JP5568867B2 - Decorative display device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to decorative display technology.

  Display devices used for display of merchandise are required to attract the viewer's attention. For this reason, various devices have been conventionally used to improve the decorativeness of the display device.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes a display device including a light source, a mirror, a half mirror, and a lens. This device makes it possible to display a stereoscopic image. Therefore, this device can achieve a relatively good decorative property.

JP 2007-241234 A

  However, the visual effects of such devices are often relatively monotonous. Therefore, the conventional display device may not be able to achieve sufficient decoration.

  In addition, such an apparatus requires a relatively large facility. Therefore, the use range of the conventional display device may be greatly limited.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a decorative display device that is excellent in decoration and simple.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a light source that emits illumination light, a first polarizer that receives the illumination light and emits first polarized light, a reflective layer, and the reflective layer face each other, and a liquid crystal substance or its A retardation layer including a polymer or a crosslinked body and having a mesogen immobilized thereon, wherein the first polarized light is incident and emits reproduction light as reflected light, wherein the retardation layer includes: A plurality of regions having different orientation directions of mesogens are provided, the plurality of regions including an optical element forming a latent image, and a second polarizer that receives the reproduction light and emits second polarized light. And a mechanism that allows the first polarizer to move in a direction that intersects the optical path of the illumination light that is incident on the first polarizer, the intersecting direction being the first polarization. Centered on a rotation axis parallel to the optical path of the illumination light incident on the child Decorative display device is provided, which is a direction to rotate.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a light source that emits illumination light, a first polarizer that receives the illumination light and that emits first polarized light, a liquid crystal substance or a polymer or a crosslinked product thereof, and a mesogen An optical element that includes the fixed retardation layer and that receives the first polarized light and emits reproduction light as reflected light, wherein the retardation layer includes a plurality of regions in which mesogen orientation directions are different from each other. The plurality of regions includes an optical element forming a latent image, and a second polarizer that receives the reproduction light and emits a second polarization, and the second polarizer, A mechanism that allows movement in a direction intersecting the optical path of the reproduction light incident on the second polarizer, the intersecting direction being in the optical path of the reproduction light incident on the second deflector; that the direction of rotating around a rotation axis parallel Decorative display device is provided to symptoms.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a decorative display device that is excellent in decorativeness and simple.

Schematic which shows the decoration display apparatus which concerns on the 1st aspect of this invention. Schematic which shows the optical system contained in the decoration display apparatus shown in FIG. The top view which shows roughly an example of the optical element with which the decoration display apparatus shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2 was provided. Sectional drawing along the IV-IV line of the optical element shown in FIG. Schematic which shows the decoration display apparatus which concerns on the 2nd aspect of this invention. Schematic which shows the optical system contained in the decoration display apparatus shown in FIG. The top view which shows roughly an example of the optical element with which the decoration display apparatus shown in FIG.5 and FIG.6 was provided. Sectional drawing along the VIII-VIII line of the optical element shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same referential mark is attached | subjected to the component which exhibits the same or similar function, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  First, the decorative display device according to the first aspect of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a decorative display device according to a first aspect of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an optical system included in the decorative display device shown in FIG. 2, the X direction is a direction parallel to the main surface of the optical element 400, the Y direction is parallel to the main surface of the optical element 400 and is perpendicular to the X direction, and the Z direction is the X direction. And a direction perpendicular to the Y direction.

  The decorative display device 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a case 100, a light source 200, a first polarizer 300A, an optical element 400, and a second polarizer 300B. In addition, an exhibition article A is arranged in the decorative display device 10.

Case 100 includes display stand 110, side wall 120, and lid 130.
The display stand 110 has a cylindrical shape.

  The side wall 120 has a cylindrical shape. One end of the side wall 120 is in contact with the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the display stand 110.

  The side wall 120 includes a light transmitting part 120A and a light shielding part 120B.

  The translucent part 120A is typically made of transparent glass or plastic. The translucent part 120 </ b> A makes it possible to visually recognize the inside of the case 100.

  The second polarizer 300B is supported on at least a part of the light transmitting part 120A. For example, the second polarizer 300B is attached to at least a part of the light transmitting part 120A.

  The second polarizer 300B plays a role of transmitting a light component having a polarization plane in a specific direction. For example, a linear polarizer or an elliptical polarizer is used as the polarizer 300B. Typically, a linear polarizer is used as the polarizer 300B.

  The light shielding part 120B is made of a light shielding material. The light shielding unit 120B may be omitted.

  The lid 130 is fitted into the opening of the side wall 120. The display stand 110, the side wall 120, and the lid 130 form a hollow structure.

  In this hollow structure, display article A, optical element 400, light source 200, and first polarizer 300A are housed.

  The display article A is arranged on the display stand 110. There is no restriction on the type of display item A. For example, the display article A is a commodity to be sold. Alternatively, the display article A may be a promotional advertisement object. Alternatively, the exhibit article A may be an academic exhibit.

  The optical element 400 is installed on the display stand 110. The optical element 400 will be described in detail later.

  The light source 200 and the first polarizer 300A are arranged so as to constitute an optical system as shown in FIG. 2 with the optical element 400 and the second polarizer 300B.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the light source 200 emits illumination light L1. The illumination light L1 is typically white light.

  The first polarizer 300A plays a role of transmitting a light component having a polarization plane in a specific direction. As the polarizer 300A, for example, a linear polarizer or an elliptical polarizer is used. Typically, a linear polarizer is used as the polarizer 300A.

  The illumination light L1 emitted from the light source 200 is incident on the polarizer 300A. The illumination light L1 changes to the first polarized light L2 by passing through the polarizer 300A. That is, the first polarizer 300A emits the first polarized light L2.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing an example of an optical element included in the decorative display device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the optical element shown in FIG. 3 taken along line IV-IV.

  The optical element 400 includes a base material 401, a reflective layer 402, an intermediate layer 403, and a retardation layer 404. In this optical element 400, the phase difference layer 404 side is the front side with respect to the reflective layer 402.

  The base material 401 is, for example, a resin film or sheet such as a polyethylene terephthalate film. The base material 401 may have a light transmittance, and does not need to have a light transmittance. Moreover, the base material 401 may have a single layer structure or a multilayer structure. The base material 401 may be omitted.

  The reflective layer 402 is provided on one main surface of the base material 401. The reflective layer 402 may cover the entire main surface or may cover only a part of the main surface.

  As a material of the reflective layer 402, for example, a resin in which metal strips are dispersed is used.

  As this metal strip, for example, a strip of aluminum, silver or stainless steel is used. Typically, aluminum strips are used as the metal strips. As the aluminum strip, for example, an aluminum paste obtained by processing aluminum into flakes is used. This aluminum paste may be a leafing type in which aluminum flakes are arranged almost in parallel on the surface of the coating, and a glossy surface close to specular reflection can be obtained, and the aluminum flakes are uniformly dispersed in the coating and light scattering It may be a non-leafing type capable of obtaining a reflective surface having properties. However, in order to achieve better visibility of the image displayed by the optical element 400, it is desirable to use a non-leafing type aluminum paste.

  As the resin for dispersing the metal strip, for example, a thermoplastic resin is used. As this thermoplastic resin, for example, an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, an epoxy resin, a polyester resin, a vinyl resin, or a mixture thereof is used.

  The following configurations may be employed as the base material 401 and the reflective layer 402. That is, a disordered relief structure may be formed on one main surface of the substrate 401, and the reflective layer 402 may be provided thereon. In this way, a reflective layer 402 having light scattering properties is obtained.

  In this case, as the material of the reflective layer 402, for example, a metal material is used. As the metal material, for example, aluminum, silver, nickel, chromium, or an alloy thereof is used. In this case, the reflective layer 402 is formed by, for example, a vapor deposition method such as a vacuum evaporation method or a sputtering method.

  As the reflective layer 402, a single-layer or multilayer dielectric layer may be used. In this case, in contrast to the case where a metal material is used as the material of the reflective layer 402, an object existing on the back surface of the reflective layer 402 can be made visible. Therefore, in this case, a more complicated visual effect can be achieved.

  The intermediate layer 403 is provided between the reflective layer 402 and the retardation layer 404. The intermediate layer 403 plays a role of improving the adhesion between the reflective layer 402 and the retardation layer 404. As the material of the intermediate layer 403, for example, a thermoplastic resin is used. As this thermoplastic resin, for example, an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, an epoxy resin, a polyester resin, a vinyl resin, or a mixture thereof is used. The intermediate layer 403 may have a single layer structure or a multilayer structure. The intermediate layer 403 may be omitted.

  The retardation layer 404 typically faces the reflective layer 402 with the intermediate layer 403 interposed therebetween. The retardation layer 404 may be patterned. That is, the retardation layer 404 may face only a part of the reflective layer 402.

  The retardation layer 404 includes a liquid crystal substance or a polymer or a cross-linked body thereof, and a mesogen is immobilized thereon. That is, in the retardation layer 404, mesogens are oriented in a predetermined direction. Therefore, the retardation layer 404 has birefringence. As the liquid crystal substance included in the retardation layer 404, for example, nematic liquid crystal is used.

  The retardation layer 404 may include a plurality of regions having different mesogen orientation directions. 3 and 4, as an example, the retardation layer 404 includes a first region A1 in which the orientation direction of mesogen is substantially parallel to the X direction, and a second region in which the orientation direction of mesogen is substantially parallel to the Y direction. And a third region A3 in which the orientation direction of the mesogen forms an angle of 45 ° with respect to the X direction.

  These areas A1 to A3 form a latent image. This latent image includes, for example, information such as the name of a product, a trademark, an advertising phrase, and a description of an exhibit. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate a case where these areas A1 to A3 form a latent image indicating character information “TP” as an example.

  The first polarized light L2 described above is incident on the optical element 400. The first polarized light L2 passes through the retardation layer 404, is reflected by the reflection layer 402, and then passes through the retardation layer 404 again and is emitted. That is, the optical element 400 emits the reproduction light L3 shown in FIG. 2 as reflected light.

  The reproduction light L3 is incident on the second polarizer 300B. Then, the reproduction light L3 changes to the second polarization L4 by passing through the polarizer 300B. That is, the second polarizer 300B emits the second polarized light L4.

  This second polarized light L4 is observed by the observer OB. In other words, when the optical element 400 is illuminated through the first polarizer 300A and observed through the second polarizer 300B, the optical element 400 is visually recognized as an object having a color corresponding to the second polarized light L2.

  Next, the visual effect that can be achieved by the optical system shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

As described above, the retardation layer 404 has birefringence. For example, in the region A1 constituting the retardation layer 404, mesogens are oriented in a direction parallel to the X direction. Therefore, the refractive index for X-direction is the extraordinary ray refraction index n _e, the refractive index in the Y direction is the ordinary index n _o. When the refractive index of the region A1 is n, the relationship of n _o <n <n _e is established. That is, the slow axis of the region A1 is parallel to the X direction, and the fast axis of the region A1 is parallel to the Y direction. Similarly, the slow axis of the region A2 constituting the retardation layer 404 is parallel to the Y direction, and the fast axis of the region A2 is parallel to the X direction. Further, the slow axis of the region A3 constituting the retardation layer 404 is parallel to a direction that forms an angle of 45 ° counterclockwise with respect to the X direction when viewed from the front surface side. The axis is parallel to a direction that forms an angle of 135 ° counterclockwise with respect to the X direction when viewed from the front side.

  As described above, the first polarized light L2 emitted from the first polarizer 300A is incident on the optical element 400. In the following, as an example, the polarizer 300A is a linear polarizer, and the orthogonal projection of its transmission axis onto the XY plane has an angle of 45 ° counterclockwise with respect to the X direction when viewed from the front side of the optical element 400. A case where the direction is parallel to the direction to be performed will be described. In this case, the polarization plane of the first polarized light L2 forms an angle of 45 ° counterclockwise with respect to the X direction when viewed from the front side of the optical element 400.

The slow axis of the region A1 is parallel to the X direction. Therefore, the plane of polarization of the first polarized light L2 incident on the area A1 forms an angle of 45 ° counterclockwise with respect to the slow axis of the area A1 when viewed from the front side of the optical element 400. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the retardation of the region A1 is a quarter of a certain design wavelength λ ₀ in the visible light region. That is, the region A1 functions as a quarter-wave plate with respect to the incident light having the design wavelength λ ₀ . In this case, the light component having the wavelength λ ₀ is converted into left circularly polarized light by passing through the region A1. In addition, the light component having a wavelength different from the wavelength λ ₀ among the incident linearly polarized light passes through the region A1 and is converted into left elliptically polarized light.

  The left circularly polarized light and the left elliptically polarized light are transmitted through the intermediate layer 403 and are incident on the reflective layer 402. These polarized lights are reflected by the reflective layer 402 to become right circularly polarized light and right elliptically polarized light, respectively. When the reflective layer 402 has light scattering properties, the right circularly polarized light and the right elliptically polarized light are emitted as scattered reflected light.

These right circularly polarized light and right elliptically polarized light are transmitted through the intermediate layer 403 and are incident on the region A1 again. Of the polarized light traveling in the direction perpendicular to the main surface of the region A1, right-handed circularly polarized light having a wavelength of λ ₀ passes through the region A1, so that the polarization plane is in the X direction when viewed from the front side of the optical element 400. On the other hand, it is converted into linearly polarized light having an angle of 135 ° counterclockwise. On the other hand, the other light components are converted into circularly polarized light or elliptically polarized light by passing through the region A1. That is, the reproduction light L3 has a wavelength of λ ₀ and a polarization plane having a polarization plane of 135 ° counterclockwise with respect to the X direction when viewed from the front side of the optical element 400, and a wavelength of It includes circularly polarized light or elliptically polarized light different from λ ₀ .

As described above, the reproduction light L3 is incident on the second polarizer 300B. In the following, as an example, the polarizer 300B is a linear polarizer, and the orthogonal projection of its transmission axis onto the XY plane has an angle of 45 ° counterclockwise with respect to the X direction when viewed from the front side of the optical element 400. A case where the direction is parallel to the direction to be performed will be described. In this case, the polarization plane of linearly polarized light having a wavelength of λ ₀ in the reproduction light L3 and the transmission axis of the polarizer 300B are perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the light component having the wavelength λ ₀ in the reproduction light L3 cannot pass through the polarizer 300B. On the other hand, part of the light component having a wavelength different from λ ₀ in the reproduction light L3 passes through the polarizer 300B and becomes the second polarization L4.

  As can be seen from the above description, the ratio between the intensity of the illumination light L1 and the intensity of the second polarized light L4 depends on the wavelength of the illumination light L1. Therefore, in the above case, the second polarized light L4 has a different intensity for each wavelength. Therefore, the portion of the optical element 400 corresponding to the region A1 appears colored when illuminated through the first polarizer 300A and observed through the second polarizer 300B.

  The slow axis of the region A2 is parallel to the Y direction. That is, the region A2 has the same structure as the region A1 except that the orientation direction of the mesogen is 90 ° different. Therefore, the plane of polarization of the first polarized light L1 forms an angle of 45 ° clockwise with respect to the slow axis of the region A2 when viewed from the front side of the optical element 400. Therefore, in the above case, the portion of the optical element 400 corresponding to the region A2 exhibits the same visual effect as the portion of the optical element 400 corresponding to the region A1.

  The slow axis of the region A3 is parallel to a direction that forms an angle of 45 ° with the X direction. That is, the orthogonal projection of the transmission axis of the first polarizer 300A onto the XY plane and the direction of the slow axis of the region A3 are parallel to each other. Therefore, the region A3 does not optically affect the first polarized light L2. Further, the direction of the slow axis of the region A3 and the orthogonal projection of the transmission axis of the second polarizer 300B onto the XY plane are parallel to each other. Therefore, the second polarizer 300B does not optically affect the reproduction light L3.

  Accordingly, the portion of the optical element 400 corresponding to the region A3 is colored and does not appear even when illuminated through the first polarizer 300A and observed through the second polarizer 300B. Specifically, this portion displays a color corresponding to the reflective layer 402. Thus, this portion typically appears white or silver white.

  As described above, when the transmission axes of the polarizers 300A and 300B and the slow axes of the regions A1 to A3 are arranged as described above, the portion corresponding to the regions A1 and A2 of the optical element 400 is as follows. It is visually recognized as a colored portion, and the portion corresponding to the region A3 in the optical element 400 is visually recognized as an uncolored portion. For example, portions of the optical element 400 corresponding to the regions A1 and A2 appear purple, and portions of the optical element 400 corresponding to the region A3 appear white or silver white. Therefore, in this case, the observer can visually recognize patterns corresponding to these regions A1 to A3. That is, in this case, the latent image formed by the areas A1 to A3 can be visualized.

  The decorative display device 10 may further include a mechanism for moving at least one of the first polarizer 300A, the optical element 400, and the second polarizer 300B in a predetermined direction.

  For example, the decorative display device 10 may further include a mechanism that allows the first polarizer 300A to move in a direction that intersects the optical path of the illumination light L1 incident on the first polarizer 300A.

  For example, the decorative display device 10 may include a rotation mechanism that rotates the first polarizer 300A about a rotation axis that is parallel to the optical path of the illumination light L1 incident on the first polarizer 300A. In this case, the angle formed between the transmission axis of the first polarizer 300A and the slow axes of the regions A1 to A3 changes with time. Therefore, as will be described below, the color displayed in the portion corresponding to the regions A1 to A3 of the optical element 400 changes over time.

  For example, when the orthogonal projection of the transmission axis of the polarizer 300A onto the XY plane is parallel to the X direction by the above rotation, the region A1 does not optically affect the first polarized light L2. That is, the polarization plane of the reproduction light L3 emitted from the portion corresponding to the region A1 in the optical element 400 is parallel to the X direction. Therefore, in this case, the plane of polarization of the reproduction light L3 has an angle of 45 ° clockwise as viewed from the front side of the optical element 400 with respect to the orthogonal projection of the transmission axis of the second polarizer 300B onto the XY plane. doing. Therefore, in this case, the portion corresponding to the region A1 in the optical element 400 is not colored and visible even when illuminated through the first polarizer 300A and observed through the second polarizer 300B. That is, this portion typically appears white or silver white.

  In this case, the orthogonal projection of the transmission axis of the first polarizer 300A onto the XY plane and the slow axis of the region A2 are perpendicular to each other. In this case, the region A2 does not optically affect the polarized light transmitted through the polarizer 300A. Therefore, the portion corresponding to the region A2 in the optical element 400 is not colored, and typically looks white or silver white.

  On the other hand, in this case, the orthogonal projection of the transmission axis of the first polarizer 300A onto the XY plane is an angle of 45 ° clockwise with respect to the slow axis of the region A3 when viewed from the front side of the optical element 400. Do it. Therefore, the portion corresponding to the region A3 in the optical element 400 appears colored.

  As described above, the color of the image displayed on the optical element 400 can be changed over time due to the presence of the rotation mechanism as described above. This change is visible without the observer changing the viewing direction. Therefore, the optical element 400 exhibits various visual effects even when observed from a certain direction. That is, the decorative display device 10 can exhibit extremely excellent decorative properties.

  Alternatively, the decorative display device 10 may include a mechanism that translates the first polarizer 300A in a direction that intersects the optical path of the illumination light L1 incident on the first polarizer 300A.

  In this case, for example, the image displayed on the optical element 400 can be extinguished by moving the first polarizer 300A to a position where the illumination light L1 does not enter. Moreover, the image can be displayed again by returning the first polarizer 300A to the position where the illumination light L1 is incident. That is, by these movements, display and non-display of the latent image can be freely switched.

  The decorative display device 10 may include a mechanism that allows the optical element 400 to move in a direction that intersects the optical path of the first polarized light L <b> 2 incident on the optical element 400.

  For example, the decorative display device 10 may include a rotation mechanism that rotates the optical element 400 about a rotation axis that is parallel to the optical path of the first polarized light L2 incident on the optical element 400. In this case, the angle formed by the slow axis of the regions A1 to A3 and the transmission axis of the first polarizer 300A changes with time. Accordingly, as in the case of rotating the first polarizer 300A, the color displayed in the portion corresponding to the regions A1 to A3 of the optical element 400 can be changed over time.

  Alternatively, the decorative display device 10 may include a mechanism that translates the optical element 400 in a direction that intersects the optical path of the first polarized light L <b> 2 incident on the optical element 400.

  In this case, for example, the image displayed on the optical element 400 can be extinguished by moving the optical element 400 to a position where the first polarized light L2 is not incident. In addition, the image can be displayed again by returning the optical element 400 to the position where the first polarized light L2 is incident. That is, by these movements, display and non-display of the latent image can be freely switched.

  This movement can be achieved, for example, by rotating at least a part of the display stand 110 on which the optical element 400 is installed around the normal line of the main surface.

  The decorative display device 10 may include a mechanism that moves the second polarizer 300B in a direction that intersects the optical path of the reproduction light L3 incident on the second polarizer 300B.

  For example, the decorative display device 10 may include a rotation mechanism that rotates the second polarizer 300B around a rotation axis that is parallel to the optical path of the reproduction light L3 incident on the second polarizer 300B. In this case, the angle formed by the transmission axis of the second polarizer 300B and the slow axis of the regions A1 to A3 changes with time. Accordingly, as in the case of rotating the first polarizer 300A, the color displayed in the portion corresponding to the regions A1 to A3 of the optical element 400 can be changed over time.

  Alternatively, the decorative display device 10 may include a mechanism that translates the second polarizer 300B in a direction that intersects the optical path of the reproduction light L3 incident on the second polarizer 300B.

  In this case, for example, the second polarizer 300B is displayed on the optical element 400 by moving the second polarizer 300B to a position where the reproduction light L3 does not enter the second polarizer 300B or a position where the second polarization L4 does not enter the observer OB. The image that had been lost can be eliminated. Further, by returning the second polarizer 300B to the position where the reproduction light L3 is incident on the second polarizer 300B or the position where the second polarization L4 is incident on the observer OB, the image can be displayed again. That is, by these movements, display and non-display of the latent image can be freely switched.

  When the second polarizer 300B is supported by only a part of the side wall 120, this movement is performed on the part of the side wall 120 that supports at least the second polarizer 300B. This can be achieved by rotating around the line.

  The decorative display device 10 may include a mechanism that enables a combination of two or more of the movements described above. In this case, a better visual effect can be exhibited. In particular, in the decorative display device 10, the first polarizer 300A and the second polarizer 300B can be moved independently. Thus, the decorative display device 10 can achieve a more complex visual effect compared to a display device that includes a single polarizer.

  Next, a decorative display device according to the second aspect of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a decorative display device according to the second aspect of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an optical system included in the decorative display device shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the X direction is a direction parallel to the main surface of the optical element 400, the Y direction is parallel to the main surface of the optical element 400 and is perpendicular to the X direction, and the Z direction is the X direction and the Y direction. The direction is perpendicular to the direction.

  The decorative display device 10 shown in FIG. 5 has the same configuration as the decorative display device 10 shown in FIG. 1 except for the following points. That is, the decorative display device 10 uses a transmissive optical element 400 that does not include the reflective layer 402. Further, in the decorative display device 10, the light source 200, the first polarizer 300A, the optical element 400, and the second polarizer 300B are arranged to constitute an optical system as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a case where the light source 200 and the first polarizer 300A are integrated. In FIG. 5, the display article A is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the light source 200 emits illumination light L1. The illumination light L1 enters the first polarizer 300A, and the first polarizer 300A emits the first polarized light L2.

  FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing an example of an optical element included in the decorative display device shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of the optical element shown in FIG.

  The optical element 400 includes a light transmissive substrate 401, an intermediate layer 403, and a retardation layer 404. In this optical element 400, the phase difference layer 404 side is the front side with respect to the light transmissive substrate 401, and the opposite side is the back side. 5 and 6 illustrate a configuration in which the first polarized light L2 is incident from the back side of the optical element 400 and the reproduction light L3 is emitted to the front side of the optical element 400 as an example.

  As the light-transmitting substrate 401, for example, a resin film or sheet having light transmittance is used. As the light transmissive substrate 401, a resin film or sheet that is optically isotropic or has low birefringence, such as a polycarbonate film and a triacetyl cellulose film, is used. Typically, as the light-transmitting substrate 401, a polycarbonate film that is optically isotropic or has low birefringence and excellent adhesion is used. When the light transmissive substrate 401 is optically isotropic or has low birefringence, the light transmissive substrate 401 is a combination of the retardation layer 404 and the polarizers 300A and 300B. It is hard to influence the visual characteristics based on it. That is, in this case, the optical design of the decorative display device 10 becomes easier. The light transmissive substrate 401 may have a single layer structure or a multilayer structure. Further, the light transmissive substrate 401 may be omitted.

  The intermediate layer 403 is provided between the light transmissive substrate 401 and the retardation layer 404. The intermediate layer 403 has the same configuration as that described for the first aspect.

  The retardation layer 404 faces the light transmissive substrate 401 with the intermediate layer 403 interposed therebetween. The retardation layer 404 may be patterned. That is, the retardation layer 404 may face only a part of the light transmissive substrate 401.

  As the retardation layer 404, the same one as described in the first embodiment is used. Hereinafter, as an example, the retardation layer 404 includes a first region A1 in which the orientation direction is substantially parallel to the X direction, a second region A2 in which the orientation direction is substantially parallel to the Y direction, and the orientation direction is the front surface. Suppose that it includes a third region A3 that forms an angle of 45 ° counterclockwise with respect to the X direction when viewed from the side.

  As described above, the optical element 400 has optical transparency. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the optical element 400 emits the reproduction light L3 as transmitted light.

  The reproduction light L3 is incident on the second polarizer 300B. Then, the second polarizer 300B emits the second polarized light L4.

  Hereinafter, the visual effect that can be achieved by the optical system shown in FIG. 6 will be described. In the following, it is assumed that the first polarizer 300A is a linear polarizer parallel to the direction in which the direction of the transmission axis forms an angle of 45 ° counterclockwise with respect to the X direction when viewed from the front side. In the following, it is assumed that the second polarizer 300B is a linear polarizer parallel to the direction in which the direction of the transmission axis forms an angle of 45 ° counterclockwise with respect to the X direction when viewed from the front side.

  In this case, the first polarized light L2 incident on the optical element 400 is linearly polarized light having a polarization plane parallel to the transmission axis of the first polarizer 300A. That is, in this case, the first polarized light L2 is linearly polarized light having a polarization plane parallel to a direction that forms an angle of 45 ° counterclockwise with respect to the X direction when viewed from the front side.

The slow axis of the region A1 is parallel to the X direction. Therefore, the polarization plane of the incident first polarized light L2 forms an angle of 45 ° counterclockwise with respect to the slow axis of the region A1 when viewed from the front side. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the retardation of the region A1 is half of a design wavelength λ ₀ in the visible light region. That is, the region A1 functions as a half-wave plate with respect to the incident light having the design wavelength λ ₀ .

In this case, when the first polarized light L2 having the wavelength λ ₀ is incident on the region A1, the reproduction light L3 transmitted through the region A1 is in a direction that forms an angle of 45 ° clockwise with respect to the X direction when viewed from the front side. It becomes linearly polarized light having parallel polarization planes. The plane of polarization of the linearly polarized light and the transmission axis of the second polarizer 300B are orthogonal to each other. Therefore, the light of wavelength λ ₀ is absorbed by the second polarizer 300B and is not emitted to the front side of the optical element 400.

On the other hand, when linearly polarized light having a wavelength other than the wavelength λ ₀ is incident on the region A1, the reproduction light L3 transmitted through the region A1 becomes elliptically polarized light or circularly polarized light. Accordingly, at least a part of light having a wavelength other than the wavelength λ ₀ can pass through the second polarizer 300B.

  Therefore, when the area A1 is illuminated, the intensity of the second polarized light L4 based on the reproduction light L3 emitted from the area A1 differs for each wavelength. Accordingly, when illuminated through the first polarizer 300A and observed through the second polarizer 300B, the portion of the optical element 400 corresponding to the region A1 appears colored.

  The slow axis of the region A2 is parallel to the Y direction. That is, the region A2 has the same structure as the region A1 except that the orientation direction of the mesogen is 90 ° different. Accordingly, the plane of polarization of linearly polarized light that enters the region A2 via the polarizer 300A forms an angle of 45 ° clockwise with respect to the slow axis of the region A2 when viewed from the front side of the optical element 400. Yes. Therefore, in the above case, the portion of the optical element 400 corresponding to the region A2 exhibits the same visual effect as the portion of the optical element 400 corresponding to the region A1. That is, the portion of the optical element 400 corresponding to the region A2 appears colored when illuminated through the first polarizer 300A and observed through the second polarizer 300B.

  The slow axis of the region A3 is parallel to a direction that forms an angle of 45 ° counterclockwise with respect to the X direction when viewed from the front side. That is, the plane of polarization of the second polarized light L2 and the slow axis of the region A3 are parallel to each other. That is, the reproduction light L3 transmitted through the region A3 is linearly polarized light having a polarization plane parallel to a direction that forms an angle of 45 ° counterclockwise with respect to the X direction when viewed from the front side. The plane of polarization of the linearly polarized light and the transmission axis of the second polarizer 300B are parallel to each other. Therefore, the portion corresponding to the region A3 in the optical element 400 is not colored and visible even when illuminated through the polarizer 300A and observed through the second polarizer 300B. For example, when white light is used as the illumination light L1, this portion looks white.

  As described above, when the transmission axes of the polarizers 300A and 300B and the slow axes of the regions A1 to A3 are arranged as described above, the portion corresponding to the regions A1 and A2 of the optical element 400 is as follows. It is visually recognized as a colored portion, and the portion corresponding to the region A3 in the optical element 400 is visually recognized as an uncolored portion. For example, portions of the optical element 400 corresponding to the regions A1 and A2 appear purple, and portions of the optical element 400 corresponding to the region A3 appear white. Therefore, in this case, the observer can visually recognize patterns corresponding to these regions A1 to A3. That is, in this case, the latent image formed by the areas A1 to A3 can be visualized.

  The decorative display device 10 may further include a mechanism for moving at least one of the first polarizer 300A, the optical element 400, and the second polarizer 300B in a predetermined direction.

  For example, the decorative display device 10 may further include a mechanism that allows the first polarizer 300A to move in a direction that intersects the optical path of the illumination light L1 incident on the first polarizer 300A.

  For example, the decorative display device 10 may include a rotation mechanism that rotates the first polarizer 300A about a rotation axis that is parallel to the optical path of the illumination light L1 incident on the first polarizer 300A. In this case, the angle formed between the transmission axis of the first polarizer 300A and the slow axes of the regions A1 to A3 changes with time. Therefore, as will be described below, the color displayed in the portion corresponding to the regions A1 to A3 of the optical element 400 changes over time.

  For example, when the transmission axis of the polarizer 300A is parallel to the slow axis of the region A1 due to the above rotation, the region A1 does not optically affect the first polarized light L2. Therefore, the reproduction light L3 emitted from the region A1 is linearly polarized light having a polarization plane parallel to the X direction. Accordingly, the polarization plane of the reproduction light L3 is at an angle of 45 ° clockwise with respect to the X direction when viewed from the front side with respect to the transmission axis of the second polarizer 300B. Therefore, the portion corresponding to the region A1 in the optical element 400 is visually recognized as a portion having the same color as the color of the illumination light L1 except that it is darker. For example, when white light is used as the illumination light L1, this portion looks white.

  In this case, the transmission axis of the polarizer 300A and the slow axis of the region A2 are perpendicular to each other. Therefore, in this case, the portion corresponding to the region A2 in the optical element 400 is also visually recognized as a portion having the same color as the color of the illumination light L1 except that it is darker. For example, when white light is used as the illumination light L1, this portion looks white.

  On the other hand, the transmission axis of the polarizer 300A and the slow axis of the region A3 form an angle of 45 °. Accordingly, in this case, the reproduction light L3 transmitted through the region A3 has a phase difference corresponding to its wavelength. Therefore, in this case, the intensity of the second polarized light L4 that has passed through the second polarizer 300B exhibits a wavelength dependency different from the intensity of the illumination light L1. Therefore, the portion of the optical element 400 corresponding to the region A3 appears colored.

  As described above, due to the presence of the above mechanism, the color of the image displayed on the optical element 400 changes with time. Specifically, this change is visible without the observer changing the viewing direction. Therefore, the optical element 400 exhibits various visual effects even when observed from a certain direction. That is, the decorative display device 10 can exhibit extremely excellent decorative properties.

  Or similarly to having demonstrated the 1st mode, decoration display device 10 is provided with a mechanism which translates the 1st polarizer 300A in the direction which intersects the optical path of illumination light L1 which enters into 1st polarizer 300A. May be. Alternatively, the decorative display device 10 may include a mechanism that allows the optical element 400 to move in a direction that intersects the optical path of the first polarized light L <b> 2 incident on the optical element 400. Alternatively, the decorative display device 10 may include a mechanism that moves the second polarizer 300B in a direction that intersects the optical path of the reproduction light L3 incident on the second polarizer 300B. Or the decoration display apparatus 10 may be provided with the mechanism which enables two or more combinations of the movement mentioned above. Also in these cases, the decorative display device 10 can exhibit extremely excellent decorative properties.

  In the second aspect, at least one of the first polarizer 300A and the second polarizer 300B may be integrated with the optical element 400. That is, at least one of the first polarizer 300A and the second polarizer 300B and the optical element 400 may form a laminate. In this case, the configuration of the decorative display device 10 can be further simplified.

In the first and second aspects, the light source 200, the first polarizer 300 </ b> A, and the optical element 400 are included in the hollow structure of the case 100, and the second polarizer 300 </ b> B is included in the translucent part 120 </ b> A of the side wall 120. The case where it is supported at least partially has been described. However, the configuration of the decorative display device 10 is not limited to these. For example, the light source 200 and / or the first polarizer 300A may be provided outside the hollow structure. The second polarizer 300B may be included in the hollow structure.
The invention described in the scope of claims at the beginning of the application will be appended.
[1]
A light source that emits illumination light;
A first polarizer that receives the illumination light and emits a first polarized light;
A reflective layer; a retardation layer facing the reflective layer, including a liquid crystal substance or a polymer or a cross-linked product thereof, and having a mesogen immobilized thereon; and the first polarized light is incident thereon and reproduced light as reflected light is provided. An optical element to be emitted;
A second polarizer that receives the reproduction light and emits a second polarized light;
A decorative display device comprising:
[2]
A light source that emits illumination light;
A first polarizer that receives the illumination light and emits a first polarized light;
An optical element including a liquid crystal substance or a polymer or a cross-linked product thereof and having a retardation layer in which a mesogen is fixed; and the first polarized light is incident thereon and the reproduction light is emitted as transmitted light;
A second polarizer that receives the reproduction light and emits a second polarized light;
A decorative display device comprising:
[3]
[1] or [2], further comprising a mechanism that allows the first polarizer to move in a direction intersecting an optical path of the illumination light incident on the first polarizer. Decorative display device.
[4]
The decorative display according to [1] or [2], further comprising a mechanism that allows the optical element to move in a direction intersecting the optical path of the first polarized light incident on the optical element. apparatus.
[5]
[1] or [2], further comprising a mechanism that allows the second polarizer to move in a direction intersecting an optical path of the reproduction light incident on the second polarizer. Decorative display device.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Decoration display apparatus, 100 ... Case, 110 ... Exhibition stand, 120 ... Side wall, 120A ... Translucent part, 120B ... Light-shielding part, 130 ... Cover, 200 ... Light source, 300A ... First polarizer, 300B ... Second polarization 400, optical element, 401 ... base material, 402 ... reflective layer, 403 ... intermediate layer, 404 ... retardation layer, A ... exhibition article, A1 ... area, A2 ... area, A3 ... area, L1 ... illumination light, L2 ... first polarized light, L3 ... reproduced light, L4 ... second polarized light, OB ... observer.

Claims (2)

A light source that emits illumination light;
A first polarizer that receives the illumination light and emits a first polarized light;
A reflective layer; a retardation layer facing the reflective layer, including a liquid crystal substance or a polymer or a cross-linked product thereof, and having a mesogen immobilized thereon; and the first polarized light is incident thereon and reproduced light as reflected light is provided. An optical element that emits, wherein the retardation layer includes a plurality of regions having different mesogen orientation directions, and the plurality of regions form a latent image; and
A second polarizer that receives the reproduction light and emits a second polarized light;
Comprising
Further comprising a mechanism that allows the first polarizer to move in a direction that intersects the optical path of the illumination light incident on the first polarizer ;
The direction intersecting, decoration display device you being a direction to rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the optical path of the illumination light incident on the first polarizer. A light source that emits illumination light;
A first polarizer that receives the illumination light and emits a first polarized light;
A reflective layer; a retardation layer facing the reflective layer, including a liquid crystal substance or a polymer or a cross-linked product thereof, and having a mesogen immobilized thereon; and the first polarized light is incident thereon and reproduced light as reflected light is provided. An optical element that emits, wherein the retardation layer includes a plurality of regions having different mesogen orientation directions, and the plurality of regions form a latent image; and
A second polarizer that receives the reproduction light and emits a second polarized light;
Comprising
Further comprising a mechanism that allows the second polarizer to move in a direction intersecting the optical path of the reproduction light incident on the second polarizer ;
The direction intersecting, decoration display device you being a direction to rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the optical path of the reproduction light incident on the second deflector.

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