JP2005024737A - Liquid crystal display and its displaying method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid crystal display capable of displaying a plurality of different information and to provide its displaying method. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid crystal display has a liquid crystal display element 2 and a light irradiation means 3 generating first and second light fluxes 4 and 5 blinking in the periods by which lighting times does not mutually overlap and making the first and the second light fluxes incident into the liquid crustal display element at angles different from each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display element and light irradiation means for irradiating light to the liquid crystal display element, and a display method thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, liquid crystal display devices having a liquid crystal display element and a light irradiation means for irradiating light to the liquid crystal display element are televisions, computers, projectors, car navigation systems, mobile phones, personal digital assistants, digital cameras, digital video cameras, etc. It is widely used as a display unit.
[0003]
A liquid crystal display device, which is a medium for displaying information, has always been required to display more information. Conventionally, a large amount of information is displayed on the screen by increasing the number of pixels by enlarging the display screen of the liquid crystal display device or making the pixels finer. That is, it was common knowledge that the amount of information that can be displayed by the liquid crystal display device is determined by the number of pixels.
[0004]
On the other hand, conventionally, when a plurality of different information is displayed on a display device, a multi-window method has been adopted, and a plurality of areas called windows are defined on the display screen, and each window has one. Different information was displayed one by one. The multi-window method includes a tiling method that completely divides a display screen into several parts, and an overlapping method that displays an image on a part of another window.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-22177
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, car navigation systems, portable information terminals, and the like are limited in the size of display devices that can be mounted, and there is a limit even if pixels are miniaturized in order to increase the amount of information to be displayed. Further, in a projection display device such as a projector, there is a demand for displaying different information at the same time because a plurality of presenters make presentations.
[0007]
Even if the conventional multi-window method is a tiling method or an overlap method, it does not display more than the amount of information determined by the number of pixels, and even if multiple information can be displayed, The number of pixels assigned to one piece of information is small.
[0008]
An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device capable of displaying a plurality of pieces of information having a large amount of information and a display method thereof.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-described object, the liquid crystal display device of the present invention generates a first light flux and a second light flux that flash with a liquid crystal display element and a period during which the lighting time does not overlap with each other. And a light irradiating means for causing the first light flux and the second light flux to enter the liquid crystal display element at different angles.
[0010]
By adopting such a configuration, since the lighting times do not overlap each other, different information can be displayed depending on the first light bundle and the second light bundle, and the incident angle of each light bundle is different. A plurality of different information can be displayed depending on the viewing angle.
[0011]
Furthermore, the liquid crystal display device of the present invention is characterized in that the light irradiating means includes a first light source that generates the first light beam and a second light source that generates the second light beam. To do.
[0012]
When such a configuration is adopted, it can be implemented with a simple configuration and the range of design can be expanded. For example, the orientation of the first light flux and the second light flux and the incident angle to the liquid crystal display element can be easily adjusted by the arrangement of the first light source and the second light source.
[0013]
Furthermore, in the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, the light irradiation means has a light guide plate, and the first light source and the second light source are arranged along different sides of the light guide plate. Features.
[0014]
When such a configuration is adopted, the thickness of the light irradiation means can be reduced by using the light guide plate, and the liquid crystal display device can be reduced in size.
[0015]
Furthermore, the liquid crystal display device of the present invention is characterized in that the light irradiation means includes a diffusion plate having a haze of 10% to 50% between the light guide plate and the liquid crystal display element.
[0016]
When such a configuration is adopted, the uniformity of the first light flux and the second light flux incident on the liquid crystal display element by the diffusion plate can be improved. Moreover, since the haze of the diffusion plate is 10% or more and 50% or less, unnecessary light leakage can be suppressed.
[0017]
Furthermore, in the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, the light irradiation means includes a light source and a liquid crystal shutter, and the light from the light source is converted into the first light flux and the second light flux using the liquid crystal shutter. It is characterized by dividing.
[0018]
When such a configuration is adopted, a single light source can be used, and power consumption can be reduced. In addition, the first light flux and the second light flux can be easily blinked alternately by opening and closing the liquid crystal shutter.
[0019]
Furthermore, in the liquid crystal display device of the present invention, the first display light generated by making the first light beam incident on the liquid crystal display element and the second light beam incident on the liquid crystal display element. And an optical system that directs the generated second display light in the same direction.
[0020]
When such a configuration is employed, it is possible to project the first display light and the second display light onto the screen and display information for two screens on the screen.
[0021]
The display method of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention is a display method of a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display element and a light irradiation means for irradiating the liquid crystal display element with light, and the light irradiation means is turned on. Generating a first light flux and a second light flux that flicker at a period that does not overlap each other, and the first and second light fluxes are incident on the liquid crystal display element at different angles. The liquid crystal display element displays different information in synchronization with lighting of the first and second light bundles.
[0022]
By adopting such a configuration, since the lighting times do not overlap each other, different information can be displayed depending on the first light bundle and the second light bundle, and the incident angle of each light bundle is different. A plurality of different information can be displayed depending on the viewing angle.
[0023]
Furthermore, the display method of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention is characterized in that the number of times the first light flux and the second light flux flicker are each 30 times / second or more.
[0024]
When such a configuration is adopted, the observer can recognize the images as a continuous image without feeling the blinking of the first light flux and the second light flux.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0026]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid crystal display device 1 of the present invention. The liquid crystal display device 1 includes a liquid crystal display element 2 and a light irradiation means 3. The light irradiation means 3 generates a first light bundle 4 and a second light bundle 5 and makes them incident on the liquid crystal display element 2 at different angles. The first light beam 4 incident on the liquid crystal display element 2 becomes the first display light 6 for displaying the information displayed on the liquid crystal display element 2, and the second light beam 5 incident on the liquid crystal display element 2 is The second display light 7 displays information displayed on the liquid crystal display element 2. Since the first light bundle 4 and the second light bundle 5 have different incident angles, the first display light 6 and the second display light 7 are observed at different angles.
[0027]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the first light flux 4 and the second light flux 5 are blinking at a cycle in which the lighting times do not overlap each other. In FIG. 2, the horizontal axis is the time axis, (A) is the blinking cycle of the first light bundle 4, (B) is the blinking cycle of the second light bundle 5, and (C) is the liquid crystal display element 2. Shows the contents of the image displayed. Therefore, different information can be displayed on the first display light 6 by the first light bundle 4 and the second display light 7 by the second light bundle 5.
[0028]
That is, while the first light bundle 4 is lit, the image A is displayed on the liquid crystal display element 2 in synchronism, so that the first display light 6 is displayed as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3B, since the image A can be displayed and the image B is displayed on the liquid crystal display element 2 while the second light beam 5 is lit. The image B can be displayed with the second display light 7.
[0029]
Furthermore, if the number of blinks of the first beam bundle 4 and the second beam bundle 5 is set to 30 times / second or more, the observer can recognize each image as a continuous image without feeling blinking.
[0030]
As described above, the liquid crystal display device of the present invention can display different images of the first display light 6 and the second display light 7 depending on the viewing angle. Different images can be displayed in the passenger seat.
[0031]
Furthermore, if an optical system for directing the first display light 6 and the second display light 7 in the same direction is provided, a plurality of information can be displayed. At this time, if the number of blinks of the first light bundle 4 and the second light bundle 5 is 30 times / second or more, information for the number of pixels or more is simultaneously displayed for the observer. . If a projection lens is adopted as an optical system directed in the same direction, it can be applied to a projection display such as a projector.
[0032]
4 to 6 show specific embodiments of the light irradiation means for generating the first display light and the second display light.
[0033]
In FIG. 4, the light irradiation means 41 provided on the back side of the liquid crystal display element 40 includes a first light source 43 that generates a first light bundle 42 and a second light source that generates a second light bundle 44. 45. The first light source 43 and the second light source 45 are each supplied with a signal that blinks in a cycle in which the lighting time does not overlap. In FIG. 4, the first light beam 42 and the second light beam 44 generated from the first light source 43 and the second light source 45 are directly incident on the liquid crystal display element 40. By changing the direction of the second light source 45, the angles at which the first light bundle 42 and the second light bundle 44 are incident on the liquid crystal display element 40 can be varied.
[0034]
Further, in FIG. 4, the light irradiation means 41 is provided with reflection mechanisms 46 and 47 in the respective light sources 43 and 45 to enhance the directivity of the first light bundle 42 and the second light bundle 44. In FIG. 4, an optical system 48 is provided to project the first display light and the second display light toward the screen, and the projection display can display information for two screens on the screen.
[0035]
As described above, in order to generate the first light flux and the second light flux, it can be implemented with a simple configuration of using two light sources. In addition, the direction of the second light beam and the incident angle to the liquid crystal display element can be adjusted. In addition, since the first light flux and the second light flux can be easily changed in wavelength or changed in light intensity, the range of design can be expanded.
[0036]
Also in FIG. 5, the light irradiation means 51 provided on the back side of the liquid crystal display element 50 includes a first light source 53 that generates the first light beam 52 and a second light beam that generates the second light beam 54. A light source 55 is provided. Further, the light irradiation means 51 has a light guide plate 56 on the back side of the liquid crystal display element 50, and the first light source 53 and the second light source 55 are arranged along different sides of the light guide plate 56. Yes. The first light source 53 and the second light source 55 are each supplied with a signal that blinks in a cycle in which the lighting time does not overlap. In FIG. 5, since the first light source 53 and the second light source 55 are arranged on different sides of the light guide plate 56, the first light bundle 52 and the second light bundle 54 generated from each light source are different. Since the light travels in the direction, the light enters the liquid crystal display element 50 through the light guide plate 56 at different angles. Furthermore, by arranging the micro lens on the back surface of the light guide plate 56, the directivity of the first light bundle 52 and the second light bundle 54 can be enhanced.
[0037]
Since the light irradiation means 51 having the configuration shown in FIG. 5 uses a light guide plate, the thickness can be reduced, and the liquid crystal display device can be downsized.
[0038]
Further, the light irradiation means 51 is provided with a diffusion plate 57 between the surface of the light guide plate 56, that is, between the liquid crystal display element 50, and the uniformity of the first light beam 52 and the second light beam 54 is improved. Also good. As the haze (cloudiness value) of the diffuser plate 57 increases, the light flux diffuses in the diffuser plate, and the light traveling direction becomes random, that is, uniform. When the diffusing plate 57 is provided, if the haze is 10% or more and 50% or less, more preferably 10% or more and 30% or less, the first light bundle 52 and the second light bundle 54 are excessively diffused and are not intended. Light leakage to the can be reduced. A specific method for measuring haze can be determined from the ratio of diffuse transmittance to total light transmittance, as defined in JIS K7105 “Testing methods for optical properties of plastics”.
[0039]
In FIG. 6, the light irradiation means 61 provided on the back side of the liquid crystal display element 60 includes a light source 62, a liquid crystal shutter 63, and an optical system 64. The liquid crystal shutter 63 can divide the light from the light source 62 into the first light beam 65 and the second light beam 66 by alternately opening and closing the left half 63a and the right half 63b, for example. That is, while the left half 63a of the liquid crystal shutter is open, the right half 63b is closed, and the light from the light source 62 passes through the left half 63a to become the first light flux 65, and the right half of the liquid crystal shutter. While 63b is open, the left half 63a is closed, and the light from the light source 62 passes through the right half 63b to become the second light bundle 66. Therefore, the number of times the first light flux 65 and the second light flux 66 blink is determined by the frequency at which the liquid crystal shutter 63 opens and closes. The first light beam 65 and the second light beam 66 can be incident on the liquid crystal display element 60 at different angles by the optical system 64.
[0040]
As described above, in the configuration shown in FIG. 6, the number of light sources can be made one, and the power consumption can be reduced. In addition, the first light flux and the second light flux can be easily blinked alternately by opening and closing the liquid crystal shutter.
[0041]
In the above embodiment, information for two screens is displayed using the first and second light bundles, but another light bundle is incident on the liquid crystal display element at a different angle to display the information. The amount of information to be increased can also be increased. In the above embodiment, the transmissive liquid crystal display device in which the light irradiating means is provided on the back side of the liquid crystal display element is shown. However, the present invention is also applicable to a reflective liquid crystal display device in which the light flux is incident from the front side. Is possible.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the liquid crystal display device of the present invention can display different information depending on the first light flux and the second light flux because the lighting times do not overlap each other, and the incident angles of the respective light fluxes are different. Therefore, a plurality of pieces of information that differ depending on the viewing angle can be displayed.
[0043]
Furthermore, when a light irradiation means having a first light source that generates a first light beam and a second light source that generates a second light beam is employed, the light source can be implemented with a simple configuration, and the range of design. Can be spread.
[0044]
Furthermore, if the light irradiating means has a light guide plate and the first light source and the second light source are arranged along different sides of the light guide plate, the thickness of the light irradiating means is reduced. Therefore, the liquid crystal display device can be downsized.
[0045]
Further, when the light irradiating means has a diffusion plate having a haze of 10% to 50% between the light guide plate and the liquid crystal display element, the first light flux and the second light beam incident on the liquid crystal display element by the diffusion plate. The uniformity of the light flux can be improved. Moreover, since the haze of the diffusion plate is 10% or more and 50% or less, unnecessary light leakage can be suppressed.
[0046]
Furthermore, when the light irradiation means has a light source and a liquid crystal shutter and uses the liquid crystal shutter to divide the light from the light source into the first light flux and the second light flux, the light source is unified. Power consumption can be reduced. In addition, the first light flux and the second light flux can be easily blinked alternately by opening and closing the liquid crystal shutter.
[0047]
If the number of blinks of the first and second light bundles is 30 times / second or more, the observer does not feel the blinking of the first and second light bundles. It can be recognized as a continuous image.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a liquid crystal display device of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a blinking period of a first light beam, FIG. 2B is a blinking period of a second light beam, (C) is a diagram showing the contents of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display element. [FIG. 3] (A) and (B) are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining the display method of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention. [FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one embodiment of the light irradiation means in the liquid crystal display device of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the light irradiation means in the liquid crystal display device of the present invention. The figure which shows another one of embodiment of the light irradiation means in a liquid crystal display device.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Liquid crystal display device 2 Liquid crystal display element 3 Light irradiation means 4 1st light beam 5 2nd light beam

Claims (8)

The liquid crystal display element generates a first light flux and a second light flux that blink in a cycle that does not overlap with each other, and the first and second light fluxes are generated in the liquid crystal display element. A liquid crystal display device having light irradiating means for making incident light at different angles. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the light irradiation unit includes a first light source that generates the first light beam and a second light source that generates the second light beam. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 2, wherein the light irradiation unit includes a light guide plate, and the first light source and the second light source are disposed along different sides of the light guide plate. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3, wherein the light irradiation unit includes a diffusion plate having a haze of 10% to 50% between the light guide plate and the liquid crystal display element. 2. The liquid crystal display according to claim 1, wherein the light irradiation unit includes a light source and a liquid crystal shutter, and uses the liquid crystal shutter to divide light from the light source into the first light flux and the second light flux. apparatus. First display light generated by making the first light beam incident on the liquid crystal display element, and second display light generated by making the second light beam incident on the liquid crystal display element 6. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, further comprising: an optical system that directs the two in the same direction. A display method for a liquid crystal display device comprising: a liquid crystal display element; and light irradiation means for irradiating the liquid crystal display element with light,
The light irradiating means generates a first light flux and a second light flux that blink at a period when the lighting time does not overlap each other, and the first light flux and the second light flux are emitted from the liquid crystal display element. Incident at different angles to
The liquid crystal display element displays different information in synchronization with lighting of the first and second light bundles. The display method of the liquid crystal display device according to claim 7, wherein the number of blinks of the first light flux and the second light flux is 30 times / second or more.

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