JPH09101749A - Display device and display method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display device which displays different images on the same screen at the same time and enables plural persons to see them individually. SOLUTION: Two different images are displayed in time sharing on a display 11. Namely, fields constituting the different images alternately such as fields A0 , B0 , A1 , and B1 are displayed. Those images are recognized by using pairs 13 and 14 of spectacles with liquid crystal shutters while fields Ai and Bi are separated. Consequently, the persons wearing the pairs 13 and 14 of spectacles can see the different images individually.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention disclosed in this specification relates to a display device for displaying various information. In particular, the present invention relates to a display device capable of recognizing different images by a plurality of observers. For example, the present invention relates to a display device that allows a plurality of viewers to independently view a plurality of images displayed on the same screen. Further, the present invention relates to a device for selectively recognizing only specific information among a plurality of images displayed simultaneously. Further, the present invention relates to a device that can selectively see only specific information. Moreover, such is related to a display system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for displaying different images on the same screen has been known. For example, a method is known in which one screen is divided and a plurality of television programs are displayed at the same time, and a method in which a plurality of images are overlapped and displayed on one screen.

In the former method, since individual images are displayed independently, it is relatively easy to watch a large number of programs and images at the same time. However, the latter method has a problem that it becomes very difficult to see because a plurality of images overlap each other.

In both methods, a plurality of images are displayed at the same time, so that the viewer must select the object to be viewed.

This poses a problem when a plurality of people simultaneously see a plurality of different screens. For example, in the case of displaying an image that is visible to the observer A but not to the observer B, the above method cannot be used.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention disclosed in this specification to provide a structure in which a plurality of observers can independently see different images displayed on the same screen. That is, the present invention relates to a configuration in which images displayed on the same screen can be selected and viewed separately.

[0007]

One of the inventions disclosed in this specification is, as shown in a specific example in FIG. 1, a display device in which a plurality of observers can see different images. It is characterized by comprising means 11 for displaying a plurality of different images on the same screen, and means 13 and 14 for selecting the plurality of images for each observer.

With the above structure, the time-divided two images displayed on the display device 11 are provided with the eyeglasses 13 having the optical shutter.
By viewing with 14 and 14, only predetermined images can be selectively viewed.

FIG. 1 shows an example in which two images are viewed individually, but more images can be viewed individually by increasing the number of time divisions. With the configuration shown in FIG. 1, a desired image can be viewed by changing the timing of the shutters of the glasses shown by 13 or 14. Further, if a plurality of people use the shutters having the same timing, the same image can be viewed by a plurality of people at the same time.

As shown in a concrete example in FIG. 1, another configuration of the invention is a display device in which a plurality of observers can see different images, and a plurality of different images are displayed on the same screen. Means 11 for temporally dividing and displaying the image of
And means 13 and / or 14 with an optical shutter
In the means 13 and / or 14 including the optical shutter, the optical shutter is opened / closed in accordance with the division timing to selectively transmit one of the temporally divided images. Is characterized by.

In the above structure, by appropriately selecting the glasses (for example, indicated by 13) that are means provided with the optical shutter, it is possible to selectively recognize only the necessary image. For example, when multiple people are looking at the same screen, only a specific person sees a specific image,
It is possible to realize a state in which only a specific person cannot see a specific image.

As shown in a concrete example in FIG. 3, the structure of another invention is a display device in which a plurality of observers can see different images, and a plurality of different images are displayed on the same screen. Means for temporally dividing and displaying the image (CRT in the figure), and means for giving different polarization states to at least one of the divided images (in the figure, a polarizing plate, a π cell and a quarter wave plate). And a means constituted by a π cell).

The above structure displays a plurality of (may be two or more) images in a time-division manner, gives a specific polarization state to one of the images, and selectively selects the polarization state. It is a device that selectively recognizes one of the previous images by using a filter that transmits light.

For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 3, a CRT
The two time-divided images from are polarized left-handed or right-handed by the polarizing plate and the quarter-wave plate. Therefore, a specific polarization state is given to a specific time-divided image using the π cell, and the polarization state is set to a right-handed circular polarization state. Here, two images can be selectively viewed by using right-handed circularly polarized glasses and left-handed circularly polarized glasses.

Another configuration of the invention is a display device which allows a plurality of observers to see different images, as shown in the specific configuration in FIG.
5 has means 501 and 502 for displaying two images having different polarization states, and means 506 and 507 for selectively transmitting the images having different polarization states to the plurality of observers, respectively. It is characterized by doing.

The configuration shown in FIG. 5 has a polarizing plate 503 having two different polarization directions for the two images projected by the projection devices (for example, liquid crystal projectors) 501 and 502.
And 504 to project on a screen 505. Then, it is viewed with glasses 506 having a polarizing plate having the same polarization direction as the polarizing plate 503 and glasses 507 having a polarizing plate having the same polarization direction as the polarizing plate 504. Then, the display projected from 501 can be selectively seen through the glasses 506. Further, the display projected from 502 can be selectively viewed through the glasses 507.

As described above, the person wearing the glasses 506 and the person wearing the glasses 507 can see different images independently.

Another embodiment of the invention is a device for displaying different images depending on the viewpoint by using a lenticular lens or a parallax barrier, as shown in FIGS. It is characterized in that a non-display area in which no display is performed or an area in which a predetermined background color is displayed is arranged between the data and the display data.

In the above structure, the display data is defined as the display of the smallest unit that constitutes a pixel or an image.

In the configuration of another invention, as shown in the operation timing of FIG. 2, a screen on which a plurality of time-divided images are displayed is intermittently viewed at a timing matched with the time-division timing. , Selectively recognizing one of the plurality of images.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2, in the state where the image of A composed of A _0, A ₁ ... And the image of B composed of B _0, B ₁ ... , The optical shutter causes one of the viewers to recognize the image A composed of A _0, A _1, ..., And the other viewer B _0, B _{1 ,.}
The image of B composed of is recognized.

As a means for intermittently viewing, it is preferable to use an optical shutter having a response speed as fast as possible. Further, in order to perform recognition as a continuous image, it is necessary to consider the time during which an afterimage remains when setting the timing for intermittently viewing. It is also preferable to provide a time during which no image is visible in order to reduce crosstalk between different images. That is, it is preferable to provide a time during which all of the plurality of optical shutters are closed.

As shown in a concrete example in FIG. 5, the configuration of another invention is such that a screen 505 displaying a plurality of images having different polarization states is provided with a plurality of polarization filters 507 and 506 having different polarization states. It is characterized in that the plurality of images are individually recognized by viewing through the above.

In the structure shown in FIG. 5, a spectacle type filter is used as the polarization filter. However, as another configuration, a configuration in which a polarizing filter is arranged in front of the eyes like a screen as shown by 1203 and 1204 in FIG. 12 may be adopted.

As shown in a concrete example in FIG. 5, the configuration of another invention selectively displays a predetermined polarization state on a screen 505 on which a plurality of images including an image having a predetermined polarization state are displayed. It is characterized in that only the image having the predetermined polarization state is selectively recognized by looking through the filter 506 or 507 which transmits light to the screen.

[0026]

The different images are selected by a plurality of observers by time-divisionally displaying different images on the same screen and timely selecting the different images using the optical shutter. be able to. And
Different images can be viewed simultaneously by multiple observers. In addition, by displaying a plurality of images by dividing them by changing the polarization state with time, and observing through a filter that transmits a specific polarization state, each image can be selectively viewed.

Further, by displaying two images having different deflection states on the same screen and viewing the images using optical means for selectively transmitting the different deflection states, different images can be obtained by the observer. You can see.
That is, the images displayed on the same screen can be simultaneously and independently viewed by a plurality of observers.

Further, by displaying a plurality of images separately by using the lenticular screen, different images can be viewed independently by a plurality of observers.

By displaying a plurality of images separately by using the parallax barrier, different images can be independently viewed by a plurality of observers.

In this way, a plurality of images are simultaneously displayed on the same screen, and those images are temporally divided. A method using the polarization state is used. A method using a lenticular screen or a parallax barrier is used. Can be separated and viewed independently.

By utilizing this fact, it becomes possible for a plurality of observers to display different images on the same screen.

The above-described structure can also be used to provide information only to a specific person among a plurality of observations. Such a configuration can be used for various information display means, play devices, devices for teaching and learning, and the like.
That is, the fact that different images can be viewed by different viewers can be utilized for the purpose of selectively providing various information and images to a plurality of observers.

[0033]

【Example】

[Embodiment 1] In this embodiment, a plurality of images are temporally divided and displayed on the same screen, and one of the images is selected by using an optical shutter to be viewed by a plurality of observers. The present invention relates to a structure in which different images can be viewed independently.

FIG. 1 shows the outline of the configuration of this embodiment. FIG.
With the configuration shown in FIG. 3, by viewing the images displayed on the screen of the display 11 in a time-division manner using the glasses 13 and 14 equipped with liquid crystal shutters, the viewers using the glasses can view different images. Regarding configuration.

FIG. 2 shows an operation timing chart used when operating the configuration shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, an image A and an image B are alternately displayed on the screen 11, which is a display screen, every other frame.

In order to maintain the image quality above a certain level, it is preferable that the time for one frame is set to 1/60 (s) or less.

Looking directly at this screen, the image of A and B
I can see it because it overlaps with the image. Therefore, in the configuration shown in FIG.
By using the glasses 13 and 14 provided with the liquid crystal shutters that are selected to be non-transmissive, the image of A and the image of B can be seen separately by an observer wearing the glasses. The liquid crystal shutter of each pair of glasses is timely controlled by the control device 12 in accordance with the display condition of the screen. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the opening / closing time of the shutter is preferably shorter than the display time of one frame.

As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal shutter of the A glasses 13 is opened when A ₀ is displayed, and A
A person wearing glasses can see A ₀ . Also at this time B
Since the liquid crystal shutters of the eyeglasses 14 are closed, the person wearing the B eyeglasses cannot see the display of A ₀ .

On the contrary, when B ₀ of the next frame is displayed, the liquid crystal shutter of the B glasses 14 is opened, and
A person wearing glasses can see B ₀ . Also at this time A
Since the liquid crystal shutter of the eyeglasses 13 is closed, the person wearing the A eyeglasses cannot see the display of B ₀ .

In this way, A and B are alternately displayed, and the liquid crystal shutters of A glasses and B glasses are alternately switched between open and closed. By doing so, the image shown by A _0, A _1, A _2, A ₃ ... Can be selectively seen by the person wearing the A glasses 13, and B _0, B by the person wearing the B glasses 14. _1, B _2, B ₃
The image shown by ... Can be viewed selectively.

Thus, while looking at the same screen 11, different images can be seen by the person wearing the glasses A13 and the person wearing the glasses B14.

[Embodiment 2] In this embodiment, a right-handed circularly polarized image and a left-handed circularly polarized image whose polarization state is switched by time division are switched and displayed, and the image is transmitted through the right-handed circularly polarized light. By viewing with (right-handed circularly polarized glasses) and glasses that transmit left-handed circularly polarized light (left-handed circularly polarized glasses), the right-handed circularly polarized glasses selectively recognize the right-handed circularly polarized image, The circularly polarized glasses are characterized by selectively recognizing a left-handed circularly polarized image.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a concrete structure of the structure shown in this embodiment. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the image formed by the CRT is displayed in a time division manner as shown in FIG. FIG.
At the timing shown in (1), the display of one frame displayed in 1/60 seconds is alternately performed. It is preferable that the length of one frame is 1/60 seconds or less in order to maintain high image quality.

The π cell is operated in synchronization with the display timing on the CRT. The π cell is driven by an element driver and directly transmits incident linearly polarized light with the driver output turned on. Also, the driver output is O
The polarization state of the transmitted light is rotated by 90 ° in the FF state. The action of rotating the polarization state by 90 ° can be obtained by utilizing the optical rotatory power of the liquid crystal.

The transmitted light passing through the π cell has the π cell turned on.
Alternatively, they have linear polarization states different from each other by 90 ° depending on the OFF state. Then, the light transmitted through the π cell can be divided into light having a right-handed circular polarization state and light having a left-handed circular polarization state by transmitting the light through the quarter-wave plate.

In this embodiment, the clockwise circularly polarized transmitted light is generated when the π cell is OFF, and the counterclockwise circularly polarized transmitted light is generated when the π cell is ON. That is, the light transmitted through the quarter-wave plate is ON / OF of the π cell.
According to F, the light becomes a right-handed circularly polarized light and a left-handed circularly polarized light.

The right-handed circularly polarized light and the left-handed circularly polarized light are alternately displayed every 1/60 seconds by time division display. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, right-handed circularly polarized light and left-handed circularly polarized light are projected alternately on the quarter-wave plate.

When the projected image is viewed with right-handed circularly polarized glasses and left-handed circularly polarized glasses, right-handed circularly polarized light can be selectively viewed with the right-handed circularly polarized glasses. The left-handed circularly polarized glasses can be selectively viewed with the left-handed circularly polarized glasses.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4, a person wearing right-handed circularly polarized glasses can see only the frames A _0, A _1, A ₂ ..., And the image of A appears selectively. It becomes a state. For those who wear left-handed circularly polarized glasses, B _0, B _1, B ₂ ·
Only the frames of ... Can be seen, and the image of B can be selectively seen.

In the structure shown in this embodiment, it is not necessary to use the eyeglasses having the special elements as in the structure shown in FIG. 1, so that the burden on the viewer of the image can be reduced.
In addition, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in viewing the image.

[Embodiment 3] In this embodiment, two images having different deflection states are combined and projected, and the projected image is viewed by using glasses that selectively transmit respective deflected light. One of the images is selectively viewed by the person wearing the glasses.

FIG. 5 shows an outline of the structure shown in this embodiment.
FIG. 5 shows two liquid crystal projectors 501 and 50.
Two different images are projected on the screen 505, which is a screen, in a superposed manner, and the projected image is polarized glasses 506.
And 507 is the structure to see.

The image projected from the liquid crystal projector 501 is projected on the screen 505 via the polarizing plate 503. The polarizing plate 503 has a function of transmitting linearly polarized light having a vertical polarization direction. Therefore, the image projected from the projector 501 on the screen 505 has a linearly polarized light in the vertical direction.

On the other hand, the image projected from the liquid crystal projector 502 is transmitted through the polarizing plate 504 to the screen 505.
Projected to The polarizing plate 504 has a function of transmitting linearly polarized light having a polarization direction in the horizontal direction. Therefore,
The image projected from the projector 502 on the screen 505 has horizontal linearly polarized light.

The polarizing glasses 506 have a function of transmitting linearly polarized light in the vertical direction. In addition, polarizing glasses 507
Has the function of transmitting linearly polarized light in the horizontal direction.

Therefore, by viewing the screen through the glasses 506, the image projected from the projector 501 onto the screen 505 can be selectively viewed. That is, the image from the projector 501 can be viewed without looking at the image from the projector 502.

By viewing the screen through the glasses 507, the image projected on the screen 505 from the projector 502 can be selectively viewed.
That is, the image from the projector 502 can be seen without looking at the image from the projector 501.

That is, since the glasses 506 have a function of transmitting vertical linearly polarized light but not horizontal linearly polarized light, the image projected from 501 can be seen but the image projected from 502. You cannot see the image.

On the other hand, the glasses 507 have a function of transmitting horizontal linearly polarized light but not vertical linearly polarized light, so that the image projected from 502 can be seen, but projected from 501. You cannot see the image.

In this manner, the person wearing the glasses 506 and the person wearing the glasses 507 can see different images.

FIG. 6 shows a timing chart for operating the configuration shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, one frame of the image projected from the projector 501 is A
It is shown by _i (i is a natural number including 0). Also, one frame of the image projected from the projector 502 is A
It is indicated by _j (j is a natural number including 0).

In order to maintain general image quality, it is preferable that the length of one frame is 1/30 (s) or less.

The frames of the two images are simultaneously superimposed and projected. Then, the two images projected from the two projectors can be observed separately by the A-spectacle observer and the B-spectacle observer.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of the configuration shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the configuration shown in the present embodiment can use normal TV images or video images instead of special images.

[Embodiment 4] This embodiment relates to a configuration in which a plurality of observers simultaneously view different images by using a lenticular lens (lenticular screen). FIG. 8 shows a principle diagram of this embodiment. With a lenticular lens, different images can be viewed by changing the viewpoint.

For example, from the viewpoint of a ', the screen a
The image formed at the point can be recognized, but other images cannot be recognized. (Of course, there is crosstalk, so it's not completely invisible)

In the configuration shown in the figure, for example, the display data of A is given to a and b, the display data of B is given to c and d, and e and f are given.
By giving the display data of C to G and the display data of D to g and h, four different images can be viewed at different viewpoint positions. The a and b here are
Refers to a specific area or pixel.

Also, the display data of A is given to a, b, c, d,
By giving B display data to d, e, f, and g, two different images can be viewed from different viewpoints.

The method using the lenticular lens of this embodiment is to recognize different images depending on the position of the viewpoint. Therefore, there is a problem that another image can be seen by moving the position of the viewpoint. There is also a problem that it is difficult to completely separate the images displayed at points a and b, for example.

To alleviate this problem, the same image data is given to nearby image points (points where one point is noted) so that different images are not observed even if there is a slight shift in the viewpoint. Also, the same image may be viewed in a wide range. However, if the same image data is given to many pixels, the resolution of the image will be lowered, so caution is required.

Specifically, in the state shown in FIG. 8, the display data of the image A is given to a to c, and the display data of the image B is given to e to g. In this way, the display data of the image A can be selectively viewed on the right side of the screen. That is, the display data of the image A can be selectively viewed without looking at the display data of the image B.

On the other hand, the display data of the image B can be selectively seen on the left side of the screen. That is, the display data of the image B can be selectively viewed without looking at the display data of the image A.

The above appearance can be maintained even if the viewpoint is shifted left and right. That is, the selective appearance can be maintained.

[Embodiment 5] In the method shown in Embodiment 4, different images can be seen by looking at the screen from different viewpoints, and by utilizing this, a plurality of people can simultaneously see different images. Is something that can be done.

Here, consider the case where the display data of the image A is given to a to c and the display data of the image B is given to e to g. In this case, different images must be seen at the viewpoints d ′ and e ′. However, in reality, the viewpoints d'and e '
With, the images will overlap or become unclear.

Specifically, the image A and the image B can be seen at the same time, and the image A and the image B can be seen or not seen at the same time or one by one by a slight movement of the viewpoint. That is, crosstalk between the image A and the image B occurs.

In order to suppress such a phenomenon, this embodiment adopts the following structure. That is, in the state shown in FIG. 8, black or white or an appropriate background color is given as image data to the point d between the image points c and e, and an area where the image is not displayed (non-display area) is provided. . By doing so, crosstalk between the image A and the image B can be reduced.

FIG. 9 shows a specific example of a method of suppressing crosstalk between different images by providing a region where this image is not displayed (non-display region). FIG. 9 shows an example in which the above configuration is realized by using an LCD (Liquid Crystal Electro-Optical Device).

If the display is black and white, the non-display area is white or black. Also, if the display is in color, a suitable background color can be selected in addition to white or black.

In the figure, hatched areas are non-display areas, which are areas in which black or white or an appropriate background color is displayed.

(A) is shown for comparison, and has a configuration in which crosstalk occurs between image A and image B. The area indicated by A, B, or the like may be one pixel or may be an area including a plurality of pixels.

(B) is a structure for suppressing crosstalk between pixel data of A and B by intentionally forming a non-display area indicated by diagonal lines in a predetermined area of the LCD. is there.

(C) is a further development of the configuration shown in (B), which is a configuration for suppressing crosstalk between pixel data indicated by A to C. Also in this case, by forming a non-display area between each pixel data, crosstalk between each data can be reduced.

Since the methods shown in (B) and (C) use an LCD (liquid crystal display device), the non-display area can be arbitrarily formed. That is, since the non-display area can be formed in an arbitrary area in an arbitrary range, for example, the case where the image data A and B and the case where the image data A to C are displayed are selected at appropriate times. be able to.

Further, the degree of crosstalk can be changed. For example, by changing the area of the non-display area, it is possible to control the degree to which the image data A and the image data B are displayed in a neat manner (which looks like that depending on the viewpoint).

By appropriately setting the non-display area, the image A, the image in which the images A and B overlap, and the image B can be viewed independently from each other depending on the viewpoint. That is, although there are only two pieces of image data, the number of images that can be viewed independently can be three. Then, the visible position and range of those images are L
It can be set (adjusted) by using a CD.

In the structures shown in (B) and (C) above, a physical optical shielding means such as BM (black matrix) may be used to form the non-display area.
However, in this case, there is an inconvenience that the position where the non-display area is formed is fixed and cannot be moved.

FIG. 9D shows an example in which an optical shutter for selecting a non-display area is constituted by a shutter LCD in addition to the image forming LCD. With such a configuration, the non-display area can be formed only by the shutter LCD, and the shutter LCD can be formed.
Since the non-display area can be formed by combining the display LCD and the image LCD, the degree of freedom of operation can be increased.

As the display method shown in this embodiment, the method of directly forming an image using the LCD as described above can be mentioned first. As another display unit, a projection type liquid crystal display device can be cited. Alternatively, a method of using a plurality of projection type display devices and superimposing images from them may be used.

By performing the operations shown in FIGS. 9B to 9D, it is possible to reduce the crosstalk between different images displayed simultaneously.

On the contrary, by controlling the crosstalk between different images, it is possible to intentionally display the overlapping two images by controlling their positions.

[Embodiment 6] This embodiment relates to an example in which a parallax barrier is used to make a plurality of different images visible on the display surface when viewed from different viewpoints.

This system is provided with slit-shaped aperture grills (parallax barriers) formed at predetermined intervals as shown in FIG. 10, and the display surface is seen through the slits, so that it varies depending on the position of the viewpoint. Concerning the configuration in which the image can be seen.

For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 10, the display data of the image A is given to a and b, and the display data of the image B is given to d and e. By doing so, the image of A can be selectively seen from the viewpoint of a'b ', and the image of B can be selectively seen from the viewpoint of d'e'.

Even when the structure of this embodiment is adopted, crosstalk between different images may occur depending on the position of the viewpoint. Therefore, it is effective to take the measures shown in the fifth embodiment.

It is also useful to use an optical shutter using liquid crystal as the parallax barrier. In this case, the width, position, and interval of the slits can be set as appropriate, so that it becomes easy to adjust the number of images to be displayed and the position of the viewpoint. In particular, being able to control the position of the viewpoint is useful for its application.

[Embodiment 7] This embodiment relates to a gaming machine using the configuration shown in Embodiment 4 (the configuration shown in FIG. 8). The gaming device shown in FIG. 8 can view different images depending on the position (viewpoint) at which the screen (image display surface) is viewed.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, an example in which the invention disclosed in the present specification is used for a fighting type fighting game played by two people is shown. FIG. 11 shows the positional relationship between the display surface and two players.

The two players 1101 and 1102 simultaneously view the screen 1103 on which the image projected by the liquid crystal projector 1104 is displayed from different angles. The screen 1103 is a lenticular lens (lenticular screen) as shown in Example 4 (see FIG. 8).

The players 1101 and 1102 can view different images. It is preferable that the screen 1103 has a large area as much as possible in order to enhance the playing effect. Also the player 110
It is important to determine the display method and the positional relationship between the two players so that cross-talk does not occur between the image viewed from one viewpoint and the image viewed from the player 1102.

FIG. 12 shows a structure capable of obtaining the same effect as that of the structure shown in FIG. 11 based on a principle different from that of the structure shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, two images having different polarization states are projected on a screen 1205 in an overlapping manner, and the images are separated by using filters 1203 and 1204 which transmit the respective polarization states, so that a player Different images are viewed at 1201 and 1202.

Details of the configuration shown in FIG. 12 will be described below. In the configuration shown in FIG. 12, the liquid crystal projector 1208 forms an image for the player 1201 to see, and the liquid crystal projector 1209 forms an image for the player 1202 to see. Then, these images are transmitted to a polarizing plate 1206 that transmits light that is linearly polarized in the vertical direction and a polarizing plate 1207 that transmits light that is linearly polarized in the horizontal direction, and are superimposed and projected on a screen 1205. It should be noted that the screen 1205 may be one that is used in an ordinary projection type display device.

The player 1201 views the image projected on the screen 1205, which is superposed on the screen 1205, through a polarizing plate 1203 which transmits linearly polarized light in the vertical direction. On the other hand, player 1
Reference numeral 202 denotes a polarizing plate 120 that transmits light obtained by linearly polarizing horizontally projected images projected on the screen 1205.
See through 4.

As a result, the player 1201 selectively sees only the image projected from the liquid crystal projector 1208. On the other hand, the player 1202 selectively sees only the image projected from the liquid crystal projector 1209. In this way, the two players can see different images while looking at the same screen.

FIG. 13 shows an example of an image seen by each player when the game apparatus shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is used. FIG. 13 shows the contents of a game using martial arts as a theme. As shown in FIG. 13, each player can see the character operated by the player and the character operated by the opponent competing against each other.

It can be said that such a configuration is a remarkable feature that is made possible because each of the players in the competition can simultaneously view different images.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 11 or 12, the number of screens to be displayed can be one, so that the configuration can be simplified. Further, the screen size can be increased as compared with the case where different screens are arranged.

In this embodiment, an example in which two people play a battle-type game is shown. However, this configuration can be used for teaching or learning. It can also be used to watch different programs on one screen. Further, it can be used when different displays are displayed on the same screen in public facilities and the like.

[Embodiment 8] This embodiment shows an apparatus for forming an image that can be used in the inventions and embodiments disclosed in this specification. A CRT is used as an apparatus for forming an image.
A liquid crystal display (LCD) is generally used. Especially LCD
It is expected that it will be used more and more as a display device in the future because it is small, lightweight and thin.

As an LCD, an active matrix type liquid crystal display device integrated with a peripheral drive circuit, in which an active matrix region and a peripheral drive circuit region are integrated on the same glass substrate or quartz substrate, has been reduced in size, weight and thin film. It is useful in terms of low manufacturing cost.

Now, let us consider a case where the above configuration is applied to a projection type liquid crystal display device capable of color display. In a projection type liquid crystal display device capable of color display, an active matrix region is prepared corresponding to each of RGB in order to obtain a bright screen. In this case, it is necessary to integrate the RGB active matrix region and the peripheral drive circuit for driving the active matrix region on the same glass substrate or quartz substrate.

Generally, for the active matrix area, a drive circuit generally requires a horizontal scanning drive circuit and a vertical scanning drive circuit. Therefore, when the integrated structure as described above is adopted, the drive circuit must be formed in six regions.

Since the peripheral drive circuit has a high degree of integration, manufacturing a large number of peripheral drive circuits on the same substrate leads to a reduction in yield.

Therefore, in the active matrix type liquid crystal panel shown in this embodiment, the horizontal scanning control circuit and / or the vertical scanning control circuit are arranged in a plurality of active matrix regions in a structure in which a plurality of active matrix regions are arranged on the same substrate. It is characterized in that it is arranged in common with respect to.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic structure of an integrated active matrix type liquid crystal panel of this embodiment. FIG.
In the configuration shown in 4, M and N are natural numbers of 2 or more,
An active matrix region for forming M × N images and M + N peripheral circuit regions are arranged on a substrate, and each of the M peripheral circuits is
The horizontal scanning control of the N active matrix regions is simultaneously performed, and each of the N peripheral circuits simultaneously performs the vertical scanning control of the M active matrix regions.

In FIG. 14, M = 2, N in the above configuration.
= 3 is shown. In FIG. 14, (M = 2) ×
(N = 3) active matrix regions 10 arranged
3, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108 are shown.

As peripheral circuit regions for driving these active matrix circuits, 2 + 3 peripheral circuits 101, 102, 109, 110 and 111 are arranged. Among these peripheral circuits, 101 and 102 are horizontal scanning control circuits. Reference numerals 109, 110, and 111 are vertical scanning control circuits.

In the structure shown in FIG. 14, the horizontal scanning control circuits 101 and 102 are active matrix circuits 103, 104 and 105, and further 106 and 107.
And 108 are configured to perform horizontal scanning control at the same time.

That is, the peripheral circuit 101 is configured to simultaneously perform horizontal scanning control of the active matrix regions 103, 104 and 105. Further, the peripheral circuit 102 is configured to simultaneously perform horizontal scanning control of the active matrix regions 106, 107 and 108.

Further, the peripheral circuits 109, 110 and 111 are configured to simultaneously perform vertical scanning control of the active matrix regions 103 and 106, 104 and 107, and 105 and 108, respectively.

That is, the peripheral circuit 109 is configured to simultaneously perform vertical scanning control of the active matrix regions 103 and 106. Further, the peripheral circuit 110 is configured to simultaneously perform vertical scanning control of the active matrix regions 104 and 107. Further, the peripheral circuit 111 is configured to simultaneously perform vertical scanning control of the active matrix regions 105 and 108.

The structure shown in FIG. 14 has a structure of N = 3 in order to obtain an RGB color image. But M =
N = 2 (that is, 2 × 2) may be set. Also, M = 2, N =
It may be 1. Alternatively, M = 1 and N = 2 may be set. In this case, RGB in each active matrix area
The color filter may be used to obtain a color image, or a monochrome image may be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 14, generally, M × N active matrix areas are arranged in a matrix.

Pixels are arranged in a matrix in the active matrix region, at least one thin film transistor is arranged in the pixel, and a signal applied to the source of the thin film transistor is supplied to each of M peripheral circuits. The signal applied to the gate of the thin film transistor is controlled by the vertical scanning control performed by each of the N peripheral circuits.

As the pixel in the above structure, for example, the region shown by the address (0,0), (1,0), ... (M, 0) shown in FIG. 14 can be mentioned. In the structure shown in FIG. 14, one thin film transistor is arranged in each pixel.

Note that the number of thin film transistors arranged in each pixel is not limited to one. As the arrangement method, a plurality of pieces may be connected in series or may be arranged in combination with a MOS capacitor. Further, not only the combinations of the same channel type but also the combinations of different channel types may be combined.

Since the structure shown in FIG. 14 needs to allow light to pass through the liquid crystal panel, it is necessary to use a material having a light-transmitting property as the substrate. Specifically, it is necessary to use a glass substrate or a quartz substrate.

An operation example of the configuration shown in FIG. 14 will be briefly described. In the configuration shown in FIG. 14, 109 is generated by the operation clock of the vertical scanning control circuit indicated by CLKV.
The operation of the vertical scanning control circuit denoted by 110 is basically controlled. The operation of the horizontal scanning control circuit indicated by 101 and 102 is basically controlled by the operation clock of the horizontal scanning control circuit indicated by CLKH.

In the following, a method of displaying an image in the active matrix area 103 will be described for the sake of simplicity. The operation of the other active matrix regions is also the same as that of the active matrix region 103.

First, the rising pulse of CLKV (the operation clock of the vertical scanning control circuit) is the vertical scanning control circuit 10.
By inputting it to the flip-flop circuit 202 of No. 9, VSTA (vertical scanning timing enable signal) is punched out. At this time, the output of the flip-flop circuit 202 becomes H (high in logic level) level. The output level of the other flip-flop circuit of the vertical scanning control circuit 109 remains L.

As a result, the gate signal line 211 shown in the Y ₀ row becomes H level. And (0,0), (1,0), ...
・ All thin film transistors at address (m, 0) are turned on.

In this state, the horizontal scanning control circuit 10
In the flip-flop circuit 201 of No. 1, HSTA (horizontal scanning timing enable signal) is punched out by CLKH (horizontal scanning control circuit operation clock), and X ₀
The signal level at the point becomes H. At this time, points after X ₁ are L (Low at the logic level).

As a result, the image sampling signal line 208
The H signal is input to the sampling and holding circuit 204 via the, and the R image data signal is captured by the sampling and holding circuit 204.

Then, the image data flows through the image signal line 209. That is, the image data signal is applied to the source of the thin film transistor at the address indicated by (0,0), (0,1), (0,2) ... (0, n).

In this state, (0,0), (1,0), ...
・ All the thin film transistors at the address (m, 0) are in the ON state, and the image data signal is sent to the source of the thin film transistor at the address (0,0), (0,1), (0,2) ・ ・ ・ (0, n). Is being applied. Therefore, the image data is written in the pixel at the address (0,0).

Thereafter, the output of the flip-flop circuit 201 becomes L level at the next rising edge of the pulse of CLKH. That is, the point of X ₀ becomes the L level. On the other hand, in the flip-flop circuit 206, the C
By inputting the rising edge of the LKH pulse,
The output changes to H level. That is, the point of X ₁ becomes H level.

As a result, information is written at the address (1,0). In this way, the output of the flip-flop circuit X _m is sequentially set to H in accordance with the operation clock of CLKH.
Shift to levels. Then, the image information is sequentially written at the address (m, 0).

After the writing of information in the Y ₀ line is completed, C
At the rising edge of the LKV signal, the output level of the flip-flop circuit 202 becomes L and the output level of the flip-flop circuit 203 becomes H. As a result, the signal level of the Y ₁ row becomes H.

In line Y ₁ , (0,1), (1,1), (2,
1) ... Image data information is written in sequence to addresses (m, 1). In this way, one frame ends when the writing of information up to the address (n, m) is completed.

The above operation is performed at the same timing in the active matrix regions other than 103.

When the integrated liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. 14 is used, two color images of RGB can be obtained at the same time. Of course, the color images can have different contents.

Here, a structure in which six active matrix regions are integrated has been shown. However, it is possible to further increase the number of integrated active matrix regions. For example, RGB, R'G'B ', R ^,, G ^,, B
^,, and 9 active matrix regions can be integrated.

In this case, in the structure shown in FIG. 14, it is only necessary to add one more horizontal scanning control circuit. In this case, three sets of color images can be obtained.

As described above, in the integrated active matrix type liquid crystal panel whose basic structure is shown in FIG. 14, it is not necessary to increase the number of peripheral drive circuits even if the number of integrated active matrix regions is increased. It has the feature.

Specifically, if the number of active matrix regions to be integrated is M × N, the number of peripheral driving circuits required is M + N. This becomes very useful when the integration is further increased.

[Embodiment 9] This embodiment shows a projection type liquid crystal display device using a liquid crystal panel in which the six active matrix regions shown in FIG. 14 are integrated. FIG. 15 shows an outline of the projection type liquid crystal display device shown in this embodiment.

The display device shown in FIG. 15 can be used for the configuration of another embodiment disclosed in this specification.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 15, the first light source 6
The light from No. 02 is reflected by the mirror 604, and is further split into light in the wavelength region corresponding to GBR by the dichroic mirrors 608, 609, and 610. Then, each of these lights enters the integrated liquid crystal panel 611 shown in FIG.

With respect to the light optically modulated in each pixel area corresponding to RGB of the liquid crystal panel 611, the G image is reflected by the mirror 612, the B image is reflected by the half mirror (semi-transmissive mirror) 613, and the half mirror is reflected. The R image is reflected by the (semi-transmissive mirror) 614.

The color image synthesized in this way is reflected by the optical system 6
It is reflected by a mirror 617 via 15 and projected onto a screen (projection surface) 618. In the optical system 615, a lens required for magnified projection is arranged. Also the optical system 6
An optical shutter 15 for selectively transmitting / not transmitting light and a means for imparting a predetermined polarization state are arranged at 15.

On the other hand, the light from the light source 601 is reflected by the mirror 603.
Is reflected by the dichroic mirrors 605 and 60.
6 and 607, the light is split into lights corresponding to G'B'R '. And these lights are
Optically modulated into an image corresponding to G'B'R '.

Optically modulated light corresponding to R'G'B '(total 6 rays) is combined by a mirror group (not shown),
Further, it is projected through the optical system 615 and the mirror 616. The projected image is reflected by the mirror 617 and projected on the screen 618.

The integrated liquid crystal panel 611 (see FIG. 14) used in the configuration shown in FIG. 15 can form two different color images. Therefore, this can be used to project two different color images on the screen 618 at the same time. By setting the display timing, two different color images can be displayed in a time division manner.

The display device shown in FIG. 15 can be used for the image forming means in the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and FIGS. 5, 8 and 10, and 11 and 12. The image obtained in particular can be a color image.

For example, when the integrated liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. 14 is used to perform the time-division display as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the active matrix regions 103 to 1 shown in FIG.
At 05, for example, frames indicated by A _0, A _1, A ₂ ... In FIG. 2 are formed. Further, the active matrix regions 106 to 108 shown in FIG. 14 form, for example _, frames indicated by B _0, B _1, B ₂ ...

By doing so, the operating frequency of each horizontal scanning control circuit can be lowered, which is a useful structure for improving the reliability of the circuit. When the time division display as described above is performed with the configuration shown in FIG. 14, it is necessary to make the types of CLKH and HSTA signals and their input methods different from those shown in FIG. That is, it is necessary to devise such that the formation of one frame by the horizontal scanning control circuit 101 and the formation of one frame by the horizontal scanning control circuit 102 are performed alternately.

Further, when the display device shown in FIG. 15 is used in a structure for projecting two images as shown in FIG. 5, one image (color image) is displayed in the active matrix areas 103 to 105. Then, the other image (color image) may be formed in the active matrix regions 106 to 108. Then, those images may be combined on the screen 618.

When the display device shown in FIG. 15 is used in the configuration using the lenticular screen shown in FIG. 8 and the parallax barrier shown in FIG. 10, the number of necessary images is as shown by 103 to 105. The active matrix regions for forming RGB images may be integrated as shown in FIG. 14, and each image may be formed by a set of active matrix regions.

Such a configuration has the significance that the load on the horizontal scanning control circuit does not increase even if the number of images to be formed increases.

[0160]

By utilizing the difference in display timing, the difference in polarization state, and the difference in viewpoint position, a plurality of images displayed on the same screen can be independently viewed. With such a configuration, a means for simultaneously providing a plurality of information items using the same screen, a means for selectively providing information to a specific person or direction, a game device, and a plurality of image information items independently by a plurality of persons. It can be used as a means of viewing, and so on.

That is, in the method that conventionally requires a plurality of display screens for displaying images, it is possible to use only one display screen. As a result, the area of the display screen can be increased, and the overall configuration can be simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a display device that allows a plurality of people to view different images at the same time by using time division display.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation timing chart when operating the configuration shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of a display device in which a plurality of people can view different images at the same time by changing the polarization state by time division display.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation timing chart when operating the configuration shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of a display device that allows different people to view different images at the same time by utilizing the difference in polarization state.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation timing chart when the configuration shown in FIG. 5 is operated.

7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the configuration shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a principle diagram when a plurality of people simultaneously view different images by using a lenticular lens.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of images are displayed using a lenticular lens.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of displaying a plurality of images using a parallax barrier.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration for displaying a plurality of images using a lenticular lens or a parallax barrier.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration for displaying a plurality of images by using different polarization states.

13 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the screen of a game device using the device shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic configuration of an integrated active matrix type liquid crystal panel for forming an image.

15 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a projection type display device using the liquid crystal panel shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 Display 12 Control Device 13 and 14 Glasses with Optical Shutter 501 and 502 Liquid Crystal Projector 503 and 504 Polarizing Plate 505 Screen 506 and 507 Polarizing Glasses 1101 and 1102 Observer 1103 Lenticular Lens 1104 Liquid Crystal Projector 1201 and 1202 Observer 1203 and 1204 Polarizing Plate 1205 Screens 1206, 1207 Polarizing plates 1208, 1209 Liquid crystal projectors 101, 102 Horizontal scanning control circuits 103, 104, 105 Active matrix regions (pixel regions) 106, 107, 108 for optically modulating RGB images R'G'B Active matrix regions (pixel regions) 109, 110, 111 for vertically modulating the image of ', vertical scanning control circuits 201, 206 Flip of horizontal scanning control circuits Drop circuit 202, 203 Flip-flop circuit of vertical scanning control circuit 204, 205 Sampling hold circuit 207, 211 Gate signal line 208, 210 Image sampling signal line 209 Image signal line 601, 602 Light source 603, 604 Mirror 605, 606, 607 RGB Dichroic light for splitting light of 608, 609, 610 Dichroic light for splitting light of RGB 611 Liquid crystal panel 612 Mirrors 613, 614 Half mirrors 615, 616 Optical system 617 Mirror 618 Screen (projection surface)

Front page continuation (72) Inventor Satoshi Teramoto 398 Hase, Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture Semiconductor Energy Research Institute Co., Ltd.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A display device capable of allowing different images to be viewed by a plurality of observers, and means for displaying a plurality of different images on the same screen, and selecting the plurality of images for each observer. A display device comprising: 2. A display device capable of allowing a plurality of observers to see different images, comprising means for displaying a plurality of different images temporally divided on the same screen, and an optical shutter. And a means for providing the optical shutter, wherein the optical shutter is opened and closed in accordance with the division timing to selectively transmit one of the temporally divided images. Display device. 3. A display device capable of allowing different images to be viewed by a plurality of observers, and means for temporally dividing and displaying a plurality of different images on the same screen; And a means for giving different polarization states to at least one of the images. 4. A display device that allows a plurality of observers to see different images, and means for displaying two images having different polarization states on the same screen; and images having different polarization states. And a means for selectively transmitting each of them according to the plurality of observers, and a display device. 5. A device for displaying different images depending on viewpoints by using a lenticular lens or a parallax barrier, wherein an area where no display is made between display data forming the different images or a predetermined background. A display device, in which an area for displaying a color is arranged. 6. A method of selectively recognizing one of the plurality of images by intermittently viewing a screen on which a plurality of time-divided images are displayed at a timing matched with the timing of the time division. Characteristic display method. 7. A display method characterized in that the plurality of images are individually recognized by viewing a screen on which a plurality of images having different polarization states are displayed through a plurality of polarizing filters having different polarization states. . 8. An image having the predetermined polarization state by viewing a screen on which a plurality of images including an image having the predetermined polarization state are displayed through a filter that selectively transmits the predetermined polarization state. A display method characterized by selectively recognizing only one.