JP2010237373A - Full color display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a full color display device capable of increasing a luminance in a predetermined area 14a which is determined so as to display a predetermined display image 12h in a predetermined color, such as warning display. <P>SOLUTION: A color filter element includes an arrangement area in which color filters R, G and B are arranged, and a non-arrangement area 14a in which the color filters R, G and B are not arranged, and the color filter element is configured to transmit white light as it is, through the non-arrangement area 14a. The non-arrangement area 14a of the color filter element is equivalent to the predetermined area 14a for displaying the predetermined image on the display panel 10, and a lens 42 for converting the white light to light having a predetermined color is disposed on the white light exit side of the non-arrangement area 14a of the color filter element. Accordingly, in the predetermined area 14a which is determined to display the predetermined display image in the predetermined color, such as the warning display, the color filters R, G and B corresponding to a plurality of pixels 10b are eliminated, then, the luminance of the predetermined area can be increased. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a full-color display device that displays a full-color image by controlling the intensity of RGB three primary colors at each pixel.

  Conventionally, as a full-color display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display (PDP), an electroluminescence display (ELD), and the like are known. For example, in the case of an LCD that is a light-receiving (non-light-emitting) display, the liquid crystal panel has a display area composed of a plurality of pixels, and each pixel has a red R (Red) area and a green G (Green). It is divided into a region and a blue B (Blue) region (see FIG. 4B).

  Specifically, a red filter, a green filter, and a blue filter are provided corresponding to each of these areas, and the RGB components of the white light from the backlight unit are selectively transmitted through these filters. . In the LCD, the voltage applied to the liquid crystal cells corresponding to the RGB regions of each pixel is controlled to adjust the balance of the RGB components of the transmitted light to realize full color display.

  Patent Document 1 below proposes that such a conventional full-color display device is mounted on a vehicle and used for various purposes such as meter display, warning display, and display of navigation information from a car navigation system. In such a full-color display device, when displaying warnings to the user, such as insufficient engine oil pressure or insufficient fuel level, warning displays are made to color various display images in red or orange. Yes.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a conventional warning display unit, and FIG. 9 is an exploded schematic diagram showing a configuration of the warning display unit of FIG. In this example, a red or orange display image 12 h is displayed on the plurality of pixels 10 a of the liquid crystal panel 10. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of another conventional warning display unit, and FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the warning display unit of FIG.

  In this example, a light emitting device (light emitting diode) 62 disposed on a substrate 61 on the surface side of the liquid crystal panel 10 and a display image 12h on a further surface side of the light emitting device 62 with a red (or orange) transmission portion. This is an example in which a warning lens 42 </ b> A formed with is provided and displayed.

JP-A-11-91461

  However, in the above-described conventional warning display method, in the example in which the red display image 12h is displayed on the plurality of pixels 10a of the liquid crystal panel 10, a single color display is performed with a color close to one of the three RGB primary colors such as red. Will be done. That is, in such a monochromatic display, each pixel 10a transmits only the red R (Red) component of the light from the diffusion plate (backlight) 22, and the other two colors are suppressed from transmitting. There is a problem that the brightness does not increase.

  For this reason, although it is a warning display which is important information, it has the same luminance as other meter display units and the like, and it is impossible to display only the warning display brightly. This is a problem. On the other hand, in the example in which the light emitting device 62 and the warning lens 42A are provided separately from the liquid crystal panel 10, the brightness of the warning display can be set regardless of the brightness of the liquid crystal panel 10, and only the warning display is brightened. Although it can be displayed, there is a problem that an extra cost is required.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems existing in the prior art, and its purpose is to display a predetermined display image in a predetermined color, such as a warning display. An object of the present invention is to provide a full-color display device capable of increasing the luminance of a predetermined area. Note that reference numerals not described in FIGS. 8 and 10 correspond to the reference numerals described in “Mode for Carrying Out the Invention” to be described later, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following technical means. That is, in the first aspect of the invention, the display panel (10) that emits white light and displays an image and the white light emission side of the display panel (10) are arranged to convert the white light into full color light. And a color filter element having color filters (R, G, B) of RGB three primary colors, the color filter element having an arrangement area of the color filters (R, G, B) A non-arrangement region (14a), and the non-arrangement region (14a) transmits white light as it is, and the non-arrangement region (14a) of the color filter element is included in the display panel (10). A filter member (42) corresponding to a predetermined area (14a) for displaying a predetermined image and converting white light into a predetermined color on the white light emitting side of the non-arranged area (14a) of the color filter element. There has been characterized in that it is arranged.

  If a predetermined display image is displayed in a predetermined color in the predetermined area (14a), this is expressed by light selectively transmitted through the three primary color filters (R, G, B) of the display panel (10). Rather, attention is paid to the fact that the light of the white light source unit (20) can be used more effectively when it is colored in a predetermined color by another filter member (42). According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of pixels (10b) are supported in a predetermined area (14a) in which a predetermined display image is determined to be displayed in a predetermined color, such as a warning display. The luminance can be increased by eliminating each color filter (R, G, B).

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the full-color display device according to the first aspect, the full-color display device is a display device for a vehicle (1), and the color filter (R, G, B) of the color filter element. In the arrangement area, the display panel (10) displays the state value of the vehicle as an image, and in the non-arrangement area (14a) of the color filter element, the display panel (10) displays a warning image (12h) in the vehicle as a predetermined image. It is characterized by that.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the information displayed in the predetermined area (14a) is a warning display for the user, it is particularly effective to increase the luminance of the predetermined area (14a). If the warning image (12h), which is important information for the user, is displayed with low luminance, the user may overlook the warning image (12h). However, by increasing the luminance, the warning is important information for the user. The image (12h) can be recognized without overlooking it.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the full color display device according to the second aspect, the state image of the vehicle is at least a vehicle speed display image, a water temperature display image, and a residual fuel display image, and a warning image ( 12h) is at least a seat pelt warning image and a door warning image. Specifically, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the state value graphic image and the warning image (12h) as described above are displayed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the full-color display device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the display panel (10) includes a liquid crystal panel and a white light source unit (20). . According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in a light-receiving (non-light-emitting) display that transmits light from the white light source unit (20), such as a liquid crystal panel, attenuation of light during transmission is suppressed. As a result, the luminance of the predetermined area (14a) can be increased.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the full color display device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the display panel (10) is an organic EL panel. According to the invention described in claim 5, as the organic EL panel, the three primary color filters (R, G, B) are arranged on the light emitting side of the white light emitting layer (20A) to convert white light into full color light. In the case of conversion, the luminance of the predetermined area (14a) can be increased by eliminating the color filters (R, G, B).

  In addition, the code | symbol in the parenthesis as described in a claim and said each means is an example which shows a corresponding relationship with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

It is a front view which shows schematic structure of the display apparatus 1 for vehicles using the full color display apparatus of this invention. It is II-II sectional drawing in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electric circuit structure of the display apparatus 1 for vehicles of FIG. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows the cross-sectional structure of the warning display area 14a in one Embodiment of this invention, (b) is the b view enlarged view in (a), (c) is in (a) FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the warning display area 14a in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the warning display area 14a in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cross-sectional structure of the warning display area 14a in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cross-sectional structure of the conventional warning display part. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the warning display part of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cross-sectional structure of the other conventional warning display part. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the warning display part of FIG.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle display device 1 using a full-color display device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1, and FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electric circuit structure of the display apparatus 1 for an object. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle display device 1 functions as a combination meter for various vehicles, and this embodiment will be described as an example in which the present invention is applied to a combination meter for an automobile.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle display device 1 according to the present embodiment is roughly divided into a liquid crystal panel (display panel referred to in the present invention) 10, a white light source unit 20, and a meter case 2. It consists of a control circuit 30 and the like. The liquid crystal panel 10 is a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) transmissive liquid crystal panel, and is installed in front of a driver's seat in a vehicle interior (not shown) so that a driver who is driving the vehicle can see the design surface (screen) 11.

  As will be described later, the liquid crystal panel 10 is a dot matrix type having a plurality of pixels 10a (see FIG. 4B) arranged in a matrix, and by driving these pixels, In addition, a full color image can be displayed. As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal panel 10 according to the present embodiment includes a display area 14 composed of a plurality of pixels 10a, a design display area for displaying a meter image 12 and a background image 13, and various indicators (present invention). Warning image) 12h for displaying a warning display area (non-arrangement area, predetermined area in the present invention) 14a.

  The meter image 12 is an image for displaying a vehicle state value, which will be described later, to the driver of the vehicle. Specifically, in the present embodiment, a vehicle speed display image 12a indicating the vehicle speed, and a rotation speed display image indicating the engine rotation speed. 12b, a water temperature display image 12c indicating the temperature of the engine cooling water, and a remaining fuel display image 12d indicating the remaining amount of fuel are displayed.

  In the present embodiment, a turn direction display image 12e indicating the turn direction, a shift position display image 12f indicating the shift position, an odd / trip meter display image 12g indicating the cumulative travel distance and travel distance, and the like are displayed. In the warning display area 14a, for example, as a warning image, a rear light warning, an engine check warning, a seat belt warning, a high beam warning, a door warning, a brake warning, an exhaust temperature warning, an oil warning, a charge, etc. Various indicators 12h such as warnings are displayed.

  The background image 13 is displayed as a background for making a display image such as the meter image 12 stand out. The display area 14 constitutes the entire design surface 11 and displays the meter image 12 and the background image 13 by driving each pixel constituting the display area 14. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the white light source unit 20 includes a light emitting diode 21 and a diffusion plate 22.

  The light emitting diode 21 is a chip type in this embodiment, and is disposed below the counter-design surface side of the liquid crystal panel 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the light emitting diode 21 is electrically connected via a control circuit 30 and a power supply circuit 32, and emits white light by being driven according to a light emission drive signal supplied from the control circuit 30. The diffusion plate 22 is formed in a flat plate shape with a light-transmitting resin, and is disposed so as to cover the anti-design side surface of the liquid crystal panel 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the diffusing plate 22 diffuses incident light from the light emitting diode 21 located adjacent to the lower end surface and emits it from the light emitting surface 22a on the liquid crystal panel 10 side. The light emission luminance is made substantially uniform over the entire area. As described above, the white light source unit 20 transmits and illuminates the entire liquid crystal panel 10 from behind with the light from the light emitting surface 22a, and emits an image displayed on the design surface 11 of the liquid crystal panel 10.
As shown in FIG. 2, a translucent plate 3 is attached to the front surface periphery of the meter case 2 in front of the liquid crystal panel 10 (vehicle rear side) so as to cover the design surface 11. The translucent plate 3 is attached in a state where it is inclined downward with respect to the plane (vertical surface) of the design surface 11 so that the upper portion protrudes forward from the lower portion. And the translucent board 3 of this embodiment is formed with transparent plates, such as an acrylic resin board.

  The control circuit 30 as a control means is a microcomputer, for example, and is disposed in the meter case 2 on the front side of the light emitting diode 21 in the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit 30 is electrically connected to the drive circuit 31 of the liquid crystal panel 10 and the power supply circuit 32 of the light emitting diode 21 of the white light source unit 20. The control circuit 30 is also electrically connected to a light switch S1, a liquid crystal adjustment switch S2, a state value sensor S3, an abnormality sensor S4, an illuminance sensor S5, and the like mounted on the vehicle.

  The control circuit 30 having such an electrical connection form generates an image signal to be supplied to the drive circuit 31 and a drive signal to be supplied to the power supply circuit 32 based on the signals from the switches S1 and S2 and the sensors S3 to S5. The display operation and the light emission operation of the white light source unit 20 are controlled. In particular, the control of the display operation of the liquid crystal panel 10 is realized by the control circuit 30 generating an image signal based on the image data stored in the image memory (for example, image ROM) 30a.

  Here, the light switch S1 is a switch for turning on / off a predetermined lamp of the vehicle. In particular, in this embodiment, as the operation position, the width lamp ON position of the tail lamp ON, the headlamp ON position, and the tail lamp OFF The all-lamp OFF position. Thus, the vehicle occupant can input an ON / OFF command corresponding to the operation position by operating the light switch S1 to a desired position.

  The liquid crystal adjustment switch S2 is a switch for adjusting the brightness of the image displayed on the design surface 11 of the liquid crystal panel 10, and in the present embodiment, in particular, a plurality of levels (for example, 10 levels) defined for the brightness of the image. ) Has a plurality of operation positions corresponding to the adjustment value. Thus, the occupant can input an adjustment value corresponding to the operation position by operating the liquid crystal adjustment switch S2 to a desired position.

  Each of the switches S1 and S2 transmits a signal representing the input content corresponding to the operation position to the control circuit 30. In this way, each of the switches S1 and S2 functions as an “input unit” that receives an input from the passenger.

  The state value sensor S3 detects a vehicle state value to be displayed as an image on the design surface 11 of the liquid crystal panel 10, for example, a vehicle speed in the present embodiment. The abnormality sensor S4 detects an abnormality that has occurred in the vehicle, in this embodiment, for example, an abnormality in the coolant temperature of the engine cooling water. The illuminance sensor S5 detects the illuminance of external light from the vehicle. These sensors S <b> 3 to S <b> 5 transmit signals representing the respective detection results to the control circuit 30.

  Next, the structure of the principal part of this invention is demonstrated. 4A is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the warning display area 14a according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4B is an enlarged view in a view b in FIG. 4A, and FIG. It is the c view enlarged view in a). In the warning display area 14a which is a part of the display area 14, as described above, it is determined that the predetermined indicator 12h is displayed in a predetermined color at a predetermined position. Hereinafter, the fourth brake warning indicator 12h from the right in FIG. 1 will be described as an example.

  In such a warning display area 14a, the RGB three primary color filters R, G, and B corresponding to the plurality of pixels 10b are eliminated in the warning display area 14a of the display panel 10 (see FIG. 4C). . Specifically, when the liquid crystal panel is manufactured, a colored resin layer containing R, G, and B pigments is printed on the surface of a transparent resin sheet (not shown), but the portion corresponding to the warning display area 14a. Only the colored resin layer will not be printed.

  Thereby, the part corresponding to the warning display area 14a remains as a transparent resin sheet, and white light is transmitted as it is. A lens (filter member referred to in the present invention) 42 is arranged on the front side of the warning display area 14a of the display panel 10. The lens 42 is supported by a cover 41 that is a part of the meter case 2 (see FIG. 4A).

  FIG. 5 is an exploded schematic view showing the configuration of the warning display area 14a in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the display in the warning display area 14a makes all of the plurality of pixels 10b corresponding to the warning display area 14a in a transmissive state, and a predetermined indicator is provided by the image lens (filter member in the present invention) 42A. 12h is displayed in a predetermined color, here red or orange.

  In the conventional liquid crystal display, for example, when the warning is red, only the red filter R in one pixel is transmitted, and the remaining green filter G and blue filter B are shielded from light. The brightness of one pixel is represented by the sum of red brightness + green brightness + blue brightness. In this case, only the brightness of red is obtained.

  In this way, when only red is transmitted, only the red region in one pixel is transmitted, so that the light that can be transmitted through one pixel becomes 1/3, and further, 1/3 of the light passes through the red filter R. The light is further attenuated to about 1/10 of the brightness. If it is blue, it is (1/3) × (1/5), and if it is green, it is (1/3) × (1/3).

  In the present embodiment, since each color filter R, G, B in the corresponding pixel 10b is eliminated, all three regions constituting one pixel can be transmitted, and the brightness is white brightness + white brightness. The sum of brightness + brightness of white, and in principle, the colored light itself from the white light source unit 20 is transmitted.

  The light that has passed through the liquid crystal panel 10 is colored in a warning red color by the lens 42 provided on the design surface 11 of the liquid crystal panel 10. For this reason, even if the lens 42 having the same transmittance as that of the above color filter is used, it is possible to use all the light of one pixel, so that the brightness can be increased to three times the brightness. Furthermore, if a lens 42 with good transmittance is selected, the luminance can be further improved.

  Next, the features and effects of this embodiment will be described. First, the color filter element includes an arrangement area for the color filters R, G, and B and a non-arrangement area 14a, and the non-arrangement area 14a transmits white light as it is. Further, the non-arrangement area 14a of the color filter element corresponds to the predetermined area 14a for displaying a predetermined image in the display panel 10, and white light is emitted to the white light emitting side of the non-arrangement area 14a of the color filter element. A lens 42 for converting to a predetermined color is disposed.

  This is because, if a predetermined display image is displayed in a predetermined color in the predetermined area 14a, it is different from the expression by the light selectively transmitted by the three primary color filters R, G, B of the display panel 10. It is noticed that the light of the white light source unit 20 can be used more effectively when colored in a predetermined color at 42. According to this, the color filters R, G, and B corresponding to the plurality of pixels 10b are eliminated in the predetermined area 14a in which a predetermined display image is determined to be displayed in a predetermined color, such as a warning display. Can increase the brightness.

  The full-color display device is the vehicle display device 1, and the display panel 10 displays the vehicle state value as an image in the arrangement region of the color filters R, G, and B of the color filter element, and the non-arrangement region of the color filter element. In 14a, the display panel 10 displays a warning image 12h in the vehicle as a predetermined image.

  According to this, when the information displayed in the predetermined area 14a is a warning display for the user, it is particularly effective to increase the luminance of the predetermined area 14a. If the warning image 12h, which is important information for the user, is displayed with low luminance, the user may miss the warning image 12h. However, by increasing the luminance, the user misses the warning image 12h, which is important information. It can be recognized without.

  Further, the image of the vehicle state value is at least a vehicle speed display image, a water temperature display image, and a residual fuel display image, and the warning image 12h is at least a seat pelt warning image and a door warning image. Specifically, the state value iconic image and the warning image 12h as described above are displayed.

  The display panel 10 includes a liquid crystal panel and a white light source unit 20. According to this, in a light-receiving type (non-light-emitting type) display that transmits light from the white light source unit 20 like a liquid crystal panel, the attenuation of light when transmitted is suppressed, whereby the luminance of the predetermined region 14a. Can be raised.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is an exploded schematic view showing the configuration of the warning display area 14a in the second embodiment of the present invention. In the following embodiments, the same or equivalent components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and different configurations and features will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined area 14a is displayed by displaying a predetermined warning image 12h on a plurality of pixels 10b corresponding to the predetermined area 14a, and displaying the warning image 12h on a color filter (filter member in the present invention) 42B. Is transmitted as a predetermined color.

  According to this, the white light from the white light source unit 20 is made the predetermined warning image 12h by the plurality of pixels 10b of the liquid crystal panel 10 and reaches the color filter 42B, and the predetermined warning image 12h is the color filter 42B. The color is expressed in a predetermined color. Also by this method, since the attenuation of light when passing through the liquid crystal panel 10 as the predetermined warning image 12h is suppressed, the luminance of the predetermined area 14a can be increased.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is an exploded schematic view showing the configuration of the warning display area 14a in the third embodiment of the present invention. Features different from the above-described embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, an organic EL panel using an electroluminescence element is used as the display panel 10. According to this, the white light emitting layer in the panel, and the pixels 10a and 10b constituting the pixel also serve as the white light source unit 20 in the above-described embodiment.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified or expanded as follows. For example, in the first embodiment described above, the light source that projects the diffuser plate 22 in the white light source unit 20 is the light emitting diode 21, but it may be a CCT (cold cathode tube) or an electroluminescence element. There may be. Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although it uses for warning display, you may apply to information displays other than warning display. However, the present invention is effective when applied to a case where information important to the user is displayed with high luminance.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the design surface 11 is arranged from the instrument panel in the passenger compartment toward the driver, but the image displayed on the design surface 11 is displayed to the driver as a virtual image by the half mirror. It may be arranged as described. The full-color display device of the present invention is not limited to a vehicle display device used by being mounted on a vehicle, but may be applied to a display device used for a moving body such as a ship or an aircraft, or a household appliance. The present invention may be applied to a display device used for a stationary device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Display apparatus for vehicles 10 ... Liquid crystal panel, organic electroluminescent panel (display panel)
12h ... Indicator (warning image)
14a ... Warning display area (non-arrangement area, predetermined area)
20 ... White light source unit 42 ... Lens (filter member)
R ... Red filter (color filter)
G ... Green filter (color filter)
B ... Blue filter (color filter)

Claims (5)

A display panel (10) for emitting white light and displaying an image;
A color filter element disposed on the white light emitting side of the display panel (10) for converting the white light into full-color light and having color filters (R, G, B) of RGB three primary colors. A full color display device,
The color filter element includes an arrangement region and a non-arrangement region (14a) for the color filters (R, G, B), and the non-arrangement region (14a) is configured to transmit the white light as it is. And
The non-arrangement region (14a) of the color filter element corresponds to a predetermined region (14a) for displaying a predetermined image in the display panel (10),
A full-color display device, wherein a filter member (42) for converting the white light into a predetermined color is disposed on the white light emission side of the non-arrangement region (14a) of the color filter element. The full-color display device is a vehicle display device (1), and the display panel (10) displays a vehicle state value as an image in an arrangement region of the color filters (R, G, B) of the color filter element. ,
The full-color display device according to claim 1, wherein the display panel (10) displays a warning image (12h) in a vehicle as the predetermined image in the non-arranged region (14a) of the color filter element.   The image of the state value of the vehicle is at least a vehicle speed display image, a water temperature display image, and a residual fuel display image, and the warning image (12h) is at least a seat pelt warning image and a door warning image. Item 3. The full-color display device according to Item 2.   The full-color display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display panel (10) includes a liquid crystal panel and a white light source unit (20).   The full-color display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display panel (10) is an organic EL panel.

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