JP2003077309A - Flat light source and driving method of the same, and lighting device and display device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a flat light source and a driving method of the same enabled to uniformly emit light and cope with a field sequential method, and to provide a lighting device and display device using the same. SOLUTION: The flat light source has areas almost surrounded by a plurality of linear light sources as elemental areas, and the area is made to function as a light source by the light emission of the linear light source surrounding the area, and the color of the area functioning as a light source is made to change according to the color of the linear light source surrounding the area. The colors constructing the color of the area is allocated to respective linear light sources, or, the colors constructing the color of the area is allocated to respective linear light sources, and the color of the area is optionally changed by selecting the linear light source and making the linear light source emit light.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a planar light source, a driving method thereof, an illumination device and a display device using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Liquid crystal panels are widely used in various display devices such as personal computer monitors and televisions because of their thinness, light weight, and low power consumption. However, since the liquid crystal itself is not a self-luminous element, a backlight that supplies light from the back surface of the liquid crystal panel is required for display. As this backlight, an edge light system in which a thin tube cold cathode fluorescent lamp is installed at the end of a light guide plate is generally used, but a direct system using a flat discharge lamp or the like is also under study.

However, in recent years, due to the trend of computerization, there has been an intention to increase the size of the display, and the edge light system and the system directly under the flat lamp cannot sufficiently deal with the problem. In particular, there are various problems when applied to large monitors, televisions, screens and the like.

That is, the edge light system cannot obtain sufficient brightness, and the direct system using the flat discharge lamp is very heavy. Further, since the flat discharge lamp is still inefficient and generates a large amount of heat, it is the current situation that it does not reach the narrow-tube cold cathode fluorescent lamp. Therefore, under the present circumstances, a direct type in which thin-tube cold cathode fluorescent lamps are arranged in parallel is adopted for a large-sized television.

However, it is difficult to make the brightness uniform, and the field sequential system cannot be applied as it is. Therefore, there are serious problems in the characteristics of the backlight. For reference, a conceptual diagram of a conventional edge light type backlight is shown in FIG. This figure is from http: // w
ww.toshiba-machine.co.jp/TECH/techrepo/no17/do-ko/
It is the one described in FIG. 2 of index.html.

In this conventional edge light type backlight, a reflection sheet 2 is attached to the lower surface of the light guide plate 1 so that the reflection surface faces the side of the light guide plate 1, and at the edge of the light guide plate 1. A lamp 3 as a light source is attached to one of the lamps, the lamp 3 is covered with a lamp reflector 4, and the other edge of the light guide plate 1 is covered with a reflection tape 5 so that light of the lamp 3 does not leak from each edge. Affix, and again the light guide plate 1
The diffusion sheet 6 is attached to the upper surface of the. An acrylic plate is used for the light guide plate 1.

With the above structure, the light emitted from the lamp 3 is reflected on the lower surface of the light guide plate 1, the lamp mounting edge portion, and the other edge portions, so that the light guide plate 1 is formed. The light is emitted from the diffusion sheet 6 after advancing toward the upper surface of the sheet, that is, in the direction of the diffusion sheet 6.

[0008]

As described above, the conventional backlight intended for a large-sized display has a problem in that it is difficult to uniformly irradiate light, and it is not possible to support the field sequential system.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, that is, to provide a planar light source capable of uniformly emitting light and corresponding to a field sequential system, a driving method thereof, and an illumination device and a display device using the same. It is in.

[0010]

A planar light source composed of a plurality of linear light sources according to the present invention has a region substantially surrounded by the plurality of linear light sources as a constituent element, and the region concerned It is characterized in that it functions as a light source by the light emission of the surrounding linear light source.

Further, the color when the region functions as a light source is changed by the color of the linear light source surrounding the region.

Further, the colors forming the color of the area are assigned to the linear light sources surrounding the area,
It is characterized in that a linear light source surrounding the area is arbitrarily selected to emit light and the color of the area is changed.

Further, the color of the area and the color forming the area are assigned to each of the linear light sources surrounding the area.

In a planar light source composed of a plurality of point light sources according to the present invention, when the planar light source is virtually divided into polygonal regions as its constituent elements, the point light sources are It is arranged on each side, and the region functions as a light source by light emission of the point light source arranged on each side.

Further, the color when the region functions as a light source is changed by the color of the point light source arranged on each side of the region.

The colors forming the color of the area are assigned to the point light sources arranged on the respective sides of the area, and the point light sources arranged on the sides of the area are It is characterized in that the color of the region is changed by arbitrarily selecting and emitting light.

Further, it is characterized in that the color of the area and the color constituting the area are assigned to each of the point light sources arranged on each side of the area.

The color of the area is the color when all the lights are on. Further, the linear light source may be one that looks elongated when viewed macroscopically. Further, the point light source may be one that looks like particles when viewed macroscopically.

When a conventional direct type backlight in which thin-tube cold cathode fluorescent lamps are arranged in parallel is made to emit a single color, a shadow is always produced. For example, to output red,
That is, there is a shadow between green and blue.

On the other hand, in the present invention, in the area,
Since there is nothing that blocks the light from the linear light source that surrounds the area, a flat surface light source can be realized without causing a shadow.

The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is a planar light source composed of a plurality of linear light sources, and has a region substantially surrounded by the plurality of linear light sources as a constituent element. Is a planar light source.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the area that blocks the light from the linear light source that surrounds the area, it is possible to realize a uniform planar light source with no shadow.

The invention according to claim 2 of the present invention is a planar light source composed of a plurality of linear light sources, and has a region substantially surrounded by the plurality of linear light sources as a constituent element. The area is a planar light source characterized by functioning as a light source by the emission of a linear light source surrounding the area.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the area that blocks the light from the linear light source that surrounds the area, it is possible to realize a uniform planar light source with no shadow.

The invention according to claim 3 of the present invention is a planar light source composed of a plurality of linear light sources, and has a region substantially surrounded by the plurality of linear light sources as a constituent element. A planar light source in which a region functions as a light source by emitting light from a linear light source surrounding the region, and the color when the region functions as a light source changes depending on the color of the linear light source surrounding the region. is there.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the area that blocks the light from the linear light source that surrounds the area, it is possible to realize a uniform planar light source with no shadow.

Furthermore, the color when the region functions as a light source can be changed by the color of the linear light source surrounding the region. As a result, it is possible to realize a planar light source that changes to various colors, rather than a simple white backlight.

The invention according to claim 4 of the present invention is a planar light source composed of a plurality of linear light sources, and has a region substantially surrounded by the plurality of linear light sources as a constituent element. A planar light source characterized in that a region functions as a light source by the light emission of a linear light source that surrounds the region, and a color that configures the color of the region is assigned to each of the linear light sources that surround the region. is there.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the area that blocks the light from the linear light source that surrounds the area, it is possible to realize a uniform planar light source with no shadow.

Furthermore, by arbitrarily selecting the color of the linear light source that surrounds the region to emit light, the color of the region can be changed quite freely. As a result, it is possible to realize a backlight that is compatible with the field-sequential method, instead of a mere white-light backlight.

The invention according to claim 5 of the present invention is a planar light source composed of a plurality of linear light sources, and has a region substantially surrounded by the plurality of linear light sources as a constituent element. The area functions as a light source by the light emission of the linear light source surrounding the area, and the colors forming the color of the area are assigned to the linear light sources surrounding the area. It is a planar light source characterized by changing the color of the region by arbitrarily selecting and emitting light.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the area that blocks the light from the linear light source that surrounds the area, it is possible to realize a uniform planar light source with no shadow. Further, by arbitrarily selecting the color of the linear light source that surrounds the area to emit light, the color of the area can be changed quite freely. As a result, it is possible to realize a backlight that is compatible with the field-sequential method, instead of a mere white-light backlight.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the planar light source according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the color of the area and the color forming the area are different from those of the linear light sources surrounding the area. It is characterized by being assigned.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the region that blocks the light from the point light sources arranged on each side of the region, a uniform planar light source can be realized without causing a shadow. .

Furthermore, when displaying the color of the area, it is not necessary to emit a plurality of linear light sources surrounding the area, and power consumption can be suppressed.

The invention according to claim 7 of the present invention is a planar light source composed of a plurality of point light sources, wherein the planar light source is virtually divided into polygonal regions as its constituent elements. In this case, the point light source is arranged on each side of the area, and is a planar light source.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the region that blocks the light from the point light sources arranged on each side of the region, a uniform planar light source can be realized without causing a shadow. .

The invention according to claim 8 of the present invention is a planar light source composed of a plurality of point light sources, wherein the planar light source is virtually divided into polygonal regions as its constituent elements. At this time, the point light source is arranged on each side of the area, and the area functions as a light source by the light emission of the point light source arranged on each side. Is.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the area that blocks the light from the point light sources arranged on each side of the area, a uniform planar light source can be realized without causing a shadow. .

The invention according to claim 9 of the present invention is a planar light source composed of a plurality of point light sources, wherein the planar light source is virtually divided into polygonal regions as its constituent elements. At this time, the point light source is arranged on each side of the area, the area functions as a light source by the light emission of the point light source arranged on each side, and the area functions as a light source. The planar light source is characterized in that the color at that time changes depending on the color of the point light source arranged on each side of the area.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the region that blocks the light from the point light sources arranged on each side of the region, a uniform planar light source can be realized without causing a shadow. .

Furthermore, the color when the region functions as a light source can be changed by the color of the point light source arranged on each side of the region. As a result, it is possible to realize a planar light source that changes to various colors, rather than a simple white backlight.

The invention according to claim 10 of the present invention is a planar light source composed of a plurality of point light sources, wherein the planar light source is virtually divided into polygonal regions as its constituent elements. At this time, the point light source is arranged on each side of the area, and the area functions as a light source by the light emission of the point light source arranged on each side to configure the color of the area. The planar light source is characterized in that a color is assigned to each of the point light sources arranged on each side of the area.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the area that blocks the light from the point light sources arranged on each side of the area, a uniform planar light source can be realized without causing a shadow. .

Further, by arbitrarily selecting the color of the point light source arranged on each side of the area to emit light, the color of the area can be changed quite freely. As a result, it is possible to realize a backlight that is compatible with the field-sequential method, instead of a mere white-light backlight.

The invention according to claim 11 of the present invention is a planar light source composed of a plurality of point light sources, wherein the planar light source is virtually divided into polygonal regions as its constituent elements. At this time, the point light source is arranged on each side of the area, and the area functions as a light source by the light emission of the point light source arranged on each side to configure the color of the area. A color is assigned to each of the point light sources arranged on each side of the area, and the point light source arranged on each side of the area is arbitrarily selected to emit light, and the color of the area It is a planar light source characterized by changing.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the region that blocks the light from the point light sources arranged on each side of the region, a uniform planar light source can be realized without causing a shadow. .

Furthermore, by arbitrarily selecting the color of the point light source arranged on each side of the area and causing it to emit light, the color of the area can be changed quite freely. As a result, it is possible to realize a backlight that is compatible with the field-sequential method, instead of a mere white-light backlight.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the surface light source according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, the color of the area and the color forming the area are arranged on each side of the area. It is characterized in that it is assigned to each of the point light sources.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the region that blocks the light from the point light sources arranged on each side of the region, a uniform planar light source can be realized without causing a shadow. .

Further, when displaying the color of the area, it is not necessary to emit a plurality of point light sources arranged on each side of the area, and power consumption can be suppressed. The thirteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the planar light source according to any of the first to twelfth aspects, the region is a triangle. With this configuration,
Since there is nothing in the region that blocks light from the linear or point light sources arranged on each side of the region, a uniform planar light source can be realized without causing a shadow.

Furthermore, since the light sources of the three primary colors of red, green and blue can be arranged on each side of the area, a planar light source capable of outputting any color can be realized. Further, by forming the area into a triangle, the area can be continuously arranged.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the surface light source according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the region is a quadrangle.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the region that blocks light from the linear or point light sources arranged on each side of the region, a uniform planar light source without shadow is realized. be able to.

Further, since red, green, blue three primary colors and white light sources can be arranged on each side of the area, a planar light source capable of outputting any color can be realized.
Further, when outputting white color, only the white light source needs to emit light, so that the power consumption can be reduced. Further, by making the area a square, the areas can be arranged continuously.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the planar light source according to any one of the fourth, fifth, tenth and eleventh aspects, the color forming the color of the region is a primary color or a combination thereof. It is characterized by that.

With this structure, since there is nothing in the region that blocks light from the linear or point light sources arranged on each side of the region, a uniform planar light source without shadow is realized. be able to.

Further, the surface light source capable of outputting an arbitrary color can be realized by the color forming the color of the area being a primary color or a combination thereof.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the surface light source according to the sixth or twelfth aspect, the color of the area is white, and the color forming the area is a primary color or a combination thereof. It is characterized by. With this configuration, since there is nothing in the area that blocks light from the linear or point light sources arranged on each side of the area,
It is possible to realize a uniform planar light source with no shadow.

Furthermore, since the color of the area is white and the colors forming the color of the area are primary colors or a combination thereof, it is possible to realize a planar light source capable of outputting any color. Further, when outputting white color, only the white light source needs to emit light, so that the power consumption can be reduced.

The seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the planar light source according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, characterized in that a light guide plate is formed in the region.

With this structure, since there is nothing in the region that blocks light from the linear or point light sources arranged on each side of the region, a uniform planar light source without shadow is realized. be able to.

Further, since the light guide plate is formed in the area, it is possible to efficiently and uniformly guide the light emitted from the periphery, and it is possible to function as a uniform light source with high brightness.

An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is the planar light source according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the linear light source is a rare gas discharge tube. .

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the region that blocks the light from the linear light source that surrounds the region, it is possible to realize a uniform planar light source with no shadow.

Furthermore, by using a rare gas discharge tube as the linear light source, a highly efficient planar light source can be realized.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the surface light source according to the eighteenth aspect, mercury is not used as a gas in the rare gas discharge tube.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the area that blocks the light from the linear light source that surrounds the area, it is possible to realize a uniform planar light source with no shadow.

Furthermore, by using a rare gas discharge tube as the linear light source, a highly efficient planar light source can be realized. Also,
Since mercury is not used as the gas in the rare gas discharge tube, high speed driving is possible and a backlight compatible with the field sequential system can be realized. Further, anhydrous silver is desirable from the viewpoint of environment.

The twentieth aspect of the present invention is the planar light source according to any one of the seventh to twelfth aspects, wherein the point light source is an LED.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the region that blocks the light from the point light sources arranged on each side of the region, a uniform planar light source can be realized without causing a shadow. .

Furthermore, by using an LED as the point light source, a highly efficient planar light source can be realized.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the planar light source according to any one of the first to twentieth aspects, the linear light source or the point light source is formed on a multilayer substrate. It is a feature.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the region that blocks light from the linear or point light sources arranged on each side of the region, a uniform planar light source without shadow is realized. be able to.

Further, since the linear light source or the point light source is formed on the multi-layer substrate, it is possible to realize a planar light source capable of separately driving a plurality of regions. That is, by using a multilayer substrate, it is possible to avoid the adverse effect that the wirings of a plurality of linear light sources or point light sources intersect. As a result, the planar light source can be applied to area colors, large screens, and the like.

Further, by unitizing the planar light source with a multi-layer substrate, by combining these units, a planar light source of any size can be realized at low cost.

The invention according to claim 22 of the present invention is the method for driving the planar light source according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the linear light source or the point light source is temporally switched while monochromatic It is characterized in that it is caused to emit light by means of, and functions as a monochromatic light source which emits light while switching the region with time.

With this driving method, the three primary colors of red, green, and blue can be sequentially switched to emit light, so that the field sequential system can be supported.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the method for driving the surface light source according to the twenty-second aspect, when the surface light source emits white light, the linear light source or the point light source is used. Is made to emit white light.

With this driving method, when outputting white, it is possible to reduce the power consumption because only the white linear light source or the point light source emits light.

The invention according to claim 24 of the present invention is an illuminating device characterized by using the planar light source according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the region that blocks the light from the linear or point light sources arranged on each side of the region, a uniform illuminating device without shadow is realized. You can

Further, with this driving method, it is possible to realize the illuminating device with the planar light source capable of freely outputting any color.

A twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention is a backlight device configured to illuminate an illuminated object using the planar light source according to any one of the first to twenty-first aspects.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the region that blocks the light from the linear or point light sources arranged on each side of the region, a uniform backlight device without shadow is realized. be able to.

Further, with this driving method, the three primary colors of red, green, and blue can be sequentially switched to emit light, so that the field sequential system can be supported.

A twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention is a display device using the planar light source according to any one of the first to twenty-first aspects.

With this structure, since there is nothing in the area that blocks light from the linear or point light sources arranged on each side of the area, a display device having a uniform light emitting area without causing a shadow. Can be realized. The display device may be an area color or a full color combined with a liquid crystal.

Furthermore, by this driving method, the three primary colors of red, green, and blue can be sequentially switched to emit light, so that the field sequential system can be supported.
Therefore, a display device with high brightness, high efficiency, low cost, and large screen can be realized.

A twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention is a television receiver using the planar light source according to any one of the first to twenty-first aspects.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the area that blocks the light from the linear or point light sources arranged on each side of the area, there is no shadow and the television receiver has a uniform backlight. Machine can be realized. That is, a high quality television receiver can be realized.

Further, by this driving method, since the three primary colors of red, green and blue can be sequentially switched to emit light, the field sequential system can be supported.
Therefore, a high-luminance, high-efficiency, low-cost, large-screen television receiver can be realized.

The invention according to claim 28 of the present invention is a large screen using the planar light source according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the area that blocks light from the linear or point light sources arranged on each side of the area, a large screen having no light and a uniform light emitting area Can be realized. Large screens include area color and full color combined with liquid crystal.

Further, with this driving method, the three primary colors of red, green, and blue can be sequentially switched to emit light, so that the field sequential system can be supported.
Therefore, a large screen with high brightness, high efficiency, and low cost can be realized. Further, by individually driving the plurality of regions, it is possible to form a large screen by itself without combining with the liquid crystal.

Furthermore, by unitizing the planar light source with a multi-layer substrate, it is possible to inexpensively realize a screen of an arbitrary size by combining the units.

An invention according to claim 29 of the present invention is an array of light sources, wherein the linear light source or the point light source is arranged in the arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 17. .

Here, the array of light sources means an assembly of a plurality of linear light sources or point light sources. With this configuration, when arranging an arbitrary light source at an arbitrary place, it is possible to realize a light source that has no shadow and is capable of freely changing colors.

[0099]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following embodiments, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

(Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The planar light source described in this embodiment includes a plurality of linear light sources, and is characterized by having a region substantially surrounded by the plurality of linear light sources as a constituent element. Further, it is characterized in that the region functions as a light source by the light emission of the linear light source surrounding the region.

[Structure] FIGS. 1 and 2 are views conceptually showing the structure of the planar light source according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a planar light source according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the planar light source according to the first embodiment. The planar light source according to this embodiment is configured such that the reflection sheet 12 is attached on the substrate 11 by another method. A plurality of linear light sources 13 are arranged on the upper surface of the reflection sheet 12. Further, the light guide plate 14 is arranged on the reflection sheet 12, and the diffusion sheet 15 is arranged on the light guide plate 14. Figure 2
In the figure, only the arrangement of the plurality of linear light sources 13 in the planar light source is shown.

The present invention is characterized by the arrangement of the linear light sources 13 or the arrangement method thereof. Therefore, as the other substrate 11, the light guide plate 14, the linear light source 13, and the like, existing ones can be used.

As the substrate 11, for example, a glass epoxy substrate which is widely used as a multilayer substrate or the like can be used, but the substrate 11 is not necessarily limited to this.

As the light guide plate 14, for example, a transparent plate injection-molded from PMMA resin can be used, but the light guide plate 14 is not necessarily limited to this.

As the linear light source 13, an efficient rare gas discharge tube can be used, but the invention is not necessarily limited to this.
If the rare gas discharge tube further contains mercury, the efficiency becomes very good, but the response speed becomes slow and the environmental load becomes large. When it is actually necessary to support the field sequential system, it is desirable to use anhydrous silver.

The planar light source shown in FIG. 2 is composed of a plurality of linear light sources 13 and has a region substantially surrounded by the three linear light sources 13 (that is, a triangular region) as a constituent element. ing. Only the light guide plate 14 is formed in the area, and nothing blocks light from surrounding light sources.
Therefore, the area functions as a light source by the light emission of the three linear light sources 13 surrounding the area.

In FIG. 2, the same linear light source 13 is used. However, it is not necessarily limited to this.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the region that blocks the light from the linear light source 13 arranged on each side of the region, a uniform planar light source with no shadow is realized. it can.

Further, since the light guide plate 14 is formed in the area, it is possible to efficiently and uniformly guide the light emitted from the periphery, and it is possible to function as a high-luminance and uniform light source.

[Illumination Device] This can be realized by combining the above-mentioned planar light source with a drive circuit for causing the above-mentioned planar light source to emit light. The drive circuit that causes the planar light source to emit light is not particularly limited as long as it can emit the linear light source 13. Further, the point light source 16 may be arranged at each vertex (each triangle vertex in the case of FIG. 2) of the area surrounded by the linear light source. The color of the point light source can be arbitrarily selected in combination with the color of the linear light source. With this configuration,
It is possible to prevent the vertices from becoming dark.

For example, when a rare gas discharge tube is used as the linear light source 13, it is the same as that of the conventional direct type in which thin tube cold cathode fluorescent lamps are arranged in parallel.

[Backlight Device] This can be realized by combining the above-mentioned planar light source with a drive circuit for causing the above-mentioned planar light source to emit light. The drive circuit that makes the planar light source emit light is
It depends on the specific mode of illuminating the illuminated body, but is not particularly limited as long as the linear light source 13 can emit light.

For example, liquid crystal is generally considered as a material to be illuminated. In this case, the planar light source is driven in synchronization with the display on the liquid crystal display.

[Display Device] This can be realized by combining the above-mentioned backlight device with, for example, a liquid crystal and a drive circuit for the liquid crystal.

[Television Receiver] Similarly, it can be realized by combining the above-described backlight device with, for example, a liquid crystal, a drive circuit for the liquid crystal, and the like.

[Large screen] Similarly, it can be realized by combining the above-mentioned backlight device with, for example, a liquid crystal and a drive circuit for the liquid crystal.

Further, by individually driving the plurality of regions, it is possible to form a large screen by itself without combining with the liquid crystal.

(Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of the planar light source described in the second embodiment.

The planar light source described in the present embodiment is composed of a plurality of linear light sources 13, and a plurality of linear light sources 1
3 has a region substantially surrounded by 3 as a component, the region functions as a light source by the light emission of the linear light source 13 surrounding the region, and the color when the region functions as the light source is the line surrounding the region. It is characterized in that it changes depending on the color of the linear light source 13.

Further, it is a planar light source composed of a plurality of linear light sources 13, and has a region substantially surrounded by the plurality of linear light sources 13 as a constituent element, and the region concerned linearly surrounds it. The light source 13 emits light to function as a light source, and the color forming the color of the area is assigned to each of the linear light sources 13 surrounding the area.

Further, it is characterized in that the linear light source 13 surrounding the area is arbitrarily selected to emit light and the color of the area is changed.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to specific examples, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.

[Structure] As shown in FIG.
The planar light source according to Embodiment 1 has basically the same configuration as the planar light source according to Embodiment 1 (shown in FIG. 1), and the reflection sheet 12 is attached onto the substrate 11 and others. It is designed to be attached by the method. A plurality of linear light sources 13 are arranged on the upper surface of the reflection sheet 12. Further, the light guide plate 14 is arranged on the reflection sheet 12, and the diffusion sheet 15 is arranged on the light guide plate 14. In FIG. 3, only the arrangement of the plurality of linear light sources 13 in the planar light source is shown.

The present invention is characterized by the arrangement of the linear light sources 13 or the arrangement method thereof. Therefore, as the other substrate 11, the light guide plate 14, and the linear light source 13, existing ones can be used. The substrate 11, the light guide plate 14, and the linear light source 13 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The planar light source shown in FIG. 3 is composed of a plurality of linear light sources 13, and has a region (that is, a triangular region) substantially surrounded by the three linear light sources 13 as a constituent element. ing. Only the light guide plate 14 is formed in the area, and nothing blocks light from surrounding light sources.
Therefore, the area functions as a light source by the light emission of the three linear light sources 13 surrounding the area.

In FIG. 3, the colors forming the color of the area are
It is assigned to each of the linear light sources 13 surrounding the region. For example, this is a case where the colors forming the color of the area are primary colors or a combination thereof.

The three primary colors of light are practically red, green and blue, but a combination of these may be used. Not necessarily red,
It is not limited to green and blue. In addition, the same color may be plural in one area. Further, in FIG. 3, the boundary between the adjacent regions is constituted by one linear light source 13, but different linear light sources may be used. In this case, it is desirable to provide a partition between the two linear light sources.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the region that blocks the light from the linear light source 13 arranged on each side of the region, a uniform planar light source without shadow is realized. it can.

Further, since the light guide plate 14 is formed in the area, it is possible to efficiently and uniformly guide the light emitted from the periphery, and to function as a high-luminance and uniform light source.

Furthermore, by arbitrarily selecting the color of the linear light source 13 that surrounds the area and causing it to emit light, the color of the area can be changed quite freely. This allows
It is possible to realize a backlight that is compatible with a field sequential system, rather than a simple white backlight.

[Illumination Device] This can be realized by combining the above-mentioned planar light source with a drive circuit for causing the above-mentioned planar light source to emit light. The drive circuit that causes the planar light source to emit light is not particularly limited as long as it can emit the linear light source 13.

For example, when a rare gas discharge tube is used as the linear light source 13, it is the same as that of the direct type in which the conventional thin-tube cold cathode fluorescent lamps are arranged in parallel.

[Backlight Device] This can be realized by combining the above-mentioned planar light source with a drive circuit for causing the above-mentioned planar light source to emit light. The drive circuit that makes the planar light source emit light is
It depends on the specific mode of illuminating the illuminated body, but is not particularly limited as long as the linear light source 13 can emit light.

For example, liquid crystal is generally considered as a material to be illuminated. In this case, the planar light source is driven in synchronization with the display on the liquid crystal display. Further, the following driving method is required to support the field sequential method. That is, it is a driving method in which the linear light source 13 is made to emit light in a single color while being temporally switched, and the region is made to function as a monochromatic light source in which light is emitted while being temporally switched. In this case, the single colors are generally red, green, and blue, which are switched at high speed to emit light, and the liquid crystal is turned on / off in synchronization with this.

[Display Device] This can be realized by combining the above-mentioned backlight device with, for example, a liquid crystal and a drive circuit for the liquid crystal.

[Television Receiver] Similarly, it can be realized by combining the above-mentioned backlight device with, for example, a liquid crystal and a drive circuit for the liquid crystal.

[Large screen] Similarly, it can be realized by combining the above-mentioned backlight device with, for example, a liquid crystal and a drive circuit for the liquid crystal.

Further, by individually driving the plurality of areas, it is possible to form a large screen by itself without combining with the liquid crystal.

Here, the multilayer substrate will be described. In the planar light source according to the present invention, it is desirable that the linear light source 13 is formed on a multilayer substrate. Since the linear light source 13 is formed on the multilayer substrate, it is possible to realize a planar light source that can separately drive a plurality of regions. That is, by using a multilayer substrate, a plurality of linear light sources 1
It is possible to avoid the adverse effect that the wiring of 3 intersects. As a result, the planar light source can be applied to area colors, large screens, and the like.

Furthermore, by unitizing the planar light source with a multi-layer substrate, by combining these units, a planar light source of any size can be realized at low cost.

(Embodiment 3) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The planar light source described in the present embodiment is different from the planar light source described in the second embodiment in that the color of the area and the colors forming the area are linear light sources 13 surrounding the area. It is assigned to. Here, the color of the area refers to the color at the time of full lighting.

That is, for example, the color of the linear light source 13 is red,
In the case of green and blue, the color of the area surrounded by these linear light sources 13 is white.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to specific examples, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.

[Structure] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of the planar light source described in the third embodiment. The planar light source according to the third embodiment has basically the same configuration as the planar light source (shown in FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment, and has a reflection sheet on the substrate 11. 12 is attached by attaching or other methods. A plurality of linear light sources 13 are arranged on the upper surface of the reflection sheet 12. Further, the light guide plate 14 is arranged on the reflection sheet 12, and the diffusion sheet 15 is arranged on the light guide plate 14. In FIG. 4, only the arrangement of the plurality of linear light sources 13 in the planar light source is shown.

The present invention is characterized by the arrangement of the linear light sources 13 or the arrangement method thereof. Therefore, as the other substrate 11, the light guide plate 14, and the linear light source 13, existing ones can be used. The substrate 11, the light guide plate 14, and the linear light source 13 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The planar light source shown in FIG. 4 is composed of a plurality of linear light sources 13 and has a region (that is, a rectangular region) substantially surrounded by four linear light sources 13 as a constituent element. ing. Only the light guide plate 14 is formed in the area, and nothing blocks light from surrounding light sources.
Therefore, the area functions as a light source by the light emission of the four linear light sources 13 surrounding the area.

In FIG. 4, the color of the area and the colors forming the area are assigned to the linear light sources 13 surrounding the area. For example, a rectangular area surrounded by the linear light sources 13 of the three primary colors of light, red, green, blue, and white is practical. However, it is not necessarily limited to red, green, blue and white. Similar to the second embodiment, no other restrictions are set.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the region that blocks the light from the linear light source 13 arranged on each side of the region, a uniform planar light source without shadow is realized. it can.

Further, since the light guide plate 14 is formed in the area, it is possible to efficiently and uniformly guide the light emitted from the periphery and to function as a high-luminance and uniform light source.

Furthermore, by arbitrarily selecting the color of the linear light source 13 that surrounds the area and causing it to emit light, the color of the area can be changed quite freely. This allows
It is possible to realize a backlight that is compatible with a field sequential system, rather than a simple white backlight.

Furthermore, when displaying the color of the area, it is not necessary to emit a plurality of linear light sources 13 surrounding the area, and power consumption can be suppressed.

[Illumination device] This can be realized by combining the above-mentioned planar light source. The drive circuit that causes the planar light source to emit light is not particularly limited as long as it can emit the linear light source 13.

For example, when a rare gas discharge tube is used as the linear light source 13, it is the same as the conventional direct type in which the narrow tube cold cathode fluorescent lamps are arranged in parallel.

Further, when the above-mentioned planar light source emits white light, a driving method in which the linear light source 13 emits white light is used. When white light is output, the white linear light source 13 emits white light. Since only light emission is required, low power consumption can be realized.

[Backlight device], [Display device], [TV receiver], [Large screen]
This is the same as the second embodiment.

(Embodiment 4) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The planar light source described in the present embodiment is composed of a plurality of point light sources, and when the planar light source is virtually divided into polygonal regions as its constituent elements, the point light source is It is characterized in that it is arranged on each side of the region. Further, the region is characterized in that it functions as a light source by the light emission of the point light sources arranged on each side thereof.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to specific examples, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.

[Structure] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of the planar light source described in the fourth embodiment. The planar light source according to the fourth embodiment has a point light source (16 instead of the linear light source 13 as compared with the planar light source according to the first embodiment (shown in FIG. 1). ) Is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment except that the use of) is largely different, and the reflection sheet 12 is attached to the substrate 11 by another method. It is supposed to be attached. A plurality of point light sources 16 are arranged on the upper surface of the reflection sheet 12.
Further, the light guide plate 14 is arranged on the reflection sheet 12, and the diffusion sheet 15 is arranged on the light guide plate 14. In FIG. 5, a plurality of point light sources 1 in the surface light source
Only the 6 arrangement is shown.

The present invention is characterized by the arrangement of the point light sources 16 or the arrangement method thereof. Therefore, as the other substrate 11, the light guide plate 14, the point light source 16, and the like, existing ones can be used. The substrate 11, the light guide plate 14 and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The point light source 16 is highly efficient and can be driven at high speed.
LEDs can be used, but are not necessarily limited thereto.

The surface light source shown in FIG. 5 is composed of a plurality of point light sources 16, and when the surface light source is virtually divided into triangular areas as its constituent elements, 16 are arranged on each side of the area. Only the light guide plate 14 is formed in the area, and nothing blocks light from surrounding light sources. Therefore, the region functions as a light source by the light emission of the three point light sources 16 arranged on each side thereof. In FIG. 5, the same point light source 16 is used for all, but it is not necessarily limited to this. Further, a plurality of point light sources 16 may be provided on each side.

With this structure, since there is nothing in the region that blocks the light from the point light sources 16 arranged on each side of the region, a uniform planar light source without shadow is realized. it can.

Further, since the light guide plate 14 is formed in the area, it is possible to efficiently and uniformly guide the light emitted from the periphery, and to function as a high-luminance and uniform light source.

[Illumination Device] This can be realized by combining the above-mentioned planar light source with a drive circuit for causing the above-mentioned planar light source to emit light. The drive circuit that causes the planar light source to emit light is not particularly limited as long as it can emit the point light source 16.

For example, when an LED is used as the point light source 16, a conventional LED driving method can be applied.

[Backlight Device] It can be realized by combining the above-mentioned planar light source with a drive circuit for causing the above-mentioned planar light source to emit light. The drive circuit that makes the planar light source emit light is
It depends on the specific mode of illuminating the illuminated body, but is not particularly limited as long as it can emit the point light source 16.

For example, liquid crystal is generally considered as a material to be illuminated. In this case, the planar light source is driven in synchronization with the display on the liquid crystal display.

[Display Device] This can be realized by combining the above-mentioned backlight device with, for example, a liquid crystal and a drive circuit for the liquid crystal.

[Television Receiver] Similarly, it can be realized by combining the above-mentioned backlight device with, for example, a liquid crystal and a drive circuit for the liquid crystal.

[Large screen] Similarly, it can be realized by combining the above-mentioned backlight device with, for example, a liquid crystal and a drive circuit for the liquid crystal.

Further, by individually driving the plurality of areas, it is possible to form a large screen by itself without combining with the liquid crystal.

(Embodiment 5) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The planar light source described in the present embodiment is composed of a plurality of point light sources, and when the planar light source is virtually divided into polygonal regions as its constituent elements, the point light source is It is arranged on each side of the area, the area functions as a light source by the light emission of the point light source arranged on each side, and the color when the area functions as the light source is It is characterized in that the color changes depending on the color of the point light source arranged on each side.

Further, in the case of a planar light source composed of a plurality of point light sources, when the planar light source is virtually divided into polygonal areas as its constituent elements, the point light sources are Is arranged on each side of, and the area functions as a light source by the light emission of the point light source arranged on each side, and the color forming the color of the area is arranged on each side of the area. It is characterized in that it is assigned to each of the arranged point light sources.

Further, it is characterized in that a point light source arranged on each side of the area is arbitrarily selected to emit light and the color of the area is changed.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to specific examples, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.

[Structure] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of the planar light source used in the fifth embodiment. The planar light source according to the fifth embodiment is different from the planar light source according to the first embodiment (shown in FIG. 1) in that the point light source 1 is used instead of the linear light source 13.
Other than that the point of using 6 is largely different, the other points are basically the same as those of the first embodiment, and the reflection sheet 12 is attached onto the substrate 11 by another method. It is supposed to be attached. A plurality of point light sources 16 are arranged on the upper surface of the reflection sheet 12. Further, the light guide plate 14 is arranged on the reflection sheet 12, and the diffusion sheet 15 is arranged on the light guide plate 14. In FIG. 6, only the arrangement of the plurality of point light sources 16 in the planar light source is shown.

The present invention is characterized by the arrangement of the point light sources 16 or the arrangement method thereof. Therefore, as the other substrate 11, the light guide plate 14, the point light source 16, and the like, existing ones can be used. The substrate 11, the light guide plate 14, and the point light source 16 are the same as those in the fourth embodiment.

The surface light source shown in FIG. 6 is composed of a plurality of point light sources 16, and when the surface light source is virtually divided into triangular regions as its constituent elements, the point light source is divided. 16 are arranged on each side of the area. Only the light guide plate 14 is formed in the area, and nothing blocks light from surrounding light sources. Therefore, the region functions as a light source by the light emission of the three point light sources 16 arranged on each side thereof. Also, a plurality of point light sources 16 may be provided on each side.

In FIG. 6, the colors forming the color of the area are
It is assigned to each of the point light sources 16 arranged on each side of the area. For example, this is a case where the colors forming the color of the area are primary colors or a combination thereof.

The three primary colors of light are practically red, green and blue, but a combination of these may be used. Not necessarily red,
It is not limited to green and blue. In addition, the same color may be plural in one area.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the region that blocks the light from the point light sources 16 arranged on each side of the region, a uniform planar light source without shadow is realized. it can.

Further, since the light guide plate 14 is formed in the area, it is possible to efficiently and uniformly guide the light emitted from the periphery and to function as a high-luminance and uniform light source.

Furthermore, by arbitrarily selecting the color of the point light source 16 arranged on each side of the area and causing it to emit light, the color of the area can be changed quite freely. As a result, it is possible to realize a backlight that is compatible with the field-sequential method, instead of a mere white-light backlight.

[Illumination Device] The same as in Embodiment 4.

[Backlight Device] This can be realized by combining the above-mentioned planar light source with a drive circuit for causing the above-mentioned planar light source to emit light. The drive circuit that makes the planar light source emit light is
It depends on the specific mode of illuminating the illuminated body, but is not particularly limited as long as it can emit the point light source 16.

For example, liquid crystal is generally considered as a material to be illuminated. In this case, the planar light source is driven in synchronization with the display on the liquid crystal display. Further, the following driving method is required to support the field sequential method. That is, it is a driving method in which the point light source 16 is made to emit a monochromatic light while being temporally switched, and the region is made to function as a monochromatic light source which is made to emit a light while being temporally switched. In this case, the single colors are generally red, green, and blue, which are switched at high speed to emit light, and the liquid crystal is turned on / off in synchronization with this.

[Display device], [TV receiver],
The [large screen] is the same as in the fourth embodiment.

The same applies to the multilayer substrate as in the second embodiment.

(Sixth Embodiment) An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The planar light source described in the present embodiment is different from the planar light source described in the fifth embodiment in that the color of the area and the color forming the area are arranged on each side of the area. It is characterized in that it is assigned to each of the point light sources. Here, the color of the area refers to the color at the time of full lighting.

That is, for example, if the point light sources are red, green,
When it is blue, the color of the area surrounded by these point light sources is white.

The present embodiment will be described below with reference to specific examples, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.

[Structure] FIG. 7 shows a conceptual diagram of the planar light source used in the third embodiment. The planar light source according to the sixth embodiment is different from the planar light source according to the first embodiment (shown in FIG. 1) in that the point light source 1 is used instead of the linear light source 13.
Other than that the point of using 6 is largely different, the other points are basically the same as those of the first embodiment, and the reflection sheet 12 is attached onto the substrate 11 by another method. It is supposed to be attached. A plurality of point light sources 16 are arranged on the upper surface of the reflection sheet 12. Further, the light guide plate 14 is arranged on the reflection sheet 12, and the diffusion sheet 15 is arranged on the light guide plate 14. In FIG. 7, only the arrangement of the plurality of point light sources 16 in the planar light source is shown.

The present invention is characterized by the arrangement of the point light sources 16 or the arrangement method thereof. Therefore, as the other substrate 11, the light guide plate 14, and the point light source 16, existing ones can be used. The substrate 11, the light guide plate 14, and the point light source 16 are the same as those in the fourth embodiment.

The surface light source shown in FIG. 7 is composed of a plurality of point light sources 16, and when the surface light source is virtually divided into square areas as its constituent elements, 16 are arranged on each side of the area. Only the light guide plate 14 is formed in the area, and nothing blocks light from surrounding light sources. Therefore, the region functions as a light source by the light emission of the four point light sources 16 arranged on each side thereof. Also, a plurality of point light sources 16 may be provided on each side.

In FIG. 7, the color of the area and the color forming the area are assigned to each of the point light sources 16 arranged on each side of the area. For example, a quadrangular area surrounded by the point light sources 16 of the three primary colors of light, red, green, blue, and white is practical as the area. However, it is not necessarily limited to red, green, blue and white.
Similar to the fifth embodiment, no other restrictions are set.

With this configuration, since there is nothing in the region that blocks the light from the point light sources 16 arranged on each side of the region, a uniform planar light source without shadow is realized. it can.

Further, since the light guide plate 14 is formed in the area, it is possible to efficiently and uniformly guide the light emitted from the periphery, and it is possible to function as a uniform light source with high brightness.

Furthermore, by arbitrarily selecting the color of the point light source 16 arranged on each side of the area and causing it to emit light, the color of the area can be changed quite freely. As a result, it is possible to realize a backlight that is compatible with the field-sequential method, instead of a mere white-light backlight.

Furthermore, when displaying the color of the area, it is not necessary to emit a plurality of point light sources 16 arranged on each side of the area, and power consumption can be suppressed.

[Illumination Device] This can be realized by combining the above-mentioned planar light source with a drive circuit for causing the above-mentioned planar light source to emit light. The drive circuit that causes the planar light source to emit light is determined by the specific mode for illuminating the illuminated body.
It is only necessary that 6 can emit light, and there is no particular limitation.

For example, liquid crystal is generally considered as a material to be illuminated. In this case, the planar light source is driven in synchronization with the display on the liquid crystal display.

Further, when the above-mentioned planar light source emits white light, a driving method in which the point light source 16 emits white light is used. When outputting white, the white point light source 16 emits white light. Since only light emission is required, low power consumption can be realized.

[Backlight device], [Display device], [TV receiver], [Large screen]
This is similar to the fifth embodiment.

(Embodiment 7) Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The arrangement of the light sources described in the present embodiment is characterized in that linear light sources or point light sources are arranged in the arrangement described in claims 1 to 17.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to specific examples, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.

In the first to sixth embodiments, a planar light source (for example, a liquid crystal backlight or the like) mainly realized on the device is used.
However, the arrangement of the light sources in the present embodiment means a generic term for an aggregate of a plurality of linear light sources or point light sources, and effectively utilizes individual light sources, This is for constructing an aggregate of light sources having a new effect as a whole. For example, a collection of multiple light sources that evenly illuminate the park to eliminate blind spots,
As an example.

That is, since the present invention is characterized by the arrangement of linear light sources or point light sources or the arrangement method thereof, it is not necessary to particularly limit the surface on which they are arranged. For example, these arrays may be formed on a site or a wall. Further, it does not necessarily have to be a plane. The arrangement and the method thereof are the same as those in the first to sixth embodiments, and are shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, for example.

The effects of the present invention are not necessarily limited to the arrangement of linear light sources or point light sources. The present invention can also be applied to an input device or the like in which uniform detection is desirable. For example, various sensors such as odor, heat, and sound are used. Further, the present invention can be applied to an output device or the like, which is desired to have a uniform influence. For example, various alarm devices, warm air, a sound source, a spray device for dry ice, etc. can be considered.

As a result, when arranging an arbitrary light source at an arbitrary place, it is possible to realize a light source which has no shadow and is capable of freely changing colors.

[0210]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to realize a planar light source or the like that has no shadow and is uniform in color and can be freely changed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a planar light source according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the planar light source according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a planar light source described in a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a planar light source described in a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a planar light source described in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a planar light source described in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a planar light source described in a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of a conventional edge light type backlight.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 board 12 Reflective sheet 13 Linear light source 14 Light guide plate 15 Diffusion sheet 16 point light source

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 5/66 102 F21Y 101: 02 9/30 103: 00 // F21Y 101: 02 F21S 1/00 E 103 : 00 1/02 G F term (reference) 2H091 FA42Z FA45Z FD02 FD22 FD24 GA11 LA15 LA18 2H093 NA65 NC43 ND09 ND17 NE06 5C058 AA06 AB03 BA35 5C060 BB13 BC01 DA05 HD00 JA16 JA18 5G435 AA01 BB12 EE15 BB23EE24 BB15EE24

Claims (29)

[Claims] 1. A planar light source comprising a plurality of linear light sources, comprising a region substantially surrounded by the plurality of linear light sources as a constituent element. 2. A planar light source composed of a plurality of linear light sources, comprising a region substantially surrounded by the plurality of linear light sources as a constituent element, and the region is a linear light source surrounding the region. A planar light source characterized by functioning as a light source by emitting light. 3. A planar light source composed of a plurality of linear light sources, comprising a region substantially surrounded by the plurality of linear light sources as a constituent element, and the region is a linear light source surrounding the region. A planar light source that functions as a light source by light emission, and the color when the region functions as a light source changes according to the color of a linear light source surrounding the region. 4. A planar light source composed of a plurality of linear light sources, comprising a region substantially surrounded by the plurality of linear light sources as a constituent element, and the region is a linear light source surrounding the region. A planar light source, which functions as a light source by emitting light, and a color which constitutes a color of the area is assigned to each of the linear light sources surrounding the area. 5. A planar light source composed of a plurality of linear light sources, comprising a region substantially surrounded by the plurality of linear light sources as a constituent element, and the region is a linear light source surrounding the region. The color that functions as a light source by light emission and that constitutes the color of the area is assigned to each of the linear light sources that surround the area, and the linear light source that surrounds the area is arbitrarily selected to emit light, and the area A planar light source characterized by changing the color of. 6. The color of the area and the color forming the area are
The planar light source according to claim 4 or 5, which is assigned to each of the linear light sources surrounding the region. 7. A surface light source composed of a plurality of point light sources, wherein when the surface light source is virtually divided into polygonal areas as its constituent elements, the point light sources are A planar light source, which is arranged on each side of. 8. A surface light source composed of a plurality of point light sources, wherein when the surface light source is virtually divided into polygonal areas as its constituent elements, the point light sources are A planar light source, which is arranged on each side of, and the region functions as a light source by light emission of a point light source arranged on each side. 9. A planar light source composed of a plurality of point light sources, wherein when the surface light source is virtually divided into polygonal regions as its constituent elements, the point light sources are the regions. Is arranged on each side of, and the area functions as a light source by the emission of a point light source arranged on each side, and the color when the area functions as a light source is the each side of the area. A planar light source characterized in that it changes depending on the color of the point light source arranged above. 10. A surface light source composed of a plurality of point light sources, wherein when the surface light source is virtually divided into polygonal areas as its constituent elements, the point light sources are the areas. Is arranged on each side of, and the region functions as a light source by the emission of the point light source arranged on each side,
A planar light source, wherein a color forming the color of the area is assigned to each of the point light sources arranged on each side of the area. 11. A surface light source composed of a plurality of point light sources, wherein when the surface light source is virtually divided into polygonal areas as its constituent elements, the point light sources are the areas. Is arranged on each side of, and the region functions as a light source by the emission of the point light source arranged on each side,
The colors forming the color of the area are assigned to each of the point light sources arranged on each side of the area, and the point light source arranged on each side of the area is arbitrarily selected. A planar light source that emits light and changes the color of the area. 12. The color of the area and the color forming the area are assigned to each of the point light sources arranged on each side of the area. Area light source. 13. The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein the region has a triangular shape. 14. The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein the region has a quadrangular shape. 15. The color forming the color of the area is a primary color or a combination thereof.
The planar light source according to any one of 5, 10, and 11. 16. The planar light source according to claim 6, wherein the color of the region is white, and the color forming the region is a primary color or a combination thereof. 17. The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein a light guide plate is formed in the area. 18. The planar light source according to claim 1, wherein the linear light source is a rare gas discharge tube. 19. The planar light source according to claim 18, wherein mercury is not used as a gas of the rare gas discharge tube. 20. The planar light source according to claim 7, wherein the point light source is an LED. 21. The linear light source or the point light source is formed on a multilayer substrate.
The planar light source according to any one of 1. 22. The linear light source or the point light source is made to emit light in a single color while being temporally switched, and the region is made to function as a monochromatic light source which is made to emit light in a temporally switched manner. A method for driving the planar light source according to any one of claims. 23. The method for driving a surface light source according to claim 22, wherein, when the surface light source emits white light, the linear light source or the point light source emits white light. 24. An illumination device using the planar light source according to claim 1. 25. A backlight device configured to illuminate an illuminated object using the planar light source according to claim 1. 26. A display device using the planar light source according to any one of claims 1 to 21. 27. A television receiver using the planar light source according to any one of claims 1 to 21. 28. A large screen using the planar light source according to any one of claims 1 to 21. 29. An array of light sources, wherein the linear light source or the point light source is arranged in the arrangement used for the planar light source according to any one of claims 1 to 17.