is possible to display and erase an image using reversible bending and restoration of the light flexible film 5 by light energy. Therefore, electrical energy for irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength is consumed only at the time of image switching, and electrical energy becomes unnecessary after an image is displayed once. Therefore, the structure is simple and power consumption is low. And an image display device capable of repeatedly displaying and erasing images.

  In addition, since an image is displayed by a combination of the light transmission region 20 capable of transmitting almost 100% of light and the light shielding region 21 capable of completely blocking light, a high contrast and a viewing angle can be obtained without using a light source for image display. A wide and clear image can be displayed.

  Further, when the liquid crystal panel 12 capable of color display is used as in the first embodiment, the wavelength of light to be irradiated can be controlled for each pixel. By irradiating the pixels 3 at the same time, it is possible to simultaneously delete an image and display a new image, and the display switching time of the display unit 7 can be further shortened.

  Even when the light flexible film 5 is bent to form the light transmission region 20, the light flexible film 5 remains as a part of the outline of the pixel 3 for the thickness of the support column 4. When the color difference between the support column 4 and the light-flexible film 5 is large, the light transmission region 20 is conspicuous as a vertical stripe or a horizontal stripe at a portion where the light transmission region 20 is continuous. Further, when the tip of the light flexible film 5 reaches the transparent substrate 2 when the light flexible film 5 is bent, the light transmittance of the pixel 3 is lowered, so that the height of the support 4 is the amount of protrusion of the light flexible film 5 from the support 4. It is preferable that it is more than the above, that is, the interval between the columns 4.

  FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of the image display device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Portions common to the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, instead of the color liquid crystal module 8 and the DMD 27, a plurality of minute light sources 23 that irradiate visible light on the back side of the display unit 7 are arranged for each pixel 3, and the switchable filter 29 is provided for the display unit 7. And the light source 23.

  When displaying an image on the display unit 7, the light source 23 corresponding to the image data signal is turned on, and the visible light is transmitted through the switching filter 29 switched to a predetermined color (for example, blue) to transmit the visible light to the first wavelength light. Then, by irradiating a predetermined pixel 3 from the transparent substrate 2 side, the light-flexible film 5 in the pixel 3 is bent along the support column 4 so that light can be transmitted. As a result, a light transmission region 20 and a light shielding region 21 (see FIG. 2) are formed on the display unit 7, and a desired image is displayed. After the image is displayed, even if the light source 23 is turned off, the light transmission region 20 and the light shielding region 21 are maintained as they are.

  When the displayed image is erased, the light source 23 corresponding to the image data signal is turned on again and transmitted through the switching filter 29 switched to a predetermined color (for example, red) to transmit visible light to the second wavelength. Then, by irradiating the pixel 3 in the light transmission region 20 where the light bendable film 5 is bent from the transparent substrate 2 side, the light bendable film 5 bent along the support column 4 is again returned to the original. The image recording medium 1 returns to the initial state in which a new image can be displayed. At this time, all the light sources 23 may be turned on again to erase the displayed image. However, the light sources corresponding to the pixels 3 that are irradiated with the light of the first wavelength and the light-flexible film 5 is bent. It is preferable to re-light 23 since power consumption can be reduced.

  By adopting the configuration of the present embodiment, similar to the first and second embodiments, the structure is simple, the power consumption is low, and the recording and erasing of images can be performed repeatedly, and the contrast is wide and the viewing angle is wide. It becomes an image display device. Further, a desired image can be displayed on the display unit 7 without using an optical path control means such as the color liquid crystal module 8 or the DMD 27.

  Similarly to the second embodiment, the switchable filter 29 is configured to be movable, and after the image is displayed, all or a predetermined number of light sources 23 are turned on without the switchable filter 29 being interposed. The light source 23 can also be used as an image display light source.

  In place of the light source 23 that emits visible light, a semiconductor laser (LD) that emits light of the first and second wavelengths, a light emitting diode (LED), and the like are arranged for each pixel 3, and the first and second If each predetermined pixel 3 can be irradiated with light of a wavelength, the switching filter 29 is not required, and an image can be erased and a new image can be displayed simultaneously. Can be further shortened. In this case, an image display light source for irradiating the display unit 7 with visible light may be separately provided.

  By the way, in each said embodiment, although the light bendable film 5 is bent along the support | pillar 4, if the operation | movement of the light bendable film 5 can form the light transmissive area | region 20, it will not be restricted to this, For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the light-flexible film 5 may be designed so as to be wound up, or by overlapping a plurality of resins having opposite bending directions, as shown in FIG. In this way, it may be designed to shrink in the direction of the column 4.

  However, in the case of FIGS. 6A and 6B, a part of the light flexible film 5 may block the light transmission region 20, and the light flexible film 5 may face the surface of the display unit 7. In order to project, it is necessary to provide a gap between the light flexible film 5 and the protective layer 6. Therefore, it is more preferable that the light bendable film 5 is bent along the support column 4.

  Moreover, there is no restriction | limiting in particular in the light intensity at the time of irradiating the light of the 1st wavelength and the 2nd wavelength, What is necessary is just to set suitably according to the photoresponsiveness of the photoflexible film 5, but a photoflexible film If the photoresponsiveness of 5 is too high, the image displayed by the light of the first and second wavelengths included in the room light or visible light for image display may be altered or erased. Therefore, by reducing the reactivity of the light-flexible film 5, an image display device that holds an image for a long period of time is obtained.

  As a method for reducing the reactivity of the light bendable film 5, a method for increasing the thickness of the light bendable film 5 or a general-purpose plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene is added to the photochromic material forming the light bendable film 5. As a method, or as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a method using a photoflexible film 5 in which a photochromic film 30 and a general-purpose plastic film 31 are bonded to each other can be used.

  Next, the manufacturing method of the display part 7 used for the image display device of this invention is demonstrated. 8A to 8E are partial cross-sectional views illustrating the manufacturing process of the display unit 7. An example of the manufacturing process of the display unit 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 8A, a light shielding layer 33 made of metal or resin is formed on the transparent substrate 2, and then the light shielding layer 33 is patterned in a lattice shape as shown in FIG. 8B. The support column 4 is formed. As the patterning method, etching or the like is used when the light shielding layer 33 is a metal layer formed by a sputtering method, and photolithography is used when the light shielding layer 33 is formed of an ultraviolet curable resin.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8C, the transparent substrate 2 on which the support columns 4 are formed is turned upside down, and the light-flexible film 5 is attached to the upper surface of the support columns 4 by an adhesive or heat melting. Then, as shown in FIG. 8 (d), lattice-shaped slits 35 along the support columns 4 are put in the light flexible film 5, and the light flexible film 5 is divided into pieces for each pixel 3. As a method for inserting the slit 35, for example, cutting with a laser beam is used. Finally, as shown in FIG. 8E, the protective layer 6 is laminated to manufacture the display unit 7.

  FIGS. 9A to 9C are partial cross-sectional views showing other manufacturing steps of the display unit 7. In this manufacturing process, as shown in FIG. 9 (a), first, a photochromic material is poured into a mold to form a light-flexible film 5, and a lattice is formed at a predetermined position on the light-flexible film 5 by a light shielding material. A column-shaped support 4 is formed integrally. At this time, if a rib for forming a slit is provided in the mold, the slit 35 can be formed simultaneously.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9B, the transparent substrate 2 is attached to the upper surface of the support 4 formed on the light-flexible film 5 by an adhesive or heat melting. Finally, as shown in FIG. 9C, the protective layer 6 is laminated on the light-flexible film 5 with the transparent substrate 2 side down to manufacture the display unit 7.

  When the manufacturing process of FIG. 9 is used, the number of steps can be reduced as compared with the method of FIG. 8 and a cutting facility using a laser beam is not required. Therefore, the display unit 7 can be manufactured easily and at low cost. it can.

  The image display device of the present invention can be used as a display device that can rewrite characters and images every predetermined time and has low power consumption and high contrast. Specific applications include, for example, an advertisement display device that can display different images at predetermined time intervals provided on the train, on the platform of a station, or on the outer wall of a store, or a display panel that displays the operating state of electrical products, precision equipment, etc. It can use suitably for etc.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. For example, instead of the color liquid crystal module 8 and the DMD 27, a cathode ray tube (CRT) or an organic EL display device may be installed on the back surface of the display unit 7 as a light source for image display / erasure and an optical path control means.

  In addition, the size of the pixels 3 arranged on the matrix can be appropriately set according to the application of the image display device 1. For example, when used for displaying large advertisements installed in stores or stations, one side of the pixel 3 may be about several centimeters, and when used as a display panel for electrical products, one side is 1 to several mm. It should be a degree.

  Further, the manufacturing process of the display unit 7 is not limited to the exemplified one, and the support column 4, the light bendable film 5, the protective layer 6, and the like are formed by appropriately combining conventionally known film forming techniques and patterning methods. be able to. For example, when one side of the pixel 3 is about several centimeters, the display unit 7 can be manufactured by attaching the light flexible film 5 to each support column 4 one by one.

  In the present invention, a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix on a transparent substrate, light-shielding columns are formed in a lattice pattern along the periphery of the pixels, and the light-blocking property is partially fixed on the upper surface of the columns. A light-flexible film for each pixel, a second wavelength light that is disposed on the back surface of the display portion and bends the light-flexible film, and extends the light-flexible film to the original state. It provides an image display device that combines low power consumption and high contrast display with an image recording / erasing light source that selectively emits light of a wavelength. It can be used as an advertising display device provided on the outer wall of the display panel, or as a display panel for electrical products, precision equipment, and the like.

  Further, since the support column is formed of a light-shielding material, unnecessary light does not leak to adjacent pixels, and an image display device capable of precise display is obtained. Furthermore, by providing a transparent protective layer that covers the surface of the light flexible film, the light flexible film is effectively protected from dust and dirt, and the entry of dust and dirt into the pixel is prevented. An image display device excellent in durability capable of maintaining high light transmittance is obtained.

  In addition, since a light source for irradiating visible light and a switchable filter having a plurality of filters that selectively transmit only light in a predetermined range of visible light are combined into a light source for image recording / erasing, it is expensive. It is possible to irradiate light of the first and second wavelengths without using any LD or LED. Further, when this light source is used as an image display light source, an image display device capable of clear display at night or in a dark place is obtained.

  Further, since optical path control means such as a transmissive liquid crystal panel or a digital mirror device is provided, it is not necessary to provide an image recording / erasing light source for each pixel, and the configuration of the image display device is simplified. Further, when a color liquid crystal module composed of a transmissive liquid crystal panel and a backlight device is used, the image recording / erasing light source and the optical path control means can be used together, so that an image display device with a simpler structure can be obtained.

  Also, it is formed by mixing other resin materials into the photochromic material, or by forming a photoflexible film by bonding a film of another resin material to the photochromic material film, so that the response to light can be adjusted. Thus, the displayed image is an image display device with excellent handleability in which the displayed image is not deteriorated by room light.

These are the partial top view and partial sectional drawing which show the structure of the image display device concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. These are the fragmentary sectional views which show the method of displaying an image on the display part of the image display device of 1st Embodiment. These are the fragmentary sectional views which show the method of erasing the image displayed on the display part of the image display device of 1st Embodiment. These are the fragmentary sectional views which show the structure of the image display device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. These are the fragmentary sectional views which show the structure of the image display device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. These are the fragmentary sectional views which show the other operation example of the light-flexible film used for the image display device of this invention. These are sectional drawings which show the structural example of the light-flexible film used for the image display device of this invention. These are the fragmentary sectional views which show the manufacturing process of the display part used for the image display device of this invention. These are the fragmentary sectional views which show the other manufacturing process of the display part used for the image display device of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image display device 2 Transparent substrate 3 Pixel 4 Prop 5 Light flexible film 6 Protective layer 7 Display part 8 Color liquid crystal module 11 Color filter 12 Liquid crystal panel (optical path control means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Backlight device 17a White display 17b Black display 19 Light of 1st wavelength 20 Light transmission area 21 Light-shielding area 22 Light of 2nd wavelength 23 Light source 25 Movable mirror 27 DMD (optical path control means)
29 Switching type filter 30 Photochromic film 31 General-purpose plastic film 33 Light-shielding layer 35 Slit

Claims (13)

A plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix on a transparent substrate, and light-shielding pillars are formed in a lattice pattern along the periphery of the pixels. A display unit having a film for each pixel and provided with a transparent protective layer covering the surface of the light-flexible film;
A first wavelength light which is composed of a transmissive liquid crystal panel and a backlight device and which bends the light-flexible film along the column, and a second wavelength light which extends the light-flexible film to its original state. A color liquid crystal module capable of selectively irradiating each pixel from the back side of the display unit,
The color liquid crystal module irradiates a predetermined pixel with light of the first and second wavelengths, thereby forming a light transmission region and a light shielding region in the display unit to display and rewrite an image. Image display device. A plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix on a transparent substrate, pillars are formed in a lattice pattern along the periphery of the pixels, and a light-shielding light-flexible film partially fixed to the ends of the pillars A display unit for each;
Image recording that is selectively irradiated with light having a first wavelength that is disposed on the back surface of the display section and that bends the light-flexible film and light having a second wavelength that extends the light-flexible film to its original state. An erasing light source,
An image display device that displays and rewrites an image by irradiating predetermined pixels with light of the first and second wavelengths to form a light transmission region and a light shielding region in the display unit. .   The image display device according to claim 2, wherein the light-flexible film is bent along the support column.   The image display device according to claim 2, wherein the support column is formed of a light shielding material.   The image display device according to claim 2, further comprising a transparent protective layer that covers a surface of the light-flexible film.   The image recording / erasing light source is a combination of a light source that emits visible light and a switching filter that includes a plurality of filters that selectively transmit only light in a predetermined range of visible light. The image display device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.   The image display device according to claim 6, wherein the image recording / erasing light source is used as an image display light source that irradiates the display unit with visible light.   The optical path control means for guiding the light from the image recording / erasing light source to a predetermined pixel is provided between the image recording / erasing light source and the display section. The image display device according to any one of 7.   9. The image display device according to claim 8, wherein the optical path control means is a transmissive liquid crystal panel.   9. The image display device according to claim 8, wherein the optical path control means is a digital mirror device including a plurality of movable mirrors that are independently controlled.   6. The color liquid crystal module according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the image recording / erasing light source is a color liquid crystal module including a transmissive liquid crystal panel capable of color display and a backlight device. Image display device.   The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the light-flexible film is formed by mixing another resin material with a photochromic material.   The image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the light-flexible film is formed by bonding a film formed of another resin material to a film formed of a photochromic material. .

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