JP2008216971A - Image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of increasing an angle between a plurality of directions in which a plurality of images are guided, even when a lens is used in order to guide the plurality of images in the plurality of directions. <P>SOLUTION: An image display device 120 includes: an image forming layer 122 for forming the plurality of images; and a lens layer 124 which is integrally provided with the image forming layer. the lens layer includes a plurality of lenses for guiding the plurality of images formed in the image forming layer in a plurality of corresponding directions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display device, and relates to a technique for displaying a plurality of images.

  In recent years, an image display device (stereoscopic image display device) that allows an observer to observe a stereoscopic image with the naked eye has been developed. For example, in a binocular stereoscopic image display device, two parallax images are displayed, and the two parallax images are guided in two directions. Note that the angle between the two directions is relatively small. The observer can observe the stereoscopic image by observing the first parallax image with the right eye and observing the second parallax image with the left eye.

  Note that the stereoscopic image display device usually includes a liquid crystal panel and a barrier plate or a lens plate. The barrier plate is a light shielding plate provided with a plurality of openings. The lens plate includes a plurality of cylindrical lenses.

  In recent years, image display devices (two-dimensional image display devices) that allow an observer to observe different images (two-dimensional images) according to their positions have been developed. For example, in a two-dimensional image display device for two screens, two images are displayed and the two images are guided in two directions. Note that the angle between the two directions is relatively large. An observer located in the first region can observe the first image, and an observer located in the second region can observe the second image.

  Note that the two-dimensional image display device usually includes a liquid crystal panel and a barrier plate.

JP 2005-172925 A

  When the barrier plate is used, part of the light is blocked by the barrier plate, so that the brightness of the image is smaller than when the lens plate is used. For this reason, it is preferable to use a lens plate.

  However, the lens plate is not used in the conventional two-dimensional image display device. This is because when the lens plate is used, it is more difficult to increase the angle between the two directions in which the two images are guided than when the barrier plate is used. This problem is the same in the case of a stereoscopic image display device.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and each direction in which each image is guided even when a lens is used to guide a plurality of images in a plurality of directions. The purpose is to increase the angle between.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

Application Example 1 An image display device,
An image forming layer for forming a plurality of images;
A lens layer provided integrally with the image forming layer, the lens layer including a plurality of lenses for guiding the plurality of images formed in the image forming layer in a plurality of corresponding directions; ,
An image display device comprising:

  In this image display device, since the lens layer is provided integrally with the image forming layer, the distance between the image forming layer and the lens layer can be set small. As a result, each image is guided. The angle between each direction can be increased.

Application Example 2 The image display device according to claim 1,
The image display device, wherein the lens layer is adjacent to the image forming layer.

[Application Example 3] The image display device according to Application Example 1 or 2, further comprising:
Equipped with a translucent plate,
The lens layer is an image display device formed inside the translucent plate.

  In this way, the image display device can be considerably thinned.

Application Example 4 The image display device according to Application Example 1 or 2, further comprising:
Equipped with a translucent plate,
The lens layer is an image display device provided between the translucent plate and the image forming layer.

  In this way, lens layers of various modes can be easily realized.

[Application Example 5] The image display device according to Application Example 4,
The lens layer is
A first layer having a first refractive index;
A second layer having a second refractive index smaller than the first refractive index;
Including
The image display device, wherein the first layer includes the plurality of convex surfaces provided on the second layer side.

Application Example 6 The image display device according to Application Example 5,
The lens layer further includes
A third layer having a third refractive index greater than the second refractive index;
The second layer is provided between the first layer and the third layer,
The image display device, wherein the third layer includes a plurality of convex surfaces provided on the second layer side.

Application Example 7 An image display device according to Application Example 5,
The lens layer further includes
A fourth layer having a fourth refractive index smaller than the first refractive index;
The first layer is provided between the second layer and the fourth layer,
The image display device, wherein the first layer further includes a plurality of convex surfaces provided on the fourth layer side.

[Application Example 8] The image display device according to any one of Application Examples 5 to 7,
One of the first layer and the second layer included in the lens layer is provided on the translucent plate,
The image display device, wherein the refractive index of the one layer is substantially equal to the refractive index of the translucent plate.

  If it carries out like this, it can suppress that light reflects between this one layer and a translucent board due to the refractive index difference of said one layer and a translucent board.

[Application Example 9] The image display device according to Application Example 4,
Each of the plurality of lenses included in the lens layer has an image display device having a planar portion in the most protruding region.

[Application Example 10] The image display device according to Application Example 4 or 9,
Each of the plurality of lenses included in the lens layer has an Fresnel-shaped cross section.

  In this way, the thickness of the lens layer can be reduced.

Application Example 11 The image display device according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 8,
The image forming layer includes a plurality of pixels,
Each of the plurality of lenses included in the lens layer is provided for every two or more pixels that are continuous in one direction among the plurality of pixels.

Application Example 12 The image display device according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 11,
The image display device, wherein the lens layer is provided closer to an observer than the image forming layer.

[Application Example 13] The image display device according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 12,
The image display device, wherein the image forming layer includes a liquid crystal layer.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, in the form of an image display device, an image display apparatus including the device, a method for manufacturing the image display device, and the like.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. Configuration of image display device:
B. LCD panel configuration:
C. Comparison of Examples and Comparative Examples:
D. LCD panel variants:
E. Lens shape variations:

A. Configuration of image display device:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the image display apparatus 100. The image display apparatus 100 includes a backlight 110, a liquid crystal panel 120, and a control circuit 180. The liquid crystal panel 120 corresponds to the image display device in the present invention.

  The backlight 110 emits light for illuminating the liquid crystal panel 120. The backlight 110 includes, for example, a light emitting device and a diffusion plate.

  The liquid crystal panel 120 includes an image forming layer 122 and a lens layer 124. In this embodiment, the lens layer 124 is provided closer to the viewer than the image forming layer 122.

  The image forming layer 122 forms a significant image, that is, an image to be observed by an observer. Specifically, the image forming layer 122 forms a display image according to the display image data given from the control circuit 180. The display image includes a plurality of images. For example, in FIG. 1, the display image includes a first image A and a second image B, and pixels constituting the first image A in the liquid crystal panel 120 and the second image B are included. Are alternately arranged in the horizontal direction (row direction).

  The lens layer 124 guides the plurality of images formed on the image forming layer 122 in a plurality of corresponding directions (that is, viewpoints). Specifically, the lens layer 124 is a lenticular lens in which a plurality of cylindrical lenses are arranged along the horizontal direction (row direction). In FIG. 1, each cylindrical lens is provided for every two adjacent pixels among a plurality of pixels arranged in the horizontal direction (row direction). The two images A and B formed on the image forming layer 122 are guided in two corresponding directions via the lens layer 124.

  Note that the pixel pitch P of the image forming layer 122 and the cylindrical lens pitch L of the lens layer 124 are set so as to satisfy the following expression (1).

2 ・ P: L = D + G: D
P: Q = G: D (1)

  Here, D represents an appropriate viewing distance, that is, a distance between the observer and the liquid crystal panel 120 (specifically, the lens layer 124), and is set to about 0.5 to about 2 m, for example. Note that D is a value determined by the manufacturer when the image display device 100 is designed, and the observer can view each image A, B can be observed. Q is an interval at which the two images A and B are separated at the appropriate viewing distance D, and is equal to the widths of the regions (suitable viewing regions) WA and WB where each image can be appropriately observed at the appropriate viewing distance D. G indicates the distance between the image forming layer 122 and the lens layer 124.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, in practice, polarizing plates are disposed on the light incident surface side and the light exit surface side of the liquid crystal panel 120, respectively.

  The control circuit 180 controls the entire image display apparatus 100. Specifically, the control circuit 180 controls the operation of the backlight 110 and the operation of the liquid crystal panel 120. The function of the control circuit 180 is realized by the CPU executing a computer program stored in the memory. The computer program is provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  The control circuit 180 includes an image supply unit 182. The image supply unit 182 generates display image data by using two image data PSA and PSB given from the outside. Note that when the display image data is generated, a thinning process is performed on each image data. Then, the image supply unit 182 supplies the display image data to the liquid crystal panel 120. In addition, the control circuit 180 controls on / off of the backlight 110.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a process in which two images A and B are displayed. FIG. 2A shows a display image formed on the image forming layer 122. FIG. 2B shows the lens layer 124. 2C and 2D show images observed by the observer.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the display image includes a first image A and a second image B. In FIG. 2A, the pixel group belonging to the odd number column constitutes the first image A, and the pixel group belonging to the even number column constitutes the second image B. The pixel group in each column includes red, green, and blue pixels.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the lens layer 124 includes a plurality of cylindrical lenses, and one cylindrical lens is provided corresponding to the pixel group belonging to the two columns of the image forming layer 122.

  When the display image shown in FIG. 2 (A) is formed on the liquid crystal panel 120, an observer located in the first appropriate viewing area WA will be shown in the display image as shown in FIG. 2 (C). Only the first image A is observed, and only the second image B in the display image is observed by an observer located in the second appropriate viewing area WB as shown in FIG. . This is because the light emitted from the pixel group constituting the first image A of the liquid crystal panel 120 is guided to the first suitable viewing area WA by the lens layer 124 and is not guided to the second suitable viewing area WB. Because. Further, the light emitted from the pixel group constituting the second image B of the liquid crystal panel 120 is guided to the second appropriate viewing area WB by the lens layer 124 and is not guided to the first appropriate viewing area WA. It is.

  Thus, the observer can observe two different images A and B depending on the position.

B. LCD panel configuration:
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific configuration of the liquid crystal panel 120. As illustrated, the liquid crystal panel 120 includes a first glass substrate 210 provided on the backlight 110 (FIG. 1) side, a second glass substrate 220 provided on the viewer side, and two glass substrates 210. , 220, and a cell array 230. The cell array 230 includes a plurality of cells arranged in a matrix. In FIG. 3, a portion surrounded by a broken line is one cell (pixel).

  The cell array 230 includes a transistor layer 232, a liquid crystal layer 234, an electrode layer 236, and a color filter layer 238. The transistor layer 232 includes a plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) corresponding to a plurality of cells. The electrode layer 236 is a common electrode (transparent electrode). The color filter layer 238 includes a color filter corresponding to each cell, more specifically, a red, blue, or green filter.

  The second glass substrate 220 includes a first layer La having a relatively high refractive index and a second layer Lb having a relatively low refractive index. The first layer La is a lenticular lens having a plurality of convex surfaces on the second layer Lb side.

  The cell array 230 corresponds to the image forming layer 122 in FIG. Further, the first layer La included in the second glass substrate 220 corresponds to the lens layer 124 of FIG. As can be seen from this description, the second glass substrate 220 in this example corresponds to the translucent plate in the present invention.

  The liquid crystal panel 120 is manufactured as follows. First, the first glass substrate 210 is prepared, and the transistor layer 232 is formed over the glass substrate 210. In addition, a second glass substrate 220 is prepared, and a color filter layer 238 and an electrode layer 236 are formed on the glass substrate 220 in this order. After that, between the processed first glass substrate 210 and the processed second glass substrate 220, more specifically, the transistor layer 232 and the second glass provided on the first glass substrate 210. A liquid crystal layer 234 is sealed between the electrode layer 236 provided on the substrate 220. Thereby, the liquid crystal panel 120 is obtained.

  In the present embodiment, the second glass substrate 220 is manufactured using ion exchange. In this method, first, a glass substrate containing Na, K and the like is prepared. Next, a mask (for example, a Ti film) is formed on the glass substrate. The mask has a plurality of slit-shaped openings. Thereafter, the glass substrate provided with the mask is immersed in a molten salt for ion exchange (for example, a salt containing Tl, Li, Ag, Ce, etc.), and ion exchange is performed through a plurality of openings. As a result, a plurality of cylindrical regions having a substantially semicircular cross section are formed in the glass substrate. The region has a higher refractive index than the glass substrate and has a concentric refractive index distribution. Thereby, the 2nd glass substrate 220 is obtained. This method is disclosed in, for example, JP-A-6-43306 and JP-A-11-248905.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the lens layer 124 (La) is formed inside the liquid crystal panel 120, the distance G between the image forming layer 122 (230) and the lens layer 124 (La) is reduced. can do. Thus, when the lens layer 124 is formed inside the liquid crystal panel 120, the two images A and B can be easily separated as will be described below. In other words, the angle between the two directions in which the two images are guided can be easily increased.

C. Comparison of Examples and Comparative Examples:
Below, a comparative example is demonstrated and the advantage of an Example is demonstrated, contrasting a comparative example and an Example.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a comparative example corresponding to the liquid crystal panel 120 of FIG. As shown in the drawing, in the comparative example, a liquid crystal panel 120z and a lens plate 130z provided on the light emission surface side of the liquid crystal panel 120z are used instead of the liquid crystal panel 120 of FIG.

  The liquid crystal panel 120z is substantially the same as the liquid crystal panel 120 of FIG. 3, but the second glass substrate 220z is changed. Specifically, the lens layer 124 is not provided in the second glass substrate 220z with the addition of the lens plate 130z. The lens plate 130z constitutes a lenticular lens in the same manner as the lens layer 124.

  As can be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 3 and 4, in the comparative example, the lens plate 130z is provided independently outside the liquid crystal panel 120z, and thus the thickness of the lens plate 130z is considerably thick. This is because a support substrate (for example, a glass substrate) that supports the lenticular lens is required. As a result, the distance Gz between the image forming layer 122 (230) and the lens plate 130z is considerably larger than the distance G between the image forming layer 122 (230) and the lens layer 124 in the embodiment. For example, the distance G of the example is about 50 μm, but the distance Gz of the comparative example is usually larger than about 500 μm.

  Also in the comparative example, if the glass substrate 220z and the lens plate 130z are polished, the distance Gz between the image forming layer 122 and the lens plate 130z can be reduced. However, it is usually difficult to accurately polish the glass substrate 220z and the support substrate of the lens plate 130z. This is because the surface roughness after polishing (for example, about 30 μm) is relatively large with respect to the thickness of the polished glass substrate and support substrate (for example, about 50 μm).

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing two appropriate viewing areas corresponding to the two images A and B in the example and the comparative example. FIG. 5A shows two suitable viewing areas WA and WB in the embodiment, and FIG. 5B shows two suitable viewing areas WAz and WBz in the comparative example. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the same suitable viewing distance D is realized.

  Also in the comparative example, as in the example, the observer positioned in the first appropriate viewing area WAz can observe the first image A, and the observer positioned in the second appropriate viewing area WBz is The second image B can be observed.

  However, the width Qz of the suitable viewing areas WAz and WBz in the comparative example is smaller than the width Q of the suitable viewing areas WA and WB in the embodiment. As described above, in the comparative example, the distance Gz is larger than the distance G in the embodiment. As a result, in the comparative example, the angle at which the two images A and B are separated (hereinafter, “separation angle”). This is because θz is also smaller than the separation angle θ of the embodiment.

  Here, the separation angle θ (θz) includes two centers of two adjacent pixels disposed in the vicinity of the center of the liquid crystal panel 120 (120z), a center of one cylindrical lens corresponding to the two pixels, Is an angle formed by two straight lines Ka, Kb (Kaz, Kbz).

  5A and 5B, since the same suitable viewing distance D is realized, the pitch Lz of the comparative example is set smaller than the pitch L of the example.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the same suitable viewing distance D is realized in the example and the comparative example, in the example, in the suitable viewing areas WA and WB, compared to the comparative example. The width Q can be increased. As can be seen from Equation (1), when the same suitable viewing area width Q is realized in the example and the comparative example, the suitable viewing distance D is made smaller in the example than in the comparative example. Can do.

D. LCD panel variants:
In the above embodiment, the lens layer 124 is formed inside the second glass substrate 220. Alternatively, a lens layer may be formed outside the second glass substrate. However, in the modified example, the lens layer is provided inside the liquid crystal panel as in the embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing various modifications of the liquid crystal panel. FIG. 6A shows a liquid crystal panel 120A in the first modification. The liquid crystal panel 120A is substantially the same as the liquid crystal panel 120 shown in FIG. 3, but includes a second glass substrate 220A and a lens layer 224A instead of the second glass substrate 220. The lens layer 224A corresponds to the lens layer 124 in FIG. The lens layer 224A includes two layers LA1 and LA2 having different refractive indexes. The first layer LA1 is provided on the second glass substrate 220A side and is a layer having a relatively low refractive index. The second layer LA2 is provided on the cell array 230 side and has a relatively high refractive index. The second layer LA2 is a lenticular lens having a plurality of convex surfaces on the first layer LA1 side.

  Note that the second layer LA2 in FIG. 6A corresponds to the first layer in the present invention, and the first layer LA1 corresponds to the second layer in the present invention.

  FIG. 6B shows a liquid crystal panel 120B in the second modification. The liquid crystal panel 120B is substantially the same as the liquid crystal panel 120A of FIG. 6A, but the lens layer 224B is changed. Specifically, the lens layer 224B includes two layers LB1 and LB2 having different refractive indexes. The first layer LB1 is provided on the second glass substrate 220A side and is a layer having a relatively high refractive index. The second layer LB2 is provided on the cell array 230 side and has a relatively low refractive index. The first layer LB1 is a lenticular lens having a plurality of convex surfaces on the second layer LB2 side.

  Note that the first layer LB1 in FIG. 6B corresponds to the first layer in the present invention, and the second layer LB2 corresponds to the second layer in the present invention.

  FIG. 6C shows a liquid crystal panel 120C in the third modification. The liquid crystal panel 120C is substantially the same as the liquid crystal panels 120A and 120B of FIGS. 6A and 6B, but the lens layer 224C is changed. Specifically, the lens layer 224C includes three layers LC1 to LC3. The first layer LC1 and the third layer LC3 are provided on the second glass substrate 220A side and the cell array 230 side, respectively, and are both layers having a relatively high refractive index. The second layer LC2 is provided between the first and third layers LC1 and LC3 and is a layer having a relatively low refractive index. The first layer LC1 is a lenticular lens having a plurality of convex surfaces on the second layer LC2 side. The third layer LC3 is also a lenticular lens having a plurality of convex surfaces on the second layer LC2 side. Note that the refractive indices of the two outer layers LC1 and LC3 may be the same or different.

  Note that the first, second, and third layers LC1, LC2, and LC3 in FIG. 6C correspond to the first, second, and third layers in the present invention, respectively.

  FIG. 6D shows a liquid crystal panel 120D in the fourth modification. The liquid crystal panel 120D is substantially the same as the liquid crystal panels 120A to 120C in FIGS. 6A to 6C, but the lens layer 224D is changed. Specifically, the lens layer 224D includes three layers LD1 to LD3. The first layer LD1 and the third layer LD3 are provided on the second glass substrate 220A side and the cell array 230 side, respectively, and are both layers having a relatively low refractive index. The second layer LD2 is provided between the first and third layers LD1 and LD3, and is a layer having a relatively high refractive index. The second layer LD2 is a lenticular lens having a plurality of convex surfaces on both the first layer LD1 side and the third layer LD3 side. The refractive indexes of the two layers LD1 and LD3 may be the same or different.

  Note that the first, second, and third layers LD1, LD2, and LD3 in FIG. 6D correspond to the second, first, and fourth layers in the present invention, respectively.

  The lens layers 224A to 224D shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D can be manufactured by using various methods.

  In this embodiment, the lens layers 224A to 224D are manufactured by sequentially forming the layers on the second glass substrate 220A using a photocurable resin. For example, when the lens layer 224A shown in FIG. 6A is manufactured, first, a first type resin is applied to the second glass substrate 220A to provide a first resin layer. Next, a plurality of concave surfaces are formed on the surface of the first resin layer using the first mold. Thereafter, the first resin layer is irradiated with light (for example, ultraviolet rays) to form the first layer LA1 having a relatively low refractive index. Subsequently, a second type resin is applied on the first layer LA1 to provide a second resin layer. Next, a flat surface is formed on the surface of the second resin layer using the second mold. Thereafter, the second resin layer is irradiated with light to form a second layer LA2 having a relatively high refractive index. Thereby, the lens layer 224A is formed on the second glass substrate 220A. Thereafter, similarly to the embodiment, the color filter layer 238 and the electrode layer 236 are formed in this order on the lens layer 224A.

  In this embodiment, a photocurable resin is used, but a thermosetting resin may be used instead.

  By the way, among the plurality of layers constituting the lens layers 224A to 224D, the refractive index of the layers LA1 to LD1 provided on the second glass substrate 220A is substantially equal to the refractive index of the second glass substrate 220A. preferable. For example, the difference between the refractive index of the layers LA1 to LD1 and the refractive index of the second glass substrate 220A is preferably 0.05 or less, and more preferably 0.01 or less. By doing so, it is possible to suppress a part of light representing an image from being reflected between the layers LA1 to LD1 and the second glass substrate 220A due to the difference in refractive index.

  As described above, in the modification example, the lens layers 224A to 224D are formed between the second glass substrate 220A and the cell array 230, and thus lens layers of various modes can be easily manufactured.

E. Lens shape variations:
6A to 6D, the lens layers 224A to 224D include a plurality of lenses (cylindrical lenses) extending in a direction perpendicular to the drawings, and each lens has a substantially semicircular cross-sectional shape. However, it may have other cross-sectional shapes.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a first modification of the lens shape. The liquid crystal panel 120Aa shown in FIG. 7 is substantially the same as the liquid crystal panel 120A of FIG. 6A, but the lens layer 224Aa is changed. Specifically, both the shape of the first layer LA1a having a relatively low refractive index and the shape of the second layer LA2a having a relatively high refractive index are changed.

  The second layer LA2a is a lenticular lens having a plurality of convex surfaces on the first layer LA1a side, and includes a plurality of lenses extending in a direction perpendicular to the drawing. However, as can be seen by comparing FIG. 6A and FIG. 7, each convex surface of the second layer LA2a shown in FIG. 7 includes a planar portion in the most protruding region. Each planar portion is in contact with the second glass substrate 220A.

  As described above, when the lens layer 224Aa in which the planar portion is formed in the most projecting region of each lens is used, the thickness of the lens layer 224Aa can be reduced.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a second modification of the lens shape. The liquid crystal panel 120Ab shown in FIG. 8 is substantially the same as the liquid crystal panel 120A of FIG. 6A, but the lens layer 224Ab is changed. Specifically, both the shape of the first layer LA1b having a relatively low refractive index and the shape of the second layer LA2b having a relatively high refractive index are changed.

  The second layer LA2b is a lenticular lens having a plurality of convex surfaces on the first layer LA1b side, and includes a plurality of lenses extending in a direction perpendicular to the drawing. However, as can be seen by comparing FIG. 6A and FIG. 8, each convex surface of the second layer LA2b shown in FIG. 8 has the same cross-sectional shape (Fresnel cross-sectional shape) as the Fresnel lens. Yes. Furthermore, each convex surface of the second layer LA2b includes a planar portion in the most protruding region, as in FIG. Each planar portion is in contact with the second glass substrate 220A.

  In this way, if each lens has a Fresnel-like cross-sectional shape and the lens layer 224Ab in which a flat portion is formed in the most projecting region of each lens, the thickness of the lens layer 224Ab can be considerably reduced. Can do.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, if the lens shape is changed, the thickness of the lens layers 224Aa and 224Ab can be made smaller than that of the lens layer 224A in FIG. For this reason, the thickness of the liquid crystal panels 120Aa and 120Ab can be reduced.

  Even when the lens layers 224Aa and 224Ab shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are adopted, the two images A and B can be guided in two corresponding directions (see FIG. 1). This is because the planar portion of each lens included in the lens layers 224Aa and 224Ab does not function as a lens but functions in the same manner as the opening of the barrier plate. That is, the light emitted from the pixel group constituting the image A and passing through the plane portions of the lens layers 224Aa and 224Ab is guided to the observer located in the first appropriate viewing area WA, but the second appropriate viewing area WB. It is not guided to an observer located at. On the other hand, the light emitted from the pixel group constituting the image B and passing through the plane portion of the lens is guided to the observer located in the second appropriate viewing area WB, but is observed in the first appropriate viewing area WA. It is not guided by the person. As a result, an observer located in the appropriate viewing area WA can observe only the image A, and an observer located in the appropriate viewing area WB can observe only the image B.

  Of the two layers constituting the lens layers 224Aa and 224Ab shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the refractive index of the first layer LA1a and LA1b provided on the second glass substrate 220A is the second glass substrate 220A. It is preferable that the refractive index is substantially the same. By so doing, light reflection at the interface between the second glass substrate 220A and the first layers LA1a and LA1b can be suppressed. However, the second layers LA2a and LA2b include a plane portion that contacts the second glass substrate 220A. For this reason, the refractive indexes of the second layers LA2a and LA2b may be set substantially equal to the refractive index of the second glass substrate 220A. By so doing, it is possible to suppress the reflection of light at the interface between the second glass substrate 220A and the second layers LA2a and LA2b.

  The lens layers 224Aa and 224Ab shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 can also be manufactured by the method described in FIG. In particular, when the lens layers 224Aa and 224Ab of FIGS. 7 and 8 are employed, the surface of the lens layer on the cell array 230 side is made flatter than when the lens layer 224A of FIG. 6A is employed. There is an advantage that can be.

  Specifically, when the lens layer 224A of FIG. 6A is formed, the second layer is formed after the first layer LA1 is formed on the second glass substrate 220 as described above. LA2 is formed. That is, when the second layer LA2 is formed, the first layer LA1 having irregularities is already formed. Note that the unevenness difference (that is, the difference between the highest position and the lowest position of the unevenness) of the first layer LA1 depends on the semicircular cross-sectional shape of the lens. For this reason, when the second layer LA2 is formed, if the second type resin is applied on the first layer LA1, the second resin layer is compared with the unevenness difference of the first layer LA1. Large irregularities are formed. As a result, it is relatively difficult to flatten the surface of the second layer LA2 on the cell array 230 side.

  On the other hand, even when the lens layers 224Aa and 224Ab of FIGS. 7 and 8 are formed, when the second layers LA2a and LA2b are formed, the first layers LA1a and LA1b having irregularities are already formed. Has been. However, the unevenness difference between the first layers LA1a and LA1b is smaller than the unevenness difference between the first layers LA1 in FIG. This is because in FIG. 7, each lens includes a planar portion in the most protruding region. Further, in FIG. 8, each lens has a Fresnel-shaped cross-sectional shape, and a plane portion is included in a region where each lens protrudes most. Therefore, when the second layer LA2a and LA2b are formed, if the second type resin is applied on the first layers LA1a and LA1b, the second resin layer has the first layers LA1a and LA1b. Relatively small unevenness corresponding to the unevenness difference is formed. As a result, the surface on the cell array 230 side of the second layers LA2a and LA2b can be made flatter.

  In FIGS. 6A, 7, and 8, the lens layers 224A, 224Aa, and 224Ab are adjacent to the cell array 230, but in order to adjust the distance between the lens layer and the cell array, A film layer such as a resin film or a plastic film may be interposed between the cell arrays. In this case, for example, a film layer may be attached on the lens layer formed on the second glass substrate 220A, and the color filter layer 238 and the electrode layer 236 may be formed on the film layer. . Also in this case, if the lens layers 224Aa and 224Ab of FIGS. 7 and 8 are employed, the surface of the film layer can be made flatter.

  In FIG. 8, each lens includes a planar portion in the most protruding region, but the planar portion can be omitted. In this case, each lens only needs to have a Fresnel-shaped cross section. Also in this case, the thickness of the lens layer can be reduced and the surface of the lens layer on the cell array side can be flattened.

  Further, in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lens shape deformation is applied to the lens layer 224 </ b> A of FIG. 6A, but can also be applied to the lens layers 224 </ b> B to 224 </ b> D of FIGS. It is.

  As described above, in this embodiment (and the modification), the image forming layer 122 and the lens layer 124 (La, 224A to 224D, 224Aa, 224Ab) are provided inside the liquid crystal panel 120. In other words, in this embodiment, the lens layer 124 is provided integrally with the image forming layer 122. Here, “provided integrally” means that the image forming layer 122 and the lens layer 124 are adjacent to each other as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, and the image forming layer 122 and the lens layer 124 are directly arranged. A case where the image forming layer and the lens layer are indirectly connected, and another layer (for example, the aforementioned film layer) is interposed between the image forming layer and the lens layer. , Meaning to include both. For this reason, the distance between the image forming layer 122 and the lens layer 124 can be reduced, and as a result, the angle (separation angle) between the two directions in which the two images A and B are guided is increased. be able to.

  Therefore, as described above, when the same suitable viewing distance D is realized in the example and the comparative example, the width Q of the suitable viewing areas WA and WB is increased by adopting the configuration of the example. be able to. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a phenomenon (double image) in which the two images A and B are simultaneously observed by the observer. Further, as described above, when the same suitable viewing area width is realized in the example and the comparative example, the suitable viewing distance D can be reduced by adopting the configuration of the example.

  In this embodiment, since the lens layer 124 is provided inside the liquid crystal panel 120, the image display device 100 can be made thinner than when the lens plate is provided outside the liquid crystal panel. In particular, in the modified examples (FIGS. 6, 7, and 8), the lens layers 224A to 224D, 224Aa, and 224Ab are formed on the second glass substrate 220A, but in the example (FIG. 3), the second layer is used. A lens layer La is formed inside the glass substrate 220. For this reason, if the configuration of the embodiment is adopted, the image display device (liquid crystal panel) can be considerably thinned.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the lens layer 124 is used, the brightness of the displayed image can be increased as compared with the case where a barrier plate provided with a plurality of openings is used.

  In addition, this invention is not restricted to said Example and embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary, it can be implemented in a various aspect, For example, the following deformation | transformation is also possible.

(1) In the above embodiment, the image display device displays two images, but instead of this, three or more images may be displayed. In this case, each cylindrical lens included in the lens layer 124 may be provided for every three or more continuous pixels.

  In the above embodiment, each cylindrical lens is provided for every two pixels that are continuous in the horizontal direction (row direction), but instead, every two pixels that are continuous in the vertical direction (column direction). May be provided.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 2, each image is formed in a part of the pixel group arranged in a stripe shape in the liquid crystal panel 120. Alternatively, the liquid crystal panel 120 may be formed in some pixel groups arranged in a staircase pattern. In this case, the lens layer 124 may include a plurality of cylindrical lenses arranged in a staircase instead of the plurality of cylindrical lenses arranged in a line.

  Generally, each of the plurality of lenses included in the lens layer may be provided for each of two or more pixels that are continuous in one direction among the plurality of pixels.

(2) In the above embodiment, the lens layer 124 is provided on the viewer side with respect to the image forming layer 122. Instead, the image forming layer 122 is provided on the viewer side with respect to the lens layer 124. It may be.

(3) In the above embodiment, a transmissive liquid crystal panel is used. However, instead of this, a reflective liquid crystal panel may be used.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 120 and the backlight 110 are used. Instead, a PDP (plasma display panel), an EL (electroluminescence) display, an FED (field emission display), etc. A self-luminous display panel may be used.

(5) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to an image display device for a two-dimensional image display device, but may be applied to an image display device for a stereoscopic image display device instead. In the image display device for the two-dimensional image display device, the distance G between the image forming layer 122 and the lens layer 124 is set to, for example, about 50 μm as described above. In the image display device, the distance G is set to about 500 μm, for example.

  Note that when a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image is displayed on a portable electronic device, it is preferable that the appropriate viewing distance is set to be relatively small. When the present invention is applied, two images can be separated with a relatively small viewing distance, and thus the present invention is suitable for a portable electronic device.

(6) In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware.

(7) In the above embodiment, the lens layer includes a layer having a relatively high refractive index (high refractive index layer) and a layer having a relatively low refractive index (low refractive index layer). As materials for forming each refractive index layer, the following materials can be used.

As the material for the high refractive index layer, for example, monomers such as bis (4-methacryloylthiophenyl) sulfide, vinyl naphthalene, vinyl phenyl sulfide, 4-methacryloxyphenyl-4′-methoxyphenyl thioether can be used. In order to increase the refractive index, a composition obtained by dispersing inorganic particles having a high refractive index in a mixed solution containing a monomer, an initiator, and an organically substituted silicon compound may be cured. As the inorganic particles, for example, ZrO ₂ or TiO ₂ can be used.

  As materials for the high refractive index layer, polymers such as acrylic resins such as PMMA, polycarbonate resins, polyethersulfone resins, styrene resins such as polystyrene, polyolefin resins, epoxy resins, and polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate can be used. is there.

  On the other hand, as a material for the low refractive index layer, for example, a porous body capable of transmitting light, an airgel (porous body), porous silica, magnesium fluoride or a material containing it, and fine particles of magnesium fluoride are dispersed. A gel, a fluorine-containing polymer or a material containing the same, a porous polymer having a branched structure such as a dendrimer, a material containing at least one of inorganic fine particles and organic fine particles in a predetermined material can be used. The airgel is obtained by drying a wet gel under supercritical conditions.

  Further, as a material for the low refractive index layer, a material obtained by mixing a fluorocarbon compound having a low refractive index having solubility or dispersibility in a polymer binder may be used. Polymer binders include polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl sulfonic acid sodium salt, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyethylene glycol, poly α-trifluoromethyl acrylic acid, polyvinyl methyl ether-co-maleic anhydride, polyethylene glycol Examples thereof include co-propylene glycol and polymethacrylic acid. Examples of the fluorocarbon compound having a low refractive index include perfluorooctanoic acid-ammonium salt, perfluorooctanoic acid-tetramethylammonium salt, C-7 and C-10 perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid ammonium salt, C-7 and C -10 perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid tetramethylammonium salt, fluorinated alkyl quaternary ammonium iodide, perfluoroadipic acid, quaternary ammonium salt of perfluoroadipic acid, and the like.

  Each refractive index layer composed of a polymer is formed as follows, for example. A polymer precursor or monomer is placed on a substrate (corresponding to the second glass substrate 220A), and then cured or polymerized. That is, the polymer layer is formed by applying a highly fluid monomer on a substrate and then curing or polymerizing. Furthermore, if the formed polymer layer is dried under supercritical conditions, the solvent, polymer precursor or monomer remaining in the polymer layer can be removed. Further, when the polymer layer is a porous body, the porosity can be maintained by drying under supercritical conditions.

  The refractive index of the high refractive index layer is set to about 1.54, for example. In this case, the refractive index of the low refractive index layer is preferably set to about 1.5 or less, and preferably about 1.2 or less.

2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image display device 100. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process in which the two images A and B are displayed. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific configuration of a liquid crystal panel 120. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the comparative example corresponding to the liquid crystal panel 120 of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the two suitable viewing area corresponding to the two images A and B in an Example and a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the various modifications of a liquid crystal panel. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st modification of a lens shape. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd modification of a lens shape.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Image display apparatus 110 ... Backlight 120,120A-120D, 120z, 120Aa, 120Ab ... Liquid crystal panel 122 ... Image formation layer 124 ... Lens layer 130z ... Lens board 180 ... Control circuit 182 ... Image supply part 210 ... Glass substrate 220 , 220A, 220z ... glass substrates 224A to 224D, 224Aa, 224Ab ... lens layer 230 ... cell array 232 ... transistor layer 234 ... liquid crystal layer 236 ... electrode layer 238 ... color filter layer La ... lens layer WA, WAz ... first suitable view Area WB, WBz ... Second suitable viewing area θ, θz ... Separation angle

Claims (13)

An image display device,
An image forming layer for forming a plurality of images;
A lens layer provided integrally with the image forming layer, the lens layer including a plurality of lenses for guiding the plurality of images formed in the image forming layer in a plurality of corresponding directions; ,
An image display device comprising: The image display device according to claim 1,
The image display device, wherein the lens layer is adjacent to the image forming layer. The image display device according to claim 1, further comprising:
Equipped with a translucent plate,
The lens layer is an image display device formed inside the translucent plate. The image display device according to claim 1, further comprising:
Equipped with a translucent plate,
The lens layer is an image display device provided between the translucent plate and the image forming layer. The image display device according to claim 4,
The lens layer is
A first layer having a first refractive index;
A second layer having a second refractive index smaller than the first refractive index;
Including
The image display device, wherein the first layer includes the plurality of convex surfaces provided on the second layer side. The image display device according to claim 5,
The lens layer further includes
A third layer having a third refractive index greater than the second refractive index;
The second layer is provided between the first layer and the third layer,
The image display device, wherein the third layer includes a plurality of convex surfaces provided on the second layer side. The image display device according to claim 5,
The lens layer further includes
A fourth layer having a fourth refractive index smaller than the first refractive index;
The first layer is provided between the second layer and the fourth layer,
The image display device, wherein the first layer further includes a plurality of convex surfaces provided on the fourth layer side. The image display device according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
One of the first layer and the second layer included in the lens layer is provided on the translucent plate,
The image display device, wherein the refractive index of the one layer is substantially equal to the refractive index of the translucent plate. The image display device according to claim 4,
Each of the plurality of lenses included in the lens layer has an image display device having a planar portion in the most protruding region. The image display device according to claim 4 or 9, wherein
Each of the plurality of lenses included in the lens layer has an Fresnel-shaped cross section. The image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The image forming layer includes a plurality of pixels,
Each of the plurality of lenses included in the lens layer is provided for every two or more pixels that are continuous in one direction among the plurality of pixels. The image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The image display device, wherein the lens layer is provided closer to an observer than the image forming layer. The image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The image display device, wherein the image forming layer includes a liquid crystal layer.

Images