JP2002357826A - Electrooptical device and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrooptical device having high efficiency in utilizing light emitted from a light source, and to provide electronic equipment provided with the electrooptical device. SOLUTION: The display device (electrooptical device) 1 is provided with a light source means 2, a microlens array plate 3, and a half-transmission/half- reflection type liquid crystal panel 4, and the microlens array plate 3 is constituted of a transparent substrate 30 and a micro lens array 31 arranged on the substrate 30 and provided with several microlenses 32. Provided that the pitch of the opening (light projecting part of point light source) of the light source means 2 is expressed by Ps, the pitch of the opening (light transmissive window part) of the liquid crystal panel 4 is expressed by Pa, the pitch of the microlens 32 is expressed by PL, an optical distance between the opening 25 and the microlens array 31 is expressed by Ls and an optical distance between the microlens array 31 and the opening 45 is expressed by La, the device 1 is constituted so as to satisfy conditions shown by the following expressions 1 and 2. PL= Ps×Pa/(Ps+Pa)}×n (where (n) is natural number)... expression 1 La/Ls=Pa/Ps... expression 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an electro-optical device and an electronic apparatus having the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Electronic devices such as personal computers and portable devices are required to be small and thin, and as a light source for a display device (electro-optical device) of such electronic devices,
It is very disadvantageous to use a large light source having high directivity (it is not actually used).

For this reason, for example, in a liquid crystal display device, light from a light source is guided to the back surface of a liquid crystal panel by a light guide,
A method is used in which a liquid crystal panel is illuminated from the back using a reflector, a scattering plate, a prism sheet, or the like.

[0004] However, the conventional display device has the following problems. For example, in the case of a display device having a transmissive or transflective liquid crystal panel and a backlight (light source), a portion through which light is not transmitted is formed by a driving circuit of the liquid crystal panel, a reflective plate (reflective electrode), or the like. Is done. The light emitted from the light source, reflected at the portion through which the light does not pass, and returned, is absorbed at any part and cannot be used. Therefore, the use efficiency of light from the light source is low.

[0005] The use of a prism sheet can improve the directivity of light. However, even if the directivity is improved, the range is at most about ± 30 °. For this reason, even if a microlens array is used, it is not possible to efficiently condense the light from the light source to the light transmitting window of the liquid crystal panel.

Particularly, in a transflective liquid crystal panel,
In some cases, illumination is performed with light that passes through a pinhole-shaped opening (light-transmitting window portion) provided in the reflection plate. In this case, the ratio of light reflected by the reflection plate to incident external light (hereinafter referred to as “light”). , Simply referred to as “reflectance”) and the ratio of light transmitted from the light source through the opening (hereinafter, simply referred to as “transmittance”) is the area of the reflector and the area of the opening, respectively. Is determined by the ratio. Therefore, if the area of the opening is increased to increase the transmittance, the area of the reflector is reduced, and the reflectance is reduced. Conversely, if the area of the opening is reduced to increase the reflectance, The transmittance is reduced (there is a trade-off relationship).

As described above, in the conventional display device (electro-optical device), the light from the light source cannot be efficiently condensed on the light transmitting window, and the use efficiency of the light emitted from the light source is low.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an electro-optical device having high use efficiency of light emitted from a light source and an electronic apparatus having the same.

[0009]

This and other objects are achieved by the present invention which is defined below as (1) to (28).

(1) An electro-optical device having a plurality of point light sources, a microlens array in which a plurality of microlenses are arranged, and a light modulation element having a plurality of light transmitting windows, wherein the microlens The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the array is configured so that light from the plurality of point light sources is focused on the light transmitting window.

(2) An electro-optical device comprising: a plurality of point light sources; a microlens array in which a plurality of microlenses are arranged; and a light modulation element having a plurality of light-transmitting windows. The point light source, the microlenses of the microlens array, and the light transmitting window are arranged such that light from the plurality of point light sources is focused on the light transmitting window by the array. An electro-optical device characterized by the above-mentioned.

(3) An electro-optical device comprising: a plurality of point light sources; a microlens array in which a plurality of microlenses are arranged; and a light modulation element having a plurality of light-transmitting windows. The micro lenses of the array
The point light source, the microlens of the microlens array, and the light-transmitting window are arranged so that light from the plurality of point light sources is focused on the plurality of light-transmitting windows. Electro-optical device characterized.

(4) The pitch of the point light source is Ps, the pitch of the light transmitting window is Pa, the pitch of the microlenses of the microlens array is PL, and the optical distance between the point light source and the microlens array. When the distance is Ls and the optical distance between the microlens array and the light-transmitting window is La, any one of the above (1) to (3) configured to satisfy the condition shown by the following equation: An electro-optical device according to claim 1. PL = {Ps · Pa / (Ps + Pa)} · n (where n is a natural number) La / Ls = Pa / Ps

(5) The pitch of the point light source is Ps, the pitch of the light transmitting window is Pa, the pitch of the microlenses of the microlens array is PL, and the optical distance between the point light source and the microlens array. When the distance is Ls and the optical distance between the microlens array and the light-transmitting window is La, any one of the above (1) to (3) configured to satisfy the condition shown by the following equation: An electro-optical device according to claim 1. PL = {Ps · Pa / (Ps + Pa)} · n (where n is a natural number excluding 2) La / Ls = Pa / Ps

(6) The electro-optical device according to the above (4) or (5), wherein the pitch Ps of the point light sources is larger than the pitch Pa of the light transmitting window.

(7) The electro-optical device according to the above (4) or (5), wherein the pitch Ps of the point light sources is equal to the pitch Pa of the light transmitting windows.

(8) In the state where the microlens array is not provided, the pitch of the point light sources is such that the light amounts of the light from the plurality of point light sources on the surface passing through each of the light transmitting windows are substantially uniform. (1) is set as above
The electro-optical device according to any one of (1) to (7).

(9) In a state where the microlens array is not provided, when a standard deviation of a light amount distribution of light from the point light source on a surface passing through each of the light transmitting windows is σ, a pitch of the point light source is The electro-optical device according to any one of the above (1) to (7), which has a value of 2.3σ or less.

(10) In the state where the microlens array is not provided, when the maximum value of the light quantity of the light from the plurality of point light sources on the surface passing through each of the light transmitting windows is a and the minimum value is b, The pitch of the point light source is a light amount ratio b / a
The electro-optical device according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein is set to be 0.9 or more.

(11) The light from the point light source forms an image on a surface passing through each of the light transmitting windows, and the area of the surface where the image of the point light source and the light transmitting window overlap each other has an area of The electro-optical device according to any one of the above (1) to (10), which is configured so as not to change as much as possible even when the image of the point light source and the light transmitting window portion are relatively displaced.

(12) The area of the portion where the image of the point light source and the light-transmitting window on the surface overlap is the first direction in the plane of the image of the point light source and the light-transmitting window. and/
Alternatively, the electro-optical device according to the above (11), which is configured so as not to change as much as possible even when relatively shifted in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

(13) The light from the point light source forms an image on a surface passing through each of the light transmitting windows, and the image of the point light source on the surface is included in the light transmitting window. The electro-optical device according to any one of the above (1) to (12).

(14) Light from the point light source forms an image on a surface passing through each of the light transmitting windows, and the light transmitting window is included in the image of the point light source on the surface. The electro-optical device according to any one of the above (1) to (12).

(15) The difference between the length of the image of the point light source in the first direction on the surface and the length of the light transmitting window in the first direction, and the difference between the length of the image of the point light source on the surface. (13) or (14), wherein the difference between the length in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction and the length of the light transmitting window in the second direction is substantially equal. Electro-optical device.

(16) The light from the point light source forms an image on a surface passing through each of the light transmitting windows, and the length of the image of the point light source in the first direction on the surface is the light transmitting window. The length of the portion in the first direction is longer than the length of the portion in the first direction, and the length of the image of the point light source on the surface in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction is the second length of the light transmitting window portion. The electro-optical device according to any one of (1) to (12) above, wherein the electro-optical device is configured to be shorter than the length in the direction 2.

(17) The light from the point light source forms an image on a surface passing through each of the light transmitting windows, and in a first direction in the surface, the light transmitting window is positioned at the point on the surface. In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in the plane, the image of the point light source on the plane is included in the light-transmitting window in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in the plane. The electro-optical device according to any one of the above (1) to (12).

(18) The electro-optical device according to (16) or (17), wherein the contour of the image of the point light source on the surface has a pair of linear portions substantially parallel to the first direction.

(19) The electro-optical device according to any one of (16) to (18), wherein the contour of the light-transmitting window has a pair of linear portions substantially parallel to the second direction.

(20) The shape of the light transmitting window portion is substantially square or substantially rectangular, and the shape of the image of the point light source on the surface is substantially square or substantially rectangular.
An electro-optical device according to any one of 1) to (19).

(21) A predetermined side of the light transmitting window,
The electro-optical device according to (20), wherein a predetermined side of the image of the point light source on the surface is substantially parallel.

(22) The micro lens array includes:
The electro-optical device according to any one of the above (1) to (21), which is a micro Fresnel lens array.

(23) The micro lens array includes:
The electro-optical device according to any one of the above (1) to (22), which is formed by injection molding or 2P method.

(24) The electro-optical device according to any one of (1) to (23), wherein the light modulation element is a transmissive liquid crystal panel or a transflective liquid crystal panel.

(25) The electro-optical device according to any one of (1) to (23), wherein the light modulation element is a transflective liquid crystal panel.

(26) The electro-optical device according to any one of the above (1) to (25), which is a direct-view or projection display device.

(27) An electronic apparatus comprising the electro-optical device according to any one of (1) to (26).

(28) The electronic device according to (27), wherein the electronic device is a personal computer, a mobile phone, or a digital still camera.

[0038]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an electro-optical device and an electronic apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the electro-optical device of the present invention. It should be noted that, in order to avoid complicating the drawing, hatched lines indicating a cross section are omitted in FIG. FIG. 1 shows only the main optical axis of light passing through the center of the microlens 32 to avoid complicating the drawing.

Display device (electro-optical device) 1 shown in FIG.
Is a transflective display device, which is a transflective liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) including a light source means 2 as a backlight, a microlens array plate 3, and a plurality of translucent windows. And 4.

The light source means 2 is located on the lower side in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal panel 4 is located on the upper side in FIG. 1, and the microlens array plate 3 is located between the light source means 2 and the liquid crystal panel 4. ing.

The light source means 2 and the microlens array plate 3 are bonded (joined) by an adhesive layer (adhesive) 5.

The microlens array plate 3 and the liquid crystal panel 4 are bonded to each other at their outer peripheral portions (positions which do not hinder display) with an adhesive (not shown).

The light source means 2 comprises a light source section 21 and a housing (mirror box) 22. A plurality of projections 23 are formed on the bottom surface (the lower surface in FIG. 1) inside the housing 22. The shape of the projection 23 in a vertical section is substantially triangular.

A plurality of openings (pinholes) 25 are formed in a matrix on the upper wall portion 221 of the housing 22 in FIG.

A reflection film 24 is provided on the entire surface (inner surface) of the housing 22 except for the plurality of openings 25 and on the surface of the projection 23. The reflection film 24 is made of, for example, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or the like.

Almost all of the light emitted from the light source unit 21 is reflected once or a plurality of times by the reflective film 24 as shown in, for example, FIGS.

Therefore, in the light source means 2, the aperture 25 forms a light projecting portion (a portion that emits light) of a point light source.

The microlens array plate 3 is composed of a transparent substrate 30 and a microlens array 31 provided on the upper side of the substrate 30 in FIG.

The micro-lens array 31 has a plurality of micro-lenses (condensing lenses) 32 having a positive power.
That is, they are arranged in a matrix (the horizontal direction in FIG. 1 and the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1).

As the micro lens 32, it is preferable to use a micro Fresnel lens (diffraction lens). That is, it is preferable to use a micro Fresnel lens array as the micro lens array 31.

Thus, the micro lens array 31
(Micro lens 32) can be reduced in thickness,
This is advantageous for miniaturization and thinning.

The refractive index of the constituent material of the microlens array 31 (microlens 32) is preferably as high as possible. The refractive index of a general optical material is 1.45 to 1.65.
It is about.

Microlens array 31 and substrate 30
Are made of, for example, various resins such as an acrylic resin and an epoxy resin, and various glasses.

The constituent material of the microlens array 31 and the constituent material of the substrate 30 may be the same or different.

The micro lens array 31 and the substrate 3
“0” may be formed integrally or separately.

The method of forming the microlens array plate 3, that is, the method of forming the microlens array 31 and the substrate 30 is not particularly limited, and includes, for example, injection molding, 2P (photopolymerization), dry etching, wet etching, and the like. Of these, injection molding or 2P method is preferable.

By molding the microlens array plate 3 by injection molding or 2P method, the accuracy of the lens can be increased, the production can be easily performed, the mass productivity is excellent, and the cost can be reduced. Can be reduced. In particular, in the case of injection molding, the cost can be reduced as compared with the 2P method.

Further, in the case of the 2P method, particularly when the pattern is formed on the glass substrate by the 2P method (in the case of the glass 2P method), the operating temperature becomes wider than that of the injection molding, which is preferable.

The liquid crystal panel 4 includes a transparent substrate 41, a plurality of strip-shaped transparent electrodes 42 formed on the lower surface of the substrate 41 in FIG. 1 and arranged side by side in FIG. 41
1. A transparent substrate 46 arranged at a predetermined distance below in FIG. 1 and a reflective film 44 formed on the upper surface of the substrate 46 in FIG. 1 and a direction perpendicular to the paper of FIG. A plurality of strip-shaped transparent electrodes 40 juxtaposed along the
It has a liquid crystal layer 43 provided between the (transparent electrode 42) and the substrate 46 (transparent electrode 40) and containing liquid crystal.

The transparent electrode 40 is formed above the reflection film 44 in FIG. The transparent electrode 40 and the transparent electrode 42 are substantially orthogonal to each other, and each intersection (including a portion near the intersection) corresponds to one pixel.

By charging and discharging between the transparent electrode 40 and the transparent electrode 42, the liquid crystal of the liquid crystal layer 43 is driven.

The transparent electrodes 40 and 42 are each made of, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO).

In the reflection film 44, a plurality of openings 45 are formed in a matrix. The opening 45 is located at the intersection of the transparent electrode 42 and the transparent electrode 40, and corresponds to one pixel.

The opening 45 forms a light-transmitting window (a portion through which light can pass) of the liquid crystal panel 4.

The reflection film 44 is made of, for example, aluminum, an aluminum alloy or the like. Also, the substrate 41,
46 is made of, for example, various glasses.

A polarizing plate 47 is bonded on the upper side of the substrate 41 in FIG. 1, and a polarizing plate 4 is mounted on the lower side of the substrate 46 in FIG.
8 are joined.

Note that a switching element can be provided for one pixel on one substrate. The switching element is connected to a control circuit (not shown) and controls a current supplied to the transparent electrode 40 or 42. Thereby, the charging and discharging of the transparent electrode 40 or 42 is controlled.

The liquid crystal layer 43 contains liquid crystal molecules (not shown), and the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, that is, the liquid crystal changes according to the charging / discharging of the transparent electrode 40 or 42.

Thus, in each pixel,
Switching between transmission and blocking of light and adjustment of luminance can be arbitrarily performed.

The switching elements include, for example, a thin film diode (TFD) and a thin film transistor (T
FT) can be used. When a thin film transistor is used as a switching element, a transparent electrode on a substrate on which the thin film transistor is provided is provided in, for example, a dot shape corresponding to one pixel, and a transparent electrode on a substrate facing the transparent electrode is provided on the entire surface of the substrate.

In this display device 1, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the pitch of the openings (light emitting portions of point light sources) 25 of the light source means 2 is Ps, and the openings (light transmitting windows) 45 of the liquid crystal panel 4 are. Is Pa, the pitch of the microlenses 32 of the microlens array 31 is PL, the optical distance between the opening 25 of the light source means 2 and the microlens array 31 is Ls, the opening 45 of the microlens array 31 and the liquid crystal panel 4. When the optical distance between the light source means La and the liquid crystal panel 4 is set so as to satisfy the conditions represented by the following equations 1 and 2, the aperture 25 of the light source means 2, the microlenses 32 of the microlens array 31, And 45 are arranged.

PL = {Ps · Pa / (Ps + Pa)} · n (where n is a natural number) Expression 1 La / Ls = Pa / Ps Expression 2 In particular, in Expression 1, n is 2 It is preferably a natural number excluding.

Here, the optical distance is a value obtained by reducing the distance when the environment is assumed to be a vacuum, that is, the actual distance, by the refractive index of the material constituting the optical path.

Note that the conditions shown in the above equations 1 and 2 are as follows:
It is assumed that the horizontal direction in FIG. 1 and the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1 are satisfied.

The focal length of the micro lens 32 is represented by f
In this case, the configuration is such that the condition represented by the following equation 3 is satisfied. Expression 3 is a conditional expression for forming an image corresponding to the shape of the opening 25 of the light source means 2 (image of the opening 25) at the position of the opening 45 of the liquid crystal panel 4 by the microlens 32. 1 / Ls + 1 / La = 1 / f Equation 3

The pitch Ps of the opening 25 of the light source means 2,
The pitch Pa of the opening 45 of the liquid crystal panel 4, the pitch PL of the microlenses 32, the optical distance Ls between the opening 25 of the light source means 2 and the microlens array 31, the distance between the microlens array 31 and the opening 45 of the liquid crystal panel 4. The optical distance La between them and the focal length f of the microlens 32 are appropriately set so as to satisfy the conditions represented by the above-described equations 1, 2, and 3, depending on, for example, the application.

For example, in the case of a transflective display device of a portable electronic device, it is preferable to set as follows, for example.

Opening (light emitting portion of point light source) 25 of light source means 2
Is preferably about 20 to 500 μm.

The opening (light-transmitting window) 4 of the liquid crystal panel 4
The pitch Pa of 5 is preferably about 20 to 500 μm.

The pitch PL of the micro lens 32
Is preferably about 10 to 250 μm.

The optical distance Ls between the opening 25 of the light source means 2 and the microlens array 31 is 0.1 to 2
It is preferably about mm.

The optical distance La between the microlens array 31 and the opening 45 of the liquid crystal panel 4 is 0.1 to
It is preferably about 2 mm.

The focal length f of the micro lens 32
Is preferably about 0.1 to 1 mm.

The shape (planar shape) and dimensions of the microlens 32 in plan view are not particularly limited, and are appropriately set according to, for example, the pixel shape on the liquid crystal panel 4 side.

The shape of the micro lens 32 in a plan view is preferably similar to the pixel shape of the liquid crystal panel 4.
For example, a rectangular shape such as a rectangle and a square, a circular shape, and the like can be given.

The optical distances Ls and La can be adjusted, for example, by setting the thickness of the microlens array plate 3, the substrate 46, and the like to desired values.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show the equations (1) and (2), respectively.
When the conditions of Expressions 2 and 3 are satisfied and n = 1, the opening 25 of the light source means 2, the microlenses 32 of the microlens array 31, and the opening 4 of the liquid crystal panel 4
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an arrangement (positional relationship) with No. 5; 5 and 6 show only the main optical axis of light passing through the center of the microlens 32 to avoid complicating the drawing.

Here, the micro lens 32 has an optical characteristic of forming an image of light of any component (light of any optical axis) emitted from the opening 25 of the light source means 2 on the opening 45 of the liquid crystal panel 4. .

FIG. 5 shows the optical distance Ls and the optical distance La.
Are set equal, that is, the case where the pitch Ps of the opening 25 and the pitch Pa of the opening 45 are set equal.

As shown in the drawing, almost all the light emitted from the predetermined opening 25 of the light source means 2 is condensed on any one of the openings 45 by the action of any one of the microlenses 32.

For example, of the light emitted from the leftmost opening 25 in FIG. 5, the leftmost microlens 32 in FIG.
Light 61 incident on the micro lens 32
The light 62 condensed in the leftmost opening 45 in FIG. 5 and incident on the second microlens 32 from the left in FIG. 5 is transmitted by the microlens 32 to the second opening 45 in FIG.
Then, similarly, each light is condensed on the corresponding opening 45 by the corresponding microlens 32.

Similarly, of the light emitted from the second opening 25 from the left in FIG. 5, the light 63 incident on the second micro lens 32 from the left in FIG.
Thereby, the light 64 condensed on the leftmost opening 45 in FIG. 5 and incident on the third microlens 32 from the left in FIG.
The light is condensed on the second opening 45 from the left in FIG. 5 by the micro lens 32, and similarly, each light is
The corresponding aperture 45 by the corresponding micro lens 32
Focus on

Similarly, the light emitted from the third to sixth openings 25 from the left in FIG. 5 is also condensed on the corresponding openings 45 by the corresponding microlenses 32.

That is, focusing on the predetermined opening 45,
Light emitted from the plurality of openings 25 is condensed on the openings 45 by the microlens array 31.

Focusing on a predetermined microlens 32, the microlens 32 condenses the light emitted from the plurality of openings 25 on the plurality of openings 45.

As described above, in the display device 1, the light emitted from the light source means 2 (each opening 25) is efficiently transmitted through the opening 4
5 can be condensed, whereby the use efficiency of light emitted from the light source means 2 can be improved.

In addition, one opening 45 has a plurality (many)
Since the light from the opening 25 is condensed, there is an advantage that the brightness is averaged. That is, even if there is a variation in the amount of light from each opening 25, the position of each opening 25, and the like,
Since the light collected at the opening 45 has the average value of the light from the plurality of openings 25, the light amount difference between the pixels is almost eliminated.
Thereby, a display with high uniformity can be performed.

Further, in the display device 1, in the position adjustment at the time of manufacture (assembly), the adjustment step may be provided once.

In particular, since the emission angles θ1 and θ2 to adjacent points are relatively small, the effect of the averaging is large, and the light source means 2
There is no need to strictly adjust the positional relationship between the (each opening 25) and the microlens array 31. That is, at the time of position adjustment, the light source means 2 (each opening 25) having an appropriate positional relationship
And the focal position determined by the micro lens array 31,
The opening 45 is positioned. Only one such adjustment step is required.

As a result, the position can be adjusted easily, quickly and reliably, the productivity is good, and it is advantageous for mass production.

By setting Ls and La equal, the focal length f of the microlens 32 can be set to be the longest (the numerical aperture NA is the smallest). Thereby, the manufacture of the microlens array 31 is facilitated, and the accuracy can be improved and the aberration can be reduced.

Also, by setting n = 1, the pitch PL of the microlenses 32 can be set smaller than in the case of n> 1, thereby achieving a numerical aperture NA of the lens.
Can be set small, which is preferable.

FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the optical distance Ls and the optical distance La.
In other words, the case where the pitch Ps of the openings 25 is set to be larger than the pitch Pa of the openings 45 is shown.

Also in this case, similarly to the case where the optical distance Ls and the optical distance La are set equal, the light source means 2
Almost all of the light emitted from the predetermined aperture 25 of any one of the apertures 4
Focus on 5

As described above, the optical distance Ls is changed to the optical distance L.
When it is set to be larger than “a”, the pitch Ps of the openings (projecting portions of the point light sources) 25 of the light source means 2 can be set relatively large (the number of the openings 25 can be set relatively small). Manufacturing).

In the display device 1, in plan view (when viewed from the upper side in FIG. 1), the shape of the opening (light emitting portion of the point light source) 25 of the light source means 2 and the opening (transparent) of the liquid crystal panel 4 are set. It is preferable that the shape of the light window portion 45 is similar to the shape of the light window portion 45.

Then, the area (size) of the opening 25 S25
And the area (size) S45 of the opening 45 (S25 / S
45) are the pitch Ps of the opening 25 and the pitch P of the opening 45.
It is preferably set to be equal to the ratio (Ps / Pa) to a, that is, to be equal to the ratio (Ls / La) between the optical distance Ls and the optical distance La.

As a result, the light emitted from the light source means 2 (each opening 25) can be more efficiently converged on the opening 45, and the use efficiency of the light emitted from the light source means 2 can be further improved.

In the case of a transflective display device, for example, the area S25 of the opening 25 is 3 to 50 times the area of one pixel.
% Is preferable.

Next, the operation of the display device 1 will be described. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, light emitted from the light source unit 21 of the display device 1 exits from each opening 25, and the adhesive layer 5 and the substrate 3
After passing through 0, the light enters the microlenses 32 of the microlens array 31 and exits from the microlenses 32 by the action of the microlenses 32 so as to converge on the aperture 45 as described above.

The light emitted from the microlens 32 is polarized by the polarizing plate 48, passes through the substrate 46, and then passes through the aperture 45.
And is transmitted (passed) through the opening 45. In the present invention, the display device 1 may be provided with a phase difference plate (not shown).

The light transmitted through the opening 45 is intensity-modulated by the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 43 whose orientation is controlled by the voltage applied between the transparent electrode 42 and the transparent electrode 40. Then, the light passes through the substrate 41, is polarized by the polarizing plate 47, and is emitted outside.

In this way, a predetermined image (electronic image) is displayed on the screen of the display device 1.

The liquid crystal panel 4 of the display device 1
Since the transflective type is used, when the outside is relatively bright, light from the outside can be reflected by the reflection film 44 to perform display.

When the outside is relatively dark, as described above, the light source means 2 is driven, and light from the light source means 2 is transmitted through the opening 45 of the reflection film 44 to perform display. .

As described above, according to the display device 1, the light emitted from the light source means 2 (each opening 25) can be efficiently condensed on the opening 45. The use efficiency of the light can be improved.

That is, the area of the reflection film 44 is increased,
Even if the area of the opening 45 provided in the reflection film 44 is reduced, the light from the light source means 2 can be efficiently condensed on the opening 45, so that the amount of light transmitted through the opening 45 is increased. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a transflective liquid crystal display device (direct-view liquid crystal display device) in which the reflectance of external light and the transmittance of light from the light source unit 2 are both high.

Further, in the display device 1, since it is not necessary to use an expensive prism sheet, the number of components can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

In the present invention, the point light source is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), a laser diode, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) element, an inorganic EL element, or the like.

In the case where a laser diode is used as the point light source and a liquid crystal panel is used as the light modulation element, the polarizing plate can be omitted. As a result, the use efficiency of light from the point light source can be further improved, and the number of parts can be reduced.

Next, a second embodiment of the electro-optical device according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the second embodiment of the electro-optical device of the present invention. In FIG. 7, hatching indicating a cross section is omitted to avoid complicating the drawing. In FIG. 7, the microlenses 3 are used to avoid complicating the drawing.
Only the main optical axis of light passing through the center of No. 2 is shown.

Hereinafter, the display device (electro-optical device) 1 of the second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the above-described first embodiment, and the description of the same items will be omitted.

The display device 1 shown in the figure is a transmissive display device. The transflective liquid crystal panel 4 of the display device 1 of the first embodiment is replaced by a transmissive liquid crystal panel 4a. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In the liquid crystal panel 4a, instead of the reflection film 44 of the liquid crystal panel 4 in the above-described first embodiment, a black matrix 49 provided with a plurality of openings (light transmitting windows) 491 arranged in a matrix is provided. Have.

The transparent electrodes 40 are juxtaposed in the horizontal direction in FIG. 7, and the transparent electrodes 42 are juxtaposed in the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG.

The black matrix 49 is provided so as to shield between the pixels, that is, between the adjacent transparent electrodes 40 and between the adjacent transparent electrodes 42, respectively.

According to the display device 1 of the second embodiment,
The same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

That is, in the display device 1, a transmission type liquid crystal display device (direct-view type liquid crystal display device) in which the light use efficiency of the light source means 2 is extremely high can be realized.

Next, a third embodiment of the electro-optical device according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the third embodiment of the electro-optical device of the present invention. Note that, in order to avoid complicating the drawing, hatched lines indicating a cross section are omitted in FIG. In FIG. 8, the microlenses 3
Only the main optical axis of light passing through the center of No. 2 is shown.

Hereinafter, the display device (electro-optical device) 1 according to the third embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the above-described first embodiment, and a description of the same items will be omitted.

The display device 1 shown in the figure is a transflective display device provided with a transflective liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) 4. For example, as shown in the second embodiment described above. A transmissive display device including a transmissive liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) 4a may be used.

As in the first and second embodiments described above, even when the light emitted from the aperture (projection part of the point light source) 25 is condensed by the microlens array 31, the microlens array 31 ( In a state where the microlens array plate 3) is not provided, a light amount distribution of light from the opening 25 on a plane (surface) 71 penetrating each opening 45 shown in FIG. 8 is reflected.

The pitch Ps of the openings (projecting portions of point light sources) 25 of the display device 1 of the third embodiment penetrates the openings 45 in a state where the microlens array 31 (microlens array plate 3) is not provided. The light amount of the light from the plurality of openings 25 in the plane (surface) 71 is set to be substantially uniform.

As a result, the difference in light amount between the openings 45 (between pixels) can be reduced or eliminated, and display unevenness can be reduced.
Or you can eliminate it. That is, uniform display can be performed.

Specifically, the pitch Ps of the openings 25 is preferably set as follows.

In the state where the microlens array 31 (microlens array plate 3) is not provided, when the standard deviation of the light quantity distribution of the light from the opening 25 on the plane 71 is σ, the pitch Ps of the opening 25 is 2.3σ. Or less, more preferably 1.8 σ or less,
More preferably, it is about 0.3σ to 1.5σ. Note that the standard deviation σ of the light quantity distribution has a dimension of length.

In other words, the micro lens array 31
In the state where the (microlens array plate 3) is not provided, when the maximum value of the amount of light from the plurality of openings 25 on the plane 71 is a and the minimum value is b (see FIG. 9), the pitch Ps of the openings 25 is It is preferable that the ratio b / a between the maximum value a and the minimum value b of the light amount (hereinafter referred to as “light amount ratio”) be 0.9 or more, and 0.99 or more. It is more preferable to set it so that it is set to 0.995 or more. In addition,
The maximum value a and the minimum value b are values in a portion excluding an end portion (outer portion).

As a result, the difference in the amount of light between the openings 45 (between pixels) can be further reduced or eliminated, and a display with higher uniformity can be performed.

The present inventor performed a predetermined simulation on the display device 1. Hereinafter, the simulation will be described.

One opening 25 of the light source means 2 of the display device 1
, That is, light emitted from one point light source, the light amount distribution in a plane perpendicular to the main optical axis is:
It has a Gaussian distribution (normal distribution) or a distribution that approximates it.

Therefore, this simulation was performed using a Gaussian distribution having a standard deviation σ of “1” as a light amount distribution of a light emitted from one point light source on a plane perpendicular to the main optical axis.

First, assuming a case where a plurality of similar point light sources are arranged in a line at an equal pitch (pitch Ps), a plurality of Gaussian distributions (light amount distributions) having the standard deviation σ of “1” are formed at an equal pitch ( They were arranged in a line at a pitch Ps) and their light quantity distributions were superimposed.

FIG. 9 shows that the point light source pitch Ps is 2.5
FIG. 10 is a graph showing a light amount distribution of light from each point light source and a light amount distribution when light from each point light source is superimposed when (2.5σ) is set. 1.
7 is a graph showing a light amount distribution of light from each point light source and a light amount distribution when light from each point light source is superimposed when 7 (1.7σ).

Note that the vertical axis of each graph indicates the light amount, and the horizontal axis indicates the position (distance from a predetermined reference point). Also,
In each graph, the position where the amount of light from each point light source is maximum (maximum) corresponds to the position of the point light source.

Next, the light source ratio b / a at each pitch Ps was determined by changing the pitch Ps of the point light sources.

The result is shown in FIG. That is, FIG.
1 is a graph showing the relationship between the point light source pitch Ps and the light amount ratio b / a. The vertical axis of this graph indicates the light amount ratio b / a, and the horizontal axis indicates the pitch Ps of the point light sources.

The reason why the light quantity ratio b / a is 0.99 or more is as follows.
This is when the pitch Ps of the point light sources is 1.8σ or less.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, when the pitch Ps of the point light sources is set to 2.5σ, the amount of light when the light from each point light source is superimposed slightly varies. That is, the light quantity ratio b / a is about 0.84.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11,
When the pitch Ps of the point light sources is set to 1.7σ, the light amount when the light from each point light source is superimposed becomes uniform. That is, the light amount ratio b / a is about 1. In this case,
Extremely uniform display can be performed.

As described above, according to the display device 1 of the third embodiment, since the pitch Ps of the openings 25 is set as described above, variation in brightness between the openings 45 (between pixels) is reduced. , Or can be eliminated,
Display unevenness can be reduced or eliminated. That is, uniform display can be performed.

According to the display device 1, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the electro-optical device according to the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the light source means 2
From the opening (light emitting portion of the point light source) 25 forms an image on a plane (surface) 71 passing through each opening (light transmitting window) 45 of the liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) 4 (see FIG. 8). The area of the portion where the image of the opening 25 on the plane 71 (the irradiation area of the light on the plane 71) and the opening 45 overlaps is the image of the opening 25 and the opening 4
5 is not changed as much as possible even when it is relatively shifted in a predetermined direction in the plane 71 (a first direction in the plane 71 and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction). ing. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a fourth embodiment of the electro-optical device according to the present invention, in which an opening (light-transmitting window) of the liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) and each opening of the liquid crystal panel are provided. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing an image of an opening of a light source means (light projection unit of a point light source) on a plane (plane) passing through the light source unit.

In FIGS. 12 and 13, the image portion of the opening of the light source means (light emitting portion of the point light source) is indicated by oblique lines. In FIGS. 12 and 13, the horizontal direction corresponds to the first
And the vertical direction will be described as a second direction (a direction perpendicular to the first direction) in the plane 71.

Hereinafter, the display device (electro-optical device) 1 of the fourth embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the same items will be omitted.

Note that the display device 1 of the fourth embodiment is
For example, a transflective display device including a transflective liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) 4 as in the first embodiment described above may be used.
Transmissive liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) 4 as in the embodiment
a transmission type display device provided with a.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the display device 1 according to the fourth embodiment, an opening (light emitting portion of a point light source) 2 of a light source means 2 is provided.
The light from 5 forms an image on a plane (surface) 71 penetrating each opening (light transmitting window) 45 of the liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) 4 (see FIG. 8), and an image of the opening 25 on the plane 71 (see FIG. 8). Irradiation area)
26 is configured to be included in the opening 45. That is, various conditions such as the shape, size, and arrangement of the openings 25 and 45 are set so that the image 26 of the opening 25 is included in the opening 45.

In the present embodiment, the shape of the opening 45 is rectangular, and its short sides 451 and 453 are substantially parallel to the first direction, and its long sides 452 and 454 are formed with respect to the first direction. The second direction is substantially parallel to the second direction.

Further, in this embodiment, the shape of the opening 25,
That is, the shape of the image 26 of the opening 25 is rectangular,
The short sides 261 and 263 are substantially parallel to the first direction, and the long sides 262 and 264 are substantially parallel to the second direction.

Therefore, the short side (one side) 451 of the opening 45
And the short side (one side) 261 of the image 26 of the opening 25 is substantially parallel.

FIG. 12 shows a state where the center of the image 26 of the opening 25 coincides with the center of the opening 45 (a state where the image 26 is located at an ideal position with respect to the opening 45). 1
3 shows a state where the center of the image 26 of the opening 25 and the center of the opening 45 are shifted.

In the display device 1, as shown in FIG. 13, the light condensing position from the opening 25 is shifted, and
Even if the center of the image 26 of FIG. 5 deviates from the center of the opening 45, the image 26 is prevented from protruding from the opening 45 (prevention),
Or be suppressed.

As a result, the variation in brightness between the openings 45 (between pixels) can be reduced or eliminated, and uniform display can be performed.

As shown in FIG. 12, the length of the image 26 of the opening 25 on the plane 71 in the first direction (short side 261)
L3) and the length of the opening 45 in the first direction (short side 45)
1 length) L1 and a length (length of a long side 262) L4 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the image 26 of the opening 25 on the plane 71 and the fourth length of the opening 45. The difference from the length L2 in the direction 2 (the length of the long side 452) is substantially equal.

By making the difference between the lengths L3 and L1 substantially equal to the difference between the lengths L4 and L2, the opening 2
When the image 26 and the opening 45 are displaced in the first direction from the state shown in FIG. 12 where the center of the image 26 of FIG. The amount of displacement in the first direction until the image 26 and the aperture 4
5 is shifted in the second direction, the shift amount in the second direction until the image 26 protrudes from the opening 45 in the second direction becomes substantially equal. For this reason, it is difficult for the image 26 to protrude from the opening 45, and the variation in brightness between the openings 45 (between pixels) can be further reduced or eliminated, whereby a more uniform display can be performed.

As described above, according to the display device 1 of the fourth embodiment, on the plane 71, the image 26 of the opening 25 is included in the opening 45, and the image 26 of the opening 25
The area of the portion where the opening 45 overlaps the image 2 of the opening 25
6 does not change even if the opening 6 and the opening 45 are displaced in the first direction or the second direction. For example, light is condensed from the opening 25 due to an error in the manufacturing process, displacement, thermal expansion, aging, and the like. Even if the position slightly shifts, the variation in brightness between the openings 45 (between pixels) can be reduced or eliminated, thereby reducing or eliminating display unevenness. That is, uniform display can be performed.

Further, since the image 26 of the opening 25 is included in the opening 45, the use efficiency of light emitted from the light source means 2 is extremely high, which is advantageous when the use efficiency of light is prioritized.

According to the display device 1, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Here, in the display device 1 of the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the pitch Ps of the apertures (projecting portions of the point light sources) 25 is the same as that of the microlens array 31 (microlens). In a state where the array plate 3) is not provided, it is preferable that the amount of light from the plurality of openings 25 in the plane 71 passing through each opening 45 is set to be substantially uniform. Note that the configuration and effects in this case are the same as those of the above-described third embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the present invention, the shape of the opening 45 and the shape of the opening 25 (the shape of the image 26 of the opening 25) are not limited to rectangles, but may be other shapes such as a square, a circle, and an ellipse. .

In the present invention, the shape of the opening 45 and the shape of the opening 25 (the shape of the image 26 of the opening 25) may be similar (same) or different.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the electro-optical device according to the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the light source means 2
From the opening (light emitting portion of the point light source) 25 forms an image on a plane (surface) 71 passing through each opening (light transmitting window) 45 of the liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) 4 (see FIG. 8). The area of the portion where the image of the opening 25 on the plane 71 (the irradiation area of the light on the plane 71) and the opening 45 overlaps is the image of the opening 25 and the opening 4
5 is not changed as much as possible even when it is relatively shifted in a predetermined direction in the plane 71 (a first direction in the plane 71 and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction). ing. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a fifth embodiment of the electro-optical device of the present invention, in which an opening (light-transmitting window) of the liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) and each opening of the liquid crystal panel are provided. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing an image of an opening of a light source means (light projection unit of a point light source) on a plane (plane) passing through the light source unit.

In FIGS. 14 and 15, an image portion of the opening of the light source means (light emitting portion of the point light source) is indicated by oblique lines. In FIGS. 14 and 15, the horizontal direction corresponds to the first
And the vertical direction will be described as a second direction (a direction perpendicular to the first direction) in the plane 71.

Hereinafter, the display device (electro-optical device) 1 of the fifth embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the above-described first embodiment, and the description of the same items will be omitted.

Note that the display device 1 of the fifth embodiment is
For example, a transflective display device including a transflective liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) 4 as in the first embodiment described above may be used.
Transmissive liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) 4 as in the embodiment
a transmission type display device provided with a.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the display device 1 of the fifth embodiment, an opening (light projection part of a point light source) 2 of a light source means 2 is provided.
Light from 5 forms an image on a plane (surface) 71 penetrating each opening (light transmitting window) 45 of liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) 4 (see FIG. 8). It is configured to be included in the image (irradiation area) 26. That is, so that the opening 45 is included in the image 26 of the opening 25,
Various conditions such as the shape, size, and arrangement of the openings 25 and 45 are set.

In the present embodiment, the shape of the opening 45 is rectangular, and its short sides 451 and 453 are substantially parallel to the first direction, and its long sides 452 and 454 are formed with respect to the first direction. The second direction is substantially parallel to the second direction.

Further, in the present embodiment, the shape of the opening 25,
That is, the shape of the image 26 of the opening 25 is rectangular,
The short sides 261 and 263 are substantially parallel to the first direction, and the long sides 262 and 264 are substantially parallel to the second direction.

Therefore, the short side (one side) 451 of the opening 45
And the short side (one side) 261 of the image 26 of the opening 25 is substantially parallel.

FIG. 14 shows a state where the center of the image 26 of the opening 25 coincides with the center of the opening 45 (the state where the image 26 is located at an ideal position with respect to the opening 45). 1
5 shows a state where the center of the image 26 of the opening 25 and the center of the opening 45 are shifted.

In the display device 1, as shown in FIG. 15, the light condensing position from the opening 25 is shifted, and
Even if the center of the image 26 of FIG. 5 deviates from the center of the opening 45, the opening 45 is prevented from protruding from the image 26 (prevention),
Or be suppressed.

As a result, the variation in brightness between the openings 45 (between pixels) can be reduced or eliminated, and uniform display can be performed.

As shown in FIG. 14, the length of the image 26 of the opening 25 on the plane 71 in the first direction (short side 261)
L3) and the length of the opening 45 in the first direction (short side 45)
1 length) L1 and a length (length of a long side 262) L4 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the image 26 of the opening 25 on the plane 71 and the fourth length of the opening 45. The difference from the length L2 in the direction 2 (the length of the long side 452) is substantially equal.

By making the difference between the lengths L3 and L1 substantially equal to the difference between the lengths L4 and L2, the opening 2
When the image 26 and the opening 45 are shifted in the first direction from the state shown in FIG. 14 where the center of the image 26 of FIG. The amount of displacement in the first direction until the image 26 and the aperture 4
5 is shifted in the second direction, the shift amount in the second direction until the opening 45 protrudes from the image 26 in the second direction becomes substantially equal. For this reason, it is difficult for the opening 45 to protrude from the image 26, and the variation in brightness between the openings 45 (between the pixels) can be further reduced or eliminated, whereby a more uniform display can be performed.

As described above, according to the display device 1 of the fourth embodiment, on the plane 71, the opening 45 is included in the image 26 of the opening 25, and the image 26 of the opening 25 is included.
The area of the portion where the opening 45 overlaps the image 2 of the opening 25
6 does not change even if the opening 6 and the opening 45 are displaced in the first direction or the second direction. For example, light is condensed from the opening 25 due to an error in the manufacturing process, displacement, thermal expansion, aging, and the like. Even if the position slightly shifts, the variation in brightness between the openings 45 (between pixels) can be reduced or eliminated, thereby reducing or eliminating display unevenness. That is, uniform display can be performed.

Further, since the opening 45 is included in the image 26 of the opening 25, the amount of light focused on the opening 45 can be increased, which is advantageous when priority is given to luminance.

According to the display device 1, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Here, in the display device 1 of the fifth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the pitch Ps of the apertures (light emitting portions of the point light sources) 25 is the same as that of the microlens array 31 (microlens). In a state where the array plate 3) is not provided, it is preferable that the amount of light from the plurality of openings 25 in the plane 71 passing through each opening 45 is set to be substantially uniform. Note that the configuration and effects in this case are the same as those of the above-described third embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the present invention, the shape of the opening 45 and the shape of the opening 25 (the shape of the image 26 of the opening 25) are not limited to rectangles, but may be other shapes such as a square, a circle, and an ellipse. .

In the present invention, the shape of the opening 45 and the shape of the opening 25 (the shape of the image 26 of the opening 25) may be similar (same) or different.

Next, a sixth embodiment of the electro-optical device according to the present invention will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the light source means 2
From the opening (light emitting portion of the point light source) 25 forms an image on a plane (surface) 71 passing through each opening (light transmitting window) 45 of the liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) 4 (see FIG. 8). The area of the portion where the image of the opening 25 on the plane 71 (the irradiation area of the light on the plane 71) and the opening 45 overlaps is the image of the opening 25 and the opening 4
5 is not changed as much as possible even when it is relatively shifted in a predetermined direction in the plane 71 (a first direction in the plane 71 and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction). ing. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a sixth embodiment of the electro-optical device according to the present invention, in which an opening (light-transmitting window) of the liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) and each opening of the liquid crystal panel are provided. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing an image of an opening of a light source means (light projection unit of a point light source) on a plane (plane) passing through the light source.

In FIGS. 16 and 17, an image portion of the opening of the light source means (light projection part of the point light source) is indicated by oblique lines. In FIGS. 16 and 17, the horizontal direction corresponds to the first
And the vertical direction will be described as a second direction (a direction perpendicular to the first direction) in the plane 71.

Hereinafter, the display device (electro-optical device) 1 of the sixth embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the above-described first embodiment, and the description of the same items will be omitted.

Note that the display device 1 of the sixth embodiment is
For example, a transflective display device including a transflective liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) 4 as in the first embodiment described above may be used.
Transmissive liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) 4 as in the embodiment
a transmission type display device provided with a.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the display device 1 according to the sixth embodiment, an opening (light emitting portion of a point light source) 2 of a light source means 2 is provided.
Light from 5 forms an image on a plane (surface) 71 penetrating each opening (light-transmitting window) 45 of liquid crystal panel (light modulation element) 4 (see FIG. 8), and in the first direction, opening 45 is formed. The image (irradiation area) 26 of the opening 25 is configured to be included in the opening 45 in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. That is, the first
, The shape, size, arrangement, and the like of the openings 25 and 45 such that the image 26 of the opening 25 is included in the opening 45 in the second direction. Are set respectively.

In the present embodiment, the shape of the opening 45 is rectangular, and its short sides 451 and 453 are substantially parallel to the first direction, and its long sides 452 and 454 are formed with respect to the first direction. The second direction is substantially parallel to the second direction. That is, the contour of the opening 45 has a pair of linear portions (long sides 452 and 454) substantially parallel to the second direction.

In this embodiment, the shape of the opening 25,
That is, the shape of the image 26 of the opening 25 is rectangular,
The short sides 261 and 263 are substantially parallel to the second direction, and the long sides 262 and 264 are substantially parallel to the first direction. That is, the contour of the image 26 of the opening 25 has a pair of linear portions (long sides 262 and 264) substantially parallel to the first direction.

Therefore, the short side (one side) 451 of the opening 45
And the long side (one side) 262 of the image 26 of the opening 25 is substantially parallel.

The length L5 of the image 26 in the first direction (the length of the long side 262) L5 of the opening 25 is longer than the length L1 of the opening 45 in the first direction (the length of the short side 451). The length L6 of the opening 25 in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction (the length of the short side 261) L6 is equal to the length of the opening 45 in the second direction (the long side 452). Length) shorter than L2.

FIG. 16 shows a state where the center of the image 26 of the opening 25 coincides with the center of the opening 45 (a state where the image 26 is located at an ideal position with respect to the opening 45). 1
7 shows a state where the center of the image 26 of the opening 25 and the center of the opening 45 are shifted.

In this display device 1, as shown in FIG. 17, the light condensing position from the opening 25 is shifted, and
Even if the center of the image 26 of FIG. 5 is shifted from the center of the opening 45, the opening 45 is prevented (prevented) or suppressed from protruding from the image 26 in the first direction, and the image in the second direction. 26 is prevented (prevented) or suppressed from protruding from the opening 45.

Further, the outline of the image 26 of the opening 25 is
Has a pair of linear portions (long sides 262 and 264) that are substantially parallel to the direction of. When the image 26 and the opening 45 are displaced in the first direction, the image 26 and the opening 45 The area of the overlap does not change.

Similarly, the contour of the opening 45 is defined by a pair of linear portions (long sides 452 and 45) substantially parallel to the second direction.
4), when the image 26 and the opening 45 are displaced in the second direction, the area of the portion where the image 26 and the opening 45 overlap does not change.

As a result, the variation in brightness between the openings 45 (between pixels) can be reduced or eliminated, and uniform display can be performed.

As described above, according to the display device 1 of the sixth embodiment, the opening 45 is included in the image 26 of the opening 25 in the first direction, and the opening 25 is included in the second direction. Is included in the opening 45, and the area of the portion where the image 26 of the opening 25 overlaps the opening 45 is
Even if the image 26 of the opening 25 and the opening 45 are displaced in the first direction or the second direction, the image 26 does not change. Even if a slight shift occurs in the light condensing position, the variation in brightness between the openings 45 (between pixels) is reduced,
Alternatively, the display unevenness can be reduced or eliminated. That is, uniform display can be performed.

According to the display device 1, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Here, also in the display device 1 of the sixth embodiment, the pitch Ps of the aperture (light projection part of the point light source) 25 is the same as that of the third embodiment described above. In a state where the array plate 3) is not provided, it is preferable that the amount of light from the plurality of openings 25 in the plane 71 passing through each opening 45 is set to be substantially uniform. Note that the configuration and effects in this case are the same as those of the above-described third embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the present invention, the shape of the opening 45 and the shape of the opening 25 (the shape of the image 26 of the opening 25) are not limited to rectangles, but may be other shapes such as squares. However, a quadrangle such as the aforementioned rectangle or square is preferable, and a rectangle or square is particularly preferable.

In the present invention, the shape of the opening 45 and the shape of the opening 25 (the shape of the image 26 of the opening 25) may be similar (same) or different.

The electro-optical device according to the present invention has been described based on the illustrated embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the configuration of each part may be any configuration having the same function. Can be replaced by

For example, in the present invention, any two or more configurations of the above embodiments may be appropriately combined.

In the above embodiment, a transmissive liquid crystal panel or a transflective liquid crystal panel is used as the light modulating element. However, in the present invention, the light modulating element is not limited to the liquid crystal panel. .

Further, the electro-optical device of the present invention may be an electro-optical device capable of displaying a plurality of colors, for example, a full-color electro-optical device, or a monochrome electro-optical device.

The present invention can be applied to various electronic devices. For example, monitors (displays) of personal computers such as laptop personal computers and notebook personal computers, television monitors, videophone monitors, mobile phones (including PHS), electronic organizers, electronic dictionaries, electronic cameras (digital The present invention can be applied to direct-view display devices of various electronic devices such as monitors of portable electronic devices such as still cameras and video cameras, and projection display devices such as projectors.

Hereinafter, an electronic apparatus according to the present invention including the above-described display device (electro-optical device) 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described in detail based on the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a mobile (or notebook) personal computer to which the above-described display device is applied. In this figure, a personal computer 1100 includes a main body 1104 having a keyboard 1102, and a display unit 1106. The display unit 1106 is rotatably supported by the main body 1104 via a hinge structure. I have.

In the personal computer 1100, the display unit 1106 includes the above-described display device (electro-optical device) 1.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a portable telephone (including a PHS) in which the above-described display device is applied to its display unit. In this figure, a mobile phone 1200 has a plurality of operation buttons 1202, an earpiece 1204, a mouthpiece 12
06 as well as the display device (electro-optical device) 1 described above.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a digital still camera in which the above-described display device is applied to its finder. In this figure, connection with an external device is also simply shown.

Here, a normal camera exposes a silver halide photographic film with a light image of a subject, whereas a digital still camera 1300 uses a CCD (Char
An image pickup signal (image signal) is generated by photoelectric conversion by an image pickup device such as a Ge Coupled Device.

On the back of the case (body) 1302 of the digital still camera 1300, the above-described display device (electro-optical device) 1 is provided, and the display device 1 is configured to perform display based on an image pickup signal by a CCD.
Functions as a finder that displays a subject as an electronic image.

In the case 1302, the circuit board 13
08 is installed. The circuit board 1308 is provided with a memory capable of storing (storing) an imaging signal.

Also, an optical lens (image pickup optical system) and a C
A light receiving unit 1304 including a CD or the like is provided.

When the photographer confirms the subject image displayed on the display device 1 and presses the shutter button 1306, the image pickup signal of the CCD at that time is transferred and stored in the memory of the circuit board 1308.

The digital still camera 130
0, a video signal output terminal 1312 and an input / output terminal 1314 for data communication are provided on the side surface of the case 1302.
Are provided. As shown in FIG. 20, the television monitor 14 is connected to the video signal output terminal 1312.
A personal computer 1440 is connected to an input / output terminal 1314 for data communication as required. Further, by a predetermined operation, the circuit board 130
8 is stored in the TV monitor 14
30 and a personal computer 1440.

The electronic apparatus to which the electro-optical device of the present invention can be applied includes a personal computer shown in FIG.
In addition to the mobile phone shown in FIG. 19 and the digital still camera shown in FIG. 20, for example, a television, a viewfinder type, a monitor direct-view type video tape recorder, a car navigation device, a pager, an electronic organizer (including with a communication function), Calculators, electronic game machines, word processors, workstations, video phones, TV monitors for security, electronic binoculars, POS terminals, devices with touch panels (for example, cash dispensers of financial institutions), medical devices (for example, electronic thermometers, sphygmomanometers, blood glucose) Meter, electrocardiogram display device, ultrasonic diagnostic device, display device for endoscope), fish finder, various measuring instruments, instruments (for example, instruments for vehicles, aircraft, ships), flight simulators, and other various monitors And a projection display device such as a projector. Needless to say, the above-described display device (electro-optical device) can be applied as a display unit and a monitor unit of these various electronic devices.

[0230]

As described above, according to the present invention, the light emitted from the light source can be efficiently condensed on the light transmitting window, thereby improving the use efficiency of the light emitted from the light source. Can be done.

In particular, it is possible to realize a backlight-type display device (direct-view display device) in which the efficiency of use of light from a light source is extremely high.

In the case where the light modulating element is constituted by a transflective liquid crystal panel, the area of the reflection film (reflection plate) is increased, and the area of the opening (light transmission window) provided in the reflection film is increased. Even if the area is reduced, light from the light source can be efficiently condensed to the opening, so that the amount of light transmitted through the opening can be increased, thereby increasing the reflectance of external light and the light source. , A transflective liquid crystal display device having high transmittance of light from the liquid crystal panel can be realized.

Further, the pitch of the point light sources is set such that the light amounts of the light from the plurality of point light sources on the surface passing through each light transmitting window of the light modulation element are substantially uniform in a state where the microlens array is not provided. In the case of setting to, the difference in light amount between pixels (light-transmitting window portions) can be reduced or eliminated, whereby uniform display can be performed.

Also, the light from the point light source forms an image on the surface passing through each light transmitting window, and the area of the portion where the image of the point light source and the light transmitting window overlap on the surface is the image of the point light source. If it is configured so that it does not change as much as possible even when the light transmitting window part and the light transmitting window part are relatively displaced, for example, an error in the manufacturing process, displacement, thermal expansion, aging, etc. Even if the light condensing position of the light slightly shifts, the pixel (transparent window)
The difference in light amount between the two can be reduced or eliminated, whereby uniform display can be performed. In addition, the present invention can be applied to various electronic devices, and has a wide range of use.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of a first embodiment of an electro-optical device according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a path (emitted by single reflection) until light emitted from a light source unit is emitted from an opening of a housing in the display device illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a path (emitted by three reflections) until light emitted from a light source unit is emitted from an opening of a housing in the display device illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a path (emitted by four reflections) until light emitted from a light source unit is emitted from an opening of a housing in the display device illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows a display device shown in FIG. 1, in which the conditions of Expressions 1, 2, and 3 are satisfied and n = 1, the opening of the light source means, the microlens of the microlens array, and the liquid crystal panel. (Ls = La)
It is a figure which shows typically.

FIG. 6 shows a display device shown in FIG. 1, in which the conditions of Expressions 1, 2, and 3 are satisfied and n = 1, the opening of the light source means, the microlens of the microlens array, and the liquid crystal panel. (Ls> La)
It is a figure which shows typically.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of a second embodiment of the electro-optical device according to the invention.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of a third embodiment of the electro-optical device according to the invention.

FIG. 9 shows a light amount distribution of light from each point light source and a light amount distribution when light from each point light source is superimposed when the pitch Ps of the point light sources is 2.5 (2.5σ). It is a graph shown.

FIG. 10 shows a point light source pitch Ps of 1.7 (1.7σ).
7 is a graph showing a light amount distribution of light from each point light source and a light amount distribution when light from each point light source is superimposed in the case where.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing a relationship between a pitch Ps of a point light source and a light quantity ratio b / a.

FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically showing an electro-optical device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which an opening of the liquid crystal panel and an image of the opening of the light source means on a plane passing through each opening of the liquid crystal panel; is there.

FIG. 13 is a plan view schematically showing an opening of the liquid crystal panel and an image of the opening of the light source means on a plane passing through each opening of the liquid crystal panel in the fourth embodiment of the electro-optical device of the present invention. is there.

FIG. 14 is a plan view schematically showing an electro-optical device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which an opening of the liquid crystal panel and an image of the opening of the light source means on a plane passing through each opening of the liquid crystal panel; is there.

FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing an electro-optical device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which an opening of the liquid crystal panel and an image of the opening of the light source means on a plane passing through each opening of the liquid crystal panel; is there.

FIG. 16 is a plan view schematically showing an electro-optical device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which an opening of the liquid crystal panel and an image of the opening of the light source means on a plane passing through each opening of the liquid crystal panel; is there.

FIG. 17 is a plan view schematically showing an opening of the liquid crystal panel and an image of the opening of the light source means on a plane passing through each opening of the liquid crystal panel according to the sixth embodiment of the electro-optical device of the present invention. is there.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a configuration of a mobile personal computer (electronic device) to which the electro-optical device according to the embodiment of the invention is applied.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a configuration of a mobile phone (electronic device) in which the electro-optical device according to the embodiment of the invention is applied to a display unit thereof.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a digital still camera (electronic device) in which the electro-optical device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to a finder thereof.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Display apparatus (electro-optical device) 2 Light source means 21 Light source part 22 Housing 221 Wall part 23 Projection 24 Reflection film 25 Opening 26 Image 261, 263 Short side 262,264 Long side 3 Microlens array plate 30 Substrate 31 Microlens array 32 Micro lens 4, 4a Liquid crystal panel 40 Transparent electrode 41 Substrate 42 Transparent electrode 43 Liquid crystal layer 44 Reflective film 45 Opening 451, 453 Short side 452, 454 Long side 46 Substrate 47, 48 Polarizing plate 49 Black matrix 491 Opening 5 Adhesive layer 61 To 64 light 71 plane 1100 personal computer 1102 keyboard 1104 main body 1106 display unit 1200 mobile phone 1202 operation button 1204 earpiece 1206 mouthpiece 1300 digital still camera 1302 case (body) ) 1304 receiving unit 1306 shutter button 1308 circuit board 1312 video signal output terminal 1314 input-output terminal 1430 television monitor 1440 personal computer for data communication

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Osamu Okumura 3-3-5 Yamato, Suwa-shi, Nagano F-term in Seiko Epson Corporation (reference) 2H052 BA02 BA03 BA09 BA14 2H091 FA23Z FA29Z FA41Z FA45Z FB08 KA10 LA04 LA12 LA16 LA18 MA07 5G435 AA03 BB12 BB15 BB16 BB17 DD04 DD09 EE27 EE33 FF03 FF05 FF07 FF15 GG02 GG23 GG26 LL07 LL08 LL14

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. An electro-optical device comprising: a plurality of point light sources; a microlens array in which a plurality of microlenses are arranged; and a light modulation element having a plurality of light transmitting windows, wherein the microlens array is provided. Wherein the light from the plurality of point light sources is condensed on the light transmitting window. 2. An electro-optical device comprising: a plurality of point light sources; a microlens array in which a plurality of microlenses are arranged; and a light modulation element having a plurality of light-transmitting windows, wherein the microlens array is provided. According to the present invention, the point light source, the microlens of the microlens array, and the light transmitting window are arranged such that light from the plurality of point light sources is focused on the light transmitting window. Characteristic electro-optical device. 3. An electro-optical device comprising: a plurality of point light sources; a microlens array in which a plurality of microlenses are arranged; and a light modulation element having a plurality of light transmitting windows, wherein the microlens array is provided. The point light source, the microlens of the microlens array, and the light transmitting window are arranged such that the micro lens condenses the light from the plurality of point light sources on the plurality of light transmitting windows. An electro-optical device, comprising: 4. The pitch of the point light source is Ps, the pitch of the light transmitting window is Pa, the pitch of the microlenses of the microlens array is PL, and the optical distance between the point light source and the microlens array. And Ls is an optical distance between the microlens array and the light-transmitting window portion, and La is an optical distance between the microlens array and the light-transmitting window portion. Optical device. PL = {Ps · Pa / (Ps + Pa)} · n (where n is a natural number) La / Ls = Pa / Ps 5. The pitch of the point light source is Ps, the pitch of the light transmitting window is Pa, the pitch of the microlenses of the microlens array is PL, and the optical distance between the point light source and the microlens array. And Ls is an optical distance between the microlens array and the light-transmitting window portion, and La is an optical distance between the microlens array and the light-transmitting window portion. Optical device. PL = {Ps · Pa / (Ps + Pa)} · n (where n is a natural number excluding 2) La / Ls = Pa / Ps 6. The electro-optical device according to claim 4, wherein a pitch Ps of the point light sources is larger than a pitch Pa of the light transmitting window. 7. The electro-optical device according to claim 4, wherein a pitch Ps of the point light sources is equal to a pitch Pa of the light transmitting windows. 8. The pitch of the point light sources is such that, in a state where the microlens array is not provided, the light amounts of the light from the plurality of point light sources on a surface passing through each of the light transmitting windows are substantially uniform. Claims 1 to 7 which are set to
The electro-optical device according to any one of the above. 9. In a state where the microlens array is not provided, when a standard deviation of a light amount distribution of light from the point light source on a surface passing through each of the light transmitting windows is σ, the pitch of the point light sources is: The electro-optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ratio is 2.3σ or less. 10. In a state where the microlens array is not provided, when a maximum value of the light amount of light from the plurality of point light sources on a surface passing through each of the light transmitting windows is a and a minimum value is b, The pitch of the point light source is such that the light amount ratio b / a is 0.
The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the number is set to be 9 or more. 11. The light from the point light source forms an image on a surface passing through each of the light transmitting windows, and an area of a portion where the image of the point light source and the light transmitting window on the surface overlaps with each other, The electro-optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the electro-optical device is configured so as not to change as much as possible even when the image of the point light source and the translucent window portion are relatively displaced. 12. An area of a portion where the image of the point light source and the light transmitting window on the surface overlap each other, the image of the point light source and the light transmitting window are in a first direction in the surface and 12. The electro-optical device according to claim 11, wherein the electro-optical device is configured so as not to change as much as possible even when relatively shifted in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. 13. The light from the point light source forms an image on a surface passing through each of the light transmitting windows, and the image of the point light source on the surface is included in the light transmitting window. The electro-optical device according to claim 1. 14. Light from the point light source forms an image on a surface passing through each of the light transmitting windows, and the light transmitting window is configured to be included in the image of the point light source on the surface. The electro-optical device according to claim 1. 15. A first image of the image of the point light source on the surface.
A difference between the length of the light source and the length of the light transmitting window in the first direction, and the length of the image of the point light source on the surface in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The electro-optical device according to claim 13, wherein a difference between the length of the light-transmitting window and the length in the second direction is substantially equal. 16. The light from the point light source forms an image on a surface passing through each of the light transmitting windows, and a length of the image of the point light source in the first direction on the surface is the light transmitting window. Is longer than the length in the first direction, and the length of the image of the point light source in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction on the surface is the second length of the light transmitting window. The electro-optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the electro-optical device is configured to be shorter than the length in the direction of (1). 17. Light from the point light source forms an image on a plane passing through each of the light transmitting windows, and in a first direction in the plane,
The light-transmitting window is included in the image of the point light source on the surface, and the image of the point light source on the surface in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in the surface. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the electro-optical device is configured to be included in the light transmitting window. 18. The electro-optical device according to claim 16, wherein an outline of the image of the point light source on the surface has a pair of linear portions substantially parallel to the first direction. 19. The electro-optical device according to claim 16, wherein the contour of the light-transmitting window has a pair of linear portions substantially parallel to the second direction. 20. The light-transmitting window according to claim 11, wherein the shape of the window is substantially square or substantially rectangular, and the shape of the image of the point light source on the surface is substantially square or substantially rectangular. An electro-optical device according to claim 1. 21. The electro-optical device according to claim 20, wherein a predetermined side of the light transmitting window and a predetermined side of the image of the point light source on the surface are substantially parallel. 22. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the micro lens array is a micro Fresnel lens array. 23. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the microlens array is formed by injection molding or 2P method. 24. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the light modulation element is a transmissive liquid crystal panel or a transflective liquid crystal panel. 25. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the light modulation element is a transflective liquid crystal panel. 26. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, which is a direct-view type or a projection type display device. 27. An electronic apparatus comprising the electro-optical device according to claim 1. Description: 28. The electronic device according to claim 27, wherein the electronic device is a personal computer, a mobile phone, or a digital still camera.