JP2012003099A - Stereoscopic image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stereoscopic image display device that prevents deterioration in resolution of an image for each point of view.SOLUTION: The stereoscopic image display device includes: a light emitting device having a light-emitting surface formed by arranging a plurality of light-emitting regions in rows adjacent to each other; a transmissive display panel facing the light-emitting surface of the light emitting device and having a display region composed of a plurality of pixels; and drive means. On a virtual plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the light-emitting regions, light in each of the light-emitting regions is made incident on the display region of the transmissive display panel while passing through the center of the light-emitting region and diverging substantially symmetrically with respect to a virtual straight line perpendicular to the light-emitting region. In a part of the display region that receives light of one light-emitting region and a part of the display region that receives light of a light-emitting region adjacent to the above one light-emitting region, some pixels overlap each other. Drive means causes the light-emitting regions in odd-numbered rows and even-numbered rows to alternately emit light, and changes an image on the transmissive display panel synchronously.

Description

  The present invention relates to a stereoscopic image display device, and more particularly to a so-called naked-eye type stereoscopic image display device.

  Conventionally, various stereoscopic image display apparatuses that realize stereoscopic viewing by observing two images with parallax are known. The stereoscopic image display apparatus is divided into a spectacle method in which a parallax image is input by separating the left and right eyes with glasses, and a naked eye method (without glasses) in which a parallax image is input without using glasses. Broadly divided.

  As an autostereoscopic image display device, a lenticular stereo image display device combining an image display unit (two-dimensional image display device) and a lenticular lens, or an image display unit and a parallax barrier (parallax barrier) are combined. A parallax barrier type stereoscopic image display device has been put into practical use.

  A parallax barrier type stereoscopic image display device generally includes an image display unit including a display panel having a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix in a horizontal direction (lateral direction) and a vertical direction (vertical direction), and the like. And a parallax barrier made of a mask having a slit-like opening extending in the vertical direction. As shown in a conceptual diagram in FIG. 34, a light ray group emitted from a pixel group denoted by reference numerals L2, L4, L6, L8, and L10 reaches the first viewpoint DL through the opening of the parallax barrier. Then, the light ray group emitted from the pixel group denoted by reference signs R1, R3, R5, R7, and R9 reaches the second viewpoint DR through the opening of the parallax barrier. The broken line indicates the locus of the light beam blocked by the parallax barrier mask.

  Here, it is assumed that the left eye of the image observer is in the first viewpoint DL and the right eye of the image observer is in the second viewpoint DR. If an image for the left eye is displayed by a pixel group having the symbols L2, L4, L6, L8, and L10, and an image for the right eye is displayed by the pixel group having the symbols R1, R3, R5, R7, and R9, the image The observer recognizes the image as a stereoscopic image.

  In the example shown in FIG. 34, the left-eye image is composed of even-numbered columns of pixels, and the right-eye image is composed of odd-numbered columns of pixels. Thus, in the parallax barrier type stereoscopic image display device, the resolution (particularly, horizontal resolution) of the image for each viewpoint is lowered. If the number of viewpoints is U (where U is a natural number equal to or greater than 2), the resolution of the image for each viewpoint is 1 / U of the resolution of the image display unit. Along with this, the resolution of the stereoscopic image also decreases as the number of viewpoints increases. The same applies to a lenticular stereoscopic image display device.

  In order to reduce the above-described reduction in resolution of the stereoscopic image, two images (referred to as a first field image and a second field image for convenience) are sequentially displayed on the image display unit to form one stereoscopic image. In addition, the parallax barrier is switched in synchronization with the switching between the first field image and the second field image (specifically, the mask and the aperture are switched), for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-4179. It is disclosed in the publication. An outline of the operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 35A and 35B and FIGS. 36A and 36B.

  FIGS. 35A and 35B are schematic diagrams for explaining the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye when the first field image is displayed. The relationship between the mask and the opening in the parallax barrier is the same as in FIG. In the same manner as described with reference to FIG. 34, the image for the left eye is displayed by the pixel group denoted by reference numerals L2, L4, L6, L8, and L10, and pixels denoted by reference numerals R1, R3, R5, R7, and R9. The image for the right eye is displayed depending on the group. The image for the left eye is composed of even-numbered pixels, and the image for the right eye is composed of odd-numbered pixels.

  FIGS. 36A and 36B are schematic diagrams for explaining the right-eye image and the left-eye image when the second field image is displayed. In contrast to FIGS. 35A and 35B, the parallax barrier masks and openings are replaced. In this case, the image for the left eye is displayed by the pixel group to which the symbols L1, L3, L5, L7, and L9 are attached, and the image for the right eye is displayed by the pixel group to which the symbols R2, R4, R6, R8, and R10 are assigned. indicate. The image for the left eye is composed of odd-numbered pixels, and the image for the right eye is composed of even-numbered pixels.

  When the switching between the first field image and the second field image and the switching of the parallax barrier in the image display unit is performed at a speed that cannot be perceived by the image observer, symbols L2, L4, L6, L8, An image formed by the pixel group denoted by L10 and symbols L1, L3, L5, L7, and L9 is recognized by the image observer as an image for the left eye. Similarly, the image observer recognizes an image formed by the pixel groups denoted by reference signs R1, R3, R5, R7, and R9 and reference signs R2, R4, R6, R8, and R10 as an image for the right eye. As a result, a reduction in the resolution of the stereoscopic image can be reduced. When the number of viewpoints is “2”, the resolution of the image for each viewpoint can be substantially the same as that of the image display unit.

JP 2007-4179 A

  The technique of sequentially switching the images displayed on the image display unit and switching the parallax barrier accordingly, the resolution of the image for each viewpoint decreases as the number of viewpoints increases. It is an excellent technique for solving the problem of lowering. The switchable parallax barrier can be configured using, for example, a liquid crystal material or a polarizing plate. However, there is a problem that the parallax barrier has a complicated configuration and the cost of the stereoscopic image display device increases.

  Therefore, the object of the present invention is to reduce the resolution of the image for each viewpoint without using a complex parallax barrier, and to display a stereoscopic image with excellent image quality. It is to provide a display device.

In order to achieve the above object, a stereoscopic image display device of the present invention is provided.
A light-emitting device having a light-emitting surface in which a plurality of light-emitting regions in a row extending in a substantially vertical direction are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction;
A transmissive display panel having a display region composed of a plurality of pixels arranged opposite to the light emitting surface of the light emitting device and arranged in a two-dimensional matrix; and
Driving means for driving the light emitting device and the transmissive display panel;
With
On the virtual plane orthogonal to the direction in which the light emitting area extends, the light of each light emitting area diverges substantially symmetrically with respect to a virtual line passing through the center of the light emitting area and orthogonal to the light emitting area. Incident on the display area,
Some pixels overlap in a part of a display area where light of a certain light emitting area is incident and a part of a display area where light of a light emitting area adjacent to a certain light emitting area is incident,
A stereoscopic image display device in which an odd-numbered light emitting region and a even-numbered light emitting region are alternately switched by a driving unit, and an image on a transmissive display panel is switched synchronously. .

  In the stereoscopic image display device according to the present invention, a part of the display area where light of a certain light emitting area enters and the part of the display area where light of a light emitting area adjacent to a certain light emitting area is incident. Of pixels overlap. From these overlapping pixels, light is emitted toward different viewpoints depending on whether the odd-numbered light emitting regions emit light or the even-numbered light emitting regions emit light. And since the image of a transmissive display panel is switched synchronously, the fall of the resolution of the image for each viewpoint can be reduced. According to the three-dimensional image display apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to reduce a decrease in resolution of an image for each viewpoint without using a complex parallax barrier.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a stereoscopic image display apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the light-emitting device that constitutes the stereoscopic image display device of Example 1 when virtually separated. FIG. 3 is a schematic end view of a part of the stereoscopic image display device for explaining the arrangement of the pixels and the light emitting regions in the stereoscopic image display device of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view for explaining the positional relationship among the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, D4, the transmissive display panel, and the light emitting region in the observation region shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the conditions that are satisfied for the light from the pixels to go to the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 of the central observation region. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a condition that is satisfied in order that the light from the pixel goes to the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 of the left observation region. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a part of the light emitting surface and the display region for explaining the arrangement of the pixels and the light emitting region in the stereoscopic image display apparatus of Example 1. FIG. 8A is a schematic partial end view for explaining the light of the first light source emitted from the light guide plate in the stereoscopic image display apparatus of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 8B is a schematic partial end view for explaining the light of the second light source emitted from the light guide plate. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram for explaining the direction of light emitted from the light guide plate when the first light source emits light in the stereoscopic image display apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9B is a graph for explaining the relationship between the intensity of light emitted from the light guide plate when the first light source emits light and the direction in which the light is emitted. FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram for explaining the direction of light emitted from the prism sheet when the first light source emits light in the stereoscopic image display apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10B is a graph for explaining the relationship between the intensity of light emitted from the prism sheet when the first light source emits light and the direction in which the light is emitted. FIG. 11A is a schematic front view for explaining a case where the first light source emits light and the light emitting regions in the odd-numbered columns are in a light emitting state in the stereoscopic image display apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11B is a schematic partial end view for explaining light emitted from the light emitting regions in the odd-numbered columns. FIG. 12A is a schematic front view for explaining the case where the second light source emits light and the even-numbered light emitting areas are in a light emitting state in the stereoscopic image display apparatus of the first embodiment. FIG. 12B is a schematic partial end view for explaining light emitted from the even-numbered light emitting regions. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image observed at the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 in the central observation region when the even-numbered light emission regions are in the light emission state. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining images observed at the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 in the left observation region when the even-numbered light emission regions are in the light emission state. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image observed at the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 in the right observation area when the even-numbered light emission areas are in the light emission state. FIG. 16 is a schematic partial end view for explaining a portion of a display area in a transmissive display panel on which light from an even-numbered light emitting area is incident when attention is directed to light toward the central observation area. is there. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image observed at the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 in the central observation region when the odd-numbered light emission regions are in the light emission state. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image observed at the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 in the left observation region when the odd-numbered light emission regions are in the light emission state. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image observed at the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 in the right observation area when the odd-numbered light emission areas are in the light emission state. FIG. 20 is a schematic partial end view for explaining a portion of a display area in a transmissive display panel in which light from an odd-numbered light emitting area is incident when attention is paid to light toward the central observation area. is there. FIG. 21A illustrates an image corresponding to the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 in each observation region when the even-numbered light-emitting regions are in the light-emitting state in the stereoscopic image display apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a table for explaining pixel column numbers and column numbers of pixels constituting an image corresponding to the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 in each observation region when the odd-numbered light emitting regions are in a light emitting state. is there. FIG. 21B is a table summarizing the results of FIG. FIG. 22 is a schematic plan view of a part of the light emitting surface and the display area for explaining the arrangement of the pixels and the light emitting areas in the stereoscopic image display apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view when the stereoscopic image display apparatus according to Embodiment 2 is virtually separated. FIG. 24 is a schematic end view of a part of the stereoscopic image display device for explaining the arrangement of the pixels and the light emitting areas in the stereoscopic image display device of the second embodiment. FIG. 25 is a schematic partial end view for explaining a portion of a display area in a transmissive display panel in which light from even-numbered light emitting areas is incident when attention is directed to light directed to the central observation area. is there. FIG. 26 is a schematic partial end view for explaining a portion of a display area in a transmissive display panel in which light from an odd-numbered light emitting area is incident when attention is directed to light toward the central observation area. is there. FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view when the stereoscopic image display apparatus according to Embodiment 3 is virtually separated. FIG. 28 is a schematic end view of a part of the stereoscopic image display device for explaining the arrangement of pixels and light emitting areas in the stereoscopic image display device of Example 3. FIG. 29 is a schematic partial end view for explaining a portion of a display area in a transmissive display panel in which light from even-numbered light emitting areas is incident when attention is directed to light directed to the central observation area. is there. FIG. 30 is a schematic partial end view for explaining a portion of a display area in a transmissive display panel in which light from an odd-numbered light emitting area is incident when attention is directed to light toward the central observation area. is there. FIG. 31 is a schematic perspective view when the stereoscopic image display apparatus according to Embodiment 4 is virtually separated. FIG. 32 is a schematic partial end view for explaining the light of the first light source and the second light source emitted from the light guide plate in the stereoscopic image display apparatus of Example 4. FIG. 33 is a conceptual diagram of the stereoscopic image display apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 34 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the operation of the parallax barrier type stereoscopic image display apparatus. FIGS. 35A and 35B are schematic diagrams for explaining the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye when the first field image is displayed. FIGS. 36A and 36B are schematic diagrams for explaining the right-eye image and the left-eye image when the second field image is displayed.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on examples with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the examples, and various numerical values and materials in the examples are examples. The description will be given in the following order.
1. 1. General description of stereoscopic image display device and driving method thereof according to the present invention Example 1 (stereoscopic image display device of the present invention and driving method thereof)
3. Example 2 (Modification of Example 1)
4). Example 3 (Modification of Example 1)
5). Example 4 (Modification of Example 1)
6). Example 5 (modification of Example 1, other)

[Explanation of Stereoscopic Image Display Device and Driving Method of the Present Invention, and General]
In the stereoscopic image display device of the present invention, the light emitting device is
One surface corresponds to the light emitting surface, and the other surface is provided with a plurality of prism rows each composed of a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface sandwiching the apex angle, and the portion corresponding to the first inclined surface on one surface is an odd number. A prism sheet corresponding to the light emitting region of the row, the portion corresponding to the second inclined surface of the one surface corresponding to the light emitting region of the even row,
A first light source that causes light to enter the prism array from the second inclined surface side, and emits light from the odd-numbered light emitting regions by the light reflected by the first inclined surface; and
A second light source that causes light to enter the prism row from the first slope side and emit light of the even-numbered rows of light emitting areas by the light reflected by the second slope surface;
With
The first light source and the second light source can be switched between light emission / non-light emission alternately by the driving means.

  In the stereoscopic image display device of the present invention, the light emitting device has a light emitting surface formed by arranging a plurality of light emitting regions extending substantially vertically in a horizontal direction, and light emitting regions in odd columns emit light. The state and the state in which even-numbered light emitting regions emit light are alternately switched. A light emitting device having a configuration in which a plurality of light emitting regions in a row emitting light by electroluminescence or the like are arranged, or a light emitting device having a configuration in which a columnar light valve using a liquid crystal panel or the like and a known planar light source device are combined is used. However, the configuration and control of the light emitting device are complicated. In contrast to these light-emitting devices, the above-described light-emitting device using the prism sheet can have a simple configuration, and the first light source and the second light source can alternately emit light / not emit light. With simple control, there is an advantage that the light emission states of the odd-numbered light-emitting regions and the even-numbered light-emitting regions can be controlled.

  As described above, the row-shaped light emitting region only needs to extend substantially in the vertical direction. A columnar light emitting region extending at an angle of 60 degrees to 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction corresponds to a “columnar light emitting region extending substantially in the vertical direction”.

  In the stereoscopic image display device according to the present invention having the preferred configuration described above, the light emitting device further includes a lens sheet disposed between the prism sheet and the transmissive display panel, and the lens sheet corresponding to each light emitting region. In this part, a lens array for diverging light can be provided. By appropriately setting the optical power of the lens array to a preferable value, the directivity of light from the light emitting region can be adjusted according to the specifications of the stereoscopic image display device. The configuration may be such that light is once converged by a lens array having a positive optical power (for example, a convex cylindrical lens) and then diverged, or by a lens array having a negative optical power (for example, a concave cylindrical lens). Further, it may be configured to diverge light from the light emitting region. Which configuration is used may be appropriately set according to the specifications of the stereoscopic image display device.

  In the stereoscopic image display device of the present invention having various preferred configurations described above, the apex angle of the prism row is a suitable angle from a range of about 50 degrees to about 80 degrees, for example, depending on the specifications of the stereoscopic image display apparatus. May be selected and set as appropriate. The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface of the prism array may be planar, or may have a curved surface that is concave with respect to the exterior of the prism array, or a curved surface that is convex with respect to the exterior of the prism array. . For example, in the configuration having a concave curved surface with respect to the outside of the prism array, light is reflected so as to diverge in the prism array. Accordingly, by appropriately setting the shape of the curved surface, the directivity of light emitted from the light emitting region can be adjusted without using a lens array.

  In the stereoscopic image display device of the present invention including the various preferable configurations described above, the light emitting device further includes a light shielding mask having a light shielding portion provided corresponding to a boundary portion between adjacent light emitting regions. It can be configured. Since the stray light and the like can be prevented from entering the transmissive display panel by the light shielding mask, it is possible to reduce the deterioration of directivity in the stereoscopic image.

  Note that when a light-shielding mask is provided, the brightness of a stereoscopic image is usually reduced. However, for example, in a configuration in which light is once converged by using a lens sheet having a lens array with a positive optical power, the light is diverged and then the light shielding mask opening is provided at the location where the light converges. The degree of reduction in the brightness of the stereoscopic image due to the light shielding mask can be reduced. The same applies to the configuration in which the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface of the prism array are curved so that light is once converged and then diverged.

  What is necessary is just to set suitably the structure, arrangement | positioning, etc. of a light shielding mask according to the specification etc. of a stereo image display apparatus. The shading mask is a combination of a photolithographic method and an etching method using known materials; various printing methods such as a screen printing method, an ink jet printing method, and a metal mask printing method; a plating method (an electroplating method or an electroless plating method) ); Can be formed by a known method such as a lift-off method. The light shielding mask may be configured as a member independent of other members such as a lens sheet or a prism sheet, or may be configured as a member integrated with the other members.

  In the stereoscopic image display device of the present invention including the first light source and the second light source including the various preferable configurations described above, the light emitting device includes two light incident end faces facing each other and the other of the prism sheet. A light guide plate having a light exit surface facing the surface, and the first light source and the second light source are disposed on one light incident end surface side and the other light incident end surface side, respectively. Can do. In this case, the light guide plate may be constituted by a single plate or may be constituted by overlapping two plates. In the latter case, one plate may have one light incident end surface, and the other plate may have the other light incident end surface.

  In the stereoscopic image display device of the present invention including the various preferable configurations described above, the light that is disposed between the light emitting device and the transmissive display panel and can be switched between the light scattering state and the light transmission state. It can be set as the structure further provided with the control means. According to this configuration, the stereoscopic image display device of the present invention can perform stereoscopic image display and normal display such as planar image display without any trouble. That is, when performing stereoscopic image display, the light control means may be in a light transmission state, and when performing normal display, the light control means may be in a light scattering state.

  In the stereoscopic image display device of the present invention including the various preferable configurations described above (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to simply as the present invention), the prism sheet and the lens sheet are transparent to light. It is preferable to manufacture from a material that does not absorb much light. The same applies to the light guide plate. Examples of materials constituting the various members described above include acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin (PC), ABS resin, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyarylate resin (PAR), polyethylene terephthalate resin (PET), and glass. be able to. The material constituting each member may be the same or different.

  The prism sheet may be integrally molded using the above-described materials or the like, or a prism array is formed on a sheet-like base material made of the above-described materials using a photosensitive resin material, for example. It may be formed. The same applies to the lens sheet. These configurations and structures are not particularly limited. In addition, the prism sheet and the lens sheet may be integrated.

  As the light source constituting the first light source and the second light source, widely known light sources such as a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, a hot cathode fluorescent lamp, and a light emitting diode (LED) can be used. The emission color of the light source may be determined based on specifications required for the light emitting device. For example, when the emission color of a light emitting device using a light emitting diode is white, the light source is a white light emitting diode (for example, a light emitting diode that emits white by combining ultraviolet or blue light emitting diodes and phosphor particles), or From a red light emitting diode that emits red (for example, wavelength 640 nm), a green light emitting diode that emits green (for example, wavelength 530 nm), and a blue light emitting diode group that emits blue (for example, wavelength 450 nm), etc. Can be configured. In addition, you may further provide the light emitting diode which light-emits 4th color other than red, green, and blue.

  As the transmissive display panel used in the present invention, a known transmissive display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel can be used. The configuration and method of the transmissive display panel are not particularly limited. The transmissive display panel may be a monochrome display or a color display. Also, a simple matrix method or an active matrix method may be used. In each embodiment described later, an active matrix type liquid crystal display panel is used as a transmissive display panel.

  The liquid crystal display panel is made of, for example, a front panel having a transparent first electrode, a rear panel having a transparent second electrode, and a liquid crystal material disposed between the front panel and the rear panel. A so-called transflective liquid crystal display panel in which each pixel includes a reflective region and a transmissive region also corresponds to the transmissive display panel in the present invention.

  Here, more specifically, the front panel is, for example, a first substrate made of a glass substrate, and a transparent first electrode (also called a common electrode, for example, ITO provided on the inner surface of the first substrate. (Consisting of indium tin oxide) and a polarizing film provided on the outer surface of the first substrate. Further, in the color liquid crystal display panel, the front panel is provided with a color filter coated with an overcoat layer made of an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin on the inner surface of the first substrate, and is transparent on the overcoat layer. The first electrode is formed. An alignment film is formed on the transparent first electrode. Examples of the color filter arrangement pattern include a delta arrangement, a stripe arrangement, a diagonal arrangement, and a rectangle arrangement.

  On the other hand, the rear panel more specifically, for example, a second substrate made of a glass substrate, a switching element formed on the inner surface of the second substrate, and conduction / non-conduction are controlled by the switching element. A transparent second electrode (also called a pixel electrode, made of, for example, ITO) and a polarizing film provided on the outer surface of the second substrate. An alignment film is formed on the entire surface including the transparent second electrode. Various members and liquid crystal materials constituting these transmissive liquid crystal display panels can be formed of known members and materials. Examples of the switching element include a three-terminal element such as a thin film transistor (TFT), and a two-terminal element such as a MIM (Metal Insulator Metal) element, a varistor element, and a diode.

  In the color liquid crystal display panel, an area where the transparent first electrode and the transparent second electrode overlap and includes a liquid crystal cell corresponds to one sub-pixel. The red light-emitting subpixel constituting each pixel (pixel) is composed of a combination of the region and a color filter that transmits red, and the green light-emitting subpixel is a combination of the region and a color filter that transmits green. The blue light emitting subpixel is composed of a combination of such a region and a color filter that transmits blue. The arrangement pattern of the red light emission subpixel, the green light emission subpixel, and the blue light emission subpixel matches the arrangement pattern of the color filter described above.

  Furthermore, a set of these three types of sub-pixels plus one or more types of sub-pixels (for example, a set of sub-pixels that emit white light to improve brightness, a color reproduction range) A set of sub-pixels that emit complementary colors for enlargement, a set of sub-pixels that emit yellow for expanding the color reproduction range, and yellow and cyan for expanding the color reproduction range It can also be composed of a set of subpixels).

  When the number M × N of pixels (pixels) arranged in a two-dimensional matrix is represented by (M, N), the values of (M, N) are specifically VGA (640, 480), S -VGA (800, 600), XGA (1024, 768), APRC (1152, 900), S-XGA (1280, 1024), U-XGA (1600, 1200), HD-TV (1920, 1080), Q -In addition to XGA (2048, 1536), some image display resolutions such as (1920, 1035), (720, 480), (1280, 960) can be exemplified, but the values are limited to these values. It is not a thing.

  As a light control means capable of switching between a light scattering state and a light transmission state, a panel using a dispersed liquid crystal material in which a transparent polymer material and a liquid crystal are dispersed in a minute region and mixed with each other can be exemplified. . As a dispersed liquid crystal material, for example, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) and a polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) are well known. By changing the orientation of the liquid crystal, the liquid crystal region and the polymer material region have substantially the same refractive index (light transmission state), and the liquid crystal region and the polymer material region have different refractive indexes (light scattering state (white turbid state) )) Can be switched. Accordingly, a panel including a pair of transparent substrates on which transparent electrodes are formed and a dispersed liquid crystal material layer disposed between these substrates is controlled by controlling the voltage applied to the transparent electrodes, thereby causing a light scattering state. Two states of the light transparent state can be switched. The material of the pair of transparent substrates is not particularly limited, and a known transparent material such as glass or plastic can be used. These substrates may be in the form of a sheet or film. The transparent electrode can be formed using, for example, ITO. The PDLC operation is generally not limited to a light transmission state when a voltage is applied between the electrodes and a light scattering state when the voltage application is stopped.

  The driving means for driving the light emitting device and the transmissive display panel includes, for example, various circuits such as an image signal processing unit, a timing control unit, an image memory, a data driver, a gate driver, and a light source control unit. Can do. These can be configured using known circuit elements or the like. Note that the number of sets of stereoscopic image information sent to the driving means as electrical signals per second is the frame frequency (frame rate), and the inverse of the frame frequency is the frame time (unit: second).

  That is, for example, if 60 stereoscopic images are displayed per second, the frame frequency is 60 hertz. If two images (first field image and second field image) are sequentially displayed on the transmissive display panel in order to display one stereoscopic image, the so-called field frequency is 120 Hz which is twice the frame frequency. It is.

  Example 1 relates to a stereoscopic image display apparatus and a driving method thereof according to the present invention.

  A stereoscopic image display device 1 of Example 1 is shown in FIG. 1, and a schematic perspective view when the light emitting device 20 constituting the stereoscopic image display device 1 of Example 1 is virtually separated is shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic end view of a part of the stereoscopic image display device 1 for explaining the arrangement of the pixels 12 and the light emitting regions 22 in the stereoscopic image display device 1 of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the stereoscopic image display apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality (in the drawing, the X direction) of a plurality of row-shaped (striped) light emitting regions 22 extending in the vertical direction (Y direction in the drawing) P) A light emitting device 20 having a light emitting surface 21 arranged side by side, and a display region 11 that is arranged to face the light emitting surface 21 of the light emitting device 20 and that includes a plurality of pixels 12 arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. A transmissive display panel 10 and driving means 100 for driving the light emitting device 20 and the transmissive display panel 10 are provided.

In the display area 11, M pixels 12 in the horizontal direction and N pixels 12 in the vertical direction are arranged. The pixel 12 in the m-th column (where m = 1, 2,..., M) is represented as a pixel 12 _m . In addition, the light emitting region 22 in the p-th column (where p = 1, 2,..., P) on the light emitting surface 21 is represented as a light emitting region 22 _p . The relationship between “M” and “P” will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6.

In the first embodiment, the number of viewpoints of the image displayed on the stereoscopic image display device is four viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 in each of the observation regions WA _L , WA _C , WA _R shown in FIG. Although described as being, it is not limited to this. The number of observation regions and the number of viewpoints can be appropriately set according to the design of the stereoscopic image display device.

  The transmissive display panel 10 includes an active matrix color liquid crystal display panel. Each pixel 12 includes a combination of a red light emitting subpixel, a green light emitting subpixel, and a blue light emitting subpixel (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG.
One surface corresponds to the light emitting surface 21, and the other surface is provided with a plurality of prism rows 41 including a first inclined surface 42 and a second inclined surface 43 sandwiching the apex angle φD, and one surface corresponding to the first inclined surface 42 is provided. The prism sheet 40 corresponding to the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 and the one surface corresponding to the second inclined surface 43 corresponding to the even-numbered light emitting regions 22,
A first light source 61 for causing light to enter the prism array 41 from the second inclined surface 43 side and causing the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 to emit light by the light reflected by the first inclined surface 42;
A second light source 62 that causes light to enter the prism array 41 from the first inclined surface 42 side, and causes the even-numbered light emitting regions 22 to emit light by the light reflected by the second inclined surface 43;
It has. One surface of the prism sheet 40 is planar. The first slope 42 and the second slope 43 of the prism row 41 are planar.

  As will be described later, in Example 1, the lens sheet 30 covers the prism sheet 40. For this reason, it is observed that the surface of the lens sheet 30 is substantially emitting light. For convenience of illustration, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the section of the light emitting region 22 is shown on the surface of the lens sheet 30. The same applies to FIG. 23 referred to in Example 2 described later.

  The light emitting device 20 includes a lens sheet 30 disposed between the prism sheet 40 and the transmissive display panel 10. A lens row 31 for diverging light is provided at a portion of the lens sheet 30 corresponding to each light emitting region 22. The lens array 31 is composed of a convex cylindrical lens.

  In addition, a light shielding mask 32 having a light shielding portion 34 provided corresponding to a boundary portion between the adjacent light emitting regions 22 is provided. The light shielding mask 32 is disposed on the opposite side of the surface of the lens sheet 30 on which the lens rows 31 are provided. Reference numeral 33 denotes a column-shaped (stripe-shaped) opening in the light-shielding mask 32.

  The light emitting device 20 includes a light guide plate 50 having two light incident end surfaces 52 and 53 facing each other and a light exit surface 51 facing the other surface of the prism sheet 40. The light guide plate 50 is a substantially rectangular plate made of, for example, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). In addition, although the light-incidence end surfaces 52 and 53 and the back surface 54 of the light-guide plate 50 are planar, the light-emitting surface 51 is convex as a whole. Details of the light exit surface 51 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

  A member having a black light absorption surface or a mirror-like light reflection surface may be disposed so as to face the back surface 54 of the light guide plate 50. In some cases, a light absorption surface or a mirror-like light reflection surface may be formed directly on the back surface 54.

  The first light source 61 and the second light source 62 are disposed on one light incident end surface 52 side and the other light incident end surface 53 side, respectively. Each of the first light source 61 and the second light source 62 includes a plurality of white light emitting diodes (white LEDs). In FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIGS. 11 and 12 described later, four LEDs are illustrated as the first light source 61 and the second light source 62, respectively, but this is merely an example.

  The prism sheet 40 and the lens sheet 30 are made of, for example, polycarbonate resin (PC). Further, for example, after a photosensitive material layer containing a black pigment is formed on a PET film, the photosensitive material layer is removed by leaving a light shielding portion 34 by a combination of a photolithographic method and an etching method. A mask 32 was constructed. The portion from which the photosensitive material layer has been removed becomes the opening 33 of the light shielding mask 32. In FIG. 3 and the like, the illustration of the PET film serving as the base material of the light shielding mask 32 is omitted, and the opening 33 and the light shielding portion 34 are schematically shown.

  On a virtual plane orthogonal to the direction in which the light emitting region 22 extends (Y direction in the figure), the light of each light emitting region 22 passes through the center of the light emitting region 22 and is substantially symmetric with respect to a virtual line orthogonal to the light emitting region 22 In the diverged state, the light enters the display area 11 of the transmissive display panel 10. Then, some pixels 12 overlap in a part of the display area 11 where light of a certain light emitting area 22 enters and a part of the display area 11 where light of a light emitting area 22 adjacent to a certain light emitting area 22 enters. To do. Then, the driving unit 100 alternately switches between the state in which the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 emit light and the state in which the even-numbered light emitting regions 22 emit light, and the images on the transmissive display panel 10 are switched synchronously. .

  Light is emitted from the overlapping pixels 12 toward different viewpoints when the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 emit light and when the even-numbered light emitting regions 22 emit light. And since the image of the transmissive display panel 10 is switched synchronously, the reduction in the resolution of the image for each viewpoint can be reduced.

  The distance between the light emitting surface 21 and the transmissive display panel 10, the pitch of the pixels 12 in the X direction in the figure (hereinafter, simply referred to as the pixel pitch), and the pitch of the light emitting regions 22 in the X direction in the figure (Hereinafter, simply referred to as a light emitting area pitch) is set so as to satisfy a condition that allows a preferable stereoscopic image to be observed in an observation area defined in the specification of the stereoscopic image display device 10. This condition will be specifically described.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship among the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, D4, the transmissive display panel 10, and the light emitting area 22 in the observation areas WA _L , WA _C , WA _R shown in FIG. FIG.

For convenience of explanation, the light emitting regions 22 are arranged in an odd number in the horizontal direction (X direction in the figure), and the p-th light emitting region 22 _p is the center between the light emitting region 22 ₁ and the light emitting region 22 _P. It shall be located in Further, a second m-th column of the pixel 12 _m (m + 1) -th th column of the pixel 12 _{m + 1} as a boundary, and, the middle point between the viewpoint D2 and the viewpoint D3 in the observation area WA _C, the light emitting region 22 _It is assumed to be located on a virtual straight line that passes through the center of _p and extends in the Z direction. The pixel pitch is expressed as ND [mm], and the light emitting area pitch is expressed as RD [mm]. The distance between the light emitting region 22 and the transmissive display panel 10 is expressed as Z1 [mm], and the distance between the transmissive display panel 10 and the observation regions WA _L , WA _C , WA _R is expressed as Z2 [mm]. . In addition, the distance between adjacent viewpoints in the observation areas WA _L , WA _C , WA _R is expressed as DP [mm].

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the conditions that are satisfied for the light from the pixel 12 to go to the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 of the central observation area WA _C.

Regarding the condition in which each of the light in the light emitting region 22 _p that passes through the pixels 12 _m−1 , 12 _m , 12 _{m + 1} , and 12 _{m + 2} is directed to the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 of the central observation region WA _C. Consider.

  In FIG. 5, the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 are in a non-light emitting state, and the even numbered light emitting regions 22 are in a light emitting state. In order to clarify the light emitting state and the non-light emitting state, the light emitting region 22 in the light emitting state is hatched. The same applies to other drawings to be described later.

Relative to the imaginary straight line extending as Z direction center of the light emitting region 22 _p, represents the distance to the center of the pixel 12 m _{+ 2} by reference numeral X1, the distance to the viewpoint D4 of the central observation area WA _C with code X2 To express. When the light in the light emitting region 22 _p passes through the pixel 12 _{m + 2} and travels toward the viewpoint D4 of the observation region WA _C , the following equation (1) is satisfied from the geometric similarity.

  Z1: X1 = (Z1 + Z2): X2 (1)

  Here, since X1 = 1.5 × ND and X2 = 1.5 × DP, reflecting these, Expression (1) is expressed as the following Expression (1 ′).

  Z1: 1.5 × ND = (Z1 + Z2): 1.5 × DP (1 ′)

If the above equation (1 ′) is satisfied, the light in the light emitting region 22 _p that passes through the pixels 12 _m−1 , 12 _m , and 12 _{m + 1} also travels toward the viewpoints D1, D2, and D3 of the observation region WA _C , respectively. Such is obvious geometrically.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining conditions that the light from the pixel 12 satisfies in order to go to the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 of the left observation area WA _L.

Each light of the light emitting region 22 _{p + 2} that passes through the pixels 12 _m−1 , 12 _m , 12 _{m + 1} , 12 _{m + 2} is directed to the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, D4 of the left observation region WA _L. Consider the conditions.

The distance to the center of the pixel 12 _{m + 2} is denoted by reference numeral X3 with reference to a virtual straight line passing through the center of the light emitting area 22 _{p + 2} and extending in the Z direction, and the distance to the viewpoint D4 of the left observation area WA _L is denoted by reference numeral X3. This is represented as X4. In order for the light in the light emitting region 22 _{p + 2} to pass through the pixel 12 _{m + 2} and travel toward the viewpoint D4 of the observation region WA _L , the following equation (2) is satisfied from the geometric similarity relationship: .

  Z1: X3 = (Z1 + Z2): X4 (2)

  Here, since X3 = 2 × RD−X1 = 2 × RD−1.5 × ND and X4 = 2 × RD + 2.5 × DP, reflecting these, equation (2) can be expressed by the following equation (2 ').

  Z1: (2 × RD−1.5 × ND) = (Z1 + Z2): (2 × RD + 2.5 × DP) (2 ′)

If the above-described equation (2 ′) is satisfied, the light in the light emitting region 22 _{p + 2} that transmits the pixels 12 _m−1 , 12 _m , and 12 _{m + 1} is also the viewpoints D1, D2, D3 of the observation region WA _C , respectively. It is geometrically clear to go to.

Note that the light in the light emitting region 22 _p-2 that passes through the pixels 12 _m−1 , 12 _m , 12 _{m + 1} , and 12 _{m + 2} is the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 of the right observation region WA _R. Since the condition toward the direction is the same as that in FIG. 6 reversed about the Z axis, the description thereof is omitted.

  The values of the distance Z2 and the distance DP are set to predetermined values based on the specifications of the stereoscopic image display device 10. Further, the value of the pixel pitch ND is determined by the structure of the transmissive display panel 10. From the equations (1 ′) and (2 ′), the following equations (3) and (4) are obtained for the distance Z1 and the light emitting region pitch RD.

Z1 = Z2 * ND / (DP-ND) (3)
RD = 2 * DP * ND / (DP-ND) (4)

  For example, if the pixel pitch ND of the transmissive display panel 10 is 0.300 [mm], the distance Z2 is 600 [mm], and the distance DP is 65.0 [mm], the distance Z1 is about 2.78 [mm]. The light emitting area pitch RD is about 0.603 [mm].

The distance Z1 and the light emitting area pitch RD are set so as to satisfy the above-described conditions, and images for a predetermined viewpoint are respectively displayed in the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, D4 in the observation areas WA _L , WA _C , WA _R. Can be observed. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13 to 20.

  In the example described above, the value of the light emitting area pitch RD is approximately twice the value of the pixel pitch ND. Therefore, “M” and “P” described above have a relationship of M≈P × 2.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a part of the light emitting surface 21 and the display region 11 for explaining the arrangement of the pixels 12 and the light emitting regions 22 in the stereoscopic image display device 1 of the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 7, the red light emitting subpixel, the green light emitting subpixel, and the blue light emitting subpixel that are arranged in the horizontal direction constituting one pixel 12 are represented by symbols R, G, and B, respectively. did. Further, in order to clearly show the arrangement relationship between the pixel 12 and the light emitting region 22, the illustration of the light shielding mask 32 is omitted in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in each prism row 41 of the prism sheet 40, the first slope 42 and the second slope 43 are surfaces that sandwich the apex angle φD. A portion corresponding to the first inclined surface 42 on one surface of the prism sheet 40 corresponds to the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22, and a portion corresponding to the second inclined surface 43 on one surface of the prism sheet 40 corresponds to the even-numbered light emitting regions 22. Corresponding to In the first embodiment, the value of the apex angle φD is 60 degrees, but is not limited to this. The value of the apex angle φD may be appropriately set according to the design of the light emitting device 20.

  If the display area 11 of the transmissive display panel 10 is rectangular and the length of its long side (side extending in the X direction in FIG. 1) is LD [mm], the pixel pitch ND = LD / M, Pixel pitch = ND / 3. Further, the pitch of the light emitting region 22 and the lens array 31 is approximately ND × 2, and the pitch of the prism array 41 is approximately ND × 4. The pitch of the prism row 41 is twice the pitch of the lens row 31.

  In the light emitting device 20, the first light source 61 and the second light source 62 are alternately switched on / off, whereby the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 emit light and the even-numbered light emitting regions 22 emit light. The state is switched alternately. The configuration and operation of the light emitting device 20 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 8A is a schematic partial end view for explaining the light of the first light source 61 emitted from the light exit surface 51 of the light guide plate 50. FIG. 8B is a schematic partial end view for explaining the light of the second light source 62 emitted from the light exit surface 51 of the light guide plate 50.

  The back surface 54 of the light guide plate 50 is parallel to the XY plane in FIGS. 8A and 8B. On the light exit surface 51 of the light guide plate 50, a slope 55A that rises to the right and a slope 55B that rises to the left in the figure are alternately provided. The value of the angle between the inclined surfaces 55A and 55B and the XY plane is expressed as “α”. “Α” is a value on the narrow angle side, and the sign of the value is positive regardless of the slopes 55A and 55B.

  Note that the value of “α” is set to a preferable value according to the design of the light emitting device 20 with a range of several degrees to several tens of degrees as a guide.

  The width of the slope 55A (the length along the X direction in the figure) is the shortest on the light incident end face 52 side where the first light source 61 is disposed (see FIG. 8A), and the distance from the light incident end face 52 increases. It becomes longer (see FIG. 8B). On the other hand, the width of the inclined surface 55B is the shortest on the side of the light incident end face 53 where the second light source 62 is disposed (see FIG. 8B), and becomes longer as the distance from the light incident end face 53 increases ((A in FIG. 8). )reference). For this reason, the light exit surface 51 of the light guide plate 50 is convex as a whole as shown in FIG. In addition, what is necessary is just to set suitably how to change the width | variety of slope 55A, 55B according to the design and specification of the light-emitting device 20. FIG.

  The light guide plate 50 has a two-fold symmetrical shape. When the light incident end surface 52 and the light incident end surface 53 are interchanged, the relationship between the inclined surface 55A and the inclined surface 55B is also interchanged. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, a plane parallel to the XY plane is provided between the slope 55A and the slope 55B, but such a plane is not provided. May be.

The propagation of light from the first light source 61 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8A, it is assumed that the light from the first light source 61 enters the light guide plate 50 from the light incident end face 52 and is totally reflected at the reflection angle φ1 _p on the back face 54. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that light propagates on the XZ plane in the figure.

It is assumed that the light totally reflected on the back surface 54 is incident on the light exit surface 51 at an angle φ1 _a exceeding a critical angle (about 42 degrees in the case of PMMA) and totally reflected toward the back surface 54. In the example shown in FIG. 8A, light is incident on the inclined surface 55A and totally reflected. The angle φ2 _{p at} which the light is incident on the back surface 54 is φ2 _p = φ1 _a −2 × α because the inclined surface 55A rises to the right. In other words, every time the light is reflected by the inclined surface 55A, the incident angle of the light to the back surface 54 is reduced by “2 × α”.

Here, it is assumed that the angle φ2 _p is larger than the critical angle, and the light totally reflected on the back surface 54 enters the light exit surface 51 at an angle φ2 _a . In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the light is incident on the slope 55A, and φ2 _a = φ2 _p −α. When light is incident on the inclined surface 55B, φ2 _a = φ2 _p + α. When the angle φ2 _a is equal to or smaller than the critical angle, the light is emitted from the light exit surface 51 to the outside. On the other hand, when the angle φ2 _a exceeds the critical angle, the light is totally reflected by the light exit surface 51 and travels toward the back surface 54 again.

As described above, the angle φ2 _a becomes smaller on the slope 55A, so that the light from the first light source 61 is mainly emitted from the slope 55A on the light exit surface 51. Since the incident angle of light in the light guide plate 50 is slightly smaller than the critical angle when light exits from the light exit surface 51, the light exit angle from the light exit surface 51 is a large value. In practice, the light from the first light source 61 is incident on the light incident end face 52 at various angles, and the light emission angle from the light exit surface 51 can take various values due to the influence thereof. In the first embodiment, the emission angle of light from the light exit surface 51 is distributed around about 60 degrees.

  In addition, as described above, the width of the inclined surface 55 </ b> A is the shortest on the light incident end surface 52 side and becomes longer as the distance from the light incident end surface 52 increases. As a result, the area from which the light is emitted increases as the distance from the first light source 61 increases, so that the unevenness of the light intensity due to the distance from the light incident end face 52 can be canceled out.

  The light propagation of the second light source 62 is described in the above description by referring to the “first light source 61” as the “second light source 62”, the “light incident end surface 52” as the “light incident end surface 53”, and the “slope 55A” as the “slope 55B”. ”And“ Slope 55B ”may be appropriately replaced with“ Slope 55A ”and the like, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram for explaining the direction of light emitted from the light guide plate 50 when the first light source 61 emits light. FIG. 9B is a graph for explaining the relationship between the intensity of light emitted from the light guide plate 50 when the first light source 61 emits light and the direction in which the light is emitted. In FIG. 9B, the angle (exit angle) φC formed by the Z direction and the light traveling direction is positive when the light rises to the right and negative when the light rises to the left. The intensity of light is normalized and shown with a maximum value of 1. In order to clarify the light emitting state and the non-light emitting state, the first light source 61 in the light emitting state is hatched. The same applies to other drawings to be described later.

  The direction of the light emitted from the light guide plate 50 when the second light source 62 emits light is an inversion of (A) in FIG. Further, the relationship between the intensity of light emitted from the light guide plate 50 when the second light source 62 emits light and the direction in which the light is emitted is obtained by inverting the sign of the angle φC in FIG. 9B. Since it becomes a thing, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As described above, the direction of light emitted from the light guide plate 50 rises to the left when the first light source 61 emits light and rises to the right when the second light source 62 emits light. The direction of these lights is corrected by the prism sheet 40.

  FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram for explaining the direction of light emitted from the prism sheet 40 when the first light source 61 emits light. FIG. 10B is a graph for explaining the relationship between the intensity of light emitted from the prism sheet 40 and the direction in which the light is emitted when the first light source 61 emits light.

  When the first light source 61 emits light, the upward light from the light exit surface 51 is incident from the second inclined surface 43 side of the prism row 41 and is reflected (totally reflected) on the first inclined surface 42 to be prism sheet 40. Exits from.

  The light emitted from the light exit surface 51 to the left upward at an exit angle of 60 degrees is incident perpendicularly to the second inclined surface 43 of the prism array because the apex angle φD of the prism array is 60 degrees. The light is reflected (totally reflected) and emitted from the prism sheet 40. The light emitted from the light exit surface 51 to the left upward at an exit angle of 60 degrees is changed in the Z direction by the prism sheet 40.

  Actually, the outgoing angle of the light rising from the light exit surface 51 is distributed around about 60 degrees. Accordingly, the emission angle of light from the prism sheet 40 is distributed around about 0 degrees as shown in FIG. The sign of the angle φC is the same as that described in FIG. The intensity of light is normalized and shown with a maximum value of 1.

  When the second light source 62 emits light, the direction of the light emitted from the light guide plate 50 is an inverted version of (A) in FIG. Light exiting rightward from the light exit surface 51 at an exit angle of 60 degrees is incident perpendicularly to the first slope 42 of the prism row, is reflected (totally reflected) at the second slope 43, and exits from the prism sheet 40. To do. The light emitted from the light exit surface 51 to the right at an exit angle of 60 degrees is changed in the Z direction by the prism sheet 40.

  The relationship between the intensity of the light emitted from the prism sheet 40 when the second light source 62 emits light and the direction in which the light is emitted is obtained by reversing the sign of the angle φC in FIG. Therefore, the description is omitted.

  As described above, when the first light source 61 emits light, the light from the first light source 61 is reflected (totally reflected) on the first inclined surface 42 of the prism row 41 and is emitted from the prism sheet 40. Further, when the second light source 62 emits light, the light from the second light source 62 is reflected (totally reflected) on the second inclined surface 43 of the prism row 41 and is emitted from the prism sheet 40. Accordingly, when the first light source 61 emits light, the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 are in a light emitting state, and when the second light source 62 emits light, the even numbered light emitting regions 22 are in a light emitting state.

  FIG. 11A is a schematic front view for explaining a case where the first light source 61 emits light and the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 are in a light emitting state. FIG. 11B is a schematic partial end view for explaining the light emitted from the light emitting regions 22 in the odd-numbered rows. FIG. 12A is a schematic front view for explaining a case where the second light source 62 emits light and the even-numbered light emitting regions 22 are in a light emitting state. FIG. 12B is a schematic partial end view for explaining the light emitted from the even-numbered light emitting regions 22.

As described above, the light emitting regions 22 are arranged in an odd number in the horizontal direction (X direction in the figure), and the p-th light emitting region 22 _p is located between the light emitting region 22 ₁ and the light emitting region 22 _P. Therefore, the light emission region 22 _{p in} the p-th column belongs to the even-numbered column.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the light from the first light source 61 is reflected (totally reflected) on the first slope 42 of the prism row 41, is emitted from the prism sheet 40, and enters the lens row 31. The thickness of the lens sheet 30 itself is set to substantially the same value as the focal length f of the lens array 31. For this reason, the light incident on the lens array 31 converges at the opening 33 of the light shielding mask 32, diverges as it is, and exits from the lens sheet 30. As described above, light is emitted from the light emitting regions 22 in the odd-numbered columns such as the light emitting regions 22 ₁ ..., 22 _p-3 , 22 _p−1 , 22 _{p + 1} .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12B, the light from the second light source 62 is reflected (totally reflected) at the second inclined surface 43 of the prism row 41 and is emitted from the prism sheet 40 and enters the lens row 31. To do. As a result, light diverges and emits substantially symmetrically from each of the even-numbered light emitting regions 22 such as the light emitting regions 22 ₂ ..., 22 _p−2 , 22 _p , 22 _{p + 2} .

  Specifically, on the virtual plane (plane parallel to the XZ plane) orthogonal to the direction in which the light emitting region 22 extends (Y direction in the drawing), the light from each light emitting region 22 is centered on the light emitting region 22. The light diverges approximately symmetrically with respect to a virtual straight line (straight line parallel to the Z axis) that passes through and is perpendicular to the light emitting region 22.

In the first embodiment, the light from each light emitting region 22 is incident on the portion of the display region 11 including at least 4 columns × 3 pixels 12 in principle. Specifically, except for the light emitting region 22 located near the end, the light from each light emitting region 22 corresponds to four viewpoints in each of the three observation regions WA _L , WA _C , WA _R shown in FIG. Is incident on a portion of the display area 11 including at least the pixel 12 to be processed. A distance Z1 from the light emitting region 22 to the transmissive display panel 10 shown in FIG. 4 and the like (in the first embodiment, the distance between the lens sheet 30 and the transmissive display panel 10 is substantially illustrated) is not illustrated. Is held by a member. The member (not shown) may be configured as a transparent sheet-like spacer having a thickness corresponding to the distance from the light emitting region 22 to the transmissive display panel 10. The same applies to other embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image observed at the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 in the central observation area WA _C when the even-numbered light emission areas 22 are in the light emission state. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image observed at the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 in the left observation area WA _L when the even-numbered light emitting areas 22 are in a light emitting state. 15, when the light emitting region 22 of the even-numbered column is a light emitting state is a schematic diagram for explaining an image viewed from the viewpoint D1, D2, D3, D4 in the right observation area WA _R.

For example, paying attention to the light in the light emitting region 22 _p , as shown in FIG. 13, the light passes through the pixels 12 in the (m−1) th column to the (m + 2) th column, and the viewpoint D1, in the central observation region WA _C. Observed at D2, D3, D4. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the light passes through the pixels 12 in the (m−5) th to (m−2) th columns and is observed at the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 in the left observation area WA _L. The Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the light passes through the pixels 12 of the (m + 3) column to the (m + 6) rows, are observed at viewpoints D1, D2, D3, D4 in the right observation area WA _R.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining a portion of the display area 11 in the transmissive display panel 10 on which light from the even-numbered light emitting areas 22 is incident when attention is focused on the light toward the central observation area WA _C. It is a partial end view. When attention is focused on the light in the _p-th light emitting region 22 _p , the light traveling toward the viewpoint D1 is transmitted through the (m−1) th column of pixels 12 _m−1 , and the light traveling toward the viewpoint D2 is transmitted through the m-th column of pixels 12 _m. Transparent. The light traveling toward the viewpoint D3 is transmitted through the (m + 1) th column of the pixels 12 _{m + 1} , and the light traveling toward the viewpoint D4 is transmitted through the (m + 2) th column of the pixels 12 _{m + 2} .

Further, the (p + 2) Focusing on the light emitting region 22 p _{+ 2} columns, light traveling toward the viewpoint D1 is transmitted through the pixel 12 m _{+ 3} of the (m + 3) column, light traveling toward the viewpoint D2 is the (m + 4 ) The pixel 12 _{m + 4} in the column is transmitted. The light traveling toward the viewpoint D3 is transmitted through the (m + 5) th column of the pixels 12 _{m + 5} , and the light traveling toward the viewpoint D4 is transmitted through the (m + 6) th column of the pixels 12 _{m + 6} . The description of the light in the light emission region 22 _p-2 in the (p-2) -th column is omitted because the above description can be read as appropriate.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image observed at the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 in the central observation area WA _C when the odd-numbered light emission areas 22 are in the light emission state. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining images observed at the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 in the left observation area WA _L when the odd-numbered light emitting areas 22 are in the light emitting state. 19, when the light emitting region 22 of the odd columns is a light emitting state is a schematic diagram for explaining an image viewed from the viewpoint D1, D2, D3, D4 in the right observation area WA _R.

For example, when attention is focused on the light in the light emitting region 22 _p-1 , as shown in FIG. 17, the light passes through the pixels 12 in the (m−3) th column to the mth column, and the viewpoint D1, in the central observation region WA _C. Observed at D2, D3, D4. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the light is observed from the viewpoint D1, D2, D3, D4 in the (m-7) column to the (m-4) through the pixel 12 of column, left observation area WA _L The Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the light passes through the pixels 12 in the (m + 1) -th column to the (m + 4) -th column and is observed at viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 in the right observation area WA _R.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining a portion of the display area 11 in the transmissive display panel 10 on which light from the odd-numbered light emitting areas 22 is incident when attention is paid to the light toward the central observation area WA _C. It is a partial end view. When attention is focused on the light in the light emission region 22 _p-1 in the (p-1) th column, the light traveling toward the viewpoint D1 passes through the pixel 12 _m-3 in the (m-3) th column, and the light traveling toward the viewpoint D2 (m-2) passes through the pixels 12 _m-2 columns. The light toward the viewpoint D3 is transmitted through the pixel 12 _m-1 of the (m-1) row, light traveling toward the viewpoint D4 is transmitted through the pixels 12 _m of the m-th column.

Further, when attention is focused on the light in the (p + 1) th column of the light emitting region 22 _{p + 1} , the light traveling toward the viewpoint D1 passes through the (m + 1) th column of the pixel 12 _{m + 1} and the light traveling toward the viewpoint D2 is transmitted through the (m + 2) th. ) The pixel _{12m + 2} in the column is transmitted. The light traveling toward the viewpoint D3 is transmitted through the (m + 3) th column of pixels _{12m + 3} , and the light traveling toward the viewpoint D4 is transmitted through the (m + 4) th column of pixels _{12m + 4} . The description of the light in the light emission region 22 _p-2 in the (p-3) th column is omitted because the above description can be read as appropriate.

  As is clear from comparison between FIG. 16 and FIG. 20, the portion of the display area where light of a certain light emitting area 22 enters and the display area where light of a light emitting area 22 adjacent to a certain light emitting area 22 enters. Some pixels 12 overlap with each other. Light is emitted from the overlapping pixels 12 toward different viewpoints when the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 emit light and when the even-numbered light emitting regions 22 emit light.

  FIG. 21A illustrates a pixel 12 that forms an image corresponding to the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 when the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 are in the light emitting state in the stereoscopic image display device 1 according to the first embodiment. And the column numbers of the pixels 12 constituting the image corresponding to the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 when the even-numbered light emitting regions 22 are in the light emitting state. FIG. 21B is a table summarizing the results of FIG.

As is clear from FIG. 21A and the above description, when the even-numbered light emitting regions 22 emit light, the image for the viewpoint D1 includes three columns in addition to the pixels 121 in the _first column. It is constituted by pixels 12 in a row arranged at intervals. Image for the viewpoint D2 is another second column of pixels 12 _2, constituted by the pixel 12 of each other in three rows columns arranged apart. The image for the viewpoint D3 is composed of the pixels 12 ₃ in the third column and the pixels 12 in the columns arranged at intervals of three columns. The image for the viewpoint D4 is composed of the pixels 12 ₄ in the fourth column and the pixels 12 in the columns arranged at intervals of three columns.

On the other hand, when the light-emitting region 22 of the odd-numbered columns emits light, the image for the viewpoint D1 is another third column of pixels 12 ₃ is constituted by the pixel 12 of each other in three rows columns spaced in The Image for the viewpoint D2 is another fourth column of pixels 12 _4, constituted by the pixel 12 of each other in three rows columns arranged apart. The image for the viewpoint D3 is composed of the pixels 12 ₁ in the first column and the pixels 12 in the columns arranged at intervals of three columns. The image for the viewpoint D4 includes the pixels 12 ₂ in the second column and the pixels 12 in the columns arranged at intervals of three columns.

  Accordingly, the state in which the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 emit light and the state in which the even-numbered light emitting regions 22 emit light are alternately switched, and the image of the transmissive display panel 10 is switched to an image corresponding to each viewpoint appropriately in synchronization. As a result, it is possible to reduce a decrease in resolution of the image for each viewpoint.

That is, according to the operation described above, as shown in (B) of FIG. 21, the image for the viewpoint D1 is other pixels 12 ₁ of the first row, are spaced one column from each other Consists of a column of pixels 12. Image for the viewpoint D2 is another second column of pixels 12 _2, constituted by a column of pixels 12 which are spaced in one row to each other. The image for the viewpoint D <b> 3 is composed of the pixels 12 ₁ in the first column and the pixels 12 in the column arranged with an interval of one column therebetween. The image for the viewpoint D4 includes the pixels 12 ₂ in the second column and the pixels 12 in the column arranged with a space of one column therebetween.

  Unless an operation such as switching between the state in which the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 emit light and the state in which the even-numbered light emitting regions 22 emit light is performed, the resolution of the image for each viewpoint is 1 of the resolution of the transmissive display panel 10. Reduced to / 4. On the other hand, in the case of the stereoscopic image display apparatus according to the first embodiment, the resolution of the image for each viewpoint is ½ of the resolution of the transmissive display panel 10. According to the three-dimensional image display apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to reduce a decrease in resolution of an image for each viewpoint without using a complex parallax barrier.

  In the above description, the number of viewpoints is “4”, but the number of viewpoints can be appropriately selected according to the specifications of the stereoscopic image display apparatus. For example, a configuration in which the number of viewpoints is “2” or a configuration in which the number of viewpoints is “6” may be employed. In these cases, the configuration of the prism sheet 40, the lens sheet 30, and the like may be changed as appropriate. The same applies to other embodiments described later.

  In the above description, the viewpoint is changed for each column of the pixels 12, but a configuration in which the viewpoint is changed for each column of the sub-pixels may be used. Assuming that the sub-pixel pitch is 1/3 of the pixel pitch, the distance Z1 shown in FIG. 4 is about 0.92 [mm] when calculated using the above-described equations (3) and (4). The RD is about 0.2 [mm].

  Further, for example, a pixel column can be selected so as to be shifted by one subpixel for each row, and a display area can be set so as to correspond to this pixel column. The arrangement of the pixels 12 and the light emitting regions 22 in this case is shown in FIG. In this configuration, the prism sheet may be arranged so that the prism row has a predetermined angle with respect to the Y axis. Note that the arrangement of the lens sheets may be changed in accordance with the arrangement of the prism sheets. The same applies to other embodiments described later.

  Note that in the arrangement of the pixels 12 shown in FIG. 22, attention is paid to three sub-pixels arranged in the oblique direction in the three rows from the n-th row to the (n + 2) -th row, and the pixels are configured from the sub-pixels arranged in the oblique direction. It can also be. In FIG. 22, the symbols R, G, and B are configured such that a group surrounded by a circle, a group surrounded by a square, and a group surrounded by an octagon each form one pixel. In this case, the so-called vertical resolution decreases, but the horizontal resolution can be increased.

  The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. The second embodiment also relates to a stereoscopic image display device and a driving method thereof according to the present invention. The structure of the lens sheet which comprises a light-emitting device is different from Example 1. Except for the above points, the structure of the stereoscopic image display device 2 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the stereoscopic image display device 1 described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 23 shows a schematic perspective view when the stereoscopic image display device 2 of Example 2 is virtually separated. In FIG. 23, a part of the transmissive display panel 10 is shown, and the drive unit 100 is not shown. The conceptual diagram of the stereoscopic image display device 2 is the same as that in which the light emitting device 20 in FIG. 1 is replaced with the light emitting device 220 shown in FIG. 23 and the stereoscopic image display device 1 in FIG.

  Regarding the configuration, operation, and action of the transmissive display panel 10, the prism sheet 40, the light guide plate 50, the first light source 61, the second light source 62, and the driving unit 100 in the stereoscopic image display device 2 of Example 2. Since it is the same as that described in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  In Example 1, the lens row 31 of the lens sheet 30 constituting the light emitting device 20 is formed of a convex cylindrical lens, and the surface of the lens sheet 30 on the side where the lens row 31 is not provided has a light blocking effect. A mask 32 is provided. On the other hand, in Example 2, the lens row 231 of the lens sheet 230 constituting the light emitting device 220 is formed of a concave cylindrical lens. Further, the light shielding mask is not provided on the surface of the lens sheet 230 where the lens row 231 is not provided.

  FIG. 24 is a schematic end view of a part of the stereoscopic image display device 2 for explaining the arrangement of the pixels 12 and the light emitting regions 22 in the stereoscopic image display device 2 of the second embodiment.

  As described above, the lens row 230 corresponding to each light emitting region 22 is provided with the lens row 231 for diverging light. The lens array 231 is formed of a concave cylindrical lens.

  The correspondence relationship between the light emitting region 22 and the column of pixels 12 is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 25 is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 16 of the first embodiment. When attention is paid to the light traveling toward the central observation area WA _C , the transmissive display panel 10 on which light from the even-numbered light emitting areas 22 enters. It is a typical partial end view for demonstrating the part of the display area 11 in FIG.

  As described with reference to FIG. 12B in the first embodiment, the light from the second light source 62 is reflected (totally reflected) at the second inclined surface 43 of the prism row 41 and is emitted from the prism sheet 40. , Enters the lens array 231.

Light incident on the lens array 231 formed of a concave cylindrical lens diverges and exits from the lens sheet 230. As a result, light diverges and emits substantially symmetrically from each of the even-numbered light emitting regions 22 such as the light emitting regions 22 ₂ ..., 22 _p−2 , 22 _p , 22 _{p + 2} .

FIG. 26 is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 20 of the first embodiment. When attention is paid to the light traveling toward the central observation region WA _C , the transmissive display panel 10 on which light from the light emitting regions 22 in the odd columns enters. It is a typical partial end view for demonstrating the part of the display area 11 in FIG.

  As described with reference to FIG. 11B in the first embodiment, the light from the first light source 61 is reflected (totally reflected) on the first inclined surface 42 of the prism row 41 and is emitted from the prism sheet 40. , Enters the lens array 231.

Light incident on the lens array 231 formed of a concave cylindrical lens diverges and exits from the lens sheet 30. As a result, light diverges and emits substantially symmetrically from each of the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 such as the light emitting regions 22 ₁ ..., 22 _p-3 , 22 _p−1 , 22 _{p + 1} .

  Specifically, on the virtual plane (plane parallel to the XZ plane) orthogonal to the direction in which the light emitting region 22 extends (Y direction in the drawing), the light from each light emitting region 22 is centered on the light emitting region 22. The light diverges approximately symmetrically with respect to a virtual straight line (straight line parallel to the Z axis) that passes through and is perpendicular to the light emitting region 22.

  As described in the first embodiment, the light from each light emitting region 22 is incident on the display region 11 including at least 4 columns × 3 pixels 12 in principle. A distance Z1 from the light emitting region 22 to the transmissive display panel 10 shown in FIG. 4 and the like (in the second embodiment, the distance between the lens sheet 230 and the transmissive display panel 10) is not shown. Is held by a member.

  The relationship with the column of the pixels 12 through which light traveling from each light emitting region 22 toward the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 is the same as that described in the first embodiment. Further, when the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 are in the light emitting state, the column numbers of the pixels 12 constituting the image corresponding to the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 and the even numbered light emitting regions 22 are in the light emitting state. Furthermore, the relationship between the column numbers of the pixels 12 constituting the image corresponding to the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 21A and 21B in the first embodiment. is there.

  Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, the state in which the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 emit light and the state in which the even-numbered light emitting regions 22 emit light are alternately switched, and the images of the transmissive display panel 10 are synchronized appropriately. By switching to the image corresponding to the viewpoint, it is possible to reduce a decrease in resolution of the image for each viewpoint.

  The third embodiment is also a modification of the first embodiment. Embodiment 3 also relates to a stereoscopic image display apparatus and a driving method thereof according to the present invention. The structure of the prism sheet which comprises a light-emitting device differs from Example 1, and the lens sheet is omitted from the light-emitting device. Except for the above points, the structure of the stereoscopic image display device 3 of the third embodiment is the same as that of the stereoscopic image display device 1 described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 27 shows a schematic perspective view when the stereoscopic image display device 3 of Example 3 is virtually separated. Also in FIG. 27, a part of the transmissive display panel 10 is shown, and the driving means 100 is not shown. The conceptual diagram of the stereoscopic image display device 3 is the same as that in which the light emitting device 20 in FIG. 1 is replaced with the light emitting device 320 shown in FIG. 27 and the stereoscopic image display device 1 in FIG.

  The configuration, operation, and operation of the transmissive display panel 10, the light guide plate 50, the first light source 61, the second light source 62, and the driving unit 100 in the stereoscopic image display device 3 according to the third embodiment are described in the first embodiment. Since it is the same as described, the description is omitted here.

  FIG. 28 is a schematic end view of a part of the stereoscopic image display device 3 for explaining the arrangement of the pixels 12 and the light emitting regions 22 in the stereoscopic image display device 3 of the third embodiment.

  In Example 1, the first slope 42 and the second slope 43 in the prism sheet 40 were planar. On the other hand, in Example 3, in each prism row 341 in the prism sheet 340, the first slope 342 and the second slope 343 are curved. Specifically, the first inclined surface 342 and the second inclined surface 343 are concave curved surfaces with respect to the prism exterior.

  As described with reference to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment, a portion of one surface of the prism sheet 340 corresponding to the first inclined surface 342 corresponds to the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 and corresponds to the second inclined surface 343. A portion of one surface of the prism sheet 340 corresponds to the even-numbered light emitting regions 22.

  The correspondence relationship between the light emitting region 22 and the column of pixels 12 is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 29 is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 16 of the first embodiment. When attention is paid to the light traveling toward the central observation area WA _C , the transmissive display panel 10 on which light from the even-numbered light emitting areas 22 enters. It is a typical partial end view for demonstrating the part of the display area 11 in FIG.

  As described with reference to FIG. 12B in the first embodiment, the light from the second light source 62 is reflected (totally reflected) on the second inclined surface 343 of the prism row 341 and is emitted from the prism sheet 40. .

In the third embodiment, the light from the second light source 62 diverges when entering the first slope 342 of the prism row 341, and further diverges when reflected (total reflection) on the second slope 343. The light is emitted from the prism sheet 340. As a result, light diverges and emits substantially symmetrically from each of the even-numbered light emitting regions 22 such as the light emitting regions 22 ₂ ..., 22 _p−2 , 22 _p , 22 _{p + 2} .

FIG. 30 is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 20 of the first embodiment. When attention is paid to light traveling toward the central observation area WA _C , the transmissive display panel 10 into which light from the odd-numbered light emitting areas 22 enters. It is a typical partial end view for demonstrating the part of the display area 11 in FIG.

  As described with reference to FIG. 11B in the first embodiment, the light from the first light source 61 is reflected (totally reflected) on the first inclined surface 342 of the prism row 341 and is emitted from the prism sheet 340. .

In the third embodiment, the light from the first light source 61 diverges when entering the second slope 343 of the prism row 341 and further diverges when reflected (total reflection) on the first slope 342. The light is emitted from the prism sheet 340. As a result, light diverges and emits substantially symmetrically from each of the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 such as the light emitting regions 22 ₁ ..., 22 _p-3 , 22 _p−1 , 22 _{p + 1} .

  On a virtual plane (a plane parallel to the XZ plane) orthogonal to the direction in which the light emitting region 22 extends (Y direction in the drawing), the light from each light emitting region 22 passes through the center of the light emitting region 22 and the light emitting region 22. Diverges substantially symmetrically with respect to a virtual straight line (straight line parallel to the Z-axis) orthogonal to.

  As described in the first embodiment, the light from each light emitting region 22 is incident on the display region 11 including at least 4 columns × 3 pixels 12 in principle. A distance Z1 from the light emitting region 22 to the transmissive display panel 10 shown in FIG. 4 and the like (in the third embodiment, the distance between the prism sheet 340 and the transmissive display panel 10 is substantially illustrated) is not illustrated. Is held by a member.

  The relationship with the column of the pixels 12 through which light traveling from each light emitting region 22 toward the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 is the same as that described in the first embodiment. Further, when the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 are in the light emitting state, the column numbers of the pixels 12 constituting the image corresponding to the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 and the even numbered light emitting regions 22 are in the light emitting state. Furthermore, the relationship between the column numbers of the pixels 12 constituting the image corresponding to the viewpoints D1, D2, D3, and D4 is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 21A and 21B in the first embodiment. is there.

  Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, the state in which the odd-numbered light emitting regions 22 emit light and the state in which the even-numbered light emitting regions 22 emit light are alternately switched, and the images of the transmissive display panel 10 are synchronized appropriately. By switching to the image corresponding to the viewpoint, it is possible to reduce a decrease in resolution of the image for each viewpoint.

  As a modification of the third embodiment, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface constituting the prism row may be formed in a curved surface shape that is convex with respect to the outside of the prism. In this case, the light reflected (total reflection) on the first slope or the second slope diverges after convergence.

  The fourth embodiment is also a modification of the first embodiment. Example 4 also relates to a stereoscopic image display apparatus and a driving method thereof according to the present invention. Compared to Example 1, the structure of the light guide plate constituting the light emitting device is different. Except for the above points, the structure of the stereoscopic image display device 4 of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the stereoscopic image display device 1 described in the first embodiment.

  A schematic perspective view when the stereoscopic image display device 4 of Example 4 is virtually separated is shown in FIG. In FIG. 31 as well, a part of the transmissive display panel 10 is shown, and the drive unit 100 is not shown. The conceptual diagram of the stereoscopic image display device 4 is the same as that in which the light emitting device 20 in FIG. 1 is replaced with the light emitting device 420 shown in FIG.

  Regarding the configuration, operation, and action of the transmissive display panel 10, the lens sheet 30, the prism sheet 40, the first light source 61, the second light source 62, and the driving unit 100 in the stereoscopic image display device 4 of Example 4. Since it is the same as that described in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  As shown in FIG. 31, in the fourth embodiment, the light guide plate 450 is configured by overlapping two light guide plates 450A and 450B. The light guide plates 450A and 450B are substantially rectangular plates made of, for example, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Each surface of the light guide plates 450A and 450B is basically a flat surface, but inclined surfaces 455A and 455B described later are provided on the back surfaces 454A and 454B.

  One light incident end surface and the other light incident end surface of the light guide plate 450 are provided on the light guide plate 450A and the light guide plate 450B, respectively. The first light source 61 is disposed on the light incident end surface 452A side of the light guide plate 450A disposed on the transmissive display panel 10 side, and the second light source 62 is disposed on the light incident end surface 453B side of the light guide plate 450B. Yes.

  The light guide plate 450B may be disposed on the prism sheet 40 side, and the order in which the light guide plates 450A and 450B are stacked may be changed.

  FIG. 32 is a schematic partial end view for explaining the light of the first light source 61 and the second light source 62 emitted from the light guide plate 450 in the stereoscopic image display apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

  The light exit surfaces 451A and 451B of the light guide plates 450A and 450B are parallel to the XY plane in the drawing. On the back surface 454A of the light guide plate 450A, a plurality of slopes 455A that rise to the left in the figure are provided at a predetermined pitch E. On the other hand, on the back surface 454B of the light guide plate 450B, a plurality of slopes 455B that rise to the right in the figure are provided at a predetermined pitch E. The light guide plate 450A and the light guide plate 450B are members of the same specification, and are overlapped so that the directions of the inclined surfaces are reversed.

  The value of the angle between the inclined surfaces 455A and 455B and the XY plane is expressed as “β”. “Β” is a value on the narrow angle side, and the sign of the value is positive regardless of the slopes 455A and 455B.

  Note that the value of “β” may be appropriately set according to the design of the light emitting device 420. The same applies to the value of pitch E.

The propagation of light from the second light source 62 will be described. Light from the second light source 62 enters the light guide plate 450B from the light incident end surface 453B, is totally reflected on the back surface 454B, and enters the light exit surface 451B at an angle φ1 _a exceeding a critical angle (about 42 degrees in the case of PMMA). Suppose that For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that light propagates on the XZ plane in the figure.

The light is totally reflected at the light exit surface 451B. The reflection angle is an angle φ1 _a . The angle φ2 _{p at which} this light enters the back surface 454B (more specifically, the inclined surface 455B) is φ2 _p = φ1 _a −β because the inclined surface 455B is rising to the right.

Here, the angle .phi.2 _p is greater than the critical angle, the light totally reflected at the inclined surface 455B is assumed to be incident at an angle .phi.2 _a the exit surface 451B. The angle φ2 _a is φ2 _a = φ1 _a −2 × β because the slope 455B is rising to the right. In other words, every time light is reflected by the inclined surface 455B, the incident angle of the light to the light exit surface 451B decreases by “2 × β”. When the angle φ2 _a is equal to or smaller than the critical angle, light is emitted to the outside from the light exit surface 451B. When the angle φ2 _a exceeds the critical angle, the light is totally reflected by the light exit surface 451B and travels again toward the back surface 454B.

  When light exits from the light exit surface 451B, the light incident angle in the light guide plate 450B is slightly smaller than the critical angle, and thus the light exit angle from the light exit surface 451B takes a large value. Actually, the light from the second light source 62 is incident on the light incident end surface 453B at various angles, and the light emission angle from the light output surface 451B can take various values due to the influence thereof. The light from the light exit surface 451B enters the light guide plate 450A and exits from the light exit surface 451A of the light guide plate 450A. Also in the fourth embodiment, the emission angle of light from the light exit surface 451A is distributed around about 60 degrees.

  Each time light is reflected by the back surface 454B, the incident angle of the light to the light exit surface 451B decreases. Thereby, since it becomes easy to radiate | emit light, so that it leaves | separates from the 2nd light source 62, the nonuniformity of the intensity | strength of light by leaving | separating from the light-incidence end surface 453B can be negated.

  In the above description, the propagation of the light of the first light source 61 is “the first light source 61”, “the light incident end surface 453B” is “light incident end surface 452A”, and “the light guide plate 450B” is “ Since “light guide plate 450A” and “slope 455B” may be appropriately replaced with “slope 455A” and the like, description thereof will be omitted.

  The direction of light emitted from the light guide plate 450 when the first light source 61 emits light rises to the left in the figure, and the direction of light emitted from the light guide plate 450 when the second light source 62 emits light is It goes up to the right in the figure. Since the operation of the stereoscopic image display apparatus when the first light source 61 emits light and when the second light source 62 emits light is the same as that described in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The fifth embodiment is also a modification of the first embodiment. Example 5 also relates to a stereoscopic image display apparatus and a driving method thereof according to the present invention. In contrast to the first embodiment, the driving unit 500 further includes a light control unit that is disposed between the light emitting device and the transmissive display panel and that can switch between a light scattering state and a light transmission state. The structure of the stereoscopic image display device 5 of the fifth embodiment has been described in the first embodiment except that the light control state of the light control means is switched in addition to driving the device and the transmissive display panel. The same as the stereoscopic image display device 1.

  Since the configurations, operations, and actions of the transmissive display panel 10 and the light emitting device 20 in the stereoscopic image display device 5 of Example 5 are the same as those described in Example 1, description thereof will be omitted.

  In addition, the light control unit switches between the light scattering state and the light transmission state, and the configuration, operation, and action of the driving unit 500 are the same as those described for the driving unit 100 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the parts common to the first embodiment is omitted.

  A stereoscopic image display device 5 of Example 5 is shown in FIG. The stereoscopic image display device 5 includes a light control unit 570 disposed between the light emitting device 20 and the transmissive display panel 10 and capable of switching between a light scattering state and a light transmission state.

  The light control means 570 is composed of a panel including a pair of transparent substrates on which transparent electrodes made of ITO, for example, are formed, and a dispersed liquid crystal material layer disposed between these substrates. The pair of substrates is made of, for example, PET. For the convenience of illustration, the light control means 570 is shown as a single panel.

  The light control unit 570 is switched between a light scattering state and a light transmission state based on a signal from the driving unit 500. A voltage is applied between the pair of transparent electrodes of the light control unit 570 based on a signal from the driving unit 500, or the voltage application is stopped. The light control means 570 enters a light transmission state when a voltage is applied between the pair of transparent electrodes, and enters a light scattering state when the voltage application is stopped.

  In the stereoscopic image display device 5, when performing stereoscopic image display, the light control unit 570 is brought into a light transmission state by a signal from the driving unit 500. Then, the same operation as described in the first embodiment is performed to display a stereoscopic image.

  On the other hand, when normal image display is performed, the light control unit 570 is brought into a light scattering state by a signal from the driving unit 500. Thereby, since the light from the light emitting region 22 is incident on the transmissive display panel 10 without showing directivity, a normal image display can be performed.

  In the case of performing normal image display, there is no particular problem even if the light emission / non-light emission of the first light source 61 and the second light source 62 is not switched. Therefore, when performing normal image display, for example, the operation may be such that one of the first light source 61 and the second light source 62 emits light, or both emit light.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the preferable Example, this invention is not limited to these Examples. The configuration and structure of the stereoscopic image display device described in the embodiments are examples and can be changed as appropriate.

  Although the second embodiment has been described on the assumption that a light shielding mask is not provided, a configuration in which a light shielding mask is provided similarly to the first embodiment may be employed. However, the brightness of the image is lower than that in the first embodiment. The same applies to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, in the configuration in which the first slope and the second slope constituting the prism row are curved surfaces that are convex with respect to the outside of the prism row, a light shielding mask is disposed at a position where the light converges. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the decrease in luminance as in the first embodiment.

  Although the light emitting device 420 in the fourth embodiment has been described as the replacement of the light guide plate 50 of the light emitting device 20 in the first embodiment, the light guide plate of the light emitting device in the second or third embodiment may be replaced.

  The stereoscopic image display device 5 according to the fifth embodiment has been described as a configuration in which the light control unit 570 is added to the stereoscopic image display device 1 according to the first embodiment. However, the light control unit is added to the stereoscopic image display devices according to the second to fourth embodiments. A configuration in which 570 is added may be employed. Further, the light control means 570 may be configured to constitute a sheet-like spacer having a thickness corresponding to the distance from the light emitting region to the transmissive display panel.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 3D image display device, 10 ... transmissive display panel, 11 ... display area, 12 ... pixel, 20 ... light emitting device, 21 ... Light-emitting surface, 22 ... Light-emitting area, 30 ... Lens sheet, 31 ... Lens row, 32 ... Light-shielding mask, 33 ... Opening, 40 ... Prism sheet, 41 ... Prism Row, 42 ... first slope, 43 ... second slope, 50 ... light guide plate, 51 ... light exit surface, 52 ... light entrance end surface, 53 ... light entrance end surface, 54. ..Back, 55A ... slope, 55B ... slope, 61 ... first light source, 62 ... second light source, 100 ... driving means, 220 ... light emitting device, 230 ... Lens sheet, 231 ... lens array, 320 ... light emitting device, 340 ... prism sheet, 341 ... prism 342 ... first slope 343 ... second slope 420 ... light emitting device 450 ... light guide plate 450A ... light guide plate 450B ... light guide plate 451A Surface, 451B ... light exit surface, 452A ... light entrance end surface, 453B ... light entrance end surface, 454A ... back surface, 454B ... back surface, 455A ... slope, 455B ... slope, 500 ... Drive means, 570 ... Light control means

Claims (7)

A light-emitting device having a light-emitting surface in which a plurality of light-emitting regions in a row extending in a substantially vertical direction are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction;
A transmissive display panel having a display region composed of a plurality of pixels arranged opposite to the light emitting surface of the light emitting device and arranged in a two-dimensional matrix; and
Driving means for driving the light emitting device and the transmissive display panel;
With
On the virtual plane orthogonal to the direction in which the light emitting area extends, the light of each light emitting area diverges substantially symmetrically with respect to a virtual line passing through the center of the light emitting area and orthogonal to the light emitting area. Incident on the display area,
Some pixels overlap in a part of a display area where light of a certain light emitting area is incident and a part of a display area where light of a light emitting area adjacent to a certain light emitting area is incident,
A stereoscopic image display apparatus in which an odd-numbered light emitting region and a even-numbered light emitting region are alternately switched by a driving unit, and an image on a transmissive display panel is switched synchronously. The light emitting device
One surface corresponds to the light emitting surface, and the other surface is provided with a plurality of prism rows each composed of a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface sandwiching the apex angle, and the portion corresponding to the first inclined surface on one surface is an odd number. A prism sheet corresponding to the light emitting region of the row, the portion corresponding to the second inclined surface of the one surface corresponding to the light emitting region of the even row,
A first light source that causes light to enter the prism array from the second inclined surface side, and emits light from the odd-numbered light emitting regions by the light reflected by the first inclined surface; and
A second light source that causes light to enter the prism row from the first slope side and emit light of the even-numbered rows of light emitting areas by the light reflected by the second slope surface;
With
The stereoscopic image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first light source and the second light source are switched between light emission / non-light emission alternately by the driving unit. The light emitting device further includes a lens sheet disposed between the prism sheet and the transmissive display panel,
The stereoscopic image display device according to claim 2, wherein a lens row for diverging light is provided in a portion of the lens sheet corresponding to each light emitting region.   3. The stereoscopic image display device according to claim 2, wherein the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface of the prism array have a curved surface shape that is concave with respect to the exterior of the prism array, or a curved surface shape that is convex with respect to the exterior of the prism array.   The stereoscopic image display device according to claim 2, wherein the light emitting device further includes a light shielding mask having a light shielding portion provided corresponding to a boundary portion between adjacent light emitting regions. The light emitting device further includes a light guide plate having two light incident end surfaces facing each other and a light exit surface facing the other surface of the prism sheet,
The stereoscopic image display device according to claim 2, wherein the first light source and the second light source are arranged on one light incident end surface side and the other light incident end surface side, respectively.   The stereoscopic image display device according to claim 1, further comprising a light control unit that is disposed between the light emitting device and the transmissive display panel and is capable of switching between a light scattering state and a light transmissive state.

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