JPH09113926A - Display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a stereoscopic image with simple constitution. SOLUTION: Active matrix areas 104 and 111 are integrated and arranged on the same substrate. The direction of alignment layer treatment is made different by 90 deg. between two of the active matrix areas. In the case of synthesizing the images formed in the two active matrix areas, two images whose polarization directions are different by 90 deg. are synthesized. Then, either image is set for a right eye and the other image is set for a left eye, and further the synthesized image is viewed through spectacles provided with polarizing filters whose polarization directions are different by 90 deg. between the right eye and the left eye. Then, the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye are viewed independently, and the stereoscopic image is obtained.

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 capable of displaying a three-dimensional image and two different types of images on the same screen.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a method of obtaining a three-dimensional image by separately recognizing an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye by utilizing different polarization states. There is also known a technique for forming a right-eye image and a left-eye image by using two projection devices, and obtaining a three-dimensional image by viewing the right-eye image and the left-eye image independently. (Industrial book, Chihiro Masuda 3
Dimension display)

In realizing such a structure,
Its configuration is complicated, its production cost is high,
There is a problem that reliability is reduced.

Further, since the entire structure becomes complicated and large, it is difficult to easily apply it as various display means. For example, it has not been easy to apply the display means to a game machine, a display device in a public facility, or a medical use.
That is, since the device itself is complicated and large, its versatility is low.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention disclosed in this specification is to provide a display device which can display a three-dimensional image that is inexpensive, highly reliable, and versatile. Another object of the present invention is to provide a configuration capable of simultaneously displaying two different images on one screen based on the same principle as that of displaying a three-dimensional image.

[0006]

One of the inventions disclosed in the present specification is to project a first liquid crystal panel and a second liquid crystal panel, and images from the two liquid crystal panels by superimposing them on the same projection plane. The two liquid crystal panels have a first polarizing plate and a second polarizing plate from the light source side,
The polarization direction of the first polarizing plate of the first liquid crystal panel and the polarization direction of the second polarizing plate of the second liquid crystal panel are the same or substantially the same.

In the above structure, as shown in FIG. 2, the respective polarizing plates of two liquid crystal panels (in the case of FIG. 2, two liquid crystal panels are integrated by using the same substrate) are arranged in the directions of arrows in the figure. It is characterized by the relationship as shown.

In FIG. 2, arrows 204 and 205 indicate the first.
Corresponds to the polarization direction of the second polarization plate, and arrows 206 and 207 correspond to the polarization direction of the second polarization plate. The invention is characterized in that the first polarizing plate 204 of one liquid crystal panel and the second polarizing plate 207 of the other liquid crystal panel have the same or substantially the same polarization direction.

The simplest specific configuration among the above configurations is to facilitate two identical liquid crystal panels, one of them is rotated by 90 °, and the images from the two liquid crystal panels are optically arranged. This is a configuration for synthesizing on a suitable projection plane using a system.

In this case, for example, one image is used for the right eye and the other image is used for the left eye. Then, a stereoscopic image can be viewed by viewing with special glasses that allow the right eye and the left eye to see images that differ by 90 °.

Further, as a concrete example of the above configuration,
The configurations shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7 described later can be given.
The structure shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 has integrated active matrix regions capable of forming images on the same substrate.
In other words, it has a more remarkable feature in that it has a structure in which a plurality of liquid crystal panels are combined.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first liquid crystal panel and a second liquid crystal panel, and means for projecting images from the two liquid crystal panels in an overlapping manner on the same projection plane. The liquid crystal panel has a first polarizing plate and a second polarizing plate from the light source side, and a polarization direction of the second polarizing plate of the first liquid crystal panel and a second polarizing plate of the second liquid crystal panel. It is characterized in that the polarization direction of the plate differs by 90 ° or approximately 90 °.

A concrete example of the above configuration is shown in FIG. FIG.
In the liquid crystal panel in which the two active matrix regions are integrated, the polarization direction 206 of the second polarizing plate in the part corresponding to the first liquid crystal panel and the second polarization direction 206 in the part corresponding to the second liquid crystal panel. A configuration in which the polarization directions 207 of the polarizing plates are different from each other by 90 ° is shown.

According to another aspect of the invention, a plurality of active matrix regions integrated using the same substrate and a plurality of active matrix regions for horizontal scanning control of the plurality of active matrix regions formed on the same substrate are used. And a horizontal scanning control circuit which is performed in common with each other, and the alignment films arranged on the plurality of active matrix regions are divided into two groups whose alignment directions are different by 90 °.

A concrete example of the above configuration is shown in FIG. FIG.
In the configuration shown in (1), the common horizontal scanning control circuit 701 performs horizontal scanning of the active matrix regions 703 to 705 integrated on the same substrate.

Further, in FIG. 7, the alignment direction of the alignment film arranged on the active matrix regions 703 to 705 and the alignment direction of the alignment film arranged on the active matrix regions 706 to 708 differ by 90 °. The configuration is shown.

According to another aspect of the invention, a plurality of active matrix regions integrated by using the same substrate and a plurality of active matrix regions formed on the same substrate are controlled for vertical scanning. And a vertical scanning control circuit which is performed in common with each other, and the alignment films arranged on the plurality of active matrix regions are divided into two groups whose alignment directions are different by 90 °.

The concrete structure of the above structure is shown in FIG. 1 or FIG.

According to another aspect of the invention, a plurality of active matrix regions integrated by using the same substrate and a plurality of horizontal scanning controls and vertical scanning controls of the plurality of active matrix regions formed on the same substrate are provided. A horizontal scanning control circuit and a vertical scanning control circuit which are commonly performed for each of the active matrix regions, and the alignment films arranged on the plurality of active matrix regions have two alignment directions different by 90 °. It is characterized by being divided into.

A concrete example of the above configuration is shown in FIG.

[0021]

【Example】

[Embodiment 1] This embodiment relates to a configuration in which different images can be viewed by a plurality of observers. In this embodiment, the structure is simplified and the reliability is further improved.
In order to further reduce the production cost and further increase its versatility, a liquid crystal panel in which a plurality of active matrix regions and peripheral circuit regions for driving the regions are integrated is used on the same substrate.

This integrated liquid crystal panel is characterized in that the peripheral circuits are arranged in common for a plurality of active matrix regions. By doing so, the configuration can be simplified and the reliability of the device itself can be improved. Further, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of an integrated liquid crystal panel used in this embodiment. FIG. 1 shows that the active matrix region 104 is formed on the same glass substrate or quartz substrate.
And 111, a common vertical scanning control circuit 203 for driving these active matrix regions, a horizontal scanning control circuit 201 for driving the active matrix region 104, and a horizontal scanning control circuit for driving the active matrix region 111. 202 is integrated and comprised.

It can be said that this structure is a combination (integration) of two liquid crystal panels using the same substrate.

Each active matrix region 104 and 11
1. The horizontal scanning control circuits 201 and 202, and the vertical scanning control circuit 203 are directly formed as thin film integrated circuits on a glass substrate or a quartz substrate. Specifically, it is formed by a thin film transistor using a thin film silicon semiconductor having crystallinity.

In the structure shown in FIG. 1, the active matrix region 104 is not clearly shown in the figure.
And 111, the rubbing directions of the alignment films for aligning the liquid crystal are different from each other by exactly 90 °. In this embodiment, the above structure is realized by using a TN type liquid crystal. This is because the polarization directions of the images formed in the respective active matrix regions are different by 90 °.

As the rubbing direction in this specification, the orientation direction as a whole is considered. That is, in the case of an alignment method in which the alignment direction is slightly changed in a minute region, the alignment direction is defined by the direction in which the liquid crystal is aligned as a whole.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic optical configuration of this embodiment. In the figure, 201 is a glass substrate or a quartz substrate having the structure shown in FIG. 1 formed on the surface thereof. Again 202
Is a glass substrate or a quartz substrate that constitutes the counter substrate. The TN type liquid crystal 203 is held in the gap (shown in a large scale in the figure).

As shown in the figure, in the active matrix region 104, a rubbing film subjected to alignment treatment is arranged in the direction of arrow 204. Further, in the active matrix region 111, a rubbing film subjected to an alignment treatment is arranged in the direction of arrow 205.

On the side of the counter substrate 202, an arrow 206
The rubbing film subjected to the alignment treatment in the direction of and the rubbing film subjected to the alignment treatment in the direction of arrow 207 are arranged. The rubbing films are arranged so as to correspond to the active matrix regions 104 and 111, respectively.

Although not shown because it becomes complicated, polarizing plates are arranged outside the substrates 201 and 202 in accordance with each rubbing direction.

The image formed by being optically modulated in each active matrix region is projected by the projection lens 208.
And 209 are projected on the screen 210 in an overlapping manner.
The polarization directions of the respective images are those indicated by 206 and 207.

That is, the image formed in the active matrix area 104 is projected on the screen 210 as having a linear polarization direction indicated by 206. Also,
The image formed in the active matrix area 111 is 2
It is projected on the screen 210 as having a linear polarization direction indicated by 07.

If this screen is viewed normally, two images will appear to overlap. This is because the human eye has no ability to distinguish the polarization state. However, the special glasses 211 and 212 in which the polarization filters having the polarization directions shown by the arrows are arranged are attached to the screen 21.
By viewing 0, the two images can be separated and viewed selectively.

That is, since the image formed in the active matrix region 104 has the polarization direction indicated by 206, it can be selectively viewed by the eyeglasses indicated by 211. At this time, the image formed in the active matrix region 111 has the polarization direction indicated by 207, and therefore cannot be seen by the eyeglasses 211.

On the other hand, since the image formed in the active matrix region 111 has the polarization direction 207, it can be selectively viewed by the eyeglasses 212. At this time, the image formed in the active matrix region 104 has the polarization direction indicated by 206, and therefore cannot be seen by the eyeglasses 212.

As described above, it is possible to simultaneously display two different images by using the polarizing plate originally arranged in the liquid crystal display device and selectively see them.

In the structure shown in this embodiment, if the images formed by the active matrix regions 104 and 111 are the same, the same screen with different polarization directions is displayed on 210. Viewing this screen normally does not differ from viewing a normal projection display device.

That is, with the structure shown in this embodiment, a normal image can be displayed by selecting the image to be displayed.

For reference, a method of operating the integrated liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. 1 will be briefly described below. Here, in order to simplify the explanation, the active matrix region 1
The operation in 04 will be described. Similar operations are performed at the same timing in other active matrix regions.

In FIG. 1, 211, 216, 212,
Reference numeral 213 is a flip-flop circuit. The flip-flop circuit is a circuit that can take two stable states. For example, the flip-flop circuit 216
The input (point at X ₁ ) is H (high at the logic level) and the output (point at X ₂ ) is L (low at the logic level). Here, the input of the rising edge of CLKH (the operation clock of the horizontal scanning control circuit) changes its output to the H level. That is, the point of X ₂ becomes H level. This state is maintained unless the next rising edge of CLKH is input.

Further, for example, the flip-flop circuit 216
Assume that the input is in the L state and the output is in the H state. Here, when the rising edge of CLKH is input, its output changes to the L level.

It is also assumed that the input of the flip-flop circuit 216 is L and the output is also L. CL here
When the rising edge of KH is input, its output is L
Maintained at the level.

First, the rising edge of CLKV (operation clock of the vertical scanning control circuit) is the vertical scanning control circuit 10.
3 to the flip-flop circuit 212. here,
HSTA (horizontal scanning timing enable signal) is CL
It is punched out by KV.

That is, in the state in which the H-level signal of HSTA is applied to the input of the flip-flop circuit 212, the rising edge of CLKV is input to the flip-flop circuit 212, so that the output of the flip-flop circuit 212 becomes H-level. Become. As a result, the signal level of the Y ₁ row becomes the H state.

When the signal level of the Y ₁ row becomes the H state, the thin film transistors of each pixel indicated by the addresses (1,1), (2,1), ... (i, 1) are all turned on. Becomes

In this state, the rising edge of CLKH (operation clock of the horizontal scanning control circuit) is input to the flip-flop circuit 211, and CLKH (horizontal scanning timing enable signal) is punched out. As a result, X
The signal level at ₁ becomes H.

At the stage when the above CLKH is input, 21
Since the inputs to the flip-flop circuits 6 and after are all at the L level, the outputs of the flip-flop circuits after 216 are all at the L level in this state.

Then, the image sampling signal line 218 goes high.
Level. As a result, the sampling and holding circuit 2
At 14, the image data of the V _A image is captured. Then, a signal corresponding to predetermined image data flows through the image signal line 219. That is, a predetermined image signal is applied to the source of the thin film transistor of each pixel indicated by the address (1,1), (1,2), ... (1, j).

In this state, (1,1), (2,1), ...
The thin film transistors of each pixel indicated by the address (i, 1) are all in the ON operation. Therefore, the image information is written only to the pixel at the address (1,1).

Next, at the next rising edge of CLKH, the output of the flip-flop circuit 211 changes to the L level. Further, the output of the flip-flop circuit 216 changes to H level. Thus, the point of X ₂ becomes H level. In this state, all points indicated by X _i other than X ₂ are L
Level.

As a result, the sampling and holding circuit 21
In step 5, predetermined image data is taken in and information is written to the address (2,1).

In this manner, writing of information up to the address (i, 1) is sequentially performed according to the clock signal of CLKH.

When the writing of information to the Y ₁ row is completed, the output of the flip-flop circuit 212 becomes L level and the output of the flip-flop circuit 213 becomes H level at the next rising edge of CLKV.

In this way, information is written in the Y ₂ row. In this way, the writing of information is sequentially performed on each pixel, and the display of one frame ends when the writing of information on the (i, j) address is finally finished. This frame is repeated, for example, 30 times per second. Thus, the image is displayed.

[Embodiment 2] This embodiment relates to a structure for displaying a stereoscopic image. An outline of the optical configuration of the present embodiment of FIG. 3 is shown. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 have the same configurations as those shown in FIG.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the screen 2
Two images having polarization directions 206 and 207 are displayed on the display 10 in an overlapping manner. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown by 301, the right eye portion and the left eye portion are provided with a pair of eyeglasses in which polarizing filters for transmitting 90 ° different polarization directions are transmitted as indicated by arrows, and the screen 2 is used.
Look at 10.

The image formed in the active matrix area 104 is the image for the left eye forming the stereoscopic image, and the image formed in the active matrix area 111 is the image for the right eye forming the stereoscopic image.

In this way, for the person wearing the glasses 301, the image formed in the active matrix area 104 is selectively placed in the left eye and the image formed in the active matrix area 111 is selectively placed in the right eye. Then, the person wearing the glasses 301 can selectively see the stereoscopic image.

Also in the structure shown in this embodiment, the images displayed in the active matrix regions 104 and 111 are the same, and the screen 210 is normally viewed.
An ordinary two-dimensional display can be performed.

[Embodiment 3] This embodiment relates to a display device having the configuration of the optical system shown in Embodiments 1 and 2.
FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of this embodiment.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 405 denotes a liquid crystal panel in which two active matrix regions whose outline is shown in FIG. 1 are integrated. In FIG. 4, the light from the light source 401 is reflected by the mirror 402, and further reflected by the half mirror 403 and the mirror 404 to be two light rays. These lights enter the integrated liquid crystal panel 405 and undergo a predetermined optical modulation.

The two active matrix areas of the liquid crystal panel 405 are capable of forming color images using color filters. Two images obtained by being optically modulated by the liquid crystal panel 405 are respectively projected through the optical system 406.

The projection light from the optical system 406 is reflected by the mirror 40.
It is reflected at 7 and projected on the screen 408. The two images optically modulated by the liquid crystal panel 405 are superimposed and projected on the screen 408.

Here, as shown in the principle of FIG. 1, the polarization states of the two images are different by 90 °.
Therefore, it can be used in the configurations shown in FIGS.

[Embodiment 4] This embodiment relates to a structure in which crosstalk between different images is further improved in the structure shown in Embodiment 1 in which two different images are viewed individually.

In the structure shown in Example 1, 90 °
It uses different linearly polarized light, so if you tilt your head you will see another image. That is, the crosstalk becomes worse. This can be said in both cases of FIG. 2 and FIG.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, quarter wave plates 501 and 5 are provided in the optical path through which each image passes.
Place 02. Then, each image becomes a right-handed polarized light and a left-handed polarized light.

In the case shown in FIG. 5, a person wearing glasses 503 equipped with an optical filter that transmits a right-handed circularly polarized image and a person wearing glasses 504 equipped with an optical filter that transmits a left-handed circularly polarized image. You can see different images for different people.

When the configuration shown in this embodiment is adopted, crosstalk between two images can be reduced.

[Embodiment 5] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, as in FIG. 5, a quarter wavelength plate 5 is provided in the optical path through which each image passes.
This is an example in which 01 and 502 are arranged and a stereoscopic image is displayed.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 6, by wearing glasses having an optical filter for transmitting circularly polarized light in a specific turning direction as shown by 601, an optical filter for transmitting an image of clockwise circularly polarized light is provided. An image for the right eye that passes through
An image for the left eye that has passed through an optical filter that transmits a left-handed circularly polarized image can be selectively viewed by the right eye and the left eye, respectively. And you can see the stereoscopic image.

When the configuration shown in this embodiment is adopted, crosstalk between the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye can be reduced.

[Embodiment 6] This embodiment is an example in which the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is further expanded and a large number of active matrix regions are integrated.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic structure of the integrated liquid crystal panel shown in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, two color images of RGB can be independently formed.

In the structure shown in FIG. 7, the horizontal scanning control circuit 701 controls the active matrix region 70.
The horizontal scanning of 3, 704 and 705 is controlled. Further, the horizontal scanning control circuit 702 controls horizontal scanning of the active matrix regions 706, 707, 708.

The vertical scanning control circuit 709 controls the vertical scanning of the active matrix areas 703 and 706. Further, the vertical scanning control circuit 710 controls the vertical scanning of the active matrix regions 704 and 707. Further, the vertical scanning control circuit 711 controls vertical scanning of the active matrix regions 705 and 708.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 7, 703-70.
If the rubbing direction (alignment direction) of the alignment film arranged on the active matrix region shown by 5 and the rubbing direction (alignment direction) of the alignment film arranged on the active matrix region shown by 706 to 708 differ by 90 °. Let's say.

Since such a structure is integrated on the same substrate, the whole structure can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In particular, it is very useful that the horizontal scanning control circuit and / or the vertical scanning control circuit can be commonly arranged for a plurality of active matrix regions.

[0080]

By adopting the configuration of this specification, different images and stereoscopic images can be displayed with a simple configuration. In particular, since the structure can be simplified, the versatility of the device can be improved. Further, it is possible to provide a display device which can display a three-dimensional image that is inexpensive, highly reliable, and has excellent versatility. Further, it is possible to provide a configuration capable of simultaneously displaying two different images on one screen based on the same principle as that of displaying a three-dimensional image.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an integrated liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of an optical configuration for projecting different images.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of an optical configuration for projecting a stereoscopic image.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of a display device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an optical configuration for projecting different images.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of an optical configuration for projecting a stereoscopic image.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of an integrated liquid crystal panel.

[Explanation of symbols]

104, 111 Active matrix area 201, 201 Horizontal scanning control circuit 203 Vertical scanning control circuit 211, 216, 212, 213 Flip-flop circuit 218, 220 Image sampling signal line 214, 215 Sampling hold circuit 219, 222 Image signal line 221, 217 Gate signal line 201, 202 Glass substrate or quartz substrate 203 Liquid crystal 204, 205, 206, 207 Rubbing direction 208, 209 Projection lens 210 Screen 211, 212, 301 Eyeglasses 400 equipped with a polarizing filter 400 Display device housing 401 Light source 402, 404 Mirror 403 Half mirror 405 Integrated liquid crystal panel 406 Optical system 407 Mirror 408 Screen 501,502 Quarter wave plate 502,601 Circular polarization state specifically Glasses having a filter which transmits

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Shunpei Yamazaki 398 Hase, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa Japan Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A first liquid crystal panel and a second liquid crystal panel, and means for superimposing and projecting images from the two liquid crystal panels on the same projection surface, wherein the two liquid crystal panels are light sources. A first polarizing plate and a second polarizing plate from the side, and a polarization direction of the first polarizing plate of the first liquid crystal panel and a polarization direction of the second polarizing plate of the second liquid crystal panel. Are the same or substantially the same. 2. A first liquid crystal panel and a second liquid crystal panel, and means for projecting images from the two liquid crystal panels in an overlapping manner on the same projection surface, wherein the two liquid crystal panels are light sources. A first polarizing plate and a second polarizing plate from the side, and a polarization direction of the second polarizing plate of the first liquid crystal panel and a polarization direction of the second polarizing plate of the second liquid crystal panel. Is 90 °
Alternatively, a display device characterized by being different by approximately 90 °. 3. A plurality of active matrix regions integrated using the same substrate, and horizontal scanning control of the plurality of active matrix regions formed on the same substrate are commonly performed for the plurality of active matrix regions. And a horizontal scanning control circuit for performing the same, wherein the alignment films arranged on the plurality of active matrix regions are divided into two groups having different alignment directions by 90 °. 4. A plurality of active matrix regions integrated using the same substrate, and vertical scanning control of the plurality of active matrix regions formed on the same substrate are commonly performed for the plurality of active matrix regions. And a vertical scanning control circuit for performing the same, wherein the alignment films arranged on the plurality of active matrix regions are divided into two groups having different alignment directions by 90 °. 5. A plurality of active matrix regions integrated by using the same substrate, and horizontal scanning control and vertical scanning control of the plurality of active matrix regions formed on the same substrate are provided in the plurality of active matrix regions. A horizontal scanning control circuit and a vertical scanning control circuit, which are commonly used for the respective alignment films, and the alignment films arranged on the plurality of active matrix regions are divided into two groups having different alignment directions by 90 °. A display device characterized by.