WO2007139193A1

WO2007139193A1 - Display and filed-of-view angle control device used in the same

Info

Publication number: WO2007139193A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/061116
Authority: WO
Inventors: Katsuhiko Morishita; Tsuyoshi Okazaki; Takehiko Sakai; Yoshiharu Kataoka; Chikanori Tsukamura; Dai Chiba
Original assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date: 2006-05-31
Filing date: 2007-05-31
Publication date: 2007-12-06

Abstract

A display includes a field-of-view angle control liquid crystal panel (2) arranged at least one of the rear surface and the front surface of a display device so that the display can be applied to various use environments by switching the display state between a wide filed-of-view angle and a narrow field-of-view angle. The field-of-view angle control liquid crystal panel (2) includes: a liquid crystal cell (21) which hybrid-orientates a liquid crystal between orientation films (212a, 212b) arranged on a pair of light transmitting substrates, respectively; and a drive circuit for applying voltage to the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal cell (21). The liquid crystal cell (21) is arranged between two polarizing plates (13, 22) arranged so that the polarized transmission axes (X13, X22) intersect substantially orthogonally. The drive circuit switches the display state between the wide field-of-view angle and the narrow field-of-view angle by changing the orientation state of liquid crystal molecules (213p) of the liquid crystal layer of the field-of-view angle control liquid crystal panel (2).

Description

Specification

Display and viewing angle control device used therefor

Technical field

The present invention relates to a viewing angle control device capable of switching a viewing angle of a display between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle, and a display using the viewing angle control device.

Background art

[0002] In general, a display is required to have a viewing angle as wide as possible so that a clear image can be seen from any viewing angle. In particular, liquid crystal displays that have recently become widespread have been developed for various viewing angles because the liquid crystal itself has a viewing angle dependency. However, depending on the usage environment, it may be advantageous to have a narrow viewing angle so that only the user can see the displayed content. In particular, notebook personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or mobile phones are highly likely to be used in places where an unspecified number of people can exist, such as in trains and airplanes. In such a usage environment, it is desirable that the viewing angle of the display be narrow because the display content is not viewed by others in the vicinity from the viewpoint of confidentiality and privacy protection. Thus, in recent years, there has been an increasing demand for switching the viewing angle of a single display between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle depending on usage conditions. This requirement is not limited to liquid crystal displays, but is a common issue for arbitrary displays.

[0003] In response to such a request, a phase difference control device is provided in addition to a display device that displays an image, and the viewing angle characteristics are changed by controlling the voltage applied to the phase difference control device. A technique has been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent No. 3322197). Japanese Patent No. 3322197 exemplifies chiral nematic liquid crystal, homogeneous liquid crystal, randomly aligned nematic liquid crystal and the like as the liquid crystal mode used in the liquid crystal display device for phase difference control.

[0004] Further, a viewing angle control liquid crystal panel is provided above the display liquid crystal panel, and these panels are sandwiched between two polarizing plates to adjust the voltage applied to the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel. Therefore, a configuration for performing viewing angle control is also disclosed in the past (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 10-268251 and 2005-316470). In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-268251, the liquid crystal mode of the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel is a twisted nematic system. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-3 16470 discloses a configuration in which a viewing angle control liquid crystal panel is provided between two polarizing plates having parallel transmission axes.

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] In the above-mentioned Japanese Patent No. 3322197, it is stated that it is possible to switch between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle by using a liquid crystal element for phase difference control, but the effect is sufficient. I can not say. For example, FIG. 4 of Japanese Patent No. 3322197 shows an isocontrast curve with a contrast ratio of 10: 1, and the contrast in the wide viewing angle direction certainly decreases at a narrow viewing angle. However, with this level of change, the display is sufficiently visible from the person next to you. In general, even if the contrast ratio is reduced to 2: 1, the display can be sufficiently visually recognized.

[0006] Also, the technique of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-268251 also switches between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle by adjusting the contrast by changing the voltage applied to the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel. The effect is not sufficient.

[0007] That is, both the techniques of Japanese Patent No. 3322197 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-268251 disclose a technique for switching between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle by reducing the contrast in the wide viewing angle direction. Although this method is adopted, there is a problem that an image may be seen by another person who is not sufficiently shielded in the wide viewing angle direction at a narrow viewing angle.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a display that can be adapted to various usage environments and applications by switching between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle, and An object of the present invention is to provide a viewing angle control device used in

Means for solving the problem

In order to achieve the above object, a display according to the present invention is provided on a display device that is driven according to an image to be displayed, and at least one of a back surface and a front surface of the display device. And a viewing angle control device that controls a viewing angle of the display device, the viewing angle control device being a liquid crystal in which liquid crystal molecules are hybrid-aligned between a pair of translucent substrates. A liquid crystal cell having a layer and a drive circuit for applying a voltage to the liquid crystal layer, and the liquid crystal cell is disposed between two polarizing plates disposed in the display so that polarization transmission axes are substantially orthogonal to each other. The driving circuit changes the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the viewing angle control device, thereby changing the display state to a first state that provides a first viewing angle range, and a first viewing field. Switching between a second state that provides a second viewing angle range that is within the angular range and is narrower than the first viewing angle range is possible.

[0010] In the above configuration, two polarizing plates whose polarization transmission axes are substantially orthogonal are arranged so as to sandwich the viewing angle control device. It should be noted that the viewing angle control device and the two polarizing plates are not necessarily adjacent to each other, and any component may be interposed between them. In the above configuration, a predetermined voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer to change the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules, and the polarization state of the light emitted from the liquid crystal cell of the viewing angle control device is changed by utilizing the birefringence of the liquid crystal. Then, the polarizing plate arranged on the observer side of the viewing angle control device acts as an analyzer, and transmits or shields the light emitted from the viewing angle control device to the observer side according to the viewing angle. Power S can be. That is, the first viewing angle range that provides the first viewing angle range (the wide viewing angle) and the second viewing angle range that is within the first viewing angle range and is narrower than the first viewing angle range. Can be switched to one of the second states (narrow viewing angle). “Wide viewing angle” and “narrow viewing angle” mean a relatively wide viewing angle and a relatively narrow viewing angle rather than a specific absolute angle range. Further, in the above configuration, by using a liquid crystal cell in which liquid crystal molecules are hybrid-aligned, it is possible to realize a narrow viewing angle state in which display can be visually recognized only in a limited viewing angle. This makes it possible to control the viewing angle by switching between light transmission and shielding rather than reducing the display contrast on the wide viewing angle side as in the conventional viewing angle control technique. As a result, it is possible to provide a display that can be adapted to various usage environments and applications.

[0011] In the display according to the present invention, the liquid crystal layer of the viewing angle control device includes a positive nematic liquid crystal, and the driving circuit applies a predetermined voltage to the liquid crystal layer. It is preferable to provide a viewing angle range of. Or in the present invention In the display, the liquid crystal layer of the viewing angle control device includes a negative type nematic liquid crystal, and the driving circuit applies a predetermined voltage to the liquid crystal layer, thereby reducing the first viewing angle range. It is good also as a structure to provide.

[0012] In the display according to the present invention, the alignment films of the pair of light-transmitting substrates of the liquid crystal cell may be rubbed in parallel and in opposite directions. Alternatively, the alignment films of the pair of light-transmitting substrates of the liquid crystal cell may be rubbed in parallel and in the same direction. Alternatively, the rubbing process may be performed only on the horizontal alignment film among the alignment films included in the pair of translucent substrates of the liquid crystal cell.

[0013] In the display according to the present invention, it is preferable that the two polarizing plates are arranged so that their polarization transmission axes intersect each other in a range of 80 ° to 100 °.

[0014] In the display according to the present invention, the display device is a display device that emits linearly polarized light, and one of the two polarizing plates is a polarizing plate provided in the display device. It is preferable. For example, the display device may be a transmissive liquid crystal display device and may further include a backlight. In this case, the viewing angle control device may be disposed between the backlight and the transmissive liquid crystal display device, or may be disposed in front of the transmissive liquid crystal display device. Further, the backlight is preferably a directional backlight having directivity in the normal direction.

[0015] In the display according to the present invention, the display device is preferably a reflective liquid crystal display device or a transflective liquid crystal display device. Alternatively, the display device is a self-luminous display device, and one of the two polarizing plates is provided between the self-luminous display device and the viewing angle control device. Even the configuration is good.

[0016] In the display according to the present invention, the polarization transmission axis of the polarizing plate intersects with the alignment axis of the liquid crystal molecules viewed from the normal direction of the viewing angle control device in a range of 40 ° to 50 °. Les, which is preferably arranged so that.

In the display according to the present invention, it is preferable that a retardation film is provided at least at one position between the viewing angle control device and the two polarizing plates.

[0018] In order to achieve the above object, a first viewing angle control device according to the present invention includes: A viewing angle control device that is arranged according to an image to be displayed and is disposed on at least one of a back surface and a front surface of a display device that emits linearly polarized light and is used to control a viewing angle of the display device. A liquid crystal cell having a liquid crystal layer in which liquid crystal molecules are hybrid-aligned between optical substrates, a drive circuit for applying a voltage to the liquid crystal layer, and a surface opposite to the surface on which the linearly polarized light from the display device is incident on the liquid crystal cell And a polarizing plate having a polarization transmission axis substantially orthogonal to the plane of polarization of the linearly polarized light, and the drive circuit changes the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer, thereby emitting light. The range can be switched between a first viewing angle range and a second viewing angle range that is within the first viewing angle range and is narrower than the first viewing angle range.

[0019] In order to achieve the above object, a second viewing angle control device according to the present invention is disposed in front of a self-luminous display device driven according to an image to be displayed, and A viewing angle control device used for controlling a viewing angle of an optical display device, comprising: a liquid crystal cell having a liquid crystal layer in which liquid crystal molecules are hybrid-aligned between a pair of translucent substrates; A driving circuit for applying a voltage; and a pair of polarizing plates provided on the outer sides of the pair of translucent substrates so that the polarization transmission axes are orthogonal to each other, and the driving circuit includes liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer. By changing the arrangement state, the light emission range can be shifted between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle.

The invention's effect

[0020] As described above, according to the present invention, the display state can be adapted to various usage environments and applications by switching the display state between the wide viewing angle and the narrow viewing angle, and the viewing angle control used therefor. Device.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of hybrid-aligned positive-type nematic liquid crystal. Fig. 2 (a) shows no voltage applied, and Fig. 2 (b) shows voltage applied. .

[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a viewing angle control liquid crystal panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 (a) shows the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules at a wide viewing angle. Figure 3 (b) Indicates an alignment state of liquid crystal molecules at a narrow viewing angle.

[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the definition of viewing angle with respect to a laminate of a viewing angle control liquid crystal panel and an upper polarizing plate arranged in the same direction as in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b).

5] FIG. 5 is a chart showing the luminance distribution at a wide viewing angle of the display according to one embodiment of the present invention.

6] FIG. 6 is a chart showing the luminance distribution at a narrow viewing angle of the display according to one embodiment of the present invention.

7] Figure 7 shows the retardation change according to the applied voltage to the liquid crystal cell (anti-parallel rubbing) of the liquid crystal panel for viewing angle control, the front of the liquid crystal panel for viewing angle control, azimuth Θ = 0 °, azimuth This is a graph showing the viewing angles of the angle Θ = 90 °, the azimuth angle Θ = 180 °, and the azimuth angle Θ = 270 °.

8] Fig. 8 shows the retardation change according to the voltage applied to the liquid crystal cell (parallel rubbing) of the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel, the front of the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel, and the azimuth angle Θ = 0. The graph shows the azimuth angle Θ = 90 °, the azimuth angle Θ = 180 °, and the azimuth angle Θ = 270 °.

9] Fig. 9 shows the retardation change according to the applied voltage to the liquid crystal cell (rubbing only the horizontal alignment film) of the liquid crystal panel for viewing angle control, the front of the liquid crystal panel for viewing angle control, the azimuth angle Θ = 0 °, This is a graph showing the azimuth angle Θ = 90 °, the azimuth angle Θ = 180 °, and the azimuth angle Θ = 270 °.

[FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is a comparative example of a viewing angle control liquid crystal panel that is useful for the present embodiment. 6 is a chart showing a luminance distribution when a voltage tilted by a slight angle with respect to a line is applied.

[FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a modification of the display that is effective in one embodiment of the present invention, and is a structure further comprising a retardation film between the light-transmitting substrate and the polarizing plate of the liquid crystal panel for viewing angle control. It is a schematic diagram which shows composition.

12] FIG. 12 is a luminance distribution diagram of a general backlight (without a lens sheet).

13] FIG. 13 is a luminance distribution diagram of an example of a directional backlight in which lens sheets are laminated. FIG. 14 is a luminance distribution diagram of another example of a directional backlight in which lens sheets are stacked.

FIG. 15 is a luminance distribution diagram of still another example of a directional backlight in which lens sheets are laminated.

[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a luminance-polarity characteristic diagram showing the luminance distribution in the horizontal direction of the backlight (azimuth angle Θ = 0 ° force to Θ = 180 ° direction) with and without the lens sheet. is there.

[FIG. 17] FIG. 17 is a luminance-polarity characteristic diagram showing the luminance distribution in the vertical direction of the backlight (direction angle from Θ = 90 ° to Θ = 270 °), with or without a lens sheet. .

[FIG. 18] FIG. 18 shows the viewing angle control in the narrow viewing angle state when only the backlight is changed to the directional backlight having the brightness distribution shown in FIG. 15 under the same conditions as in the case of FIG. It is a chart which shows the luminance distribution of the liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of another modified example of the display that is useful for the embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of a hybrid-type negative nematic liquid crystal. FIG. 20 (a) shows a state when no voltage is applied, and FIG. 20 (b) shows a state when a voltage is applied. .

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of still another modified example of the display that is useful for the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of still another modified example of the display that is useful for the embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, in the drawings referred to below, for convenience of explanation, among the constituent members of the embodiment of the present invention, only the main members necessary for explaining the present invention are shown in a simplified manner. Therefore, the display according to the present invention can include arbitrary components not shown in the drawings referred to in this specification. In addition, the dimensions of the members in the drawings do not faithfully represent the actual dimensions of the constituent members and the dimensional ratios of the members.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display 100 is a display liquid that displays images. It has two liquid crystal panels, a crystal panel 1 (display device) and a viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 (viewing angle control device). The display liquid crystal panel 1 in this embodiment is a transmissive type, and a backlight 3 is used as a light source. The viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 is provided between the backlight 3 and the display liquid crystal panel 1. The liquid crystal display 100 has a wide viewing angle (wide viewing angle) and a narrow viewing angle in which the image of the display liquid crystal panel 1 can be viewed by switching the liquid crystal in the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 ( The display state can be switched between (Narrow field of view). The narrow viewing angle is particularly suitable when others do not want to see the image on the LCD panel 1 for display, and the wide viewing angle is used for other normal use or for displaying the image on the LCD panel 1 for display. It is suitable for cases where multiple people want to watch at the same time.

The display liquid crystal panel 1 includes a liquid crystal cell 11 in which a liquid crystal is sandwiched between a pair of translucent substrates, and polarizing plates 12 and 13 provided on the front and back of the liquid crystal cell 11. The liquid crystal mode and cell structure of the liquid crystal cell 11 are arbitrary. Further, the drive mode of the display liquid crystal panel 1 is also arbitrary. In other words, as the liquid crystal panel 1 for display, any liquid crystal panel that can display characters, images, or moving images can be used. Accordingly, the detailed structure of the display liquid crystal panel 1 is not shown in FIG. 1, and the description thereof is also omitted. In addition, the display liquid crystal panel 1 may be a panel capable of color display or a panel dedicated to monochrome display. Furthermore, any known backlight having no limitation on the configuration of the backlight 3 can be used, and therefore the detailed structure and illustration of the backlight 3 are omitted.

The viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 includes a liquid crystal cell 21 having a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a pair of translucent substrates, and a polarizing plate 22 provided on the backlight 3 side of the liquid crystal cell 21. Yes. In the first embodiment, the liquid crystal cell 21 includes a liquid crystal layer made of a positive alignment nematic liquid crystal (the dielectric constant in the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is higher than the dielectric constant in the minor axis direction).

FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b) are schematic diagrams showing the liquid crystal alignment state of the liquid crystal cell 21 which is effective in the first embodiment. In these drawings, the size and the like of the liquid crystal molecules are exaggerated in order to make the behavior of the liquid crystal molecules component and easy.

[0027] As shown in Figs. 2 (a) and (b), the liquid crystal cell 21 includes a pair of translucent layers that sandwich the liquid crystal layer. Substrates 211a and 211b are provided. Transparent electrodes (not shown) are formed on the surfaces of the translucent substrates 211a and 211b using, for example, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). Since the liquid crystal panel 1 for display needs to drive the liquid crystal in display units (pixel units or segment units), it has an electrode structure corresponding to the display unit. Panel 2 has no restrictions on the electrode structure. For example, a uniform transparent electrode may be formed on the entire surface of the translucent substrates 21 la and 21 lb in order to perform uniform switching over the entire display surface, or any other electrode structure may be adopted. obtain.

[0028] A vertical alignment film 212a and a horizontal alignment film 212b are provided on the surfaces of the translucent substrates 211a and 211b in contact with the liquid crystal layer, respectively. The liquid crystal molecules 213p in the vicinity of the vertical alignment film 212a are aligned so that the molecular major axis is perpendicular to the surface of the vertical alignment film 212a. The liquid crystal molecules 213p in the vicinity of the horizontal alignment film 212b are aligned so that their molecular long axes are substantially parallel to the surface of the horizontal alignment film 212b. A pretilt is given to the horizontal alignment film 212b by a rubbing process. The pretilt angle Θ (see Fig. 2 (a)) is approximately 0 ° <Θ <10 °. In FIG. 2 (a), the magnitude of Θ is shown exaggerated from the actual value.

[0029] The vertical alignment film 212a may be rubbed or may not be rubbed. When the rubbing process is performed on both the vertical alignment film 212a and the horizontal alignment film 212b, the rubbing process directions in the vertical alignment film 212a and the horizontal alignment film 212b are anti-parallel (parallel and reverse direction) and parallel (parallel and the same). Direction). The liquid crystal cell 21 may have a configuration in which a vertical alignment film is formed on the translucent substrate on the polarizing plate 22 side and a horizontal alignment film is formed on the translucent substrate on the polarizing plate 12 side, and vice versa. The vertical alignment film may be formed on the translucent substrate on the polarizing plate 12 side, and the horizontal alignment film may be formed on the translucent substrate on the polarizing plate 22 side.

Here, the behavior of the liquid crystal molecules 213p according to the applied voltage will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b). When no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, the major axis of the liquid crystal molecules 213p is perpendicular to the interface at the interface with the vertical alignment film 212a as shown in FIG. The interface with 212b is almost horizontal to the interface, and the direction of the molecular long axis gradually changes between these interfaces. On the other hand, when a predetermined voltage V (for example, about 3 V to 5 V) is applied to the liquid crystal layer, as shown in FIG. The liquid crystal molecules 213p rotate so that their major axes are aligned with the direction of the electric field. In the vicinity of the interface between the vertical alignment film 212a and the horizontal alignment film 212b, since the anchoring strength of the alignment film is large, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 213p does not change much.

[0031] The viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 switches the applied voltage to the liquid crystal cell 21 between 0 V and the predetermined voltage V so that the image on the display liquid crystal panel 1 can be viewed.

H

Switches the display state between a wide viewing angle (wide viewing angle) and a narrow viewing angle (narrow viewing angle).

Here, the configuration and operation of the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). In Fig. 3, (a) shows the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the Balta region at a wide viewing angle, and (b) shows the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the Balta region at a narrow viewing angle.

In FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), the rubbing directions in the vertical alignment film 212a and the horizontal alignment film 212b are indicated by arrows R and R, respectively. In the example of Fig. 3 (a) and (b),

The rubbing direction R for the direct alignment film 212a is the rubbing direction a for the horizontal alignment film 212b.

Parallel to R and opposite. That is, the liquid crystal cell 21 has a so-called b in the rubbing direction.

A loose anti-parallel cell.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), a polarizing plate 22 provided below the liquid crystal cell 21 in the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2, and a polarizing plate of the display liquid crystal panel 1 13 are arranged so that their polarization transmission axes X and X are substantially orthogonal to each other. Polarization transmission axes X and X

If the angle formed by 22 13 22 is in the range of 80 ° to 100 °, a sufficient effect of switching the viewing angle can be obtained.

13

It is. The polarization transmission axis X of the polarizing plate 13 of the display liquid crystal panel 1 is the alignment of the translucent substrate 211a.

13

A with an inclination of 40 ° to 50 ° (preferably 45 °) with respect to the rubbing direction R with respect to the membrane a

[0035] Fig. 2 (a) and Fig. 3 (a) when no voltage is applied between the electrodes (not shown) provided on each of the translucent substrates 211a and 21 lb (see Fig. 2). As shown in Fig. 2, the liquid crystal molecules 213p in the Balta region of the liquid crystal layer are parallel to the rubbing directions R and R, and the liquid crystal cell 21

a b

In a plane perpendicular to the substrate surface of the liquid crystal cell 21, the molecular long axes are arranged slightly inclined with respect to the normal of the substrate surface of the liquid crystal cell 21. On the other hand, the electrodes provided on each of the translucent substrates 211a and 21 lb. When a predetermined voltage V is applied between the poles (not shown), it is shown in Fig. 2 (b) and Fig. 3 (b).

H

As shown, the liquid crystal molecules 213p in the Balta region of the liquid crystal layer rotate in a plane parallel to the rubbing directions R and R, ab and perpendicular to the substrate surface of the liquid crystal cell 21, and with respect to the normal of the substrate surface of the liquid crystal cell 21 The molecular long axes are arranged so that they are almost parallel.

Hereinafter, a change in the viewing angle when the applied voltage to the liquid crystal cell 21 is switched using the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 that has the power of the above configuration will be described. In the following description, the viewing angle from a certain viewpoint with respect to the laminated body of the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 and the polarizing plate 13 is expressed by the azimuth angle Θ and the polar angle φ with respect to the center of the polarizing plate 13. To express. Fig. 4 shows the viewing angles from three viewpoints P to P for the laminated body of viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 and polarizing plate 1 3 arranged in the same direction as Figs. 3 (a) and (b). Is. Shown in Figure 4

13

As described above, the azimuth angle Θ is a rotation angle of a line connecting the leg of the perpendicular line dropped from the viewpoint to the plane including the surface of the polarizing plate 13 and the center 13c of the polarizing plate 13. In the example of Fig. 4, the azimuth angle Θ is clockwise when viewed from above the normal direction of the polarizing plate 13 with the azimuth angle Θ of the viewing point P being 0 °.

twenty two

To increase. In the example of FIG. 4, the viewpoint! ³ of azimuth Θ is 90 °, the azimuth angle of the viewpoint? ³

3 3 1

Θ is 270 °. Polar angle φ is the linear force connecting the center 13c of polarizing plate 13 and the viewpoint

1

This is the angle between the 13 normals.

[0037] First, when no voltage is applied and the liquid crystal molecules 213p are arranged as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 3 (a), no noise is observed for all azimuth angles of the viewpoints P to P. Emanating from the cooklight 3,

13

The linearly polarized light that has passed through the polarizing plate 22 and entered the liquid crystal cell 21 is given birefringence by the liquid crystal molecules 213p, and the polarization direction is rotated so as to coincide with the polarization transmission axis of the polarizing plate 13. 13 is transmitted. Therefore, as shown in FIG.

13

Thus, a good display can be obtained.

On the other hand, a predetermined voltage V is applied, and as shown in FIGS. 2 (b) and 3 (b), liquid crystal molecules 21

H

In the state where 3p is arranged, liquid crystal molecules are near the viewing angle from the viewpoint P (θ = Θ = 90 °).

3 3

Almost good display is obtained due to birefringence by 213p, but for viewing angles other than viewpoint P

Three

The linearly polarized light emitted from the backlight 3, transmitted through the polarizing plate 22 and incident into the liquid crystal cell 21 is not given birefringence by the liquid crystal molecules 213 _P , and is blocked by the polarizing plate 13. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 6, azimuth angle Θ = 0 ° (viewpoint P), Θ = 180 °, Θ = 270 ° (viewpoint P ), Etc., for the viewing angle from other people over almost the entire polar angle φ range.

1

A sufficient light-shielding state can be obtained.

[0039] Fig. 7 shows the change in retardation according to the voltage applied to the liquid crystal cell 21 in front of the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 (Gc in the figure) and azimuth angle Θ = 0 ° (GO in the figure). The azimuth angle Θ = 90 ° (G90 in the figure), the azimuth angle Θ = 180 ° (G180 in the figure), and the azimuth angle Θ = 270 ° (G270 in the figure). The azimuth angle Θ = 0 °, 90 °, 180. In each of 270 °, retardation with a visual angle of polar angle φ = 45 ° was measured. As the liquid crystal material of the liquid crystal cell 21, SD5270LA (trade name) manufactured by Chisso Corporation was used. This liquid crystal material has an extraordinary refractive index ne of 1.579 and an ordinary refractive index no. Accordingly, the refractive index anisotropicity Δ ηί is 0.091. The senore gap of nocturnal senore 21 was about 4.5 μm.

As is apparent from FIG. 7, regarding the viewing angle from the azimuth angle Θ = 270 °, the retardation value does not change greatly even when the applied voltage changes between 0V and 5V. On the other hand, for viewing angles of azimuth angles Θ = 0 °, 90 °, and 180 ° force, when the applied voltage exceeds about 3V, the retardation value force is approximately 1/2 or less of the retardation value when the applied voltage is 0V. Therefore, if the applied voltage V is set in the range of 3V to 5V, the applied voltage V is applied to the liquid crystal cell 21.

H H

As a result, a light shielding state can be obtained at viewing angles of azimuth angles Θ = 0 °, 90 ° and 180 ° force.

FIG. 8 shows the measurement results when the force rubbing direction is parallel, which is a measurement result when the rubbing direction in the vertical alignment film 212a and the horizontal alignment film 212b of the liquid crystal cell 21 is anti-parallel. . Furthermore, FIG. 9 shows the measurement results when only the horizontal alignment film 212b is rubbed and the vertical alignment film 212a is not rubbed. As can be seen from Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, in both cases, as in the case of anti-parallel, the viewing voltage from azimuth angles Θ = 0 °, 90 °, and 180 ° exceeds about 3V. , Retardation value force When the applied voltage is 0V, it is about 1/2 or less of the retardation value. Therefore, even when the rubbing direction is parallel and when the rubbing treatment is not performed on the vertical alignment film 212a, a voltage V in the range of 3V to 5V is applied.

H

When applied to crystal cell 21, light is shielded at azimuth angles of Θ = 0 °, 90 °, and 180 ° Is obtained.

[0042] In addition, the liquid crystal panel 2 for controlling the viewing angle according to the present embodiment uses a hybrid-aligned liquid crystal cell 21, and as can be seen from FIG. 6, the range of 0 ° ≤ Θ ≤ 30 °, 150 Even in the range of ° ≤ Θ ≤ 180 °, it is particularly excellent in that a light-shielding state sufficient to prevent other people from seeing it is obtained. Here, as a comparative example of the liquid crystal panel 2 for controlling the viewing angle, which focuses on the present embodiment, a liquid crystal panel for viewing angle control including a vertically aligned liquid crystal cell is used. Figure 10 shows the luminance distribution when a voltage is applied that tilts the long axis by a slight angle with respect to the substrate normal. As is clear from comparing FIG. 6 and FIG. 10, even in the comparative example using the vertical alignment cell, the azimuth angle Θ = 0 ° (viewpoint P),

2 For viewing angles from θ = 180 ° and Θ = 270 ° (viewpoint Ρ)

1

As with the angle control liquid crystal panel 2, a light-shielding state sufficient to prevent others from seeing is obtained over almost the entire range of the polar angle φ. However, in the comparative example shown in Figure 10, the range of 0 ° ≤ Θ ≤ 30 °, 150. In the range of ≤ θ ≤ 180 °, the light shielding performance of the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 according to the present embodiment cannot be obtained, and the display of the display liquid crystal panel 1 can be seen.

[0043] As described above, the liquid crystal panel 2 for viewing angle control according to the present embodiment uses the liquid crystal cell 21 in the hybrid orientation, so that sufficient light shielding performance can be obtained when it is in a narrow viewing angle state. Wide range. As a result, it is possible to realize a display device that reliably prevents a person from being seen by someone who is obliquely behind. In addition, the use of the liquid crystal cell 21 with no- and hybrid-alignment has the advantage that birefringence due to residual retardation at the alignment film interface is reduced and the range in which sufficient light-shielding performance can be obtained is widened.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, the phase difference film 4a is interposed between the light transmitting substrate 211a and the polarizing plate 13 of the liquid crystal cell 21, and the liquid crystal substrate 21 is interposed between the light transmitting substrate 21lb and the polarizing plate 22. It is preferable that the phase difference film 4b is further provided. Narrow by applying voltage V to the liquid crystal cell 21

H

When viewing from a viewing angle other than around 90 ° azimuth (eg, near azimuth 0 °, around 180 °, around 270 °), the light is emitted from backlight 3 and transmitted through polarizing plate 22. Linearly polarized light becomes elliptically polarized light due to birefringence in the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal cell 21 due to the refractive index (η, n) of the liquid crystal molecules 213p. As a result, a component that passes through the polarizing plate 13 is generated, and light leakage occurs. It causes this. The retardation films 4a and 4b are provided for optical compensation of the elliptically polarized light.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 11, the three-dimensional refractive index axes N, Ν, Ν of the retardation film 4a,

4 ax 4 ay 4az Define the three-dimensional refractive index axes N, N, and N of the retardation film 4b. That is, the phase difference

4bx 4by 4bz

In film 4a, N is a component perpendicular to the polarization transmission axis X of polarizing plate 13, and N is polarizing plate 13

4 ax 13 4ay

The component parallel to the polarization transmission axis X of N is a component parallel to the normal line of the polarizing plate 13. Na

13 4az

The retardation film 4a is a negative C plate, and the relationship N = N> N is established.

4 ax 4 ay 4az

stand. N of the retardation film 4b is a component perpendicular to the polarization transmission axis X of the polarizing plate 22,

4bx 22

N is a component parallel to the polarization transmission axis X of the polarizing plate 22, and N is parallel to the normal line of the polarizing plate 22.

4by 22 4bz

Is an essential ingredient. In the retardation film 4b, a relationship of N> N> N is established.

4bx 4b z 4by

[0046] SD5270LA (trade name) manufactured by Chisso Corporation is used as the liquid crystal material of the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 which is effective in this embodiment, and the applied voltage V at a narrow viewing angle is about 3V to 5V.

H

In this range, the retardation of the retardation film 4a is preferably about 180 nm, for example. SD5270LA (trade name) has an extraordinary refractive index ne of 1.579 and an ordinary optical refractive index no of 1.488. In this case, as the retardation film 4b, a film having a retardation force of about Sl40 nm and N = 0. 1 can be used.

4bz

Furthermore, the liquid crystal display 100 according to the present embodiment may use a general backlight (a backlight having a substantially average luminance distribution over the entire polar angle range) as the backlight 3. It is preferable to use a directional backlight. A directional backlight is a backlight having a luminance distribution such that the luminance in the relatively narrow angle range centered at φ = 0 ° in the front direction of the display, that is, the polar angle, is higher than the luminance of other parts. It can be realized by stacking: or a plurality of lens sheets on a general backlight.

Here, with reference to FIG. 12 to FIG. 15, the characteristics of the backlight applicable to the liquid crystal display 100 which is effective in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a luminance distribution diagram when a general backlight (without a lens sheet) is used as the knocklight 3 instead of a directional backlight. In this case, the backlight 3 has a symmetrical luminance distribution in the horizontal direction (azimuth angle Θ = 0 ° force is also in the direction of Θ = 180), but the vertical direction (azimuth angle Θ = 90 ° to Θ = 2) For the 70 ° direction), the luminance peak P is measured with an azimuth angle of Θ = 270 ° and a polar angle of φ = 45 °.

1

Have nearby. The brightness peak P of Knocklight 3 was shifted from the front direction in this way.

1

The reason for the design is that when two lens sheets are stacked as will be described later, the luminance peak is located in front (polar angle φ = 0 °). That is, when the lens sheet is not used or when only one lens sheet is laminated, the luminance peak of the backlight 3 is different from the position shown in FIG.

[0049] Figs. 13 to 15 show backlights in the case of a directional backlight using a lens sheet.

The luminance distribution of 3 is shown. FIG. 13 is a luminance distribution diagram of the non-light 3 in the case where a lens sheet is laminated on the light emitting surface of the backlight having the luminance characteristics of FIG. As a lens sheet, the power using “BEF II 90Z50 (trade name)” manufactured by Sumitomo 3EM Limited is not limited to this. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the luminance distribution is changed by laminating the lens sheets: L on the light exit surface, and the luminance peak P has an azimuth angle Θ = 270 °,

2

Appears around polar angle φ = 30 °. In the horizontal direction, the polar angle is about 0 ° ≤ φ ≤40 °, and in the vertical direction, the polar angle is about 0 ° ≤ φ≤60 °. Become.

[0050] FIG. 14 shows a configuration in which the same lens sheet as described above is laminated on the light exit surface of the backlight having the luminance characteristics shown in FIG. 6 is a luminance distribution diagram of the backlight 3. FIG. In this case, as shown in Fig. 14, the luminance peak Ρ is the azimuth angle Θ =

Three

It appears around 270 ° and polar angle φ = 15 °, and the polar angle is about 0 in the horizontal direction. In the range of ≤φ≤60 ° and the vertical angle in the range of 0 ° ≤ φ≤40 ° in the vertical direction, the brightness is relatively higher than other parts.

[0051] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration in which two lens sheets same as those described above are stacked on the light exit surface of the backlight having the luminance characteristics shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a luminance distribution diagram of Crite 3; In this case, as shown in FIG.

Four

Angle Θ = 270 °, polar angle φ = around 5 °), and in the horizontal direction the polar angle is in the range of about 0 ° ≤ φ≤40 °, and in the vertical direction the polar angle is about 0 ° ≤ φ≤40 In the range of °, the brightness is relatively higher than other parts.

[0052] Figure 16 shows the backlight 3 in the horizontal direction (azimuth angle Θ = 0 ° to Θ = 180 °). FIG. 5 is a luminance polar angle characteristic diagram showing the luminance distribution according to the presence or absence of a lens sheet. FIG. 17 is a luminance-polarity characteristic diagram showing the luminance distribution of the backlight 3 in the vertical direction (direction of azimuth angle Θ = 90 ° force Θ = 270 °) according to the presence or absence of the lens sheet. In FIG. 16, the polar angle from the front direction (polar angle φ = 0 °) to the azimuth angle Θ = 180 ° is shown with a negative sign. In FIG. 17, the front direction (polar angle φ = 0 The polar angle on the side of azimuth angle Θ = 270 ° from °) is shown with a negative sign.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, when one lens sheet is laminated, the normal direction (polar angle)

The brightness of Φ = 0 ° is about 1.8 times that without the lens sheet (the rate of increase in brightness is about 1.60). When two lens sheets are stacked, the luminance in the normal direction is about 2.8 times that without the lens sheet (the rate of increase in luminance is about 1.95). However, since the rate of increase in brightness varies depending on the material and design of the overall backlight system or the overall lighting effect, the above rate of increase in brightness is not always optimal.

[0054] Th shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 represents a luminance equivalent to 50% of the luminance in the normal direction when one lens sheet is laminated. The polar angle range (horizontal direction) in which luminance greater than Th is obtained is about 66 ° for the lens sheet arrangement shown in FIG. 13 and about 96 ° for the lens sheet arrangement shown in FIG. Similarly, the polar angle range (vertical direction) at which luminance of Th or higher can be obtained is about 99 ° for the lens sheet arrangement shown in FIG. 13 and about 66 for the lens sheet arrangement shown in FIG. °. When two lens sheets are stacked, the polar angle range that provides a luminance equivalent to 50% of the luminance in the normal direction is about 58 ° in the horizontal direction and about 88 ° in the vertical direction. is there.

[0055] FIG. 6 shows the luminance distribution when a general backlight having an almost average luminance distribution over the entire polar angle range, which is not a directional backlight, is used as the backlight 3. However, if only the backlight 3 is changed to the directional backlight having the luminance distribution shown in FIG. 15 under the same conditions as those in FIG. 6, the luminance distribution as shown in FIG. 18 in the narrow viewing angle state. Is obtained. That is, as the luminance peak approaches the front direction, the range of azimuth angles in which the light is shielded becomes wider. Therefore, it is possible to realize a display device that more reliably prevents the eyes of other people behind the scene from seeing.

FIG. 19 shows a liquid crystal display as a modified example of the liquid crystal display 100 that is effective in the present embodiment. The structure of Ray 200 is shown. As can be seen from a comparison between FIG. 1 and FIG. 19, the liquid crystal display 100 and the liquid crystal display 200 have the stacking order of the display liquid crystal panel 1 and the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 reversed. . That is, as shown in FIG. 19, the liquid crystal display 200 has a configuration in which the display liquid crystal panel 1 is laminated on the backlight 3, and the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 is further laminated thereon. Note that the liquid crystal display 1 may be a transflective liquid crystal panel.

In the liquid crystal display 200, a laminate of the upper polarizing plate 12 of the display liquid crystal panel 1 and the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 (the liquid crystal cell 21 and the polarizing plate 22) is illustrated with respect to the liquid crystal display 100. 3 Functions equivalent to the laminate shown in (a) and (b). Accordingly, in the liquid crystal display 200 shown in FIG. 19, as with the liquid crystal display 100, the voltage applied to the liquid crystal cell 21 of the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 is switched between 0 V and V.

H

Thus, the display state of the liquid crystal display 100 can be switched between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle.

As described above, according to the liquid crystal displays 100 and 200 according to the present embodiment, if the voltage V is applied to the liquid crystal cell 21 of the liquid crystal panel 2 for viewing angle control, the liquid crystal display from a limited viewing angle can be obtained.

H

A narrow viewing angle display can be realized. Further, if no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal cell 21 of the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2, the display can be viewed from a wide viewing angle.

Note that this embodiment merely shows specific examples of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to these specific examples. For example, in the above description, negative type nematic liquid crystal with force hybrid alignment shown in an example using positive type nematic liquid crystal may be used. When a negative nematic liquid crystal is used, the behavior differs from the liquid crystal molecules of the positive nematic liquid crystal shown in Figs. 2 (a) and (b). That is, as shown in FIGS. 20 (a) and (b), when no voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules 213η are applied with a force voltage having the same arrangement as in FIG. 2 (a). 213η turns to align its long axis almost parallel to the substrate surface. Therefore, contrary to the case of using a positive nematic liquid crystal, a predetermined voltage is applied to the liquid crystal cell 21 of the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 at a wide viewing angle, and a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal cell 21 at a narrow viewing angle. Shinare, good if you do.

Furthermore, in the above description, the entire liquid crystal layer of the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 is uniformly controlled. The structure to be illustrated was illustrated. However, if the electrode structure of the liquid crystal cell 21 is made different for each local region, the operation of the liquid crystal can be controlled for each local region. This makes it possible to vary the viewing angle of the display screen for each local area.

[0061] In the above description, the example in which the viewing angle control device is arranged on the back surface or the front surface of the display device has been described. However, the configuration in which the viewing angle control device is arranged on both the back surface and the front surface of the display device is also possible. It is included in the technical scope of the present invention.

In the above description, a transmissive liquid crystal panel is given as a specific example of the display device, but the display device is not limited to this. For example, a reflective or transflective liquid crystal display panel can be used as the display device. In addition to non-light emitting display devices such as liquid crystal display panels, for example, CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), plasma display, organic EL (Electro Luminescence) element, inorganic EL element, LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, A self-luminous display device such as a fluorescent display tube, a field emission display, or a surface-conduction electron display can also be used.

FIG. 21 shows a configuration example in the case where a reflective liquid crystal display panel is used as the display device. A liquid crystal display 300 shown in FIG. 21 has a configuration in which the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 is disposed on the front surface (observer side) of the reflective liquid crystal display panel 30. The reflective liquid crystal display panel 30 includes a reflective liquid crystal cell 31 having a reflector (not shown) on the substrate opposite to the observer, and a polarizing plate 32 disposed on the upper surface of the reflective liquid crystal cell 31. I have. Since the structure and operation of the reflective liquid crystal cell are well known, detailed description thereof is omitted here. In the liquid crystal display 300, the laminated body of the polarizing plate 32 of the reflective liquid crystal display panel 30 and the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 (the liquid crystal cell 21 and the polarizing plate 22) is shown in FIG. It functions in the same manner as the laminate shown in (b). Accordingly, even in the liquid crystal display 300 shown in FIG. 21, as with the liquid crystal display 100, the voltage applied to the liquid crystal cell 21 of the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 is switched between 0 V and V. , LCD 30

H

The display state of 0 can be switched between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle.

[0064] FIG. 22 is a configuration example in the case where a self-luminous display device such as an EL element is used as the display device. The display 400 shown in FIG. 22 is a front surface of the self-luminous display device 40 ( The viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 is arranged on the observer side. In this case, the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 includes a pair of polarizing plates 22 and 23 on the front and back of the liquid crystal cell 21. The polarization transmission axes of the polarizing plates 22 and 23 are arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal to each other. In the display 400, the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 (the liquid crystal cell 21 and the polarizing plates 22 and 23) functions in the same manner as the laminate shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b) with respect to the liquid crystal display 100. Therefore, in the display 400 shown in FIG. 22, as with the liquid crystal display 100, the voltage applied to the liquid crystal cell 21 of the viewing angle control liquid crystal panel 2 is switched between 0 V and V.

H

Therefore, the display state of the display 400 can be switched between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle.

[0065] In any of the above-described embodiments, when the display state of the display is a narrow viewing angle, a message, an image, an icon, or the like for informing the user is displayed on the screen of the display device. You may make it do.

[0066] In any of the above embodiments, the driving circuit of the viewing angle control device operates according to the content of the image displayed on the display device, and automatically switches between the narrow viewing angle and the wide viewing angle. You may make it change. For example, when the display is used to view web pages on the Internet, the software flag associated with each page is referred to according to the content of the web page, and it is preferable that the content is not seen by others. The display state may be automatically switched to a narrow viewing angle. Further, when the browser is activated in the encryption mode, the display state may be switched to a narrow viewing angle.

[0067] In addition, when the display power S is a part of the data input device, or is related to the data input device, the data type being input or the data type to be input is confidential. For example, the display state of the display can be adjusted to switch to a narrow viewing angle. For example, when the user inputs some personal identification number, the display may be automatically switched to the narrow viewing angle.

[0068] In any of the above embodiments, the viewing angle control device may be formed as a module or a cover that can be removed from the display device. When such a removable module is attached to the display device, it can be electrically connected to the display device to obtain appropriate power and control signals. [0069] In any of the above-described embodiments, an optical sensor (ambient sensor) that measures the ambient light of the display is further provided, and when the measured value of the optical sensor falls below a predetermined threshold, the display on the display It is also preferable to make the state a narrow viewing angle.

[0070] It should be noted that the power of the present invention and the uses of the display and the viewing angle control device are diverse.

For example, it can be applied to displays such as notebook personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable game consoles, mobile phones, etc. ATMs (automatic cash dispensers), information installed in public places Applies to displays for various devices such as terminals, ticket vending machines, and in-vehicle displays.

[0071] In addition, the viewing angle control device according to the present invention can be manufactured and distributed as a component of the display S as a component of the display S, which can be implemented in a state where the viewing angle control device is incorporated. There is also sex.

Industrial applicability

[0072] The present invention is industrially applicable as a display that can be adapted to various usage environments and applications by switching between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle, and a viewing angle control device used therefor.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] a display device driven according to an image to be displayed;

A display that is disposed on at least one of a rear surface and a front surface of the display device and includes a viewing angle control device that controls a viewing angle of the display device,

The viewing angle control device includes a liquid crystal cell having a liquid crystal layer in which liquid crystal molecules are hybrid-aligned between a pair of translucent substrates, and a drive circuit for applying a voltage to the liquid crystal layer, Arranged so that the polarization transmission axes are almost orthogonal in the display

Placed between two polarizing plates,

The drive circuit changes the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the viewing angle control device, thereby changing the display state to a first state that provides a first viewing angle range, and a first viewing angle. A display that is switchable between a second state that is within the range and provides a second viewing angle range that is narrower than the first viewing angle range.

[2] The liquid crystal layer of the viewing angle control device includes a positive nematic liquid crystal,

The display according to claim 1, wherein the drive circuit provides the second viewing angle range by applying a predetermined voltage to the liquid crystal layer.

[3] The liquid crystal layer of the viewing angle control device includes a negative type nematic liquid crystal,

The display according to claim 1, wherein the driving circuit provides the first viewing angle range by applying a predetermined voltage to the liquid crystal layer.

[4] The device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the alignment films of the pair of translucent substrates of the liquid crystal cell are respectively rubbed in parallel and in opposite directions. play.

[5] The display according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the alignment films of the pair of light-transmitting substrates of the liquid crystal cell are respectively rubbed in parallel and in the same direction. .

[6] The device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein a rubbing treatment is performed only on a horizontal alignment film among the alignment films of each of the pair of translucent substrates of the liquid crystal cell. Isplay.

[7] The two polarizing plates intersect each other with their polarization transmission axes in the range of 80 ° to 100 °. The display according to any one of claims 1 to 6, arranged as follows.

[8] The display device is a display device that emits linearly polarized light,

One of the two polarizing plates is a polarizing plate provided in the display device.

: The display according to any one of! To 7.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is a transmissive liquid crystal display device and further includes a backlight.

The display according to one of -8 and misalignment.

10. The display according to claim 9, wherein the viewing angle control device is disposed between the backlight and the transmissive liquid crystal display device.

[11] The viewing angle control device is disposed in front of the transmissive liquid crystal display device.

9. The display according to 9.

12. The backlight is a directional backlight having directivity in the normal direction.

~: The display according to any one of 11 above.

[13] The display according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the display device is a reflective liquid crystal display device or a transflective liquid crystal display device.

[14] The display device is a self-luminous display device,

The display according to claim 1, wherein one of the two polarizing plates is provided between the self-luminous display device and the viewing angle control device.

[15] The polarizing transmission axis of the polarizing plate is arranged so as to intersect with the alignment axis of the liquid crystal molecules viewed from the normal direction of the viewing angle control device in a range of 40 ° to 50 °. The display according to any one of 1 to 14:

[16] The display according to any one of [1] to [15], wherein a retardation film is provided at least at one position between the viewing angle control device and the two polarizing plates.

[17] A viewing angle control device that is arranged according to an image to be displayed and is arranged on at least one of the back surface and the front surface of the display device that emits linearly polarized light, and is used to control the viewing angle of the display device. There,

A liquid crystal sensor having a liquid crystal layer in which liquid crystal molecules are hybrid-aligned between a pair of translucent substrates;

A drive circuit for applying a voltage to the liquid crystal layer; A polarizing plate provided on the opposite side of the plane of incidence of linearly polarized light from the display device in the liquid crystal cell and having a polarization transmission axis substantially orthogonal to the plane of polarization of the linearly polarized light, By changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer, the light emission range is within the first viewing angle range and the second viewing angle range, which is narrower than the first viewing angle range. A viewing angle control device that is switchable between viewing angle ranges.

A viewing angle control device that is disposed in front of a self-luminous display device that is driven in accordance with an image to be displayed and is used to control the viewing angle of the self-luminous display device. A liquid crystal cell having a liquid crystal layer in which liquid crystal molecules are hybrid-aligned between substrates;

A drive circuit for applying a voltage to the liquid crystal layer;

A pair of polarizing plates provided on the outside of the pair of translucent substrates so that the polarization transmission axes are substantially orthogonal;

The drive circuit changes the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer, so that the light emission range is within the first viewing angle range and the first viewing angle range, which is different from the first viewing angle range. A viewing angle control device capable of switching between a narrower second viewing angle range.