JP4765434B2 - Image display device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display device, and more particularly to an image display device capable of displaying a stereoscopic image.

  Conventionally, a three-dimensional image display device capable of displaying a three-dimensional stereoscopic image is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In Patent Document 1, an electronic parallax barrier disposed on the observer side of the image display surface is controlled by a control unit such as a microcomputer, so that a predetermined position of the electronic parallax barrier is set at a predetermined position. There has been disclosed a three-dimensional image display device capable of forming a shaped opening and a light-shielding portion in a stripe shape substantially perpendicular to a line segment connecting the left eye and right eye of an observer. In the three-dimensional image display device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a three-dimensional image is provided to an observer, an image for the left eye is incident on the left eye of the observer, and an image for the right eye is incident on the right eye of the observer. The opening of the electronic parallax barrier is formed so that is incident.

  Conventionally, there has been proposed a stereoscopic image display device capable of presenting a stereoscopic image to an observer by arranging a barrier provided with a slit-shaped opening and a light-shielding portion on the viewer side of the display panel. FIG. 23 is a plan view for explaining the principle of a conventional stereoscopic image display apparatus. With reference to FIG. 23, a configuration of a conventional stereoscopic image display apparatus 500 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 23, a conventional stereoscopic image display apparatus 500 includes a display panel 501 for displaying an image, a polarizing plate 502 disposed on the viewer 510 side of the display panel 501, and an observer of the polarizing plate 502. And a barrier 503 provided on the 510 side.

  The display panel 501 includes a glass substrate 501a. In addition, the display panel 501 includes a pixel column 501b and pixels extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a line segment connecting the left eye 510a and the right eye 510b of the observer 510 (perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 23). Rows 501c are provided alternately. The pixel column 501b displays an image L10 for viewing by the left eye 510a of the observer 510, and the pixel column 501c displays an image R10 for viewing by the right eye 510b of the viewer 510.

  In addition, the barrier 503 is provided with a light shielding portion 503 a for shielding light emitted from the display panel 501 and an opening 503 b for transmitting light emitted from the display panel 501. Like the pixel columns 501b and 501c of the display panel 501, the light shielding portion 503a and the opening 503b are substantially orthogonal to the line segment connecting the left eye 510a and the right eye 510b of the observer 510 (see FIG. 23). They are alternately provided so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface. Further, the light shielding portion 503a and the opening portion 503b are provided corresponding to each set of the pixel columns 501b and 501c of the display panel 501.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 23, the stereoscopic image display method by the conventional stereoscopic image display apparatus 500 is demonstrated.

  In the conventional stereoscopic image display apparatus 500, when the observer 510 observes the display panel 501 through the opening 503b of the barrier 503, the left eye 510a of the observer 510 is displayed on the pixel column 501b of the display panel 501. The image R10 displayed on the pixel column 501c of the display panel 501 is incident on the right eye 510b of the viewer 510. Thereby, the observer 510 can observe a stereoscopic image.

Japanese Patent No. 2857429

  However, in the conventional stereoscopic image display device 500 shown in FIG. 23, the stereoscopic image display device 500 is adapted to provide a stereoscopic image to the observer 510 only when the stereoscopic image display device 500 is arranged vertically, for example. For example, when the image display device 500 is arranged in a horizontal direction, there is a problem that it is difficult to provide a stereoscopic image to the observer 510. Also, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 has the same problem as the case of the above-described conventional stereoscopic image display device 500.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an observer with a three-dimensional view both in the case of being arranged vertically and in the case of being arranged horizontally. An object of the present invention is to provide an image display device capable of providing an image.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to achieve the above object, an image display device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a display panel having a plurality of pixel regions for displaying a color image, and the display panel arranged in a first direction. The light is separated into light having the first polarization axis and light having the second polarization axis, and one of the light having the first polarization axis and the light having the second polarization axis is transmitted. a first polarization control areas and the second polarization control areas, the second direction in which the display panel crossing the first direction to provide a stereoscopic image together to advance toward the eye of the observer to observer by shielding the other Are separated into light having the third polarization axis and light having the fourth polarization axis, respectively, and light having the third polarization axis and light having the fourth polarization axis. When one is passed through and is advanced toward the observer's eyes Comprising a third polarization control areas and the fourth polarization control areas to provide a stereoscopic image to a viewer by shielding the monitor while the polarization axis control means including the first polarization control area of the polarization axis control means, The second polarization control region, the third polarization control region, and the fourth polarization control region each include a plurality of electrode portions arranged along a direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction. The first polarization control region and the second polarization control region are formed so as to correspond to the pixel region of the display panel with the display panel arranged in the first direction, and the third polarization control region and The fourth polarization control region is formed so as to correspond to the pixel region of the display panel in a state where the display panel is arranged in the second direction, and in a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. Adjacent first arranged along When the intervals along the first direction and the second direction between the centers of the electrode portions of the light control region are P1 and P2, respectively, the center of the electrode portion of the third polarization control region is the first polarization control region. And a first distance smaller than the distance P1 and a second distance smaller than the distance P2 from the center of the electrode portion along the first direction and the second direction respectively, The intervals along the first direction and the second direction between the centers of the electrode portions of the adjacent second polarization control regions arranged along the direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction are respectively set. In the case of P3 and P4, the center of the electrode portion of the fourth polarization control region is a third smaller than the distance P3 from the center of the electrode portion of the second polarization control region along the first direction and the second direction, respectively. Distance and interval P4 It is arrange | positioned so that it may respond | correspond to the position separated by 4th smaller distance.

  In the image display device according to this aspect, as described above, the polarization axis control means is provided, and the first polarization axis separated by the polarization axis control means in a state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction. A light having a second polarization axis and a light having a second polarization axis are caused to travel toward the viewer's eyes, thereby providing a stereoscopic image to the viewer and a second display panel crossing the first direction. In the state of being arranged in the direction of, observation is performed by advancing one of the light having the third polarization axis and the light having the fourth polarization axis separated by the polarization axis control means toward the eyes of the observer. By providing a stereoscopic image to the viewer, the stereoscopic image is provided to the viewer both when the display panel is arranged in the first direction (vertical direction) and when the display panel is arranged in the second direction (horizontal direction). can do. In addition, the first polarization control region, the second polarization control region, the third polarization control region, and the fourth polarization control region of the polarization axis control means are arranged in a direction that intersects both the first direction and the second direction. The display panel is arranged in the first direction (longitudinal direction) and the second direction (horizontal direction), so that the first polarization control region, the second polarization control region of the polarization axis control unit, The third polarization control region and the fourth polarization control region can be arranged along a direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction. Thereby, with the display panel arranged in the first direction, the first polarization control region and the second polarization control region arranged along the direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, One of the light having the first polarization axis and the light having the second polarization axis is dispersed in the first direction (longitudinal direction) and the second direction (lateral direction) toward the eyes of the observer. The third polarization control region and the fourth polarization can be advanced and arranged along a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction in a state where the display panel is arranged in the second direction. One of the light having the third polarization axis and the light having the fourth polarization axis is dispersed by the control region in the first direction (vertical direction) and the second direction (lateral direction). Can progress towards the eyes. As a result, in the state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction and the second direction, the resolution of the image on the display panel is reduced in the first direction (vertical direction) and the second direction (horizontal direction). Since it can be dispersed, a stereoscopic image with little image deterioration can be provided to the observer.

In one aspect, the polarization axis control means separates light into light having the first polarization axis and light having the second polarization axis in a state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction. In the state where the display panel is arranged in the second direction intersecting the first direction and the light having the third polarization axis and the fourth polarization control region and the second polarization control region for When the display panel is arranged in the first direction (vertical direction) by providing the third polarization control region and the fourth polarization control region for separating the light into the light having the polarization axis of The first polarization control region and the second polarization control region are arranged at a position where one of the light having the polarization axis and the light having the second polarization axis is incident on the eyes of the observer, and the display panel is moved in the second direction. (Horizontally oriented), the light having the third polarization axis If the third polarization control region and the fourth polarization control region are arranged at a position where one of the lights having the fourth polarization axis is incident on the eyes of the observer, the display panel is moved in the first direction (vertical direction). The stereoscopic image can be easily provided to the observer in each case of arranging in the direction) and in the second direction (sideways). In addition, when the display panel is arranged in the first direction, one of the light having the first polarization axis and the light having the second polarization axis travels toward the eyes of the observer, and the display panel By providing a polarization axis control means for moving one of the light having the third polarization axis and the light having the fourth polarization axis toward the eyes of the observer when arranged in the second direction, 1 One polarization axis control means can provide a stereoscopic image to an observer in both cases where the display panel is arranged in the first direction (vertical direction) and in the second direction (horizontal direction). it can. Thereby, in each case where the display panel is arranged in the first direction (vertical direction) and the second direction (horizontal direction), two polarization axis control means are provided to provide a stereoscopic image to the observer. Compared to the case, the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, and the thickness of the entire image display apparatus can be reduced. The display panel includes a plurality of pixel regions for color display, and the first polarization control region and the second polarization control region are the pixel regions of the display panel in a state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction. The third polarization control region and the fourth polarization control region are formed to correspond to the pixel region of the display panel in a state where the display panel is arranged in the second direction. ing. If comprised in this way, the image of a display panel is imaged by the 1st polarization | polarized-light control area | region and the 2nd polarization | polarized-light control area which were formed so that it might correspond to a pixel area in the state where the display panel was arrange | positioned in the 1st direction. A third polarization control region and a fourth polarization can be made incident on the observer's eyes with little deterioration, and formed so as to correspond to the pixel region in a state where the display panel is arranged in the second direction. The control region allows the image on the display panel to be incident on the eyes of the observer with little image deterioration. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a viewer with a stereoscopic image with less image deterioration in both the state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction and the second direction.

  In the image display device in which the display panel includes a plurality of pixel regions, preferably, the centers of adjacent first polarization control regions arranged along a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction are adjacent to each other. When the intervals along the first direction and the second direction are P1 and P2, respectively, the center of the third polarization control region is from the center of the first polarization control region to the first direction and the second direction. Adjacent to each other along the direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction and corresponding to positions substantially separated by P1 / 2 and P2 / 2, respectively. When the intervals along the first direction and the second direction between the centers of the second polarization control regions are P3 and P4, respectively, the center of the fourth polarization control region is from the center of the second polarization control region. In the first direction and It is arranged so as to correspond to the second position separated by substantially the P3 / 2 and P4 / 2 respectively along the direction of. With this configuration, the center position of the third polarization control region is set to half the pitch in the direction along the first direction and the second direction with respect to the center position of the first polarization control region ( P1 / 2 and P2 / 2), and the center position of the fourth polarization control region is shifted in the direction along the first direction and the second direction with respect to the center position of the second polarization control region. Each can be shifted by half the pitch (P3 / 2 and P4 / 2). As a result, when the first and second polarization control regions and the third and fourth polarization control regions are arranged along the direction intersecting the first and second directions, the display panel can be When changing from the state arranged in the direction (vertical direction) to the state arranged in the second direction (lateral direction), one of the light having the third polarization axis and the light having the fourth polarization axis is displayed on the display panel. Since it is possible to prevent the observer's eyes located directly in front of the observer from being shifted along the first direction and the second direction, it is possible to easily advance light into the eyes of the observer. it can.

  In the image display device according to the above aspect, preferably, the polarization axis control means includes light having the first polarization axis and light having the second polarization axis in a state where the display panel is disposed in the first direction. Of the light having the third polarization axis and the light having the fourth polarization axis in the first state in which one of the light beams travels toward the eyes of the observer and the state in which the display panel is disposed in the second direction. A polarization control liquid crystal panel that can be switched between a second state in which one of them is advanced toward the eyes of the observer is included. If comprised in this way, according to the case where the display panel is arrange | positioned in the 1st direction and the 2nd direction by the polarization control liquid crystal panel, the said 1st state and a 2nd state can be switched. Therefore, the presence / absence of polarization control can be easily switched according to the arrangement state of the display panel.

  In the image display device including the polarization control liquid crystal panel, preferably, the polarization control liquid crystal panel includes a pair of transparent substrates, a liquid crystal disposed between the pair of transparent substrates, and a first polarization control of the one transparent substrate. A first electrode and a second electrode formed in the region and the second polarization control region, respectively, and a third electrode and a fourth electrode formed in the third polarization control region and the fourth polarization control region of the other transparent substrate, respectively. And changing the voltage application state to the liquid crystal by changing the voltage application state to the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode. To switch the status. With this configuration, for example, when the display panel is arranged in the first direction (vertical direction), the voltage application state to the first to fourth electrodes corresponds to the first electrode (second electrode). The first polarization control region (second polarization control region) where the first electrode (second electrode) is easily formed can be easily controlled by electrically controlling the liquid crystal positioned in the portion to be applied with a voltage. The polarization axis of light passing therethrough can be controlled. Similarly, for example, when the display panel is arranged in the second direction (lateral direction), the voltage application state to the first to fourth electrodes corresponds to the third electrode (fourth electrode). By passing through the third polarization control region (fourth polarization control region) where the third electrode (fourth electrode) is formed easily by electrically controlling the liquid crystal positioned at The polarization axis of light can be controlled. Accordingly, the first state in which one of the light having the first polarization axis and the light having the second polarization axis proceeds toward the eyes of the observer in a state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction. And a second state in which one of the light having the third polarization axis and the light having the fourth polarization axis travels toward the eyes of the observer in a state where the display panel is disposed in the second direction. Can be easily switched.

  In the image display device including the polarization control liquid crystal panel including the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode, preferably, the second electrode in a state where the display panel is disposed in the first direction. By applying a common first voltage to the third electrode and the fourth electrode, and applying a second voltage to the first electrode so that the voltage is applied to the liquid crystal located in the portion corresponding to the first electrode The polarization control liquid crystal panel is controlled to the first state. With this configuration, a voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal located in the portion corresponding to the first electrode, and thus the polarization axis of light that has passed through the first polarization control region where the first electrode is formed can be easily obtained. Can be controlled. Accordingly, the first light beam having the first polarization axis and the light beam having the second polarization axis can be easily advanced toward the viewer's eyes while the display panel is arranged in the first direction. 1 state can be controlled.

  In the image display device including the polarization control liquid crystal panel including the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode, preferably, the first electrode in a state where the display panel is arranged in the second direction. By applying a third voltage common to the second electrode and the fourth electrode, and applying a fourth voltage to the third electrode so that the voltage is applied to the liquid crystal located in the portion corresponding to the third electrode The polarization control liquid crystal panel is controlled to the second state. With this configuration, a voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal located in the portion corresponding to the third electrode, and thus the polarization axis of the light that has passed through the third polarization control region where the third electrode is formed can be easily obtained. Can be controlled. Accordingly, the first panel can easily advance one of the light having the third polarization axis and the light having the fourth polarization axis toward the eyes of the observer with the display panel arranged in the second direction. 2 state can be controlled.

  In the image display device according to the above aspect, it is preferable for the left eye to emit one of the light having the first polarization axis and the light having the second polarization axis in a state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction. A state in which the image is advanced toward the left eye of the observer and the image for the right eye is advanced toward the right eye of the observer to provide a stereoscopic image to the observer and the display panel is arranged in the second direction Thus, the left eye image is advanced toward the left eye of the observer and the right eye image is advanced toward the observer's right eye by one of the light having the third polarization axis and the light having the fourth polarization axis. By doing so, a stereoscopic image is provided to the observer. With this configuration, when the display panel is arranged in the first direction (vertical direction) and in the second direction (horizontal direction), a stereoscopic image can be easily provided to the observer. .

  In the image display device according to the above aspect, the polarization axis control means preferably has the light having the first polarization axis or the light having the second polarization axis in a state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction. And a polarizing plate that absorbs light having the third polarization axis or light having the fourth polarization axis in a state where the display panel is disposed in the second direction. With this configuration, one of the light having the first polarization axis and the light having the second polarization axis separated by the polarization axis control means is observed with the display panel arranged in the first direction. And the other of the light having the first polarization axis and the light having the second polarization axis can be absorbed without being incident on the viewer's left eye and right eye, and can be displayed. With the panel disposed in the second direction, one of the light having the third polarization axis and the light having the fourth polarization axis separated by the polarization axis control means is incident on the left eye and the right eye of the observer. At the same time, the other of the light having the third polarization axis and the light having the fourth polarization axis can be absorbed without being incident on the left eye and the right eye of the observer. Accordingly, when the display panel is arranged in the first direction (vertical direction) and in the second direction (lateral direction), a stereoscopic image can be easily provided to the observer.

  In the image display device according to the above aspect, preferably, the polarization axis control means includes the polarization control liquid crystal panel and the light having the first polarization axis or the second in a state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction. Polarized light that absorbs or transmits light having the third polarization axis and light having the third polarization axis or light having the fourth polarization axis in a state where the display panel is disposed in the second direction. A polarization control liquid crystal panel and a polarizing plate, wherein the display panel is arranged in the first direction, and one of the light having the first polarization axis and the light having the second polarization axis is observed by the observer One of the light having the third polarization axis and the light having the fourth polarization axis in the first state of traveling toward the eyes of the viewer and in the state where the display panel is arranged in the second direction The second state to advance toward the eye and the table With the panel arranged in the first direction, the light is transmitted as either one of the light having the first polarization axis and the light having the second polarization axis, toward the observer's eyes. The light is transmitted as one of light having the third polarization axis and light having the fourth polarization axis in the third state to be advanced and in the state where the display panel is disposed in the second direction. Thus, when the polarization control liquid crystal panel is in the first state and the second state, the display panel is in the first direction and the second state, respectively. The stereoscopic image is provided to the observer in a state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction, and in the third state and the fourth state, the display panel is arranged in the first direction and the second direction, respectively. In this state, a planar image is provided to the observer. If comprised in this way, both a three-dimensional image and a plane image can be provided to an observer with the display panel arrange | positioned in the 1st direction and the 2nd direction with one image display apparatus.

  In the image display device capable of switching between the first, second, third, and fourth states, preferably, the polarization control liquid crystal panel includes a pair of transparent substrates and a liquid crystal disposed between the pair of transparent substrates. , Formed in the first polarization control region and the second polarization control region of one transparent substrate, respectively, and formed in the third polarization control region and the fourth polarization control region of the other transparent substrate, respectively. Common to the first electrode and the second electrode so that a voltage is applied to the entire liquid crystal of the polarization control liquid crystal panel in the third state and the fourth state. And applying a sixth voltage common to the third electrode and the fourth electrode to provide a planar image to the observer. If comprised in this way, by applying a voltage to the whole liquid crystal in a polarization control liquid crystal panel, the light which has the 1st polarization axis, and the 2nd polarization in the state where the display panel was arranged in the 1st direction A third state in which both light having an axis travels toward the viewer's eyes and a light having a third polarization axis and a fourth polarization axis in a state in which the display panel is disposed in the second direction Therefore, the display panel can be controlled in either the first direction or the second direction. Even in this case, a flat image can be easily provided to the observer.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 and 3 show a state in which an observer looks at the display panel during stereoscopic image display when the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is arranged vertically (state shown in FIG. 1). FIG. 4 and 5 show the display panel when an observer displays a stereoscopic image when the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is placed sideways (a state in which FIG. 1 is rotated by 90 °). It is the figure which showed the state seen. 6 to 16 are diagrams for explaining in detail the configuration of the image display apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. First, with reference to FIGS. 1-16, the structure of the image display apparatus 1 by one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an image display device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a backlight 2 and a liquid crystal display panel that is disposed on the light emission side of the backlight 2 and displays an image. 3, polarizing plates 4 and 5 disposed so as to sandwich the display panel 3, a polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 disposed on the light output side of the polarizing plate 5, and a light output side of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6. The polarizing plate 7 is provided. The polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 and the polarizing plate 7 are examples of the “polarization axis control means” in the present invention.

  The backlight 2 has a function of irradiating the polarizing plate 4 with light. Further, since the polarizing plate 4 is set to have a polarization axis of about 135 ° when viewed from the viewer 10 side, only the light having the polarization axis of about 135 ° is viewed from the viewer 10 side. It has a function. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the angle of the polarization axis indicates an angle viewed from the viewer 10 side. In the present embodiment, the angle of the polarization axis indicates an angle in a state where the display panel 3 is arranged vertically.

  The display panel 3 is, for example, TN (Twisted Nematic) that emits light with the polarization axis of incident light changed by about 90 ° in the OFF state and emits light with almost no change in the polarization axis of incident light in the ON state. ) It consists of a liquid crystal panel. As shown in FIG. 6, the display panel 3 includes a plurality of pixels including three dot areas 3a to 3c for displaying the three primary colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) light. A region 3d, a plurality of pixel regions 3h composed of three dot regions 3e to 3g for displaying the three primary colors of light, and a light shielding region 3i for shielding light from the backlight 2 (see FIG. 2). have.

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the display panel 3 is arranged vertically, a plurality of pixel regions 3h in which the left-eye image L1 is displayed and a plurality of pixel regions 3d in which the right-eye image R1 is displayed. Are arranged in a checkered pattern (stepped shape) along the C direction which is an oblique direction intersecting with both the A direction and the B direction in FIG. Specifically, the display area of the left-eye image L1 is indicated by a hatched (hatched area), and the display area of the right-eye image R1 is indicated by a non-hatched area that is not hatched (hatched). Yes. Then, the left-eye image L1 and the right-eye image R1 are alternately displayed in a direction intersecting with an oblique direction (C direction in FIG. 6) in which the plurality of pixel regions 3d and 3h extend in a continuous manner. Further, in the present embodiment, when the display panel 3 is disposed horizontally, as shown in FIG. 7, the left-eye image L2 displayed in the plurality of pixel regions 3h and the plurality of pixel regions 3d are displayed. The right-eye image R2 is arranged in a checkered pattern (stepped shape) along the C direction which is an oblique direction intersecting with both the A direction and the B direction in FIG. Specifically, the display area of the left-eye image L2 is indicated by a hatched (hatched area), and the display area of the right-eye image R2 is indicated by a non-hatched area. Then, the left-eye image L2 and the right-eye image R2 are alternately displayed in a direction intersecting with an oblique direction (C direction in FIG. 7) in which the plurality of pixel regions 3d and 3h extend continuously. That is, in the present embodiment, the display panel 3 is arranged along an oblique direction (C direction) intersecting with both the A direction and the B direction in both cases where the display panel 3 is arranged vertically and horizontally. Display areas for the left-eye image L2 and the right-eye image R2 are arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the light shielding region 3 i of the display panel 3 is formed in a region between adjacent dot regions 3 a to 3 c and 3 e to 3 g. The light-shielding region 3i has a width W5 of a portion arranged between the dot regions 3a to 3c and the dot regions 3e to 3g adjacent along the B direction, and the dot regions 3a to 3c adjacent along the A direction and It is formed to be larger than the width W6 of the portion disposed between 3e to 3g.

  As shown in FIG. 1, since the polarizing plate 5 is set to have a polarization axis of about 45 °, it has a function of transmitting only light having a polarization axis of about 45 °.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 includes a pair of transparent substrates 6a and 6b and a vertical arrangement of the transparent substrate 6a on the backlight 2 (see FIG. 1) side. Electrodes 6e and 6f formed in the polarization control regions 6c and 6d for use respectively, and electrodes 6i formed in the polarization control regions 6g and 6h for the lateral arrangement of the transparent substrate 6b on the viewer 10 (see FIG. 1) side, respectively. 6j and a liquid crystal 6k (see FIG. 9) disposed between the pair of transparent substrates 6a and 6b. The polarization control region 6c is an example of the “first polarization control region” in the present invention, and the polarization control region 6d is an example of the “second polarization control region” in the present invention. The electrode 6e is an example of the “first electrode” in the present invention, and the electrode 6f is an example of the “second electrode” in the present invention. The polarization control region 6g is an example of the “third polarization control region” in the present invention, and the polarization control region 6h is an example of the “fourth polarization control region” in the present invention. The electrode 6i is an example of the “third electrode” in the present invention, and the electrode 6j is an example of the “fourth electrode” in the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the vertically arranged polarization control regions 6c and 6d are checkered (stepped) along the C direction which is an oblique direction intersecting both the A direction and the B direction, respectively. Arranged along the C direction (see FIG. 9) so as to correspond to the arranged pixel regions 3d and 3h (see FIG. 6). Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the horizontally arranged polarization control region 6g is arranged along the A direction and the B direction between the centers Q1 of the adjacent vertically arranged polarization control regions 6c arranged along the C direction. Assuming that the intervals are P1 and P2, the center Q2 is arranged so as to correspond to a position substantially separated by P1 / 2 and P2 / 2 from the center Q1 along the A direction and the B direction. In addition, the horizontally arranged polarization control region 6h has the intervals along the A direction and the B direction between the centers Q3 of the adjacent vertically arranged polarization control regions 6d arranged along the C direction as P3 and P4. Then, the center Q4 is arranged so as to correspond to a position substantially separated by P3 / 2 and P4 / 2 along the A direction and the B direction from the center Q3.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the display panel 3 is arranged vertically, the vertically arranged polarization control region 6c is a region where the left-eye image L1 of the display panel 3 is displayed as shown in FIG. (Hatching area) is arranged on a line connecting the left eye 10a of the observer 10 and connects the area (non-hatching area) where the right-eye image R1 of the display panel 3 is displayed to the right eye 10b of the observer 10. Arranged on the line. The vertically oriented polarization control region 6d is arranged on a line connecting the region (hatching region) where the left-eye image L1 of the display panel 3 is displayed and the right eye 10b of the observer 10 and also the display panel. 3 is arranged on a line connecting the region (non-hatched region) where the right-eye image R1 is displayed and the left eye 10a of the observer 10. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b indicate the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b of the observer 10. Then, when the observer 10 moves to the left side, when the left eye 10a is located on the left side of the predetermined position M1, the left eye 10a is adjacent not only to the left eye image L1 but also to the left eye image L1 through the light shielding region 3i. The right-eye image R1 is also incident, and when the right eye 10b is on the left side of the predetermined position M2, not only the right-eye image R1 but also the left-eye image adjacent to the right-eye image R1 through the light-shielding region 3i. L1 is also configured to be incident. Further, when the observer 10 moves to the right side, the left eye 10a is adjacent to the left eye image L1 not only through the left eye image L1 but also through the light shielding region 3i when the left eye 10a is on the right side of the predetermined position M3. The right-eye image R1 is also incident, and when the right eye 10b is on the right side of the predetermined position M4, the right-eye 10b is not only the right-eye image R1 but also the left-eye image adjacent to the right-eye image R1 through the light-shielding region 3i. L1 is also configured to be incident. For this reason, the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b can observe only a normal image in a region having a predetermined width W1 in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) and have a predetermined width W1 in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). In a region having a width W2 other than the region, a crosstalk phenomenon occurs in which the normal image and the reverse image are observed.

  In the present embodiment, when the display panel 3 is arranged vertically, the left-eye image L1 and the right-eye image R1 are shown in FIG. 3 at a position away from the display panel 3 by a predetermined distance H (see FIG. 2). And the left-eye image L1 and the right-eye image R1 are respectively incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b of the observer 10 located in front of the display panel 3.

  In the present embodiment, when the display panel 3 is arranged horizontally, the horizontally arranged polarization control area 6g is an area (hatching) where the left-eye image L2 of the display panel 3 is displayed as shown in FIG. (Region) and the left eye 10a are arranged on a line connecting the region (non-hatched region) where the right-eye image R2 of the display panel 3 is displayed and the right eye 10b. The horizontally arranged polarization control area 6h is arranged on a line connecting the area (hatching area) where the left-eye image L2 of the display panel 3 is displayed and the right eye 10b, and the right-eye image of the display panel 3 is displayed. It is arranged on a line connecting the area where R2 is displayed (non-hatched area) and the left eye 10a. When the observer 10 moves to the left side, the left eye 10a is adjacent to the left eye image L2 not only through the left eye image L2 but also through the light shielding region 3i when the left eye 10a is on the left side of the predetermined position M5. The right-eye image R2 is also incident, and when the right eye 10b is on the left side of the predetermined position M6, the right-eye 10b is not only the right-eye image R2 but also the left-eye image adjacent to the right-eye image R2 through the light-shielding region 3i. L2 is also configured to be incident. Further, when the observer 10 moves to the right side, the left eye 10a is adjacent not only to the left eye image L2 but also to the left eye image L2 via the light-shielding region 3i when the left eye 10a is located on the right side of the predetermined position M7. The right-eye image R2 is also incident, and when the right eye 10b is on the right side of the predetermined position M8, not only the right-eye image R2 but also the left-eye image adjacent to the right-eye image R2 through the light-shielding region 3i. L2 is also configured to be incident. For this reason, the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b can observe only a normal image in a region having a predetermined width W3 in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) and have a predetermined width W3 in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). In a region having a width W4 other than the region, a crosstalk phenomenon in which a normal image and a reverse image are observed occurs. Note that the width W3 in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) in which only the orthographic image when the display panel 3 is arranged horizontally can be observed is only the orthographic image when the display panel 3 is arranged vertically. The width W1 (see FIG. 2) in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) can be increased.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the display panel 3 is disposed horizontally, the left-eye image L2 and the right-eye image R2 are shown in FIG. 5 at a position away from the display panel 3 by a predetermined distance H (see FIG. 4). The left-eye image L2 and the right-eye image R2 are respectively incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b of the observer 10 positioned in front of the display panel 3 while being displayed in the state shown.

  In the present embodiment, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 can change the voltage application state to the liquid crystal 6k by changing the voltage application state to the electrodes 6e, 6f, 6i and 6j. . For this reason, it is possible to emit light without changing the polarization axis of light incident on the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 or to change the polarization axis of incident light by 90 ° (λ / 2). For example, light having a polarization axis of angle α can be emitted as light having a polarization axis of angle α, or can be emitted by changing to light having a polarization axis of angle α + 90 °. In the present embodiment, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 emits light with the polarization axis of the incident light changed in the OFF state, and emits light with almost no change in the polarization axis of the incident light in the ON state. TN method is used.

  In the present embodiment, the electrodes 6e and 6f formed on the transparent substrate 6a and the electrodes 6i and 6j formed on the transparent substrate 6b are respectively in the state of the display panel 3 (at the time of a stereoscopic image in a vertically arranged arrangement). The pulse voltage is applied in accordance with the stereoscopic image in the horizontal arrangement and the planar image display.

  Specifically, when a stereoscopic image is displayed in the vertical arrangement of the display panel 3, as shown in FIG. 10, a common pulse voltage (first voltage) is applied to the electrodes 6f, 6i, and 6j. On the other hand, a pulse voltage (second voltage) having an opposite phase to the pulse voltage applied to the electrodes 6f, 6i, and 6j is applied to the electrode 6e. As a result, a voltage is generated between the electrode 6e and the electrodes 6i and 6j, so that a voltage is applied to a portion corresponding to the electrode 6e of the liquid crystal 6k. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the region (hatched region) corresponding to the polarization control region 6c where the electrode 6e of the liquid crystal 6k is formed is turned on, and the light transmitted through the region corresponding to the polarization control region 6c is The polarization axis passes without change. On the other hand, no voltage is generated in a region other than the region corresponding to the polarization control region 6c (non-hatched region), the voltage remains in the OFF state, and the polarization axis of the transmitted light is changed by 90 ° and passes.

  When displaying a stereoscopic image in the horizontal orientation of the display panel 3, as shown in FIG. 12, a common pulse voltage (third voltage) is applied to the electrodes 6e, 6f, and 6j. On the other hand, a pulse voltage (fourth voltage) having an opposite phase to the pulse voltage applied to the electrodes 6e, 6f and 6j is applied to the electrode 6i. As a result, a voltage is generated between the electrodes 6e and 6f and the electrode 6i, so that a voltage is applied to a portion corresponding to the electrode 6i of the liquid crystal 6k. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the region (hatching region) corresponding to the polarization control region 6g where the electrode 6i of the liquid crystal 6k is formed is turned on, and the light transmitted through the region corresponding to this polarization control region 6g The polarization axis passes without change. In contrast, no voltage is generated in a region other than the region corresponding to the polarization control region 6g (non-hatched region), the voltage remains in the OFF state, and the polarization axis of the transmitted light is changed by 90 ° and passes.

  When a planar image is displayed in the vertical and horizontal orientations of the display panel 3, a common pulse voltage (fifth voltage) is applied to the electrodes 6e and 6f, as shown in FIG. A pulsed voltage (sixth voltage) having an opposite phase to the pulsed voltage applied to the electrodes 6e and 6f is applied to 6i and 6j. As a result, a voltage is generated between the electrodes 6e and 6f and the electrodes 6i and 6j, so that the voltage is applied to almost the entire area of the liquid crystal 6k. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, almost the entire region (hatching region) of the liquid crystal 6k is turned on, and the light passing through the hatching region passes through without changing the polarization axis.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the polarizing plate 7 is set to have a polarization axis of about 45 °, and therefore has a function of absorbing light having a polarization axis of about 135 °. is doing.

(3D image display mode when placed vertically)
FIG. 17 is a view for explaining a stereoscopic image display method when the display panel shown in FIG. 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is vertically disposed. In FIG. 17, the broken line indicates the angle of the polarization axis of the polarizing plates 4, 5, and 7, and the arrow indicates the angle of the polarization axis of the transmitted light. Next, with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 6, FIG. 11, and FIG. 17, a stereoscopic image display method when the display panel 3 is vertically oriented according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  First, the light irradiated from the backlight 2 (refer FIG. 2) permeate | transmits only the light which has a polarization axis of about 135 degrees by the polarizing plate 4, as shown in FIG. Then, light having a polarization axis of about 135 ° is incident on the pixel regions 3 d and 3 h of the display panel 3. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the left-eye image L1 (see FIGS. 2 and 6) is displayed in the pixel area 3h (hatched area), and the pixel area 3d (non-hatched area) A right-eye image R1 (see FIGS. 2 and 6) is displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the light incident on the display panel 3 is emitted by the display panel 3 in a state where the polarization axis is changed by 90 ° with respect to the incident light. That is, the light transmitted through the display panel 3 is emitted in a state where the polarization axis is changed to about 45 °. And the light radiate | emitted from the display panel 3 permeate | transmits the polarizing plate 5 which has a polarization axis of about 45 degrees. Thereafter, the light transmitted through the polarizing plate 5 enters the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6. Here, in the stereoscopic image display mode in the vertical orientation, as described above, the region (hatched region in FIG. 11) corresponding to the polarization control region 6c where the electrode 6e of the liquid crystal 6k is formed is turned on. The light that passes through the region corresponding to the control region 6c passes through without changing the polarization axis. On the other hand, the region other than the region corresponding to the polarization control region 6c remains in the OFF state without generating a voltage, and the polarization axis of the transmitted light is changed by 90 ° and passes.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 17, out of light having a polarization axis of about 45 ° incident on the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6, the light incident on the polarization control region 6c in the ON state where the electrode 6e is formed is Is output unchanged and passes through the polarizing plate 7 having a polarization axis of about 45 °. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the polarization control region 6c where the electrode 6e is formed is arranged on a line connecting the region where the left-eye image L1 of the display panel 3 is displayed and the left eye 10a. The left-eye image L1 can be incident on the left eye 10a. Further, since the polarization control region 6c where the electrode 6e is formed is arranged on a line connecting the region where the right-eye image R1 of the display panel 3 is displayed and the right eye 10b, the right-eye image R1 becomes the right eye 10b. It becomes possible to enter.

  On the other hand, among the light having the polarization axis of about 45 ° incident on the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6, the light incident on the OFF state region other than the polarization control region 6c where the electrode 6e is formed changes the polarization axis by 90 °. Thus, the light has a polarization axis of about 135 ° and is shielded by the polarizing plate 7 having a polarization axis of about 45 ° as shown in FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the polarization control region 6d where the electrode 6f is formed is arranged on a line connecting the region where the left-eye image L1 of the display panel 3 is displayed and the right eye 10b. It is possible to suppress the left-eye image L1 from entering the right eye 10b. Further, since the polarization control region 6d where the electrode 6f is formed is arranged on a line connecting the region where the right-eye image R1 of the display panel 3 is displayed and the left eye 10a, the right-eye image R1 is placed on the left eye 10a. It is possible to suppress the incidence.

  As described above, the left eye image L1 and the right eye image R1 are incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b, respectively, in the vertical orientation, so that the observer 10 can view a stereoscopic image. .

(3D image display mode when placed in landscape orientation)
FIG. 18 is a view for explaining a stereoscopic image display method when the display panel shown in FIG. 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is disposed in the horizontal direction. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a comparative example for the configuration of the present embodiment shown in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 7, FIG. 13, FIG. 18, and FIG. 19, a stereoscopic image display method when the display panel 3 is disposed in the horizontal orientation according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  First, the light irradiated from the backlight 2 (refer FIG. 4) permeate | transmits only the light which has a polarization axis of about 135 degrees by the polarizing plate 4, as shown in FIG. In the horizontal orientation, the polarization axis is rotated by 90 ° compared to the vertical orientation. However, in the present embodiment, the angle of the polarization axis in the vertical orientation is used as it is in the horizontal orientation for simplification. I will explain. Then, light having a polarization axis of about 135 ° is incident on the pixel regions 3 d and 3 h of the display panel 3. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the left-eye image L2 (see FIGS. 4 and 7) is displayed in the pixel area 3h (hatched area), and the pixel area 3d (non-hatched area) A right-eye image R2 (see FIGS. 4 and 7) is displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the light incident on the display panel 3 is emitted by the display panel 3 in a state where the polarization axis is changed by 90 ° with respect to the incident light. That is, the light transmitted through the display panel 3 is emitted in a state where the polarization axis is changed to about 45 °. And the light radiate | emitted from the display panel 3 permeate | transmits the polarizing plate 5 which has a polarization axis of about 45 degrees. Thereafter, the light transmitted through the polarizing plate 5 enters the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6. Here, in the stereoscopic image display mode in the horizontal orientation, as described above, the region (hatched region in FIG. 13) corresponding to the polarization control region 6g where the electrode 6i of the liquid crystal 6k is formed is turned on. Light passing through the region corresponding to the region 6g passes through without changing the polarization axis. On the other hand, the region other than the region corresponding to the polarization control region 6g remains in the OFF state without generating a voltage, and the polarization axis of the transmitted light is changed by 90 ° and passes.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 18, out of the light having the polarization axis of about 45 ° incident on the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6, the light incident on the polarization control region 6g in the ON state where the electrode 6i is formed has the polarization axis. Is output unchanged and passes through the polarizing plate 7 having a polarization axis of about 45 °. In this case, as described above, the polarization control region 6g where the electrode 6i is formed is substantially separated from the center Q1 of the polarization control region 6c by P1 / 2 and P2 / 2 along the A direction and the B direction. The polarization control region 6h in which the center Q2 corresponds to the position and the electrode 6j is formed is substantially P3 / 2 along the A direction and the B direction from the center Q3 of the polarization control region 6d. 4 and P4 / 2 are disposed so that the center Q4 corresponds to the polarization control region 6g in which the electrode 6i is formed when the display panel 3 is disposed in the horizontal direction. As shown, the display panel 3 is arranged on a line connecting the area where the left-eye image L2 is displayed and the left eye 10a. As a result, the left-eye image L2 can be incident on the left eye 10a. Similarly, the polarization control region 6g where the electrode 6i is formed is arranged on a line connecting the region where the right-eye image R2 of the display panel 3 is displayed and the right eye 10b, so that the right-eye image R2 is displayed. It becomes possible to enter the right eye 10b. Unlike the present embodiment, for example, the center Q2 of the polarization control region 6g and the center Q4 of the polarization control region 6h are arranged at the same positions as the center Q1 of the polarization control region 6c and the center Q3 of the polarization control region 6d, respectively. In this case, when the display panel 3 is rotated 90 ° from the state shown in FIG. 4 and changed to the horizontal orientation, the left-eye image L2 and the right-eye image R2 are rotated 90 ° with respect to the center of the display panel 3. Thus, the state shown in the comparative example of FIG. 19 is obtained. Specifically, in this comparative example, when the display panel 3 is arranged horizontally, as shown in FIG. 19, the distance between the left-eye image L2 and the right-eye image R2 in the A direction and the B direction is set to P5 and Assuming P6, the left eye 10a of the observer 10 located in front of the display panel 3 is half the pitch (P5 / 2) in the direction along the A direction and the B direction with respect to the center position of the left-eye image L2. And P6 / 2). Similarly, the right eye 10b of the observer 10 positioned in front of the display panel 3 is half the pitch (P5 / P) in the direction along the A direction and the B direction with respect to the center position of the right eye image R2. 2 and P6 / 2). Therefore, in the comparative example shown in FIG. 19, unlike the present embodiment, the left-eye image L2 and the right-eye image R2 are incident on the left eye 10a in half, and the left-eye image L2 and the right-eye 10b are incident on the right eye 10b. Since the right-eye image R2 is incident in half, the observer 10 cannot see a stereoscopic image.

  On the other hand, of the light having the polarization axis of about 45 ° incident on the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6, the light incident on the OFF state region other than the polarization control region 6g where the electrode 6i is formed changes the polarization axis by 90 °. Thus, the light has a polarization axis of about 135 ° and is shielded by the polarizing plate 7 having a polarization axis of about 45 ° as shown in FIG. In this case, the polarization control region 6h where the electrode 6j is formed is arranged on a line connecting the region where the left-eye image L2 of the display panel 3 is displayed and the right eye 10b, as shown in FIG. It is possible to suppress the left-eye image L2 from entering the right eye 10b. Further, since the polarization control region 6h where the electrode 6j is formed is arranged on a line connecting the region where the right-eye image R2 of the display panel 3 is displayed and the left eye 10a, the right-eye image R2 is placed on the left eye 10a. It is possible to suppress the incidence.

  As described above, the left-eye image L2 and the right-eye image R2 are incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b, respectively, so that the observer 10 can view a three-dimensional image.

(Plane image display mode when placed vertically)
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a state in which the viewer looks at the display panel from above when displaying a planar image when the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is arranged vertically. FIG. 21 is a view for explaining a planar image display method when the display panel shown in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is vertically arranged and horizontally arranged. A planar image display method when the display panel 3 is vertically disposed according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 15, 20, and 21.

  First, as shown in FIG. 21, the light emitted from the backlight 2 (see FIG. 20) transmits only light having a polarization axis of about 135 ° through the polarizing plate 4. Then, light having a polarization axis of about 135 ° is incident on the pixel regions 3 d and 3 h of the display panel 3. In this case, the planar image S1 (see FIG. 20) is displayed in all the pixel areas 3d and 3h. Further, as shown in FIG. 21, the light incident on the display panel 3 is emitted by the display panel 3 in a state where the polarization axis is changed by 90 ° with respect to the incident light. That is, the light transmitted through the display panel 3 is emitted in a state where the polarization axis is changed to about 45 °. And the light radiate | emitted from the display panel 3 permeate | transmits the polarizing plate 5 which has a polarization axis of about 45 degrees. Thereafter, the light transmitted through the polarizing plate 5 enters the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6. At this time, light having a polarization axis of about 45 ° incident on the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 is formed in an ON-state hatching region formed in almost the entire area of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 by controlling the electrodes (see FIG. 15). Therefore, the polarization axis is emitted without being changed, and passes through the polarizing plate 7 having a polarization axis of about 45 °. The planar image S1 of the display panel 3 is incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b by the light transmitted through the polarizing plate 7.

  As described above, when the planar image S1 is incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b, the observer 10 can view the planar image.

(Plane image display mode when placed in landscape orientation)
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a state in which an observer looks at the display panel from above when displaying a planar image when the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is arranged horizontally. With reference to FIG. 16, FIG. 21, and FIG. 22, a planar image display method when the display panel 3 is horizontally disposed according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  First, the light irradiated from the backlight 2 (refer FIG. 22) permeate | transmits only the light which has a polarization axis of about 135 degrees by the polarizing plate 4, as shown in FIG. Then, light having a polarization axis of about 135 ° is incident on the pixel regions 3 d and 3 h of the display panel 3. In this case, the planar image S2 (see FIG. 22) is displayed in all the pixel areas 3d and 3h. Further, as shown in FIG. 21, the light incident on the display panel 3 is emitted by the display panel 3 in a state where the polarization axis is changed by 90 ° with respect to the incident light. That is, the light transmitted through the display panel 3 is emitted in a state where the polarization axis is changed to about 45 °. And the light radiate | emitted from the display panel 3 permeate | transmits the polarizing plate 5 which has a polarization axis of about 45 degrees. Thereafter, the light transmitted through the polarizing plate 5 enters the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6. At this time, light having a polarization axis of about 45 ° incident on the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 is formed in the ON state hatching region formed in almost the entire area of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 by controlling the electrodes (see FIG. 16). Therefore, the polarization axis is emitted without being changed, and passes through the polarizing plate 7 having a polarization axis of about 45 °. The planar image S2 of the display panel 3 is incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b by the light transmitted through the polarizing plate 7.

  As described above, when the planar image S2 is incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b of the observer 10, the observer 10 can view the planar image.

(Effect of this embodiment)
In the present embodiment, as described above, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 is provided, and the electrode 6e of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 is formed by irradiation from the backlight 2 in a state where the display panel 3 is arranged in the vertical direction. The left eye image L1 and the right eye image R1 are incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b, respectively, by the light that has passed through the polarization control region 6c in the ON state. Thus, a stereoscopic image can be provided to the observer 10. In addition, the left-eye image L2 is emitted by the light that has been irradiated from the backlight 2 and passed through the polarization control region 6g in the ON state where the electrode 6i of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 is formed in a state where the display panel 3 is disposed sideways. The stereoscopic image can be provided to the observer 10 by causing the right eye image R2 to enter the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b, respectively. As a result, a stereoscopic image can be provided to the observer 10 in both cases where the display panel 3 is arranged in the vertical direction and in the case where the display panel 3 is arranged in the horizontal direction. Further, by arranging the polarization control regions 6c, 6d, 6g and 6h of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 along the C direction (diagonal direction) intersecting with both the A direction and the B direction, the display panel 3 is provided. The polarization control regions 6c, 6d, 6g, and 6h of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 can be disposed along the C direction that intersects the A direction and the B direction in a state in which the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 is disposed in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. Thereby, the polarization control region 6c is arranged by the polarization control regions 6c and 6d arranged along the C direction intersecting with both the A direction and the B direction in a state where the display panel 3 is arranged vertically. The transmitted light can travel toward the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b in a state of being dispersed in the A direction and the B direction, and in both the A direction and the B direction with the display panel 3 disposed sideways. The light transmitted through the polarization control region 6g travels toward the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b in a state of being dispersed in the A direction and the B direction by the polarization control regions 6g and 6h arranged along the C direction intersecting the C direction. Can be made. As a result, it is possible to disperse the reduction in the resolution of the image on the display panel 3 in the A direction and the B direction in a state where the display panel 3 is arranged vertically and horizontally, so that a stereoscopic image with little image deterioration is observed. Can be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 is provided with the polarization control regions 6c, 6d, 6g, and 6h, so that when the display panel 3 is arranged vertically, the left-eye image L1 and the right-eye image R1. When the polarization control regions 6c and 6d are disposed so as to be incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b, respectively, and the display panel 3 is disposed horizontally, the left eye image L2 and the right eye image R2 are respectively converted into the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b. By arranging the polarization control regions 6g and 6h so as to be incident on the viewer, a stereoscopic image can be easily provided to the observer 10 in each case where the display panel 3 is placed vertically and horizontally. can do.

  Further, in this embodiment, by providing the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6, an observer can be provided in both cases where the display panel 3 is arranged in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction with one polarization control liquid crystal panel 6. 10 can provide a stereoscopic image. Thereby, in each case where the display panel 3 is arranged vertically and horizontally, the number of components is increased as compared with the case where two polarization control liquid crystal panels 6 are provided to provide a stereoscopic image to the observer 10. In addition, the thickness of the entire image display device 1 can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the polarization control regions 6c and 6d of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 are formed so as to correspond to the pixel regions 3d and 3h of the display panel 3 in a state where the display panel 3 is arranged vertically. At the same time, by forming the polarization control regions 6g and 6h so as to correspond to the pixel regions 3d and 3h of the display panel 3 in a state where the display panel 3 is disposed horizontally, the display panel 3 is disposed vertically. In this state, the light transmitted through the polarization control regions 6c and 6d can cause the image of the display panel 3 to be incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b of the observer 10 with little image deterioration, and the display panel 3 is turned sideways. The image of the display panel 3 is displayed with little image degradation by the light transmitted through the polarization control regions 6g and 6h. It can be incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b. As a result, a stereoscopic image with less image deterioration can be provided to the observer 10 in both the state in which the display panel 3 is disposed in the vertical direction and the state in which the display panel 3 is disposed in the horizontal direction.

  In the present embodiment, the center Q2 corresponds to the position where the polarization control region 6g is substantially separated from the center Q1 of the polarization control region 6c by P1 / 2 and P2 / 2 along the A direction and the B direction. The center Q4 corresponds to a position where the polarization control region 6h is substantially separated from the center Q3 of the polarization control region 6d by P3 / 2 and P4 / 2 along the A direction and the B direction. By arranging so that the position of the center Q2 of the polarization control region 6g is half of the pitch in the direction along the A direction and the B direction with respect to the position of the center Q1 of the polarization control region 6c (P1 / 2 And the position of the center Q4 of the polarization control region 6h with respect to the position of the center Q3 of the polarization control region 6d in the direction along the A direction and the B direction, respectively. Half (P3 / 2 and P4 / 2) can be shifted only. Accordingly, when the polarization control regions 6c and 6d and the polarization control regions 6g and 6h are arranged along the C direction intersecting the A direction and the B direction, the display panel 3 is arranged in the vertical direction. When changing to the state of being arranged horizontally, the light transmitted through the polarization control region 6g is along the A direction and the B direction with respect to the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b of the observer 10 located in front of the display panel 3. Since it can suppress that each shifts, light can be easily advanced to the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b of the observer 10. FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the display panel 3 is changed by changing the voltage application state to the liquid crystal 6k by changing the voltage application state to the electrodes 6e, 6f, 6i and 6j of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6. It is possible to switch between the stereoscopic image display in the vertical arrangement, the stereoscopic image display in the horizontal arrangement, and the planar image display.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a pulse voltage is applied to the electrodes 6e, 6f, 6i, and 6j formed on the transparent substrates 6a and 6b has been described. , 6f, 6i, and 6j, a voltage may be generated in the liquid crystal corresponding to the predetermined electrode by applying a constant voltage to the predetermined electrode.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the display panel 3 used the 90 degree TN system, and showed the example in which the polarizing plates 4 and 5 arrange | positioned so that it may oppose on both sides of the display panel 3 may have a mutually orthogonal polarization axis. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other methods such as a VA (Vertical Alignment) method and an ECB (Electrically Controlled Birefringence) method may be used. In this case, for example, when the VA method is used, the polarizing plates 4 and 5 arranged so as to sandwich the display panel 3 are constituted by polarizing plates having the same polarization axis, and the display panel 3, the polarizing plates 4 and 5 The polarization axis of light corresponding to the image formed by the image display device may be set so as to correspond to the polarization axis.

  In the above-described embodiment, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 emits light with the polarization axis of incident light changed in the OFF state, and emits light with almost no change in the polarization axis of incident light in the ON state. Although an example using the TN method is shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and other methods such as the VA method and the ECB method described above may be used.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which a stereoscopic image is provided to an observer by using a display panel including a liquid crystal display panel irradiated with light from a backlight has been described. The present invention can also be applied to an image display device having a self-luminous display panel such as an EL or PDP (plasma display panel).

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the example which arrange | positions a polarization control liquid crystal panel, a display panel, and a backlight in order from the observer side was shown, this invention is not limited to this, A display panel is in order from an observer side. A polarization control liquid crystal panel and a backlight may be arranged.

  In the above embodiment, the polarizing axes of the polarizing plates 4, 5 and 7 are set to about 135 °, about 45 ° and about 45 °, respectively. The polarization axes of the plates 4, 5 and 7 may be set to values other than the above values.

  In the above embodiment, the polarization control regions 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 are arranged in a checkered pattern (stepped shape) extending in the C direction (diagonal direction). Not limited to this, the polarization control regions 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 6 may be arranged so as to extend in an oblique direction other than a checkered pattern (stepped pattern).

1 is an exploded perspective view showing an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the state which the observer looked at the display panel at the time of the three-dimensional image display at the time of arrange | positioning the display panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 vertically. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which a left-eye image and a right-eye image are projected at a predetermined distance H from the display panel of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1. It is the figure which showed the state which the observer looked at the display panel at the time of the stereoscopic image display at the time of arrange | positioning the display panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 horizontally. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which a left-eye image and a right-eye image are projected at a predetermined distance H from the display panel of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1. It is the elements on larger scale of the display panel at the time of arrange | positioning the display panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 vertically. It is the elements on larger scale of the display panel at the time of arrange | positioning the display panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 horizontally. It is the elements on larger scale of the polarization control liquid crystal panel at the time of arrange | positioning the display panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 vertically. It is a disassembled perspective view of the polarization control liquid crystal panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a voltage waveform diagram of electrodes of a polarization control liquid crystal panel when the display panel of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is arranged vertically. It is the front view which showed the polarization control liquid crystal panel at the time of arrange | positioning the display panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 vertically. FIG. 2 is a voltage waveform diagram of electrodes of a polarization control liquid crystal panel when the display panel of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. It is the front view which showed the polarization control liquid crystal panel at the time of arrange | positioning the display panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 horizontally. FIG. 2 is a voltage waveform diagram of electrodes of a polarization control liquid crystal panel when a planar image is displayed on the display panel of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a polarization control liquid crystal panel during planar image display when the display panel of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is arranged vertically. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a polarization control liquid crystal panel during flat image display when the display panel of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the three-dimensional image display method at the time of arrange | positioning the display panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 vertically. It is a figure for demonstrating the stereoscopic image display method at the time of arrange | positioning the display panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 horizontally. It is the figure which showed the comparative example with respect to the structure of this embodiment shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed the state which the observer looked at the display panel at the time of the planar image display at the time of arrange | positioning the display panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 vertically. It is a figure for demonstrating the plane image display method at the time of arrange | positioning the display panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 vertically and horizontally. It is the figure which showed the state which the observer looked at the display panel at the time of the planar image display at the time of arrange | positioning the display panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 horizontally. It is a top view for demonstrating the principle of the stereo image display apparatus by an example of the past.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image display apparatus 3 Display panel 3d, 3h Pixel area 6 Polarization control liquid crystal panel (polarization axis control means)
6a, 6b Transparent substrate 6c Polarization control region (first polarization control region)
6d Polarization control region (second polarization control region)
6e electrode (first electrode)
6f electrode (second electrode)
6g Polarization control region (third polarization control region)
6h Polarization control region (fourth polarization control region)
6i electrode (third electrode)
6j electrode (fourth electrode)
6k liquid crystal 7 polarizing plate (polarization axis control means)

Claims (10)

A display panel having a plurality of pixel regions for displaying a color image;
In the state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction, the light having the first polarization axis is separated by separating the light into the light having the first polarization axis and the light having the second polarization axis. And a first polarization control region and a second polarization control for transmitting one of the lights having the second polarization axis and traveling toward the eyes of the observer and shielding the other to provide a stereoscopic image to the observer. And light having the third polarization axis and light having the fourth polarization axis in a state where the display panel is arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. And transmitting one of the light having the third polarization axis and the light having the fourth polarization axis so that the light travels toward the eyes of the observer and shields the other to shield the observer. the third polarization control areas and the fourth polarization to provide a stereoscopic image And a polarization axis control means including a control region, a
The first polarization control region, the second polarization control region, the third polarization control region, and the fourth polarization control region of the polarization axis control unit intersect with both the first direction and the second direction, respectively. Including a plurality of electrode portions arranged along the direction of
The first polarization control region and the second polarization control region are formed to correspond to the pixel region of the display panel in a state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction,
The third polarization control region and the fourth polarization control region are formed to correspond to the pixel region of the display panel in a state where the display panel is disposed in the second direction,
The first direction and the second direction between the centers of the electrode portions of the adjacent first polarization control regions arranged along the direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. , The center of the electrode part of the third polarization control region is in the first direction and the second direction from the center of the electrode part of the first polarization control region. Corresponding to a position separated by a first distance smaller than the distance P1 and a second distance smaller than the distance P2, respectively, along the direction of
The first direction and the second direction between the centers of the electrode portions of the adjacent second polarization control regions arranged along the direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. , The center of the electrode part of the fourth polarization control region is the first direction and the second direction from the center of the electrode part of the second polarization control region. Are arranged so as to correspond to positions separated by a third distance smaller than the interval P3 and a fourth distance smaller than the interval P4, respectively . Spacing between the centers of the adjacent first polarization control regions arranged along the direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction along the first direction and the second direction. , P1 and P2, respectively, the center of the third polarization control region is substantially P1 / 2 from the center of the first polarization control region along the first direction and the second direction, respectively. And corresponding to positions separated by P2 / 2,
Spacing between the centers of the adjacent second polarization control regions arranged along the direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction along the first direction and the second direction. Is P3 and P4, respectively, the center of the fourth polarization control region is substantially P3 / 2 from the center of the second polarization control region along the first direction and the second direction, respectively. The image display device according to claim 1 , wherein the image display device is arranged to correspond to positions separated by P4 / 2. The polarization axis control means is configured to display one of the light having the first polarization axis and the light having the second polarization axis to the eyes of the observer in a state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction. One of the light having the third polarization axis and the light having the fourth polarization axis in the first state where the light travels toward the viewer and the display panel disposed in the second direction. 3. The image display device according to claim 1, further comprising a polarization control liquid crystal panel capable of switching between a second state advanced toward the eyes of the first and second eyes. The polarization control liquid crystal panel is formed in a pair of transparent substrates, a liquid crystal disposed between the pair of transparent substrates, and the first polarization control region and the second polarization control region of one of the transparent substrates, respectively. A first electrode and a second electrode, and a third electrode and a fourth electrode respectively formed in the third polarization control region and the fourth polarization control region of the other transparent substrate,
By changing the voltage application state to the liquid crystal by changing the voltage application state to the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode and the fourth electrode, the first state The image display device according to claim 3 , which switches between the second state and the second state. In a state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction, a common first voltage is applied to the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode, and a portion corresponding to the first electrode is applied. The image display device according to claim 4 , wherein the polarization control liquid crystal panel is controlled to the first state by applying a second voltage to the first electrode so that a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal positioned. . In a state where the display panel is arranged in the second direction, a third voltage common to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the fourth electrode is applied, and a portion corresponding to the third electrode is applied. The image according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein the polarization control liquid crystal panel is controlled to the second state by applying a fourth voltage to the third electrode so that a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal positioned. Display device. With the display panel arranged in the first direction, the left-eye image is directed toward the left eye of the observer by one of the light having the first polarization axis and the light having the second polarization axis. Providing a stereoscopic image to the observer by advancing the image for the right eye toward the right eye of the observer,
With the display panel arranged in the second direction, the left-eye image is directed toward the left eye of the observer by one of the light having the third polarization axis and the light having the fourth polarization axis. with advancing Te, by advancing toward the right-eye image to the right eye of the observer, to provide stereoscopic images to the observer, the image display apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6. The polarization axis control means absorbs light having the first polarization axis or light having the second polarization axis in a state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction, and the display panel. state but arranged in the second direction, including the third polarizing plate for absorbing light having a polarization axis of the light or the fourth having a polarization axis of any one of claims 1-7 The image display device described in 1. The polarization axis control means absorbs light having the first polarization axis or light having the second polarization axis in a state where the polarization control liquid crystal panel and the display panel are arranged in the first direction. Or a polarizing plate that transmits and absorbs or transmits light having the third polarization axis or light having the fourth polarization axis in a state where the display panel is disposed in the second direction. ,
The polarization control liquid crystal panel and the polarizing plate are configured to transmit one of light having the first polarization axis and light having the second polarization axis in a state where the display panel is disposed in the first direction. Light having the third polarization axis and light having the fourth polarization axis in a first state that travels toward the eyes of the observer and in a state where the display panel is disposed in the second direction In a second state in which one of the light beams travels toward the eyes of the observer, and in a state in which the display panel is disposed in the first direction, the light having the first polarization axis and the first A third state in which the light is transmitted as one of light having two polarization axes and travels toward the eyes of the observer; and the display panel is disposed in the second direction. The light having the third polarization axis and the light; Polarized by the optical axis is transmitted so as either light of the light having the is switchable to a fourth state to proceed toward the eye of the observer,
When the polarization control liquid crystal panel is in the first state and the second state, a stereoscopic image is displayed to the observer in a state where the display panel is disposed in the first direction and the second direction, respectively. Offer to,
When the polarization control liquid crystal panel is in the third state and the fourth state, the display panel is arranged in the first direction and the second direction, respectively, and a planar image is displayed to the observer. provided, the image display apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8. The polarization control liquid crystal panel is formed in a pair of transparent substrates, a liquid crystal disposed between the pair of transparent substrates, and the first polarization control region and the second polarization control region of one of the transparent substrates, respectively. A first electrode and a second electrode, and a third electrode and a fourth electrode respectively formed in the third polarization control region and the fourth polarization control region of the other transparent substrate,
In the third state and the fourth state, a common fifth voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode so that a voltage is applied to the entire liquid crystal of the polarization control liquid crystal panel. The image display apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein a planar image is provided to the observer by applying a common sixth voltage to the third electrode and the fourth electrode.

Images