JP2016071337A - Display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display device capable of controlling the brightness of a back light for each portion to improve image quality, and to reduce the thickness of such display device.SOLUTION: A display device comprises: a light source; a light guide plate having an incidence surface facing the light source and an emission surface from which light incident from the incidence surface is emitted; a display panel that includes a display area arrayed with a plurality of display pixels and facing the emission surface and in which the driving of the plurality of display pixels makes light incident to the display area transmit selectively to display an image on the display area; and a light control panel that includes a light control area facing the display area and the emission surface and in which the transmittance of light incident to the light control area is changed for each portion in the light control area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a display device.

  In a display device that displays an image by selectively transmitting light from the backlight through the display panel, if the backlight brightness can be controlled for each predetermined area, the image contrast can be improved. Is advantageous.

  The backlight control as described above is performed by, for example, arranging a plurality of light guide plates facing different areas of the display panel and light sources such as light emitting diodes respectively supplying light to these light guide plates on the back side of the display panel. It can be realized by arranging. However, in this case, various problems such as an increase in the thickness of the display device may occur because the light emitting diodes need to be arranged on the display panel.

JP 2007-353160 A JP 2009-294637 A JP 2011-138756 A JP 2013-239289 A

  An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a display device that can improve the image quality by controlling the luminance of a backlight for each portion, and to reduce the thickness of such a display device. .

  A display device according to an embodiment includes a light source, a light guide plate having an incident surface facing the light source, and an emission surface from which light incident from the incident surface is emitted, and a plurality of display pixels arranged and the emission surface. And a display panel that selectively transmits light incident on the display area and displays an image on the display area by driving the plurality of display pixels, and the display area and the emission A light control panel having a light control area facing the surface and changing the transmittance of light incident on the light control area for each portion in the light control area.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of a display device common to the embodiments. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a part of the control elements provided in the display device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a display device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a display device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a display device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a display device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a display device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a sensing method using a light control panel in the seventh embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another method of sensing using the light control panel in the seventh embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a part of control elements included in the display device according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 12 is a time chart showing an example of operations related to display and sensing. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image display method according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image display method according to the ninth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image display method according to the tenth embodiment.

Several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
It should be noted that the disclosure is merely an example, and those skilled in the art can easily conceive of appropriate changes while maintaining the gist of the invention are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, for the sake of clarity, the drawings may be schematically represented with respect to the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part as compared to actual aspects, but are merely examples, and The interpretation is not limited. In each drawing, the reference numerals may be omitted for the same or similar elements arranged in succession. In addition, in the present specification and each drawing, components that perform the same or similar functions as those described above with reference to the previous drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated detailed description may be omitted as appropriate. .

(Overall configuration of display device)
First, a configuration common to the display devices of the embodiments will be described. The display device described below can be used for various devices such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone terminal, a personal computer, a television receiver, an in-vehicle device, and a game machine.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of the display device 1. The display device 1 includes a backlight BL, a display panel DP, and a light control panel AP.

  The backlight BL includes a light guide plate LG and a light source unit LU. The backlight BL is an example of an illumination device that supplies light necessary for image display, and is sometimes called a surface light source device.

  In the example of FIG. 1, each of the display panel DP, the light control panel AP, and the light guide plate LG has a short side along the first direction X and a long side along the second direction Y orthogonal to the first direction X. It has a rectangular shape. The light guide plate LG, the light control panel AP, and the display panel DP are overlapped in the third direction Z orthogonal to the first direction X and the second direction Y in this order. The display panel DP, the light control panel AP, and the light guide plate LG are not limited to a rectangular shape, and may have other shapes. In addition, the display device 1 can be configured by exchanging the positions of the display panel DP and the light control panel AP.

  The light guide plate LG has an entrance surface S1 and an exit surface S2. The incident surface S1 corresponds to one of a pair of side surfaces along the first direction X of the light guide plate LG, and the output surface S2 is on the light control panel AP and display panel DP side of the pair of main surfaces of the light guide plate LG. It corresponds to one side.

  The light source unit LU includes a plurality of light emitting diodes LD arranged in the first direction X along the incident surface S1 of the light guide plate LG, and a flexible circuit board LFPC on which these light emitting diodes LD are mounted. The light source unit LU may include another type of light source such as an organic electroluminescence element instead of the light emitting diode LD. Light from the light emitting diode LD enters the light guide plate LG from the incident surface S1, propagates through the light guide plate LG, and exits from the output surface S2. The light from the light emitting diode LD propagates in the second direction Y through the light guide plate LG while diffusing in the first direction X. That is, by turning on or off the light emitting diode LD that is a light source mainly for light propagating in the second direction Y, the backlight BL can be partially driven, in other words, one-dimensional local dimming.

  The display panel DP is, for example, a transmissive liquid crystal panel, and includes a first substrate SUB1a, a second substrate SUB2a, and a liquid crystal layer LQa sealed between the first substrate SUB1a and the second substrate SUB2a. The display panel DP has a display area A in which a large number of display pixels PXa are arranged in a matrix along the first direction X and the second direction Y while facing the emission surface S2 of the light guide plate LG. The display pixel PXa includes, for example, subpixels corresponding to red, green, and blue, respectively. The red sub-pixel includes a color filter colored red, the green sub-pixel includes a color filter colored green, and the blue sub-pixel includes a color filter colored blue. The display pixel PXa may further include subpixels corresponding to white, yellow, and the like. The display panel DP selectively transmits light incident on the display area A from the emission surface S2 side of the light guide plate LG by driving these display pixels PXa, and displays a color image on the display area A.

  Examples of such display panel DP include FFS (Fringe Field Switching) mode, IPS (In-Plane Switching) mode, TN (Twisted Nematic) mode, PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) mode, and OCB (Optically Compensated Bend) mode. Various active matrix liquid crystal panels such as ECB (Electrically Controlled Birefringence) mode or VA (Vertical Aligned) mode can be applied.

  The light control panel AP is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and includes a first substrate SUB1b, a second substrate SUB2b, and a liquid crystal layer LQb sealed between the first substrate SUB1b and the second substrate SUB2b. The light control panel AP has a light control area B that faces the emission surface S2 of the light guide plate LG and the display area A of the display panel DP. The dimming panel AP can adjust the transmittance of light incident on the dimming area B from the exit surface S2 side to the display panel DP side for each portion in the dimming area B. As an example, the light control panel AP does not include a color filter, and the hue of the light from the emission surface S2 hardly changes before and after transmission through the light control panel AP. A specific configuration and control example of such a light control panel AP will be described later in each embodiment.

  Note that the display panel DP and the light control panel AP are not necessarily liquid crystal panels. For example, the display panel DP and the light control panel AP may be a display panel to which MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) is applied, a display panel to which electrochromism is applied, or the like.

  The display device 1 further includes a reflection sheet 10, an optical sheet group 11, a first polarizing plate 12, a second polarizing plate 13, and a third polarizing plate 14. In the example of FIG. 1, the reflection sheet 10, the optical sheet group 11, the first polarizing plate 12, the second polarizing plate 13, and the third polarizing plate 14 are all short sides along the first direction X and the second direction. It is formed in a rectangular shape having a long side along Y. The reflective sheet 10, the optical sheet group 11, the first polarizing plate 12, the second polarizing plate 13, and the third polarizing plate 14 are not limited to a rectangular shape, and may have other shapes.

  The reflection sheet 10 is attached to the back surface corresponding to the opposite side of the light exit surface S2 of the pair of main surfaces of the light guide plate LG, and returns light leaking from the back surface to the light guide plate LG. A reflective sheet may be further attached to the side surface of the light guide plate LG other than the incident surface S1.

  The optical sheet group 11 includes, for example, a diffusion sheet 11a that diffuses light emitted from the emission surface S2 of the light guide plate LG and transmitted through the light control panel AP, a first prism sheet 11b and a second prism sheet on which a large number of prism lenses are formed. Prism sheet 11c.

  The 1st polarizing plate 12 is arrange | positioned between the light-guide plate LG and the light control panel AP, for example, is affixed on the outer surface of 1st board | substrate SUB1b of the light control panel AP through the adhesion layer. The second polarizing plate 13 is disposed between the light control panel AP and the display panel DP, and is attached to the outer surface of the first substrate SUB1a of the display panel DP, for example, via an adhesive layer. The 3rd polarizing plate 14 is affixed on the outer surface of 2nd board | substrate SUB2a of display panel DP through the adhesion layer, for example.

  Thus, the 1st polarizing plate 12 and the 2nd polarizing plate 13 are each arrange | positioned in the position which sandwiches the light control panel AP, and the 3rd polarizing plate 14 is arrange | positioned in the position which sandwiches the display panel DP with the 2nd polarizing plate 13 in between. Yes.

  The first polarizing plate 12 and the third polarizing plate 14 have a first polarization axis. The second polarizing plate 13 has a second polarization axis that is orthogonal to the first polarization axis. That is, the first polarizing plate 12 and the second polarizing plate 13, and the second polarizing plate 13 and the third polarizing plate 14 are all in a crossed Nicols positional relationship.

  In the display device 1 configured as described above, light from the emission surface S2 of the light guide plate LG is transmitted through the first polarizing plate 12 and is incident on the light control panel AP. The light incident on the light control panel AP is linearly polarized light orthogonal to the first polarization axis of the first polarizing plate 12. When the light passes through the region in the initial alignment state of the liquid crystal layer LQb, the polarization state hardly changes and is absorbed by the second polarizing plate 13 having the second polarization axis orthogonal to the first polarization axis. The

  On the other hand, when the light incident on the light control panel AP passes through a region of the liquid crystal layer LQb where a voltage is applied and the alignment state has changed from the initial alignment state, the polarization state changes, and at least a part of the light is incident on the first light. The polarization state is perpendicular to the second polarization axis of the two polarizing plates 13. Therefore, at least a part of this light passes through the second polarizing plate 13.

  The light transmitted through the second polarizing plate 13 enters the display panel DP. The light incident on the display panel DP is linearly polarized light orthogonal to the second polarization axis of the second polarizing plate 13. When the light passes through the region corresponding to the display pixel PXa turned off in the liquid crystal layer LQa, that is, the region in the initial alignment state, the polarization state hardly changes, and the first orthogonal to the second polarization axis. It is absorbed by the third polarizing plate 14 having the polarization axis.

  On the other hand, the light incident on the display panel DP changes its polarization state when it passes through a region corresponding to the display pixel PXa turned on in the liquid crystal layer LQa, that is, a region where the alignment state has changed from the initial alignment state. , At least a part is in a polarization state orthogonal to the first polarization axis. Therefore, at least part of this light is transmitted through the third polarizing plate 14 to form an image.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing some of the control elements included in the display device 1. The display device 1 includes a controller 20, a display driver 21, a light source driver 22, and a dimming driver 23 as main control elements.

  For example, the controller 20 includes a flexible wiring board extending from the display panel DP and the light control panel AP and an electronic component such as an IC mounted on the wiring board. The controller 20 may further include other electronic components connected to each flexible wiring board.

  The display driver 21 is formed as a built-in circuit in the display panel DP, for example. The dimming driver 23 is formed as a built-in circuit in the dimming panel AP, for example. The display driver 21 and the dimming driver 23 may be formed outside the display panel DP and the dimming panel AP.

  The light source driver 22 is composed of, for example, an electronic component such as a flexible circuit board LFPC or an IC mounted on the circuit board.

  The controller 20 sequentially receives image data for one frame to be displayed in the display area A from a main board or the like of an electronic device on which the display device 1 is mounted. This image data includes, for example, information such as color and brightness to be displayed on each display pixel PXa in the display area A. The controller 20 supplies a signal for driving each display pixel PXa of the display panel DP to the display driver 21 based on the received image data. The display driver 21 selectively turns on / off each display pixel PXa according to a signal supplied from the controller 20.

  The controller 20 includes an image analysis processor 24. The image analysis processor 24 analyzes the image data received by the controller 20, determines the luminance of the plurality of light emitting diodes LD provided in the light source unit LU, and determines the transmittance distribution of the dimming area B. The controller 20 supplies a signal indicating the luminance of the light emitting diode LD determined by the image analysis processor 24 to the light source driver 22, and dimming the signal indicating the transmittance distribution of the light control area B determined by the image analysis processor 24. Supplied to the driver 23.

  For example, the light source driver 22 adjusts the voltage supplied to each light emitting diode LD, thereby lighting each light emitting diode LD with the luminance indicated by the signal supplied from the controller 20. The light source driver 22 does not turn on the light emitting diode LD when there is a light emitting diode LD having a luminance determined by the image analysis processor 24 of zero. The dimming driver 23 is dimmed so that the light from the exit surface S2 transmits through the first polarizing plate 12, the dimming panel AP, and the second polarizing plate 13 according to the transmittance distribution indicated by the signal supplied from the controller 20. The panel AP is driven.

  Light emitted from the emission surface S2 of the light guide plate LG when the light emitting diode LD is turned on enters the display area A with a luminance distribution according to the transmittance distribution of the light control area B, and each display pixel PXa in the display area A is turned on. / An image corresponding to the off state is formed. That is, the light control panel AP functions as a light control device that dynamically adjusts the luminance of light incident on the display panel DP from the exit surface S2 according to the image displayed in the display area A. Such a light control device is sometimes called a dimming device.

  As a method for controlling the luminance of light incident on the display panel for each part, a plurality of light sources such as light emitting diodes are arranged directly under the display panel, and each luminance is adjusted, or a plurality of light guide plates and each light guide plate It is conceivable to arrange a light source for supplying light directly under the display panel and adjust the luminance for each light guide plate. However, when these methods are employed, the thickness of the display device increases according to the thickness of the light source.

  On the other hand, with the configuration of the display device 1 shown in FIG. 1, it is not necessary to dispose the light emitting diode LD, which is a light source, directly below the display panel DP, and thus the thickness of the display device 1 can be suppressed.

  As an example, the thickness of the light guide plate LG is about 500 μm, the thickness of the light control panel AP and the display panel DP is about 300 μm, and the thicknesses of the first polarizing plate 12, the second polarizing plate 13, and the third polarizing plate 14 are Each is about 80 to 160 μm. That is, the thickness of the display device 1 is increased by 380 to 460 μm, which is the thickness of the light control panel AP and one polarizing plate, as compared with a general display device. On the other hand, when a light source such as a light emitting diode is arranged directly below the display panel, an increase in thickness of at least 1 mm is expected.

  Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the display device 1 includes three polarizing plates 12, 13, and 14, the display device 1 is adjusted with two polarizing plates provided on both main surfaces of the display panel DP. Two polarizing plates provided on both main surfaces of the optical panel AP may be provided. However, in this case, the thickness of the display device 1 increases by the amount of one additional polarizing plate. Therefore, from the viewpoint of thickness, the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is advantageous.

Next, first to sixth embodiments applicable to the display device 1 will be described.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the display device 1 according to the first embodiment. Among the components of the display device 1, the display panel DP, the light control panel AP, the light guide plate LG, and the light emitting diode. LD. In the example of FIG. 3, the display device 1 includes ten light emitting diodes LD.

  The light control panel AP includes a first electrode E1 and n (integer; n ≧ 2) second electrodes E2. Each second electrode E2 extends in a strip shape along the first direction X in the light control area B and is aligned along the second direction Y. The first electrode E1 has a size that covers the entire area of the light control area B, and is opposed to each second electrode E2 across the liquid crystal layer LQb. For example, the first electrode E1 is provided on the first substrate SUB1b of the light control panel AP, and each second electrode E2 is provided on the second substrate SUB2b of the light control panel AP. The first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 are made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

  The light control area B has a plurality of sub-areas SBi (i = 1 to n) arranged in the second direction Y. The sub area SB corresponds to an area where the first electrode E1 and one second electrode E2 face each other. In the example of FIG. 3, n = 6.

  The first electrode E1 is set to a common potential. The dimming driver 23 shown in FIG. 2 selectively supplies a drive voltage to each second electrode E2. Due to the electric field generated between the second electrode E2 and the first electrode E1 to which the drive voltage is supplied, the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer LQb between these electrodes changes from the initial alignment state. Accordingly, in the sub-area SB corresponding to the second electrode E2, the light from the emission surface S2 passes through the light control panel AP and the second polarizing plate 13 and enters the display panel DP.

  Since such a light control panel AP has a structure similar to a passive liquid crystal panel, the structure is simple and can be manufactured at low cost. As the passive liquid crystal panel, for example, a TN mode or PDLC mode liquid crystal panel can be used.

  In the present embodiment, the transmittance distribution of the dimming area B can be adjusted for each sub-area SB arranged in the second direction Y by controlling the driving voltage of each second electrode E2. Further, by controlling the luminance of the light emitting diodes LD arranged in the first direction X, the luminance of the emission surface S2 can be divided and adjusted into regions arranged in the first direction X. Therefore, the dimming panel AP and the backlight BL can realize two-dimensional local dimming capable of adjusting the luminance distribution of light incident on the display panel DP in two dimensions.

An example of using such two-dimensional local dimming will be described.
For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when an image to be displayed in the display area A includes a high brightness portion HB having a higher brightness than the surroundings, the backlight has a brightness distribution in which the position corresponding to the high brightness portion HB is high brightness. Each light emitting diode LD and the light control panel AP are controlled so that light from the BL side enters the display panel DP.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the third light emitting diode LD from the left corresponding to the position in the first direction X of the high brightness portion HB is turned on (on), and the other light emitting diodes LD are turned off (off). . As a result, on the exit surface S2 of the light guide plate LG, the region corresponding to the lighted light emitting diode LD has high luminance, and the other regions have low luminance. Light from the high brightness area of the exit surface S2 enters the dimming area B. Further, the dimming is performed so that the transmittance of the sub-areas SB3, SB4, and SB5 corresponding to the position in the second direction Y of the high brightness portion HB is high and the transmittance of the other sub-areas SB1, SB2, and SB6 is low. The panel AP is controlled. That is, the light control panel AP changes the light transmittance for each portion of the region where the light from the high brightness region of the emission surface S2 enters in the light control area B. Thereby, the light incident on the display panel DP has a high luminance in the vicinity of the high brightness portion HB and a low luminance in the other portions. Therefore, it is possible to increase the contrast between the high brightness portion HB and its surroundings as compared with the case where light having a uniform luminance distribution is incident on the display panel DP.

  In addition, since all the light emitting diodes LD are not always turned on, but what is necessary for display can be turned on and others can be turned off, the power consumption of the display device 1 can be reduced.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the sub-area SB4 having the largest area overlapping with the high-lightness portion HB has the first transmittance T1, and the sub-areas SB3 and SB5 having smaller areas overlapping with the high-lightness portion HB than the sub-area SB4 are the first. The second transmittance T2 (T1> T2) is lower than the transmittance T1, and the third areas T3 (T2> T3) in which the sub-areas SB1, SB2, SB6 that do not overlap the high brightness portion HB are lower than the second transmittance T2. The light control panel AP is controlled so that In FIG. 3, these transmittances are represented by the type of hatching. In this way, the contrast of the display image can be adjusted more finely by controlling the transmittance of the sub-area SB in multiple stages.

  Note that the number of adjustable transmittance stages is not limited to three, and may be larger. The parameter for determining the transmittance is not limited to the area overlapping the high brightness portion HB, and various parameters can be adopted. For example, the transmittance may be determined according to the total value or the average value of the brightness for each display pixel PXa of the image displayed in the range corresponding to each sub-area SB in the display area A.

  The luminance of the light emitting diode LD may be controlled in multiple stages. Although FIG. 3 shows an example in which one light emitting diode LD is turned on and other light emitting diodes LD are turned off, a plurality of light emitting diodes LD may be turned on simultaneously.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the display device 1 according to the second embodiment. Among the components of the display device 1, the display panel DP, the light control panel AP, the light guide plate LG, and the light emitting diode. LD.

  The display device 1 shown in FIG. 4 is different from the display device 1 shown in FIG. 3 in that the light control panel AP includes m (integer; m ≧ 2) first electrodes E1. Each first electrode E <b> 1 extends in a strip shape along the second direction Y and is aligned along the first direction X.

  Each first electrode E1 faces each of the second electrodes E2 with the liquid crystal layer LQb interposed therebetween. In such a configuration, a plurality of sub-areas SBij (i = 1 to n, j = 1 to m) arranged in an n × m matrix are formed in the dimming area B. In the example of FIG. 4, n = 6 and m = 8.

  For example, by applying drive voltages having different polarities to any of the first electrodes E1 and any of the second electrodes E2, an electric field having a predetermined strength is generated in the sub-area SB corresponding to the intersecting region of these electrodes. The portion corresponding to the sub area SB in the liquid crystal layer LQb is driven by this electric field. That is, the transmittance of a specific subarea SB can be increased. By driving each first electrode E1 and each second electrode E2 at high speed in a time-sharing manner, the transmittance of the plurality of sub-areas SB can be adjusted substantially simultaneously.

  Since the light control panel AP in the present embodiment has a structure similar to that of a passive liquid crystal panel, as in the first embodiment, the structure is simple and can be manufactured at low cost.

  In the present embodiment, the transmittance distribution of the dimming area B is controlled for each of the sub-areas SB arranged in the first direction X and the second direction Y by controlling the driving voltage of each first electrode E1 and each second electrode E2. Can be adjusted. That is, the dimming panel AP can realize two-dimensional local dimming that can adjust the luminance distribution of light incident on the display panel DP in two dimensions. Furthermore, the light emitting diodes LD corresponding to the areas that do not require illumination in the display area A are turned off, or the light emitting diodes are made to emit light at a low luminance, so that all the light emitting diodes LD are always lit at a predetermined luminance. 1 can be reduced.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, each light emitting diode LD and the light control panel AP are arranged so that light from the backlight BL side enters the display panel DP with a luminance distribution in which the position corresponding to the high brightness portion HB is high luminance. By controlling, the contrast between the high brightness portion HB and its surroundings can be increased.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the subarea SB43 having the largest area overlapping with the high brightness portion HB has the first transmittance T1, and the subareas SB33, SB34, and SB42 having smaller areas overlapping with the high brightness portion HB than the subarea SB43. The second transmittance T2 (T1> T2) is lower than the first transmittance T1, and the sub-area SB44 having a smaller area overlapping with the high brightness portion HB than the sub-areas SB33, 34, 42 is smaller than the second transmittance T2. Dimming so that the third transmittance T3 is low (T2> T3), and the other subarea SB that does not overlap the high brightness portion HB is the fourth transmittance T4 (T3> T4) lower than the third transmittance T3. The panel AP is controlled. In FIG. 4, these transmittances are represented by the type of hatching.

  Note that the number of adjustable transmittance stages is not limited to four, and may be larger. The parameter for determining the transmittance is not limited to the area overlapping the high brightness portion HB, and various parameters can be adopted. For example, the transmittance may be determined according to the total value or the average value of the brightness for each display pixel PXa of the image displayed in the range corresponding to each sub-area SB in the display area A.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the display device 1 according to the third embodiment. Among the components of the display device 1, the display panel DP, the light control panel AP, the light guide plate LG, and the light emitting diode. LD.

  The display device 1 shown in FIG. 5 includes a dimming panel AP including a large number of dimming pixels PXb arranged in a matrix along the first direction X and the second direction Y in the dimming area B. This is different from the display device 1 shown in FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the dimming pixel PXb is divided by a plurality of gate lines G extending in parallel with each other and a plurality of source lines S intersecting each gate line G and extending in parallel with each other. The first electrode E1 corresponding to one region and set to a common potential, the switching element SW (for example, a thin film transistor) electrically connected to the gate line G and the source line S, and the switching element SW are electrically connected The second electrode E2 is provided. The first electrode E1 is a common electrode provided across the plurality of dimming pixels PXb, and the second electrode E2 is a pixel electrode provided for each dimming pixel PXb. The dimming driver 23 can turn on / off each dimming pixel PXb by selectively driving each gate line G and each source line S. When the dimming pixel PXb is turned on, an electric field is generated between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2, and this electric field changes the alignment state of the region corresponding to the dimming pixel PXb in the liquid crystal layer LQb to the initial alignment state. Change from.

  As the dimming panel AP including such dimming pixels PXb, various active matrix liquid crystal panels such as FFS mode, IPS mode, TN mode, PDLC mode, OCB mode, ECB mode, or VA mode are applied. it can. In the present embodiment, the transmittance distribution of the dimming area B can be adjusted in units of dimming pixels PXb. That is, the dimming panel AP can realize two-dimensional local dimming that can adjust the luminance distribution of light incident on the display panel DP in two dimensions. Furthermore, the light emitting diodes LD corresponding to the areas that do not require illumination in the display area A are turned off, or the light emitting diodes are made to emit light at a low luminance, so that all the light emitting diodes LD are always lit at a predetermined luminance. 1 can be reduced.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, each light emitting diode LD and the light control panel AP are arranged so that light from the backlight BL side enters the display panel DP with a luminance distribution in which the position corresponding to the high brightness portion HB is high luminance. By controlling, the contrast between the high brightness portion HB and its surroundings can be increased.

  In the example of FIG. 5, a high transmittance area TB having substantially the same shape as the high brightness portion HB is formed in the light control area B, and the light emitting diode LD corresponding to the position in the first direction X of the high transmittance area TB. Is turned on, so that light from the backlight BL side is incident on the display area A at a position corresponding to the high brightness portion HB.

  The high transmittance area TB is not limited to the same shape as the high lightness portion HB, and may be a shape larger or smaller than the high lightness portion HB. Although FIG. 5 shows an example in which one high transmittance area TB is formed, a plurality of high transmittance areas TB may be formed at the same time.

  In the present embodiment, the light incident on the display area A can be finely adjusted for each dimming pixel PXb. Therefore, the contrast of the image displayed in the display area A can be further increased.

(Fourth embodiment)
The fourth embodiment corresponds to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the display device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Among the components of the display device 1, the display panel DP, the light control panel AP, the light guide plate LG, and the light emitting diode. LD.

  This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the backlight BL is not partially driven. That is, all the light emitting diodes LD are lit (turned on) with the same luminance, and the luminance of the emission surface S2 of the light guide plate LG has a substantially uniform distribution.

  Even with such a configuration, the luminance distribution of light incident on the display area A can be adjusted for each sub-area SB by the light control panel AP. Further, according to the present embodiment, the control of the backlight BL can be simplified.

(Fifth embodiment)
The fifth embodiment corresponds to a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the display device 1 according to the fifth embodiment. Among the components of the display device 1, the display panel DP, the light control panel AP, the light guide plate LG, and the light emitting diode. LD.

  This embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the backlight BL is not partially driven. That is, all the light emitting diodes LD are lit (turned on) with the same luminance, and the luminance of the emission surface S2 of the light guide plate LG has a substantially uniform distribution.

  Even with such a configuration, the luminance distribution of light incident on the display area A can be adjusted two-dimensionally for each sub-area SB by the light control panel AP. Further, according to the present embodiment, the control of the backlight BL can be simplified.

(Sixth embodiment)
The sixth embodiment corresponds to a modification of the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the display device 1 according to the sixth embodiment. Among the components of the display device 1, the display panel DP, the light control panel AP, the light guide plate LG, and the light emitting diode. LD.

  This embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that the backlight BL is not partially driven. That is, all the light emitting diodes LD are lit (turned on) with the same luminance, and the luminance of the emission surface S2 of the light guide plate LG has a substantially uniform distribution.

  Even with such a configuration, the luminance distribution of light incident on the display area A can be adjusted two-dimensionally for each dimming pixel PXb by the dimming panel AP. Further, according to the present embodiment, the control of the backlight BL can be simplified.

(Seventh embodiment)
In the first to sixth embodiments, the example in which the dimming panel AP is used for adjusting the luminance incident on the display area A has been described. However, the dimming panel AP senses an object that is in contact with or close to the display area A. It can also be used as a sensor device.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a sensing method using the light control panel AP. The method described with reference to this figure is applicable to the light control panel AP of the second and fifth embodiments, for example.

  A capacitance Cc exists between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2. When the drive signal Stx is supplied to the first electrode E1, since a current flows to the second electrode E2 via the capacitor Cc, the detection signal Srx is obtained from the second electrode E2. The drive signal Stx is, for example, a rectangular pulse, and the detection signal Srx is a rectangular pulse having a voltage corresponding to the drive signal Stx.

  When the object O, which is a conductor such as a user's finger, approaches the display device 1, a capacitance Cx is generated between the second electrode E2 that is close to the object O and the object O. When the drive signal Stx is supplied to the first electrode E1, the waveform of the detection signal Srx obtained from the second electrode E2 close to the object O changes under the influence of the capacitance Cx. That is, based on the detection signal Srx obtained from each second electrode E2, the object O that is in contact with or close to the display device 1 can be detected. Further, when the drive signal Stx is sequentially supplied to each first electrode E1 in time division, based on the detection signal Srx obtained from each second electrode E2 in each time phase, the first direction X and the second direction of the object O A position in the direction Y can be detected. The method described above is called a mutual capacitance method or a mutual detection method.

  The sensing according to the mutual capacitance method can also be realized by using the light control panel AP according to the first and fourth embodiments. That is, when the drive signal Stx is supplied to the first electrode E1, the object O can be detected and the position of the object O in the second direction Y can be detected based on the detection signal Srx obtained from each second electrode E2. be able to.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another method of sensing using the light control panel AP. The method described with reference to this figure is applicable to the light control panel AP of the first, second, fourth and fifth embodiments, for example.

  In the sensing method shown in FIG. 10, the drive signal Stx is supplied to each second electrode E2. Capacitance (self-capacitance) of each second electrode E2 is charged by the drive signal Stx. The amount of charge stored in this self-capacitance changes according to the capacitance Cx generated between the object O and the second electrode E2. Therefore, when the charge stored in the self-capacitance of each second electrode E2 is read as the detection signal Srx, the object O can be detected based on the value of these detection signals Srx. Further, the position of the object O in the second direction Y can be detected. The method described above is called a self-capacitance method or a self-detection method.

  For example, if the island-like second electrodes E2 are two-dimensionally arranged in the light control area B, the position of the object O in the first direction X and the second direction Y can be detected even in the self-capacitance method. In the light control panel AP according to the third and sixth embodiments, a self-capacitance type sensor device can be realized by using the first electrode E1 provided over the plurality of light control pixels PXb.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically showing a part of control elements included in the display device 1 according to the present embodiment. The display device 1 further includes a sensor driver 25 and a selector 26 in addition to the control elements shown in FIG. The sensor driver 25 and the selector 26 are formed as a built-in circuit in the light control panel AP, for example. The sensor driver 25 and the selector 26 may be formed outside the light control panel AP.

  The sensor driver 25 drives the light control panel AP when sensing an object in contact with or close to the display area A. For example, in the case of realizing the mutual capacitance type sensing described above, the sensor driver 25 supplies the drive signal Stx to the first electrode E1, reads the detection signal Srx from the second electrode E2, and sets the numerical value indicated by the detection signal Srx to the controller. 20 is output. Further, when realizing the above-described self-capacitance type sensing, the sensor driver 25 supplies the drive signal Stx to the second electrode E2, reads the detection signal Srx from the second electrode E2, and sets the numerical value indicated by the detection signal Srx. Output to the controller 20. The controller 20 detects (calculates) the presence or absence of an object that is in contact with or close to the display device 1 and the position of the object based on the numerical value input from the sensor driver 25.

  The selector 26 is controlled by the controller 20 to selectively switch the connection destination of the light control panel AP between the light control driver 23 and the sensor driver 25.

  The controller 20 repeatedly executes operations related to display and sensing while appropriately switching the connection destination of the light control panel AP by controlling the selector 26. FIG. 12 is a time chart showing an example of operations related to display and sensing. A subframe period SF (unit period) corresponding to one cycle of operations related to display and sensing includes a display period Ta and a sensing period Tb, and is repeated in time series. A frame period F for displaying an image of one frame is formed by a predetermined number of consecutive subframe periods SF.

  In the display period Ta, the dimmer driver 23 and the dimming panel AP are connected by the selector 26, and the transmittance control described in the first to sixth embodiments is executed. On the other hand, in the sensing period Tb, the sensor driver 25 and the light control panel AP are connected by the selector 26, and control related to sensing of the mutual capacitance method or the self-capacitance method is executed.

  The control of the backlight BL is turned on during the display period Ta. That is, in the display period Ta, each light emitting diode LD is turned on with the luminance determined based on the image data as described in the first to sixth embodiments.

  On the other hand, the control of the backlight BL is turned off in the sensing period Tb. That is, any light emitting diode LD is turned off during the sensing period Tb. By doing so, it is possible to prevent image disturbance due to an unintended transmittance change of the light control area B caused by the drive signal Stx supplied to the light control panel AP in the sensing period Tb.

  As in the present embodiment, by using the light control panel AP as a sensor device, it is possible to sense an object without combining a separate sensor device with the display device 1. Further, the thickness of the display device 1 can be suppressed as compared with the case where a separate sensor device is combined with the display device 1.

(Eighth embodiment)
In the eighth embodiment, an example of an image display method applicable to the display device 1 having the structure shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13A shows an original image I0 represented by image data received by the controller 20. The original image I0 has a first dark part ID0 having relatively low luminance (or lightness) and a first light part IL0 adjacent to the first dark part ID0 and having higher luminance (or lightness) than the first dark part ID0. Including.

  FIG. 13B shows a dimming pattern P that the controller 20 forms in the dimming area B of the dimming panel AP based on the image data of the original image I0. The dimming pattern P includes a dark pattern PD formed in an area corresponding to the first dark portion ID0 of the original image I0 and a bright pattern PI having a light transmittance (or luminance) higher than that of the dark pattern PD. Yes. Since the size of the sub areas SB1 to SB6 is larger than the size of the display pixel PXa of the display panel DP, the definition of the light control panel AP is lower than the definition of the display panel DP. Therefore, the bright pattern PI includes an area corresponding to the first bright portion IL0 of the original image I0 and is formed in a wider range than this area.

  In the example of FIG. 13B, the bright pattern PI is formed by the sub-areas SB3 and SB4, and two dark patterns PD are formed so that the bright pattern PI is sandwiched by the sub-areas SB1 and SB2 and the sub-areas SB5 and SB6. ing.

  FIG. 13C shows a display image I1 that the controller 20 displays on the display panel DP based on the image data of the original image I0. The display image I1 includes a second bright part IL1 displayed in an area corresponding to the first bright part IL0 of the original image I0 and a second dark part ID1 displayed in an area corresponding to the dark pattern PD of the dimming pattern P. Including. Moreover, in the example shown here, the display image I1 has the complement part ICP between 2nd bright part IL1 and 2nd dark part ID1. The transmittance (or luminance) of the second bright part IL1 is set so that the light transmitted through the bright pattern PI is displayed with the same luminance as the first bright part IL0 of the original image I0. The transmittance (or luminance) of the second dark portion ID1 is set so that the light transmitted through the dark pattern PD is displayed with the same luminance as the first dark portion ID0 of the original image I0.

  The complement portion ICP has a shape obtained by removing the second bright portion IL1 from the region corresponding to the bright pattern PI. The transmittance (or luminance) of the complementary portion ICP is set so that light transmitted through the bright pattern PI is displayed with luminance equivalent to that of the first dark portion ID0 of the original image I0. That is, the luminance of the region where the bright pattern PI and the complementary portion ICP overlap needs to be approximately the same as the luminance of the region where the dark pattern PD and the second dark portion ID1 overlap. It is lower than 2 dark part ID1.

  FIG. 13D shows a display image I2 formed in the display area A by a combination of the light control pattern P and the display image I1. The display image I2 includes a third bright part IL2 corresponding to the first bright part IL0 of the original image I0, and a third dark part ID2 corresponding to the first dark part ID0 of the original image I0. The third bright part IL2 is displayed through the bright pattern PI of the dimming pattern P and the second bright part IL1 of the display image I1. For this reason, the third bright portion IL2 is displayed with relatively high luminance. On the other hand, most of the third dark part ID2 is displayed through the dark pattern PD of the light control pattern P and the second dark part ID1 of the display image I1. At this time, since the dark pattern PD of the light control pattern P appropriately shields light from the light guide plate LG, the amount of light transmitted through the dark pattern PD is sufficiently reduced. The third dark part ID2 formed by overlapping the dark pattern PD and the second dark part ID1 has sufficiently low luminance.

  A region of the bright pattern PI that does not overlap with the second bright portion IL1 overlaps with the complement portion ICP. Therefore, this region has the same low brightness as the region where the dark pattern PD and the second dark portion ID1 overlap.

  If the image display method of this embodiment is used, even when the definition of the light control panel AP is lower than the definition of the display panel DP as in the display device 1 of FIG. 3, the contrast of the display image is finely adjusted. can do. That is, although it is difficult to form a bright pattern corresponding to the first bright part IL0 of the original image I0 by the sub-areas SB1 to SB6, the first bright part IL0 is formed by forming the complementary part ICP in the display image I1. The brightness can be adjusted according to the contour of the image.

(Ninth embodiment)
In the ninth embodiment, an example of an image display method applicable to the display device 1 having the structure shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14A shows an original image I0 represented by image data received by the controller 20. This original image I0 includes the first dark part ID0 and the first bright part IL0 as in the case of FIG.

  FIG. 14B shows a dimming pattern P that the controller 20 forms in the dimming area B of the dimming panel AP based on the image data of the original image I0. This dimming pattern P includes a dark pattern PD and a bright pattern PI as in the case of FIG. Since the size of the sub-areas SB11 to SB68 is larger than the size of the display pixel PXa of the display panel DP, the definition of the light control panel AP is lower than the definition of the display panel DP. Therefore, the bright pattern PI includes an area corresponding to the first bright portion IL0 of the original image I0 and is formed in a wider range than this area.

  In the example of FIG. 14B, the bright pattern PI is formed by the sub areas SB33 to SB36 and SB43 to SB46, and the dark pattern PD is formed so as to surround the bright pattern PI by the remaining sub areas.

  FIG. 14C shows a display image I1 that the controller 20 displays on the display panel DP based on the image data of the original image I0. This display image I1 corresponds to the second bright portion IL1 displayed in the region corresponding to the first bright portion IL0 of the original image I0 and the dark pattern PD of the dimming pattern P, as in the case of FIG. The second dark part ID1 displayed in the area to be displayed, and the complement part ICP displayed between the second bright part IL1 and the second dark part ID1. Here, the complement part ICP has a rectangular shape surrounding the second bright part IL1, and the second dark part ID1 surrounds the complement part ICP.

  FIG. 14D shows a display image I2 formed in the display area A by a combination of the light control pattern P and the display image I1. This display image I2 includes the third bright part IL2 and the third dark part ID2 as in the case of FIG. Since the third bright portion IL2 is displayed through the bright pattern PI of the dimming pattern P and the second bright portion IL1 of the display image I1, it is displayed with relatively high luminance. On the other hand, the third dark part ID2 is displayed through the dark pattern PD of the dimming pattern P and the second dark part ID1 of the display image I1, or the bright pattern PI of the dimming pattern P and the complement part ICP of the display image I1. The brightness is sufficiently low.

  If the image display method of this embodiment is used, even if the definition of the light control panel AP is lower than the definition of the display panel DP as in the display device 1 of FIG. 4, the contrast of the display image is finely adjusted. can do. That is, although it is difficult to form a bright pattern corresponding to the first bright part IL0 of the original image I0 by the sub areas SB11 to SB68, the first bright part IL0 is formed by forming the complementary part ICP in the display image I1. The brightness can be adjusted according to the contour of the image.

(10th Embodiment)
In the tenth embodiment, an example of an image display method applicable to the display device 1 having the structure shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 15A shows an original image I0 represented by image data received by the controller 20. This original image I0 includes the first dark part ID0 and the first bright part IL0 as in the case of FIG.

  FIG. 15B shows a dimming pattern P that the controller 20 forms in the dimming area B of the dimming panel AP based on the image data of the original image I0. The dimming pattern P includes a dark pattern PD and a bright pattern PI as in the case of FIG. The bright pattern PI includes an area corresponding to the first bright portion IL0 of the original image I0 and is formed in a wider range than this area.

  FIG. 15C shows a display image I1 that the controller 20 displays on the display panel DP based on the image data of the original image I0. This display image I1 corresponds to the second bright portion IL1 displayed in the area corresponding to the first bright portion IL0 of the original image I0 and the dark pattern PD of the dimming pattern P, as in the case of FIG. The second dark part ID1 displayed in the area to be displayed, and the complement part ICP displayed between the second bright part IL1 and the second dark part ID1.

  FIG. 15D shows a display image I2 formed in the display area A by a combination of the light control pattern P and the display image I1. This display image I2 includes the third bright portion IL2 and the third dark portion ID2 as in the case of FIG. Since the third bright portion IL2 is displayed through the bright pattern PI of the dimming pattern P and the second bright portion IL1 of the display image I1, it is displayed with relatively high luminance. On the other hand, the third dark part ID2 is displayed through the dark pattern PD of the dimming pattern P and the second dark part ID1 of the display image I1, or the bright pattern PI of the dimming pattern P and the complement part ICP of the display image I1. The brightness is sufficiently low.

  If the image display method of the present embodiment is used, for example, in the display device 1 of FIG. 5, the dimming pixel PXb is larger in size than the display pixel PXa, and the dimming pattern P has the same shape as the first bright portion IL0. Even when the image cannot be formed with high accuracy, the contrast of the display image can be finely adjusted.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  The configuration according to the first to tenth embodiments can be changed as appropriate. For example, as described above, the positions of the display panel DP and the light control panel AP may be switched. In this case, since there is no electrical shield on the light control panel AP, the sensitivity of sensing described in the seventh embodiment can be increased.

  In the eighth to tenth embodiments, the dimming pattern P including the bright pattern PI and the dark pattern PD is formed on the dimming panel AP. However, the dimming pattern P whose luminance changes in more stages is formed. May be. For example, the dimming pattern P is formed such that the luminance decreases stepwise as it moves away from the region corresponding to the first bright portion IL0 of the original image I0, and the dimming pattern P is stepped in the display image I1. The transmittance may be changed stepwise in accordance with the change in luminance.

An example of a display device obtained from the configuration disclosed in this specification will be appended below.
[1] A light source, a light guide plate having an incident surface opposed to the light source, and an emission surface from which light incident from the incident surface is emitted, a display area in which a plurality of display pixels are arranged and opposed to the emission surface A display panel that selectively transmits light incident on the display area by driving the plurality of display pixels and displays an image on the display area; and dimming that opposes the display area and the emission surface. A light control panel having an area and changing a transmittance of light incident on the light control area for each portion in the light control area.
[2] The light control panel is disposed between the display panel and the light guide plate, and transmits the transmittance of light, which is emitted from the light exit surface and incident on the light control area, toward the display panel. The display panel is changed for each part in the light control area, and the display panel selectively transmits light that is transmitted through the light control panel and incident on the display area by driving the display pixels. The display device according to [1], which displays an image.
[3] The dimming area has a plurality of sub-areas extending in a strip shape in the first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, and the dimming panel has light incident on the dimming area The display device according to [1] or [2], wherein the transmittance is changed for each of the plurality of sub-areas.
[4] The display device according to [3], wherein the incident surface includes a plurality of the light sources that extend along the first direction, are arranged along the incident surface, and can individually adjust brightness. is there.
[5] Of the plurality of light sources, light from a high-luminance region of the exit surface of the light guide plate that becomes high-luminance by light from a light source that is lit enters the dimming area, and the dimming panel is The display device according to [4], wherein the light transmittance is changed for each portion of a region where light from the high luminance region is incident in the light control area.
[6] The dimming area has a plurality of subareas arranged in a matrix in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the dimming panel is configured to transmit light incident on the dimming area. The display device according to [1] or [2], wherein the transmittance is changed for each of the plurality of subareas.
[7] The dimming area has a plurality of dimming pixels arranged in a matrix in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the dimming panel has light incident on the dimming area. The display device according to [1] or [2], wherein the transmittance is changed for each of the plurality of dimming pixels.
[8] The display panel and the light control panel are liquid crystal panels each including a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer sealed between the substrates, and are respectively disposed at positions sandwiching the light control panel. A polarizing plate, a second polarizing plate, and a third polarizing plate disposed at a position sandwiching the display panel together with the second polarizing plate, wherein the first polarizing plate and the third polarizing plate are the first polarizing plate. The display device according to any one of [1] to [7], including an axis, wherein the second polarizing plate has a second polarization axis perpendicular to the first polarization axis.
[9] The light control panel includes a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer sealed between the substrates, a first electrode provided on one of the pair of substrates, and a first electrode facing the first electrode. In the first period, the display panel is controlled to display an image on the display area, and the voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode is controlled in the first period. Then, the transmittance of the dimming area is controlled, and the display area is contacted based on a detection signal obtained from one of the first electrode and the second electrode in a second period different from the first period. Or it is a display apparatus as described in any one of said [1] thru | or [7] further provided with the controller which detects the object which adjoins.
[10] The display device according to [9], wherein the controller turns off the light source in the second period.
[11]
In the case where an image including a first dark part and a first bright part adjacent to the first dark part and having a higher luminance than the first dark part is displayed in the display area, the dimming panel includes the dimming panel. In any one of the above [1] to [10], in the light area, the light transmittance in a range including the region corresponding to the first bright portion and wider than this region is set higher than the surroundings. It is a display apparatus of description.
[12]
In the light control area, the light control panel forms a dark pattern in a region corresponding to the first dark portion, includes a region corresponding to the first light portion, and is wider than the dark pattern from the dark pattern. A light pattern having a high light transmittance is formed, and the display panel displays a second dark portion in an area corresponding to the dark pattern in the display area and the second dark portion in an area corresponding to the first bright portion. Displaying a second bright part having a light transmittance higher than that of the second dark part, and displaying a complementary part having a light transmittance lower than that of the second dark part between the second dark part and the second bright part, [11] The display device according to [11].

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Display apparatus, 12 ... 1st polarizing plate, 13 ... 2nd polarizing plate, 14 ... 3rd polarizing plate, DP ... Display panel, AP ... Light control panel, BL ... Back light, LG ... Light guide plate, S1 ... Incident Surface, S2 ... emission surface, LU ... light source unit, LD ... light emitting diode, A ... display area, B ... light control area, SB ... sub-area

Claims (12)

A light source;
A light guide plate having an entrance surface facing the light source and an exit surface from which light incident from the entrance surface exits;
A plurality of display pixels are arranged and have a display area facing the emission surface. By driving the plurality of display pixels, light incident on the display area is selectively transmitted to display an image on the display area. A display panel to display,
A dimming panel having a dimming area facing the display area and the exit surface, and changing a transmittance of light incident on the dimming area for each part in the dimming area;
A display device comprising: The light control panel is disposed between the display panel and the light guide plate, and transmits the transmittance of light, which is emitted from the emission surface and incident on the light control area, toward the display panel. Change every part in
The display panel selectively displays light that is transmitted through the light control panel and incident on the display area by driving the display pixels, and displays an image in the display area.
The display device according to claim 1. The dimming area has a plurality of sub-areas extending in a strip shape in the first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
The light control panel changes the transmittance of light incident on the light control area for each of the plurality of sub areas.
The display device according to claim 1. The incident surface extends along the first direction;
A plurality of the light sources that are arranged along the incident surface and whose brightness can be individually adjusted.
The display device according to claim 3. Among the plurality of light sources, light from the high brightness area of the exit surface of the light guide plate that becomes high brightness by light from a light source that is lit is incident on the dimming area,
The light control panel changes the light transmittance for each part of the region where light from the high brightness region is incident in the light control area.
The display device according to claim 4. The dimming area has a plurality of sub-areas arranged in a matrix in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction,
The light control panel changes the transmittance of light incident on the light control area for each of the plurality of sub areas.
The display device according to claim 1. The light control area has a plurality of light control pixels arranged in a matrix in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction,
The light control panel changes the transmittance of light incident on the light control area for each of the plurality of light control pixels.
The display device according to claim 1. The display panel and the light control panel are a liquid crystal panel including a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer sealed between the substrates,
A first polarizing plate and a second polarizing plate respectively disposed at positions sandwiching the light control panel;
A third polarizing plate disposed at a position sandwiching the display panel together with the second polarizing plate;
With
The first polarizing plate and the third polarizing plate have a first polarization axis,
The second polarizing plate has a second polarization axis orthogonal to the first polarization axis.
The display device according to claim 1. The light control panel includes a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer sealed between the substrates, a first electrode provided on one of the pair of substrates, and a second electrode facing the first electrode. A liquid crystal panel comprising
In the first period, the display panel is controlled to display an image on the display area, and the voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode is controlled to control the transmittance of the dimming area. And a controller for detecting an object in contact with or close to the display area based on a detection signal obtained from one of the first electrode and the second electrode in a second period different from the first period. ,
The display device according to claim 1. The controller turns off the light source in the second period;
The display device according to claim 9. When displaying an image including a first dark part and a first bright part adjacent to the first dark part and having a higher luminance than the first dark part in the display area,
The light control panel includes a region corresponding to the first bright portion in the light control area, and sets a light transmittance in a wider range than this region higher than the surroundings.
The display device according to claim 1. In the light control area, the light control panel forms a dark pattern in a region corresponding to the first dark portion, includes a region corresponding to the first light portion, and has a wider area than the dark pattern than the dark pattern. Forming a bright pattern with high light transmittance,
The display panel displays a second dark portion in a region corresponding to the dark pattern in the display area, and a second light portion having a light transmittance higher than that of the second dark portion in a region corresponding to the first light portion. Display a complementary part having a light transmittance lower than that of the second dark part between the second dark part and the second bright part.
The display device according to claim 11.

Images