JP4841868B2 - Image display device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display device, and more particularly to an image display device capable of displaying a stereoscopic image.

  Conventionally, a three-dimensional image display device capable of displaying a three-dimensional stereoscopic image is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In Patent Document 1, an electronic parallax barrier disposed on the observer side of the image display surface is controlled by a control unit such as a microcomputer, so that a predetermined position of the electronic parallax barrier is set at a predetermined position. There has been disclosed a three-dimensional image display device capable of forming a shaped opening and a light-shielding portion in a stripe shape substantially perpendicular to a line segment connecting the left eye and right eye of an observer. In the three-dimensional image display device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a three-dimensional image is provided to an observer, a left-eye image is incident on the left eye of the observer, and a right-eye image is incident on the observer's right eye. An opening of the electronic parallax barrier is formed so as to be incident.

  Conventionally, there has been proposed a stereoscopic image display device capable of presenting a stereoscopic image to an observer by arranging a barrier provided with a slit-shaped opening and a light-shielding portion on the viewer side of the display panel. FIG. 19 is a plan view for explaining the principle of a conventional stereoscopic image display apparatus. With reference to FIG. 19, a configuration of a conventional stereoscopic image display apparatus 500 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 19, a conventional stereoscopic image display apparatus 500 includes a display panel 501 for displaying an image, a polarizing plate 502 disposed on the viewer 510 side of the display panel 501, and an observer of the polarizing plate 502. And a barrier 503 provided on the 510 side.

  The display panel 501 includes a glass substrate 501a. Further, the display panel 501 includes a pixel row 501b and pixels extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a line segment connecting the left eye 510a and the right eye 510b of the observer 510 (perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 19). Rows 501c are provided alternately. The pixel column 501b displays an image L10 for viewing by the left eye 510a of the observer 510, and the pixel column 501c displays an image R10 for viewing by the right eye 510b of the viewer 510.

  In addition, the barrier 503 is provided with a light shielding portion 503 a for shielding light emitted from the display panel 501 and an opening 503 b for transmitting light emitted from the display panel 501. Like the pixel columns 501b and 501c of the display panel 501, the light shielding portion 503a and the opening 503b are substantially orthogonal to the line segment connecting the left eye 510a and the right eye 510b of the observer 510 (see FIG. 19). They are alternately provided so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface. Further, the light shielding portion 503a and the opening portion 503b are provided corresponding to each set of the pixel columns 501b and 501c of the display panel 501.

  Next, a stereoscopic image display method by the conventional stereoscopic image display device 500 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the conventional stereoscopic image display apparatus 500, when the observer 510 observes the display panel 501 through the opening 503b of the barrier 503, the left eye 510a of the observer 510 is displayed on the pixel column 501b of the display panel 501. The image R10 displayed on the pixel column 501c of the display panel 501 is incident on the right eye 510b of the viewer 510. Thereby, the observer 510 can observe a stereoscopic image.

Japanese Patent No. 2857429

  However, the conventional stereoscopic image display device 500 shown in FIG. 19 is configured to provide a stereoscopic image to the viewer 510 only when the stereoscopic image display device 500 is arranged in a vertical orientation, for example. For example, when the image display device 500 is arranged in a horizontal direction, there is a problem that it is difficult to provide a stereoscopic image to the observer 510. Also, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 has the same problem as the case of the above-described conventional stereoscopic image display device 500.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an observer with a three-dimensional view both in the case of being arranged vertically and in the case of being arranged horizontally. An object of the present invention is to provide an image display device capable of providing an image.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to achieve the above object, an image display device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a display panel for displaying an image, a first region for changing light into light having a first polarization axis, and light. A first polarization axis control means including a second region for changing the light into light having the second polarization axis, and a third region and a fourth region for separating the light into light having at least two different polarization axes. Second polarization axis control means including the first polarization axis control means for the left eye displayed on the display panel by the light passing through the first region in a state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction . The image and the right-eye image are separated so as to proceed to the left eye and the right eye of the observer, respectively , and a stereoscopic image is provided to the observer. The second polarization axis control means has the display panel orthogonal to the first direction. In the state of being arranged in the second direction, The light passing through the separates to proceed left eye image and the right-eye image is displayed on the display panel on the left and right eyes of each observer, providing a stereoscopic image to the viewer, as viewed from above The area of the region where the first region of the first polarization axis control means and the third region of the second polarization axis control means overlap is the fourth area of the first region of the first polarization axis control means and the fourth of the second polarization axis control means. It is smaller than the area of the overlapping area.

  In the image display device according to the first aspect, as described above, by providing the first polarization axis control means, the first polarization axis control means in the state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction. By making the light that has passed through the region travel toward the viewer's eyes, a stereoscopic image can be provided to the viewer, and the display panel can be moved in the second direction by providing the second polarization axis control means. The light having at least one polarization axis among the lights having at least two different polarization axes separated by the third region and the fourth region of the second polarization axis control means in the disposed state is observed by the observer. By proceeding toward the front, a stereoscopic image can be provided to the observer. As a result, a stereoscopic image can be provided to the viewer both in the case where the display panel is arranged in the first direction (vertical direction) and in the case where the display panel is arranged in the second direction (lateral direction). Also, in plan view, the area of the region where the first region of the first polarization axis control unit and the third region of the second polarization axis control unit overlap is defined as the first region of the first polarization axis control unit and the second region. When the display panel is arranged in the second direction and a stereoscopic image is provided to the viewer by making the area smaller than the area overlapping the fourth area of the polarization axis control means, the first area and the third area Even when the left-eye image (right-eye image) is incident on the observer's right eye (left eye) through the region where the first region and the fourth region overlap, the first region and the fourth region are compared with the area of the first region. Since the area of the region where the region and the third region overlap is small, the amount of the left-eye image (right-eye image) incident on the viewer's right eye (left eye) can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the crosstalk phenomenon in which the image viewed by the observer becomes a double image.

  In the image display device according to the first aspect, preferably, the first region of the first polarization axis control means is arranged along a direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction. The third region and the fourth region of the second polarization axis control means are substantially perpendicular to the direction connecting the left and right eyes of the observer with the display panel arranged in the second direction. While extending, it is alternately formed in a direction along the direction connecting the left and right eyes of the observer. If comprised in this way, the light which passed the 1st area | region by the 1st area | region of the 1st polarization axis control means arrange | positioned along the direction which cross | intersects both the 1st direction and the 2nd direction Since the image can be advanced toward the viewer's eyes in a state of being evenly distributed in the vertical and horizontal directions, the reduction in the resolution of the image on the display panel can be distributed in the vertical and horizontal directions. Thereby, a stereoscopic image with little image degradation can be provided. As described above, when the first region of the first polarization axis control unit is arranged along the direction (oblique direction) intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, the observer The left eye image (right eye image) is incident on the right eye (left eye) of the first eye, so that, as in the first aspect, the first area and the fourth area are compared with the area of the overlapping area. It is particularly effective to reduce the amount of the left eye image (right eye image) incident on the viewer's right eye (left eye) by reducing the area of the region where the first region and the third region overlap.

  In the image display device according to the first aspect, the display panel preferably includes a first display area for displaying a right-eye image and a second display area for displaying a left-eye image. A light shielding portion is provided between the first display area and the second display area. If comprised in this way, a viewer's right eye (left eye) will display the 2nd display area (1st image) for the left eye image (right eye image) through the area | region where a 1st area | region and a 3rd area | region overlap. Even when viewing the display area), the amount of the left-eye image (right-eye image) incident on the viewer's right eye (left eye) by the light-shielding portion provided between the first display area and the second display area Can be further reduced.

  In the image display device including the display panel having the first display region for displaying the right-eye image and the second display region for displaying the left-eye image, preferably, the first polarization axis control unit includes a first display unit. The areas are arranged so as to correspond to the first display area or the second display area of the display panel arranged in the first direction, and the third area and the fourth area of the second polarization axis control unit are respectively The display panel is arranged so as to correspond to the first display area and the second display area of the display panel arranged in the second direction. According to this structure, the display panel is moved in the first direction (vertical direction) by the first area of the first polarization axis control means arranged so as to correspond to the first display area or the second display area of the display panel. In this state, a stereoscopic image can be easily provided to the observer. Further, the display panel is moved in the second direction (laterally) by the third area and the fourth area of the second polarization axis control means arranged to correspond to the first display area and the second display area of the display panel, respectively. A stereoscopic image can be easily provided to an observer in the arranged state. As a result, a stereoscopic image can be easily provided to the viewer both in the case where the display panel is arranged in the first direction (vertical direction) and in the case where the display panel is arranged in the second direction (lateral direction). it can.

  In the image display device according to the first aspect, preferably, the display panel includes a first display area for displaying a right-eye image and a second display area for displaying a left-eye image. The first display area and the second display area of the panel include a dot area for color display, and the first area of the first polarization axis control means is arranged so as to correspond to the dot area of the display panel. If comprised in this way, the 1st area | region of the 1st polarization axis control means provided so as to correspond to a dot area | region can make it enter into an observer's eye in the state which subdivided the image of the display panel. As a result, a stereoscopic image with less image degradation can be provided to the observer.

  In the image display device including the display panel including the dot area for color display, preferably, the dot area of the display panel is formed in a rectangular shape so that the second direction is the longitudinal direction, and the first The first region of the one polarization axis control means is formed in a rectangular shape so that the second direction is the longitudinal direction so as to correspond to the dot region of the display panel, and the rectangular first region and the second region are formed. The length in the second direction of the region where the third region of the polarization axis control unit overlaps is the length in the second direction of the region where the first region of the rectangular shape and the fourth region of the second polarization axis control unit overlap. Less than that. If comprised in this way, when using the 1st field of the 1st polarization axis control means formed in the shape of a rectangle so that the 2nd direction may become a longitudinal direction, the 1st field and the 3rd field overlap. By making the length of the region in the second direction smaller than the length of the region in which the first region and the fourth region overlap in the second direction, the region in which the first region and the third region overlap can be easily obtained. The area can be made smaller than the area of the region where the first region and the fourth region overlap. As a result, the amount of the left-eye image (right-eye image) incident on the viewer's right eye (left eye) can be reduced, thereby reducing the crosstalk phenomenon in which the image viewed by the observer becomes a double image. it can.

  Further, in the image display device including the display panel including the dot area for color display, the first area of the first polarization axis control unit is formed to correspond to the dot area of the display panel. The length in the first direction of the region where the first region of the first polarization axis control unit and the third region of the second polarization axis control unit overlap is the first region of the first polarization axis control unit and the second polarization axis control. You may make it smaller than the length of the 1st direction of the area | region which overlaps with the 4th area | region of a means. If comprised in this way, the length of the 1st direction of the area | region where 1st area | region and 3rd area | region will overlap is made smaller than the length of 1st direction of the area | region where 1st area | region and 4th area | region overlap. Thus, the area of the region where the first region and the third region overlap can be easily made smaller than the area of the region where the first region and the fourth region overlap. As a result, the amount of the left-eye image (right-eye image) incident on the viewer's right eye (left eye) can be reduced, thereby reducing the crosstalk phenomenon in which the image viewed by the observer becomes a double image. it can.

  Further, in the image display device including the display panel including the dot area for color display, the first area of the first polarization axis control unit is formed to correspond to the dot area of the display panel. The length in the first direction of the region where the first region of the first polarization axis control unit and the third region of the second polarization axis control unit overlap is the first region of the first polarization axis control unit and the second polarization axis control. You may form so that it may become small gradually toward the direction away from the area | region which overlaps with the 4th area | region of a means. If comprised in this way, the length of the 1st direction of the area | region where 1st area | region and 3rd area | region overlap will be made small gradually toward the direction away from the area | region where 1st area | region and 4th area | region overlap. Thus, the area of the region where the first region and the third region overlap can be easily made smaller than the area of the region where the first region and the fourth region overlap. As a result, the amount of the left-eye image (right-eye image) incident on the viewer's right eye (left eye) can be reduced, thereby reducing the crosstalk phenomenon in which the image viewed by the observer becomes a double image. it can.

  The length in the first direction of the region where the first region and the third region overlap is smaller than the length in the first direction of the region where the first region and the fourth region overlap, or the first polarization axis In the image display device that gradually decreases in a direction away from the region where the first region of the control unit and the fourth region of the second polarization axis control unit overlap, preferably the first region of the first polarization axis control unit and The length in the second direction of the region where the third region of the second polarization axis control unit overlaps is the length of the region where the first region of the first polarization axis control unit and the fourth region of the second polarization axis control unit overlap. It is substantially equal to the length in the second direction. With this configuration, even if the area of the region where the first region and the third region overlap is smaller than the area of the region where the first region and the fourth region overlap, the first region and the third region are When the display panel is arranged in the first direction because the length in the second direction of the overlapping region is substantially equal to the length in the second direction of the region in which the first region and the fourth region overlap, It can suppress that the suitable viewing distance which an observer can move to a 1st direction (up-down direction) becomes small.

  In the image display device according to the first aspect, preferably, the first polarization axis control means includes a retardation plate. If the retardation plate is used in this way, light can be easily separated into light having the first polarization axis and light having the second polarization axis.

In the image display device according to the first aspect, preferably, the second polarization axis control means includes a polarization control liquid crystal panel, and the polarization control liquid crystal panel has electrodes at positions corresponding to the third region and the fourth region. The voltage application state to the liquid crystal of the polarization control liquid crystal panel is changed by changing the ON state and the OFF state of the voltage to the electrode of the polarization control liquid crystal panel. According to this configuration, since the voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal in the third region and the fourth region using the electrode of the polarization control liquid crystal panel, the third state is controlled by controlling the voltage application state of the liquid crystal. The polarization control states of the region and the fourth region can be easily changed.

  In this case, it is preferable that the polarization control liquid crystal panel has a polarization axis for light having the first polarization axis and light having the second polarization axis in a state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction. In the first state where one of the lights is controlled and the display panel is arranged in the second direction, the light having the first polarization axis is changed to the light having the third polarization axis. And the light having the second polarization axis is separated into the light having the fifth polarization axis and the light having the sixth polarization axis, and at least the fourth A second state in which light having a polarization axis of 6 and a light having a sixth polarization axis are transmitted; light having the first polarization axis in a state where the display panel is disposed in the first and second directions; A third state in which light having a second polarization axis is transmitted through both lights without controlling the polarization axis; By switching the first state, the second state, and the third state of the polarization control liquid crystal panel by changing the voltage application state to the electrodes of the polarization control liquid crystal panel, the polarization control liquid crystal panel In the first state, a stereoscopic image is provided to the observer with the display panel arranged in the first direction, and in the second state of the polarization control liquid crystal panel, the observer is arranged with the display panel arranged in the second direction. In the third state of the polarization control liquid crystal panel, a planar image is provided to the observer with the display panel arranged in the first and second directions. If comprised in this way, using a polarization control liquid crystal panel, the polarization axis of the light which has the 1st and 2nd polarization axes is controlled, and either one light is permeate | transmitted and a stereoscopic image is provided to an observer A case in which a stereoscopic image is provided to the observer by transmitting light having the fourth and sixth polarization axes, and without controlling the polarization axes of the light having the first and second polarization axes. It is possible to switch to providing a planar image to the observer by transmitting both lights. As a result, a single image display device can provide a stereoscopic image to the observer both in the case of being arranged in the portrait orientation and in the case of being arranged in the landscape orientation, and when arranged in the portrait orientation and in the landscape orientation. In both cases, a planar image can be provided.

An image display device according to a second aspect of the present invention separates a display panel for displaying an image and an image displayed on the display panel in a first state in which the display panel is arranged in the first direction. Display on the display panel in a second state in which the display panel is arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and first image separation means including a first image separation unit arranged in a checkered pattern for Second image separation means including a second image separation unit and a third image separation unit that extend in a first direction for separating the images to be separated and are alternately arranged in the second direction, The one-image separating means converts the left-eye image and the right-eye image displayed on the display panel by the light that has passed through the first image separation unit in a state where the display panel is arranged in the first state. and separated to proceed in the right eye, the stereoscopic the viewer To provide an image, a second image separating device, in a state where the display panel is arranged in the second state, the light beam passing through the third image separation unit, a left-eye image and the right-eye image is displayed on the display panel Of the first image separation unit and the second image separation unit of the first image separation unit are separated so as to proceed to the left eye and the right eye of the viewer, respectively , and a stereoscopic image is provided to the viewer. The area of the region where the second image separation unit overlaps is smaller than the area of the region where the first image separation unit of the first image separation unit and the third image separation unit of the second image separation unit overlap.

  In the image display device according to the second aspect, as described above, by providing the first image separation means, the first image separation means of the first image separation means with the display panel arranged in the first state. The stereoscopic image can be provided to the observer by advancing the light passing through the part toward the eyes of the observer, and the display panel is arranged in the second state by providing the second image separating means. In this state, the stereoscopic image can be provided to the observer by causing the light that has passed through the third image separation unit of the second image separation means to advance toward the eyes of the observer. As a result, a stereoscopic image can be provided to the observer in both cases where the display panel is arranged in the first state (vertical state) and the second state (horizontal state). Further, when viewed in a plan view, the area of the region where the first image separation unit of the first image separation unit and the second image separation unit of the second image separation unit overlap is defined as the first image separation unit of the first image separation unit When the display panel is arranged in the second direction and a stereoscopic image is provided to the observer by making the area smaller than the area of the overlapping area of the third image separation unit of the second image separation means, the first image separation is performed. Even when the left-eye image (right-eye image) is incident on the viewer's right eye (left eye) through the region where the first image separation unit and the second image separation unit overlap, the first image separation unit and the third image separation unit Since the area of the region where the first image separation unit and the second image separation unit overlap is smaller than the area of the region where and overlap, the left eye image (right eye image) is incident on the right eye (left eye) of the observer. The amount can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the crosstalk phenomenon in which the image viewed by the observer becomes a double image.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows from above the state in which the viewer looks at the display panel during stereoscopic image display when the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is arranged vertically (the state shown in FIG. 1). It is a figure. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the viewer looks at the display panel when displaying a stereoscopic image when the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is placed sideways (a state where FIG. 1 is rotated by 90 °). It is the figure which showed from above. 4 to 10 are diagrams for explaining in detail the configuration of the image display apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. First, with reference to FIGS. 1-10, the structure of the image display apparatus 1 by one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an image display device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a backlight 2 and a liquid crystal display panel that is disposed on the light emission side of the backlight 2 and displays an image. The display panel 3, the polarizing plates 4 and 5 disposed so as to sandwich the display panel 3, the retardation plate 6 disposed on the light emitting side of the polarizing plate 5, and the light emitting side of the retardation plate 6 A polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 and a polarizing plate 8 disposed on the light exit side of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7. The retardation plate 6 is an example of the “first polarization axis control unit” and the “first image separation unit” in the present invention, and the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 and the polarizing plate 8 are the “second polarization unit” in the present invention. It is an example of “axis control means” and “second image separation means”.

  The backlight 2 has a function of irradiating the polarizing plate 4 with light. Further, since the polarizing plate 4 is set to have a polarization axis of about 135 ° when viewed from the viewer 10 side, only the light having the polarization axis of about 135 ° is viewed from the viewer 10 side. It has a function. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the angle of the polarization axis indicates an angle viewed from the viewer 10 side. In the present embodiment, the angle of the polarization axis indicates an angle in a state where the display panel 3 is arranged vertically.

  The display panel 3 emits light with the polarization axis of incident light changed by about 90 ° in the OFF state, and emits light with almost no change in the polarization axis of incident light in the ON state. It consists of a liquid crystal panel. As shown in FIG. 4, the display panel 3 includes a plurality of pixels including three dot regions 3 a to 3 c for displaying the three primary colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). The region 3d has a plurality of pixel regions 3h composed of three dot regions 3e to 3g for displaying the three primary colors of light. The dot regions 3a to 3c and 3e to 3g are formed in a rectangular shape so that the B direction in FIG. 4 is the longitudinal direction. When the display panel 3 is arranged vertically, the left eye image L1 and the right eye image R1 displayed in the dot areas 3a to 3c and 3e to 3g are both in the A direction and the B direction in FIG. They are arranged in a checkered pattern (stepped shape) along the C direction, which is an oblique direction that intersects with each other. Specifically, in each of the dot areas 3a to 3c and 3e to 3g shown in FIG. 4, the display area of the left eye image L1 is indicated by a hatching area, and the display area of the right eye image R1 is hatched. It is shown in a non-hatched area that has not been applied. The left-eye image L1 located in the hatched area is displayed so that the RGB dot areas 3a to 3c and 3e to 3g are continuous in an oblique direction (direction C in FIG. 4). The right-eye image R1 located in the non-hatched area is also displayed so that the RGB dot areas are continuous in an oblique direction (C direction in FIG. 4). The left-eye image L1 and the right-eye image R1 are alternately displayed in a direction intersecting with an oblique direction (C direction in FIG. 4) in which the RGB dot regions extend continuously.

  Further, when the display panel 3 is arranged in the horizontal direction, as shown in FIG. 5, the dot areas 3a to 3c and 3e to 3g corresponding to the three primary colors (RGB) of light are respectively observed by the observer 10 (FIG. 3). The left eye 10a and the right eye 10b of the reference) are arranged so as to extend substantially in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) (direction A). In the case of the horizontal arrangement shown in FIG. 5, the left-eye image L2 indicated by the hatching area and the right-eye image R2 indicated by the non-hatching area are respectively RGB dot areas 3a in the vertical direction (A direction). -3c and 3e-3g are displayed to extend continuously. In the horizontal arrangement shown in FIG. 5, the left-eye image L2 and the right-eye image R2 extending in the vertical direction (A direction) are alternately displayed in the horizontal direction (B direction).

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, between the dot regions 3a to 3c and 3e to 3g for displaying the left eye images L1 and L2 and the right eye images R1 and R2. , A light shielding portion 3i is provided. The light shielding portion 3i is formed so as to surround each of the dot regions 3a to 3c and 3e to 3g.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the polarizing plate 5 is set to have a polarization axis of about 45 °, and thus has a function of transmitting only light having a polarization axis of about 45 °.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the retardation plate 6 includes a polarization control region 6a having a polarization axis of about 75 ° and a polarization control region 6b having a polarization axis of about 15 °. Is included. The retardation plate 6 is in a state where the display panel 3 shown in FIG. 2 are arranged vertically, the light beam passing through the polarization control areas 6b, for L1 and right eyes left eye image is displayed on the display panel 3 The image R1 is separated so as to proceed to the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b of the observer 10, respectively, and a stereoscopic image is provided to the observer 10. The polarization control regions 6 a and 6 b have a function of changing the polarization axis of the transmitted light to a polarization axis that is line-symmetric with respect to the polarization axis of the phase difference plate 6. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 also has the same function. The polarization control region 6b is arranged so as to correspond to the dot regions 3a to 3c and 3e to 3g on which the left-eye image L1 and the right-eye image R1 (see FIG. 4) of the display panel 3 arranged in the vertical direction are displayed. ing. The polarization control region 6b is arranged in a checkered pattern (stepped shape) along the C direction which is an oblique direction intersecting with both the A direction and the B direction in FIG. This polarization control region 6b is formed in a rectangular shape so that the B direction in FIGS. 6 and 7 is the longitudinal direction, and has a length D1 (see FIG. 6) in the longitudinal direction (B direction). . Further, an interval e1 in the B direction in FIG. 6 is provided between one side of the predetermined polarization control region 6b and the other polarization control region 6b, and an interval e2 is provided on the other side. . An interval e1 provided between the polarization control regions 6b is provided so as to correspond to the light shielding portion 3i (see FIG. 5) of the display panel 3. The polarization control region 6a is an example of the “second region” in the present invention, and the polarization control region 6b is an example of the “first region” and the “first image separation unit” in the present invention.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the polarization control region 6 a includes a region (hatching region) where the left-eye image L <b> 1 of the display panel 3 is displayed and the viewer 10 when the display panel 3 is arranged vertically. It is arranged on a line connecting the right eye 10b, and is arranged on a line connecting the area (non-hatched area) where the image R1 for the right eye of the display panel 3 is displayed and the left eye 10a of the observer 10. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b indicate the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b of the observer 10. The polarization control area 6b is arranged on a line connecting the area where the left eye image L1 of the display panel 3 is displayed and the left eye 10a, and the area where the right eye image R1 of the display panel 3 is displayed and the right eye. It is arranged on a line connecting 10b.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 has polarization control regions 7a and 7b having a polarization axis of about 120 °. This polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is a left-eye image L2 and a right-eye image displayed on the display panel 3 by light that has passed through the polarization control region 7b in a state where the display panel 3 shown in FIG. R2 is separated so as to proceed to the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b of the observer 10, respectively, and a stereoscopic image is provided to the observer 10. The polarization control regions 7a and 7b are arranged so as to correspond to the pixel regions 3d and 3h (see FIG. 5) in which the left-eye image L2 and the right-eye image R2 of the display panel 3 arranged in the horizontal direction are displayed, respectively. Has been. The polarization control regions 7a and 7b are substantially perpendicular to the direction connecting the left and right eyes of the observer 10 with the display panel 3 arranged sideways (the direction A in FIGS. 8 and 9). ) Extending along the direction B in FIGS. 8 and 9. The polarization control region 7a is an example of the “third region” and “second image separation unit” of the present invention, and the polarization control region 7b is the “fourth region” and “third image separation unit” of the present invention. Is an example.

  In the present embodiment, the polarization control regions 7a and 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 are provided with electrodes 7c at positions corresponding to the polarization control regions 7a and 7b, respectively. As a result, a voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal positioned in the polarization control regions 7a and 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 using the electrode 7c, so that the polarization can be controlled by controlling the voltage application state to the liquid crystal. It becomes possible to easily change the polarization control state of the control regions 7a and 7b. In the present embodiment, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 emits light with the polarization axis of incident light changed in the OFF state and emits light with substantially no change in the polarization axis of incident light in the ON state. It consists of a liquid crystal panel. Specifically, by setting the polarization control regions 7a and 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 to a voltage application state (ON state), the polarization axis of about 120 ° is invalidated and light having a predetermined polarization axis is converted into the polarization axis. Can be transmitted with almost no change, and by making the voltage non-applied state (OFF state), the polarization axis of about 120 ° is made effective and the light is symmetrical with respect to the polarization axis of about 120 °. It becomes possible to change the polarization axis. Accordingly, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 includes the first state in which the polarization control regions 7a and 7b are controlled to be in a voltage non-application state (OFF state) in a state where the display panel 3 is arranged in the vertical direction, and the display panel 3 In a state where the polarization control region 7a is disposed horizontally, the polarization control region 7a is controlled to be in a voltage non-application state (OFF state) and the polarization control region 7b is controlled to be in a voltage application state (ON state); It is configured to be switchable between a third state in which 7a and 7b are controlled to a voltage application state (ON state).

  When the display panel 3 is arranged horizontally, the polarization control area 7a of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 includes an area (hatching area) where the left-eye image L2 is displayed and a right eye 10b as shown in FIG. Are arranged on a line connecting the right eye image R2 (non-hatched area) and the left eye 10a. The polarization control region 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is disposed on a line connecting the region (hatching region) where the left eye image L2 is displayed and the left eye 10a, and the region where the right eye image R2 is displayed. It is arranged on a line connecting (non-hatched area) and the right eye 10b. 2 and 3, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 has a distance W1 from the display panel 3 to the phase difference plate 6 and a distance W2 from the display panel 3 to the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 are approximately equal to each other. It arrange | positions so that it may become a ratio of 1: 3.

  Further, when the phase difference plate 6 and the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 are viewed in plan, the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 and the polarization control region 7a of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 overlap as shown in FIG. A region 20 and a region 30 where the polarization control region 6b and the polarization control region 7b overlap are generated.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the regions 20 and 30 have lengths D2 and D3 in the B direction in FIG. 10, respectively, and the length D2 in the B direction of the region 20 is in the B direction of the region 30. It is set smaller than the length D3. The regions 20 and 30 have the same length D4 in the A direction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the area of the region 20 is set to be smaller than the area of the region 30.

  Since the polarizing plate 8 is set to have a polarization axis of about 45 °, it has a function of changing incident light to light having a polarization axis of about 45 ° and transmitting it.

(3D image display mode when placed vertically)
FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a stereoscopic image display method when the display panel of the image display apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, the broken lines indicate the angles of the polarization axes of the polarizing plates 4, 5, 8, the phase difference plate 6 and the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7, and the arrows indicate the angles of the polarization axes of the transmitted light. Next, with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11, a stereoscopic image display method when the display panel 3 is vertically oriented according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  First, the light irradiated from the backlight 2 (refer FIG. 2) permeate | transmits only the light which has a polarization axis of about 135 degrees by the polarizing plate 4, as shown in FIG. And the light radiate | emitted from the polarizing plate 4 injects into the dot area | regions 3a-3c and 3e-3g of the display panel 3. FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the left-eye image L1 is displayed in the hatched area of the dot areas 3a to 3c and 3e to 3g, and the dot areas 3a to 3c and 3e to 3g The right-eye image R1 is displayed in the non-hatched area. As shown in FIG. 11, the light incident on the display panel 3 is emitted by the display panel 3 with the polarization axis changed by 90 °. That is, the light transmitted through the display panel 3 has a polarization axis of about 45 °. The light emitted from the display panel 3 passes through the polarizing plate 5 having a polarization axis of about 45 ° and enters the polarization control region 6 a or 6 b of the phase difference plate 6.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the light incident on the polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6 is changed to a polarization axis that is axisymmetric with respect to the polarization axis of about 75 ° of the polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6. To Penetrate. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control region 6a has a polarization axis of about 105 °. The light emitted from the polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6 is an example of “light having a first polarization axis” in the present invention. The light emitted from the polarization control region 6 a of the phase difference plate 6 is transmitted through the polarization control regions 7 a and 7 b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7. At this time, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is controlled to be in an OFF state (the first state) in which no voltage is applied to the electrode 7c (see FIG. 10). Therefore, the polarization control regions 7a and 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 are controlled. The polarization axis of about 120 ° becomes effective. Accordingly, the light incident on the polarization control regions 7a and 7b is changed to a polarization axis that is axisymmetric with respect to the polarization axis of about 120 ° of the polarization control regions 7a and 7b and is transmitted. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control region 6a of the retardation plate 6 and emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 has a polarization axis of about 135 °. Thereafter, the light emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is shielded by the polarizing plate 8 having a polarization axis of about 45 °. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6 is disposed on a line connecting the region for displaying the left eye image L1 of the display panel 3 and the right eye 10b. It is possible to suppress the image L1 from entering the right eye 10b. Further, since the polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6 is disposed on a line connecting the region where the right eye image R1 is displayed on the display panel 3 and the left eye 10a, the right eye image R1 is incident on the left eye 10a. Can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, the light incident on the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 changes to a polarization axis that is line-symmetric with respect to the polarization axis of about 15 ° of the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 as shown in FIG. To be transparent. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control region 6b has a polarization axis of about 165 °. The light emitted from the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 is an example of “light having a second polarization axis” in the present invention. The light emitted from the polarization control region 6 b of the phase difference plate 6 is transmitted through the polarization control regions 7 a and 7 b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7. At this time, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is controlled to be in an OFF state (the first state) in which no voltage is applied to the electrode 7c (see FIG. 10). Therefore, the polarization control regions 7a and 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 are controlled. The polarization axis of about 120 ° becomes effective. Therefore, the light incident on the polarization control regions 7a and 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is changed to a polarization axis that is axisymmetric with respect to the polarization axis of about 120 ° of the polarization control regions 7a and 7b and is transmitted. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 and emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 has a polarization axis of about 75 °. Thereafter, the light emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is changed to a polarization axis of about 45 ° and is emitted from the polarizing plate 8. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 is arranged on a line connecting the region for displaying the left-eye image L1 of the display panel 3 and the left eye 10a. The image L1 can be incident on the left eye 10a. Further, since the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 is arranged on a line connecting the region for displaying the right eye image R1 of the display panel 3 and the right eye 10b, the right eye image R1 is incident on the right eye 10b. It becomes possible to do.

  As described above, when the display panel 3 is vertically disposed, the left eye image L1 and the right eye image R1 are incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b, respectively, so that the observer 10 views a stereoscopic image. Is possible.

(3D image display mode when placed in landscape orientation)
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a stereoscopic image display method when the display panel of the image display apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 5, FIG. 10, and FIG. 12, a stereoscopic image display method when the display panel 3 is vertically oriented according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  First, the light irradiated from the backlight 2 (refer FIG. 3) permeate | transmits only the light which has a polarization axis of about 135 degrees by the polarizing plate 4, as shown in FIG. In the horizontal orientation, the polarization axis is rotated by 90 ° compared to the vertical orientation. However, in the present embodiment, the angle of the polarization axis in the vertical orientation is used as it is in the horizontal orientation for simplification. I will explain. Then, the light emitted from the polarizing plate 4 enters the pixel regions 3d and 3h of the display panel 3. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the left-eye image L2 is displayed in the pixel area 3d (hatched area), and the right-eye image R2 is displayed in the pixel area 3h (non-hatched area). Yes. As shown in FIG. 12, the light incident on the display panel 3 is emitted by the display panel 3 with the polarization axis changed by 90 °. That is, the light transmitted through the display panel 3 has a polarization axis of about 45 °. The light emitted from the display panel 3 passes through the polarizing plate 5 having a polarization axis of about 45 ° and enters the polarization control region 6 a or 6 b of the phase difference plate 6.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the light incident on the polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6 is changed to a polarization axis that is axisymmetric with respect to the polarization axis of about 75 ° of the polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6. To Penetrate. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control region 6a has a polarization axis of about 105 °. The light emitted from the polarization control region 6 a of the phase difference plate 6 is transmitted through the polarization control regions 7 a and 7 b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7. At this time, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is controlled to an OFF state (the second state) in which no voltage is applied to the electrode 7c (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the polarization control region 7a. The polarization axis of about 120 ° in the polarization control region 7a becomes effective. Therefore, the light that has exited the polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6 and entered the polarization control region 7a of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 has a polarization axis that is line-symmetric with respect to the polarization axis of about 120 ° of the polarization control region 7a. It is changed to be transparent. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6 and emitted from the polarization control region 7a of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 has a polarization axis of about 135 °. The light emitted from the polarization control region 6a of the retardation plate 6 and emitted from the polarization control region 7a of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is an example of “light having a third polarization axis” in the present invention. The light emitted from the polarization control region 7a of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is shielded by the polarizing plate 8 having a polarization axis of about 45 °. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6 and the polarization control region 7a of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 are pixels in which the left eye 10a and the right eye image R2 of the display panel 3 are displayed. Since it is arranged on a line connecting the region 3h (see FIG. 5), it is possible to suppress the right-eye image R2 from entering the left eye 10a. The polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6 and the polarization control region 7a of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 are a right eye 10b and a pixel region 3d (see FIG. 5) in which the left eye image L2 of the display panel 3 is displayed. , The left-eye image L2 can be prevented from entering the right eye 10b.

  On the other hand, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is controlled to the ON state (the second state) in which a voltage is applied to the electrode 7c (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the polarization control region 7b. The polarization axis of the polarization control region 7b becomes invalid. Therefore, the light incident on the polarization control region 7b is emitted without changing the polarization axis, as shown in FIG. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6 and emitted from the polarization control region 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 has a polarization axis of about 105 °. The light emitted from the polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6 and emitted from the polarization control region 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is an example of “light having a fourth polarization axis” in the present invention. The light emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is changed to a polarization axis of about 45 ° and is emitted from the polarizing plate 8. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6 and the polarization control region 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 are pixels in which the left eye 10a and the left eye image L2 of the display panel 3 are displayed. Since it is arranged on a line connecting the region 3d (see FIG. 5), the left-eye image L2 can be incident on the left eye 10a. The polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6 and the polarization control region 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 include a right eye 10b and a pixel region 3h (see FIG. 5) in which the right-eye image R2 of the display panel 3 is displayed. Therefore, the right-eye image R2 can be incident on the right eye 10b.

  The light incident on the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 is changed to a polarization axis that is axisymmetric with respect to the polarization axis of about 15 ° of the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 and is transmitted. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control region 6b has a polarization axis of about 165 °. The light emitted from the polarization control region 6 b of the phase difference plate 6 is transmitted through the polarization control regions 7 a and 7 b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7. At this time, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is controlled to an OFF state (the second state) in which no voltage is applied to the electrode 7c (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the polarization control region 7a. The polarization axis of about 120 ° in the polarization control region 7a becomes effective. Therefore, the light that has exited the polarization control region 6 b of the retardation plate 6 and entered the polarization control region 7 a of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is about the polarization axis of about 120 ° of the polarization control region 7 a of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7. Is changed to a line-symmetric polarization axis. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 and emitted from the polarization control region 7a has a polarization axis of about 75 °. The light emitted from the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 and emitted from the polarization control region 7a of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is an example of “light having a fifth polarization axis” in the present invention. Then, the light emitted from the polarization control region 7a of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is changed to a polarization axis of about 45 ° and is emitted from the polarizing plate 8. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the region 20 where the polarization control region 6 b of the phase difference plate 6 and the polarization control region 7 a of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 overlap as viewed in a plan view includes the left eye 10 a and the right eye of the display panel 3. Since the image R2 is formed on a line connecting the pixel region 3h (see FIG. 5) where the image R2 is displayed, the right-eye image R2 enters the left eye 10a. Similarly, the region 20 is formed on a line connecting the right eye 10b and the pixel region 3d (see FIG. 5) on which the left-eye image L2 of the display panel 3 is displayed, so that the left-eye image L2 is the right-eye image. 10b.

  At this time, in the present embodiment, the light shielding portion 3i formed between the pixel regions 3d and 3h is provided on the line connecting the left eye 10a and the right portion of the region 20. Thus, even when the left eye 10a (right eye 10b) sees the pixel area 3h (pixel area 3d) in which the right-eye image R2 (left-eye image L2) is displayed via the area 20, the pixel area 3d And 3h, the amount of the right-eye image R2 (left-eye image L2) incident on the left eye 10a (right eye 10b) can be reduced.

  On the other hand, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is controlled to the ON state (the second state) in which a voltage is applied to the electrode 7c (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the polarization control region 7b. The axis is disabled. Therefore, the light incident on the polarization control region 7b is emitted without changing the polarization axis, as shown in FIG. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 and emitted from the polarization control region 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 has a polarization axis of about 165 °. The light emitted from the polarization control region 6b of the retardation plate 6 and emitted from the polarization control region 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is an example of “light having a sixth polarization axis” in the present invention. The light emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is changed to a polarization axis of about 45 ° and is emitted from the polarizing plate 8. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 and the polarization control region 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 are pixels in which the left eye 10a and the left eye image L2 of the display panel 3 are displayed. Since it is arranged on a line connecting the region 3d (see FIG. 5), the left-eye image L2 can be incident on the left eye 10a. Further, the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 and the polarization control region 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 are a right eye 10b and a pixel region 3h (see FIG. 5) where the image R2 for the right eye of the display panel 3 is displayed. Therefore, the right-eye image R2 can be incident on the right eye 10b.

  As described above, when the display panel 3 is horizontally disposed, the left eye image L2 and the right eye image R2 are incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b, respectively, so that the observer 10 can see a stereoscopic image. It becomes possible.

(Plane image display mode when placed vertically)
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which an observer looks at the display panel from above when displaying a planar image when the display panel of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is arranged vertically. It is. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a planar image display method when the display panel shown in FIG. 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is vertically arranged and horizontally arranged. Next, with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, a planar image display method when the display panel 3 is vertically disposed according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  First, the light irradiated from the backlight 2 (refer FIG. 14) permeate | transmits only the light which has a polarization axis of about 135 degrees by the polarizing plate 4, as shown in FIG. Then, the light emitted from the polarizing plate 4 enters the display panel 3. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, the planar image S <b> 1 is displayed on the display panel 3. As shown in FIG. 15, the light incident on the display panel 3 is emitted by the display panel 3 with the polarization axis changed by 90 °. That is, the light transmitted through the display panel 3 has a polarization axis of about 45 °. The light emitted from the display panel 3 passes through the polarizing plate 5 having a polarization axis of about 45 ° and enters the polarization control region 6 a or 6 b of the phase difference plate 6.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the light incident on the polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6 is changed to a polarization axis that is axisymmetric with respect to the polarization axis of about 75 ° of the polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6. To Penetrate. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control region 6a has a polarization axis of about 105 °. The light emitted from the polarization control region 6 a of the phase difference plate 6 is transmitted through the polarization control regions 7 a and 7 b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7. At this time, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is controlled to an ON state (the third state) in which a voltage is applied to the electrodes 7c (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the polarization control regions 7a and 7b. The polarization axis of panel 7 becomes invalid. Therefore, the light incident on the polarization control regions 7a and 7b is emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 without changing the polarization axis. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 has a polarization axis of about 105 °. Thereafter, the light emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is changed to a polarization axis of about 45 ° and is emitted from the polarizing plate 8. Thereby, the planar image S1 of the display panel 3 corresponding to the polarization control region 6a is incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b by the light emitted from the polarizing plate 8 through the polarization control region 6a.

  On the other hand, the light incident on the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 changes to a polarization axis that is line-symmetric with respect to the polarization axis of about 15 ° of the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 as shown in FIG. To be transparent. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control region 6b has a polarization axis of about 165 °. The light emitted from the polarization control region 6 b of the phase difference plate 6 is transmitted through the polarization control regions 7 a and 7 b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7. At this time, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is controlled to an ON state (the third state) in which a voltage is applied to the electrodes 7c (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the polarization control regions 7a and 7b. The polarization axis of panel 7 becomes invalid. Therefore, the light emitted to the polarization control regions 7a and 7b is emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 without changing the polarization axis. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 has a polarization axis of about 165 °. Thereafter, the light emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is changed to a polarization axis of about 45 ° and is emitted from the polarizing plate 8. Thereby, the planar image S1 of the display panel 3 corresponding to the polarization control region 6b is incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b by the light emitted from the polarizing plate 8 through the polarization control region 6b.

  As described above, the planar image S1 is incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b, so that the observer 10 can view the planar image when the display panel 3 is arranged vertically.

(Plane image display mode when placed in landscape orientation)
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which an observer looks at the display panel from above when displaying a planar image when the display panel of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. is there. Next, with reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, a planar image display method when the display panel 3 is horizontally disposed according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  First, the light irradiated from the backlight 2 (refer FIG. 16) permeate | transmits only the light which has a polarization axis of about 135 degrees by the polarizing plate 4, as shown in FIG. Then, the light emitted from the polarizing plate 4 enters the display panel 3. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, a flat image S <b> 2 is displayed on the display panel 3. As shown in FIG. 15, the light incident on the display panel 3 is emitted by the display panel 3 with the polarization axis changed by 90 °. That is, the light transmitted through the display panel 3 has a polarization axis of about 45 °. The light emitted from the display panel 3 passes through the polarizing plate 5 having a polarization axis of about 45 ° and enters the polarization control region 6 a or 6 b of the phase difference plate 6.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the light incident on the polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6 is changed to a polarization axis that is axisymmetric with respect to the polarization axis of about 75 ° of the polarization control region 6a of the phase difference plate 6. To Penetrate. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control region 6a has a polarization axis of about 105 °. The light emitted from the polarization control region 6 a of the phase difference plate 6 is transmitted through the polarization control regions 7 a and 7 b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7. At this time, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is controlled to an ON state (the third state) in which a voltage is applied to the electrodes 7c (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the polarization control regions 7a and 7b. The polarization axis of panel 7 becomes invalid. Therefore, the light incident on the polarization control regions 7a and 7b is emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 without changing the polarization axis. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 has a polarization axis of about 105 °. Thereafter, the light emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is changed to a polarization axis of about 45 ° and is emitted from the polarizing plate 8. Thereby, the planar image S2 of the display panel 3 corresponding to the polarization control region 6a is incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b by the light emitted from the polarizing plate 8 through the polarization control region 6a.

  On the other hand, the light incident on the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 changes to a polarization axis that is line-symmetric with respect to the polarization axis of about 15 ° of the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 as shown in FIG. To be transparent. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control region 6b has a polarization axis of about 165 °. The light emitted from the polarization control region 6 b of the phase difference plate 6 is transmitted through the polarization control regions 7 a and 7 b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7. At this time, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is controlled to an ON state (the third state) in which a voltage is applied to the electrodes 7c (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the polarization control regions 7a and 7b. The polarization axis of panel 7 becomes invalid. Therefore, the light emitted to the polarization control regions 7a and 7b is emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 without changing the polarization axis. That is, the light emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 has a polarization axis of about 165 °. Thereafter, the light emitted from the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is changed to a polarization axis of about 45 ° and is emitted from the polarizing plate 8. Thereby, the planar image S2 of the display panel 3 corresponding to the polarization control region 6b is incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b by the light emitted from the polarizing plate 8 through the polarization control region 6b.

  As described above, the planar image S2 is incident on the left eye 10a and the right eye 10b, so that the observer 10 can view the planar image when the display panel 3 is disposed sideways.

(Effect of this embodiment)
In the present embodiment, as described above, by providing the phase difference plate 6, the light that has passed through the polarization control region 6 b of the phase difference plate 6 in a state where the display panel 3 is arranged vertically is transmitted to the viewer 10. By proceeding toward the eyes, it is possible to provide a stereoscopic image to the observer 10, and by providing the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7, irradiation from the backlight 2 in a state where the display panel 3 is disposed sideways. Then, the light having three different polarization axes separated by the polarization control region 7a and the polarization control region 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is caused to travel toward the eyes of the viewer 10, thereby causing the viewer 10 to display a stereoscopic image. Can be provided. As a result, a stereoscopic image can be provided to the observer 10 in both cases where the display panel 3 is arranged vertically and when it is arranged horizontally.

  In the present embodiment, the area of the region 20 where the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 and the polarization control region 7a of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 overlap with each other in plan view is defined as the polarization control region of the phase difference plate 6. 6b and the polarization control region 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 are made smaller than the area 30 where the polarization control region 6b overlaps, the polarization control region 6b is provided when the display panel 3 is disposed horizontally and a stereoscopic image is provided to the observer 10. Even if the left-eye image L2 (right-eye image R2) is incident on the right eye 10b (left-eye 10a) of the observer 10 through the region 20 where the polarization control region 7a overlaps, the polarization control region 6b and the polarization control are performed. Since the area of the region 20 where the polarization control region 6b and the polarization control region 7a overlap is smaller than the area of the region 30 where the region 7b overlaps, the left eye image L2 is displayed on the right eye 10b (left eye 10a) of the observer 10. Eye image R2) can reduce the amount of incident. As a result, the crosstalk phenomenon in which the image viewed by the observer 10 becomes a double image can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the polarization control region 6b of the retardation plate 6 is arranged so as to correspond to each of the dot regions 3a to 3c or 3e to 3g of the display panel 3, so that the polarization control region 6b displays the polarization control region 6b. The image of the panel 3 can be incident on the eyes of the observer 10 in a state of being subdivided. Thereby, a three-dimensional image with little image degradation can be provided to the observer 10.

  Further, in the present embodiment, by switching the first state, the second state, and the third state of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7, in the first state, the viewer 10 is in a three-dimensional state with the display panel 3 arranged vertically. An image is provided, and in the second state, a stereoscopic image is provided to the observer 10 with the display panel 3 arranged in the horizontal direction. In the third state, the observer is arranged with the display panel 3 arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions. 10 provides a planar image. As a result, a single image display device 1 can provide a stereoscopic image to the observer 10 in both the case where the image display device 1 is arranged vertically and the case where the image display device 1 is arranged horizontally. In both cases, a planar image can be provided.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the polarization control region 6b of the retardation plate 6 is formed in a rectangular shape so as to correspond to the dot region of the display panel 3, so that both the region 20 and the region 30 are rectangular. Although shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and a region 40 where the polarization control region 16b of the phase difference plate 16 and the polarization control region 17a of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 17 overlap as in the first modified example shown in FIG. The length D5 in the B direction and the length D6 in the B direction of the region 50 where the polarization control region 16b of the retardation plate 16 and the polarization control region 17b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 17 overlap each other, and The length D7 of the region 40 in the A direction may be smaller than the length D8 of the region 50 in the A direction. In this case, even if the area of the region 40 is smaller than the area of the region 50, the length D5 of the region 40 in the B direction is substantially equal to the length D6 of the region 50 in the B direction. Even when arranged in the direction, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the appropriate viewing distance that allows the observer to move in the B direction (vertical direction). Further, by forming the length in the A direction of the portion 41 on the region 50 side of the region 40 so as to be the same dimension as D8, it is possible to suppress the area of the region 40 from becoming too small. Accordingly, when the display panel is arranged vertically, it is possible to prevent the amount of light passing through the polarization control region 16b (the region 40 and the region 50) from being excessively limited. It is possible to suppress a decrease in luminance of the display panel image.

  In the above embodiment, the polarization control region 6b of the retardation plate 6 is formed in a rectangular shape so as to correspond to the dot region of the display panel 3, so that both the region 20 and the region 30 are rectangular. Although shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and a region 60 where the polarization control region 26b of the retardation plate 26 and the polarization control region 27a of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 27 overlap as in the second modification shown in FIG. The length D9 in the B direction and the length D10 in the B direction of the region 70 where the polarization control region 26b of the retardation plate 26 and the polarization control region 27b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 27 overlap, and The length D11 in the A direction of the region 60 may be formed so as to gradually decrease in the direction away from the region 70. In this case, even if the area of the region 60 is smaller than the area of the region 70, the length D9 of the region 60 in the B direction is substantially equal to the length D10 of the region 70 in the B direction. Even when arranged in the direction, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the appropriate viewing distance that allows the observer to move in the B direction (vertical direction). In addition, by forming the length in the A direction of the portion 61 on the region 70 side of the region 60 substantially equal to the length of the region 70 in the A direction, the area of the region 60 is prevented from becoming too small. be able to. Accordingly, when the display panel is arranged vertically, it is possible to prevent the amount of light passing through the polarization control region 26b (region 60 and region 70) from being excessively limited. It is possible to suppress a decrease in luminance of the display panel image.

  In the above embodiment, the polarization control region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 is disposed so as to correspond to the dot regions 3a to 3c and 3e to 3g, and the polarization control regions 7a and 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 are arranged as pixel regions. Although the example arrange | positioned corresponding to 3d and 3h was shown, this invention is not restricted to this, You may arrange | position the polarization control area | region 6b of the phase difference plate 6 so that it may correspond to every pixel area, The polarization control regions 7a and 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 may be arranged so as to correspond to the dot regions 3a to 3c and 3e to 3g.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the polarization control region 6b of the retardation plate 6 is arranged in a checkered pattern (stepped shape) extending in the C direction (diagonal direction) has been described. The polarization control region 6b of the plate 6 may be disposed so as to extend in a predetermined direction (the B direction in FIG. 9), or may be disposed so as to extend in an oblique direction other than a checkered shape (stepped shape).

  Moreover, although the example which arrange | positions the polarization control area | regions 7a and 7b of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 so that it may extend in a predetermined direction was shown in the said embodiment, this invention is not limited to this, The polarization of the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 is shown. The control regions 7 a and 7 b may be arranged in a checkered pattern (stepped shape) extending in an oblique direction like the polarization control regions 6 a and 6 b of the phase difference plate 6.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the display panel 3 used the 90 degree TN system, and showed the example in which the polarizing plates 4 and 5 arrange | positioned so that it may oppose on both sides of the display panel 3 may have a mutually orthogonal polarization axis. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other methods such as a VA (Vertical Alignment) method and an ECB (Electrically Controlled Birefringence) method may be used. In this case, for example, when the VA method is used, the polarizing plates 4 and 5 arranged so as to sandwich the display panel 3 are constituted by polarizing plates having the same polarization axis, and the display panel 3, the polarizing plates 4 and 5 The polarization axis of light corresponding to the image formed by the image display device may be set so as to correspond to the polarization axis.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 emits light with the polarization axis of the incident light changed in the OFF state, and emits light with almost no change in the polarization axis of the incident light in the ON state. Although an example using the TN method is shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and other methods such as the VA method and the ECB method described above may be used.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which provides a three-dimensional image to an observer by using the display panel which consists of a liquid crystal display panel irradiated with the light from a backlight (light source), this invention is not limited to this. The present invention is also applicable to an image display device having a self-luminous display panel such as an organic EL or PDP (plasma display panel).

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the example which arrange | positions a polarization control liquid crystal panel, a phase difference plate, a display panel, and a backlight in order from the observer side was shown, this invention is not limited to this, and in order from an observer side. In addition, a display panel, a retardation plate, a polarization control liquid crystal panel, and a backlight may be disposed.

  In the above embodiment, the polarization axes of the polarizing plates 4, 5, 8, the polarization control regions 6 a, 6 b of the retardation plate 6 and the polarization control liquid crystal panel 7 are about 135 °, about 45 °, and about 45 °, respectively. , About 75 °, about 15 °, and about 120 ° are shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the polarization control regions 6a and 6b of the polarizing plates 4, 5, and 8, the retardation plate 6 and the polarization The polarization axis of the control liquid crystal panel 7 may be set to a value other than the above value. In this case, by optimizing the polarization axis, when the display panel is arranged horizontally, the polarization control region 6b of the retardation plate 6 shown in FIG. It is preferable to reduce the amount of light transmitted through 7a and the polarizing plate 8. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the amount of light of the right-eye image incident on the left eye of the observer and reduce the amount of light of the left-eye image incident on the observer's right eye.

  Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which the display panel is arranged vertically and horizontally and a stereoscopic image is provided to the viewer is shown. However, in the configuration of the above embodiment, when the display panel is arranged vertically, The right-eye image can be further suppressed from entering the observer's left eye, and the left-eye image can be further suppressed from entering the observer's right eye, while the display panel is disposed sideways. In this case, a part of the image for the right eye is incident on the left eye of the observer and a part of the image for the left eye is incident on the right eye of the observer. It is desirable to provide a stereoscopic image to the viewer.

1 is an exploded perspective view of an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the state which the observer looked at the display panel at the time of the stereoscopic image display at the time of arrange | positioning the display panel by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 vertically. It is the figure which showed the state which the observer looked at the display panel at the time of the three-dimensional image display at the time of arranging the display panel by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 horizontally. It is the elements on larger scale of the display panel at the time of arrange | positioning the display panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 vertically. It is the elements on larger scale of the display panel at the time of arrange | positioning the display panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 horizontally. It is the elements on larger scale of the phase difference plate of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. It is a top view of the phase difference plate of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed the phase difference plate by the comparative example of this invention shown in FIG. It is a top view of the polarization control liquid crystal panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a retardation plate and a polarization control liquid crystal panel of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating the stereoscopic image display method at the time of the vertical arrangement of the display panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the three-dimensional image display method at the time of horizontal arrangement | positioning of the display panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the display panel which an observer observes at the time of arrange | positioning the display panel of the image display apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 sideways. It is the figure which showed the state which the observer looked at the display panel at the time of the planar image display at the time of arrange | positioning the display panel by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 vertically. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a planar image display method when the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is arranged vertically and horizontally. It is the figure which showed the state which the observer looked at the display panel at the time of the plane image display at the time of arranging the display panel by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 horizontally. It is a top view of the phase difference plate and polarization control liquid crystal panel of the image display apparatus by the 1st modification of this invention shown in FIG. It is a top view of the phase difference plate and polarization control liquid crystal panel of the image display apparatus by the 2nd modification of this invention shown in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the principle of the stereo image display apparatus by an example of the past.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image display apparatus 3 Display panel 3a-3c, 3e-3g Dot area 3d Pixel area (2nd display area)
3h Pixel area (first display area)
6, 16, 26 Retardation plate (first polarization axis control means, first image separation means)
6a, 16a, 26a Polarization control region (second region)
6b, 16b, 26b Polarization control region (first region, first image separation unit)
7, 17, 27 Polarization control liquid crystal panel (second polarization axis control means, second image separation means)
7a, 17a, 27a Polarization control region (third region, second image separation unit)
7b, 17b, 27b Polarization control region (fourth region, third image separation unit)
7c electrode 8 polarizing plate (second polarization axis control means, second image separation means)

Claims (13)

A display panel for displaying images;
A first polarization axis control means including a first region for changing light into light having a first polarization axis and a second region for changing light into light having a second polarization axis;
Second polarization axis control means including a third region and a fourth region for separating light into light having at least two different polarization axes;
The first polarization axis control unit is configured to display a left-eye image and a right-eye image displayed on the display panel by light that has passed through the first region in a state where the display panel is arranged in a first direction. Separating the observer's left and right eyes to provide a stereoscopic image,
The second polarization axis control unit is configured to display a left eye displayed on the display panel by light that has passed through the fourth region in a state where the display panel is arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Separating the image for the right eye and the image for the right eye so as to proceed to the left eye and the right eye of the observer, respectively, to provide a stereoscopic image to the observer,
In plan view, the area of the region where the first region of the first polarization axis control unit and the third region of the second polarization axis control unit overlap is the same as the first region of the first polarization axis control unit and the first region. An image display device having an area smaller than an area overlapping with a fourth area of the second polarization axis control means. The first region of the first polarization axis control means is disposed along a direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction;
The third region and the fourth region of the second polarization axis control means are substantially perpendicular to the direction connecting the left and right eyes of the observer in a state where the display panel is arranged in the second direction. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the image display device extends in a direction and is alternately formed in a direction along a direction connecting the left and right eyes of an observer. The display panel includes a first display area for displaying a right-eye image and a second display area for displaying a left-eye image;
The image display device according to claim 1, wherein a light shielding portion is provided between the first display area and the second display area. The first area of the first polarization axis control means is arranged to correspond to the first display area or the second display area of the display panel arranged in the first direction,
The third area and the fourth area of the second polarization axis control means are arranged so as to correspond to the first display area and the second display area of the display panel arranged in the second direction, respectively. The image display device according to claim 3. The display panel includes a first display area for displaying a right-eye image and a second display area for displaying a left-eye image;
The first display area and the second display area of the display panel include a dot area for color display,
5. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the first region of the first polarization axis control unit is arranged to correspond to a dot region of the display panel. The dot area of the display panel is formed in a rectangular shape so that the second direction is a longitudinal direction,
The first region of the first polarization axis control means is formed in a rectangular shape so that the second direction is the longitudinal direction so as to correspond to the dot region of the display panel,
The length in the second direction of the region where the rectangular first region and the third region of the second polarization axis control unit overlap is the length of the rectangular first region and the second polarization axis control unit. The image display device according to claim 5, wherein the image display device is smaller than a length in the second direction of a region overlapping with the fourth region. The first region of the first polarization axis control means is formed to correspond to the dot region of the display panel,
The length in the first direction of the region where the first region of the first polarization axis control unit and the third region of the second polarization axis control unit overlap is the same as the first region of the first polarization axis control unit. The image display device according to claim 5, wherein the length of the region overlapping the fourth region of the second polarization axis control unit is smaller than the length in the first direction. The first region of the first polarization axis control means is formed to correspond to the dot region of the display panel,
The length in the first direction of the region where the first region of the first polarization axis control unit and the third region of the second polarization axis control unit overlap is the same as the first region of the first polarization axis control unit. The image display device according to claim 5, wherein the image display device is formed so as to gradually become smaller in a direction away from a region where the fourth region of the second polarization axis control unit overlaps.   The length in the second direction of the region where the first region of the first polarization axis control unit and the third region of the second polarization axis control unit overlap is the first region of the first polarization axis control unit. 9. The image display device according to claim 7, wherein a length of the region overlapping the fourth region of the second polarization axis control unit is substantially equal to a length in the second direction.   The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the first polarization axis control unit includes a retardation plate. The second polarization axis control means includes a polarization control liquid crystal panel,
The polarization control liquid crystal panel is provided with electrodes at positions corresponding to the third region and the fourth region,
The voltage application state to the liquid crystal of the polarization control liquid crystal panel is changed by changing the ON state and the OFF state of the voltage to the electrode of the polarization control liquid crystal panel. The image display device described in 1. The polarization control liquid crystal panel is
With the display panel arranged in the first direction, the light having the first polarization axis and the light having the second polarization axis are controlled to control either one of the lights. A first state that passes through,
In the state where the display panel is arranged in the second direction, the light having the first polarization axis is separated into light having a third polarization axis and light having a fourth polarization axis, The light having the second polarization axis is separated into light having a fifth polarization axis and light having a sixth polarization axis, and at least the light having the fourth polarization axis and the sixth A second state that transmits light having a polarization axis;
With the display panel disposed in the first and second directions, both the light having the first polarization axis and the light having the second polarization axis are controlled without controlling the polarization axis. Can switch between the third state that transmits light of
By switching the first state, the second state, and the third state of the polarization control liquid crystal panel by changing the voltage application state to the electrodes of the polarization control liquid crystal panel,
In the first state of the polarization control liquid crystal panel, a stereoscopic image is provided to an observer in a state where the display panel is arranged in the first direction,
In the second state of the polarization control liquid crystal panel, a stereoscopic image is provided to an observer in a state where the display panel is arranged in the second direction,
The image display device according to claim 11, wherein in the third state of the polarization control liquid crystal panel, a planar image is provided to an observer in a state where the display panel is arranged in the first and second directions. A display panel for displaying images;
First image separation means including a first image separation unit arranged in a checkered pattern for separating an image displayed on the display panel in a first state in which the display panel is arranged in a first direction; ,
The display panel extends in the first direction for separating an image displayed on the display panel in a second state in which the display panel is arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and Second image separation means including second image separation units and third image separation units arranged alternately in the second direction,
The first image separation unit is configured to display a left-eye image and a right-eye image displayed on the display panel by light that has passed through the first image separation unit in a state where the display panel is arranged in the first state. Separate the images so that they proceed to the left and right eyes of the viewer, respectively, and provide a stereoscopic image to the viewer.
The second image separation unit is configured to display a left-eye image and a right-eye image displayed on the display panel by light that has passed through the third image separation unit in a state where the display panel is arranged in the second state. Separate the images so that they proceed to the left and right eyes of the viewer, respectively, and provide a stereoscopic image to the viewer.
In plan view, the area of the region where the first image separation unit of the first image separation unit and the second image separation unit of the second image separation unit overlap is the first image separation unit of the first image separation unit. An image display device having a smaller area than a region where the first image separation unit and the third image separation unit of the second image separation unit overlap.

Images