JP2004198649A - Light shading device and picture display system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a very high contrast picture even under the environment even when the external light reaching a reflection screen is bright in the case of displaying the picture by using a display system having a front projection display device and a reflection screen. <P>SOLUTION: A light shading plate is constituted by sticking an outer layer 11 transmitting a polarized light component in a 1st direction and reflecting a polarized light component in a 2nd direction orthogonal to the 1st direction and an inner layer 12 transmitting the polarized light component in the 1st direction and absorbing the polarized light component in the 2nd direction, and is installed on a window in a state where the outer layer is turned toward the outdoor side and the inner layer is turned toward the indoor side. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【００３１】
コレステリック液晶は、分子軸のねじれ方向によって決定される方向の円偏光を選択的に反射する特性を有する。また、コレステリック液晶は、ポリマー化することで、温度依存性の少ない安定したフィルムとすることが可能である。また、厚さ方向において、分子軸のねじれのピッチが異なるコレステリック液晶を積層する、もしくは連続的に変化させることで選択反射波長域を調整することも可能となる。
【００３２】
したがって、コレステリック液晶は、以下の特徴を有する。
（１）反射機能を有する。
（２）円偏光選択機能を有する。
（２）波長選択性を有する。
【００３３】
また、コレステリック液晶層３の投射光が照射される前面とは反対側の背面側には、光吸収層４が配置されている。これにより、コレステリック液晶層３にて選択反射される所定方向の円偏光の光以外の光成分は、コレステリック液晶層３を透過して、光吸収層４によって吸収され、漏れ反射することがない。また、コレステリック液晶層３によって選択反射されなかった波長の光も、コレステリック液晶層３を透過して、光吸収層４によって吸収される。遮光層４は、ＣＬＣ層３の裏面側に備えられ、反射型スクリーン１の表面側から入射して、この遮光層４にまで達した光を吸収する作用を有する。すなわち、この反射型スクリーン１においては、円偏光の選択及び波長の選択がなされる。
【００３４】
そして、前面投射型表示装置からの投射光は、一般的には、Ｒ（赤色）、Ｇ（緑色）、Ｂ（青色）の３原色の光から構成されている。したがって、この投射光は、必ずしも、可視光の波長域の全域で均一な強度とはなっていない。また、この投射光の分光強度分布は、外光の分光強度分布には必ずしも一致していない。したがって、本実施の形態における反射型スクリーンとしては、投射光において分光強度が高い波長域について選択反射をするように、コレステリック液晶を設定すれば、表示画像のコントラストを向上させることができる。
【００３５】
ビーズ拡散層２は、図２に示すように、ＣＬＣ層３上に、例えば、ガラスなどからなるビーズ６が多数配列された層を貼り合わせることによって形成される。このように、拡散層としてビーズ拡散層２を用いた場合には、光拡散効果が得られるとともに、いわゆる再帰反射機能も得られることになる。この反射型スクリーン１においては、再帰反射機能を利用して、前面投射型表示装置からの投射光が反射されて観察者の瞳に到達するように、光の反射角度を調整している。これによって、ランダムな入射角度分布を持つ外光については、観察者の瞳に到達する反射光強度を低減させることが可能となる。
【００３６】
なお、この場合において、ビーズ拡散層２を形成するビーズ６の屈折率を１．５乃至１．９５程度とすることにより、このビーズ屈折率に応じた再帰反射性が得られる。そして、前面投射型表示装置からの投射光の入射方向に観察者が居るようにすれば、前面投射型表示装置の投射方向以外から反射型スクリーン１に入射した外光などは、その入射方向に反射され、観察者に向けて反射される光量が少なくなる。そして、この再帰反射性により、前面投射型表示装置からの投射光は、この投射光の入射方向に居る観察者側に戻る。すなわち、外光についての角度選択性が与えられることになる。
【００３７】
このようにして、本実施の形態では、反射型スクリーンにおける入射光の入射角度による選択機能を実現することができる。また、反射光について拡散効果が与えられることにより、反射型スクリーン１の面積がある程度以上のサイズであるとしても、表示画像の面積全体で均一な明るさを保つことができる。
【００３８】
なお、遮光機能を反射型スクリーン１における適当な位置に付加することにより、前面投射型表示装置からの投射光に相当する入射角度分布の光のみを反射させ、それ以外の入射角度の外光を吸収する構造を実現することもできる。
【００３９】
上述のように形成される反射型スクリーン１の表面から入射してきた入射光１０は、まず、ビーズ拡散層２をなすビーズ６に入射し、ＣＬＣ層３に到達する。そして、ＣＬＣ層３においては、予め設定された特定方向の円偏光の光成分が選択的に反射され、これ以外の光成分はＣＬＣ層３を透過する。また、反射された特定方向の円偏光の光についても、前面投射型表示装置からの投射光において強度の強い波長域で選択反射される。すなわち、ＣＬＣ層３では、特定方向の円偏光で、かつ、前面投射型表示装置からの投射光に対応する波長域の光成分が選択的に反射される。
【００４０】
そして、ＣＬＣ層３にて反射されずに透過した光は、遮光層４において吸収されるので、反射型スクリーン１の表面側へ反射されて出射することはない。
【００４１】
一方、ＣＬＣ層３において反射された光成分は、再度、ビーズ拡散層２を通過することになる。前述したように、ビーズ拡散層２は、反射光をある拡がりを有する拡散光として出射するとともに、再帰反射性を有する。再帰反射性とは、反射光について、入射光の入射方向とほぼ同じ方向に反射させる性質をいう。
【００４２】
したがって、この場合においては、ＣＬＣ層３にて反射され、ビーズ拡散層２を通過した光は、ある拡がりを有する拡散光として反射され、再帰反射性により、入射光１０とほぼ同じ方向に向かって反射されることになる。すなわち、入射光１０の入射角ａと反射光の出射角ｂとの角度差は、ある角度範囲内となされる。
【００４３】
また、本発明に係る反射型スクリーンは、図３に示すように、前面側より、１／４波長板７、吸収型直線偏光板８、拡散反射板９及び基板５を順に積層させた構造によっても構成することができる。この場合にも、円偏光選択反射特性を有する反射型スクリーン１を実現することができる。すなわち、１／４波長板と吸収型直線偏光板の組み合わせにより円偏光板となるため、反射型スクリーン１への入射光の偏光状態により、一方向の円偏光は吸収型直線偏光板８を通過し、拡散反射板９で反射され、再び吸収型直線偏光板８を通過する。そして、他方向の円偏光は、吸収型直線偏光板８でカットされる。
【００４４】
この反射型スクリーン１において、１／４波長板７は、ポリカーボネート等の延伸フィルムからなる。この１／４波長板７は、例えば、１／４波長板と１／２波長板とを積層した構造等、複数の位相差板を積層することにより、広い波長範囲で１／４波長板として機能させることが可能となる。
【００４５】
なお、１／４波長板７の表面には、アンチグレア処理を施してある。さらに反射防止膜を付加することにより、表示品位を向上させることが可能である。
【００４６】
吸収型直線偏光板８としては、ＰＶＡフィルムにヨウ素等の２色性色素を配向させた構成のものを使用することができる。また、１／４波長板７及び吸収型直線偏光板８については、一般的な延伸フィルムに代えて、液晶ポリマーの配向処理によって形成される１／４波長板、コーティングすることにより偏光板の機能を発揮する材料などを用いることも可能である。
【００４７】
拡散反射板９としては、アルミニウム板の表面に、いわゆるヘアライン加工等の拡散処理を施したものを使用することができる。
【００４８】
なお、上述したような偏光選択性を利用して外光の反射光を抑制することについては、直線偏光を前提として偏光選択性を利用することも考えられる。直線偏光に対する偏光選択性を利用して反射型スクリーンにおける外光の反射光量を抑えようとする場合、後述する前面投射型表示装置からの投射光の偏光方向と、反射型スクリーンが反射する偏光の偏光方向とを一致させる必要がある。また、これらの偏光方向を、本発明に係る遮光装置を経て反射型スクリーンに至る外光の偏光方向（第１の方向）に直交する第２の方向とする必要がある。
【００４９】
〔前面投射型表示装置の構成〕
次に、本発明に係る表示システムを構成するものとして、上述した反射型スクリーン１とともに用いられる前面投射型表示装置について説明する。上述したように、反射型スクリーン１は、偏光選択性を有し、特定方向の円偏光や直線偏光の光を選択して反射する。したがって、前面投射型表示装置としては、反射型スクリーン１が選択反射する方向の円偏光や直線偏光の投射光を投射する必要がある。以下、このための前面投射型表示装置の構成について説明する。
【００５０】
図４は、本実施の形態としての前面投射型表示装置の内部構成例を示している。
【００５１】
この図４に示す前面投射型表示装置２０としては、例えば、メタルハライドランプ等からなる光源となるランプ２１が、リフレクタ２２（放物面鏡）の焦点位置に配置されている。ランプ２１から照射された光は、リフレクタ２２により反射されて光軸にほぼ平行な平行光束となるようにコリメートされて、リフレクタ２２の開口部から出射される。
【００５２】
上記リフレクタ２２の開口部から出射された光束は、マルチレンズアレイ２３に入射される。このマルチレンズアレイ２３を透過することで、光束が効率よく、かつ均一に後述するライトバルブの有効開口に照射される。
【００５３】
マルチレンズアレイ２３を透過した光束は、ミラー２４により光路を９０°偏向されて、ダイクロイックミラー２５以降の色分離／合成光学系に入射される。
【００５４】
まず、ダイクロイックミラー２５は、赤色の光束Ｒを透過させ、緑色の光束Ｇ及び青色の光束Ｂを反射させる。このダイクロイックミラー２５を透過した赤色の光束Ｒは、ミラー２６により光路を９０°偏向され、赤色用のライトバルブ２８の前のコンデンサレンズ２７に導かれる。
【００５５】
一方、ダイクロイックミラー２５にて反射された緑色及び青色の光束Ｇ，Ｂはダイクロイックミラー２９により分離されることになる。すなわち、このダイクロイックミラー２９においては、緑色の光束Ｇは反射されて進行方向を９０°偏向され、緑色用のライトバルブ３１前のコンデンサレンズ３０に導かれる。
【００５６】
また、青色の光束Ｂは、ダイクロイックミラー２９を透過して直進し、リレーレンズ３２、ミラー３３、リレーレンズ３４、ミラー３５を介して青色用のライトバルブ３７前のコンデンサレンズ３６に導かれる。
【００５７】
このようにして、赤、緑、青色の各光束Ｒ，Ｇ，Ｂは、各々のコンデンサレンズ２７，３０，３６を通過して、各色用のライトバルブ２８，３１，３７に入射される。
【００５８】
これら各色のライトバルブ２８，３１，３７は、例えば、それぞれ液晶パネルが備えられるとともに、液晶パネルの前段に入射した光の偏光方向を一定方向に揃えるための入射側偏光板を有している。また、液晶パネルの後段には、出射された光の所定の偏光面を持つ光成分のみ透過させるいわゆる検光子が配置され、液晶を駆動する回路の電圧により、光の強度を表示画像に応じて変調するようになされている。
【００５９】
そして、ライトバルブ２８，３１，３７により光変調された各色の光束は、光合成素子（ダイクロイックプリズム）３８に対して、３方向から入射される。この光合成素子は、４分割された立方体状のプリズムと、該分割面に形成された反射膜３８ａ，３８ｂとが組み合わされて構成されている。
【００６０】
光合成素子３８における赤色の光束Ｒは、反射膜３８ａで反射され、また青色の光束Ｂは、反射膜３８ｂで反射されて、投射レンズ４１に向けて出射される。緑色の光束Ｇは、光合成素子３８内を直進して透過し、投射レンズ４１に向けて出射される。これにより、各光束Ｒ，Ｇ，Ｂが１つの光束に合成された状態で、投射レンズ４１に向けて出射される。
【００６１】
そして、この実施の形態においては、図４に示すように、光合成素子３８から投射レンズ４１に入射する光路上に、偏光軸回転素子３９及び１／４波長板が設けられている。
【００６２】
一般的に、液晶パネルを光変調素子として用いる前面投射型表示装置においては、液晶パネルが直線偏光を利用することから、直線偏光の投射光を投射する。そこで、この本実施の形態のように、例えば、投射レンズ４１に入射する光束を１／４波長板４０を透過させることで、投射レンズ４１に入射する光束を円偏光に変換することが可能となる。これにより、投射レンズ４１からの投射光も、円偏光となる。
【００６３】
なお、直線偏光の光が１／４波長板を通過することで円偏光に変換されるのは周知であることから、ここでの１／４波長板による偏光変換の原理についての説明は省略する。また、投射光を直線偏光とする場合には、１／４波長板４０を設ける必要はない。
【００６４】
そして、この前面投射型表示装置からの投射光は、上述した反射型スクリーン１により反射される光の偏光状態であるように設定する。例えば、１／４波長板４０による移相方向により決まる投射光の円偏光の状態が、反射型スクリーン１のＣＬＣ層３に対応して反射される方向の円偏光であるように設定する。
【００６５】
また、図４に示すように、ダイクロイックプリズム（光合成素子３８）によって色合成を行う構成の場合には、緑色の光束Ｇと、青色、赤色の光束Ｂ，Ｒとで、出射光の偏光軸が直交している場合がある。このままでは、円偏光変換には不都合であるが、このような場合には、緑色の光束Ｇの偏光軸を回転させ、青色、赤色の光束Ｂ，Ｒと一致させることのできる素子を、例えば、投射レンズ４１に入射する光束の光路上に配置すればよい。これが図４に示す偏光軸回転素子３９に相当する。このように、適当な波長域のみ選択して偏光軸を回転させる素子は、周知となっているものであり、例えば、カラーリンク社より「カラーセレクト」の名称で、すでに商品化もされている。
【００６６】
投射レンズ４１は、光合成素子３８側から入射された光束を投射光に変換して、本実施の形態の反射型スクリーン１の前面に対して投射する。
【００６７】
なお、図４に示した本実施の形態の前面投射型表示装置の構成は、あくまでも一例である。特に、前面投射型表示装置としての色分離／合成光学系の構成は、周知のように多様に存在するものであり、本発明に係る前面投射型表示装置においても、これらの各種の色分離／合成光学系を備えたものであってもよいものである。また、図４に示した前面投射型表示装置は、透過型のライトバルブ（液晶パネル）を備えた構成とされているが、例えば、反射型ライトバルブを備えた構成であってもよい。
【００６８】
〔照明装置の構成〕
また、本発明に係る表示システムは、反射型スクリーン１に表示される画像のコントラストを低下させない照明装置を有することとしてもよい。
【００６９】
この照明装置は、図５に示すように、蛍光ランプ、ハロゲンランプ等の光源を多うランプカバーをＣＬＣ偏光板２０ａによって構成したり、または、図６に示すように、通常のランプカバー６０ａの外面部を、偏光板２０ａによって被って構成することができる。この場合において、偏光板２０ａは、ランプカバー６０ａの外面部に、コレステリック液晶ポリマー（ＣＬＣ）をコーティングして形成してもよい。
【００７０】
この照明装置においては、反射型スクリーン１において反射されない方向の円偏光のみが外方側に放射され、他方向の円偏光は、光源内部に戻されて再利用される。
【００７１】
なお、投射光において分光強度が低い波長域について、分光強度の高い照明光を発する照明装置を積極的に採用することも可能である。すなわち、投射光の分光強度が低い波長域において、分光強度の高い照明光による室内照明を行うことにより、表示画像のコントラストを向上させることができる。前面投射型表示装置の光源として、レーザ光のような急峻な分光強度分布を有するものを用いるとともに、外光が可視光の波長域の全域に亘って均一な強度スペクトルを有している場合、波長選択機能を最も有効に利用できる。
【００７２】
そして、前面投射型表示装置の光源には、一般的に、超高圧水銀ランプ（ＵＨＰランプ）や、メタルハライドランプ等の放電ランプが用いられる。このような放電ランプからの放射光には、色分離、照明の過程で有効に使われない光成分が含まれており、前面投射型表示装置を構成する部材で吸収される。
【００７３】
ここで、一例として、図７に、ＵＨＰランプの分光分布特性を、ＲＧＢ三原色の波長帯域とともに示す。この図７からも分かるように、超高圧水銀ランプの分光分布において、緑色（Ｇ）と赤色（Ｒ）の境界においてピークが得られている帯域は、有効に使用されない光成分である。
【００７４】
そこで、このような画像表示にとって不要な光成分を吸収してしまうのではなく、室内の照明光として利用することもできる。すなわち、前面投射型表示装置から、この不要光が照明光として外部に拡散出射されるようにして、前面投射型表示装置を照明装置としても兼用させることができる。そして、このような前面投射型表示装置を構成するには、例えば、画像表示には使用されない帯域の不要光が前面投射型表示装置の筐体を透して外部に出射されるようにする。そのうえで、筐体の外装部分に拡散材を用いて、内部の光が外部に拡散して出射されるようにすればよいのである。
【００７５】
〔表示システムの構成〕
次に、図８を参照して、上述した遮光板と、前面投射型表示装置２０と、反射型スクリーン１とを備えた表示システムについて説明する。室内５０においては、前面側表示装置２０が天井面５３に取り付けられて設置されている。そして、前面投射型表示装置２０は、壁面５２に取り付けられた反射型スクリーン１に対して、投射光を投射するように、その配置方向などが調整されている。なお、前面投射型表示装置２０の機能は、例えば、図４に示した構成により実現されるようにすればよい。
【００７６】
そして、前面側表示装置２０からは前述もしたように、反射型スクリーン１にて反射される円偏光の投射光が投射されることになるので、スクリーンが選択的に投射光を反射することとなる。これが、反射型スクリーン１に表示される画像についての、外光によるコントラストの低下の防止のための一要素となる。
【００７７】
また、前面側表示装置２０の筐体からは、例えば、図９に示すように、Ｒ−Ｇの境界波長域、Ｂ−Ｇの境界波長域の強度が強く、ＲＧＢ三原色に対応する投射光とは異なる分布特性を有する照明光が発せられ、室内５０内に拡散される。この照明光は、投射光とは異なる分光分布を示すことから、この点においても、表示画像の外光によるコントラストの低下防止が図られることになる。
【００７８】
このうえで、さらに、反射型スクリーン１の波長選択性を利用して、照明光の反射をより有効に抑えるようにすれば、外光による表示画像のコントラスト低下はさらに防止される。すなわち、反射型スクリーン１のＣＬＣ層３に用いられるコレステリック液晶の選択反射波長域を前面側表示装置２０からの投射光の分光分布に合わせ、また逆に、Ｒ−Ｇの境界波長域、Ｂ−Ｇの境界波長域において選択反射しない設定とする。これにより、前面側表示装置２０からの照明光についての、反射型スクリーン１における反射量はさらに少なくなり、外光による表示画像のコントラスト低下はより防止されることになる。ちなみに、照明光が壁面５２、天井面５３、床面５４等の室内面に反射して反射型スクリーン１に到達する外光も、反射型スクリーン１のＣＬＣ層３の選択反射波長域以外で強度が高い。このため、ＣＬＣ層３にて反射される外光はわずかなものとなる。
【００７９】
また、さらに図８においては、前面側表示装置２０の筐体表面において、投射光の出射方向に対応する方向に対して、ＣＬＣ偏光板２０ａを貼り付け、または、コレステリック液晶ポリマー（ＣＬＣ）をコーティングして円偏光選択素子を設けている。
【００８０】
このＣＬＣ偏光板２０ａとしては、例えばコレステリック液晶をシート化したものを用いることができ、このコレステリック液晶には、例えば、反射型スクリーン１のＣＬＣ層３に用いられるコレステリック液晶と同じ分子軸のねじれ方向を与えているものである。
【００８１】
これにより、前面側表示装置２０から反射型スクリーン１側に到達する照明光は、ＣＬＣ偏光板２０ａを透過することになる。そして、ＣＬＣ偏光板２０ａを透過した光は、ＣＬＣ偏光板２０ａの分子軸のねじれ方向に応じて、投射光とは逆方向の円偏光の光のみとなる。このため、ＣＬＣ偏光板２０ａを透過した光が反射型スクリーン１に到達しても、反射型スクリーン１のＣＬＣ３層を透過し、遮光層において吸収されることになる。このようにして、前面側表示装置２０にＣＬＣ偏光板２０ａを設ければ、外光による表示画像のコントラスト低下をさらに有効に防止することができる。
【００８２】
また、前面側表示装置２０の筐体表面にＣＬＣ偏光板２０ａを貼り付け、または、コレステリック液晶ポリマー（ＣＬＣ）をコーティングすることにより、一方向の円偏光を透過させ、他方向の円偏光を光源側に戻すことで、光の再利用が可能となる。
【００８３】
また、前面側表示装置２０の筐体表面に貼り付けるＣＬＣ偏光板２０ａに代えて、１／４波長板と直線偏光板とで構成される円偏光選択素子を貼り付けるようにしてもよい。吸収型直線偏光板を用いると、照明光の光利用効率が問題となり得るが、その場合には、反射型直線偏光板を用いることにより、一方向の円偏光を透過させ、他方向の円偏光は反射させて光源側に戻し、光を再利用することが可能となる。
【００８４】
また、この図８に示す室内５０には、窓に対していわゆるブラインドカーテンとして、遮光板５１を取り付けている。この遮光板５１は、上述した本発明に係る遮光装置の構成を有するものである。
【００８５】
したがって、窓から室内５０に進入しようとする外光は、遮光板５１によって、投射光と異なる偏光状態（直線偏光）の光のみとなって、室内５０に入ってくることになる。したがって、遮光板５１を介してこの室内５０に進入してきた光が反射型スクリーン１に到達しても、ＣＬＣ層３にて反射されることなく吸収されることになる。このようにして、遮光板５１を窓に取り付けることによって、外光による表示画像のコントラスト低下を防止することができる。
【００８６】
上述の説明は、前面投射型表示装置２０が照明装置の機能を有する場合について述べているが、上述したように、前面投射型表示装置からの投射光とは異なる分光分布を示す照明光、あるいは、前面投射型表示装置２０からの投射光と逆方向の円偏光である照明光を発する単体の照明装置を構成し、この照明装置を用いても、上述した前面側表示装置２０と同様の効果を得ることができる。
【００８７】
【発明の効果】
上述のように、本発明に係る遮光装置においては、屋外からこの遮光装置を透過して屋内に入射する外光を、所定の第１の方向の偏光成分とすることができるとともに、屋内からこの遮光装置を透過して屋外に出射する光の偏光状態と異なる偏光状態の屋内からの光を吸収するので、屋内からは屋外が見えるが、屋外からは屋内を見ることはできないという状態を実現することができる。
【００８８】
また、本発明に係る表示システムにおいては、屋外から遮光板を透過して屋内に入射した外光は、前面投射型表示装置からの投射光及び反射型スクリーンが反射する光の偏光状態とは異なる偏光状態であるので、反射型スクリーンにおいて反射されない。
【００８９】
すなわち、本発明は、フロントプロジェクタと反射型スクリーンとを有する表示システムを使用して画像表示を行う場合などにおいて、反射型スクリーンに到達する外光が明るい環境下であっても、充分に高いコントラストの画像が得られるようにすることができる遮光装置を提供し、また、これら反射型スクリーン、前面投射型表示装置及び遮光板からなる表示システムを提供することができるものである。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る遮光装置の構成を示す断面図である。
【図２】本発明に係る表示システムを構成する反射型スクリーンの構造を模式的に示す断面図である。
【図３】上記反射型スクリーンの構造の他の例を模式的に示す断面図である。
【図４】本発明に係る表示システムを構成する前面投射型表示装置の内部構成例を示す平面図である。
【図５】本発明に係る表示システムを構成する照明装置の構成を示す断面図である。
【図６】上記照明装置の構成の他の例を示す断面図である。
【図７】上記前面投射型表示装置の光源（ＵＨＰランプ）の分光分布特性を示す分光分布図である。
【図８】本発明に係る表示システムの構成を示す側面図である。
【図９】上記照明装置の分光分布特性を示す分光分布図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 反射型スクリーン、２ ビーズ拡散層、３ ＣＬＣ層、４ 遮光層、５ 基板、７，４０ １／４波長板、８ 吸収型直線偏光板、９ 拡散反射板、１０入射光、１１ 外層、１２ 内層、２０ 前面投射型表示装置、５０ 室内、５１ 遮光板[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides, for example, a light-shielding device attached to a window or the like to change light incident from indoors to outdoors into a predetermined polarization state, and a display including such a light-shielding device, a reflective screen, and a front projection display device. About the system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as a display device, a projection-type display device in which projection light according to an image is projected on a screen to obtain a large-screen image display, a so-called projector, has been widely used.
[0003]
As one of such projectors, a front-projection display device, a so-called front projector, is known. The front projector displays an image by projecting projection light onto the reflective screen from the front side.
[0004]
As a reflective screen used with such a front projector, a white screen, a metal screen, a bead screen, and the like have been put to practical use.
[0005]
The white screen is very common as a reflection type screen. For example, a white resin sheet having a plain surface is used for a reflection surface. As the white screen, there is known a white screen obtained by subjecting a surface of a white resin sheet to a plain or mat-like processing.
[0006]
The metal screen is formed by laminating a resin layer containing a diffusion material or a film subjected to a mat-like processing on a metal reflection layer. The bead screen is formed by laying glass beads having a diameter of, for example, about 0.05 mm (50 μm) on a surface to be a reflective layer such as a white resin sheet or aluminum.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-232621 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-512845 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, when displaying an image using the above-described front projection display device (front projector) and a reflection screen such as a white screen, a metal screen, or a bead screen, the display is affected by external light. There is a problem that the contrast, which is one of the image qualities, is reduced. That is, in an environment where the surroundings of the reflective screen are bright, external light is reflected by the reflective screen and enters the pupil of the observer, so that sufficient contrast cannot be obtained for the displayed image.
[0009]
For example, consider a case where a display system including the above-described front projector and reflective screen is installed indoors (indoors). In this case, so-called external light, other than the light projected from the front projector, also reaches the reflective screen indoors. That is, for example, outdoor light such as sunlight or indoor illumination light emitted from a lighting fixture also reaches the reflective screen and is reflected by the reflective screen.
[0010]
As described above, in an environment where the brightness of the external light reflected by the reflective screen is appropriately brighter than the brightness of the projection light from the front projector, the image displayed on the reflective screen may be different. And sufficient contrast cannot be obtained.
[0011]
Therefore, the present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described circumstances, and in a case where an image is displayed using a display system having a front projector and a reflective screen, for example, when the image reaches the reflective screen. Provided is a light-shielding device capable of obtaining an image with a sufficiently high contrast even in a bright environment, and a display system including the reflective screen, the front projection display device, and the light-shielding plate. It is intended to provide.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, a light-shielding device according to the present invention includes an outer layer that transmits a polarized light component in a predetermined first direction and reflects a polarized light component in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. An inner layer that transmits the polarized light component in the first direction and absorbs the polarized light component in the second direction. The outer layer and the inner layer are bonded to each other, and the outer layer is directed to the outdoor side and the inner layer is directed to the indoor side. It is characterized by being oriented and installed.
[0013]
In this light-shielding device, external light that passes through the light-shielding device from the outside and enters the interior can be made into a polarized component in a predetermined first direction, and can be transmitted from the indoor to the outside through the light-shielding device. Since light from the inside of the room having a polarization state different from the polarization state of the emitted light is absorbed, it is possible to realize a state in which the outside can be seen from the inside, but the inside cannot be seen from the outside.
[0014]
The image display system according to the present invention includes an outer layer that transmits a polarization component in a predetermined first direction and reflects a polarization component in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a polarization in the first direction. A light-shielding plate having an inner layer that transmits the light components and absorbs the polarized light component in the second direction and that is attached to each other, the outer layer being directed to the outdoor side, and the inner layer being directed to the indoor side; A front projection display device that projects a projection light having a polarization state different from the linearly polarized light in the direction of the direction, and a projection light from the front projection display device is projected to absorb light having a polarization state different from the polarization state of the projection light. And a reflection type screen for displaying an image by reflecting the polarized light of the projection light.
[0015]
In this image display system, the external light that has passed through the light-shielding plate from outside and entered indoors has a polarization state different from the polarization state of the light projected from the front projection display device and the light reflected by the reflective screen. Therefore, it is not reflected on the reflective screen.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
In this embodiment, a light-shielding device according to the present invention is used as a light-shielding plate, a front projector (front-projection display device) that projects projection light, and an image is formed by reflecting projection light projected from the front projector. A display system including a reflection type screen for displaying the display will be described.
[0018]
[Configuration of light shielding device (light shielding plate)]
As shown in FIG. 1, the light-shielding device according to the present invention, which is a light-shielding plate in the display system according to the present invention, transmits a polarized light component in a first direction indicated by an arrow P in FIG. It has an outer layer 11 that reflects a polarized light component in a second direction orthogonal to the direction indicated by an arrow S in FIG. The outer layer 11 is a so-called reflection-type polarizing plate, and transmits the polarized light component in the first direction and the polarized light component in the second direction, as described above, with respect to incident light from both directions. reflect.
[0019]
The light-shielding plate has an inner layer 12 bonded to an outer layer 11. The inner layer 12 transmits a polarized light component in a first direction indicated by an arrow P in FIG. 1 and absorbs a polarized light component in a second direction indicated by an arrow S in FIG. 1 orthogonal to the first direction. The inner layer 12 is a so-called polarizing plate, and transmits the polarized light component in the first direction and absorbs the polarized light component in the second direction, as described above, with respect to incident light from both directions. .
[0020]
The light-shielding plate is installed in a state where the outer layer 11 is directed to the outdoor side and the inner layer 12 is directed to the indoor side, and closes an opening such as a window of a house. That is, light that enters the house from the outside through the opening of the house enters through the light-shielding plate.
[0021]
Accordingly, of the outdoor light, the polarized light component in the first direction is incident indoors, but the polarized light component in the second direction is reflected by the light-shielding plate, and is not incident indoors. Further, among the indoor light, the polarized light component in the first direction is emitted to the outside, but the polarized light component in the second direction is absorbed by the light shielding plate, so that the light is not emitted to the outside.
[0022]
When the light-shielding plate attached to the opening of the house is viewed from outside, the polarization component in the second direction of the outdoor light reflected by the light-shielding plate and the indoor light transmitted through the light-shielding plate are included. In the first direction. In this case, if the outdoor light is stronger than the indoor light, the light-shielding plate looks almost like a mirror from outside, and it is not possible to see the indoor state.
[0023]
In addition, when the light-shielding plate attached to the opening of the house is viewed from indoors, only the polarization component in the first direction out of the outdoor light transmitted through the light-shielding plate can be seen. Therefore, the state of the outdoors can always be seen from indoors.
[0024]
[Configuration of reflective screen]
The reflective screen of the display system according to the present invention improves the contrast of the displayed image due to external light, for example, on a reflective screen, absorbs external light, or does not reflect to the observer side. On the other hand, only the projection light from the front projector (front projection display device) is selectively reflected. That is, only the projection light is selectively reflected with respect to the external light.
[0025]
In the present specification, “outside light” refers to light other than the projection light projected from the front projection display device in a room (indoor) where the front projection display device is arranged. Light emitted from an indoor lighting device, outdoor light incident through a light-shielding plate from an opening such as a window, and reflected light from a wall or the like.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 2, the reflective screen in the display system according to the present invention comprises a substrate 5, a light-shielding layer 4, and a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) polymer from the back surface (back surface) to the front surface (front surface). The cholesteric liquid crystal layer (CLC layer) 3 and the bead diffusion layer 2 are sequentially laminated. Here, the surface of the reflective screen 1 is a surface on which light projected from a front-projection display device, which is a front projector, is projected, and refers to a surface on a viewer's viewing side. Further, the back surface is a surface opposite to the surface on which the projection light is projected, and refers to a surface that cannot be seen from the viewer side.
[0027]
The CLC layer 3 is formed from a sheet-like material obtained by polymerizing cholesteric liquid crystal. The cholesteric liquid crystal forming the CLC layer 3 is set so as to select and reflect circularly polarized light in a specific direction. Thereby, a circularly polarized light selecting function in the reflective screen 1 is provided. In the reflection type screen 1, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 3 itself functions as a reflection layer.
[0028]
As is well known, the cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) has an arrangement of liquid crystal molecular axes in the same plane on each plane, but in the next plane, the arrangement direction of the molecular axes is slightly shifted. The liquid crystal molecular axis has a structure in which the alignment direction shifts. In other words, it has a multifaceted structure, and has a structure in which the angle of the molecular axis shifts as it goes on the plane on which the molecules are arranged. That is, it has a so-called chiral structure in which the molecular axis is twisted as it advances on a plane.
[0029]
It is also widely known that the above-mentioned twist of the molecular axis exhibits selective reflection characteristics at a wavelength level.
[0030]
(Equation 1)

[0031]
Cholesteric liquid crystals have the property of selectively reflecting circularly polarized light in a direction determined by the twist direction of the molecular axis. The cholesteric liquid crystal can be converted into a polymer to form a stable film with little temperature dependence. It is also possible to adjust the selective reflection wavelength range by laminating or continuously changing cholesteric liquid crystals having different twist pitches of the molecular axis in the thickness direction.
[0032]
Therefore, the cholesteric liquid crystal has the following characteristics.
(1) It has a reflection function.
(2) It has a circularly polarized light selection function.
(2) It has wavelength selectivity.
[0033]
In addition, a light absorbing layer 4 is disposed on the back side opposite to the front side of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 3 to which the projection light is applied. Thus, light components other than circularly polarized light in a predetermined direction selectively reflected by the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 3 pass through the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 3 and are absorbed by the light absorbing layer 4 so as not to leak and reflect. Light having a wavelength not selectively reflected by the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 3 also passes through the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 3 and is absorbed by the light absorbing layer 4. The light-shielding layer 4 is provided on the back side of the CLC layer 3 and has a function of absorbing light that enters from the front side of the reflective screen 1 and reaches the light-shielding layer 4. That is, in the reflective screen 1, selection of circularly polarized light and selection of wavelength are performed.
[0034]
The projection light from the front projection display device is generally composed of light of three primary colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). Therefore, the projection light does not always have a uniform intensity over the entire visible light wavelength range. Further, the spectral intensity distribution of the projection light does not always match the spectral intensity distribution of the external light. Therefore, if the cholesteric liquid crystal is set as the reflective screen in the present embodiment so as to selectively reflect in a wavelength range where the spectral intensity of the projected light is high, the contrast of the displayed image can be improved.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 2, the bead diffusion layer 2 is formed by laminating a layer in which a large number of beads 6 made of, for example, glass are arranged on the CLC layer 3. As described above, when the bead diffusion layer 2 is used as the diffusion layer, a light diffusion effect is obtained and a so-called retroreflection function is obtained. In the reflective screen 1, the light reflection angle is adjusted by utilizing the retroreflection function so that the light projected from the front projection display device is reflected and reaches the pupil of the observer. This makes it possible to reduce the intensity of reflected light that reaches the pupil of the observer for external light having a random incident angle distribution.
[0036]
In this case, by setting the refractive index of the beads 6 forming the bead diffusion layer 2 to about 1.5 to 1.95, retroreflectivity according to the bead refractive index can be obtained. If the observer is located in the incident direction of the projection light from the front projection display device, external light or the like incident on the reflective screen 1 from a direction other than the projection direction of the front projection display device will be in the incident direction. The amount of light that is reflected and reflected toward the observer is reduced. Then, due to the retroreflectivity, the projection light from the front projection display returns to the observer side in the incident direction of the projection light. That is, the angle selectivity for external light is provided.
[0037]
In this manner, in the present embodiment, a selection function based on the incident angle of incident light on the reflective screen can be realized. Further, by providing a diffusion effect for the reflected light, even if the area of the reflective screen 1 is a certain size or more, it is possible to maintain uniform brightness over the entire area of the display image.
[0038]
In addition, by adding a light blocking function to an appropriate position in the reflective screen 1, only light having an incident angle distribution corresponding to light projected from the front projection display device is reflected, and external light having other incident angles is reflected. An absorbing structure can also be realized.
[0039]
The incident light 10 entering from the surface of the reflective screen 1 formed as described above first enters the beads 6 forming the bead diffusion layer 2 and reaches the CLC layer 3. Then, in the CLC layer 3, a circularly polarized light component in a preset specific direction is selectively reflected, and other light components are transmitted through the CLC layer 3. Further, the reflected circularly polarized light in a specific direction is also selectively reflected in a wavelength region where the intensity is strong in the projection light from the front projection display device. In other words, the CLC layer 3 selectively reflects a circularly polarized light in a specific direction and a light component in a wavelength range corresponding to the light projected from the front projection display device.
[0040]
Then, the light transmitted without being reflected by the CLC layer 3 is absorbed by the light-shielding layer 4, so that the light is not reflected and emitted to the surface side of the reflective screen 1.
[0041]
On the other hand, the light component reflected by the CLC layer 3 passes through the bead diffusion layer 2 again. As described above, the bead diffusion layer 2 emits reflected light as diffused light having a certain spread, and has retroreflectivity. The retroreflective property refers to a property that reflected light is reflected in substantially the same direction as the incident direction of incident light.
[0042]
Therefore, in this case, the light that has been reflected by the CLC layer 3 and passed through the bead diffusion layer 2 is reflected as diffuse light having a certain spread, and due to retroreflectivity, has been directed in substantially the same direction as the incident light 10. It will be reflected. That is, the angle difference between the incident angle a of the incident light 10 and the emission angle b of the reflected light is within a certain angle range.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 3, the reflective screen according to the present invention has a structure in which a quarter-wave plate 7, an absorption linear polarizer 8, a diffuse reflector 9 and a substrate 5 are sequentially stacked from the front side. Can also be configured. Also in this case, the reflection type screen 1 having the circularly polarized light selective reflection characteristic can be realized. In other words, a circular polarizer is formed by a combination of a 波長 wavelength plate and an absorption linear polarizer, so that circular polarized light in one direction passes through the absorption linear polarizer 8 depending on the polarization state of light incident on the reflective screen 1. Then, the light is reflected by the diffuse reflection plate 9 and passes through the absorption linear polarizer 8 again. Then, the circularly polarized light in the other direction is cut by the absorption type linear polarizing plate 8.
[0044]
In this reflective screen 1, the quarter-wave plate 7 is made of a stretched film such as polycarbonate. The quarter-wave plate 7 is formed as a quarter-wave plate over a wide wavelength range by stacking a plurality of retardation plates, such as a structure in which a quarter-wave plate and a half-wave plate are stacked. It is possible to function.
[0045]
The surface of the quarter-wave plate 7 has been subjected to an anti-glare treatment. Further, the display quality can be improved by adding an antireflection film.
[0046]
As the absorption-type linear polarizing plate 8, a structure in which a dichroic dye such as iodine is oriented on a PVA film can be used. The quarter-wave plate 7 and the absorption linear polarizer 8 are replaced with a general stretched film, and instead of a quarter-wave plate formed by an alignment treatment of a liquid crystal polymer, the function of the polarizing plate is obtained by coating. It is also possible to use a material exhibiting the following.
[0047]
As the diffuse reflection plate 9, one obtained by subjecting a surface of an aluminum plate to a diffusion treatment such as so-called hairline processing can be used.
[0048]
In addition, regarding suppression of reflected light of external light using the above-described polarization selectivity, it is conceivable to use polarization selectivity on the assumption of linearly polarized light. When trying to suppress the amount of external light reflected on the reflective screen by using the polarization selectivity for linearly polarized light, the polarization direction of the light projected from the front projection display device described later, and the polarization of the reflected light reflected by the reflective screen It is necessary to match the polarization direction. In addition, these polarization directions need to be the second direction orthogonal to the polarization direction (first direction) of external light that reaches the reflective screen via the light shielding device according to the present invention.
[0049]
[Configuration of front projection display device]
Next, a front projection display device used together with the above-mentioned reflective screen 1 will be described as a component of the display system according to the present invention. As described above, the reflective screen 1 has polarization selectivity, and selects and reflects circularly polarized light or linearly polarized light in a specific direction. Therefore, it is necessary for the front projection display device to project circularly or linearly polarized projection light in the direction in which the reflective screen 1 selectively reflects. Hereinafter, the configuration of the front projection display device for this purpose will be described.
[0050]
FIG. 4 shows an example of the internal configuration of the front projection display device according to the present embodiment.
[0051]
In the front projection display device 20 shown in FIG. 4, for example, a lamp 21 serving as a light source such as a metal halide lamp is disposed at a focal position of a reflector 22 (parabolic mirror). Light emitted from the lamp 21 is reflected by the reflector 22, collimated into a parallel light beam substantially parallel to the optical axis, and emitted from the opening of the reflector 22.
[0052]
The light beam emitted from the opening of the reflector 22 enters the multi-lens array 23. By transmitting the light through the multi-lens array 23, the light beam is efficiently and uniformly applied to an effective opening of a light valve described later.
[0053]
The light beam transmitted through the multi-lens array 23 is deflected by 90 ° in the optical path by the mirror 24 and is incident on the color separation / combination optical system after the dichroic mirror 25.
[0054]
First, the dichroic mirror 25 transmits the red light flux R and reflects the green light flux G and the blue light flux B. The red light flux R transmitted through the dichroic mirror 25 is deflected by 90 ° in the optical path by the mirror 26 and guided to the condenser lens 27 in front of the red light valve 28.
[0055]
On the other hand, the green and blue light beams G and B reflected by the dichroic mirror 25 are separated by the dichroic mirror 29. That is, in the dichroic mirror 29, the green light beam G is reflected, the traveling direction is deflected by 90 °, and guided to the condenser lens 30 in front of the green light valve 31.
[0056]
The blue light beam B passes through the dichroic mirror 29 and travels straight, and is guided to the condenser lens 36 in front of the blue light valve 37 via the relay lens 32, the mirror 33, the relay lens 34, and the mirror 35.
[0057]
In this way, the red, green, and blue luminous fluxes R, G, and B pass through the respective condenser lenses 27, 30, and 36, and enter the light valves 28, 31, and 37 for each color.
[0058]
Each of the light valves 28, 31, and 37 for each color has, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and an incident-side polarizing plate for aligning the polarization direction of light incident on the front stage of the liquid crystal panel in a certain direction. Further, a so-called analyzer that transmits only a light component having a predetermined polarization plane of the emitted light is disposed at a subsequent stage of the liquid crystal panel, and a voltage of a circuit for driving the liquid crystal controls a light intensity according to a display image. It is adapted to be modulated.
[0059]
The luminous flux of each color light-modulated by the light valves 28, 31 and 37 is incident on a light combining element (dichroic prism) 38 from three directions. This photosynthetic device is configured by combining a cubic prism divided into four parts and reflection films 38a and 38b formed on the divided surfaces.
[0060]
The red light flux R in the photosynthesis element 38 is reflected by the reflection film 38a, and the blue light flux B is reflected by the reflection film 38b and emitted toward the projection lens 41. The green light flux G travels straight through the light combining element 38 and passes through, and is emitted toward the projection lens 41. Thus, the light beams R, G, and B are emitted toward the projection lens 41 in a state where they are combined into one light beam.
[0061]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a polarization axis rotating element 39 and a quarter-wave plate are provided on an optical path from the light combining element 38 to the projection lens 41.
[0062]
Generally, in a front projection display device using a liquid crystal panel as a light modulation element, linearly polarized projection light is projected because the liquid crystal panel uses linearly polarized light. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, for example, by transmitting the light beam incident on the projection lens 41 through the quarter-wave plate 40, it is possible to convert the light beam incident on the projection lens 41 into circularly polarized light. Become. Thereby, the projection light from the projection lens 41 is also circularly polarized.
[0063]
It is well known that linearly polarized light is converted into circularly polarized light by passing through a quarter-wave plate, and thus the description of the principle of polarization conversion by a quarter-wave plate is omitted here. . When the projection light is linearly polarized, it is not necessary to provide the quarter-wave plate 40.
[0064]
The projection light from the front projection display device is set so as to be in the polarization state of the light reflected by the above-mentioned reflection screen 1. For example, it is set so that the state of the circularly polarized light of the projection light determined by the phase shift direction by the quarter-wave plate 40 is the circularly polarized light in the direction of reflection corresponding to the CLC layer 3 of the reflective screen 1.
[0065]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in the case of a configuration in which the color composition is performed by the dichroic prism (the light composition element 38), the polarization axis of the emitted light is determined by the green light flux G and the blue and red light fluxes B and R. May be orthogonal. In this case, it is inconvenient for circularly polarized light conversion. In such a case, for example, an element that can rotate the polarization axis of the green light flux G and match the blue and red light fluxes B and R with, for example, What is necessary is just to arrange | position on the optical path of the light beam which injects into the projection lens 41. FIG. This corresponds to the polarization axis rotating element 39 shown in FIG. As described above, the element that selects only an appropriate wavelength range and rotates the polarization axis is well known, and has already been commercialized, for example, under the name of “Color Select” by Color Link. .
[0066]
The projection lens 41 converts a light beam incident from the light combining element 38 side into projection light, and projects the light onto the front surface of the reflective screen 1 of the present embodiment.
[0067]
Note that the configuration of the front projection display device of the present embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 is merely an example. In particular, the configuration of the color separation / synthesis optical system as a front projection display device is variously known as is well known, and even in the front projection display device according to the present invention, these various color separation / combination optical systems are used. It may be one provided with a synthetic optical system. Further, the front projection display device shown in FIG. 4 is configured to include a transmission type light valve (liquid crystal panel), but may be configured to include, for example, a reflection type light valve.
[0068]
[Configuration of lighting device]
Further, the display system according to the present invention may include an illumination device that does not reduce the contrast of an image displayed on the reflective screen 1.
[0069]
In this lighting device, as shown in FIG. 5, a lamp cover having many light sources such as a fluorescent lamp and a halogen lamp is constituted by a CLC polarizing plate 20a, or as shown in FIG. The outer surface portion can be configured to be covered with the polarizing plate 20a. In this case, the polarizing plate 20a may be formed by coating the outer surface of the lamp cover 60a with a cholesteric liquid crystal polymer (CLC).
[0070]
In this lighting device, only the circularly polarized light in the direction not reflected by the reflective screen 1 is radiated outward, and the circularly polarized light in the other direction is returned to the light source and reused.
[0071]
Note that an illuminating device that emits illumination light having a high spectral intensity in a wavelength range where the spectral intensity of the projection light is low may be positively employed. That is, in the wavelength range where the spectral intensity of the projection light is low, the indoor image is illuminated with the illumination light having the high spectral intensity, so that the contrast of the displayed image can be improved. When a light source having a sharp spectral intensity distribution such as a laser beam is used as a light source of the front projection display device, and the external light has a uniform intensity spectrum over the entire visible light wavelength range, The wavelength selection function can be used most effectively.
[0072]
In general, a discharge lamp such as an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp (UHP lamp) or a metal halide lamp is used as a light source of the front projection display device. The light emitted from such a discharge lamp contains light components that are not effectively used in the process of color separation and illumination, and is absorbed by members constituting the front projection display device.
[0073]
Here, as an example, FIG. 7 shows the spectral distribution characteristics of the UHP lamp together with the wavelength bands of the three primary colors RGB. As can be seen from FIG. 7, in the spectral distribution of the extra-high pressure mercury lamp, the band where a peak is obtained at the boundary between green (G) and red (R) is a light component that is not used effectively.
[0074]
Thus, instead of absorbing light components unnecessary for such image display, the light components can be used as room illumination light. That is, the unnecessary light is diffused and emitted to the outside as illumination light from the front projection display device, so that the front projection display device can also be used as an illumination device. In order to configure such a front projection display device, for example, unnecessary light in a band not used for image display is emitted to the outside through a housing of the front projection display device. Then, a light diffusing material may be used for the exterior part of the housing so that the light inside may be diffused to the outside and emitted.
[0075]
[Display system configuration]
Next, a display system including the above-described light blocking plate, the front projection display device 20, and the reflective screen 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In the room 50, the front-side display device 20 is mounted on the ceiling surface 53. The arrangement direction and the like of the front projection type display device 20 are adjusted so that the projection light is projected on the reflection type screen 1 attached to the wall surface 52. The function of the front projection display device 20 may be realized by, for example, the configuration illustrated in FIG.
[0076]
As described above, since the projection light of the circularly polarized light reflected by the reflection type screen 1 is projected from the front side display device 20, the screen selectively reflects the projection light. Become. This is one factor for preventing a decrease in contrast of an image displayed on the reflective screen 1 due to external light.
[0077]
Further, from the housing of the front side display device 20, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the intensity of the boundary wavelength range of RGB, the boundary wavelength range of BG is strong, and the projection light corresponding to the RGB three primary colors. Illumination light having different distribution characteristics is emitted and diffused into the room 50. Since this illumination light has a spectral distribution different from that of the projection light, in this regard, it is also possible to prevent a decrease in contrast due to external light of the display image.
[0078]
In addition, if the reflection of the illumination light is more effectively suppressed by utilizing the wavelength selectivity of the reflection type screen 1, a decrease in the contrast of the displayed image due to the external light is further prevented. That is, the selective reflection wavelength range of the cholesteric liquid crystal used for the CLC layer 3 of the reflection type screen 1 is adjusted to the spectral distribution of the light projected from the front display device 20, and conversely, the boundary wavelength range of R-G, B- It is set so that selective reflection is not performed in the boundary wavelength range of G. Thereby, the amount of reflection of the illumination light from the front-side display device 20 on the reflective screen 1 is further reduced, and the reduction in the contrast of the displayed image due to external light is further prevented. Incidentally, external light that reaches the reflective screen 1 after the illumination light is reflected on the indoor surface such as the wall surface 52, the ceiling surface 53, and the floor surface 54 also has an intensity outside the selective reflection wavelength range of the CLC layer 3 of the reflective screen 1. Is high. Therefore, external light reflected by the CLC layer 3 is very small.
[0079]
Further, in FIG. 8, a CLC polarizing plate 20a is adhered or a cholesteric liquid crystal polymer (CLC) is coated on the surface of the housing of the front-side display device 20 in the direction corresponding to the emission direction of the projection light. And a circularly polarized light selection element is provided.
[0080]
As the CLC polarizing plate 20a, for example, a sheet formed of cholesteric liquid crystal can be used. The cholesteric liquid crystal has, for example, the same molecular axis twist direction as the cholesteric liquid crystal used for the CLC layer 3 of the reflective screen 1. Is given.
[0081]
Thereby, the illumination light reaching the reflective screen 1 from the front display device 20 is transmitted through the CLC polarizing plate 20a. Then, the light transmitted through the CLC polarizing plate 20a becomes only circularly polarized light in the direction opposite to the projection light according to the twist direction of the molecular axis of the CLC polarizing plate 20a. Therefore, even if the light transmitted through the CLC polarizing plate 20a reaches the reflective screen 1, the light passes through the three CLC layers of the reflective screen 1 and is absorbed by the light shielding layer. By providing the CLC polarizing plate 20a on the front-side display device 20 in this manner, it is possible to more effectively prevent the contrast of a display image from being reduced by external light.
[0082]
In addition, a CLC polarizing plate 20a is attached to the surface of the housing of the front display device 20, or a cholesteric liquid crystal polymer (CLC) is coated, so that circular polarized light in one direction is transmitted and circular polarized light in the other direction is used as a light source. By returning to the side, light can be reused.
[0083]
Further, instead of the CLC polarizing plate 20a attached to the surface of the housing of the front display device 20, a circularly polarized light selection element composed of a 波長 wavelength plate and a linear polarizing plate may be attached. If an absorption type linear polarizer is used, the light utilization efficiency of the illumination light may be a problem. In that case, by using a reflective linear polarizer, circular polarized light in one direction can be transmitted and circular polarized light in the other direction can be transmitted. Is reflected back to the light source side, and light can be reused.
[0084]
In the room 50 shown in FIG. 8, a light shielding plate 51 is attached as a so-called blind curtain to a window. The light shielding plate 51 has the above-described configuration of the light shielding device according to the present invention.
[0085]
Therefore, the outside light that is going to enter the room 50 from the window becomes only the light having a different polarization state (linearly polarized light) from the projection light due to the light shielding plate 51 and enters the room 50. Therefore, even if the light that has entered the room 50 via the light shielding plate 51 reaches the reflective screen 1, it is absorbed without being reflected by the CLC layer 3. In this manner, by attaching the light-shielding plate 51 to the window, it is possible to prevent the contrast of the displayed image from lowering due to external light.
[0086]
The above description describes the case where the front-projection display device 20 has the function of a lighting device. However, as described above, illumination light having a spectral distribution different from the projection light from the front-projection display device, or A single illumination device that emits illumination light that is circularly polarized light in the opposite direction to the projection light from the front projection display device 20 is configured, and even if this illumination device is used, the same effects as those of the above-described front display device 20 can be obtained. Can be obtained.
[0087]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the light-shielding device according to the present invention, external light that passes through the light-shielding device from the outside and enters the interior can be a polarization component in a predetermined first direction, and the light from the interior can It absorbs light from the indoors that has a polarization state different from the polarization state of the light that passes through the light-shielding device and exits outdoors, so that you can see the outdoors from the indoors, but you cannot see the indoors from the outdoors. be able to.
[0088]
In the display system according to the present invention, the external light transmitted from the outdoor through the light-shielding plate and incident on the indoor is different from the polarization state of the light projected from the front projection display device and the light reflected by the reflective screen. Since it is in a polarized state, it is not reflected on the reflective screen.
[0089]
That is, the present invention provides a sufficiently high contrast even in an environment where external light reaching the reflective screen is bright, for example, when an image is displayed using a display system having a front projector and a reflective screen. And a display system including the reflection type screen, the front projection type display device, and the light shielding plate.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a light shielding device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a structure of a reflective screen constituting a display system according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating another example of the structure of the reflective screen.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the internal configuration of a front-projection display device that constitutes a display system according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a lighting device included in the display system according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the lighting device.
FIG. 7 is a spectral distribution diagram illustrating spectral distribution characteristics of a light source (UHP lamp) of the front projection display device.
FIG. 8 is a side view showing a configuration of a display system according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a spectral distribution diagram illustrating spectral distribution characteristics of the illumination device.
[Explanation of symbols]
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 reflective screen, 2 bead diffusion layer, 3 CLC layer, 4 light shielding layer, 5 substrate, 7,40 1/4 wavelength plate, 8 absorption linear polarizer, 9 diffuse reflector, 10 incident light, 11 outer layer, 12 Inner layer, 20 front projection display device, 50 rooms, 51 light shielding plate

Claims (6)

An outer layer that transmits a polarized light component in a predetermined first direction and reflects a polarized light component in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction;
An inner layer that transmits the polarized light component in the first direction and absorbs the polarized light component in the second direction;
The light shielding device, wherein the outer layer and the inner layer are attached to each other, and the outer layer is installed with the outer layer directed to the outdoor side and the inner layer is set to the indoor side. An outer layer that transmits a polarization component in a predetermined first direction and reflects a polarization component in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and an outer layer that transmits the polarization component in the first direction and the second layer. An inner layer that absorbs polarized light components in the directions is configured by being bonded to each other, and an outer layer is directed to the outdoor side, and an inner layer is installed to be directed to the indoor side,
A front-projection display device that projects projection light having a polarization state different from the linearly polarized light in the first direction,
A reflection type in which the projection light from the front projection display device is projected, absorbs light in a polarization state different from the polarization state of the projection light, and reflects the light in the polarization state of the projection light to display an image. An image display system comprising a screen. The front projection display device and the reflective screen are provided in a room where the reflective screen is installed, and at least illumination light for illuminating the reflective screen is polarized by the polarization conversion means and absorbed in the reflective screen. The image display system according to claim 2, further comprising: The front projection display device projects projection light in a circularly polarized state,
The image display system according to claim 2, wherein the reflective screen includes a reflective layer having a layer made of cholesteric liquid crystal, and reflects the circularly polarized projection light. The reflective screen has a structure in which a quarter-wave plate, an absorption linear polarizer, and a diffuse reflector are stacked in this order from the front side, and converts a circularly polarized light component in one direction of the projected luminous flux. The light is converted into linearly polarized light in one direction by a quarter-wave plate, transmitted through the absorption type linearly polarizing plate, reflected by the diffuse reflection plate, and converted into a circularly polarized light component in the other direction of the projected light beam. 5. The image display system according to claim 4, wherein the wave plate converts the polarized light into linearly polarized light in another direction orthogonal to the one direction and absorbs the linearly polarized light in the absorption type linearly polarizing plate. The front projection display device includes a color separation / synthesis optical system, a projection lens, and a quarter wavelength plate disposed on an optical path between the color separation / synthesis optical system and the projection lens. The image display system according to claim 4, wherein

Images