JP2005099787A - Display and reflector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display in which the size of an image is larger than the physical size of a display screen. <P>SOLUTION: The display has a multiple view display device (30) which directs light from a first image in a first viewing direction towards a viewer 32 who sees the first image directly. Light from a second image is directed in a second direction (33, 34) and is reflected by a reflecting means (31) like a mirror or a mirror means. The light is reflected in a third direction which intersects with the first direction at a viewing region and thus the viewer 32 sees the second image as a virtual image 35 in accordance with the direct image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a display and a reflector. The display of the present invention can be used to display images that are larger than the physical size of the display screen. The reflector of the present invention may be used in this type of display or may be used for other applications.

  In normal vision, the two human eyes perceive the field of view from different fields of view because they are at different positions on the head. These two fields of view are used by the brain to evaluate the distance to various objects in a scene. In order to build a display that effectively displays a three-dimensional image, these situations are reconstructed, one for each eye of the observer, a so-called “stereoscopic pair” of images. It is necessary to provide

  Three-dimensional displays are classified into two types based on the method used to provide different views to the eye.

  • Stereoscopic displays typically display both images over a wide viewing area. However, each of these views is encoded, for example, with respect to color, polarization state, or display time, allowing the eyeglass filter system worn by the viewer to separate the views. Show the intended view to each eye.

  -Autostereoscopic display does not require the observer to wear an inspection support device. Instead, the two views can only be viewed from defined spatial regions. The area of space in which the image can be viewed through the entire active area of the display is called the “viewing area”. If the observer is in a situation where the left eye is in the left image viewing area and the right eye is in the right image viewing area, the correct set of views is seen and a 3D image is perceived.

  In flat panel autostereoscopic displays, forming the viewing region typically depends on a combination of the pixel structure of the display unit and optical elements (generally referred to as parallax optics). An example of such optics is a parallax barrier, ie a screen having vertical transmissive slits separated by opaque regions. This screen can be set in front of a spatial light modulator (SLM) having a two-dimensional array of pixel apertures, as shown in FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings. The pitch of the parallax barrier slits is selected to be selected to be a value close to an integer multiple of the SLM pixel pitch, and a group of pixel columns is associated with a particular slit of the parallax barrier. FIG. 1 shows an SLM in which two pixel columns are associated with each slit of the parallax barrier.

  The display shown in FIG. 1 includes an SLM in the form of a liquid crystal device (LCD) having an active matrix thin film transistor (TFT) substrate 1 and a counter substrate 2. Between the active matrix thin film transistor (TFT) substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2, a liquid crystal layer for appropriately forming a pixel (pixel) 3 having an associated electrode and an alignment layer (not shown) is disposed. The observation angle increasing film 4 and the polarizer 5 are provided on the outer surfaces of the substrates 1 and 2, and illumination 6 is provided from back light (not shown). The parallax barrier includes a substrate 7 having a barrier aperture array 8 formed on a surface adjacent to the LCD and an anti-reflection (AR) coating 9 formed on the opposite surface.

  LCD pixels are arranged in rows and columns. The pixel pitch of the row (that is, the horizontal direction) is p. The aperture array 8 includes vertical transmission slits having a slit width of 2w and a horizontal pitch of b. The plane of the barrier aperture array 8 is spaced from the pixel plane 3 by a distance s.

In use, the left viewing window 10 and the right viewing window 11 are formed in the window plane at the desired viewing distance of the display. The window plane is spaced from the plane of the aperture array 8 by a distance r ₀ . The windows 10 and 11 are adjacent to the window plane and have a width and pitch e corresponding to the average human eye spacing. Half of the angle from the normal of the display to the center of each window 10, 11 is denoted α.

  FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings shows the angular zone generated from the SLM 20 and the parallax barrier 21. Here, the parallax barrier has a pitch just an integer multiple of the pixel column pitch. In this case, angular zones originating from different positions between the display panel surfaces are mixed and there is no pure zone for the view of image 1 or image 2. To address this problem, for example, in front parallax optics, the pitch of the parallax optics is slightly reduced so that the angular area converges to a predetermined plane (referred to as the “window plane”) in front of the display. . This change in parallax optics pitch is called “viewpoint correction” and the effect is shown in FIG. 3 of the accompanying drawings. When the observation area is created in this way, if roughly expressed, the observation area has a shape of a bowl in the plan view.

  FIG. 4 of the accompanying drawings shows another known type of directional display in the form of a rear parallax barrier display. In the front parallax barrier display shown in FIG. 1, the parallax barrier is arranged between the SLM and the observation windows 10 and 11. However, in the rear parallax barrier display shown in FIG. 4, the SLM is disposed between the parallax barrier and the observation windows 10 and 11.

  The above text describes an autostereoscopic display. The dual view display operates in the same manner. However, the separation angle between different images is larger. Instead of the two images sent to the left and right eyes (about 6.2 cm apart), the images are sent to the left and right people (eg, 1 meter apart).

  Patent Document 1 describes the operation of a dual view display. Patent Document 1 discloses drive electronics that combines a left image and a right image, and a lenticular lens that separates the left and right images in the left and right directions.

  NEC-Mitsubishi Electric's display has launched the first foldable lightweight LCD monitor for mainstream consumers. http: // www. necmsubishi. com / newsNew / index. cfm? url = http: // necmitsubishi. com / newsNew / PressDEtail. cfm? documentid = 786, on June 25, 2003, disclosed a foldable liquid crystal display (LCD). The display can be folded compactly when not in use and can be opened when in use. This means that when not in use, a relatively large display can be placed in a relatively compact package. However, such means are relatively complex and heavy.

  Patent Documents 2 and 3 relate to a “multi-screen display” using one display screen such as an LCD or a CRT. A plurality of spatially and / or temporally multiplexed images are formed on one screen. The entire screen area displays one image and encodes it as the first polarization. Another image is displayed on another portion of the screen and is encoded with a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization. Mirrors on the sides of the screen and / or top and bottom reflect the displayed multiplexed image and “reverse” the polarization. Thereby, after reflection, the light that propagates toward the viewer and is generated from the other image has the first polarization. Conversely, the polarization of the entire screen image is reflected by the mirror and then converted to the second polarization. An observation support device in the form of a polarizing screen is placed in front of the observer and allows only the first polarized light to pass through. Thus, the entire screen image viewed directly on the screen passes, but the version of the image reflected from the mirror is blocked. Conversely, after reflection, the other image cannot be observed directly and passes through.

  This measure is based on the use of an observation support device in the form of an ellipsometric screen in front of the viewer in order to provide an image area that extends beyond the physical area of the display screen. Also, no attempt has been made to limit the viewing direction of light emitted from or transmitted by the display screen. Thus, light from all fields of view propagates in all directions and the display screen does not have its own directionality.

  U.S. Patent No. 6,099,059 relates to "correcting" images on a display on a screen that are adjacent to each other and have an angle of less than 180 °. U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,077 discloses a system of the same general type as the types disclosed in U.S. Pat.

  U.S. Patent No. 6,057,031 discloses a polarization-based system of the same type as the type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,057,059. Patent document 5 discloses a time-multiplexed shutter-based system. The first and second images are displayed in alternating fields, and the shutter near the viewer is opened synchronously. Since the mirror bends the path of light, the first and second images are viewed as virtual images next to each other.

  U.S. Patent No. 6,057,031 discloses an interesting means of providing a 3D effect. In 3D mode of operation, two symmetric images are displayed next to each other on one display screen. One mirror extends vertically outward from the display screen (or from a pair of glasses) and one eye sees one of the images directly. However, the other eye sees the other image reflected by the mirror and thus flipping laterally. This means is said to provide a 3D appearance. Also, this display screen is not directional on its own.

  U.S. Patent No. 6,099,077 discloses a display in which a lens array is provided on a display screen. A 2D image is displayed on the display screen, and light from pixels assigned to the center of the 2D image is directed generally along a direction perpendicular to the display screen. Light from the pixels assigned to the left side of this image is directed by the lens array at an angle in its vertical direction and reflected by the mirror towards the viewer. Light from the pixels assigned to the right part of this image is similarly directed towards another mirror and reflected towards the viewer.

  Patent document 7 also proposes to provide a 3D image "by including at least two views (one for each eye) in each part of the valid image". Thus, each view of the 3D image is displayed as described above. As a result, the center of the left-eye view and the center of the right-eye view are oriented along its vertical direction, and the left part of the left-eye view and the left part of the right-eye view are Directed towards the mirror, the right part of the left-eye view and the right part of the right-eye view are directed towards the second mirror.

  Also, this display is not a directional display and the light from each view is directed in all directions.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,059 relates to a reflector having two (or more) zones with different focal points. The reflector has a sharply curved portion that defines a first reflective zone having one focal point and a less sharply curved portion that defines a second reflective zone having a different focal point. This reflector is intended to be a wavelength separator, and when used, receivers operating in different wavelength regions are placed at different focal points.

Patent Document 9 relates to a 3D display in which a 3D effect is obtained by displaying a 2D image on two different image planes. The relative brightness of the two images can change, and as a result, the position of the apparent 3D object can change. In one display, the mirror directs the 3D image from the display to multiple viewers. An “optical system” is arranged in the path from each mirror to each observer. Thereby, each observer sees the image focused on the confocal plane.
JP-A-6-236152 US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0006943 International Publication No. 01/59749 Pamphlet JP 2001-122963 A JP-A-11-249593 International Publication No. 02/077706 Pamphlet US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0063341 British Patent Application No. 2188166 European Patent Application No. 0959377

  The present invention seeks to provide a display in which the size of the image is larger than the physical size of the display screen.

  In accordance with the present invention, a multi-view display device that directs light from a first image in a first viewing direction and directs light from a second image in a second viewing direction that is different from the first direction. And wherein the display device does not direct light from the first image in the second viewing direction and directs light from the second image in the first viewing direction during use. A display is provided, comprising: a non-attachable multi-view display device; and a first reflecting means for reflecting light from the second direction in a third direction substantially intersecting the first direction. This achieves the above object.

  The first means may be located adjacent to a lateral edge of the device.

  The first means may be movable to be compact when not in use.

  The device is configured to direct light from a third image in a fourth viewing direction, and the display is in a fourth direction in a fifth direction substantially intersecting the first direction. There may be provided second reflecting means for reflecting light from the first reflecting means.

  The first and second means may be located adjacent to opposite edges of the device.

  Said first means may be a mirror.

  The mirror may be a plane mirror.

  The mirror may be tilted substantially 90 ° with respect to the display surface of the device.

  The mirror may have optical power.

  The mirror may be tilted by an angle greater than 90 ° with respect to the display surface of the device.

  The mirror may be a Fresnel mirror.

  The mirror may include a plurality of planar sections.

  The mirror may comprise a plurality of sections having optical power.

  The first means may comprise an array of mirrors and parallax optics.

  The parallax optic comprises a plurality of parallax elements, each of the plurality of parallax elements cooperating with at least two differently tilted mirrors and in at least two third directions from the second direction. Can direct the light.

  The mirror may have optical power.

  The first means may be configured to form a virtual image on the array of mirrors.

  The parallax optics may be a lens array.

  The display device is adapted to direct the second image in a second direction at all points on the display device so that the second image is intended by the reflector. It can be reflected to the viewing position.

  The display device is adapted to direct the first image in a first direction at all points on the display device so that the viewing position where the first image is intended. Can be sent straight up to.

  The angular separation b of the view of the display device is

を満たすか、または、実質的に満たし、ここで、ｒは、前記意図された観察位置の該ディスプレイデバイスからの距離であり、ｄは、該ディスプレイデバイスの幅であり、ｘは、該ディスプレイデバイスの中心からの横方向の距離であり得る。

Or is substantially satisfied, where r is the distance of the intended viewing position from the display device, d is the width of the display device, and x is the display device The lateral distance from the center of the.

  The offset angle a of the display device is

を満たすか、または、実質的に満たし、ここで、ｒは、前記意図された観察位置の該ディスプレイデバイスからの距離であり、ｄは、該ディスプレイデバイスの幅であり、ｘは、該ディスプレイデバイスの中心からの横方向の距離であり得る。

Or is substantially satisfied, where r is the distance of the intended viewing position from the display device, d is the width of the display device, and x is the display device The lateral distance from the center of the.

  According to the present invention, a reflector comprising an array of mirrors and parallax optics is provided, whereby the above objective is achieved.

  The parallax optic comprises a plurality of parallax elements, each of the plurality of parallax elements cooperating with at least two different tilted mirrors to emit at least one light from at least one first direction. Orienting in the second direction, the number of first and second directions may be at least three.

(Summary of the Invention)
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the light from the first image is directed in the first viewing direction, and the light from the second image is directed in a second viewing direction different from the first direction. A multi-view display device that directs light from a first image in a second viewing direction and directs light from the second image in a first viewing direction A display is provided comprising a non-multi-view display device and first reflective means for reflecting light from the second direction in a third direction substantially intersecting the first direction.

  The multi-view display device is a directional display that directs the first and second images in different directions. These two images can be observed without using any observation support device.

  The first and second images may be displayed on the multiview display device in a spatially multiplexed manner. Alternatively, the first and second images can be displayed on the multi-view display device in a temporally multiplexed manner.

  The first means may be located adjacent to the lateral edge of the device.

  The first means may be movable to be compact when not in use.

  The device may be configured to direct light from the third image in a fourth viewing direction, the display being configured to direct light from the fourth direction substantially intersecting the first direction. The second reflecting means for reflecting in the direction is provided. The first and second means may be located adjacent to the opposite edge of the device.

  The first means may include a mirror. The mirror can be a plane mirror. The mirror can tilt substantially 90 ° with respect to the display surface of the device.

  The mirror may have optical power. The mirror can tilt at an angle greater than 90 ° relative to the display surface of the device.

  The mirror can be a Fresnel mirror. The mirror may include a plurality of planar sections. Alternatively, the mirror may include multiple sections having optical power.

  The first means may include an array of mirrors and parallax optics. The parallax optic may include a plurality of parallax elements, each of the plurality of parallax elements cooperating with at least two different tilted mirrors to direct light from the second direction to at least two third directions. Orient to. The mirror can have optical power. The first means may be configured to form a virtual image on the array of mirrors. The parallax optics can be a lens array.

  The display device adapts the display device to direct the second image in the second direction at all points on the display device, so that the second image is reflected by the reflector to the intended viewing position. Reflected.

  The display device adapts the display device to direct the first image in the first direction at all points on the display device, so that the first image is straightened to the intended viewing position. Sent.

  The angular separation b of the view of the display device is

を満たすか、または、実質的に満たし得る。ここで、ｒは、意図された観察位置のディスプレイデバイスからの距離であり、ｄは、ディスプレイデバイスの幅であり、ｘは、ディスプレイデバイスの中心からの横方向の距離である。

Or may be substantially satisfied. Where r is the distance from the display device at the intended viewing position, d is the width of the display device, and x is the lateral distance from the center of the display device.

  The offset angle a of the display device is

を満たすか、または、実質的に満たし得る。ここで、ｒは、意図された観察位置のディスプレイデバイスからの距離であり、ｄは、ディスプレイデバイスの幅であり、ｘは、ディスプレイデバイスの中心からの横方向の距離である。

Or may be substantially satisfied. Where r is the distance from the display device at the intended viewing position, d is the width of the display device, and x is the lateral distance from the center of the display device.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, a reflector is provided comprising an array of mirrors and parallax optics.

  The parallax optic may include a plurality of parallax elements, each of the plurality of parallax elements cooperating with at least two different tilted mirrors to emit light from at least one first direction. The number of first and second directions is at least three.

  In this way, it is possible to provide a display that displays an image that appears larger than the physical display area of the display. This configuration is relatively lightweight and not complicated. In embodiments where the reflective means, such as a mirror, can be folded when it is not required to be used, a relatively compact display can be provided. This display is, for example, lighter in weight and manufactured at a lower cost compared to a display where the physical display area provides an image of the same size as the area.

  The display devices of the present invention may be used in directional types, such as autostereoscopic displays, or may include liquid crystal displays of the type that provide multiple independent image views. This type of display, which is relatively compact and lightweight, is suitable for use in mobile devices such as mobile phones. Other applications include laptop computers where very compact means can generate conventional sized images, such as desktop monitors where the display aspect ratio can be changed to watch widescreen movies, as well as extra dashes Includes automotive applications in vehicle dashboards where the effective size of the display can be increased without requiring board space.

  The invention will be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The display shown in FIG. 5 comprises a multi-view display device 30 in the form of a dual view liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. Device 30 may be of the type used, for example, in the autostereoscopic display shown in FIGS. The device generates viewing windows by directing light in different viewing directions using parallax optics that cooperate with the pixel structure of the display device. Alternatively, the display device 30 may be a multi-view type that simultaneously displays unrelated images to viewers in different viewing directions.

  The display of FIG. 5 comprises reflecting means in the form of a plane mirror 31. The plane mirror 31 tilts substantially 90 ° relative to the display surface of the display device 30 and extends from the lateral edge of the device 30 while using the display to provide an enlarged image area.

  The image data is supplied to the device 30 from any suitable source, and the display device 30 displays a first image, and light from this image is transmitted to the viewer 32 in the viewing area of the display. Directed to a direction or range of directions. Display device 30 displays a second image and directs light from this image in a second direction or range of directions indicated by arrows 33 and 34. The display device is a directional display device that does not direct light from the first image in the second viewing direction and does not direct light from the second image in the first viewing direction. The light from one image is directed in a different direction than the light from the other image, and each image can be viewed by an appropriately positioned observer without using an observation support device. Light from the second image is directed by a mirror to an observer 32 in a third direction or an angular range in one direction (which intersects the first direction or range in the observation region where the observer 32 is located). Reflect towards you. Thus, the viewer sees a second image that appears to originate from a position directly to the left of the display device 30 indicated by the virtual image 35. Thus, the observer 32 is at the same height as the display area of the display device 30 but sees an image that is twice as wide. The first and second images may be complementary to each other in some respects, for example, the first image is an address book or phone book registration data image and the right image is covered by the registration data. Image. Alternatively, the first image and the second image may be two parts of the view, and the viewer perceives the entire view formed by the first and second images.

  The mirror 31 is connected to the device 30 by any suitable mechanical means, which allows the mirror 31 to move when not needed, providing a more compact package. For example, the mirror 31 may be stowed when no additional area is required or the display is not in use. This mechanical means may be relatively simple, for example it may comprise a hinge means that allows the mirror 31 to be substantially flat relative to the device 30 or to be folded away from the device 30.

  If the display device 30 is of the LCD type, where the non-vertical viewing direction is provided by the asymmetric viewing characteristics of the liquid crystal mode of the device, the drive means of the device is designed or optimized to provide the best image in the viewing area. obtain. For display devices 30 that use parallax optics, the viewing direction can be selected or optimized by the relative position of the parallax optics and pixel configuration. In any case, if a range of different viewing areas has to be provided, the drive means can be adjusted according to the position of the observer and the parallax optics can be mechanical or electrical depending on the position of the observer You can move on.

  In other words, the direction in which each pixel outputs light needs to be optimized so that the light reaches the viewer. As the observer changes position, the direction may need to be re-optimized. This can be done by changing the parallax optics mechanically or electrically.

  FIG. 6 shows that a display device 30 is provided to display three images in three different viewing directions, and a second mirror 36 is provided to reflect light from the third direction toward the viewer 32. FIG. 6 shows a display different from the display shown in FIG. The mirror 36 is the same as the mirror 31, and a second virtual image 37 is formed. Thus, the maximum image size is substantially equal to three times the physical display area of the display device 30. This means is intended for views that are incident in a substantially normal direction and can be used, for example, as a desktop mirror. In this embodiment, the mirrors 31 and 36 need to extend relatively far from the display device 30 so that the user can see the entire virtual images 35 and 37.

  FIG. 7 shows a display that differs from the display shown in FIG. 5 in that the plane mirror 31 is tilted at an angle greater than 90 ° with respect to the display surface of the display device 30. This means allows the entire virtual image 35 to be viewed by the viewer 32 with a mirror 31 smaller than the mirror shown in FIG. However, this means has the effect that the virtual image observed directly on the display surface of the display device 30 appears to be outside the plane of the first image.

  The display shown in FIG. 8 differs from the display shown in FIG. 7 in that the plane mirror is replaced by a mirror 31 having a one-dimensional or two-dimensional optical power. The virtual image by this display is in the plane of the first image displayed by the display device 30 and is directly observed by the viewer 32, but the effect of the mirror 31 reduces the size of the virtual image 35 in the horizontal direction. Or “squashing” the virtual image 35 in the horizontal direction, the virtual image 35 being viewed by the viewer 32 so that the spatial resolution in the horizontal direction is narrower but higher. To avoid this effect, correction can be provided by “pre-distorting” the image data of the second image.

  The display shown in FIG. 9 differs from the display shown in FIG. 8 in that the mirror with optical power is replaced by a Fresnel mirror. The mirror 31 comprises stepped means having a plurality of mirror sections, each of the mirror sections being substantially perpendicular to the display surface of the display device 30. The Fresnel mirror is effectively tilted by an angle (greater than 90 °) that is not perpendicular to the display surface. This means maintains a virtual image in the plane of the first image that is directly observed by the viewer 32, but this virtual image 35 extends in the horizontal direction. Again, this stretch can be corrected by “pre-distorting” the second image. The use of a Fresnel mirror results in a “blind spot area” where the viewer 32 cannot see the second image.

  FIG. 10a shows a display that differs from the mirror shown in FIG. 9 in that the stepped Fresnel mirror is replaced by a Fresnel mirror whose optical section has optical power. Such means result in the virtual image 35 being in the same plane as the first image without being distorted or crushed. However, with such a means, the observation area where the observer 32 sees the displayed image correctly is relatively small.

  This effect is shown in FIG. The correct image is seen by 32 viewers 1, but 40 viewers 2 see a portion of the laterally shifted virtual image 35 and do not see the second image at all. For example, if the display device 30 displays the feature 41, the viewer 40 expects to see it from the direction of the arrow 42 at the position 43 of the virtual image 35. However, the mirror 31 reflects incident light in the direction 44 in the direction 42, and at least in the direction 42, the viewer 40 does not see the second image at all.

  FIGS. 11a and 11b show a display in which the Fresnel mirror of FIGS. 10a and 10b is replaced by an array of mirrors that cooperates with parallax optics, which is shown as a lens array or lenticular sheet, or alternatively with a parallax barrier. Or any other suitable type of parallax optics. The array of mirrors comprises in this case two groups of mirrors that are inclined in different directions or at different angles with respect to the vertical axis. The mirror or mirror section is shown at 50 in FIG. 11 b and is separated by an absorbing or black region 51. Each group of mirrors 50 is associated with and cooperates with an array 52 lenticular. The observer at 53 observation positions 1 observes the second image through the lenticular 55 and the mirror 56, for example. An observer at 54 observation positions views the second image via, for example, the lenticular 55 and the mirror 57. Each mirror and mirror section is oriented so that the respective viewer sees the virtual image 55 in the same plane as the first image viewed directly on the display device 30.

  Mirror sections such as 56 and 57 can have optical power. For example, the optical performance may be configured such that the second image looks like a virtual image that is substantially in the plane of the mirror section. Such means allow a touch screen to be added in front of the reflecting means 31 so that the observer corresponds to a point in the virtual image and as a result, for example, by a computer or a personal digital assistant (PDA) A point on the reflecting means that causes the corresponding action to occur can be touched. The points on the mirror means corresponding to the points on the virtual image are the same regardless of the wide range of observation positions or the position of the observer in the region.

  The reflecting means shown in FIG. 11b can be used in other applications. For example, such means can be used as a vehicle rear view mirror. The conventional rear view mirror has to be adjusted according to the position of the driver, which is determined by the height of the driver, for example. A means of the type shown in FIG. 11b can be designed so that light from the rear of the vehicle is directed to the driver's eyes regardless of the driver's position, in particular the height of the driver. It is therefore not necessary to adjust this type of reflector.

  In the embodiments described above, the first and second images (and the third image, if present) can be simultaneously displayed on the display device in a spatially multiplexed manner. Alternatively, these images can be displayed sequentially in a temporally multiplexed manner. Methods for displaying two or more images on a directional display device in a spatially multiplexed manner or a temporally multiplexed manner are known and will not be described here.

  It is preferred that the “head freedom” of the display is as large as possible. The display has an intended viewing position and the head freedom represents the distance that the observer's head can be moved away from the intended viewing position before the image quality becomes unacceptable. Image quality is usually degraded by image mixing.

  To obtain the best head freedom, at all points on the display device 30, the display device directs the second image in the second direction, and at all points on the display device, the display device Preferably one image is oriented in the first direction. The second direction is set so that the second image reflects from the reflector 31 to the viewer 32 located at the intended viewing position. The first direction is set so that the first image goes straight to an observer located at the intended observation position. That is, the direction in which the first image is directed by the display device and the direction in which the second image is directed by the display device vary across the width of the display, as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 shows two parameters for the display device of FIG. One parameter b is the angular separation of the view, the angular separation in the display device between the directions in which the display device 30 directs the two views. The angular separation b of the view is a first direction in which the first image is directed (or the central direction of the range of the first direction) and a second direction in which the second image is directed (or second Is equal to the difference between

  The other parameter shown in FIG. 12 is the offset angle a. One is a normal direction 45 with respect to the display device 30, and the other is a first direction (or a central direction of a range of the first direction) and a second direction (or a range of the second direction). The angle between the bisector of the center direction).

  In order to provide the best possible head freedom, the angular separation b and the offset angle a of the view vary across the display device 30 and, as described above, at all points on the display device, the display device The two images are oriented in the second direction, and at all points on the display device, the display device directs the first image in the first direction. The second direction is set so that the second image is reflected from the reflector 31 up to the viewer 32. The first direction is set so that the first image goes straight to the viewer.

  For displays in which the reflective means 31 is perpendicular to the front surface of the display device 30, if the intended viewing position is at a central location at a distance r from the display device having a width d, the angular separation b of the view and the offset The angle a is

に従って変化することが好ましい。

It is preferable to change according to.

  In equations (1) and (2), x indicates the horizontal position on the screen measured from the center of the display device 30.

  The offset angle a can be changed, for example, by changing the lateral position of the elements of the parallax optics of the display device 30 relative to the pixels of the display device 30. This is shown in FIGS. 13a and 13b.

  FIGS. 13 a and 13 b show one element 46 of the parallax optics of the display device 30. These figures assume that the parallax optics is a lens array, and the element 46 is shown as a lens. However, the effects shown in FIGS. 13a-14b are not limited to lenses such as parallax optics, and are achieved with other types of parallax optics. In addition, FIGS. 13 a and 13 b show two pixels 47 R, 47 L of the image display layer of the display device 30. Pixel 47R is assigned to the right image and pixel 47L is assigned to the left image.

  In FIG. 13a, the parallax optics elements 46 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the pixels 47L, 47R so that the center of the elements (in the lateral direction) is the center position between one pixel 47L and the other pixel 47R. Arranged. The center of the element 46 is indicated by “X” in FIGS. 13a to 14b. (It is assumed that the pixels 47L and 47R have the same size.) In the case of the asymmetric lens 46, the direction 48L in which the image of the first pixel 47L is directed and the image of the second pixel 47R are directed. The direction 48R is symmetric about the normal 45 of the display device 30 and the offset angle a is equal to zero.

  FIG. 13b shows the effect of displacing the parallax optic element 46 laterally relative to the pixels 47L, 47R. The direction 48L in which the image of the first pixel 47L is directed and the direction 48R in which the image of the second pixel 47R is directed are no longer of interest with respect to the normal 45 of the display device 30, and the offset angle a is not zero. The offset angle a increases as the relative displacement between the parallax optics element 46 and the pixels 47L, 47R increases. Displacement of the parallax optics element 46 relative to the pixels 47L, 47R in the direction opposite to that shown in FIG. 13b leads again to a non-zero offset angle a, which is opposite to the offset angle in FIG. 13b. Sign.

  The parallax optics and image display layer of the display device are preferably configured such that the offset angle a of the display device varies across the display device, and as described above, at all points on the display device, the display device , Direct the second image in the second direction, and at all points on the display device, the display device directs the first image in the first direction. The second direction is set so that the second image reflects from the reflector 31 to the viewer 32 located at the intended viewing position. The first direction is set so that the first image goes straight to an observer located at the intended observation position. When the viewer is centered and the reflector is perpendicular to the display device, the display offset angle a varies according to or approximates equation (2). It is preferable. In fact, the pixel pitch of the display device tends to be constant, so that a standard display panel can be used. In this case, the parallax optics preferably has a pitch that varies across its width, and the offset angle of the display varies across the display in accordance with or in a manner that approximates equation (2). However, in principle, the pixel pitch of the display device can vary in addition to or instead of the parallax optics pitch, which means that a non-standard display panel is required. means.

  The angular separation b of the view can also change, as shown in FIGS. 14a and 14b.

  FIG. 14a generally corresponds to FIG. 13a and will not be described in detail. The angular separation of the view of FIG. 14a is the angle between the direction 48L in which the image of the first pixel 47L is directed and the direction 48R in which the image of the second pixel 47R is directed. For a given parallax optics element, the angular separation b of the view is in particular due to the separation between the pixels 47L, 47R of the display device 30 and the parallax optics element 46, and the parallax with the pixels 47L, 47R of the display device 30. It is determined by the refractive index of the material between the optics element 46.

  FIG. 14 b shows the effect of reducing the separation between the pixels 47 L, 47 R of the display device 30 and the parallax optics element 46. It can be seen that the angular separation b of the view increases as the separation between the pixels 47L, 47R of the display device 30 and the parallax optics element 46 decreases.

  Increasing the refractive index of the material between the pixels 47L, 47R of the display 30 and the parallax optics element 46 increases the effective optical path distance between the pixels 47L, 47R of the display device 30 and the parallax optics element 46. Has the effect of Thus, increasing the refractive index of the material between the pixels 47L, 47R of the display 30 and the parallax optics element 46 increases the separation between the pixels 47L, 47R of the display device 30 and the parallax optics element 46. The angle separation b of the view is reduced.

  The angle separation b of the view can be changed in other ways to do this, for example by changing the viewing angle by providing a lens or prism behind the parallax optics.

  The parallax optics and image display layer of the display device are preferably configured such that the angular separation b of the view of the display device varies across the display, and as described above, at all points on the display device, the display device Directs the second image in the second direction, and at all points on the display device, the display device directs the first image in the first direction. The second direction is set so that the second image reflects from the reflector 31 to the intended viewing position. The first direction is set so that the first image goes straight to the intended viewing position. When the intended viewing position is centered and the reflector 31 is perpendicular to the display device 30, the angular separation b of the view of the display device is either according to equation (1) or It is preferable to change in a manner similar to. The separation between the parallax optic and the pixel, and / or the refractive index of the material between the parallax optic and the pixel, the angular separation b of the view of the display device is in accordance with equation (1) or ) Is preferably configured to vary across the display device. Any suitable method of changing the angular separation b of the view can be used. For example, a method for changing the separation between the parallax optics and the image display layer or a method for changing the refractive index of the material between the parallax optics and the image display layer is known.

  Similarly, the position and pitch of the parallax optics relative to the pixel position and pitch can be optimized to increase head freedom for other designs. For example, the position and pitch of the parallax optics may be relative to a display that displays more than two views, a display that is intended to be viewed from an axial direction, or a display in which the reflector 31 is not perpendicular to the display device 30. Can be optimized.

  If the intended viewing position is not in the center position and / or if the reflector 31 is not perpendicular to the display device 30, the angle separation b and the offset angle a of the view are expressed by the equations (1) and (2) above. Not given by. However, it is still preferred that the angular separation b and the offset angle a of the view vary across the display device, and as described above, at all points on the display device, the display device converts the second image to the second Orienting in a direction, at every point on the display device, the display device directs the first image in the first direction. The second direction is set so that the second image reflects from the reflector to the intended viewing position. The first direction is set so that the first image goes straight to the intended viewing position.

  It is preferred that both the view angle separation b and the offset angle a vary across the display device. However, an improvement in viewing head freedom is realized if only the angular separation b of the view varies across the display device, or if only the offset angle a varies across the display device.

As mentioned above, although this invention has been illustrated using preferable embodiment of this invention, this invention should not be limited and limited to this embodiment. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be construed only by the claims. It is understood that those skilled in the art can implement an equivalent range based on the description of the present invention and the common general technical knowledge from the description of specific preferred embodiments of the present invention. Patents, patent applications, and documents cited herein should be incorporated by reference in their entirety, as if the contents themselves were specifically described herein. Understood.
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In the present invention, a display is provided in which the size of the image is larger than the physical size of the display screen. The display comprises a multi-view display device (30) that directs light from the first image in a first viewing direction towards an observer 32 who directly views the first image. Light from the second image is directed in the second direction (33, 34) and reflected by a reflecting means (31) such as a mirror or mirror means. This light is reflected in a third direction that intersects the first direction in the viewing region, so that the viewer 32 sees the second image along the direct image as a virtual image 35.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a known type of front parallax barrier type autostereoscopic display. FIG. 2 shows the visibility of a display image without viewpoint correction of the type shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows viewpoint correction for a display of the type shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a known type rear parallax barrier type autostereoscopic display. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a display constituting the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a display constituting the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a plan view of a display constituting the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a plan view of a display constituting the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a display constituting the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10a is a plan view of a display making up a sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing the undesired effect on different observer positions. FIG. 10b is a plan view of a display making up a sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing the undesired effects on different observer positions. FIG. 11a shows a plan view of a display constituting the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11b is a plan view showing details of the display of FIG. 11a. FIG. 12 shows the angular separation and offset angle for the display of FIG. FIG. 13a shows how the offset angle can vary. FIG. 13b shows how the offset angle can change. FIG. 14a shows how the angular separation can change. FIG. 14b shows how the angular separation can change.

Explanation of symbols

30 multi-view display device 31 mirror 32 observer 33 second direction 34 second direction 35 virtual image

Claims (24)

A multi-view display device that directs light from a first image in a first viewing direction and directs light from a second image in a second viewing direction different from the first direction, the multi-view display device comprising: A display device, when in use, does not direct light from the first image in the second viewing direction and does not direct light from the second image in the first viewing direction. A display device;
And a first reflecting means for reflecting light from the second direction in a third direction substantially intersecting the first direction. The display of claim 1, wherein the first means is located adjacent to a lateral edge of the device. The display according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first means is movable so as to be compact when not in use. The device is configured to direct light from a third image in a fourth viewing direction, and the display is in a fourth direction in a fifth direction substantially intersecting the first direction. The display in any one of Claims 1-3 provided with the 2nd reflection means to reflect the light from. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first and second means are disposed adjacent to opposite edges of the device. The display according to claim 1, wherein the first means is a mirror. The display according to claim 6, wherein the mirror is a plane mirror. The display according to claim 7, wherein the mirror is inclined substantially 90 ° with respect to the display surface of the device. The display of claim 6, wherein the mirror has optical power. The display of claim 9, wherein the mirror is tilted by an angle greater than 90 ° with respect to the display surface of the device. The display of claim 6, wherein the mirror is a Fresnel mirror. The display of claim 11, wherein the mirror includes a plurality of planar sections. The display of claim 11, wherein the mirror comprises a plurality of sections having optical power. 6. A display as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first means comprises an array of mirrors and parallax optics. The parallax optic comprises a plurality of parallax elements, each of the plurality of parallax elements cooperating with at least two differently tilted mirrors and in at least two third directions from the second direction. 15. A display according to claim 14, which directs the light. 16. A display according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the mirror has optical power. The display of claim 16, wherein the first means is configured to form a virtual image on the array of mirrors. The display according to claim 14, wherein the parallax optics is a lens array. The display device is adapted to direct the second image in a second direction at all points on the display device so that the second image is intended by the reflector. The display according to claim 1, which is reflected to an observation position. The display device is adapted to direct the first image in a first direction at all points on the display device so that the viewing position where the first image is intended. 20. A display as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19, which is fed straight up to. The angular separation b of the view of the display device is

Or is substantially satisfied, where r is the distance of the intended viewing position from the display device, d is the width of the display device, and x is the display device The display according to claim 1, which is a lateral distance from the center of the display. The offset angle a of the display device is

Or is substantially satisfied, where r is the distance of the intended viewing position from the display device, d is the width of the display device, and x is the display device The display according to claim 1, which is a lateral distance from the center of the display. A reflector comprising an array of mirrors and parallax optics. The parallax optic comprises a plurality of parallax elements, each of the plurality of parallax elements cooperating with at least two different tilted mirrors to emit at least one light from at least one first direction. 24. The display of claim 23, wherein the display is oriented in a second direction and the number of first and second directions is at least three.

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