Abstract:
A display device includes, a display section time-divisionally displaying a plurality of images with different parallaxes in a manner of progressive (or line-sequential) scan, a backlight section including a plurality of light-emission subsections partitioned in a direction of the progressive scan, a light-barrier section including a plurality of barrier groups each including a plurality of barriers each allowed to be switched between open state and closed state, a light-barrier drive section individually driving the plurality of barrier groups to open or close at different timings between the barrier groups, and a backlight controller controlling light emission from each of the light-emission subsections of the backlight section in synchronization with the progressive scan of the display section.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2010-150912 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Jul. 1, 2010, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present application relates to a stereoscopic display device enabling stereoscopic display, and a display drive circuit used for such a stereoscopic display device. 
         [0003]    Recently, attention has been focused on a display device (stereoscopic display device) enabling stereoscopic display. In stereoscopic display, a left-eye image and a right-eye image with parallax to each other (with different parallaxes) are displayed, and a viewer views the respective images by two eyes and thus may recognize a deep stereoscopic image. In addition, a display device has been developed, which displays three or more images with parallax to one another and thus allows a more natural stereoscopic image to be provided to a viewer. 
         [0004]    Such a stereoscopic display device is roughly classified into two types, a type with special glasses and a type without special glasses. However, special glasses are generally unpleasant for a viewer, leading to a demand for the type without special glasses. Examples of a display device without special glasses include, for example, a lenticular-lens-type of display device and a parallax-barrier-type of display device. In such types of display devices, a plurality of images with parallax therebetween (eyepoint images) is displayed at a time, so that an image is differently viewed depending on a relative positional relationship (angle) between the display device and eyepoints of a viewer. When such a display device displays a plurality of eyepoint images, image resolution is substantially equal to the quotient of resolution of a display device itself such as CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal display device by the number of eyepoints, which has disadvantageously reduced image quality. 
         [0005]    Various investigations have been made to overcome such a disadvantage. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-104105 (JP-A-2009-104105) proposes a method of equivalently improving resolution of the parallax-barrier-type of display device by time-divisionally changing between a light-transmission state and a light-blocking state of each barrier to perform time-divisional display. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The parallax-barrier-type of display device typically has a barrier that is often configured of liquid crystal. In the liquid-crystal barrier, liquid crystal molecules are rotated depending on applied voltage, and such a rotated liquid-crystal molecule portion is changed in refractive index, and therefore light modulation is allowed, so that light is controlled to be transmitted or blocked. Liquid crystal molecules typically have slow rotation speed. For example, when a TN (Twisted Nematic) or VA (Vertical Alignment) mode of liquid crystal molecules are rotated to be aligned, response time is approximately several to several tens of milliseconds. A screen of a display device is typically rewritten with a period of 1/60 sec (approximately 16.67 milliseconds) in order to prevent a viewer from feeling image degradation including flicker. The response time of liquid crystal molecules is considerably long with respect to the rewriting period of a screen, causing image degradation due to such transient response of the liquid crystal molecules. 
         [0007]    For example, even in the display device disclosed in JP-A-2009-104105, if a liquid-crystal barrier is used, similar image degradation may occur. It is likely that the rewriting period of a screen is extended in order to adjust the response time of liquid crystal molecules to be short compared with the rewriting period of a screen. However, flicker is caused in this case, leading to image degradation. 
         [0008]    It is desirable to provide a stereoscopic display device and a display drive circuit, making it possible to minimize image degradation due to response time of liquid crystal molecules. 
         [0009]    A first stereoscopic display device according to an embodiment includes a display section, a backlight section, a light-barrier section, a light-barrier drive section, and a backlight controller. The display section time-divisionally displays a plurality of images with different parallaxes in a manner of progressive (or line-sequential) scan. The backlight section includes a plurality of light-emission subsections partitioned in a direction of the progressive scan. The light-barrier section includes a plurality of opening-and-closing groups each including a plurality of opening-and-closing sections. The light-barrier drive section individually drives the plurality of opening-and-closing groups to open or close at different timings between the groups. The backlight controller controls light emission from each of the light-emission subsections of the backlight section in synchronization with the progressive scan of the display section. 
         [0010]    A second stereoscopic display device according to an embodiment includes a display section, a backlight section, and a light-barrier section. The display section time-divisionally displays a plurality of images with different parallaxes while being driven with progressive scan. The backlight includes a plurality of light-emission subsections partitioned in a direction of the progressive scan, each of the light-emission subsections emitting light in synchronization with the progressive scan of the display section. The light-barrier section includes a plurality of opening-and-closing groups including a plurality of opening-and-closing sections each, where the plurality of opening-and-closing groups individually opens or closes at different timings. 
         [0011]    A display drive circuit according to an embodiment includes a backlight controller and a light-barrier drive section. The backlight controller controls light emission from each of light-emission subsections included in a backlight section in synchronization with progressive scan for time-divisionally driving a display section displaying a plurality of images with different parallaxes, the light-emission subsections being formed by partitioning the backlight in a direction of the progressive scan. The light-barrier drive section individually drives a plurality of opening-and-closing groups of a light-barrier section, the plurality of opening-and-closing groups each including a plurality of opening-and-closing sections, to open or close at different timings between the groups. 
         [0012]    In the first stereoscopic display device, the second stereoscopic display device, and the display drive circuit according to an embodiment, a plurality of images with different parallaxes displayed time-divisionally on the display section are stereoscopically displayed through a light barrier. In such stereoscopic display, each of the plurality of light-emission subsections of the backlight is controlled in light emission in synchronization with progressive scan of the display section. 
         [0013]    In the first stereoscopic display device according to an embodiment, for example, it is desirable that the light-barrier section be partitioned into a plurality of barrier subsections in correspondence to the plurality of light-emission subsections, respectively, and include a plurality of opening-and-closing groups for each of the barrier subsections, the light-barrier drive section individually drive the plurality of opening-and-closing groups to open or close at different timings for each of the barrier subsections, and the backlight controller control light emission of each of the light-emission subsections of the backlight in synchronization with an opening-and-closing state of each opening-and-closing group in each of the plurality of barrier subsections as well as with progressive scan of the display section. In this case, for example, the number of the light-emission subsections of the backlight may be equal to the number of the barrier subsections of the light-barrier section, or the number of the light-emission subsections of the backlight may be larger than the number of the barrier subsections of the light-barrier section. For example, the opening-and-closing sections of each of the plurality of opening-and-closing groups are desirably cyclically disposed every predetermined number of sections in each of the barrier subsections. For example, it is desirable that the light-barrier drive section time-divisionally drive the opening-and-closing sections to open or close for each of the opening-and-closing groups, and the display section sequentially display images at positions corresponding to the opening-and-closing sections in a closing state. For example, one or both of the display section and the light-barrier section may be configured of liquid crystal. 
         [0014]    When the light-barrier section is configured of liquid crystal, for example, at a point when light transmittance of the opening-and-closing sections in the light-barrier subsection is maximized or immediately before or after the point, the backlight controller may control each corresponding sub-light-emission region to start light emission, and at a point when the light transmittance starts to decrease from a maximum value or immediately before or after the point, the backlight controller may control each corresponding sub-light-emission region to stop light emission. Here, “immediately before or after” means timing within a span short enough for a viewer not to feel image degradation as viewing an image. 
         [0015]    When the display section is configured of liquid crystal, for example, at a point when change of display on the display section finishes or immediately before or after the point, the backlight controller may control each corresponding sub-light-emission region to start light emission, and at a point when change of display on the display section starts or immediately before or after the point, the backlight controller may control each corresponding sub-light-emission region to stop light emission. 
         [0016]    For example, the light-barrier section may be disposed between the backlight and the display section. For example, the display section may be disposed between the backlight and the light-barrier section. 
         [0017]    According to the first stereoscopic display device, the second stereoscopic display device, and the display drive circuit of an embodiment, the backlight is partitioned in a scan direction of progressive scan, and such partitioned backlight sections are allowed to emit light independently of one another, and therefore image degradation due to response time of liquid crystal molecules may be minimized. 
         [0018]    Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a stereoscopic display device according to an embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are explanatory diagrams showing a configuration example of the stereoscopic display device according to the embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a display drive section and a display section according to the embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the display section according to the embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a pixel according to the embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are explanatory diagrams showing a configuration example of a backlight according to the embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are explanatory diagrams showing a configuration example of a liquid crystal barrier according to the embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram showing an operation example in stereoscopic display of the liquid crystal barrier according to the embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram showing an operation example of each of the display section and the liquid crystal barrier according to the embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram showing another operation example of each of the display section and the liquid crystal barrier according to the embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a timing chart showing an operation example of the display section according to the embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example of the stereoscopic display device according to the embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a timing chart showing an operation example of the stereoscopic display device according to the embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a stereoscopic display device according to a comparative example. 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a timing chart showing an operation example of the stereoscopic display device according to the comparative example. 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is a timing chart showing an operation example of a stereoscopic display device according to a modification of the embodiment. 
           [0035]      FIGS. 17A and 17B  are explanatory diagrams showing a configuration example of a stereoscopic display device according to another modification of the embodiment. 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  is a schematic diagram showing an operation example of the stereoscopic display device according to the above modification of the embodiment. 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  is a plan diagram showing a configuration example of a backlight according to still another modification of the embodiment. 
           [0038]      FIGS. 20A and 20B  are plan diagrams showing a configuration example of a liquid crystal barrier according to still another modification of the embodiment. 
           [0039]      FIG. 21  is a schematic diagram showing an operation example of each of a display section and a liquid crystal barrier according to still another modification of the embodiment. 
           [0040]      FIG. 22  is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example of a stereoscopic display device according to still another modification of the embodiment. 
           [0041]      FIG. 23  is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example of a stereoscopic display device according to still another modification of the embodiment. 
           [0042]      FIG. 24  is a timing chart showing an operation example of a stereoscopic display device according to still another modification of the embodiment. 
           [0043]      FIG. 25  is a timing chart showing another operation example of the stereoscopic display device according to the above modification of the embodiment. 
           [0044]      FIGS. 26A and 26B  are plan diagrams showing a configuration example of a stereoscopic display device according to still another modification of the embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0045]    Embodiments of the present application will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. 
       Configuration Example 
     General Configuration Example 
       [0046]      FIG. 1  illustrates a configuration example of a stereoscopic display device according to an embodiment. Since a display drive circuit according to an embodiment is embodied by the embodiment, the circuit is described together. A stereoscopic display device  1  includes a controller  40 , a display drive section  50 , a display section  20 , a backlight drive section  29 , a backlight  30 , a barrier drive section  9 , and a liquid crystal barrier  10 . 
         [0047]    The controller  40  supplies a control signal to each of the display drive section  50 , the backlight drive section  29 , and the barrier drive section  9  based on an image signal Vdisp supplied from the outside, and controls the sections to operate in synchronization with one another. Specifically, the controller  40  supplies an image signal S to the display drive section  50  based on the image signal Vdisp, supplies a backlight control instruction to the backlight drive section  29 , and supplies a barrier control instruction to the barrier drive section  9 . When the stereoscopic display device  1  performs stereoscopic display, the image signal S includes image signals SA and SB including a plurality of (six in this example) eyepoint images each, as described later. 
         [0048]    The display drive section  50  drives the display section  20  according to the image signal S supplied from the controller  40 . The display section  20  drives liquid crystal elements to modulate light outputted from the backlight  30  to perform display. 
         [0049]    The backlight drive section  29  drives the backlight  30  according to the backlight control signal supplied from the controller  40 . The backlight  30  has a function of outputting surface-emitted light to the display section  20 . 
         [0050]    The barrier drive section  9  drives the liquid crystal barrier  10  according to the barrier control instruction supplied from the controller  40 . The liquid crystal barrier  10  has a plurality of opening-and-closing sections  11  and  12  (described later) configured of liquid crystal, and has a function of transmitting or blocking light outputted from the backlight  30  and transmitted through the display section  20 . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate a configuration example of a relevant part of the stereoscopic display device  1 , where  FIG. 2A  illustrates an exploded perspective configuration of the stereoscopic display device  1 , and  FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view thereof. As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the stereoscopic display device  1  has components including the backlight  30 , the display section  20 , and the liquid crystal barrier  10  disposed in this order. In other words, light outputted from the backlight  30  is received by a viewer after passing through the display section  20  and the liquid crystal barrier  10 . 
         [0052]    Display Drive Section  50  and Display Section  20   
         [0053]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a block diagram of the display drive section  50  and the display section  20 . The display drive section  50  has a timing controller  51 , a gate driver  52 , and a data driver  53 . The timing controller  51  controls drive timing of each of the gate driver  52  and the data driver  53 , and supplies an image signal  51 , corresponding to the image signal S supplied from the controller  40 , to the data driver  53 . The gate driver  52  sequentially selects pixels Pix (described later) in a liquid crystal display device  45  for each row according to timing control by the timing controller  51  to perform progressive scan of the pixels. The data driver  53  supplies a pixel signal based on the image signal S 1  to each pixel Pix of the display section  20 . Specifically, the data driver  53  performs D/A (Digital to Analog) conversion based on the image signal S 1 , and thus generates the pixel signal as an analog signal and supplies the pixel signal to each pixel Pix. 
         [0054]    The display section  20  includes a liquid crystal material enclosed between two transparent substrates configured of glass or the like. Transparent electrodes configured of, for example, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) are formed on a surface area to be contacted to the liquid crystal material of each of the transparent substrates, and configure the pixels Pix, together with the liquid crystal material. 
         [0055]      FIG. 4  illustrates a configuration example of the display section  20 .  FIG. 5  illustrates an example of a circuit diagram of a pixel Pix. The display section  20  has the pixels Pix arranged in a matrix as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0056]    Each pixel Pix has a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) element Tr, a liquid crystal element LC, and a capacitance element C as shown in  FIG. 5 . The TFT element Tr is configured of, for example, MOS-FET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor-Field Effect Transistor), where a gate is connected to a gate line G, a source is connected to a data line D, and a drain is connected to one end of the liquid crystal element LC and one end of the capacitance element C. One end of the liquid crystal element LC is connected to the drain of the TFT element Tr, and the other end is grounded. One end of the capacitance element C is connected to the drain of the TFT element Tr, and the other end is connected to a capacitance element line Cs. The gate line G is connected to the gate driver  52 , and the data line D is connected to the data driver  53 . 
         [0057]    Zones Z 1  and Z 2  shown in  FIG. 4  correspond to positions of light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  (described later) of the backlight  30 , respectively, as described in detail later. In other words, the display section  20  is disposed to allow light outputted from the light-emission section BL 1  to enter the zone Z 1 , and light outputted from the light-emission section BL 2  to enter the zone Z 2 . 
         [0058]    According to such a configuration, light outputted from the backlight  30  becomes linearly polarized light in a direction determined by a polarizing plate (not shown) disposed on an incidence side of the display section  20 , and then enters the liquid crystal element LC. In the liquid crystal element LC, a direction of liquid crystal molecules is changed in a certain response time according to a pixel signal supplied via the data line D. Light entering such a liquid crystal element LC is changed in a polarization direction. Then, light transmitted through the liquid crystal element LC enters a polarizing plate (not shown) disposed on an output side of the display section  20 , and only light in a particular polarization direction is transmitted through the polarizing plate. In this way, light intensity is modulated in the liquid crystal element LC. 
         [0059]    Backlight  30   
         [0060]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a configuration example of the backlight  30 , where  FIG. 6A  illustrates a plan diagram of the backlight  30 , and  FIG. 6B  illustrates a perspective diagram of a relevant part of the backlight  30 . The backlight  30  has the two light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  that may emit light independently of each other, as shown in  FIG. 6A . Each of the light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  has a light source  31  and a light guide plate  32  as shown in  FIG. 6B . The light source  31  is configured of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) in this example. The light guide plate  32  diffuses light outputted from the light source  31  to achieve substantially uniform surface-emission of the light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2 . 
         [0061]    In the backlight  30 , light is not transmitted between the light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  in order to allow the sections BL 1  and BL 2  to emit light independently of each other. Specifically, first, light outputted from one light source  31  enters only a light guide plate  32  corresponding to the light source  31 . Light entering the light guide plate  32  is totally reflected by a side face of the plate  32 , which prevents light from being transmitted to an adjacent light guide plate  32  through the side face. Specifically, such total reflection may be achieved by adjusting a position of the light source  31 , or providing a reflecting surface for light reflection on the side face of the light guide plate  32 . While the light source  31  is configured of LEDs in the example, this is not limitative. For example, the light source  31  may be configured of CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) in place of LEDs. 
         [0062]    The light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  correspond to the zones Z 1  and Z 2  shown in  FIG. 4 , respectively. In other words, light outputted from the light-emission section BL 1  enters the zone Z 1  of the display section  20 , and light outputted from the light-emission section BL 2  enters the zone Z 2  thereof. In other words, pixels Pix disposed in the zone Z 1  of the display section  20  perform display based on light outputted from the light-emission section BL 1 . Similarly, pixels Pix disposed in the zone Z 2  perform display based on light outputted from the light-emission section BL 2 . 
         [0063]    According to such a configuration, the backlight drive section  29  drives the light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  of the backlight  30  at different timings, thereby the stereoscopic display device  1  performs display in each of the zones Z 1  and Z 2  at different timings. 
         [0064]    Liquid Crystal Barrier  10   
         [0065]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate a configuration example of the liquid crystal barrier  10 , where  FIG. 7A  illustrates a plan diagram of the liquid crystal barrier  10 , and  FIG. 7B  illustrates a side view thereof. In the example, the liquid crystal barrier  10  performs normally black operation. In other words, the liquid crystal barrier  10  blocks light in a non-driven state. 
         [0066]    The liquid crystal barrier  10  has a plurality of opening-and-closing sections  11  or  12  for transmitting or blocking light as shown in  FIG. 7A . The opening-and-closing sections  11  or  12  differently operate depending on whether the stereoscopic display device performs normal display (two-dimensional display) or stereoscopic display. Specifically, when the stereoscopic display device  1  performs normal display, the opening-and-closing sections  11  open (transmissive state), and when the stereoscopic display device  1  performs stereoscopic display, the sections  11  close (blocking state), as described later. When the stereoscopic display device  1  performs normal display, the opening-and-closing sections  12  open (transmissive state), and when the stereoscopic display device  1  performs stereoscopic display, the sections  12  open and close time-divisionally, as described later. 
         [0067]    The liquid crystal barrier  10  includes a transparent substrate  13 , a transparent substrate  16  disposed to face the transparent substrate  13 , and a liquid crystal layer  19  inserted between the transparent substrates  13  and  16 . The transparent substrates  13  and  16  are configured of, for example, glass. A plurality of transparent electrodes  15  and  17  configured of, for example, ITO are formed on a surface on a liquid crystal layer  19  side of the transparent substrate  13  and on a surface on a liquid crystal layer  19  side of the transparent substrate  16 , respectively. The transparent electrodes  15  formed on the transparent substrate  13  and the transparent electrodes  17  formed on the transparent substrate  16  are disposed at positions opposed to each other, and configure the opening-and-closing sections  11  and  12 , together with the liquid crystal layer  19 . Polarizing plates  14  and  18  are formed on a surface on a side opposite to the liquid crystal layer  19  side of the transparent substrate  13  and on a surface on a side opposite to the liquid crystal layer  19  side of the transparent substrate  16 , respectively. In  FIG. 7B , the display section  20  and the backlight  30 , which are not shown, are disposed in the right of the liquid crystal barrier  10  (in the right of the polarizing plate  18 ) in the same order as shown in  FIG. 2B . 
         [0068]    Opening-and-closing operation of the opening-and-closing sections  11  or  12  of the liquid crystal barrier  10  is performed in the same way as display operation of the display section  20 . In other words, light outputted from the backlight  30  and transmitted through the display section  20  becomes linearly polarized light in a direction determined by the polarizing plate  18  and then enters the liquid crystal layer  19 . In the liquid crystal layer  19 , a direction of liquid crystal molecules is changed in a certain response time depending on difference in electric potential supplied between the transparent electrodes  15  and  17 . Light entering such a liquid crystal layer  19  is changed in a polarization direction. Then, light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer  19  enters the polarizing plate  14  and only light in a particular polarization direction is transmitted through the polarizing plate. In this way, light intensity is modulated in the liquid crystal layer  19 . 
         [0069]    According to such a configuration, when voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes  15  and  17  and thus difference in electric potential between the electrodes is increased, light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer  19  increases, and consequently the opening-and-closing sections  11  and  12  are into a transmissive state. In contrast, when difference in electric potential between the transparent electrodes  15  and  17  is reduced, light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer  19  decreases, and consequently the opening-and-closing sections  11  and  12  are into a blocking state. 
         [0070]    While the liquid crystal barrier  10  performs normally black operation in the example, this is not limitative. For example, the liquid crystal barrier  10  may perform normally white operation instead. In such a case, when difference in electric potential between the transparent electrodes  15  and  17  is increased, the opening-and-closing sections  11  and  12  are into a blocking state, and when difference in electric potential between the electrodes is reduced, the opening-and-closing sections  11  and  12  are into a transmissive state. The normally black operation and the normally white operation may be selectively set, for example, by adjusting a type of each polarizing plate and alignment of liquid crystal. 
         [0071]    The zones Z 1  and Z 2  shown in  FIG. 7A  correspond to positions of the light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  of the backlight  30 , respectively, as in the case of the display section  20  shown in  FIG. 4 . In other words, the liquid crystal barrier  10  is disposed to allow light outputted from the light-emission section BL 1  to enter the zone Z 1  of the liquid crystal barrier  10  through the display section  20 , and light outputted from the light-emission section BL 2  to enter the zone Z 2  through the display section  20 . 
         [0072]    In the liquid crystal barrier  10 , the opening-and-closing sections  12  disposed in the zone Z 1  and the opening-and-closing sections  12  disposed in the zone Z 2  may operate independently of each other. The barrier drive section  9  drives the two kinds of opening-and-closing sections  12  to operate independently of each other, so that when stereoscopic display is performed, timing of opening-and-closing operation of the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the zone Z 1  may be different from timing of opening-and-closing operation of the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the zone Z 2 . 
         [0073]    The opening-and-closing sections  12  form a group in each of the zones Z 1  and Z 2 . When stereoscopic display is performed, the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the same group open or close at the same timing. The groups of the opening-and-closing sections  12  are described below. 
         [0074]      FIG. 8  illustrates a configuration example of the groups of the opening-and-closing sections  12 . In this example, the opening-and-closing sections  12  form two groups in each of the zones Z 1  and Z 2 . Specifically, a plurality of opening-and-closing sections  12  disposed alternately form a group A 1  and a group B 1  in the zone Z 1 . Similarly, a plurality of opening-and-closing sections  12  disposed alternately form a group A 2  and a group B 2  in the zone Z 2 . 
         [0075]    When stereoscopic display is performed, the barrier drive section  9  drives a plurality of opening-and-closing sections  12  in the same group to open or close at the same timing. Specifically, for the zone Z 1 , the barrier drive section  9  time-divisionally drives a plurality of opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A 1  and a plurality of opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group B 1  to open or close alternately, as described later. To achieve such simultaneous operation of a plurality of opening-and-closing sections  12  in the same group, for example, the barrier drive section  9  may apply a drive signal at a time to transparent electrodes  15  and  17  of the plurality of opening-and-closing sections  12  in the same group. Alternatively, the transparent electrodes  15  or  17  of the plurality of opening-and-closing sections  12  in the same group may be connected to one another so that a drive signal is applied to the transparent electrodes at a time. 
         [0076]    Hereinafter, group A is appropriately used as a general term of the groups A 1  and A 2 , and similarly, group B is appropriately used as a general term of the groups B 1  and B 2 . In addition, a term, opening-and-closing sections  12 A, is appropriately used as a general term of opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A (groups A 1  and A 2 ), and similarly, a term, opening-and-closing sections  12 B, is appropriately used as a general term of opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group B (groups B 1  and B 2 ). 
         [0077]      FIG. 9  illustrates a sectional structure of the liquid crystal barrier  10  to schematically show a state of the barrier when stereoscopic display or normal display (two-dimensional display) is performed, where (A) illustrates a state of the barrier for stereoscopic display, (B) illustrates another state of the barrier for stereoscopic display, and (C) illustrates a state of the barrier for normal display. The liquid crystal barrier  10  includes the opening-and-closing sections  11  and the opening-and-closing sections  12  (opening-and-closing sections  12 A and  12 B) arranged alternately. In this example, the opening-and-closing sections  12 A are provided by one for six pixels Pix of the display section  20 . Similarly, the opening-and-closing sections  12 B are provided by one for six pixels Pix of the display section  20 . While each pixel Pix is assumed to be configured of three sub-pixels (RGB) in the following description, this is not limitative. For example, the pixel Pix may be configured of one sub-pixel. Light-blocking portions in the liquid crystal barrier  10  are shaded. 
         [0078]    When stereoscopic display is performed, the image signals SA and SB are alternately supplied to the display drive section  50 , and in the liquid crystal barrier  10 , the opening-and-closing sections  12  (opening-and-closing sections  12 A and  12 B) open and close time-divisionally, while the opening-and-closing sections  11  continuously close (blocking state). Specifically, when an image signal SA is supplied, the opening-and-closing sections  12 A open, and the opening-and-closing sections  12 B close as shown in (A) of  FIG. 9 . In the display section  20 , six adjacent pixels Pix disposed at positions corresponding to each of the opening-and-closing sections  12 A display images corresponding to six eyepoint images in the image signal SA, respectively. Consequently, for example, a viewer views different eyepoint images by two eyes, and thus feels a stereoscopic image being displayed as described later. Similarly, when the image signal SB is supplied, the opening-and-closing sections  12 B open, while the opening-and-closing sections  12 A close as shown in (B) of  FIG. 9 . In the display section  20 , six adjacent pixels Pix disposed at positions corresponding to each of the opening-and-closing sections  12 B display images corresponding to six eyepoint images in the image signal SB, respectively. Consequently, for example, a viewer views different eyepoint images by two eyes, and thus feels a stereoscopic image being displayed as described later. The stereoscopic display device  1  displays images while the opening-and-closing sections  12 A and  12 B are allowed to open alternately, thereby resolution of the display device may be improved, as described later. 
         [0079]    When normal display (two-dimensional display) is performed, in the liquid crystal barrier  10 , both the opening-and-closing sections  11  and the opening-and-closing sections  12  (opening-and-closing sections  12 A and  12 B) continuously open (transmissive state) as shown in (C) of  FIG. 9 . This allows a viewer to directly view a normal two-dimensional image displayed on the display section  20  based on the image signal S. 
         [0080]    Boundaries  23  for opening-and-closing sections are provided between the opening-and-closing sections  11  and the opening-and-closing sections  12  as shown in  FIG. 9 . In the boundaries  23 , the transparent electrodes  15  and  17  are not formed on the transparent substrates  13  and  16 , respectively. In other words, the boundaries  23  may not open or close unlike the opening-and-closing sections  11  and  12 , and close (blocking state) at any time in a liquid crystal barrier  10  for normally black operation. In contrast, the boundaries  23  open (transmissive state) at any time in a liquid crystal barrier  10  for normally white operation. The boundaries  23  are sufficiently small compared with the opening-and-closing sections  11  or  12 , and therefore substantially not troublesome for a viewer. The boundaries  23  are appropriately omitted in figures and description hereinafter. 
         [0081]    The zone Z 1  or Z 2  of the backlight  30  corresponds to a specific example of “sub-light-emission region” according to an embodiment. The group A 1 , B 1 , A 2 , or B 2  corresponds to a specific example of “opening-and-closing section group” according to an embodiment. The liquid crystal barrier  10  corresponds to a specific example of “light-barrier section” according to an embodiment. The barrier drive section  9  corresponds to a specific example of “light-barrier drive section” according to an embodiment. The backlight drive section  29  corresponds to a specific example of “backlight controller” according to an embodiment. The zone Z 1  or Z 2  of the liquid crystal barrier  10  corresponds to a specific example of “barrier subsection” according to an embodiment. 
         [0082]    Operation and Effects 
         [0083]    Next, operation and effects of the stereoscopic display device  1  of the embodiment are described. 
         [0084]    Outline of General Operation 
         [0085]    The controller  40  supplies a control signal to each of the display drive section  50 , the backlight drive section  29 , and the barrier drive section  9  based on an image signal Vdisp supplied from the outside, and controls the sections to operate in synchronization with one another. The backlight drive section  29  drives the backlight  30  according to the backlight control signal supplied from the controller  40 . The backlight  30  outputs surface-emitted light to the display section  20 . The display drive section  50  drives the display section  20  according to the image signal S supplied from the controller  40 . The display section  20  modulates light outputted from the backlight  30  to perform display. The barrier drive section  9  drives the liquid crystal barrier  10  according to a barrier control instruction supplied from the controller  40 . The liquid crystal barrier  10  transmits or blocks light outputted from the backlight  30  and transmitted through the display section  20 . 
         [0086]    Detailed Operation of Stereoscopic Display 
         [0087]    Next, operation in stereoscopic display is described in detail with reference to several drawings. 
         [0088]      FIG. 10  illustrates an operation example of each of the display section  20  and the liquid crystal barrier  10 , where (A) illustrates a case where the image signal SA is supplied, and (B) illustrates a case where the image signal SB is supplied. 
         [0089]    When the image signal SA is supplied, pixels Pix of the display section  20  display pixel information P 1  to P 6  corresponding to six eyepoint images in the image signal SA, respectively, as shown in (A) of  FIG. 10 . The pixel information P 1  to P 6  are displayed on pixels Pix disposed near an opening-and-closing section  12 A, respectively. When the image signal SA is supplied, the liquid crystal barrier  10  is controlled such that the opening-and-closing sections  12 A open (transmissive state), and the opening-and-closing sections  12 B close. Light from each of the pixels Pix of the display section  20  is outputted with an angle limited by the opening-and-closing section  12 A. For example, a viewer may view a stereoscopic image through viewing pixel information P 3  by a left eye and viewing pixel information P 4  by a right eye. 
         [0090]    When the image signal SB is supplied, pixels Pix of the display section  20  display pixel information P 1  to P 6  corresponding to six eyepoint images in the image signal SB, respectively, as shown in (B) of  FIG. 10 . The pixel information P 1  to P 6  are displayed on pixels Pix disposed near an opening-and-closing section  12 B, respectively. When the image signal SB is supplied, the liquid crystal barrier  10  is controlled such that the opening-and-closing sections  12 B open (transmissive state), and the opening-and-closing sections  12 A close. Light from each of the pixels Pix of the display section  20  is outputted with an angle limited by the opening-and-closing section  12 B. For example, a viewer may view a stereoscopic image through viewing pixel information P 3  by a left eye and viewing pixel information P 4  by a right eye. 
         [0091]    In this way, a viewer views different kinds of pixel information between pixel information P 1  to pixel information P 6  between two eyes, allowing the viewer to feel a stereoscopic image being displayed. In addition, images are displayed while the opening-and-closing sections  12 A and  12 B are allowed to open alternately in a time-dimensional manner, so that a viewer views images displayed at positions displaced from each other with the images being averaged. Accordingly, the stereoscopic display device  1  enables resolution twice as high as resolution in a case where only the opening-and-closing sections  12 A are provided. In other words, resolution of the stereoscopic display device  1  is ⅓(=⅙*2) of resolution in the case of two-dimensional display. 
         [0092]    Next, detailed description is made on operation of each of the liquid crystal barrier  10 , the display section  20 , and the backlight  30  in each of the zones Z 1  and Z 2 . 
         [0093]      FIG. 11  illustrates display operation of the display section  20 . A vertical axis shows a position of the display section  20  in a progressive scan direction (y-axis direction) ( FIG. 4 ), and a horizontal axis shows time. In other words,  FIG. 11  illustrates a display operation state at a certain position in the y-axis direction at a certain time. In  FIG. 11 , “SA” shows a state of display based on the image signal SA, and “SB” shows a state of display based on the image signal SB. In addition, “SA→SB” shows a state where the image signal SB is supplied to the display drive section  50 , so that display based on the image signal SA is being changed to display based on the image signal SB. Similarly, “SB→SA” shows a state where the image signal SA is supplied to the display drive section  50 , so that display based on the image signal SB is being changed to display based on the image signal SA. The “SA→SB” or “SB→SA” corresponds to response time τ of liquid crystal molecules. 
         [0094]    The display section  20  is progressively scanned from a top to a bottom thereof in a period from time a to time i, so that display based on the image signal SB is changed to display based on the image signal SA. 
         [0095]    First, at time a, the display section  20  performs display based on the image signal SB at all positions in the y-axis direction as shown in  FIG. 11 . In other words, the display section  20  performs display based on the image signal SB over the whole display surface of the section  20 . 
         [0096]    Then, in the display section  20 , pixel signals based on the image signal SA are sequentially applied to the pixels Pix from the top of the section, so that display based on the image signal SB is gradually changed to display based on the image signal SA. For example, at time c, the zone Z 1  (upper part of the display section  20 ) is in a state where display based on the image signal SB is being changed to display based on the image signal SA, while the zone Z 2  (lower part of the display section  20 ) still performs display based on the image signal SB. In other words, while a pixel signal in accordance with the image signal SA is applied to each pixel Pix in the zone Z 1 , response speed of liquid crystal is low and therefore display may not be immediately changed, leading to such a transient state. 
         [0097]    At time e, the whole display surface of the display section  20  is in a state where display based on the image signal SB is being changed to display based on the image signal SA. 
         [0098]    Then, in the display section  20 , response of liquid crystal is sequentially finished from the top, and display based on the image signal SA is performed. For example, at time g, the zone Z 1  (upper part of the display section  20 ) is in a state where display based on the image signal SB has been changed to display based on the image signal SA, while the zone Z 2  (lower part of the display section  20 ) is still in a state where display based on the image signal SB is being changed to display based on the image signal SA. 
         [0099]    At time i, display based on the image signal SB is changed to display based on the image signal SA over the whole display surface of the display section  20 . In other words, the display section  20  performs display based on the image signal SA. 
         [0100]    Next, the display section  20  is similarly progressively scanned from the top to the bottom thereof in a period from time j to time r, so that display based on the image signal SA is changed to display based on the image signal SB. 
         [0101]    The display section  20  repeats the above-described operation from time a to time r, so that display based on the image signal SA and display based on the image signal SB are alternately repeated. 
         [0102]      FIG. 12  illustrates display operation of the stereoscopic display device  1 , where (A) illustrates a state of the display section  20 , (B) illustrates a state of the liquid crystal barrier  10 , and (C) illustrates a state of the backlight  30 . In (A) of  FIG. 12 , “SA”, “SB”, “SA→SB”, and “SB→SA” show the same states as those shown in  FIG. 11 , respectively. In (B) of  FIG. 12 , “A 1 ” shows a state where opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A 1  of the liquid crystal barrier  10  open, and opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group B 1  close. In addition, “B 1 ” shows a state where the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group B 1  of the liquid crystal barrier  10  open, and the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A 1  close. In addition, “A 1 →B 1 ” shows a state where a state of the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group B 1  is being changed from closing to opening, and a state of the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A 1  is being changed from opening to closing. In addition, “B 1 →A 1 ” shows a state where a state of the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A 1  is being changed from closing to opening, and a state of the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group B 1  is being changed from opening to closing. In (B) of  FIG. 12 , “A 2 ”, “B 2 ”, “A 2 →B 2 ”, and “B 2 →A 2 ” show similar states to the above, respectively. In other words, “A 2 ” shows a state where opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A 2  of the liquid crystal barrier  10  open, and opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group B 2  close. In addition, “B 2 ” shows a state where the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group B 2  of the liquid crystal barrier  10  open, and the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A 2  close. In addition, “A 2 →B 2 ” shows a state where a state of the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group B 2  is being changed from closing to opening, and a state of the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A 2  is being changed from opening to closing. In addition, “B 2 →A 2 ” shows a state where a state of the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A 2  is being changed from closing to opening, and a state of the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group B 2  is being changed from opening to closing. In (C) of  FIG. 12 , “ON” shows a state where the light-emission section BL 1  or BL 2  of the backlight  30  emits light, and “OFF” shows a state where the light-emission section does not emit light. In other words, for example, “ON” in the zone Z 1  shows a state where the light-emission section BL 1  emits light, and “ON” in the zone Z 2  shows a state where the light-emission section BL 2  emits light. Time a to time r correspond to time a to time r in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0103]    First, the display section  20  is progressively scanned from the top to the bottom thereof according to the drive signal supplied from the display drive section  50  in a period from time a to time i, so that display based on the image signal SB is changed to display based on the image signal SA. In the liquid crystal barrier  10 , a state of opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A (groups A 1  and A 2 ) is changed from closing to opening, and a state of opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group B (groups B 1  and B 2 ) is changed from opening to closing in correspondence to change in display state of the display section  20  according to a drive signal supplied from the barrier drive section  9 . In the backlight  30 , the light-emission section BL 1  or BL 2  emits light in correspondence to a state of each of the display section  20  and the liquid crystal barrier  10  in the zone Z 1  or Z 2  according to a drive signal supplied from the backlight drive section  29 . 
         [0104]    At time a, the display section  20  performs display based on the image signal SB over the whole display surface. In the liquid crystal barrier  10 , opening-and-closing sections  12  in the groups B 1  and B 2  corresponding to the image signal SB open, and opening-and-closing sections  12  in the groups A 1  and A 2  close. In the backlight  30 , both the light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  in the zones Z 1  and Z 2  emit light. Consequently, the stereoscopic display device  1  performs display based on the image signal SB. 
         [0105]    At time b, an upper quarter portion of the display section  20  (half the zone Z 1 ) is in a state where display based on the image signal SB is being changed to display based on the image signal SA. In the liquid crystal barrier  10 , the zone Z 1  corresponding to the zone Z 1  of the display section  20 , where the above change has started, is in a state where a state of opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A 1  according to the image signal SA is being changed from closing to opening, and a state of opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group B 1  according to the image signal SB is being changed from opening to closing. In other words, the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A 1  or B 1  in the zone Z 1  are in such a transient state since response speed of liquid crystal is low and therefore a state of the sections may not be immediately changed in the same way as in the display section  20 . In the backlight  30 , the light-emission section BL 1  corresponding to the zone Z 1 , where the above change has started in each of the display section  20  and the liquid crystal barrier  10 , stops light emission. This prevents a viewer from viewing each of the display section  20  and the liquid crystal barrier  10  in the above-described changing state, and therefore image degradation may be reduced. 
         [0106]    At time c, the zone Z 1  of the display section  20  is in a state where display based on the image signal SB is being changed to display based on the image signal SA. The liquid crystal barrier  10  and the backlight  30  are in the same states as those at time b, respectively. 
         [0107]    At time d, an upper three-quarter portion of the display section  20  (the whole zone Z 1  and half the zone Z 2 ) is in a state where display based on the image signal SB is being changed to display based on the image signal SA. In the zone Z 1  of the liquid crystal barrier  10 , the opening-and-closing sections  12  in each of the groups A 1  and B 1  continue changing. In the zone Z 2 , where the above-described change has started in the display section  20 , is in a state where a state of opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A 2  according to the image signal SA is being changed from closing to opening, and a state of opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group B 2  according to the image signal SB is being changed from opening to closing. In the backlight  30 , both the light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  corresponding to the overall zones Z 1  and Z 2 , where the above-described change occurs in each of the display section  20  and the liquid crystal barrier  10 , stop light emission. This prevents a viewer from viewing each of the display section  20  and the liquid crystal barrier  10  in the above-described changing state, and therefore image degradation may be reduced. 
         [0108]    At time e, the whole display surface of the display section  20  is in a state where display based on the image signal SB is being changed to display based on the image signal SA. The liquid crystal barrier  10  and the backlight  30  are in the same states as those at time d, respectively. 
         [0109]    At time f, change of display has finished and display based on the image signal SA is performed in an upper quarter portion of the display section  20  (half the zone Z 1 ), and change of display is continued in other three-quarter portion (half the zone Z 1  and the whole zone Z 2 ). The liquid crystal barrier  10  and the backlight  30  are in the same states as those at time e, respectively. 
         [0110]    At time g, change of display has finished and display based on the image signal SA is performed in the zone Z 1  of the display section  20 , and change of display is continued in the zone Z 2 . In the zone Z 1  of the liquid crystal barrier  10 , change between opening and closing states has finished, and opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A 1  according to the image signal SA open. In the zone Z 2  of the liquid crystal barrier  10 , change between opening and closing states is continued. In the backlight  30 , light emission occurs in the light-emission section BL 1  corresponding to the zone Z 1 , where the above-described change has finished in each of the display section  20  and the liquid crystal barrier  10 , emits light. 
         [0111]    At time h, change of display has finished and display based on the image signal SA is performed in an upper three-quarter portion of the display section  20  (the whole zone Z 1  and half the zone Z 2 ), and change of display is continued in the remaining quarter portion (half the zone Z 2 ). The liquid crystal barrier  10  and the backlight  30  are in the same states as those at time g, respectively. 
         [0112]    At time i, in the display section  20 , change of display has finished and display based on the image signal SA is performed over the whole display surface. In the liquid crystal barrier  10 , change between opening and closing states has finished over the whole zones Z 1  and Z 2 , opening-and-closing sections  12  in the groups A 1  and A 2  according to the image signal SA open, and opening-and-closing sections  12  in the groups B 1  and B 2  according to the image signal SB close. In the backlight  30 , the light-emission section BL 2  corresponding to the zone Z 2 , where the above-described change has finished in each of the display section  20  and the liquid crystal barrier  10 , emits light. Consequently, both the light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  corresponding to the whole zones Z 1  and Z 2  emit light. 
         [0113]    Next, in a period from time j to time r, the display section  20  is progressively scanned from the top to the bottom according to the drive signal supplied from the display drive section  50  in the same way as in the period from time a to time i, so that display based on the image signal SB is changed to display based on the image signal SA. In the liquid crystal barrier  10 , a state of opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group B (groups B 1  and B 2 ) is changed from closing to opening and a state of opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A (groups A 1  and A 2 ) is changed from opening to closing in correspondence to change in display state of the display section  20  according to the drive signal supplied from the barrier drive section  9 . In the backlight  30 , the light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  emit light in correspondence to a state of each of the display section  20  and the liquid crystal barrier  10  in each of the zones Z 1  and Z 2  according to the drive signal supplied from the backlight drive section  29 . 
         [0114]    The stereoscopic display device  1  repeats the operation from time a to time r, so that display based on the image signal SA and display based on the image signal SB are alternately repeated. 
         [0115]      FIG. 13  illustrates a relationship between a display state of the display section  20  and a light-emission state of the backlight  30 , where (A) illustrates the display state of the display section  20 , and (B) illustrates the light-emission state of the backlight  30 . As shown in (B) of  FIG. 13 , the light-emission section BL 1  corresponding to the zone Z 1  of the backlight  30  emits light, for example, in a period (period TO) from time g to time j, and the light-emission section BL 2  corresponding to the zone Z 2  emits light, for example, in a period (period T 0 ) from time i to time  1 . In this way, the backlight  30  is partitioned in a progressive scan direction of the display section  20 , and the partitioned backlight sections emit light independently of each other in correspondence to the progressive scan, and therefore light-emission time may be increased and thus luminance may be increased. 
       Comparative Example 
       [0116]      FIG. 14  illustrates a configuration example of a stereoscopic display device  1 R according to a comparative example (without using the disclosure). In the comparative example, the stereoscopic display device  1 R includes a backlight that is not partitioned in a progressive scan direction of a display section. Substantially the same components as those of the stereoscopic display device  1  according to the first embodiment ( FIG. 1  and the like) are designated by the same symbols, and description of them is appropriately omitted. 
         [0117]    The stereoscopic display device  1 R includes a backlight  30 R and a liquid crystal barrier  10 R. The backlight  30 R has a light-emission section that is not partitioned in a progressive scan direction (y-axis direction) of a display section unlike the backlight  30  ( FIGS. 6A and 6B ) according to the embodiment, and emits light from the whole surface of the backlight  30 R at a time, or stops light emission over the whole surface at a time. The backlight  30 R is driven by a backlight drive section  29 R. The liquid crystal barrier  10 R has opening-and-closing sections  12  that are not partitioned in the progressive scan direction (y-axis direction) of the display section in the same way as the backlight  30 R. The liquid crystal barrier  10 R is driven by a barrier drive section  9 R. 
         [0118]      FIG. 15  illustrates a relationship between a display state of the display section  20  and a light-emission state of the backlight  30 R according to the comparative example, where (A) illustrates the display state of the display section  20 , and (B) illustrates the light-emission state of the backlight  30 R. As shown in (B) of  FIG. 15 , the backlight  30 R emits light, for example, only in a period from time i to time j in order to suppress image degradation due to transient response of liquid crystal. Specifically, in this example, the backlight emits light in a period from a point (time i) where display based on an image signal SB has been changed to display based on an image signal SA at a bottom of the display section  20  to a point (time j) where display based on the image signal SA begins to be changed to display based on the image signal SB at a top of the display section  20 . In this example, such light-emission time (time T 1 ) is short, approximately half the light-emission time (time T 0 ) of the stereoscopic display device  1  ( FIG. 13 ) according to the embodiment. In this case, the stereoscopic display device is reduced in luminance. 
         [0119]    In contrast, in the stereoscopic display device  1  according to the embodiment, the backlight  30  is partitioned in the progressive scan direction of the display section  20 , and such partitioned backlight sections may emit light independently of each other. Consequently, light-emission timing may be set separately for each of the partitioned sections of the backlight  30  (light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2 ), making it possible to increase luminance by increasing light-emission time of each of the light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2 . 
         [0120]    Effects 
         [0121]    As hereinbefore, in the embodiment, each of the backlight  30  and the liquid crystal barrier  10  is partitioned in the progressive scan direction of the display section  20 , and such partitioned regions are driven independently of each other, making it possible to increase luminance while suppressing image degradation due to transient response of liquid crystal. 
       Modification 1 
       [0122]    While each of the backlight  30  and the opening-and-closing sections  12  of the liquid crystal barrier  10  is partitioned in two in the progressive scan direction of the display section  20  in the embodiment, this is not limitative. For example, each component may be partitioned in three or more. The following is an example of a case where each component is partitioned in four. 
         [0123]      FIG. 16  illustrates a relationship between a display state of a display section and a light-emission state of a backlight according to the modification, where (A) illustrates the display state of the display section, and (B) illustrates the light-emission state of the backlight. In the modification, each of the backlight and opening-and-closing sections of a liquid crystal barrier is partitioned into four zones Z 1  to Z 4  in a progressive scan direction of the display section. Consequently, light-emission time (time T 2 ) of the backlight is relatively long in this example, approximately 1.3 times as long as the light-emission time (time T 0 ) in the embodiment ( FIG. 13 ), as shown in (B) of  FIG. 16 . In this way, increase in division number makes it possible to increase light-emission time, leading to increase in luminance. 
       Modification 2 
       [0124]    While the backlight  30 , the display section  20 , and the liquid crystal barrier  10  of the stereoscopic display device  1  are disposed in this order in the embodiment, this is not limitative. For example, the backlight  30 , the liquid crystal barrier  10 , and the display section  20  may be disposed in this order instead as shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         [0125]      FIG. 18  illustrates an operation example of each of the display section  20  and the liquid crystal barrier  10  according to the modification, where (A) illustrates a case where an image signal SA is supplied, and (B) illustrates a case where an image signal SB is supplied. In the modification, light outputted from the backlight  30  first enters the liquid crystal barrier  10 . Then, the light is partially transmitted through each of opening-and-closing sections  12 A or  12 B and then modulated in the display section  20  so that six eyepoint images are outputted. 
       Modification 3 
       [0126]    While the backlight partitioned only in the progressive scan direction (y-axis direction) of the display section  20  is used in the embodiment, this is not limitative, and a backlight partitioned in an x-axis direction as well as in the y-axis direction may be used. 
         [0127]      FIG. 19  illustrates a configuration example of a backlight partitioned in both x and y-axis directions. In this example, the backlight is partitioned in five in the x-axis direction and partitioned in four in the y-axis direction. Such a backlight has been often used in the past in order to reduce power consumption by partially decreasing luminance or stopping light emission of a backlight in correspondence to a dark portion of an image, for example, when the dark portion covers half a screen. Even if such a backlight is used, the same advantage as in the embodiment may be obtained. In other words, as shown in  FIG. 19 , zones Z 1  and Z 2  are defined in the backlight and controlled independently of each other in the same way as in the backlight  30  according to the embodiment ( FIGS. 6A and 6B ), thereby the same advantage as in the embodiment may be obtained. 
         [0128]    While data are line-sequentially written to the display section  20  in the embodiment, for example, when data are point-sequentially written to the section instead, the zones are controlled independently of one another in the y-axis direction as well as in the x-axis direction of the display section  20 . This makes it possible to increase luminance while suppressing image degradation due to transient response of liquid crystal, as in the embodiment. 
       Modification 4 
       [0129]    While the opening-and-closing sections of the liquid crystal barrier extend in the y-axis direction in the embodiment, this is not limitative. For example, a stepped-barrier form shown in  FIG. 20A  or an oblique-barrier form shown in  FIG. 20B  may be used instead. The stepped-barrier form is described, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-264762. The oblique-barrier form is described, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-86506. 
       Modification 5 
       [0130]    While the opening-and-closing sections  12  configure two groups in each of the zones Z 1  and Z 2  in the embodiment, this is not limitative. For example, the section  12  may configure three or more groups instead. This allows further improvement in resolution of display.  FIG. 21  illustrates an example of a case where opening-and-closing sections  12  configure three groups A, B, and C. As in the embodiment, opening-and-closing sections  12 A show opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A, opening-and-closing sections  12 B show opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group B, and opening-and-closing sections  12 C show opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group C. Images are displayed while the opening-and-closing sections  12 A,  12 B, and  12 C are allowed to open alternately in a time-divisional manner, thereby a stereoscopic display device according to the modification enables resolution three times as high as resolution in a case where only the opening-and-closing sections  12 A are provided. In other words, resolution of this stereoscopic display device is ½(=⅙*3) of resolution in the case of two-dimensional display. 
       Modification 6 
       [0131]    For example, while liquid crystal is used for the display section  20  in the embodiment, this is not limitative.  FIG. 22  illustrates display operation in a case where a display section  20 D having high response time is used. In a period from time a to time e, the display section  20 D is progressively scanned from a top to a bottom thereof based on a drive signal supplied from a display drive section, so that display based on an image signal SB is changed to display based on an image signal SA in a short response time. Similarly, in a period from time j to time n, the display section  20 D is progressively scanned from a top to a bottom thereof based on a drive signal supplied from the display drive section, so that display based on an image signal SA is changed to display based on an image signal SB in a short response time. In this case, each of light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  of a backlight  30  does not emit light in each of states (“B 1 →A 1 ”, “A 1 →B 1 ”, “B 2 →A 2 ”, and “A 2 →B 2 ”) where opening-and-closing sections  12  of a liquid crystal barrier  10  are being changed, and emits light in other states. 
       Modification 7 
       [0132]    For example, while the liquid crystal barrier  10  configured of liquid crystal is used in the embodiment, this is not limitative.  FIG. 23  illustrates display operation in a case where a barrier  10 E with opening-and-closing sections having high response time is used. The barrier  10 E is not partitioned in a progressive scan direction. At time b, in the barrier  10 E, a state of opening-and-closing sections  12  in a group A according to an image signal SA is changed from closing to opening in a short response time, and a state of opening-and-closing sections  12  in a group B according to an image signal SB is changed from opening to closing in a short response time. At time k, in the barrier  10 E, a state of the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group B according to the image signal SB is changed from closing to opening in a short response time, and a state of the opening-and-closing sections  12  in the group A according to the image signal SA is changed from opening to closing in a short response time. In this case, each of light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  of a backlight  30  does not emit light in each of states (“SB→SA” and “SA→SB”) where display of a display section  20  is being changed, and emits light in other states. 
       Modification 8 
       [0133]    For example, in the embodiment, when display on the display section  20  or an opening-and-closing state of the liquid crystal barrier  10  is being changed (transient response), the backlight  30  does not emit light as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . However, this is not limitative, and such a no-light-emission period may be decreased or increased within a span short enough for a viewer not to feel image degradation as viewing an image. This is described with several examples below. 
         [0134]      FIG. 24  illustrates an operation example in a case where the no-light-emission period is decreased. In the example, before change of display finishes near a bottom of each of zones Z 1  and Z 2  of the display section  20 , each of corresponding light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  of the backlight  30  starts light emission, and after change of display starts near a top of each of the zones Z 1  and Z 2  of the display section  20 , each of corresponding light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  of the backlight  30  stops light emission. This makes it possible to increase light-emission time (time T 3 ) of the backlight  30 , leading to increase in luminance of a stereoscopic display device. 
         [0135]      FIG. 25  illustrates an operation example in a case where the no-light-emission period is increased. In the example, after change of display has finished near a bottom of each of zones Z 1  and Z 2  of the display section  20 , each of corresponding light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  of the backlight  30  starts light emission, and before change of display starts near a top of each of the zones Z 1  and Z 2  of the display section  20 , each of corresponding light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  of the backlight  30  stops light emission. Consequently, for example, even if transient response of liquid crystal varies depending on temperature, a possibility that a viewer views an image displayed in such a transient response period may be reduced, making it possible to minimize image degradation due to transient response of liquid crystal. 
         [0136]    Timing of starting or stopping light emission of the backlight  30  is not limited to the above. For example, before change of display finishes near the bottom of each of the zones Z 1  and Z 2 , each of corresponding light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  may start light emission, and before change of display starts near the top of each of the zones Z 1  and Z 2 , each of corresponding light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  may stop light emission. Alternatively, after change of display has finished near the bottom of each of the zones Z 1  and Z 2 , each of corresponding light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  may start light emission, and after change of display starts near the top of each of the zones Z 1  and Z 2 , each of corresponding light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  may stop light emission. In addition, immediately before or after change of display finishes near the bottom of each of the zones Z 1  and Z 2 , each of corresponding light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  may start light emission, and just when change of display starts near the top of each of the zones Z 1  and Z 2 , each of corresponding light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  may stop light emission. Alternatively, just when change of display finishes near the bottom of each of the zones Z 1  and Z 2 , each of corresponding light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  may start light emission, and immediately before or after change of display starts near the top of each of the zones Z 1  and Z 2 , each of corresponding light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  may stop light emission. 
       Modification 9 
       [0137]    For example, while the backlight  30  and the liquid crystal barrier  10  have the same division number in the progressive scan direction in the embodiment, this is not limitative, and the components may have different division numbers. Even in this case, each of light-emission sections configuring the backlight  30  is allowed to operate in correspondence to an opening-and-closing state of opening-and-closing sections  12  in each corresponding region of the liquid crystal barrier  10 , thereby the same advantage as in the embodiment may be achieved. The following is an example of a case where the division number of the backlight  30  is made larger than that of the liquid crystal barrier  10 . 
         [0138]      FIG. 26A  illustrates a liquid crystal barrier  10  according to the modification, and  FIG. 26B  illustrates a backlight  30 F according to the modification. In this example, opening-and-closing sections  12  of the liquid crystal barrier  10  are partitioned in two in a progressive scan direction (y-axis direction) and therefore configured of two zones Z 1  and Z 2 . On the other hand, the backlight  30 F is configured of four zones Z 11 , Z 12 , Z 21 , and Z 22  (four light-emission sections BL 11 , BL 12 , BL 21 , and BL 22 ). The zone Z 1  of the liquid crystal barrier  10  corresponds to the zones Z 11  and Z 12  of the backlight  30 F, and the zone Z 2  of the barrier  10  corresponds to the zones Z 21  and Z 22  of the backlight  30 F. In other words, the liquid crystal barrier  10  and the backlight  30 F are disposed such that light outputted from the light-emission sections BL 11  and BL 12  enters the zone Z 1  of the liquid crystal barrier  10  through the display section  20 , and light outputted from the light-emission sections BL 21  and BL 22  enters the zone Z 2  of the barrier  10  through the display section  20 . For example, in a backlight using LED, a plurality of LEDs is typically used to achieve uniform light emission. By using this, the division number of the backlight may be easily increased. In this way, the division number of the backlight  30  is desirably made larger than that of the liquid crystal barrier  10  as shown in  FIGS. 26A and 26B . 
         [0139]    While the application has been described with the embodiment and the modifications hereinbefore, the application is not limited to the embodiment and the like, and various modifications or alterations may be made. 
         [0140]    For example, while the image signal SA or SB includes six eyepoint images in the embodiment, this is not limitative, and the signal may include not more than five or not less than seven eyepoint images. In such a case, the relationship between the opening-and-closing sections  12 A or  12 B of the liquid crystal barrier  10  and the pixels Pix as shown in  FIG. 9  is correspondingly changed. In other words, for example, when the image signal SA or SB includes five eyepoint images, the opening-and-closing sections  12 A are desirably provided by one for five pixels Pix of the display section  20 , and the opening-and-closing sections  12 B are similarly desirably provided by one for five pixels Pix of the display section  20 . 
         [0141]    For example, while light is not transmitted between the light-emission sections BL 1  and BL 2  of the backlight  30  in the embodiment, this is not limitative. For example, light may be transmitted between the sections as long as significant image degradation does not occur. As described in the embodiment, light emitted by each light-emission section of the backlight is desirably prevented from leaking to another light-emission section, and if light leakage occurs, image degradation may occur. Specifically, in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , for example, leakage light from the light-emission section BL 2  enters the light-emission section BL 1 , resulting in long emission time of the light-emission section BL 1  compared with driving time of the section BL 1  for light emission. However, even in such a case, when the quantity of leakage light from the light-emission section BL 2  is sufficiently small compared with the quantity of light outputted from the light-emission section BL 1 , significant image degradation may be prevented, enabling stereoscopic display. 
         [0142]    It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.