Three-dimensional image display apparatus and color reproducing method for three-dimensional image display

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a three-dimensional image display apparatus using a minute aperture array and a minute light source array and a color reproducing method in a three-dimensional image display apparatus.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Since three-dimensional image display apparatuses using a minute aperture array and a minute light source array have an advantage such that naked-eye stereoscopic vision can be realized with a simple structure, these have been put to practical use as parallax barrier—or linear light source array-type three-dimensional image display apparatuses.

[0005] However, pixels of a color display device which is capable of full-color display usually consist of red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, and blue sub-pixels, therefore, if the color display device is viewed through minute apertures or lights from minute light sources are viewed through a transmission type color display device, color eclipses where only a part of a parallax image pixel composed of three red, green, and blue sub-pixels appears lighted and crosstalk occur in parallax images wherein correct color reproduction cannot be carried out. In addition, in a three-dimensional image display apparatus wherein a minute light source array is provided in the rear of a transmission type color display device, if the pixel pitch is made small to heighten resolution, crosstalk increases due to diffraction at a black matrix and scattering based on optical nonuniformity in identical sub-pixels.

[0006] Failure in correct color reproduction due to color eclipses and crosstalk becomes a great obstacle to achievement of a high sense of reality required for a three-dimensional image display apparatus.

[0007] As remedial measures thereagainst, in terms of a three-dimensional image display apparatus for displaying a three-dimensional image only with a horizontal parallax with disregard for a vertical parallax, a method using RGB horizontally-striped sub-pixels has been disclosed in International Publication WO 01/37579 A1, etc. However, in such a method, since a color display device having RGB vertically-striped sub-pixels, which has been popularized to construct a three-dimensional image display apparatus having a landscape screen, cannot be used, initial costs for commercialization become prohibitive. In addition, in a three-dimensional display apparatus using a minute light source array and a transmission type liquid crystal display, even if diffraction at a black matrix is reduced by providing RGB horizontal stripes, it is difficult to suppress scattering based on optical nonuniformity in identical sub-pixels.

[0008] The present invention is made in view of the problems involved in such prior arts and it is an object of the present invention to provide, in a three-dimensional image display apparatus using a minute aperture array or a minute light source array, a color reproducing method wherein color eclipses and crosstalk are insignificant.

[0009] In order to attain the above-described object, a color reproducing method for a three-dimensional image display in a three-dimensional image display apparatus provided with a shading mask with a minute aperture array in front of a color display device includes the following.

• [0010] Each of minute aperture parts of said shading mask is provided with a color filter composed of a red-light transmitting part, a green-light transmitting part, and a blue-light transmitting part.
• [0011] Herein, between said respective red-, green-, and blue-light transmitting parts of the color filters and respective red, green, and blue sub-pixels of said color display device, the light transmitting parts and the sub-pixels that have the same color and exist in a same parallax image pixel region are corresponded to each other.
• [0012] And, a setting is provided so that visual angles between the respective centers of the red-light transmitting part, green-light transmitting part, and blue-light transmitting part of said color filters become equal, in an identical parallax image pixel region, to visual angles between the respective centers of the red sub-pixel, green sub-pixel, and blue sub-pixel of said color display device.
• [0013] In addition, the red sub-pixel, green sub-pixel, and blue sub-pixel which belong to an identical parallax image pixel are always displayed at a fixed area ratio in a lighted condition.
• [0014] Thus, at a viewing position of said three-dimensional image display apparatus at an optimal viewing distance, color reproduction is carried out while maintaining the ratio of brightness of the three RGB primary colors at a predetermined value in each of the respective parallax image pixels.

[0015] Furthermore, a color reproducing method for a three-dimensional image display in a three-dimensional image display apparatus provided with a shading mask with a minute light source array in the rear of a transmission type color display device includes the following.

• [0016] Each of said light sources is composed of a red-light emitting part, a green-light emitting part, and a blue-light emitting part.
• [0017] Herein, between a respective red-, green-, and blue-light emitting parts of said minute light sources and respective red, green, and blue sub-pixels of said, transmission type color display device, the light emitting parts and the sub-pixels that have the same color and exist in a same parallax image pixel region are corresponded to each other.
• [0018] In addition, a setting is provided so that visual angles between the respective centers of the red-light emitting part, green-light emitting part, and blue-light emitting part of the minute light sources become equal, in an identical parallax image pixel region, to visual angles between the respective centers of the red sub-pixel, green sub-pixel, and blue sub-pixel of the transmission type color display device.
• [0019] And, the red sub-pixel, green sub-pixel, and blue sub-pixel which belong to an identical parallax image pixel are always displayed at a fixed area ratio in a lighted condition.
• [0020] Thus, at a viewing position of said three-dimensional image display apparatus at an optimal viewing distance, color reproduction is carried out while maintaining the ratio of brightness of the three RGB primary colors at a predetermined value in each of the respective parallax images.

[0021] Furthermore, a three-dimensional image display apparatus includes the following.

• [0022] a transmission type display device,
• [0023] a minute light source array arranged in the rear of the transmission type display device,
• [0024] a positive microlens array arranged between the minute light source array and said transmission type display device and
• [0025] a shading mask with a minute aperture array.
• [0026] Herein, minute aperture parts of the shading mask are provided at respective positions of real images of minute light sources of the minute light source array, formed by the microlens array in front of said transmission display device.

[0027] Furthermore, a three-dimensional image apparatus includes the following.

• [0028] a display device which has pixel units each composed of sub-pixels of a plurality of colors arranged in the horizontal direction and each being a unit of display, and which displays two or more parallax images in a composite manner so that approximately identical sections of said two or more parallax images which have been each divided into a plurality of sections in the horizontal direction are arranged by a predetermined order, and
• [0029] a mask in which aperture parts and shading parts are alternatively provided in the horizontal direction and which allows lights from pixel units for displaying respective sections of a same parallax image out of all of the pixel units to reach, through said aperture parts, observation regions which are different depending on the parallax image.
• [0030] Herein, on each of the aperture parts of the mask, a filter unit composed of color filters of a plurality of colors which are arranged in the horizontal direction is provided.

[0031] Furthermore, a three-dimensional image display apparatus includes the following.

• [0032] a display device which has pixel units each composed of a plurality of sub-pixels which allow lights of mutually different colors to transmit arranged in the horizontal direction and each being a unit of display, and which displays two or more parallax images in a composite manner so that approximately identical sections of said two or more parallax images which have been each divided into a plurality of sections in the horizontal direction are arranged by a predetermined order, and
• [0033] a light source array in which light-emitting parts and non-light-emitting parts are alternatively provided in the horizontal direction and which illuminates said display device so that lights from pixel units for displaying respective sections of a same parallax image out all of said pixel units reach observation regions which are different depending on the parallax image.
• [0034] Herein, the light emitting parts of the light source array are each constructed by arranging a plurality of light sources which emit lights of mutually different colors in the horizontal direction.

[0068] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0069] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention, wherein 100 denotes a color display device, and 101 denotes a shading mask with a minute aperture array.

[0070] Lights from pixels on the color display device 100 transmit through the shading mask 101 with a minute aperture array and reach an observer's eye (not shown).

[0071] Red lights from red sub-pixels indicated as “R” in FIG. 1 transmit through only red-light transmitting parts of the shading mask 101 with a minute aperture array, namely, respective parts of red, yellow, and white (transparent and colorless), and are shielded at respective colored parts of cyan and blue and black mask parts. Therefore, with respect to the red sub-pixels on the color display device 100, the shading mask 101 with a minute aperture array functions in a similar manner to a parallax barrier having, as a slit width, a width of one set of adjacent red, yellow, and white.

[0072] The reason that such a thing is possible is because, as shown in FIG. 4, according to an additive color mixing method for three primary colors of light, yellow and white include red but cyan and blue do not include red.

[0073] The same is true of lights from green sub-pixels indicated as “G” in FIG. 1 and lights from blue sub-pixels indicated as “B” in FIG. 1.

[0074] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention, wherein 200 denotes a transmission type color display device, and 201 denotes a minute light source array.

[0075] Lights from the minute light source array 201 transmit through the transmission type color display device 200 and reach an observer's eye (not shown).

[0076] Lights from respective light-emitting parts of red, yellow, and white of the minute light source array 201 are lights which include red lights according to the additive color mixing method shown in FIG. 4 and, therefore, can transmit through red sub-pixels on the transmission type color display device 200 as red lights, whereas lights from respective light-emitting parts of cyan and blue do not include red lights and, therefore, cannot transmit through the red sub-pixels. Therefore, with respect to the red sub-pixels on the transmission type color display device 200, the minute light source array 201 functions in a similar manner to a white linear light source array having, as a linear light source width, a width of one set of adjacent red, yellow, and white.

[0077] The same is true of lights which transmit through green sub-pixels indicated as “G” in FIG. 2 and lights which transmit through blue sub-pixels indicated as “B” in FIG. 2.

[0078] According to the color reproducing method for a three-dimensional image display of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in a three-dimensional image display apparatus using a minute aperture array or a minute light source array, color reproduction wherein color eclipses and crosstalk are insignificant can be carried out.

[0079] FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b) are diagrams for explaining color eclipses which occur in a prior parallax barrier-type three-dimensional image display apparatus. FIG. 5(a) shows a condition where an observer distant from a three-dimensional image display apparatus by a best viewing distance L observes the three-dimensional image display apparatus from a central position. In this case, from a viewpoint L0 and a viewpoint R0, respective parallax images correctly color-reproduced can be observed.

[0080] On the other hand, FIG. 5(b) shows a condition where an observer observes a three-dimensional image display apparatus from a viewpoint L1 and a viewpoint R1 that are distant from the three-dimensional image display apparatus by a best viewing distance L but are shifted rightwards from the center. In this case, parallax images observed from the viewpoint L1 and the viewpoint R1 are lacking in blue lights.

[0081] These phenomena are called color eclipses. In addition, when the viewpoints are further shifted to the right, crosstalk occurs, and also in these crosstalk images, red lights, green lights and the like are lacking. As such, an observation of parallax images whose color balance has been lost due to color eclipses and cross talk considerably deteriorates, in particular, in a multi-viewpoint image display, quality of an image observed from an intermediate viewpoint located between adjacent optimal viewpoints.

[0082] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a color reproducing method for a three-dimensional image display of the present invention, wherein 600 denotes a color display device, and 601 denotes a shading mask with a minute aperture array. In FIG. 6, similar to FIG. 5(b), shown is a condition where an observer observes a three-dimensional image display apparatus from a viewpoint L1 and a viewpoint R1 that are distant from the three-dimensional image display apparatus by an optimal viewing distance L and are shifted rightward from the center. In this case, unlike FIG. 5(b), no color eclipses occur in parallax images observed from the viewpoint L1 and the view point R1.

[0083] Then, even when the viewpoints are shifted further to the right, the areas of red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, and blue sub-pixels which appear lightened are reduced while maintaining a fixed area ratio, therefore, color balance of the parallax image pixels is not lost. In addition, a region where observation of a correctly color-reproduced three-dimensional image is possible is also expanded. Furthermore, since crosstalk images which have been correctly color-reproduced in detail are produced, in a multi-viewpoint image display, an image observed from an intermediate viewpoint located between adjacent optimal viewpoints is prevented from losing color balance, whereby a satisfactory motion parallax can be reproduced.

[0084] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of still another embodiment (third embodiment) of the present invention, wherein 300 denotes a color display device, 301 denotes a minute light source array, 302 denotes a cylindrical lens array which consists of cylindrical lenses having a generating line in the vertical direction, and 303 denotes a shading mask with a minute aperture array.

[0085] Lights from the minute light source array 301 form, by lens actions in terms of a horizontal section of the cylindrical lens array 302, real images in front of the transmission type color display device 300. The shading mask 303 with a minute aperture array has been arranged on real images of the minute light source array 301 in terms of a horizontal section and colored so as to coincide with a geometrical-optical real image of the minute light source array 301.

[0086] Lights from respective light-emitting parts of red, yellow, and white of the minute light source array 301 are, by lens actions of the cylindrical lens array 302, condensed in the vicinity of respective colored parts of red, yellow, and white of the shading mask 303 with a minute aperture array, and these lights are lights which include red lights according to the additive color mixing method shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the lights transmit through red sub-pixels of the transmission type color display device 300 and further transmit through the respective colored parts of red, yellow, and white of the shading mask 303 with a minute aperture array as red lights and reach an observer's eye (not shown). In addition, through the same processes, green lights transmit through the respective colored parts of yellow, white, and cyan of the shading mask 303 with a minute aperture array, and blue lights transmit through the respective colored parts of white, cyan, and blue of the shading mask 303 with a minute aperture array and reach an observer's eye.

[0087] Herein, the part which consists of the transmission type color display device 300 and the shading mask 303 with a minute aperture array shown in FIG. 3 has the same construction as in the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1.

[0088] However, in the three-dimensional image display apparatus of FIG. 3, since lights from the minute light source array 301 can be concentrated to corresponding colored parts of the shading mask 303 with a minute aperture array, if a self-luminous minute light source array is utilized, utilization efficiency of light can be remarkably improved compared to the mode shown in FIG. 1.

[0089] In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the minute light source array 201/301 is placed in the rear of the transmission type color display device 200/300, and since scattered lights which occur at the transmission type color display device 200/300 can be shielded, it is possible to display a three-dimensional image by means of a transmission type color display device having resolution that is by far higher than that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

[0090] FIG. 7 shows light courses in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 7, scattered lights shown by small arrows which occur at a transmission type color display device 700 are directly observed by an observer, therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, crosstalk due to scattering occurs.

[0091] FIG. 8 shows light courses in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 8, scattered lights shown by small arrows which occur in a transmission type color display device 800 are shielded by a shading mask 803 with a minute aperture array, therefore, compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, crosstalk due to scattering can be greatly suppressed.

[0092] FIG. 9 shows a relationship between the respective red, green, and blue sub-pixels of a color display device 900 and color filter colored parts of a shading mask 901 with a minute aperture array in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 9, as shown by visual angles α and β, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a setting is provided so that the visual angles between the respective centers of the red sub-pixel, green sub-pixel, and blue sub-pixel become equal, in an identical parallax image pixel region, to the respectively corresponding visual angles between the respective centers of the red-light transmitting part, green-light transmitting part, and blue-light transmitting part of the color filters. Thereby, for an observer who carries out an observation at an optimal viewing distance from a three-dimensional image display apparatus, the red sub-pixel, green sub-pixel, and blue sub-pixel which belong to an identical parallax image pixel can be always displayed in a lighted condition at a fixed area ratio.

[0093] Also, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a setting is provided so that the visual angles between the respective centers of the red sub-pixel, green sub-pixel, and blue sub-pixel become equal, in an identical parallax image pixel region, to the respectively corresponding visual angles between the respective centers of the red-light emitting part, green-light emitting part, and blue-light emitting part of the minute light sources, whereby for an observer which carries out an observation at an optimal viewing distance from a three-dimensional image display apparatus, the red sub-pixel, green sub-pixel, and blue sub-pixel which belong to an identical parallax image pixel can be always displayed in a lighted condition at a fixed area ratio.

[0094] FIG. 10 shows a relationship between the pixels of a color display device 1000 and color filter colored parts of a shading mask 1001 with a minute aperture array. In FIG. 10, a relationship between the pixels of the color display device 1000 and color filter colored parts is set so that when an observer observes a three-dimensional display apparatus at an optimal viewing distance, the pixel pitch of the color display device 1000 and the width of the red-light transmitting part R of the color filter, the width of the green-light transmitting part G, and the width of the blue-light transmitting part B are observed with an equal visual angle θ in a direction where the respective three primary colors are lined in an identical parallax image pixel region. Thereby, an extreme change in the amount of light by shifting of viewpoint within a surface at an optimal viewing distance from a three-dimensional image display apparatus can be prevented, therefore, in particular, in a multi-viewpoint image display, a smooth motion parallax can be displayed.

[0095] In FIG. 10, a case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is shown, however, restraining the amount of light from changing by a method equivalent hereto is effective in the second embodiment as well. Namely, it is satisfactory to provide a setting so that, in FIG. 2, when an observer observes a three-dimensional image display apparatus at an optimal viewing distance, the pixel pitch of the transmission type color display device 200 and the width of a red-light emitting unit R which consists of minute red, yellow, and white light sources, the width of a green-light emitting unit G which consists of minute yellow, white, and cyan light sources, and the width of a blue-light emitting unit B which consists of minute white, cyan, and blue light sources are observed with an equal visual angle in a direction where the respective primary colors are lined in an identical parallax image pixel region.

[0096] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for a case where a color reproducing method of the present invention has been applied to a three-dimensional image display apparatus according to International Publication WO 01/37579 A1 a pending patent application by the present inventor.

[0097] In the construction of FIG. 11, a cylindrical lens array 1102 having a generating line in the horizontal direction is added to the construction of FIG. 3, whereby it becomes possible to arrange the red-light emitting parts, the green-light emitting parts, and the blue-light emitting parts of the minute light source array in a separate manner in the vertical direction. Therefore, in this mode, it is possible to construct the minute light source array by arranging monochrome light emitting elements such as LEDs. Since the three-dimensional image display apparatus according to International Publication WO 01/37579 A1 has an advantage such that a high display efficiency can be obtained by arranging the respective parallax image pixels in a matrix shape for display, if the color reproducing method of the present invention is applied thereto to add an advantage such that color reproduction wherein color eclipses and crosstalk are insignificant can be carried out, a high-resolution and high-quality multi-viewpoint image display (multi-view image display) becomes possible.

[0098] The embodiment described in the above is for a case where the color reproducing method of the present invention has been applied to a three-dimensional image display apparatus having a parallax in only the horizontal direction. However, as a matter of course, the color reproducing method of the present invention can also be applied to a three-dimensional image display apparatus which is provided with a pinhole-like minute aperture array and a dot-like minute light source array and has parallaxes in both the horizontal direction and vertical direction.

[0099] FIG. 12(a) is a detailed explanatory diagram of the three-dimensional image display apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0100] A display device 11 is composed of vertically-striped RGB sub-pixels (a pixel unit as a unit of display), and as such a display device, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, etc., can be mentioned. A shading mask 12 with a minute aperture array is provided on the display surface side (in front of) of the display device 11.

[0101] FIG. 12(b) is an explanatory diagram of the shading mask 12 with a minute aperture array.

[0102] The shading mask 12 with a minute aperture array is composed of shading parts shown by black paint and minute aperture parts having five types of vertically-striped color filters of red, yellow, white (or transparent), cyan, and blue. The shading parts and the minute aperture parts are alternatively provided in the horizontal direction.

[0103] An image controller 13 is connected to the display device 11, and by the image controller 13, display of a composite parallax image is controlled.

[0104] FIG. 12(c) is an explanatory diagram of a composite parallax image displayed on the display device 11.

[0105] The illustrated numerals 1 through 4 show what number parallax image it is, and in the present embodiment, the number of parallax images is provided as 4. A composite parallax image is an image wherein four parallax images are decomposed into vertical stripes in sets of RGB sub-pixels (pixel unit), and vertically-striped images prepared by four parallax images are repeatedly adhered together from the left of the illustration in order of 4, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 4 . . . so that images of approximately identical parts are adjacent to each other.

[0106] FIG. 13 is a horizontal sectional diagram of a three-dimensional image display apparatus of the present invention, which explains a positional relationship between the display device 11, shading mask 12 with a minute aperture array, and an optimal viewing position (observation region).

[0107] The numerals 1 through 4 marked on the respective pixels (pixel units) of the display device 11 show what number parallax image it is.

[0108] In addition, the numerals 1 through 4 marked on the optimal viewing position show what number parallax image it is, and the dots (black spots) show the center points of the respective parallax images in the horizontal direction.

[0109] At this time, in order to exhibit a composite parallax image displayed on the display device 11 at the optimal viewing position in a separate manner, the respective components must satisfy geometric relationships hereinafter prescribed.

[0110] The center point of each R sub-pixel of the display device 11 (the dots marked on the R sub-pixels of FIG. 13), the center point of color filters through which a light from each R sub-pixel can transmit (since the light transmits through the red, yellow, and white filters, the center point of the yellow filter=the dot marked on the yellow filter of FIG. 13), and the center point of a parallax image corresponding to each R sub-pixel at the optimal viewing position lie in a straight line.

[0111] Similarly, in terms of C sub-pixels, as well, the center point of each G sub-pixel (the dots marked on the G sub-pixels of FIG. 13), the center point of color filters through which a light from each G sub-pixel can transmit (since the light transmits through the yellow, white, and cyan filters, the center point of the white filter=the dot marked on the white filter of FIG. 13), and the center point of a parallax image corresponding to each G sub-pixel at the optical viewing position lie in a straight line.

[0112] Similarly, in terms of B sub-pixels, as well, the center point of each B sub-pixel (the dots marked on the B sub-pixels of FIG. 13), the center point of color filters through which a light from each B sub-pixel can transmit (since the light transmits through the white, cyan, and blue filters, the center point of the cyan filter=the dot marked on the cyan filter of FIG. 13), and the center point of a parallax image corresponding to each B sub-pixel at the optical viewing position lie in a straight line.

[0113] Herein,

• [0114] in terms of the display device 11, where
  • [0115] the horizontal pitch of one pixel (pixel unit) is provided as D₁h,
  • [0116] the horizontal pitch of one sub-pixel is provided as D₁h/3,
• [0117] in terms of the shading mask 12 with a minute aperture array, where
  • [0118] the horizontal pitch of each color filter part is provided as c₁h,
  • [0119] the horizontal width of all color filter parts in a filter unit is provided as 5c₁h,
  • [0120] the horizontal width of a region through which a light from an R sub-pixel can transmit is provided as 3c₁h,
  • [0121] the horizontal width of a region through which a light from a G sub-pixel can transmit is provided as 3c₁h,
  • [0122] the horizontal width of a region through which a light from a B sub-pixel can transmit is provided as 3c₁h,
  • [0123] with a shading part and an aperture of five types of color filters as a mask unit, the repeating pitch of the mask units in the horizontal direction is provided as m₁h,
• [0124] the distance between the display device 11 and shading mask 12 with a minute aperture array is provided as L₁m₁d₁,
• [0125] the distance from the shading mask 12 with a minute aperture array to the optimal viewing position is provided as L₁,
• [0126] the horizontal pitch at which respective parallax images are formed at the optimal viewing position is provided as E₁,
• [0127] the following expressions are obtained:
  D₁h:E₁=L₁m₁d₁:L₁  1
  D₁h/3:c₁h=L₁m₁d₁+L₁:L₁  2
  E₁:3c₁h=L₁m₁d₁+L₁: L₁m₁d₁  3
• [0128] where the number of parallax images is provided as N (in the present example, N=4),
  N×E₁:m₁h=L₁m₁d₁+L₁:L₁m₁d₁  4

[0129] FIG. 14 explain an improvement in color eclipses in detail.

[0130] In FIG. 14(a), a light from the R sub-pixel of the parallax image 2 of the display device 11 transmits through transmittable color filters (red, yellow, and white filters) and becomes a viewing light having a width e₁ at the optimal viewing position.

[0131] Similarly, in terms of G sub-pixels, as well, a light from the B sub-pixel of the parallax image 2 transmits through transmittable color filters (yellow, white, and cyan filters) and becomes a viewing light having a width e₁ at the optimal viewing position.

[0132] Similarly, in terms of B sub-pixels, as well, a light from the G sub-pixel of the parallax image 2 transmits through transmittable color filters (white, cyan, and blue filters) and becomes a viewing light having a width e₁ at the optimal viewing position.

[0133] At this time, lights from these RGB sub-pixels are overlapped at an identical position (region) in the horizontal direction of the optimal viewing position.

[0134] Therefore, in the aforementioned region having a width e₁, since the RGB lights are mixed in a well-balanced manner, no color eclipses occur. Such a relationship is similarly obtained in other parallax images.

[0135] FIG. 14(b) shows a relationship of lights which transmit through adjacent mask unit and reach the optimal viewing position. Similar to FIG. 14(a), in this case, as well, the lights from these RGB sub-pixels are overlapped at an identical position in the horizontal direction of the optimal viewing position, and in the region having a width e₁, the RGB lights are mixed in a well-balanced manner, therefore, no color eclipses occur. Such a relationship is similarly obtained in other parallax images.

[0136] In addition, in the present example, since the center sub-pixel of a vertically striped image prepared from a parallax image is provided as a G sub-pixel, as color filters, five types of color filters of red, yellow, white (or transparent), cyan, and blue are used. However, if an R sub-pixel is situated in the center, five types of color filters of blue, magenta, white, yellow, and green may be used, and if a B sub-pixel is situated in the center, five types of color filters of green, cyan, white, magenta, and red may be used. Furthermore, by means of a display composed of vertically striped yellow, cyan, and magenta sub-pixels, a three-dimensional image display apparatus of the present invention can also be constructed by the same techniques.

[0137] Herein,

• [0138] where the intersection of straight lines between both end portions in the horizontal direction of an R sub-pixel of the display device 11 and both end portions of transmittable color filters (red, yellow, and white filters) is provided as f₁,
  • [0139] the distance between f₁ and the display device 11 is provided as L₁f₁d₁,
  • [0140] the distance between f₁ and the shading mask 12 with a minute aperture array is provided as L₁m₁f₁,
• [0141] the following expressions are obtained:
  in a prior three-dimensional image display apparatus,
  e₁:3c₁h=L₁+L₁m₁f₁:L₁m₁f₁  5
  L₁m₁d₁=L₁f₁d₁+L₁m₁f₁  6
  D₁h/3:3c₁h=L₁f₁d₁:L₁m₁f₁  7
  D₁h/3:e₁=L₁f₁d₁:L₁+L₁m₁f₁  7′

[0142] However, the expressions 7 and 7′ have a dependent relationship and it is sufficient that either thereof is obtained.

[0143] The above is an example in the case where the aperture ratio in the horizontal direction of pixels of the display device 11 and the aperture ratio in the horizontal direction of the shading part and the aperture part of five types of color filters of the shading mask 12 with a minute aperture array are both provided as 100%. In general, in a display device, since black matrices exist at the boundaries between sub-pixels, the ratio of aperture of pixels is less than 100%.

[0144] FIG. 15 shows a case where the aperture ratio of pixels of the display device 11 is provided as kd₁, and the aperture ratio in the horizontal direction of the color filters of the shading mask 12 with a minute aperture array is provided as km₁.

[0145] Herein,

• [0146] where the intersection of straight lines between both end portions in the horizontal direction of an R sub-pixel of the display device 11 and both end portions of transmittable color filters (red, yellow, and white filters) is provided as f₁′,
  • [0147] the distance between f₁′ and the display device 11 is provided as L₁f₁d₁,
  • [0148] the distance between f₁′ and the shading mask 12 with a minute aperture array is provided as L₁m₁f₁′,
• [0149] the width in the horizontal direction of each parallax image which reaches the optimal viewing position is provided as e₁′,
• [0150] the following expressions are obtained:
  e₁′:(km₁+2)×c₁h=L₁+L₁m₁f₁′:L₁m₁f₁′  8
  L₁m₁d₁=L₁f₁′d₁+L₁m₁f₁′  9
  kd₁×D₁h/3: (km₁+2)×c₁h=L₁f_1′d₁:L₁m₁f₁′  10
  kd₁×D₁h/3:e₁′=L₁f₁′d₁:L₁+L₁m₁f₁′  10′

[0151] However, the expressions 10 and 10′ have a dependent relationship and it is sufficient that either thereof is obtained.

[0152] In addition, e₁ of FIG. 14 and e₁′ of FIG. 15 are both set so as to become larger in some degree than E₁. This shows that a crosstalk region where respective adjacent parallax images at the optimal viewing position are overlapped with each other is included.

[0153] FIG. 16 shows a luminance distribution in the horizontal direction of respective parallax images at the optimal viewing position. The distribution of each parallax image becomes maximum around the center of the viewing position of each image, and parts thereof are overlapped with adjacent images as shown by hatching portions in the drawing. In such overlapping regions, adjacent images are overlapped with each other, therefore, a light distribution with a luminance shown by dotted lines is perceived by an observer. As a result, at the optimal viewing position, images with an average luminance are distributed, and no excessive unevenness in luminance occurs. In addition, it is also possible to set the luminance shown by the dotted lines to around the maximum value of luminance distribution of the respective parallax images, and in this case, even if the observer shifts in the horizontal direction, no unevenness in luminance occurs.

[0154] In such a case, as in the present invention, where the number of parallax images to be displayed is more than two (in the present example, four parallax images), if parallax images which are continuous in the horizontal direction are used, it is possible to express a motion parallax according to the shift of the observer. Furthermore, by providing the aforementioned crosstalk regions, a smoothly changing motion parallax without creating unevenness in luminance can be expressed, and this is particularly preferable.

[0155] It is possible to set, by the aforementioned setting of the aperture ratios kd₁ and km₁, the value of such e₁ to either e₁=E₁ or e₁<E₁, however, in a case of a three-dimensional image display apparatus for displaying multiple parallax images, it is particularly desirable to set the value of e₁ to E₁ or more.

[0156] FIG. 17 is a detailed explanatory diagram of a three-dimensional image display apparatus of FIG. 2.

[0157] A transmission type display device 14 is composed of vertically-striped RGB sub-pixels, and as such a display device, a liquid crystal display, etc., can be mentioned.

[0158] On the rear surface side (the side opposite to the viewing surface) of the transmission type display device 14, a minute light source array 15 is provided.

[0159] The minute light source array 15 is composed of shading parts (non-light-emitting parts) shown by black painting and light source parts (light-emitting parts) five types of vertically-striped light source of red, yellow, white, cyan, and blue. The shading parts and the light source parts are alternatively provided in the horizontal direction.

[0160] It is also possible to construct such a light source array by use of a white backlight and a color filter mask with a pattern of a shading part and color filter part of vertically-striped red, yellow, white, cyan, and blue as shown in the minute light source array 15.

[0161] An image controller 13 is connected to the transmission type display device 14 and display of a composite parallax image is controlled by the image controller 13.

[0162] The composite parallax image is prepared similarly to that described in terms of FIG. 12(c) and is, in the present example, an image prepared by repeatedly adhering four parallax images together from the right of the illustration in order of 4, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 4.

[0163] FIGS. 18 and 19 are horizontal sectional diagrams of a three-dimensional image display apparatus of the present invention, which explains a positional relationship between the transmission type display device 14, minute light source array 15, and optimal viewing position.

[0164] At this time, in order to exhibit a composite parallax image displayed on the transmission type display device 14 at the optimal viewing position in a separate manner, the respective components must satisfy geometric relationships hereinafter prescribed.

[0165] The center point of each R sub-pixel of the transmission display device 14 (the dots marked on the R sub-pixels of FIG. 18), the center point of red, yellow, and white color light sources of the minute light source array 15 which can transmit through each R sub-pixel (the center point of the yellow light source=the dot marked on the yellow light source of FIG. 18), and the center point of a parallax image corresponding to each R sub-pixel at the optimal viewing position lie in a straight line. Moreover, the same relationship is obtained in terms of G sub-pixels and B sub-pixels.

[0166] Herein, based on FIGS. 18 and 19,

• [0167] in terms of the transmission type display device 14, where
  • [0168] the horizontal pitch of one pixel (pixel unit) is provided as D₂h,
  • [0169] the horizontal pitch of one sub-pixel is provided as D₂h/3,
  • [0170] in terms of the minute light source array 15, where
  • [0171] the horizontal pitch of each color light source part is provided as c₂h,
  • [0172] the width of a light source parts is provided as (Km₂+4)c₂h,
  • [0173] the horizontal width of light sources which emit light to transmit through an R sub-pixel is provided as (Km₂+2)c₂h,
  • [0174] the horizontal width of light sources which emit light to transmit through a G sub-pixel is provided as (Km₂+2)c₂h,
  • [0175] the horizontal width of light sources which emit light to transmit through a B sub-pixel is provided as (Km₂+2)c₂h,
  • [0176] with a shading part and a light source part of five sorts of color light source as a unit, the repeating pitch of the units is provided as m₂h,
• [0177] the distance between the transmission type display device 14 and minute light source array 15 is provided as L₂d₂m₂,
• [0178] the distance from the transmission type display device 14 to the optimal viewing position is provided as L₂,
• [0179] the horizontal pitch at which respective parallax images are formed at the optimal viewing position is provided as E₂,
• [0180] the intersection of straight lines between both end portions in the horizontal direction of an R sub-pixel of the transmission type display device 14 and both end portions of the minute light source array 15 (red, yellow, and white light sources) which can transmit through the R sub-pixels is provided as f₂,
• [0181] and where
  • [0182] the distance between f₂ and the transmission type display device 14 is provided as L₂d₂f₂,
  • [0183] the distance between f₂ and the minute light source array 15 is provided as L₂f₂m₂,
  • [0184] the aperture ratio in the horizontal direction of pixels of the transmission type display device 14 is provided as kd₂,
  • [0185] the aperture ratio in the horizontal direction of color filters of the minute light source array 15 is provided as km₂,
  • [0186] the horizontal width of a parallax image at the optimal viewing position is provided as e₂.
• [0187] the following expressions are obtained:
  E₂:D₂h=L₂+L₂d₂m₂:L₂d₂m₂  11
  m₂h:4×D₂h=L₂+L₂d₂m₂:L₂  12
  c₂h:D₂h/3=L₂+L₂d₂m₂:L₂  13
  m₂h:4×E₂=L₂d₂m₂:L₂  14
  L₂d₂f₂+L₂f₂m₂=L₂d₂m₂  15
  e₂:(km₂+2)×c₂h=L₂+L₂d₂f₂:L₂f₂m₂  16
  kd₂×D₂h/3:(km₂+2)×c₂h=L₂d₂f₂:L₂f₂m₂  16′

[0188] However, the expressions 16 and 16′ have a dependent relationship and it is sufficient that either thereof is obtained.

[0189] The aforementioned relational expressions explain a case where the number of parallax images is 4, and in a case where the number of parallax images is N (N is an integer not less than 2), it is possible to derive, by the same techniques, relational expressions by use of relational expressions:
m₂h:N×D₂h=L₂+L₂d₂m₂:L₂  12′
m₂h:N×E₂=L₂d₂m₂:L₂  14′
in place of expression 12 and 14.

[0190] FIG. 20 is a detailed explanatory diagram of a three-dimensional image display apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.

[0191] As mentioned above, a vertical cylindrical lens array 18 is provided to improve utilization efficiency of light of a minute light source array 19. In addition, by a shading mask 17 with a minute aperture array, scattered light which occurs in a transmission type display device 16 is cut, therefore, crosstalk is low.

[0192] The transmission type display device 16 is composed of vertically-striped RGB sub-pixels. An image controller 13 is connected to the transmission type display device 16 and display of a composite parallax image is controlled by the image controller 13. The composite parallax image is identical to that described in terms of FIG. 12c.

[0193] On the display surface side of the transmission type display device 16, the shading mask 17 with a minute aperture array is provided, and on the rear surface (the side opposite to the display surface), the vertical cylindrical lens array 18 is provided. The vertical cylindrical lens array 18 consists of a plurality of cylindrical lenses, which are arranged in the horizontal direction as illustrated, having a generating line in the vertical direction. Furthermore, on the non-display surface side of the vertical cylindrical lens array 18, a minute light source array 19 is provided. The arrangement of the color light sources of the minute light source array 19 and the arrangement of the color filters of the shading mask 17 with a minute aperture array 17 are reverse in order.

[0194] In the three-dimensional image display apparatus composed of such members, in order to exhibit a composite parallax image displayed on the transmission type display device 16 at the optimal viewing position in a separate manner, the respective components must satisfy geometric relationships hereinafter prescribed.

[0195] FIG. 21 is a horizontal sectional diagram, which explains actions of the vertical cylindrical lens array 18.

[0196] Except for the minute light source array 19 and vertical cylindrical lens array 18, the description becomes the same as that of FIG. 13. In addition to the conditions of the geometric relationships for arranging the respective components described in the aforementioned numerical example 1, the following conditions must be satisfied:

[0197] the center of a white light source of the minute light source array 19, the center of each cylindrical lens of the vertical cylindrical lens array 18, the center point of each G sub-pixel of the transmission type display device 16 (the dots marked on the G sub-pixels of FIG. 21), the center point of color filters through which a light from each G sub-pixel of the shading mask 17 with a minute aperture array can transmit (the dot marked on the white filter of FIG. 21), and the center point of a parallax image corresponding to each pixel at the optimal viewing position lie in a straight line.

[0198] Herein, based on FIG. 21,

• [0199] in terms of the transmission type display device 16, where
  • [0200] the horizontal pitch of one pixel is provided as D₃h,
  • [0201] the horizontal pitch of one sub-pixel (pixel unit) is provided as D₃h/3,
• [0202] in terms of the shading mask 17 with a minute aperture array, where
  • [0203] the horizontal pitch of each color filter part is provided as c₃h,
  • [0204] the width of all color filter parts in a filter unit is provided as 5c₃h,
  • [0205] the horizontal width of a region through which a light from an R sub-pixel can transmit is provided as 3c₃h,
  • [0206] the horizontal width of a region through which a light from a G sub-pixel can transmit is provided as 3c₃h,
  • [0207] the horizontal width of a region through which a light from a B sub-pixel can transmit is provided as 3c₃h,
  • [0208] with a shading part and an aperture part of five types of color filters as a mask unit, the repeating pitch of these mask units in the horizontal direction is provided as m₃h,
• [0209] the distance between the shading mask 17 with a minute aperture array and transmission type display device 16 is provided as L₃m₃d₃,
• [0210] the distance from the shading mask 17 with a minute aperture array to the optimal viewing position is provided as L₃,
• [0211] the horizontal pitch at which respective parallax images are formed at the optimal viewing position is provided as E₃,
• [0212] the intersection of straight lines between both end portions in the horizontal direction of an R sub-pixel of the transmission type display device 16 and both end portions of the shading mask 17 with a minute aperture array (red, yellow, and white filters) through which a light from an R sub-pixel can transmit is provided as f₃,
• [0213] and where
  • [0214] the distance between the shading mask 17 with a minute aperture array and f₃ is provided as L₃m₃f₃,
  • [0215] the distance between f₃ and the transmission type display device 16 is provided as L₃f₃d₃, in terms of the minute light source array 19, where
  • [0216] the horizontal pitch of each color filter part is provided as c₄h,
  • [0217] the width of all color filter parts is provided as 5c₄h,
  • [0218] the horizontal width of light sources which emit light to transmit through an R sub-pixel is provided as 3c₄h,
  • [0219] the horizontal width of light sources which emit light to transmit through a G sub-pixel is provided as 3c₄h,
  • [0220] the horizontal width of light sources which emit light to transmit through a B sub-pixel is provided as 3c₄h,
• [0221] with a shading part and a light source part of five types of color light sources as a unit, the repeating pitch of these units in the horizontal direction is provided as m₄h,
• [0222] the pitch at which the respective cylindrical lenses of the vertical cylindrical lens array 18 are arranged in the horizontal direction is provided as vl₁,
• [0223] the distance between the shading mask 17 with a minute aperture array and vertical cylindrical lens array 18 is provided as L₃m₃vl₁,
• [0224] the distance between the vertical cylindrical lens array 18 and minute light source array 19 is provided as L₃vl₁m₄,
• [0225] the focal length of the vertical cylindrical lens array 18 is provided as g₁, and,
• [0226] the horizontal width of the parallax image at the optimal viewing position is provided as e₃
• [0227] the following expressions are obtained:
  D₃h:E₃=L₃m₃d₃:L₃  17
  D₃h/3:c₃h=L₃m₃d₃+L₃:L₃  18
  E₃:3c₃h=L₃m₃d₃+L₃:L₃m₃d₃  19
  4×E₃:m₃h=L₃m₃d₃+L₃:L₃m₃d₃  20
  e₃:3c₃h=L₃+L₃m₃f₃:L₃m₃f₃  21
  L₃m₃d₃=L₃f₃d₃+L₃m₃f₃  22
  D₃h/3:3c₃h=L₃f₃d₃:L₃m₃f₃  23
  D₃h/3:e₃=L₃f₃d₃:L₃+L₃m₃f₃  23′
  1/g₁=1/L₃vl₁m₄+1/L₃m₃vl₁  24
  2×m₃h:vl1₁=L₃vl1₁m₄+L₃m₃vl1₁:L₃vl₁m₄  25
  2×m₄h:vl₁=L₃vl₁m₄+L₃m₃vl₁:L₃m₃vl₁  26
  m₃h:m₄h=L₃m₃vl₁:L₃vl₁m₄  27

[0228] However, the expressions 23 and 23′ have a dependent relationship and it is sufficient that either thereof is obtained.

[0229] The aforementioned relational expressions explain a case where the number of parallax images is 4, and in a case where the number of parallax images is N (N is an integer not less than 2), it is possible to derive, by the same techniques, relational expressions by use of a relational expression:
N×E₃:m₃h=L₃m₃d₃+L₃:L₃m₃d₃  20′
in place of expression 20.

[0230] The above is an example in the case where the aperture ratio in the horizontal direction of pixels of the transmission type display device 16, the aperture ratio in the horizontal direction of the portion of five types of color filters of the shading mask 17 with a minute aperture array, and the aperture ratio in the horizontal direction of each color light source part of the minute light source array 19 are provided as 100%.

[0231] In a case where the aperture ratio is less than 100%, as well, it is possible to derive relational expressions in the same manner as in the first example.

[0232] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a three-dimensional image display apparatus wherein the present invention has been applied to International Publication WO 01/37579 A1.

[0233] A transmission type display device 20 is composed of vertically-striped RGB sub-pixels. An image controller 13 is connected to the transmission type display device 20 and display of a composite parallax image is controlled by the image controller 13. As a composite parallax image, pixels of approximately identical parts of four parallax images are, as illustrated, constructed so that in a matrix-like pattern of 2 rows and 2 columns, pixels extracted from parallax images 1–4 do not overlap with pixels extracted from the same-numbered pixel images. The composite parallax image used in the example is an image composed by, while regarding this matrix-like pattern as a unit composite parallax image pattern, further sequentially arranging such unit composite parallax image patterns in a matrix shape. In the composite parallax image of the aforementioned embodiments of FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, resolution in only the horizontal direction declined, whereas in the present example, a decline in resolution is dispersed in the vertical and horizontal directions, whereby, a high displaying efficiency can be obtained and the decline in resolution is made insignificant.

[0234] On the rear surface (the side opposite to the display surface) of the transmission type display device 20, a horizontal cylindrical lens array 21 is provided. The horizontal cylindrical lens array 21 consists of a plurality of cylindrical lenses, which are arranged in the vertical direction as illustrated, having a generating line in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, on the non-display surface side of the horizontal cylindrical lens array 21, a minute light source array 22 is provided. The minute light source array 22 consists of, as illustrated, a hound's tooth check-like arrangement of color light source portions.

[0235] FIG. 23 explains actions of a horizontal lenticular system.

[0236] A light from an odd-numbered column (2n−1: n is an integer not less than 1) from the top of the minute light source array 22 in the horizontal direction becomes, due to actions of the horizontal cylindrical lens array 21, a light toward pixels of an even-numbered column (2n: n is an integer not less than 1) from the top of the transmission type display device 20 in the horizontal direction and becomes, after transmitting through the transmission type display device 20, a light expanding in the up-and-down direction. A light from an even-numbered column from the top of the minute light source array 22 in the horizontal direction becomes a light toward pixels of an odd-numbered column from the top of the transmission type display device 20 in the horizontal direction and becomes, after transmitting through the transmission type display device 20, a light expanding in the up-and-down direction.

[0237] Herein, where

• [0238] the vertical pitch of one pixel (pixel unit) of the transmission type display device 20 is provided as D₂v,
• [0239] the pitch at which respective cylindrical lenses of the horizontal cylindrical lens array 21 are arranged in the vertical direction is provided as h1₁,
• [0240] the distance between the transmission type display device 20 and horizontal cylindrical lens array 21 is provided as L₂d₂h1₁,
• [0241] the distance between the horizontal cylindrical lens array 21 and minute light source array 22 is provided as L₂h1m₂,
• [0242] the vertical pitch of the hound's tooth check of the minute light source array 22 is provided as m₂v,
• [0243] the focal length of cylindrical lenses of the horizontal cylindrical lens array 21 is provided as g₂, in a prior three-dimensional image display apparatus,
• [0244] the following expressions are obtained:
  1/g₂=1/L₂hl₁m₂+1/L₂d₂hl₁  28
  L₂d₂m₂=L₂d₂hl₁+L₂hl₁m₂  29
  4×m₂V:hl₁=L₂d₂m₂:L₂d₂hl₁  30
  4×D₂V:hl₁=L₂d₂m₂:L₂hl₁m₂  31

[0245] Since the number of parallax images is provided as 4 and a pattern of 2 rows and 2 columns was used as a unit composite parallax image pattern in the present example, the aforementioned relational expressions express a case where one cylindrical lens of the horizontal cylindrical lens array 21 corresponds to two pixels of the transmission type display device 20.

[0246] As a matter of course, it is also possible to derive, by the same techniques, relational expressions in a case where the number of parallax images is provided as N (N is an integer not less than 2), a pattern of P-rows and Q-columns (P×Q=N) is used as a unit composite parallax image pattern, and one cylindrical lens in the horizontal cylindrical lens array corresponds to P pixels (P is an integer not less than 2) of the transmission type display device.

[0247] In this case, in place of expressions 29 and 30, the following expressions are used:
2×p×m₂v:hl₁=L₂d₂m₂:L₂d₂hl₁  30′
2×P×D₂v:hl₁=L₂d₂m₂:L₂hl₁m₂  31′

[0248] Herein, when paying attention to one horizontal line, the positional relationship is the same as that described in terms of FIG. 18.

[0249] FIG. 24 explains actions in the horizontal direction. As the minute light source array 22 part, an odd-numbered column from the top in the horizontal direction is illustrated, an even-numbered column from the top of the transmission type display device 20 in the horizontal direction is illustrated. In addition, in the drawing, the hatching region with white lines against a black background of the minute light source array 22 and light rays shown by dotted lines show conditions of even-numbered columns of the light source array 22 and odd-numbered columns of the transmission type display device 20, which do not exist in this drawing. The horizontal cylindrical lens array 21 is omitted. In addition, when paying attention to one horizontal line, the positional relationship is the same as that described in terms of FIG. 18, therefore, as symbols to describe the shapes of respective component members, the same symbols as those in the description of FIG. 18 are used.

[0250] In such a construction, in order to exhibit a composite parallax image displayed on the transmission type display device 20 at the optimal viewing position in a separate manner, it is sufficient that the respective components satisfy the same geometric relationships as those described in terms of FIG. 18.

[0251] FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of a three-dimensional image display apparatus to which have been applied a method for improving, by means of a vertical cylindrical lens, a minute light source array in utilization efficiency of light, which has been described in terms of FIG. 20, and a method for making a deterioration in resolution insignificant, which has been described in terms of FIG. 22.

[0252] In FIG. 25, in order from the viewing surface side of the three-dimensional image display apparatus, a shading mask 31 with a minute aperture array, a transmission type display device 26, a vertical cylindrical lens array 29, a horizontal cylindrical lens array 30, and a minute light source array 28 are arranged.

[0253] In the shading mask 31 with a minute aperture array, the repeating pitch m₃h in the horizontal direction of the mask unit of the shading mask 17 with a minute aperture array that consists of a shading part and an aperture part of five types of color filters, which has been described in terms of FIG. 21, has been changed to m₃h/2.

[0254] An image controller 13 is connected to the transmission type display device 26 and display of a composite parallax image is controlled by the image controller 13. The composite parallax image is prepared by the same techniques as those described in terms of FIG. 22, however, the order in which pixels are arranged is different. In the present example, as well, a decline in resolution is dispersed in the vertical and horizontal directions, whereby, a high displaying efficiency can be obtained and the decline in resolution is insignificant.

[0255] The vertical cylindrical lens array 29 is equivalent to that described in terms of FIG. 20.

[0256] The horizontal cylindrical lens array 30 and minute light source array 28 are equivalent to those described in terms of FIG. 22.

[0257] In addition, as shown in FIG. 26, it is also possible to use, in place of the minute light source array 28 described in terms of FIG. 25, a minute light source array 32 which consists of RGB light sources.

[0258] For the minute light source array 32, if an R light source is arranged on the red, yellow, and white part of the respective color light sources of the minute light source array 28, the remaining cyan and blue parts are provided as a shading part, and if a G light source is arranged on the yellow, white, and cyan part, the remaining red and blue parts are provided as a shading part, and if a B light source is arranged on the white, cyan, and blue part, the remaining red and yellow parts are provided as a shading part. Furthermore, as a pattern of light sources to be arranged on one horizontal line of the minute light source array 32, light sources are repeatingly arranged in order of B, G, R, B, G, R . . . from the left of the illustration.

[0259] FIG. 27 explains actions of the three-dimensional image display apparatus of FIG. 26 in the horizontal direction.

[0260] As the minute light source array 32 part, an odd-numbered column from the top in the horizontal direction is illustrated, and an even-numbered column from the top of the transmission type display device 26 in the horizontal direction is illustrated. In addition, in the drawing, the hatching region with white lines against a black background of the minute light source array 32 shows positions of light sources in even-numbered columns, which do not exist in this drawing. The horizontal cylindrical lens array 30 is omitted.

[0261] At this time, the arrangement of the shading mask 31 with a minute aperture array, the transmission type display device 26, the vertical cylindrical lens array 29, and the minute light source array 32 is the same as that described in terms of FIG. 21. Therefore, as symbols in the drawing, the same symbols as those in the description of FIG. 21 are used.

[0262] The arrangement of the transmission type display device 26, the horizontal cylindrical lens array 30, and the minute light source array 32 is the same as that described in terms of FIG. 24.

[0263] Furthermore, in FIG. 28, in place of the minute light source array 32 of the three-dimensional image display apparatus described in terms of FIG. 26, a minute light source array 33 which consists of white light sources is used. Component members with the same numbers as those of FIG. 26 perform the same functions as those of FIG. 26.

[0264] In the minute light source array 33, the red, yellow, white, cyan, and blue parts of the respective color sources of the minute light source array 28, which have been described in terms of FIG. 25, are changed to white light sources.

[0265] FIG. 29 explains actions in the horizontal direction of the three-dimensional image display apparatus of FIG. 28.

[0266] As the minute light source array 33 part, an odd-numbered column from the top in the horizontal direction is illustrated, and an even-numbered column from the top of the transmission type display device 26 in the horizontal direction is illustrated. In addition, in the drawing, the hatching region with white lines against a black background of the minute light source array 33 shows positions of light sources in even-numbered columns, which do not exist in this drawing. The horizontal cylindrical lens array 30 is omitted.

[0267] Similar to the case of FIG. 26, this is also the same as FIG. 21 and FIG. 24.

[0268] Namely, the three-dimensional image display apparatus of FIGS. 25, 26, and 28 can, if the positional relationships described in terms of FIGS. 21, 23, and 24 are satisfied, exhibit a composite parallax image satisfactorily displayed on the transmission type display device 26 in a separate manner at the optimal viewing position.

[0269] FIG. 30 relates to a still another embodiment (fourth embodiment) of the present invention, wherein display luminance of the three-dimensional image display apparatus of FIG. 28 is improved.

[0270] In order from the viewing surface side, a shading mask 31 with a minute aperture array, a transmission type display device 26, a vertical cylindrical lens array 29, a horizontal cylindrical lens array 30, a shading mask 34 with a minute aperture array, a lens array 35, and a white light source array 36 are arranged.

[0271] In the drawing, component members with the same numbers as those of FIG. 28 perform the same functions as those of FIG. 28.

[0272] The shading mask 34 with a minute aperture array is a mask array wherein shading parts having the same shape as the shading parts of the minute light source array 33, which has been described in terms of FIG. 28, and transparent aperture parts changed from the light emitting parts of the minute light source array 33.

[0273] The light source 36 is a white light source array comprising a fluorescent backlight, a white LED array, a light source array constructed by arranging white lamps lengthwise and breadthwise, etc.

[0274] Microlenses 35 are a lens array for condensing lights from the white light source array 36 to the respective aperture parts of the shading mask 34 with a minute aperture array.

[0275] FIG. 31 explains actions in the horizontal direction of the three-dimensional image display apparatus of FIG. 30.

[0276] Also, in the present drawing, as the shading mask 34 part with a minute aperture array, an odd-numbered column from the top in the horizontal direction is illustrated, and an even-numbered column from the top of the transmission type display device 26 in the horizontal direction is illustrated. In addition, in the drawing, the hatching region with white lines against a black background of the shading mask 34 with a minute aperture array shows positions of light sources in even-numbered columns, which do not exist in this drawing. The horizontal cylindrical lens array 30 is omitted.

[0277] As illustrated, lights from the white light source array 36 are, by the lens array 35, condensed (in a contracted manner) to aperture parts of the shading mask 34 with a minute aperture array. Namely, lights from the white light source array 36 can be efficiently guided to the transmission type display device 26, therefore, display luminance of the three-dimensional image display apparatus can be improved.

[0278] In addition, in a case where the shape of the aperture portions of the shading mask 34 with a minute aperture array is rectangular, as shown in FIG. 32, a cylindrical lens array 37 having a shape of hound's tooth check-like arranged cylindrical lenses can also be used in place of the lens array 35.

[0279] According to the color reproducing method for a three-dimensional image display of the respective embodiments as described above, minute apertures and minute light sources for displaying parallax images in a distributed manner in a predetermined respective viewpoint directions are colored so as to correspond to the RGB sub-pixels of the color display device, therefore, an advantage is provided such that occurrence of color eclipses where only a part of a parallax image pixel appears lighted and crosstalk are suppressed and wherein color reproduction can be carried out.

[0280] In addition, according to the three-dimensional image display apparatus of the above respective embodiments using a minute light source array, a microlens array, a transmission type color display device, and a shading mask (color filters) with a minute aperture array has an advantage such that satisfactory color reproducibility and utilization efficiency of light are secured while resolution and the number of viewpoints can be increased.

[0281] In addition, by condensing (in a contracted manner) lights from the light sources to the minute aperture parts of the shading mask by actions of a lens array, it becomes possible to efficiently utilize the lights from the light sources and an action is provided such that display luminance of the three-dimensional image display apparatus can be improved.