JP2012133011A - Multi-screen display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-screen display device capable of overcoming a conventional problem, in which different images may be displayed in accordance with view angles merely along a lateral direction of a display screen, and capable of simultaneously displaying different images in accordance with view angles along three or more directions out of four directions of right, left, up and down, without increasing new members or manufacturing processes.SOLUTION: Each of a plurality of pixels 30 included in a display screen 50 of a liquid crystal display device 100 is in a cross shape on a plan view and includes four sub-pixels 32. A parallax barrier 70 formed on a counter substrate 20 on a side of liquid crystal 15 opposingly to each pixel has an opening 75 in the vicinity of a center of the pixel 30. The sub-pixels 32 are disposed around the opening 75, so that different images may be simultaneously displayed through the opening 75 in a prescribed view angle range along four directions of right, left, up and down on the display screen 50.

Description

  The present invention relates to a multi-view display device capable of simultaneously displaying different images in at least three directions among four directions of right and left and up and down from one display screen.

  Many conventional display devices display one image on a display screen. In these display devices, the same image is basically visually recognized regardless of the front, left, right, or up and down directions.

  On the other hand, in recent years, various methods for realizing multi-screen display in which different images are displayed in a predetermined viewing angle range in a plurality of directions on a single display screen have been proposed. As one of them, there is a method of realizing a multi-screen by controlling a viewing angle range of a display screen by using a viewing angle control means called a parallax barrier by a light shielding film (Patent Document 1, Non-Patent Document 1).

  Such a multi-screen display device allows two or more observers to see different images on a single display screen. For example, a two-screen display device capable of simultaneously displaying different images in the left and right observer directions, such as a driver's seat and a passenger seat, has been put to practical use as an in-vehicle display device. For example, the two-screen display device can simultaneously display different images such as a navigation screen and a video image on each of the driver seat and the passenger seat.

  Basically, a single-layer parallax barrier can constitute a multi-screen display device. Further, as a performance improvement, a configuration in which two layers of parallax barriers are provided in order to more accurately control a viewing angle range in which a normal image can be displayed and to reduce interference between different images is disclosed (Patent Document 2). ).

JP 2008-164702 A JP 2008-8934 A

Tomoo Takaya, “About“ Dual View LCD ”and“ Triple View LCD ”, Sharp Technical Report No. 96, November 2007, pp. 21-23

  For example, a conventional multi-screen display device can display a plurality of images in a predetermined viewing angle range in the left-right (horizontal) direction, but has a predetermined visual field in the vertical (vertical) direction substantially orthogonal to the left-right direction. It was not a multi-screen display device capable of displaying different images at the same time in three or more of the four directions of left and right and top and bottom, so that different images can be displayed also in the angular range.

  The present invention compares a multi-screen display device capable of simultaneously displaying different images in a predetermined viewing angle range of at least three directions among the four directions of left and right and top and bottom of the display screen, compared with a conventional multi-screen display device. Therefore, it is to provide new members and manufacturing processes without increasing.

  The multi-screen display device of the present invention includes an array substrate, a counter substrate disposed to face the array substrate, and a light modulation layer between the array substrate and the counter substrate, and includes a plurality of display screens. Each pixel has three or more sub-pixels that can display different images, and the opposing substrate is provided with a parallax barrier made of a light-shielding film in the sub-pixel region in plan view. In addition, an opening is provided in the parallax barrier, and sub-pixels are arranged in at least three directions among the four directions of the left and right and upper and lower sides of the display screen in the periphery of the opening, and in a predetermined viewing angle range of at least three directions. Through the opening, different images can be displayed simultaneously.

  According to the present invention, as compared with a conventional multi-screen display device, a predetermined viewing angle of at least three directions out of the four directions of the left and right and upper and lower sides of the display screen without increasing new members and manufacturing processes. A multi-screen display device capable of simultaneously displaying different images in the range can be obtained.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing a multi-screen display device of Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an arrangement of pixels constituting the display screen of the multi-screen display device of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an enlarged pixel according to the first embodiment. It is HH sectional drawing of FIG. It is VV sectional drawing of FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a viewing angle range of Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an arrangement of pixels constituting a display screen of the multi-screen display device of Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view showing a pixel according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view showing a pixel according to Embodiment 4. FIG. It is HH sectional drawing of FIG. It is VV sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 10 is an HH sectional view showing the disposition of the parallax barrier according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an HH cross-sectional view illustrating the disposition of the parallax barrier according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 20 is an HH cross-sectional view illustrating the disposition of the parallax barrier according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 38 is a plan view showing the arrangement of pixels that constitute the display screen of the multi-screen display device in the eighth embodiment. FIG. 20 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a pixel according to an eighth embodiment. It is HH sectional drawing of FIG. It is VV sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 38 is a plan view showing an arrangement of pixels constituting the display screen of the multi-screen display device of the ninth embodiment.

  Embodiments of the multi-screen display device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the drawings for explaining the following embodiments, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts, and therefore redundant description is omitted in principle.

  Moreover, the dimension and ratio of each member in each figure are for convenience of explanation, and are different from actual ones.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
First, the multi-screen display device of the present invention will be briefly described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the multi-screen display device of the first embodiment.

  The multi-screen display device of Embodiment 1 is the most typical liquid crystal display device 100. The liquid crystal display device 100 includes a liquid crystal panel having a display screen 50 as a main part, a backlight, a driving circuit, a housing, and the like, in which liquid crystal as a light modulation layer is sealed between two substrates. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display device 100 according to the first embodiment is placed on a plane such as a desk, for example, and is viewed by four persons in four directions, left and right (horizontal) and up and down (vertical), of a display screen 50. Persons A, B, C, and D can see different images at the same time. Such a liquid crystal display device 100 is suitable for entertainment equipment such as a desktop game, for example. It is also possible to use a guide board embedded in the ground.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the arrangement of pixels constituting the display screen of the multi-screen display device of the first embodiment. The display screen 50 is configured by arranging a plurality of pixels 30 side by side in the left and right (horizontal) and the top and bottom (vertical). In the case of color display, it is generally composed of pixels 30 (30R, 30G, 30B) of three primary colors of RGB (Red Green Blue). In the first embodiment, the pixel 30 has a cross shape in plan view, and the RGB three-color pixels 30 (30R, 30G, 30B) are repeatedly arranged in the left-right (horizontal) direction. Further, since the pixels 30 are cross-shaped in the vertical (vertical) direction, the pixels 30 (30R, 30G, 30B) of each color are arranged in a zigzag pattern so that no gap is generated between the pixels 30.

  In recent years, in order to further expand the color reproduction range, the display screen 50 may be composed of pixels 30 of four or more primary colors.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the pixel 30 will be described. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing the pixel of the first embodiment. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line H-H in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V in FIG. 3.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the pixel 30 has a cross shape in plan view, and four sub-pixels 32 (32L) that can be driven independently so that different images can be simultaneously displayed in four directions. , 32R, 32T, 32B). The sub-pixels 32 (32L, 32R, 32T, 32B) have a quadrangular shape. Further, a parallax barrier 70 made of a light-shielding film such as a metal film or a black resin is disposed in the sub-pixel 32 (32L, 32R, 32T, 32B) region.

  A square opening 75 is provided in the parallax barrier 70 near the center of the pixel 30. Sub-pixels 32 (32L, 32R, 32T, 32B) are arranged in four directions around the opening 75.

  4 and 5, the parallax barrier 70 excludes the opening 75 and shields many areas of the sub-pixels 32 (32L, 32R, 32T, 32B) from the liquid crystal 15 side of the counter substrate 20. Is formed.

  Although not shown, the liquid crystal display device 100 has polarizing plates attached to the surfaces of the array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20, and a backlight as a light source is disposed below the array substrate 20. .

  As a result, the viewers A, B, C, and D in the left, right, and upper and lower directions through the opening 75 can select any one of the sub-pixels 32 (32L, 32R, 32T, and 32B) in a predetermined viewing angle range. You can see the image.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the viewing angle range of the first embodiment. Here, the case of the observer B in the right direction is shown. The observer B can normally view the image of the sub-pixel 32R in the viewing angle range θ2-θ1 from the viewing angle θ1 to the viewing angle θ2 with respect to the front (vertical) direction F of the pixel 30.

  This viewing angle range θ2-θ1 is defined by geometrical relationships such as the dimensions of the pixels 30 and sub-pixels 32, the dimensions of the opening 75 of the parallax barrier 70, and the distance between the array substrate 10 and the parallax barrier 70. By designing these optimally, images different from each other in the four directions can be displayed in a predetermined viewing angle range.

  In the first embodiment, since the subpixels 32L and 32R exposed to the opening 75 of the parallax barrier 70 are visible in the left and right and vertical viewing angle ranges near the front (vertical) direction F of the pixel 30, the subpixels 32L, An image in which two images of 32R are mixed can be seen.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, one of the three primary color RGB filters for color display is formed on the liquid crystal 15 side of the array substrate 10 or the counter substrate 20. Has been. Usually, the color filter is often formed on the liquid crystal 15 side of the counter substrate 20.

  Since the shape of the pixel 30 and the parallax barrier 70 in the first embodiment is different from that of a conventional multi-screen display device in two directions, left and right or up and down, in plan view, a new member and a manufacturing process are used. It is possible to realize a multi-screen display device in four directions of left and right and up and down without increasing.

  As a modification of the first embodiment, for example, four types of subpixels 32L, 32R, 32T, and 32B may be exposed in the opening 75 of the parallax barrier 70. In this case, in the viewing angle range near the front (vertical) F direction of the pixel 30, an image in which the four images of the sub-pixels 32L, 32R, 32T, and 32B are mixed can be seen.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the arrangement of pixels constituting the display screen of the multi-screen display device of the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the pixels 30 (30R, 30G, 30B) of each color of RGB are arranged in a zigzag manner in the vertical (vertical) direction. In the second embodiment, the RGB three-color pixels 30 (30R, 30G, and 30B) are arranged in a triangular unit alternately and vertically upside down in the horizontal (horizontal) direction. Generally, this corresponds to a configuration called delta arrangement.

  In the second embodiment, the configuration of the pixel 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the arrangement of the three color pixels 30 (30R, 30G, and 30B) of RGB. Thus, the cross-shaped pixels 30 constituting the display screen 50 can be arranged in various colors. As in the first embodiment, it is possible to realize a multi-screen display device in four directions, left and right and up and down, without increasing new members and manufacturing processes.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view showing the pixel of the third embodiment. In Embodiment 3, the pixel 30 includes five subpixels 32L, 32R, 32T, 32B, and 32F. Then, the sub-pixel 32F for the front F direction is arranged in the region of the opening 75 of the parallax barrier 70 in plan view.

  Thereby, it is possible to realize a multi-screen display device that can display different images in five directions including the front F direction in the left and right and upper and lower four directions of the first and second embodiments in a predetermined viewing angle range.

  Here, the size (area) of the opening 75 of the parallax barrier 70 is made smaller than the size (area) of the sub-pixel 32F so that the viewer can normally see the sub-pixel 32F in the front F direction. It is designed to be wide.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view showing the pixel of the fourth embodiment. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line H-H in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V in FIG. 9.

  From FIG. 9, in the fourth embodiment, the pixel 30 has a cross shape in plan view, as in the first to third embodiments. Further, similarly to the first and second embodiments, each of the subpixels 32 (32L, 32R, 32T, and 32B) can be driven independently so that different images in four directions can be simultaneously displayed. . The sub-pixel 32 has a quadrangular shape. The difference from the first to third embodiments is that the subpixel 32 is exposed in the region of the opening 74 of the first parallax barrier 72 (corresponding to the parallax barrier 70 of the first to third embodiments) in plan view. That is, the second parallax barrier 82 formed on the array substrate 10 is exposed. An observer can see the front F direction of the pixel 30 as black display by the first parallax barrier 72 and the second parallax barrier 82, and the image of the sub-pixel 32 is mixed as in the first and second embodiments. I can't see the image.

  In the fourth embodiment, as shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 10 and 11, the end portions of the first parallax barrier 72 and the second parallax barrier 82 are partially overlapped. By adjusting the overlapping width and the distance between the first parallax barrier 72 and the second parallax barrier 82, normal images are displayed in four directions, left and right and up and down, as compared with the first and second embodiments. It is possible to control the range of viewing angles with high accuracy and to reduce interference between different images.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
A plan view of the pixel 30 of the fifth embodiment is basically the same as that of FIG. FIG. 12 is an HH cross-sectional view illustrating the disposition of the parallax barrier according to the fifth embodiment.

  From FIG. 12, the difference from the fourth embodiment is that the first parallax barrier 72 is formed on the opposite side of the counter substrate 20 from the liquid crystal 15. Also in the VV cross-sectional view, the layer configuration of the first parallax barrier 72 and the second parallax barrier 82 is the same as that in the HH cross-sectional view, and is omitted. The observer looks as black display from the front F direction of the pixel 30 by the first parallax barrier 72 and the second parallax barrier 82, and the image of the sub-pixel 32 is mixed as in the first and second embodiments. I cannot see the image.

  In the fifth embodiment, since the distance between the first parallax barrier 72 and the second parallax barrier 82 is increased by adding the substrate thickness of the counter substrate 20, a viewing angle range in which a normal image can be displayed is set in the fourth embodiment. Can be larger.

  As a modification of the fifth embodiment, the second parallax barrier 82 may be formed in a layer configuration on the opposite side of the array substrate 10 from the liquid crystal 15.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
The plan view of the pixel 30 of the sixth embodiment is basically the same as that of FIG. FIG. 13 is an HH cross-sectional view illustrating the disposition of the parallax barrier according to the sixth embodiment.

  From FIG. 13, the difference from Embodiments 4 and 5 is that the first parallax barrier 72 is formed on the front side opposite to the liquid crystal 15 of the counter substrate 20, and the second parallax barrier 82 is the liquid crystal of the counter substrate 20. It is the point formed in 15 side. Also in the VV cross-sectional view, the layer configuration of the first parallax barrier 72 and the second parallax barrier 82 is the same as that in the HH cross-sectional view, and is omitted. The viewing angle range in which a normal image can be displayed can be adjusted by the substrate thickness of the counter substrate 20. Other configurations are the same as those in the fourth and fifth embodiments.

  In the sixth embodiment, since the first parallax barrier 72 and the second parallax barrier 82 are formed on the same counter substrate 20, there is no influence of a bonding error with the array substrate 10, and the first parallax barrier 72. And the relative positional accuracy of the second parallax barrier 82 can be improved.

Embodiment 7 FIG.
The plan view of the pixel 30 of the seventh embodiment is basically the same as that of FIG. FIG. 14 is an HH cross-sectional view illustrating the disposition of the parallax barrier according to the seventh embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the difference from the sixth embodiment is that the side where the first parallax barrier 72 and the second parallax barrier 82 are formed on the counter substrate 20 has an opposite layer configuration. Other configurations are the same as those of the sixth embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, as in the sixth embodiment, the relative positional accuracy between the first parallax barrier 72 and the second parallax barrier 82 can be improved.

Embodiment 8 FIG.
FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the arrangement of pixels constituting the display screen of the multi-screen display device according to the eighth embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, three observers A, B, and D in the left, right, and lower three directions among the four directions of right and left and up and down can simultaneously view different images.

  The pixel 30 of the eighth embodiment has a quadrangular shape. The arrangement of the RGB three-color pixels 30 (30R, 30G, and 30B) is a general stripe arrangement.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the pixel 30 will be described. FIG. 16 is an enlarged plan view showing the pixel of the eighth embodiment. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line HH in FIG. 16, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the eighth embodiment includes three sub-pixels 32 (32L, 32R, and 32B) that can be independently driven so that different images in three directions can be displayed simultaneously. Here, the sub-pixels 32 (32L, 32R, 32B) also have a quadrangular shape.

  In addition, since the empty areas 34 are generated on both sides of the sub-pixel 32B due to the arrangement of the plurality of pixels 30, the sub-pixel 32B may be different in size and shape from the other sub-pixels 32L and 32R. Further, the sub-pixels 32 (32L, 32R, 32B) may not have a rectangular shape, and members that constitute the sub-pixels 32 (32L, 32R, 32B) such as wirings, storage capacitors, and thin film transistors that do not contribute to display, The structure arrange | positioned in this area | region may be sufficient.

  The eighth embodiment has a layer configuration including a first parallax barrier 74 and a second parallax barrier 84. In plan view, the opening 77 of the first parallax barrier 74 has a T-shape along the boundary of the three sub-pixels 32 of the pixel 30. In the region of the opening 77, the sub-pixel 32 is not exposed, and the second parallax barrier 84 formed on the array substrate 10 is exposed. The observer looks as black display from the front F direction of the pixel 30 by the first parallax barrier 74 and the second parallax barrier 84, and the image of the sub-pixel 32 is mixed as in the first and second embodiments. I cannot see the image.

  As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 17 and 18, the eighth embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in the layer configuration of the first parallax barrier 74 and the second parallax barrier 84, although the shape of the opening 77 is different. It is the same thing. Further, the end portions of the first parallax barrier 74 and the second parallax barrier 84 are partially overlapped. By adjusting the overlapping width, the interval between the first parallax barrier 74 and the second parallax barrier 84, etc., it is possible to accurately control the viewing angle range in which a normal image can be displayed, Interference can be reduced.

As a modification of the eighth embodiment, the layer configuration of the first parallax barrier 74 and the second parallax barrier 84 may be the same as that of the fifth, sixth, and seventh embodiments.
Embodiment 9 FIG.
FIG. 19 is a plan view showing the arrangement of pixels constituting the display screen of the multi-screen display device according to the ninth embodiment. In Embodiment 8, the pixels 30 (30R, 30G, 30B) of each color are arranged in stripes in the left-right or vertical direction. In the ninth embodiment, RGB three-color pixels 30 (30R, 30G, and 30B) are arranged in a triangular unit, alternately upside down in the left-right direction. Generally, this corresponds to a configuration called delta arrangement.

  In the ninth embodiment, the configuration of the pixel 30 is the same as that of the eighth embodiment except for the arrangement of the three color RGB pixels 30 (30R, 30G, and 30B). Thus, the pixels 30 constituting the display screen 50 can be arranged in various colors. As in the eighth embodiment, a multi-screen display device in the left, right, and lower three directions can be realized without increasing new members and manufacturing processes.

  In the above embodiment, the case of the liquid crystal display device has been described. The liquid crystal method may be any method such as a twisted nematic method, a horizontal electric field method, or a vertical electric field method, but a wide viewing angle method in which display characteristics do not depend much on the viewing angle is desirable.

  In the above embodiment, the display device is a liquid crystal display device using liquid crystal as a light modulation layer, and at least one parallax barrier is arranged on the viewer side from the liquid crystal, but is arranged on the backlight side. A layer structure can also be used.

  The light modulation layer may be other than liquid crystal, and can be applied to a display device generally called electronic paper using fine particles or oil droplets, for example. In addition, a layer configuration in which the parallax barrier is arranged closer to the viewer than the light modulation layer can be applied to a display device using self-luminous plasma or electroluminescence as the light modulation layer.

10 array substrate 15 liquid crystal 20 counter substrate 30 pixel 32 sub pixel 50 display area 70 parallax barriers 72 and 74 first parallax barriers 75 and 77 openings 82 and 84 second parallax barrier 100 liquid crystal display device

Claims (10)

An array substrate, a counter substrate disposed to face the array substrate, and a light modulation layer between the array substrate and the counter substrate,
Each of the plurality of pixels constituting the display screen has three or more subpixels capable of displaying different images.
The counter substrate is provided with a parallax barrier made of a light shielding film in a region of the sub-pixel in plan view,
Each of the pixels is provided with an opening in the parallax barrier,
Around the opening, the sub-pixels are arranged in at least three directions among four directions of left and right and top and bottom of the display screen,
A multi-screen display device capable of simultaneously displaying different images through the opening in a predetermined viewing angle range of at least three directions.   The pixel has four sub-pixels and has a cross shape in plan view. The opening is provided in the parallax barrier in the vicinity of the center of the pixel. The multi-screen display device according to claim 1, wherein different images can be simultaneously displayed through the opening in a predetermined viewing angle range in four directions.   The pixel has three sub-pixels, and the opening is provided in the parallax barrier along a boundary of the three sub-pixels of the pixel in a plan view. The multi-screen display device according to claim 1, wherein different images can be simultaneously displayed through the opening in a predetermined viewing angle range in three directions among the four directions.   The parallax barrier includes a first parallax barrier and a second parallax barrier which are different in layer, and the second parallax barrier is arranged in a region of the opening of the first parallax barrier in a plan view. The multi-screen display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The multi-screen display device according to claim 4, wherein the first parallax barrier is arranged on the light modulation layer side of the counter substrate, and the second parallax barrier is arranged on the array substrate.   The multi-screen display device according to claim 4, wherein the first parallax barrier is disposed on a side of the counter substrate opposite to the light modulation layer.   The one of the first parallax barrier and the second parallax barrier is disposed on the light modulation layer side of the counter substrate, and the other is disposed on the opposite side of the light modulation layer of the counter substrate. 4. A multi-screen display device according to 4.   The pixel has five sub-pixels and has a cross shape in plan view. The opening is provided in the parallax barrier in the vicinity of the center of the pixel, and the sub-region is formed in the region of the opening. 2. The multi-screen display device according to claim 1, wherein one of the pixels is arranged, and different images can be simultaneously displayed through the opening in a predetermined viewing angle range in five directions of left, right, up, down, and front of the display screen.   9. The multi-screen display device according to claim 1, wherein at least one layer of the parallax barrier is disposed closer to an observer side than the light modulation layer.   The multi-screen display device according to claim 1, wherein the light modulation layer is a liquid crystal.

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