JP2000298273A - Display device and electronic appliance equipped with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize new display techniques for accurately represent text display and icon display in high quality which can be selectively displayed, and to obtain a display device which increases the degree of flexibility in display design and which can yield satisfactory visibility especially in electronic appliances. SOLUTION: A display device 10 has a structure, such that from the display screen side, a polarizing plate 12 having normal absorption type polarizing characteristics as a first polarization separating means, a liquid crystal panel 11 as a first means for varying the polarization axis of transmitted light, a polarizing film 13 as a second polarization separating means, a liquid crystal panel 14 as a second means for varying the polarization axis of transmitted light, a diffusion film 15, a polarizing film 16 as a third polarization separating means, a color filter 17, a polarizing film 18 as a fourth polarization separating means, and a backlight 19 are successively disposed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display device and an electronic apparatus having the same, and more particularly, to a structure of a display device in which a polarization separating means such as a polarizing plate and a transmission polarization axis changing means such as a liquid crystal panel are combined. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, liquid crystal display devices used in recent years include mobile phones, portable music players, watches,
It is used in all kinds of electronic devices such as cameras, VTRs, microwave ovens, and telephones. In the display unit of such an electronic device, a text information display unit that displays characters, numbers, symbols, and the like by a combination of a plurality of dot areas or segment areas, and a predetermined pattern such as an illustration, a special symbol, and an icon such as a mark And an icon display unit for displaying the icon in one or a plurality of dedicated segment areas.

In the text information display section, various character information and the like can be freely rewritten, and a plurality of characters such as a dot matrix method for expressing characters and the like with a group of small dots and a seven-segment method for expressing numbers can be used. For example, a segment method of expressing a character or the like by a combination of segments is used.

[0004] On the other hand, the icon display section is a section for fixedly displaying illustrations, symbols, words, and the like, in which information such as setting contents of electronic devices, current status, and warnings to users are fixed in advance. Display with. As a specific example, one that shows the remaining battery level used in a portable device in several steps (illustration of “battery”) and one that shows the radio wave intensity used in a mobile phone in several steps (“radio wave”) ), The one that indicates that the electronic watch is in an alarm setting state (character “ALARM”), the one that indicates the time stop state used by a stopwatch (character “STOP”), and the like.

[0005] A conventional liquid crystal display device is, for example, a known TN.
Type or STN type liquid crystal display panel, two polarizing plates are disposed before and after the liquid crystal cell with the transmission polarization axes orthogonal to each other, and depending on whether an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer in the liquid crystal cell. By changing or maintaining the direction of the polarization axis of the polarized light transmitted through one polarizing plate, the polarized light is blocked by the other polarizing plate or transmitted through the other polarizing plate, so that the liquid crystal display panel is controlled. The light blocking state and the light transmitting state are switched. In the light blocking state of the liquid crystal display panel, the display surface is visually recognized in a dark color, and in the light transmitting state, it is visually recognized in a bright color. Therefore, various information can be displayed by the dark color and the bright color.

[0006]

However, in the display device using the above-mentioned liquid crystal display panel, the text display section is flexible in that various information can be displayed relatively freely, but it is difficult to display segments or dots. If the structure is rough, a high-quality display mode cannot be realized, and if the dot structure is refined, it is necessary to form a fine structure, and there is a problem that the manufacturing cost increases. Further, in order to form a color image, it is necessary to form a fine color filter, which further increases the manufacturing cost.

On the other hand, in order to form an icon display section, it is necessary to form a transparent electrode, a reflective electrode, and the like formed on the inner surface of the panel substrate of the liquid crystal display panel into an icon shape. For this reason, in order to make a liquid crystal display panel having different icon modes, it is necessary to design and manufacture the structure of the liquid crystal cell for each icon, and even if the other parts, for example, the text information display unit, have the same structure, There is a problem that the panel structure cannot be diverted to each other. In addition, when one icon is formed, another icon or the like cannot be displayed in the area, so that there is a problem that the display mode of the area is fixed. Furthermore, if it is attempted to create an icon having a fine pattern or a fine line, or a complicated icon using a plurality of colors, the electrode pattern also needs to have a fine structure, which makes the production extremely difficult, and There is a problem that it is not a target.

In both the text display section and the icon display section, in order to display a plurality of areas having different colors and textures so as to be in contact with each other, the liquid crystal panel is configured to be individually controllable. Although different control areas must be arranged in close contact with each other, it is necessary to provide a predetermined space between the electrodes of the liquid crystal panel that constitutes the control area for insulation, so that different color tone and texture There is a problem in that it is extremely difficult to display a plurality of regions having a symbol so as to be in contact with each other.

On the other hand, there is also a method in which icons that are always visible are formed on the panel substrate of the liquid crystal display panel by printing or the like, and when necessary, an instruction display for indicating the selected state of the icons is performed on the liquid crystal display panel. is there. However, in this case, since the icons themselves are always displayed, the display mode is further fixed so that the display modes cannot be selectively displayed, and the visibility of the display surface is deteriorated, and the icon display is assisted. (For example, an underline or an arrow indicating that the icon is selected) or the like is required, so that there is a problem that a large display area is occupied.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize a novel display technique capable of reliably and selectively displaying a text display and an icon display which can be selectively displayed with high quality, and to realize a display design. It is an object of the present invention to provide a display device that can increase the degree of freedom and exhibit good visibility particularly in electronic devices and the like.

[0011]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a display device according to the present invention comprises a first polarization separation means and a first polarization separation means configured to change a polarization axis of transmitted light for each control area. Transmission polarization axis changing means, second polarization separation means, second transmission polarization axis changing means configured to change the polarization axis of transmitted light for each control area, third polarization separation means, and light reflection A first polarization splitting means for converting the first polarization component of light incident from the opposite side to the first transmission polarization axis variable means into the first transmission polarization axis. The first transmission component can be emitted toward the variable means side, and the first polarized component of light incident from the first transmission polarization axis variable means can be emitted toward the opposite side of the first transmission polarization axis variable means. And the second polarized light separating means includes the first polarized light separating means.
The second polarization component of the light incident from the transmission polarization axis variable means side can be emitted toward the second transmission polarization axis variable means side, and the second polarization component of the light incident from the first transmission polarization axis variable means side can be output. A third polarization component different from the polarization component can be emitted toward the first transmission polarization axis variable means side, and the second polarization component of light incident from the second transmission polarization axis variable means side is converted to the first polarization component. The light reflection means is configured to be able to emit light toward the transmission polarization axis variable means side, and the light reflection means is configured to transmit at least a part of light incident from the second transmission polarization axis variable means side to the second
The third polarization separation unit is configured to be able to emit light toward the transmission polarization axis variable unit side, and the fourth polarization component of the light incident from the second transmission polarization axis variable unit side is converted to the second transmission polarization axis variable unit. And a fifth polarization component different from the fourth polarization component of the light incident from the second transmission polarization axis variable means side is emitted toward the second transmission polarization axis variable means side. The light reflecting means is configured to be able to emit the fourth polarization component of the light incident from the side opposite to the second transmission polarization axis changing means toward the second transmission polarization axis changing means. Is characterized in that at least a part of the light incident from the third polarized light separating means side can be emitted toward the third polarized light separating means side.

According to the present invention, in the above arrangement, when the side of the first polarized light separating means is the front side and the side of the light reflecting means is the rear side, when light enters the first polarized light separating means from the front side, When the first polarized light component is emitted from the first polarized light separating means toward the first transmitted polarization axis variable means side, and the first polarized light component passes through the first transmitted polarization axis variable means and becomes the second polarized light component, The second polarized light component is emitted toward the two polarized light separating means, and as a result, the second polarized light component is emitted from the second polarized light separating means toward the second transmission polarization axis changing means. When the fourth polarized light component is emitted toward the third polarized light separating means in the second transmission polarization axis variable means, the third polarized light separating means emits the fourth polarized light component toward the light reflecting means, and the fourth polarized light is emitted. The component is reflected by the light reflecting means, re-enters the third polarized light separating means, and
The polarization separation means emits the fourth polarization component toward the second transmission polarization axis variable means, and the second transmission polarization axis variation means emits the second polarization component toward the second polarization separation means, and the second polarization separation means. The means emits the second polarization component toward the first transmission polarization axis changing means, and the first transmission polarization axis changing means emits the first polarization component toward the first polarization separation means. First
The polarization splitting unit emits the first polarization component toward the front side.

In the above, when the first polarized light component emitted from the first polarized light separating means enters the first transmitted polarized light axis varying means, the third polarized light component is converted from the first transmitted polarization axis varying means to the second polarized light. When the light is emitted toward the separating means, the third polarized light component is emitted from the second polarized light separating means toward the first transmitting polarized light axis varying means. Side, and as a result, the first polarized light component is emitted from the first polarized light separating means toward the front side.

Further, in the above, when the second polarized light component emitted from the second polarized light separating means enters the second transmitted polarized light axis varying means, the fifth polarized light component is changed from the second transmitted polarization axis varying means to the third polarized light. When the light is emitted toward the separation means, the fifth polarization component is emitted from the third polarization separation means to the second transmission polarization axis changing means, and therefore, from the second transmission polarization axis changing means to the second polarization separation means. The second polarized light component is emitted toward the first polarized light separating means, the second polarized light component is emitted from the second polarized light separating means toward the first transmitted polarization axis varying means, and further from the first transmitted polarized light axis varying means toward the first polarized light separating means. As a result, the first polarized light component is emitted.
The polarization component is emitted.

As described above, when light is incident on the first polarized light separating means from the front side, the light is reflected along the above three light paths, so that the first transmitted polarized light axis changing means and the second transmitted polarized light axis are changed. By controlling the change state of the polarization axis of light for each control area by the variable means, it is possible to form three display modes corresponding to the three light paths in each area corresponding to the control area on the display surface. it can. Therefore, the display mode can be changed to at least three modes for each control area by the two polarization axis variable means, so that the display surface has more design variations than before and the first transmission polarization axis variable means. And the control region of the second transmission polarization axis variable means, the display is of a high quality that cannot be formed by the individual polarization axis variable means, for example, adjacent display areas having different display modes are in contact with each other. Can be easily performed.

In the present invention, the light reflecting means is capable of emitting a sixth polarized component of light incident from the third polarized light separating means toward the opposite side of the third polarized light separating means, and The sixth type of light incident from the polarization separation means side
It is preferable that the fourth polarized light separating means is configured to be able to emit a seventh polarized light component different from the polarized light component toward the third polarized light separating means.

According to this invention, when the fourth polarized light component is emitted from the third polarized light separating means toward the fourth polarized light separating means, if the fourth polarized light component includes the seventh polarized light component, The seventh polarized light component is emitted from the four polarized light separating means toward the third polarized light separating means. If the seventh polarized light component includes the fourth polarized light component, the seventh polarized light component is finally emitted from the first polarized light separating means as described above. The first polarized light component is emitted to the front side. Further, when the fourth polarized light component is emitted from the third polarized light separating means to the fourth polarized light separating means, if the sixth polarized light component is included in the fourth polarized light component, the sixth polarized light component is converted into the fourth polarized light separation light. It is emitted from the means to the back side. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the amount of reflected light (the amount of light effectively used for the display mode) visually recognized by the relationship between the polarization characteristics of the fourth polarized light separating means and the fourth polarized light component.

In this case, the fourth polarized light separating means can emit the sixth polarized light component of the light incident from the side opposite to the third polarized light separating means toward the third polarized light separating means. Preferably, a light source is arranged on the side of the fourth polarized light separating means opposite to the third polarized light separating means.

According to this invention, when the sixth polarized light component of the light emitted from the light source enters the fourth polarized light separating means,
The fourth polarized light separating means emits the sixth polarized light component, and if the sixth polarized light component includes the fourth polarized light component, the fourth polarized light component finally causes the first polarized light separating means to emit the light from the first polarized light separating means as described above. The first polarized light component is emitted to the front side. Therefore, by adjusting the polarization axis of the fourth polarized light separating means (for example, rotating the fourth polarized light separating means around the optical axis), it is possible to make the display visible by the light from the light source in a dark place.

In each of the above inventions, between the first polarization separation means and the second polarization separation means, between the second polarization separation means and the third polarization separation means, and between the third polarization separation means and the third polarization separation means. It is preferable that a light modulating means for modulating light passing through the position is provided at at least one position between the light reflecting device and the light reflecting device.

According to the present invention, the first polarized light separating means passes through the first transmitted polarized light axis varying means, the second polarized light separating means, the second transmitted polarized light axis varying means, the third polarized light separating means, and the light reflecting means, and again. , A third polarization separation means, a second transmission polarization axis variable means, a second polarization separation means, a first transmission polarization axis variable means, a first
Returning to the polarized light separating means, the display mode by the light emitted to the front side, the first polarized light separating means, the first transmitted polarized light axis varying means, the second polarized light separating means, the second transmitted polarized light axis varying means, the third
Through the polarization separation means, again the second transmission polarization axis variable means,
Returning to the second polarization separation means, the first transmission polarization axis variable means, and the first polarization separation means, the display mode by the light emitted to the front surface side, and the first transmission from the first polarization separation means by the third light modulation means Through a polarization axis changing unit, a second polarization separation unit, a second transmission polarization axis changing unit, a third polarization separation unit, and a light reflection unit,
Again, the display returns to the third polarized light separating means, the second transmitted polarized light axis varying means, the second polarized light separating means, the first transmitted polarized light axis varying means, and the first polarized light separating means. , A total of three display modes can be appropriately configured. Here, the light modulating means may be a light-transmitting or non-light-transmitting pattern (pattern, character, symbol, graphic, etc.) or a predetermined color tone, light-scattering optical element (color filter, diffusion filter, light scattering plate). Etc.) are used.
These light modulating means may be arranged independently of the constituent elements of each of the above-mentioned inventions, or on the surface or inside of the constituent elements of each of the above-mentioned inventions (the whole or a part of the constituent elements may be colored, etc.). (Including the case where a process for giving the optical action of (1) is performed.).

In the present invention, it is preferable that the light modulating means is constituted by stacking a light-transmitting substrate having a light modulating layer formed on or inside the surface.

According to the present invention, a complicated and delicate design can be used for display by overlapping the light-transmitting substrates on which the light modulation layer is formed. Here, the light-transmitting substrate on which the light modulation layer is formed includes a light-transmitting substrate that has been subjected to a treatment for giving an optical action such as coloring the light-transmitting substrate entirely or partially.

Further, between the first polarization separation means and the second polarization separation means, between the second polarization separation means and the third polarization separation means, and between the third polarization separation means and the light reflection means. It is preferable that mutually different light modulating means are provided in at least two places.

According to the present invention, at least two of the above three display modes can be appropriately set by the respective light modulating means.

In this case, of the light modulating means provided separately at least at two places, the first
It is desirable that the light modulation means formed on the side of the polarization separation means is configured to exhibit a weaker degree of light modulation.

According to the present invention, the light modulation means arranged closer to the display side of the above three display modes is configured to exhibit a low degree of light modulation. Since the influence of the means on the display mode can be reduced, the independence of the three display modes can be enhanced. Here, the weak light modulation degree means that the influence on the light is small. For example, the color tone of the light modulation layer is a light color, and the brightness of the light is a small change in brightness due to the light modulation (light transmission). Rate is high), and light scattering is low.

In each of the above inventions, the second polarized light component has a polarization axis substantially orthogonal to or substantially parallel to the fourth polarized light component, and the light reflecting means reflects the fourth polarized light component. It is preferable that it is comprised.

According to the present invention, the first transmission polarization axis changing means and the second transmission polarization axis changing means control whether or not to rotate the transmission polarization axis by 90 degrees for each control area, and the like. The optical path can be selected by the polarized light separating means and the third polarized light separating means, and different display modes can be efficiently realized.

In the present invention, a state in which the polarization axis of the second polarization component is substantially perpendicular to the polarization axis of the fourth polarization component and a state in which the polarization axis is substantially parallel can be switched. Preferably, it is configured.

According to the present invention, the relationship between the polarization axes of the second polarization component and the fourth polarization component can be switched between orthogonal and parallel, so that the transmission polarization axis of the second transmission polarization axis variable means can be switched. The appearance of the display mode with respect to the change of the display can be changed. For example, if it is possible to select whether or not to rotate the transmission polarization axis of the second transmission polarization axis changing unit by 90 degrees, the second polarization component has a polarization axis that is substantially orthogonal to the fourth polarization component. In this case, when the second transmission polarization axis changing means rotates the polarization axis of the transmitted light by 90 degrees, the second polarization component becomes the fourth polarization component and passes through the third polarization separation means,
If the transmission polarization axis changing means does not rotate the polarization axis of the transmitted light, the second polarization component becomes the fifth polarization component and is emitted from the third polarization separation means to the second transmission polarization axis changing means again. On the other hand, when the second polarized light component has a polarization axis parallel to the fourth polarized light component, the second transmission polarization axis changing means rotates the polarization axis of the transmitted light by 90 degrees, so that the second polarization component is changed. The component becomes a fifth polarized light component and is emitted again from the third polarized light separating means to the second transmission polarization axis variable means side. If the second transmission polarization axis variable means does not rotate the polarization axis of the transmitted light, the second polarization component is emitted. Becomes the fourth polarized light component and passes through the third polarized light separating means.

In the above invention, for example, the above-mentioned switching can be performed by rotating the third polarized light separating means by 90 degrees around the optical axis. In the case where the light reflecting means is the fourth polarized light separating means, the fourth polarized light separating means may be used together with the fourth polarized light separating means.
The above-described switching can be performed by rotating the polarization separation unit by 90 degrees.

In each of the above inventions, it is preferable that a third light modulating means for modulating light passing therethrough is arranged between the third polarized light separating means and the light reflecting means. According to the present invention, the first light modulating means makes the first
A first transmission polarization axis variable unit, a second polarization separation unit, a second transmission polarization axis variable unit, a third polarization separation unit,
After passing through the light reflecting means, the light is returned to the third polarized light separating means, the second transmitted polarized light axis changing means, the second polarized light separating means, the first transmitted polarized light axis variable means, and the first polarized light separating means again, and is emitted to the front side. The display mode by the light can be set to an appropriate mode.

In each of the above inventions, it is preferable that a second light modulating means for modulating light passing therethrough is arranged between the second polarized light separating means and the third polarized light separating means. According to this invention, the third light modulating means changes the first polarized light separating means to the first transmitted polarized light axis varying means, the second polarized light separating means, the second transmitted polarized light axis varying means, the third polarized light separating means, and the light reflecting means. Through the third polarized light separating means,
Returning to the second transmission polarization axis variable means, the second polarization separation means, the first transmission polarization axis variable means, the first polarization separation means, the display mode by the light emitted to the front side, and the first polarization separation means After passing through the first transmission polarization axis changing means, the second polarization separation means, the second transmission polarization axis changing means, and the third polarization separation means, the second
Returning to the transmission polarization axis changing unit, the second polarization separation unit, the first transmission polarization axis changing unit, and the first polarization separation unit, the display mode by the light emitted to the front side can be set to an appropriate mode. .

In each of the above inventions, it is preferable that a first light modulating means for modulating light passing therethrough is disposed between the first polarized light separating means and the second polarized light separating means. According to the present invention, the first light modulating means allows the first polarized light separating means to change the first transmitted polarization axis variable means,
After passing through the second polarization separation means, the second transmission polarization axis variable means, the third polarization separation means, and the light reflection means, the third polarization separation means, the second transmission polarization axis variable means, the second polarization separation means, the first
Returning to the transmission polarization axis changing means, the first polarization separation means, the display mode by the light emitted to the front side, the first transmission polarization axis changing means from the first polarization separation means, the second polarization separation means, the second
After passing through the transmission polarization axis changing unit and the third polarization separation unit,
Returning to the second transmission polarization axis variable means, the second polarization separation means, the first transmission polarization axis variable means, the first polarization separation means, the display mode by the light emitted to the front side, and the first polarization separation means After passing through the first transmission polarization axis changing means and the second polarization separation means, the light is returned to the first transmission polarization axis changing means and the first polarization separation means again, and the display mode by the light emitted to the front side is changed to an appropriate mode. Can be set.

In each of the above inventions, the first polarized light component,
The second polarization component, the third polarization component, the fourth polarization component, and the fifth polarization component are linear polarization in the first direction, linear polarization in the second direction, linear polarization in the third direction, and linear polarization in the fourth direction, respectively. , A linearly polarized light in the fifth direction, and in this case, the second direction and the third direction, and the fourth direction and the fifth direction are each orthogonal to each other on a plane orthogonal to the optical axis. It is desirable to do. Further, it is preferable that the first direction and the second direction, and the second direction and the fourth direction are respectively orthogonal to each other on a plane orthogonal to the optical axis. Further, in this case, it is preferable that the sixth direction and the seventh direction are also orthogonal to each other on a plane orthogonal to the optical axis. In this case, the sixth direction is in both the fourth direction and the fifth direction. On the other hand, it is desirable that the angle is set to be neither parallel nor orthogonal.

Further, in each of the above inventions, it is preferable that both the first transmission polarization axis changing means and the second transmission polarization axis changing means are liquid crystal panels. In this case, it is further desirable that the liquid crystal panel is a TN type liquid crystal panel.

Electronic devices provided with the display device of each of the above-mentioned inventions include electronic watches (watches, table clocks, pocket watches, etc.),
There are information processing devices, portable electronic devices, home appliances, office electronic devices, and the like.

[0039]

Next, an embodiment of a display device according to the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment described below. In the display device 10 of the present embodiment, from the display surface side, a polarizing plate 12 as a first polarized light separating means, a liquid crystal panel 11 as a first transmitted polarized light axis varying means, a polarizing film 13 as a second polarized light separating means, and a second polarized light separating means. Liquid crystal panel 1 as transmission polarization axis changing means
4, a diffusion film 15, a polarizing film 16, a color filter 17 as a third polarized light separating means, a polarizing film 18, and a backlight 19 as a fourth polarized light separating means are sequentially arranged.

The polarizing plate 12 is the same as that used in a normal TN type liquid crystal display panel, and a linearly polarized light component in a predetermined direction (hereinafter, referred to as “linearly polarized light in a first direction”) of the irradiated light. ), And absorbs a linearly polarized light component in a direction orthogonal to this. As an actual structure, a laminated film in which the front and back surfaces of the polarizing layer are sandwiched between protective layers of TAC (cellulose triacetate) can be used. In this embodiment, the polarizing plate 12 transmits a linearly polarized light component of the light parallel to the paper surface direction of the drawing, and
It is configured to absorb a linearly polarized light component in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. As described above, the characteristic of the polarization separation unit configured to transmit a predetermined polarization component and absorb another polarization component is hereinafter simply referred to as “absorption-type polarization characteristic”.
That.

As shown in FIG. 6, the liquid crystal panel 11 configured as the first transmission polarization axis changing means has a liquid crystal layer 113 sealed by a sealing material between transparent panel substrates 111 and 112 made of glass or the like. Have. A common electrode 110C made of a transparent conductor such as ITO is formed on the inner surface of the panel substrate 111, and a segment electrode 110S is formed on the inner surface of the panel substrate 112 at a position facing the common electrode 110C. The segment electrodes 110S form a control area formed in the display surface of the liquid crystal panel 11. The liquid crystal panel 11 is configured so that the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer 113 can be controlled for each control region. The liquid crystal panel in this embodiment is basically 9
A TN type liquid crystal panel using a liquid crystal having a 0 degree twist structure is used. However, as a liquid crystal panel, STN
A liquid crystal panel, a panel using ECB liquid crystal, or the like can also be used. Note that the STN type liquid crystal panel has F-ST
A liquid crystal panel using an optically anisotropic body for color compensation such as an N (Film Compensated Super twisted Nematic) type liquid crystal panel is also included.

Polarizing film 1 as second polarized light separating means
Numeral 3 transmits a linearly polarized light component in a predetermined direction (hereinafter, referred to as “linearly polarized light in a second direction”) of the irradiated light, and a linearly polarized light component in a direction orthogonal thereto (hereinafter, “linearly polarized light in a third direction”). (Referred to as “linearly polarized light”). As described above, the characteristic of the polarization separation unit configured to transmit a predetermined polarization component and reflect other polarization components is as follows.
Hereinafter, it is simply referred to as “reflection type polarization characteristic”.

As the polarizing film 13, there is, for example, one having a laminated structure as shown in FIG. This structure is composed of two thin films 13A and 13A made of synthetic resin or the like.
B are alternately stacked. The thin film 13A has a different refractive index n _{AX in} the X-axis direction and a different refractive index n _{AY in the} Y-axis direction. In the thin film 13B, the refractive index n _{BX in the} X-axis direction is equal to the refractive index n _{BY in the} Y direction. The refractive index n _AY of the thin film 13A in the Y-axis direction is equal to the refractive index n _{BY of the} thin film 13B in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, of the light incident on the laminated structure in the illustrated Z-axis direction, the linearly polarized light component in the Y-axis direction is transmitted through the laminated structure in the same manner as an optically homogeneous medium, and the linearly polarized light component in the Y-axis direction is left as it is. Injected as

On the other hand, if the thickness of the thin film 13A in the Z-axis direction is t _A , the thickness of the thin film 13B in the Z-axis direction is t _B, and the wavelength of the incident light is λ,

[0045]

## EQU1 ## By setting t _A × n _AX + t _B × n _BX = λ / 2, light having a wavelength λ and Z
Of the light incident in the axial direction, the linearly polarized component in the X-axis direction is X
It is reflected as a linearly polarized component in the axial direction.

In the laminated structure shown in FIG.
The thickness t _A of the thin film 13B in the Z-axis direction and the thickness t _B of the thin film 13B in the Z-axis direction are variously changed so that the relationship shown in Formula 1 can be established in a plurality of wavelength ranges. A linearly polarized component in the X-axis direction can be reflected.
In particular, by continuously changing the thickness in the stacking direction, the above-described effect can be exerted on light in a predetermined wavelength range. In the present embodiment, by laminating a large number of thin films 13A and 13B having different thicknesses, the linearly polarized light component in the X-axis direction is reflected as the linearly polarized light component in the X-axis direction over almost the entire wavelength range of the visible light region. And a polarizing film 1 as a polarization separating means for transmitting a linearly polarized component in the Y-axis direction as a linearly polarized component in the Y-axis direction.
Constituting No. 3. Such a polarization separating means is disclosed in International Publication No. WO95 / 17692.

As the polarized light separating means having the same function as the polarizing film 13, in addition to the above polarizing film, a cholesteric liquid crystal layer provided with a 波長 wavelength plate on both sides or one side, and a Brewster angle are used. (SID 92D) having a structure that separates reflected polarized light and transmitted polarized light
IGEST pages 427 to 429), and those using holograms.

The liquid crystal panel 14 as the second transmission polarization axis changing means has basically the same structure as the liquid crystal panel 11 described above. A liquid crystal layer 143 enclosed by a sealing material is provided between transparent panel substrates 141 and 142 made of glass or the like. A common electrode 140C made of a transparent conductor such as ITO is provided on the inner surface of the panel substrate 141.
Are formed, and a segment electrode 140S is formed on the inner surface of the panel substrate 142 at a position facing the common electrode 140C. The segment electrodes 140S constitute a control area formed in the display surface of the liquid crystal panel 14. The liquid crystal panel 14 is configured so that the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer 143 can be controlled for each control region.

The diffusion film 15 is made of polyester resin,
It is made of a light-transmitting material such as an acrylic resin or a polycarbonate resin, and scatters transmitted light to whiten a display or to make a display form satin (grain). As the light diffusion plate such as the diffusion film, a translucent resin which is made cloudy by mixing fine particles or the like, a transparent member having a roughened surface, or the like can be used.

The color filter 17 is made of a translucent material colored in a predetermined color tone, and colored regions having different color tones are formed in a predetermined pattern as required. The diffusion film 15 and the color filter 17 function as at least a part of the light modulation unit. The light modulating means may be constituted by an independent member such as the diffusion film 15 or the color filter 17, or may be additionally provided to a component having another optical function as described later. Good. For example, the polarizing films 13, 1
A light modulating layer is formed on the front surface (display surface side, that is, the viewer side) or the back surface (opposite the display surface) of 6, 18, or inside or by printing, dyeing, unevenness processing (rough surface processing), or the like. And may be formed on the surface of the following reflective layer.

The polarizing films 16 and 18 have the same structure as the polarizing film 13 and have the same reflective polarization characteristics. That is, the polarizing film 1
Reference numeral 6 transmits a linearly polarized light component in a predetermined direction (hereinafter, simply referred to as “linearly polarized light in a fourth direction”), and a linearly polarized light component in a direction orthogonal thereto (hereinafter, simply referred to as “linearly polarized light in a fifth direction”). )). Further, the polarizing film 18 transmits a linearly polarized light component in a predetermined direction (hereinafter, simply referred to as “linearly polarized light in the sixth direction”), and a linearly polarized light component in a direction orthogonal thereto (hereinafter, simply referred to as “linearly polarized light in the seventh direction”). Linearly polarized light.)
Is reflected. Among these polarizing films 16, 18,
The polarizing film 18 disposed on the back side also functions as light reflecting means. As the light reflection means, for example, a reflection layer formed of a metal thin film or the like may be used instead of the polarizing film 18. The reflective layer is preferably applied on the back surface of the translucent film by a method such as evaporation of aluminum or other metal. Further, the surface of the reflective layer may be roughened, or a diffused layer may be formed on the front side of the reflective layer to diffusely reflect light so as to function as a part of the same light modulation means as the above-described diffused film. The visibility can be improved by such a configuration. For example, if the mode of the irregular reflection is substantially uniform in the entire wavelength region, a white appearance can be obtained.

A backlight 19 is disposed behind the polarizing film 18 as a planar light source such as an electroluminescence (EL) element, a known light source and a light guide plate. The backlight 19 is used to perform transmission illumination from behind the polarizing film 18 and to make the display visible even when external light cannot be obtained, such as at night. In this case, the polarizing film 18 is
A predetermined polarized light component of the light of No. 9 is transmitted toward the front side (display surface side). In the case where a reflective layer as light reflecting means is formed instead of the polarizing film 18, a half mirror formed by, for example, forming a thin metal thin film so as to transmit the light of the backlight 19 is used. It is preferable to use the following. That is, the reflective layer in this case reflects external light incident from the front side in a bright place toward the front side, and emits light from the rear-view mirror 19 to the front side in a dark place.

In the above structure, the diffusion film 1
5. Instead of the color filter 17, a light transmissive film having a light modulating layer as light modulating means formed on the front or back surface thereof by printing, vapor deposition, or the like may be disposed. As the light modulation layer, there are a light-transmitting color filter formed in a predetermined color tone, a non-light-transmitting layer, and the like, and illustrations, characters, symbols, numbers,
It is provided as a pattern or a background. The light modulating layer may be formed by partially dyeing a light-transmitting film, in addition to various printing methods such as screen printing and a method using a printer. You may comprise by arrange | positioning. Furthermore, by overlaying a plurality of translucent films on which a display pattern portion forming the icon display is formed, it is possible to realize a more complicated and delicate drawn icon display.

Next, the operation of the configuration shown in FIG. 1 will be described. In the following description, when a predetermined voltage is applied between the common electrodes 110C and 140C and the segment electrodes 110S and 140S as the liquid crystal panels 11 and 14, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layers 113 and 143 are oriented in the direction of the electric field. As a result, the direction of the polarization axis of the incident light is maintained, and if a predetermined voltage is not applied, the liquid crystal layers 113, 1
A case will be described in which the liquid crystal molecules in 43 are in an initial alignment state and exhibit an action of rotating the polarization axis of incident light by 90 degrees. However, for the presence or absence of a predetermined applied voltage, the rotation action of the polarization axis is opposite to the above action,
That is, the direction of the polarization axis of the incident light may be maintained when no voltage is applied, and the polarization axis of the incident light may be set to rotate when the voltage is applied.

In the following description, the second
Direction and third direction, fourth direction and fifth direction, sixth direction and seventh direction
Directions are orthogonal to each other on a plane orthogonal to the optical axis, and a first direction and a second direction, a second direction and a fourth direction,
The description will be made on the basis that the fourth direction and the sixth direction are orthogonal to each other on a plane orthogonal to the optical axis. However,
The relationship from the first direction to the seventh direction can be variously set, and the mutual directional relationship can be set to a relationship having various intermediate angles other than orthogonal or parallel.

First, when external light is obtained in a bright place or the like, when the external light passes through the polarizing plate 12, linearly polarized light (corresponding to the above-described first polarized light component) in a first direction (a direction parallel to the drawing sheet) is obtained. And enters the liquid crystal panel 11. Here, when a predetermined voltage is not applied between the common electrode 110C and the segment electrode 110S in the liquid crystal panel 11 or in a place (hereinafter, simply referred to as “OFF state”), the liquid crystal panel 11 is subjected to the linearly polarized light. Passes through, the polarization axis is rotated by 90 degrees, and becomes linearly polarized light (corresponding to the above-mentioned second polarization component) in the second direction (a direction orthogonal to the plane of the drawing). When this linearly polarized light in the second direction enters the polarizing film 13 disposed behind the liquid crystal panel 11, it is transmitted as it is to the rear side as linearly polarized light in the second direction as described above. This linearly polarized light transmits through the polarizing film 13 and the liquid crystal panel 1 behind it.
4 is incident.

On the other hand, when a predetermined voltage is applied between the common electrode 110C and the segment electrode 110S in the liquid crystal panel 11 or at a place (hereinafter, simply referred to as “ON state”), the light passes through the polarizing plate 12. First
The linearly polarized light of the direction passes through the liquid crystal panel 11 as it is,
In this case, the polarized light is linearly polarized light in the third direction (corresponding to the third polarized light component), which is the same as the first direction.
3 is reflected to the front side. Then, the light passes through the liquid crystal panel 11 again, becomes linearly polarized light in the first direction and the third direction, and is emitted to the front side through the polarizing plate 12.

Next, the linearly polarized light in the second direction transmitted in the OFF state of the liquid crystal panel 11
Incident on. At this time, the common electrode 1 of the liquid crystal panel 14
When a predetermined voltage is not applied between 40C and the segment electrode 140S or in a place (hereinafter, simply referred to as an “OFF state”), when the above-described linearly polarized light in the second direction passes, the polarization axis becomes 90 degrees. The light is convoluted to be linearly polarized light (corresponding to the above-described fourth polarized light component) in a direction that is the fourth direction (a direction parallel to the drawing sheet). The linearly polarized light in the fourth direction passes through the diffusion film 15 and passes through the polarizing film 16.
And is transmitted as it is to the rear side.

On the other hand, the common electrode 140 of the liquid crystal panel 14
When a predetermined voltage is applied between C and the segment electrode 140S or at a location (hereinafter, simply referred to as an “ON” state), the linearly polarized light in the second direction maintains the polarization direction as it is and is a diffusion film. 15 through the second
The light is reflected toward the front surface of the polarizing film 16 as linearly polarized light that is both the direction and the fifth direction. Polarizing film 1
The linearly polarized light that is both the second direction and the fifth direction reflected by 6 passes through the liquid crystal panel 14 in the ON state again, maintains its polarization direction, passes through the polarizing film 13, and further has the liquid crystal in the OFF state. After passing through the panel 11, the polarization direction is rotated by 90 degrees, becomes linearly polarized light in the first direction, and is emitted from the polarizing plate 12 to the front side.

When the linearly polarized light in the fourth direction transmitted through the polarizing film 16 passes through the color filter 17 and enters the polarizing film 18, the linearly polarized light passes through the sixth direction orthogonal to the fourth direction and is parallel to the fourth direction. The light is reflected to the front side by the polarizing film 18 that reflects the light in the seventh direction, passes through the color filter 17 as linearly polarized light that is also the fourth direction and the seventh direction, passes through the polarizing film 16, and passes through the diffusion film 15. The transmitted light passes through the liquid crystal panel 14 in the OFF state, and its polarization direction is rotated by 90 degrees to become linearly polarized light in the second direction. The linearly polarized light in the second direction passes through the polarizing film 13 and passes through the liquid crystal panel 11 in the OFF state, and its polarization direction is rotated by 90 degrees, becomes linearly polarized light in the first direction, and transmits through the polarizing plate 12. The light is emitted to the front side.

In the above-described embodiment, a display element is constituted by one of the reflected lights that follow the three optical paths Ra, Rb, and Rc shown in the figure. That is, each display element includes a display mode Da determined by light modulation received in an optical path Ra that reciprocates from the polarizing plate 12 through the liquid crystal panel 11 to the polarizing film 13, and a display mode determined by the polarizing plate 12 and the liquid crystal panel 1.
1. Light path Rb reciprocating to polarizing film 16 via polarizing film 13, liquid crystal panel 14, and diffusion film 15
Display mode Db determined by light modulation received in
From the polarizing plate 12 to the liquid crystal panel 11 and the polarizing film 1
3, a display mode Dc determined by light modulation received on an optical path Rc reciprocating to the polarizing film 18 via the liquid crystal panel 14, the diffusion film 15, the polarizing film 16, and the color filter 17.

In this embodiment, only the diffusion film 15 for modulating light passing through the optical paths Rb and Rc and the color filter 17 for modulating light passing through the optical path Rc are provided as independent members as light modulating means. The light path Rb which modulates only the light passing through the optical path Rc
Which modulates only the light passing through Rc and the optical path Ra,
A device that modulates light passing through any of Rb and Rc can be appropriately arranged. As the light modulating means, various light modulating layers or light modulating regions may be formed on or in front of or inside the polarizing plate 12, the liquid crystal panels 11 and 14, and the polarizing films 13, 16 and 18. These light modulation layers or light modulation areas are printed, deposited,
It can be formed by various film forming methods such as painting, and various dispersing methods such as dyeing and impregnation.

At this time, the light applied to the light modulating means is reflected after being modulated in a predetermined pattern or color tone, or is partially absorbed while being colored while being transmitted through the light modulating layer. The light is reflected by any of the polarizing films 13, 16, and 18, and is modulated again on the return path. Further, the reflected light passes through the polarizing film or the liquid crystal panel again, and then passes through the polarizing plate 12 and is emitted.

Here, a part of the light scattered by the light modulating means or the polarizing film changes its polarization state, but the light whose polarization state has changed may pass through the polarizing film disposed on the front side. Since the light cannot be reflected, it is further reflected after being modulated again by the light modulating means or the polarizing film, and is emitted to the front side if it becomes a linearly polarized light component having a polarization direction capable of transmitting through the front side polarizing film. Becomes

Therefore, when external light is obtained, such as in a bright place, the display mode Da is visually recognized in a portion overlapping the control area in the ON state of the liquid crystal panel 11, and the control area in the OFF state of the liquid crystal panel 11 is displayed. If the overlapping portion overlaps with the control area in the ON state of the liquid crystal panel 14, the display mode Db is visually recognized, and the OF mode of the liquid crystal panel 14 is recognized.
The display mode Dc is visually recognized if it is a portion that overlaps with the control area in the F state. Therefore, two liquid crystal panels 1
Three display modes D by ON / OFF control of 1,14
a, Db, and Dc can be selected and displayed.

Next, when external light cannot be obtained in a dark place, the backlight 19 is turned on.
Part of the light emitted from the backlight 19, that is,
In the case of this embodiment, linearly polarized light in the fifth direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 1 orthogonal to the fourth direction is transmitted through the polarizing film 18 and passes through the color filter 17, and then enters the polarizing film 16. At this time, if the polarizing film 16 is configured not to transmit (reflect) the linearly polarized light in the fifth direction, the light of the backlight 19 is hardly emitted to the front side. Therefore, by setting the sixth direction, which is the transmission polarization axis of the polarizing film 18 in advance, in a direction inclined with respect to both the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1 and the direction parallel to the plane of FIG. Among the 19 light beams, the linearly polarized light in the sixth direction transmitted through the polarizing film 18 contains the linearly polarized light component in the fourth direction transmitted through the polarizing film 16, and is a part of the linearly polarized light in the sixth direction. , The linear polarization component in the fourth direction is
Through. The linearly polarized light in the fourth direction is applied to the liquid crystal panel 14.
Pass through the region in the OFF state, the polarization axis is rotated by 90 degrees, and the linearly polarized light in the second direction is polarized.
Through. The linearly polarized light in the second direction is
After passing through the region in the FF state, the polarization axis is further rotated by 90 degrees, and the linearly polarized light in the first direction is transmitted through the polarizing plate 12 and emitted to the front side.

In the light emitted from the backlight 19, the linearly polarized light in the fourth direction transmitted through the polarizing films 18 and 16 maintains its polarization direction in the ON state of the liquid crystal panel 14. The light is blocked (reflected) by the polarizing film 13 and is not emitted to the front side. The light not emitted to the front side is reflected by the polarizing film 13.
Is reflected to the rear side by the polarizing film 16 again.
And the liquid crystal panel 14 reflected by the polarizing film 18.
May be emitted to the front side from the area in the OFF state, which contributes to an increase in display brightness.

Further, even the light in the second direction that has passed through the polarizing film 13 after passing through the OFF state area of the liquid crystal panel 14 enters the ON state area of the liquid crystal panel 11,
When the light passes through, the polarization direction is maintained.
In 2 it is blocked (absorbed).

As described above, when display is performed by light emitted from the backlight 19 when external light cannot be obtained, such as in a dark place, the areas where the liquid crystal panels 11 and 14 are in the OFF state overlap. Light is emitted from the portion where the liquid crystal panel 11 or 14 is turned on, and light is not emitted from the portion where one of the liquid crystal panels 11 and 14 is in the ON state. Therefore, two display modes can be formed depending on the states of the control areas of the liquid crystal panels 11 and 14.

When the display is performed by turning on the backlight 19 as described above, the polarizing film 16 is also arranged in a posture slightly rotated from a prescribed position, so that the polarizing film 16 can return to the optical path Rb shown in FIG. It is also possible to transmit light along and emit the light to the front side.

Next, an example of a specific display configuration of the above embodiment will be described. In the above embodiment, each control area of the liquid crystal panel 11 and the liquid crystal panel 14 can be set independently. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, within the display surface 10A, the control areas (usually areas corresponding to the shape of the segment electrodes 110S) 110P and 110 of the liquid crystal panel 11 as shown by the dashed line in the figure.
Q, 110R, and as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG.
140P, 140Q, 140R
Can be configured. Here, the control region 110P and the control region 140P overlap each other in a plane on the display surface 10A, and the control region 140P has a shape including the control region 110P on the plane. Further, the control region 110Q and the control region 140Q are formed in a positional relationship in which a part of the outer edge is in contact with each other on the display surface 10A. Further, the control region 110R and the control region 140R are configured such that a part thereof mutually overlaps in a plane on the display surface 10A. As a configuration of a normal control area, only such a special relationship does not exist, and the control area of the liquid crystal panel 11 and the control area of the liquid crystal panel 14 completely coincide with each other in a plane. There are cases where they overlap and cases where they do not completely overlap each other. However, in the following description,
In order to clarify the features of the present embodiment, the relationship between the three control areas will be described.

FIG. 2 shows a reflection mode in which all control areas of both the liquid crystal panel 11 and the liquid crystal panel 14 formed in the display surface 10A are in an OFF state (display is performed by reflected light in a bright place). (When performing). Here, the display mode Rc is entirely displayed on the display surface 10A.

Here, the control area 110 of the liquid crystal panel 11
When P, 110Q, and 110R are turned on, as shown in FIG. 3, the above-described display mode Da appears in the control areas 110P, 110Q, and 110R, and the other areas remain in the display mode Dc.

Next, when the control areas 140P, 140Q, 140R of the liquid crystal panel 14 are turned on from the state of FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 4, the control areas 140P, 140Q,
140R is the display mode Db, and the other area is the display mode Db.
c.

Further, the control areas 110P, 110Q, and 110R of the liquid crystal panel 11 and the control areas 140P, 140Q, and 140R of the liquid crystal panel 14 are both changed from the state shown in FIG.
In the N state, as shown in FIG.
P, 110Q, and 110R all have the display mode Da. Of the control areas 140P, 140Q, and 140R, a portion that overlaps the control areas 110P, 110Q, and 110R in a planar manner is the display mode Da, and the control areas 140P and 140R.
Q, 140R, control areas 110P, 110Q, 1
A portion which does not overlap with 10R in a plane is a display mode Db.

In a conventional display device using, for example, only one liquid crystal panel, a predetermined interval for separating electrode patterns from each other is required between control regions of the liquid crystal panel. Cannot be expressed as touching In particular, in a portion through which the wiring drawn from each electrode of the liquid crystal panel passes, an interval for passing the wiring is required, so that the interval between the control regions is further increased.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, by combining two liquid crystal panels 11 and 14, the respective control areas 110T and 110T are controlled.
0U, 110V, 110W and control area 140T, 140
U, 140V, 140W,
The display can be formed by being placed in contact with each other. For example, the control area 110T and the control area 140T,
Control area 110U, control area 140U, control area 110
V and control area 140V, control area 110W and control area 1
At least a portion of each of the control regions 40W overlaps in a plane, and the control region 110U and the control region 140T are in contact with each other, and the control region 110V and the control region 140W are in plan contact with each other. This is because at least one of the segment electrodes 11
The same applies to the case where the wiring 110X is arranged between 0S. Therefore, the relationship between the display modes described above can be freely and effectively configured without being restricted by the structure of the transmission polarization axis changing unit such as a liquid crystal panel.

In the present embodiment, the color filter 17
When a filter having a green color tone is used as a whole, the display mode Da is a silver mirror (color tone of the reflected light of the polarizing film 13), and the display mode Db is white satin (reflection of the polarizing film 16 viewed through the diffusion filter 15). The color tone of light) and the display mode Dc are green satin (color tone of light reflected by the polarizing film 18 viewed through the diffusion filter 15 and the color filter 17). Here, each display mode Da, D
b and Dc can be appropriately set by changing the light modulating means. However, the display mode Db is
The display mode Dc is affected by the light modulating means for forming the display modes Da and Db, and the display mode Dc is affected by the light modulating means for forming the display modes Da and Db.

Further, as described above, the polarizing films 13 and
The display modes Da, Db, and Dc can also be changed depending on the relationship between the light transmission axes between the display devices 16 and 18. For example, in the above embodiment, the fourth direction that is the direction of the transmission axis of the polarizing film 16 is orthogonal to the second direction that is the direction of the transmission axis of the polarizing film 13. The fourth direction is set to be parallel to the second direction by arranging the polarizing film 18 in the posture rotated by 90 degrees, and at the same time, the polarizing film 18 is also rotated by 90 degrees to change the sixth direction, which is the direction of the transmission axis, to the new direction. Even if it is orthogonal to four directions, three display modes can be realized. In this case, in the example provided with the same light modulating means as described above, the display mode Da is a silver mirror, the display mode Db is a green satin, and the display mode Dc is a white satin.

In the above embodiment, the diffusion film 15 and the color filter 17 are eliminated, and instead, the diffusion film 15 is provided between the polarizing plate 12 and the polarizing film 13, for example, between the liquid crystal panel 11 and the polarizing film 13. Is arranged, and the polarizing film 16 itself is dyed yellow,
Further, the polarizing film 18 itself is dyed red. In this case, the display mode Da is white satin, and the display mode D is
b is a yellow satin, and the display mode Dc is a red satin. As described above, the configuration of the light modulating unit can be appropriately set, but it is preferable to make the color tone dark in the order of the display modes Da, Db, and Dc in order to enhance the independence of the display mode. More generally, not only the color tone of the light modulation means, but also the light transmittance is increased,
Alternatively, it is preferable that the light modulation degree is weaker on the display surface side, such as reducing the light scattering degree, and conversely, the light modulation degree is stronger on the light modulation means on the side opposite to the display surface.

In the above description of the display mode,
In each case, the display mode relating only to the texture and the color tone has been described, but various display modes such as patterns, illustrations, characters, numbers, and symbols can be configured.

Regardless of the above embodiment, the polarizing plate 12,
Even in a configuration in which a light reflection means such as a reflector, a reflection layer, and a half mirror is disposed after the liquid crystal panel 11, the polarizing film 13, and the liquid crystal panel 14, a free relationship between display modes as shown in FIG. Can be configured. In this case, a polarized light separating means such as the above-mentioned polarizing film 16 may be used as the light reflecting means, and another light reflecting means may be further arranged on the back side. Further, a plurality of layers of polarizing films may be arranged as the light reflecting means as in the above embodiments (polarizing films 16 and 18).

The display device having the above-mentioned embodiment and other configurations can be applied to various electronic devices such as electronic watches (wristwatches), various home appliances, and information processing devices.

Note that the display device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described illustrated example, and it is needless to say that various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0085]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When light is incident on the first polarization splitting unit from the front side, the light is reflected along the above three light paths, so that the first transmission polarization axis changing unit and the second transmission polarization axis changing unit change the polarization axis of the light. By controlling the change state for each control area,
Three display modes corresponding to the above three light paths can be formed for each area corresponding to the control area on the display surface. Therefore, the display mode can be changed to at least three modes for each control area by the two polarization axis variable means, so that the display surface has more design variations than before and the first transmission polarization axis variable means. And the control region of the second transmission polarization axis variable means, the display is of a high quality that cannot be formed by the individual polarization axis variable means, for example, adjacent display areas having different display modes are in contact with each other. Can be easily performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing a configuration of an embodiment of a display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of the display surface of the embodiment when both of the two liquid crystal panels are completely turned off.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of the display surface of the embodiment when one of the liquid crystal panels is partially turned on.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of the display surface of the embodiment when the other liquid crystal panel is partially turned on.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of the display surface of the embodiment when both of the two liquid crystal panels are partially turned on.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view showing the structure of the liquid crystal panel 11.

FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory view showing the structure of a polarizing film.

FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view showing the structure of the liquid crystal panel 14.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between control areas (pixels) of two liquid crystal panels.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 display device 11, 14 liquid crystal panel 12 polarizing plate 13, 16, 18 polarizing film 15 diffusion film 19 backlight 110P, 110Q, 110R, 110T, 110U,
110V, 110W, 140P, 140Q, 140R,
140T, 140U, 140V, 140W control area

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G09F 9/46 G09F 9/46 A F term (reference) 2H049 BA02 BA05 BA07 BA43 BB03 BB63 BC22 2H089 HA21 QA16 RA05 TA12 TA15 TA17 TA18 2H091 FA02Y FA08X FA08Z FA15Z FA16Z FA23Z FA32Z FA44Z FB08 FC02 FD06 FD13 HA07 KA01 LA15 5C094 AA02 AA60 BA07 BA43 CA19 CA24 DA03 DA11 DA13 EA05 EB02 ED03 ED13 ED14 5G435 AA00 BB12 FF15 BB16 FF13 BB12 CC13 BB15 LL07 LL14

Claims (10)

[Claims] A first polarization separation unit; a first transmission polarization axis variable unit configured to change a polarization axis of transmitted light for each control region; a second polarization separation unit; A display device comprising: a second transmission polarization axis changing unit configured to change a polarization axis of transmitted light; a third polarization separation unit; and a light reflection unit. The separating unit is capable of emitting a first polarization component of light incident from a side opposite to the first transmission polarization axis variable unit toward the first transmission polarization axis variable unit,
The first polarization component of the light incident from the first transmission polarization axis variable means side is configured to be emitted toward the opposite side of the first transmission polarization axis variable means, and the second polarization separation means is configured to be The second polarization component of the light incident from the first transmission polarization axis variable means side can be emitted toward the second transmission polarization axis variable means side, and the second polarization component of the light incident from the first transmission polarization axis variable means side can be output. A third polarization component different from the two polarization components can be emitted toward the first transmission polarization axis variable means side, and the second polarization component of light incident from the second transmission polarization axis variable means side is converted to the second polarization component. The third polarized light separating unit is configured to be able to emit light toward the first transmission polarization axis variable unit side, and the fourth polarization component of the light incident from the second transmission polarization axis variable unit side is changed to the second transmission polarization axis variable unit. Means for emitting light on the opposite side to the second means. A fifth polarization component different from the fourth polarization component of the light incident from the polarization axis variable means side can be emitted toward the second transmission polarization axis variable means side, and the second transmission polarization axis variable means is Is configured to be able to emit the fourth polarization component of the light incident from the opposite side toward the second transmission polarization axis changing unit, and the light reflection unit is configured to output the fourth polarization component of the light incident from the third polarization separation unit side. A display device, wherein at least a part of the display device is configured to be able to emit light toward the third polarized light separating unit. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the light reflecting means includes:
The sixth polarized light component of the light incident from the third polarized light separating means side can be emitted toward the opposite side of the third polarized light separating means, and the sixth polarized light component of the light incident from the third polarized light separating means side can be emitted.
A display device comprising: a fourth polarized light separating means configured to emit a seventh polarized light component different from the polarized light component toward the third polarized light separating means. 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the fourth polarized light separating unit emits the sixth polarized light component of light incident from a side opposite to the third polarized light separating unit toward the third polarized light separating unit. A display device, wherein a light source is disposed on a side of the fourth polarized light separating means opposite to the third polarized light separating means. 4. One of claims 1 to 3
In the paragraph, between the first polarized light separating means and the second polarized light separating means, between the second polarized light separating means and the third polarized light separating means, and between the third polarized light separating means and the light reflecting means. A display device, wherein a light modulating means for modulating light passing through the portion is provided in at least one of the portions. 5. The optical modulator according to claim 4, wherein:
A display device comprising a light-transmitting substrate having a light modulating layer formed on or in the surface thereof. 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the first polarized light separating means and the second polarized light separating means, the second polarized light separating means and the third polarized light separating means, A display device, wherein mutually different light modulating means are provided in at least two places between the three-polarized light separating means and the light reflecting means. 7. The light modulator according to claim 6, wherein, among the light modulators provided separately at least at two places, the light modulator formed on the first polarization splitter side has weaker light. A display device configured to exhibit a degree of modulation. 8. One of claims 1 to 7
In the paragraph, the second polarization component has a polarization axis substantially orthogonal to or substantially parallel to the fourth polarization component, and the light reflection unit is configured to reflect the fourth polarization component. A display device characterized by the above-mentioned. 9. The state according to claim 8, wherein a state in which the polarization axis of the second polarization component is substantially orthogonal to the polarization axis of the fourth polarization component and a state in which the polarization axis is substantially parallel to the polarization axis of the fourth polarization component. A display device configured to be switchable. 10. An electronic apparatus comprising the display device according to claim 1. Description: