U.S. patent application number 13/795769 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-22 for liquid crystal lens panel and method of manufacturing display device using the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to JIHONG BAE, SUK CHOI, Sujin KIM, Hyeokjin LEE, HEUNGSHIK PARK.
Application Number | 20140138022 13/795769 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50726796 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140138022 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BAE; JIHONG ; et
al. |
May 22, 2014 |
LIQUID CRYSTAL LENS PANEL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING DISPLAY
DEVICE USING THE SAME
Abstract
A liquid crystal lens panel includes a first substrate including
a lens area, a non-lens area disposed adjacent to the lens area,
and a cutting area disposed adjacent to the non-lens area and
including a liquid crystal driving part, a second substrate
disposed opposite to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal
layer interposed between the first substrate and the second
substrate, where the liquid crystal driving part applies a liquid
crystal driving voltage to the liquid crystal layer through the
non-lens area, and liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal
layer are driven substantially in a vertical direction by the
liquid crystal driving voltage.
Inventors: |
BAE; JIHONG; (Yongin-si,
KR) ; CHOI; SUK; (Seongnam-si, KR) ; KIM;
Sujin; (Seoul, KR) ; PARK; HEUNGSHIK; (Seoul,
KR) ; LEE; Hyeokjin; (Seongnam-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD. |
Yongin-City |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
Yongin-City
KR
|
Family ID: |
50726796 |
Appl. No.: |
13/795769 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
156/267 ;
156/275.5; 349/200 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09G 3/3648 20130101;
G02F 1/13471 20130101; G02F 1/1393 20130101; G02F 2001/294
20130101; H04N 13/305 20180501; G02F 1/29 20130101; Y10T 156/108
20150115; G02F 1/1345 20130101; G09G 2300/0426 20130101; H04N
13/359 20180501; G09G 2300/0434 20130101; G02F 1/134309
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
156/267 ;
349/200; 156/275.5 |
International
Class: |
G02B 3/12 20060101
G02B003/12; G02B 3/08 20060101 G02B003/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 21, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0132470 |
Claims
1. A liquid crystal lens panel comprising: a first substrate which
includes a lens area, a non-lens area disposed adjacent to the lens
area, and a cutting area disposed adjacent to the non-lens area and
including a liquid crystal driving part; a second substrate
disposed opposite to the first substrate; and a liquid crystal
layer interposed between the first substrate and the second
substrate, wherein the liquid crystal driving part applies a liquid
crystal driving voltage to the liquid crystal layer through the
non-lens area, and liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal
layer are driven substantially in a vertical direction by the
liquid crystal driving voltage.
2. The liquid crystal lens panel of claim 1, wherein the first
substrate comprises a plurality of first electrodes disposed in the
lens area, extending in a first direction, and spaced apart from
each other, and the second substrate comprises a common electrode
disposed opposite to the first electrodes.
3. The liquid crystal lens panel of claim 2, wherein the liquid
crystal driving voltage comprises a first voltage applied to the
first electrodes and a second voltage applied to the common
electrode, and the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal
layer are driven substantially in the vertical direction by an
electric field generated by the first voltage and the second
voltage.
4. The liquid crystal lens panel of claim 3, wherein the first
substrate further comprises a plurality of data pads disposed in
the non-lens area and connected to the first electrodes.
5. The liquid crystal lens panel of claim 4, wherein the liquid
crystal driving part comprises: a plurality of first lines
connected to the first electrodes, respectively, through the data
pads; a first common line connected to the first lines; a first pad
which receives the first voltage; a first sub-line connected to the
first pad and the first common line; a sub-common line connected to
the common electrode through the non-lens area; and a second pad
connected to the sub-common line and which receives the second
voltage.
6. The liquid crystal lens panel of claim 5, wherein the cutting
area comprises a plurality of intermediate areas corresponding to
areas between the data pads, and the first pad and the second pad
are disposed in one of the intermediate areas.
7. The liquid crystal lens panel of claim 1, wherein the liquid
crystal layer comprises electrically controlled birefringence mode
liquid crystal, an optically compensated bend mode liquid crystal,
or a hybrid aligned nematic mode liquid crystal.
8. The liquid crystal lens panel of claim 1, wherein the first
substrate comprises: a plurality of first electrodes disposed in
the lens area, extending in a first direction, and spaced apart
from each other; an insulating layer disposed on the first
electrodes; and a plurality of second electrodes extending in the
first direction on the insulating layer in the lens area, spaced
apart from each other, and alternately arranged with the first
electrodes, the second substrate comprises a common electrode, and
the liquid crystal driving voltage comprises a first voltage
applied to the first and second electrodes and a second voltage
applied to the common electrode.
9. The liquid crystal lens panel of claim 8, wherein a height
difference between an upper surface of the first electrodes and an
upper surface of the insulating layer is equal to or smaller than
about 2000 angstroms.
10. The liquid crystal lens panel of claim 8, wherein the first
substrate further comprises a plurality of data pads connected to
the first electrodes and the second electrodes in the non-lens
area.
11. The liquid crystal lens panel of claim 10, wherein the liquid
crystal driving part comprises; a plurality of first lines
connected to the first electrodes through the data pads; a
plurality of second lines connected to the second electrodes
through the data pads; a first common line connected to the first
lines; a second common line connected to the second lines; a first
pad which receives the first voltage; a first sub-line connected to
the first pad and the first common line; a second sub-line
connected to the first pad and the second common line; a sub-common
line connected to the common electrode through the non-lens area;
and a second pad connected to the sub-common line and which
receives the second voltage.
12. A method of manufacturing a display device, comprising:
preparing a display panel; coating an adhesive member on the
display panel; attaching a liquid crystal lens panel including a
liquid crystal layer to the display panel using the adhesive
member; driving liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal
layer substantially in a vertical direction; and irradiating an
ultraviolet light onto the adhesive member through the liquid
crystal lens panel to cure the adhesive member.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the liquid crystal lens panel
comprises: a first substrate which includes a lens area, a non-lens
area, and a cutting area including a liquid crystal driving part; a
second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate; and the
liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the
second substrate, wherein the liquid crystal driving part applies a
liquid crystal driving voltage to the liquid crystal layer through
the non-lens area, and the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid
crystal layer are driven substantially in the vertical direction by
the liquid crystal driving voltage.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first substrate comprises a
plurality of first electrodes disposed in the lens area, extending
in a first direction, and spaced apart from each other, the second
substrate comprises a common electrode disposed opposite to the
first electrodes, the liquid crystal driving voltage comprises a
first voltage applied to the first electrodes and a second voltage
applied to the common electrode, and the liquid crystal molecules
of the liquid crystal layer are driven substantially in the
vertical direction by an electric field generated by the first
voltage and the second voltage.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first substrate further
comprises a plurality of data pads disposed in the non-lens area
and connected to the first electrodes.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the liquid crystal driving part
comprises: a plurality of first lines respectively connected to the
first electrodes through the data pads; a first common line
connected to the first lines; a first pad which receives the first
voltage; a first sub-line connected to the first pad and the first
common line; a sub-common line connected to the common electrode
through the non-lens area; and a second pad connected to the
sub-common line and which receives the second voltage.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the cutting area comprises a
plurality of intermediate areas corresponding to areas between the
data pads, and the first pad and the second pad are disposed in one
of the intermediate areas.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: curing the adhesive
member; and removing the cutting area.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: connecting a
plurality of driving integrated circuits to the data pads to apply
lens driving voltages to the first electrodes after the cutting
area is removed.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the liquid crystal layer
operates as a Fresnel lens by the lens driving voltages applied to
the first electrodes from the driving integrated circuits.
Description
[0001] This patent application claims priority to Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2012-0132470, filed on Nov. 21, 2012, and all
the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119, the
content of which in its entirety is herein incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The disclosure relates to a liquid crystal lens panel and a
method of manufacturing a display device using the liquid crystal
lens panel.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Recently, a three-dimensional image display device that
displays both a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image
has been developed. The three-dimensional image display device
includes a display panel that generates an image light, e.g., light
corresponding to an image, and a liquid crystal lens panel that
switches the image light from the display panel to light
corresponding to the two-dimensional image or light corresponding
to the three-dimensional image. The display panel and the liquid
crystal lens panel may be attached to each other by a curable
resin.
[0006] When no source voltage is applied to the liquid crystal lens
panel, the image light from the display panel transmits through the
liquid crystal lens panel. When the source voltage is applied to
the liquid crystal lens panel, an arrangement of liquid crystal
molecules of the liquid crystal lens panel is controlled. The
liquid crystal lens panel, in which the arrangement of the liquid
crystal molecules is controlled, may function as a convex lens or a
Fresnel lens. The image light exiting from the display panel is
refracted by the liquid crystal lens panel that functions as the
convex lens or the Fresnel lens. The refracted image light by the
liquid crystal lens panel is perceived by a viewer as the
three-dimensional image.
SUMMARY
[0007] The disclosure provides a liquid crystal lens panel having
improved optical properties.
[0008] The disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a display
device using the liquid crystal lens panel.
[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a liquid
crystal lens panel including a first substrate which includes a
lens area, a non-lens area disposed adjacent to the lens area, and
a cutting area disposed adjacent to the non-lens area and including
a liquid crystal driving part, a second substrate disposed opposite
to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed
between the first substrate and the second substrate. In such an
embodiment, the liquid crystal driving part applies a liquid
crystal driving voltage to the liquid crystal layer through the
non-lens area, and liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal
layer are driven substantially in a vertical direction by the
liquid crystal driving voltage.
[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the first substrate may include
a plurality of first electrodes disposed in the lens area,
extending in a first direction, and spaced apart from each other,
and the second substrate may include a common electrode disposed
opposite to the first electrodes.
[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal driving
voltage may include a first voltage applied to the first electrodes
and a second voltage applied to the common electrode, and the
liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer may be driven
substantially in the vertical direction by an electric field
generated by the first voltage and the second voltage.
[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the first substrate may further
include a plurality of data pads disposed in the non-lens area and
connected to the first electrodes.
[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal driving part
may include a plurality of first lines respectively connected to
the first electrodes through the data pads, a first common line
connected to the first lines, a first pad which receives the first
voltage, a first sub-line connected to the first pad and the first
common line, a sub-common line connected to the common electrode
through the non-lens area, and a second pad connected to the
sub-common line and which receives the second voltage.
[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting area may include a
plurality of intermediate areas corresponding to areas between the
data pads, and the first pad and the second pad may be disposed in
one of the intermediate areas.
[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the first substrate may include
a plurality of first electrodes disposed in the lens area,
extending in a first direction, and spaced apart from each other,
an insulating layer disposed on the first electrodes, and a
plurality of second electrodes extending in the first direction on
the insulating layer in the lens area, spaced apart from each
other, and alternately arranged with the first electrodes. In such
an embodiment, the second substrate may include a common electrode,
and the liquid crystal driving voltage may include a first voltage
applied to the first and second electrodes and a second voltage
applied to the common electrode.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, a height difference between an
upper surface of the first electrodes and an upper surface of the
insulating layer may be equal to or smaller than about 2000
angstroms.
[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the first substrate further may
include a plurality of data pads connected to the first electrodes
and the second electrodes in the non-lens area.
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal driving part
may include a plurality of first lines connected to the first
electrodes through the data pads, a plurality of second lines
connected to the second electrodes through the data pads, a first
common line connected to the first lines, a second common line
connected to the second lines, a first pad which receives the first
voltage, at least one first sub-line connected to the first pad and
the first common line, a second sub-line connected to the first pad
and the second common line, a sub-common line connected to the
common electrode through the non-lens area, and a second pad
connected to the sub-common line and which receives the second
voltage.
[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a method of
manufacturing a display device including preparing a display panel,
coating an adhesive member on the display panel, attaching a liquid
crystal lens panel including a liquid crystal layer to the display
panel using the adhesive member, driving liquid crystal molecules
of the liquid crystal layer substantially in a vertical direction,
and irradiating an ultraviolet light onto the adhesive member
through the liquid crystal lens panel to cure the adhesive
member.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal lens panel
may include a first substrate which includes a lens area, a
non-lens area, and a cutting area including a liquid crystal
driving part, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first
substrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first
substrate and the second substrate. In such an embodiment, the
liquid crystal driving part may apply a liquid crystal driving
voltage to the liquid crystal layer through the non-lens area, and
liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer may be driven
substantially in the vertical direction by the liquid crystal
driving voltage.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the first substrate may include
a plurality of first electrodes disposed in the lens area,
extending in a first direction, and spaced apart from each other,
the second substrate includes a common electrode disposed opposite
to the first electrodes, the liquid crystal driving voltage may
include a first voltage applied to the first electrodes and a
second voltage applied to the common electrode, and the liquid
crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer may be driven in the
vertical direction by an electric field generated by the first
voltage and the second voltage.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the first substrate may further
include a plurality of data pads disposed in the non-lens area and
connected to the first electrodes.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal driving part
may include a plurality of first lines respectively connected to
the first electrodes through the data pads, a first common line
connected to the first lines, a first pad which receives the first
voltage, a first sub-line connected to the first pad and the first
common line, a sub-common line connected to the common electrode
through the non-lens area, and a second pad connected to the
sub-common line and which receives the second voltage.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting area may include a
plurality of intermediate areas corresponding to areas between the
data pads, and the first pad and the second pad may be disposed in
one of the intermediate areas.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include
curing the adhesive member and removing the cutting area.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include
connecting a plurality of driving integrated circuits ("ICs") to
the data pads to apply lens driving voltages to the first
electrodes after the cutting area is removed.
[0027] According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, optical
properties of the liquid crystal lens panel and the display device
including the liquid crystal lens panel are substantially
improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The above and other features of the disclosure will become
readily apparent by reference to the following detailed description
when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of
a liquid crystal lens panel according to the invention;
[0030] FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views showing a lens
area of the liquid crystal lens panel shown in FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an alternative exemplary
embodiment of a liquid crystal lens panel according to the
invention;
[0032] FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views showing a lens
area of the liquid crystal lens panel shown in FIG. 3;
[0033] FIGS. 5A to 5D are cross-sectional views showing an
exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display device
using the liquid crystal lens panel shown in FIG. 1;
[0034] FIGS. 6 to 8 are graphs showing optical properties of liquid
crystal lens panels;
[0035] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing an exemplary
embodiment of a display device manufactured using the liquid
crystal lens panel according to the invention; and
[0036] FIGS. 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views showing light
refracted by a liquid crystal lens of the liquid crystal lens panel
of the display device shown in FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The invention will be described more fully hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various
embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in
many different forms, and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and
will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in
the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements
throughout.
[0038] It will be understood that when an element or layer is
referred to as being "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another
element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to
the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be
present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being
"directly on," "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to"
another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or
layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As
used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of
one or more of the associated listed items.
[0039] It will be understood that, although the terms first,
second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited
by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one
element, component, region, layer or section from another region,
layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer
or section discussed below could be termed a second element,
component, region, layer or section without departing from the
teachings of the invention.
[0040] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below",
"lower", "above", "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease
of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to
another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It
will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended
to encompass different orientations of the device in use or
operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements
described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would
then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the
exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above
and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees
or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors
used herein interpreted accordingly.
[0041] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms, "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "includes" and/or "including", when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be
interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly
so defined herein.
[0043] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to
cross section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of
idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the
illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques
and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments described
herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes
of regions as illustrated herein but are to include deviations in
shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a
region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have rough
and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are
illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the
figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended
to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to
limit the scope of the claims set forth herein.
[0044] All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable
order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly
contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or
exemplary language (e.g., "such as"), is intended merely to better
illustrate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the
scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the
specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed
element as essential to the practice of the invention as used
herein.
[0045] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0046] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of
a liquid crystal lens panel according to the invention.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, a liquid crystal lens panel 100
includes a first substrate 110 including a lens area LA, a non-lens
area NLA and a cutting area CA, and a second substrate 120 disposed
opposite to, e.g., facing, the first substrate 110 and including a
first common electrode (not shown).
[0048] The non-lens area NLA is disposed adjacent to the lens area
LA and the cutting area CA. A first liquid crystal layer (not
shown) is disposed between the first substrate 110 and the second
substrate 120. The first common electrode and the first liquid
crystal layer will be described later in greater detail with
reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0049] The first substrate 110 includes a plurality of first
electrodes E1_1 to E1_n which extends substantially in a first
direction D1 in the lens area LA. The first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n
are spaced apart from each other with a predetermined interval
therebetween. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined
interval may be a constant interval. The first common electrode of
the second substrate 120 is disposed opposite to e.g., facing, the
first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n. The first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n
and the first common electrode may include a transparent conductive
material.
[0050] The first substrate 110 includes a plurality of data pads
DPD disposed in the non-lens area NLA. Each of the data pads DPD is
connected to corresponding first electrodes of the first electrodes
E1_1 to E1_n. The number of the corresponding first electrodes of
each of the data pads DPD may be equal to or greater than 2.
[0051] A liquid crystal driving part 130 is disposed in the cutting
area CA of the first substrate 110. The liquid crystal driving part
130 applies a liquid crystal driving voltage to the first liquid
crystal layer through the non-lens area NLA. In an exemplary
embodiment, the liquid crystal driving part 130 applies the liquid
crystal driving voltage to the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n and
the first common electrode through the data pads DPD. The liquid
crystal driving voltage includes a first voltage applied to the
first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n and a second voltage applied to the
first common electrode. The second voltage has a level lower than a
level of the first voltage.
[0052] The liquid crystal driving part 130 includes a plurality of
first lines L1_1 to L1_n, a first common line CL1, a plurality of
first sub-lines SL1, a plurality of sub-common lines SCL, a first
pad PD1, a plurality of second pads PD2, and a plurality of
intermediate areas MA.
[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the number of the first lines
L1_1 to L1_n may be equal to the number of the first electrodes
E1_1 to E1_n. In such an embodiment, the first lines L1_1 to L1_n
correspond to the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n, respectively. Each
of the data pads DPD is connected to the corresponding first lines
of the first lines L1_1 to L1_n. The first lines L1_1 to L1_n
extend substantially in the first direction D1 and are connected to
the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n, respectively, through the data
pads DPD.
[0054] The first common line CL1 extends substantially in a second
direction D2 crossing, e.g., substantially perpendicular to, the
first direction D1 and is connected to the first lines L1_1 to
L1_n.
[0055] Each intermediate area MA of the cutting area CA corresponds
to an area between two adjacent data pads DPD. In one exemplary
embodiment, for example, a width of each intermediate area MA in
the second direction D2 is substantially equal to a distance
between two adjacent data pads DPD corresponding thereto, and each
intermediate area MA is a portion of the cutting area CA
corresponding to the area between two adjacent data pads DPD. The
first sub-lines SL1, the sub-common lines SCL, the first pad PD1
and the second pad PD2 may be disposed in a same intermediate area
MA of the intermediate areas MA, but not being limited thereto or
thereby. In an exemplary embodiment, the first sub-lines SL1, the
sub-common lines SCL, the first pad PD1, and the second pad PD2 may
be disposed at a leftmost area or a rightmost area of the cutting
area CA.
[0056] In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the number of each
of the first sub-lines SL1, the sub-common lines SCL and the second
pads PD2 provided therein may be two, but not being limited
thereto. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the number of each
of the first sub-lines SL1, the sub-common lines SCL and the second
pads PD2 may be less or more than two.
[0057] The first sub-lines SL1 extend substantially in the first
direction D1. The first sub-lines SL1 are disposed between the
first common line CL1 and the first pad PD1 and connected to the
first common line CL1 and the first pad PD1.
[0058] The sub-common lines SCL extend substantially in the first
direction D1 and are connected to the second pads PD2 and the first
common electrode of the second substrate 120. In an exemplary
embodiment, a conductive spacer (not shown) may be provided
between, e.g., attached to, the first and second substrates 110 and
120. In such an embodiment, the conductive spacer may be in contact
with the first common electrode of the second substrate 120. In an
exemplary embodiment, the sub-common lines SCL are connected to the
conductive spacer attached to the first substrate 110. In such an
embodiment, the sub-common lines SCL are electrically connected to
the first common electrode of the second substrate 120.
[0059] The second voltage may be applied to the second pads PD2
through a probe, which is in contact with the second pads PD2. The
second voltage applied to the second pads PD2 is applied to the
first common electrode of the second substrate 120 through the
sub-common lines SCL corresponding to the second pads PD2 in
contact with the probe.
[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the number of the second pads
PD2 may be equal to or greater than 2. In such an embodiment, when
one of the second pads PD2 is disconnected, the disconnected second
pad PD2 may be efficiently replaced with another second pad
PD2.
[0061] FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views showing a lens
area of the liquid crystal lens panel shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2A is a
cross-sectional view showing the lens area LA in the second
direction D2 when the electric field is not generated to the liquid
crystal lens panel, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing
the lens area LA in the second direction D2 when the electric field
is generated the liquid crystal lens panel.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the lens area LA of the liquid
crystal lens panel 100 includes the first substrate 110, the second
substrate 120 opposite to the first substrate 110, and the first
liquid crystal layer LC1 interposed between the first substrate 110
and the second substrate 120. The first liquid crystal layer LC1
includes liquid crystal molecules LCM. In an exemplary embodiment,
the first and second substrates 110 and 120 may be combined to each
other by a first sealant (not shown).
[0063] The first substrate 110 includes a first base substrate 111,
the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n disposed on the first base
substrate 111, and an insulating layer 112 disposed on the first
base substrate 111 to cover the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n.
[0064] The second substrate 120 includes a second base substrate
121 and the first common electrode CE1 disposed on the second base
substrate 121. The first common electrode CE1 is disposed opposite
to, e.g., facing, the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n.
[0065] When the first and second voltages are not applied to the
first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n and the first common electrode CE1,
the liquid crystal molecules LCM of the first liquid crystal layer
LC1 are aligned substantially in a horizontal direction, as shown
in FIG. 2A.
[0066] As described above, in an exemplary embodiment, the first
voltage is applied to the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n and the
second voltage is applied to the first common electrode CE1 by the
liquid crystal driving part 130. In such an embodiment, the first
electrodes E1_1 to E1_n may receive a same voltage, e.g., the first
voltage.
[0067] When the first voltage applied to the first electrodes E1_1
to E1_n and the second voltage applied to the first common
electrode CE1, the electric field is generated between the first
common electrode CE1 and the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n. The
liquid crystal molecules LCM are driven by the electric field
generated between the first common electrode CE1 and the first
electrodes E1_1 to E1_n.
[0068] The liquid crystal driving voltage has a level defined by a
difference between the first voltage applied to the first
electrodes E1_1 to E1_n and the second voltage applied to the first
common electrode CE1.
[0069] The liquid crystal molecules LCM are driven substantially in
a vertical direction from the horizontal direction and
substantially proportional to the level of the liquid crystal
driving voltage to have a predetermined angle. The liquid crystal
molecules LCM are not driven when the liquid crystal driving
voltage has the level greater than a predetermined voltage level,
e.g., a critical voltage. The liquid crystal driving voltage may be
set to have a level equal to or greater than the critical voltage.
When the level of the liquid crystal driving voltage is equal to or
greater than the critical voltage, the liquid crystal molecules LCM
may be driven substantially in the vertical direction. In such an
embodiment, the liquid crystal molecules LCM of the first liquid
crystal layer LC1 may be driven in the vertical direction by the
liquid crystal driving voltage.
[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrodes E1_1 to
E1_n are spaced apart from each other with a predetermined
distance. Due to a space between the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n,
the electric field generated between the first common electrode CE1
and the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n may have a portion that is
not substantially vertical, e.g., a portion having a horizontal
component. When the level of the liquid crystal driving voltage is
equal to or greater than the critical voltage, the liquid crystal
molecules LCM are driven substantially in the vertical direction in
the area in which the direction of the electric field is
substantially vertical. The liquid crystal molecules LCM may be
driven to a maximum extent in the vertical direction in the area in
which the direction of the electric field is not substantially
vertical due to the horizontal component thereof and inclined at a
predetermined angle, e.g., an acute angle less than 90 degrees.
When the level of the liquid crystal driving voltage is equal to or
greater than the critical voltage, the liquid crystal molecules LCM
may be driven to a maximum extent in the vertical direction. In
such an embodiment, the liquid crystal molecules LCM may be driven
substantially in the vertical direction by the liquid crystal
driving voltage.
[0071] An exemplary embodiment of the display device that displays
the three-dimensional image includes the display panel that
generates an image light, that is light corresponding to an image
to be displayed thereon, and the liquid crystal lens panel that
refracts the image light provided from the display panel to provide
the three-dimensional image to a viewer. In an exemplary
embodiment, the liquid crystal lens panel may be the exemplary
embodiment of the liquid crystal lens panel 100 shown in FIG. 1.
The liquid crystal lens panel 100 may function as a Fresnel lens
based on the voltage applied thereto.
[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel and the liquid
crystal lens panel 100 may be attached to each other by an adhesive
member (not shown). In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the
adhesive member may be an ultraviolet light curable resin. In such
an embodiment, the ultraviolet light may be irradiated onto the
adhesive member through the liquid crystal lens panel 100 to cure
the adhesive member.
[0073] When the ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the liquid
crystal lens panel 100 while the liquid crystal molecules LCM of
the liquid crystal lens panel 100 are aligned in the horizontal
direction, the liquid crystal molecules LCM may be substantially
damaged, and the optical properties of the liquid crystal lens
panel 100 are thereby degraded.
[0074] When the liquid crystal molecules LCM are aligned
substantially in the vertical direction or aligned in the vertical
direction to the maximum extent, an area in which the liquid
crystal molecules LCM are irradiated by the ultraviolet light is
substantially reduced. Accordingly, the liquid crystal molecules
LCM are effectively prevented from being damaged by the ultraviolet
light.
[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal molecules LCM
of the liquid crystal lens panel 100 may be driven substantially in
the vertical direction by the liquid crystal driving part 130. The
liquid crystal molecules LCM of the first liquid crystal layer LC1
are driven in the vertical direction by the liquid crystal driving
part 130 after the display panel is attached to the liquid crystal
lens panel 100 by the adhesive member. Then, the ultraviolet light
is irradiated onto the liquid crystal lens panel 100, thereby
curing the adhesive member.
[0076] In such an embodiment, the liquid crystal molecules LCM are
aligned substantially in the vertical direction by the liquid
crystal driving part 130 when he ultraviolet light is irradiated
onto the liquid crystal lens panel 100, and the damage on the
liquid crystal molecules LCM is thereby substantially reduced
compared to the liquid crystal molecules LCM aligned substantially
in the horizontal direction when the ultraviolet light is
irradiated onto the liquid crystal lens panel 100. Accordingly, in
such an embodiment, optical properties of the liquid crystal lens
panel 100 are substantially improved.
[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, the first liquid crystal layer
LC1 including the liquid crystal molecules LCM, which are initially
aligned substantially in the horizontal direction and driven
substantially in the vertical direction by the electric field, has
been described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. However, in an
alternative exemplary embodiment, various liquid crystal modes
driven substantially in the vertical direction by the liquid
crystal driving voltage may be used as the first liquid crystal
layer LC1. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the first
liquid crystal layer LC1 may include an electrically controlled
birefringence ("ECB") mode liquid crystal, an optically compensated
bend ("OCB") mode liquid crystal, or a hybrid aligned nematic
("HAN") mode liquid crystal.
[0078] FIG. 3 is a block diagram view showing an alternative
exemplary embodiment of a liquid crystal lens panel according to
the invention.
[0079] The liquid crystal lens panel 200 shown in FIG. 3 is
substantially the same as the liquid crystal lens panel 100 except
for the electrodes of the lens area LA and the lines of the liquid
crystal driving part 230.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 3, a liquid crystal lens panel 200
includes a first substrate 210 including a lens area LA, a non-lens
area NLA and a cutting area CA, and a second substrate 220 disposed
opposite to the first substrate 210 and including a first common
electrode (not shown).
[0081] The first substrate 210 includes a plurality of first
electrodes E1_1 to E1_n and a plurality of second electrodes E2_1
to E2_n in the lens area LA. The first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n and
the second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n extend substantially in a first
direction D1. The first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n are spaced apart
from each other with a predetermined interval therebetween. The
second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n are spaced apart from each other
with a predetermined interval therebetween. In an exemplary
embodiment, the predetermined interval of the first electrodes E1_1
to E1_n or the second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n may be a constant
interval. The first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n are alternately
arranged with the second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n. The number of the
first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n may be equal to the number of the
second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n. The first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n
and the second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n may include a transparent
conductive material.
[0082] The first substrate 210 includes a plurality of data pads
DPD disposed in the non-lens area NLA. Each of the data pads DPD is
connected to corresponding first electrodes of the first electrodes
E1_1 to E1_n and corresponding second electrodes of the second
electrodes E2_1 to E2_n. The number of the corresponding first
electrodes E1_1 to E1_n connected to one data pad DPD may be equal
to the number of the corresponding second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n
connected to the one data pad DPD.
[0083] The liquid crystal driving part 230 is disposed in the
cutting area CA of the first substrate 210. The liquid crystal
driving part 230 applies a liquid crystal driving voltage to the
first liquid crystal layer through the non-lens area NLA. In an
exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal driving part 230 applies
the liquid crystal driving voltage to the first electrodes E1_1 to
E1_n, the second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n, and the first common
electrode through the data pads DPD. The liquid crystal driving
voltage includes a first voltage applied to the first electrodes
E1_1 to E1_n and the second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n and a second
voltage applied to the first common electrode. The second voltage
may have a level lower than a level of the first voltage.
[0084] The liquid crystal driving part 230 includes a plurality of
first lines L1_1 to L1_n, a plurality of second lines L2_1 to L2_n,
a first common line CL1, a second common line CL2, a plurality of
first sub-lines SL1, a plurality of second sub-lines SL2, a
plurality of sub-common lines SCL, a first pad PD1, a plurality of
second pads PD2, and a plurality of intermediate areas MA.
[0085] The connection of the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n, the
first lines L1_1 to L1_n, the first common line CL1 and the first
sub-lines SL1 in the liquid crystal lens panel 200 shown in FIG. 3
is substantially the same as the connection thereof in the liquid
crystal lens panel 100 shown in FIG. 1, and thus any repetitive
detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[0086] The second lines L2_1 to L2_n are alternately arranged with
the first lines L1_1 to L1_n, and connected to the second common
line CL2. The number of the second lines L2_1 to L2_n is equal to
the number of the first lines L1_1 to L1_n. In such an embodiment,
the second lines L2_1 to L2_n correspond to the second electrodes
E2_1 to E2_n, respectively. Each of the data pads DPD is connected
to corresponding second lines of the second lines L2_1 to L2_n. The
second lines L2_1 to L2_n extend substantially in the first
direction D1 and are connected to the second electrodes E2_1 to
E2_n, respectively, through the data pads DPD.
[0087] The second common line CL2 is extended in a second direction
D2 crossing, e.g., substantially perpendicular to, the first
direction D1 and connected to the second lines L2_1 to L2_n.
[0088] The second sub-lines SL2 are disposed in the intermediate
areas MA, in which the first sub-lines SL1, the sub-common lines
SCL, the first pad PD1 and the second pads PD2 are disposed.
[0089] In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the number of the
second sub-lines SL2 provided therein is two, but not being limited
thereto. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the number of the
second sub-lines SL2 may be less or more than two.
[0090] The second sub-lines SL2 extend substantially in the first
direction D1. The second sub-lines SL2 are disposed between the
second common line CL2 and the first pad PD1 and connected to the
second common line CL2 and the first pad PD1.
[0091] The first sub-lines SL1 are disposed between the second
sub-lines SL2. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, two first
sub-lines SL1 are disposed between two second sub-lines SL2, but
not being limited thereto or thereby. In an alternative exemplary
embodiment, the second sub-lines SL2 may be disposed between the
first sub-lines SL1.
[0092] The sub-common lines SCL extend substantially in the first
direction D1 and are connected to the second pads PD2 and the first
common electrode of the second substrate 120.
[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, the probes (not shown) may be in
contact with one of the first pad PD1 and the second pads PD2. The
first voltage is applied to the first pad PD1 through the probe in
contact with the first pad PD1. The first voltage applied to the
first pad PD1 is applied to the data pads DPD through the first
sub-lines SL1, the first common line CL1 and the first lines L1_1
to L1_n. The first voltage applied to the data pads DPD is applied
to the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n. In such an embodiment, the
first voltage applied to the first pad PD1 is applied to the data
pads DPD through the second sub-lines SL2, the second common line
CL2 and the second lines L2_1 to L2_n. The first voltage applied to
the data pads DPD is applied to the second electrodes E2_1 to
E2_n.
[0094] The second voltage is applied to the second pads PD2 through
the probe in contact with the second pads PD2. The second voltage
applied to the second pads PD2 is applied to the first common
electrode of the second substrate 220 through the sub-common lines
SCL corresponding to the second pads PD2 in contact with the
probe.
[0095] FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views showing a lens
area of the liquid crystal lens panel shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4A is a
cross-sectional view showing the lens area LA in the second
direction D2 when the electric field is not generated in the liquid
crystal lens panel, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing
the lens area LA in the second direction D2 when the electric field
is generated the liquid crystal lens panel.
[0096] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the lens area LA of the liquid
crystal lens panel 200 includes the first substrate 210, the second
substrate 220 opposite to the first substrate 210, and the first
liquid crystal layer LC1 interposed between the first substrate 210
and the second substrate 220.
[0097] The first substrate 210 includes a first base substrate 211,
the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n disposed on the first base
substrate 211, an insulating layer 212 disposed on the first base
substrate 211 to cover the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n, and the
second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n disposed on the insulating layer
212.
[0098] The first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n and the second electrodes
E2_1 to E2_n are alternately disposed with each other on different
layers. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the second
electrodes E2_1 to E2_n are spaced apart from each other and
disposed on the insulating layer and respectively correspond to
areas between the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n.
[0099] The second substrate 220 includes a second base substrate
221 and the first common electrode CE1 disposed on the second base
substrate 221.
[0100] When the first and second voltages are not applied to the
first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n, the second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n
and the first common electrode CE1, the liquid crystal molecules
LCM of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 are aligned substantially
in a horizontal direction, as shown in FIG. 4A.
[0101] As described above, the first voltage is applied to the
first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n and the second electrodes E2_1 to
E2_n and the second voltage is applied to the first common
electrode CE1 by the liquid crystal driving part 130. In an
exemplary embodiment, the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n and the
second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n commonly receive the first
voltage.
[0102] When the first voltage is applied to the first electrodes
E1_1 to E1_n and the second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n and the second
voltage is applied to the first common electrode CE1, the electric
field is generated between the first common electrode CE1 and the
first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n and between the first common
electrode CE1 and the second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n. The liquid
crystal molecules LCM are driven by the electric field generated
between the first common electrode CE1 and the first electrodes
E1_1 to E1_n and between the first common electrode CE1 and the
second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n.
[0103] In such an embodiment, as described above, the level of the
liquid crystal driving voltage is equal to or greater than the
critical voltage. When the level of the liquid crystal driving
voltage is set to equal to or greater than the critical voltage,
the liquid crystal molecules LCM may be driven substantially in the
vertical direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the first
electrodes E1_1 to E1_n are alternately arranged with the second
electrodes E2_1 to E2_n. Accordingly, the electric field is
generated substantially in the vertical direction between the first
common electrode CE1 and the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n and
between the first common electrode CE1 and the second electrodes
E2_1 to E2_n.
[0104] The level of the first voltage applied to the first
electrodes E1_1 to E1_n is lowered by the insulating layer 212
disposed on the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n, as a voltage drop
occurs by an inherent resistance of the insulating layer 212. Thus,
a voltage difference between the first common electrode CE1 and the
first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n may be less than a voltage difference
between the first voltage and the second voltage by the inherent
resistance of the insulating layer 212 disposed on the first
electrodes E1_1 to E1_n. In such an embodiment, the voltage
difference between the first common electrode CE1 and the first
electrodes E1_1 to E1_n may be different from the voltage
difference between the first common electrode CE1 and the second
electrodes E2_1 to E2_n. In such an embodiment, the level of the
liquid crystal driving voltage between the first common electrode
CE1 and the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n may be different from the
level of the liquid crystal driving voltage between the first
common electrode CE1 and the second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n.
[0105] An intensity of the electric field is substantially
proportional to the level of the voltage, and the intensity of the
electric fields may be different from each other when the voltages
having different levels are applied. In an exemplary embodiment, as
described above, the difference between the liquid crystal driving
voltage between the first common electrode CE1 and the first
electrodes E1_1 to E1_n and the liquid crystal driving voltage
between the first common electrode CE1 and the second electrodes
E2_1 to E2_n may occur. In an exemplary embodiment, when a height
difference between an upper surface of the first electrodes E1_1 to
E1_n and an upper surface of the insulating layer 212, e.g., a
first difference d1 in FIGS. 4A and 4B, is equal to or less than
about 2000 angstroms, the voltage drop of about 0.1 volt or less
occurs. When the difference between the liquid crystal driving
voltage between the first common electrode CE1 and the first
electrodes E1_1 to E1_n and the liquid crystal driving voltage
between the first common electrode CE1 and the second electrodes
E2_1 to E2_n is equal to or less than about 0.1 volt, the liquid
crystal molecules LCM may be driven substantially in the vertical
direction.
[0106] In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the first voltage
of about 10 volts is applied to the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n
and the second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n and the second voltage of
about zero (0) volt is applied to the first common electrode CE1.
The voltage difference between the first common electrode CE1 and
the second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n is about 10 volts. When the
first difference d1 is equal to or less than about 2000 angstroms,
the voltage difference between the first common electrode CE1 and
the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n is equal to or greater than about
9.9 volt. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, when the first
difference d1 is equal to or less than about 2000 angstroms, the
difference between the liquid crystal driving voltage between the
first common electrode CE1 and the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n
and the liquid crystal driving voltage between the first common
electrode CE1 and the second electrodes E2_1 to E2_n is equal to or
smaller than about 0.1 volt.
[0107] The liquid crystal molecules LCM of the liquid crystal lens
panel 200 may be driven substantially in the vertical direction by
the liquid crystal driving part 230. The liquid crystal molecules
LCM of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 are driven substantially
in the vertical direction by the liquid crystal driving part 230
after the display panel is attached to the liquid crystal lens
panel 200 by the adhesive member. Then, the ultraviolet light is
irradiated onto the liquid crystal lens panel 200, such that the
adhesive member is cured.
[0108] In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal molecules LCM
are driven substantially in the vertical direction when the
ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the liquid crystal lens panel
200, such that the damage on the liquid crystal molecules LCM is
substantially reduced compared to the liquid crystal molecules LCM
aligned substantially in the horizontal direction when the
ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the liquid crystal lens panel
200. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, the optical properties of
the liquid crystal lens panel 100 are substantially improved.
[0109] FIGS. 5A to 5D are cross-sectional views showing an
exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display device
using the liquid crystal lens panel shown in FIG. 1.
[0110] In FIGS. 5A to 5D, an exemplary embodiment of the method of
manufacturing the display device 500 using the liquid crystal lens
panel 100 shown in FIG. 1 is shown, but the invention is not be
limited thereto or thereby. In an alternative exemplary embodiment,
the display device 500 may be manufactured using the liquid crystal
lens panel 200 shown in FIG. 3. FIGS. 5A to 5D show the first and
second substrate 110 and 120 of the liquid crystal lens panel 100,
while the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n and the first common
electrode CE1 are not shown, and liquid crystal molecules LCM of a
second liquid crystal layer LC2 of the display panel 300 are not
shown therein for the convenience of illustration.
[0111] Referring to FIG. 5A, the display panel 300 is prepared. The
display panel 300 includes an array substrate 310, on which a
plurality of pixels (not shown) is disposed, an opposite substrate
320 disposed opposite to, e.g., facing, the array substrate 310,
and the second liquid crystal layer LC2 interposed between the
array substrate 310 and the opposite substrate 320. The array
substrate 310 and the opposite substrate 320 are coupled, e.g.,
combined, to each other using a second sealant SEA2.
[0112] The adhesive member 10 is provided, e.g., coated, on an
upper surface of the display panel 300 using a nozzle NOZ. The
adhesive member 10 may be the ultraviolet light curable resin.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 5B, the liquid crystal lens panel 100 is
disposed on the display panel 300 and attached to the adhesive
member 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel 300 and
the liquid crystal lens panel 100 are attached to each other by the
adhesive member 10. The first substrate 110 and the second
substrate 120 of the liquid crystal lens panel 100 are coupled,
e.g., combined, to each other by a first sealant SEA1.
[0114] Referring to FIG. 5C, the liquid crystal molecules LCM of
the liquid crystal lens panel 100 are driven substantially in the
vertical direction by the liquid crystal driving voltage provided
from the liquid crystal driving part 130. In an exemplary
embodiment, the liquid crystal molecules LCM aligned substantially
in the horizontal direction may be driven substantially in the
vertical direction after the display panel 300 is attached to the
liquid crystal lens panel 100 by the adhesive member 10. Then, the
ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the adhesive member 10 through
the liquid crystal lens panel 100 to cure the adhesive member 10.
The adhesive member 10 may be cured by the ultraviolet light.
[0115] Referring to FIG. 5D, after the adhesive member 10 is cured,
the cutting area CA is removed, e.g., detached, from the first
substrate 110. Although not shown in figures, driving integrated
circuits ("IC"s) may be connected to the data pads DPD after the
cutting area CA is removed. The driving ICs apply lens driving
voltages to the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n and the first common
electrode CE1 through the data pads DPD to drive the liquid crystal
lens panel 100 as the Fresnel lens.
[0116] According to the method of manufacturing the display device
500 using the liquid crystal lens panel 100, the liquid crystal
molecules LCM are driven substantially in the vertical direction
when the adhesive member 10 is cured by irradiating the ultraviolet
light to the liquid crystal lens panel 100. Thus, in such an
embodiment, the damage on the liquid crystal molecules LCM is
substantially reduced compared to the liquid crystal molecules LCM
aligned substantially in the horizontal direction when the adhesive
member 10 is cured by irradiating the ultraviolet light to the
liquid crystal lens panel 100.
[0117] Accordingly, in such an embodiment, the display device 500
manufactured using the liquid crystal lens panel 100 may have
substantially improved optical properties.
[0118] FIGS. 6 to 8 are graphs showing optical properties of liquid
crystal lens panels.
[0119] FIG. 6 shows the optical properties of the liquid crystal
lens panel 100 including tolane-based liquid crystal having a
single crystalline structure, FIG. 7 shows the optical properties
of the liquid crystal lens panel 100 including chlorine-based
liquid crystal having a single crystalline structure, and FIG. 8
shows the optical properties of the liquid crystal lens panel 100
including thin-film-transistor-based ("TFT-based") liquid crystal.
The TFT-based liquid crystal layer has a conventional single
crystalline structure except for the tolane-based and
chlorine-based liquid crystal. The TFT-based liquid crystal layer
may have the single crystalline structure of phenyl-based or
cyclohexane-based.
[0120] The level of the liquid crystal driving voltage has been set
to about 10 volts, and a voltage holding ratio VHR of the liquid
crystal lens panel after the ultraviolet light is irradiated has
been measured and shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. The ultraviolet light has
been indicated in joule (J).
[0121] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, graphs indicated by `Electric
Field` show the voltage holding ratio VHR of the liquid crystal
lens panel 100, in which the liquid crystal molecules LCM are
driven substantially in the vertical direction, when the adhesive
member 10 is cured by the ultraviolet light. In FIGS. 6 to 8, the
graphs indicated by `Electric Field` show the voltage holding ratio
VHR of the liquid crystal lens panel 100 when the liquid crystal
driving voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal layer LC1
when the adhesive member 10 is cured by the ultraviolet light.
[0122] The graphs indicated by `Non-electric Field` show the
voltage holding ratio VHR of the liquid crystal lens panel 100, in
which the liquid crystal molecules LCM are aligned substantially in
the horizontal direction without being driven substantially in the
vertical direction, when the adhesive member 10 is cured by the
ultraviolet light. In FIGS. 6 to 8, the graphs indicated by
`Non-electric Field` show the voltage holding ratio VHR of the
liquid crystal lens panel 100 when the liquid crystal driving
voltage is not applied to the first liquid crystal layer LC1 when
the adhesive member 10 is cured by the ultraviolet light.
[0123] The image displayed on the display device may be maintained
when the voltage of the liquid crystal layer is maintained until a
next signal voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer after a
signal voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer. When the
voltage of the liquid crystal layer is not substantially maintained
until the next signal voltage is applied to the liquid crystal
layer after the signal voltage is applied to the liquid crystal
layer, a flickering phenomenon may occur on the image. A time
period, in which the voltage of the liquid crystal layer is
substantially maintained, is referred to as the voltage holding
ratio VHR. As the voltage holding ratio VHR increases, the
flickering phenomenon is intensified. When the liquid crystal
molecules are damaged by the ultraviolet light, the voltage holding
ratio VHR is substantially low.
[0124] As described above, the ultraviolet light is irradiated onto
the adhesive member 10 through the liquid crystal lens panel 100 to
cure the adhesive member 10 to which the display panel 300 and the
liquid crystal lens panel 100 are attached.
[0125] When the liquid crystal driving voltage is not applied to
the first liquid crystal layer LC1 of the liquid crystal lens panel
100, the liquid crystal molecules LCM are aligned substantially in
the horizontal direction. The liquid crystal molecules LCM aligned
substantially in the horizontal direction may be damaged by the
ultraviolet light irradiated onto the adhesive member 10 through
the liquid crystal lens panel 100. Accordingly, the voltage holding
ratio VHR of the liquid crystal lens panel 100 may become low as
shown in the graphs indicated by `Non-electric Field` in FIGS. 6 to
8. That is, the optical properties of the liquid crystal lens panel
100 are degraded.
[0126] When the liquid crystal driving voltage is applied to the
first liquid crystal layer LC1 of the liquid crystal lens panel
100, the liquid crystal molecules LCM are driven substantially in
the vertical direction. Therefore, when the ultraviolet light is
irradiated onto the adhesive member 10 through the liquid crystal
lens panel 100, the damage on the liquid crystal molecules LCM
driven substantially in the vertical direction is substantially
reduced compared to the liquid crystal molecules LCM aligned
substantially in the horizontal direction. Accordingly, the voltage
holding ratio VHR of the liquid crystal lens panel 100 is
substantially improved as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. In an exemplary
embodiment, as described above, the optical properties of the
liquid crystal lens panel 100 are substantially improved.
[0127] In an exemplary embodiment, the voltage holding ratio VHR of
the liquid crystal lens panel 100 becomes higher when the electric
field is applied to the first liquid crystal LC1 of the liquid
crystal lens panel 100 than when the electric field is not applied
to the first liquid crystal LC1 of the liquid crystal lens panel
100. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, the optical properties of
the liquid crystal lens panel 100 are substantially improved.
[0128] The graphs in FIGS. 6 to 8 show the voltage holding ratio
VHR of the liquid crystal lens panel 100 shown in FIG. 1. In an
alternative exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal molecules LCM
of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 of the liquid crystal lens
panel 200 shown in FIG. 3 may be driven substantially in the
vertical direction by applying the electric field to the first
liquid crystal layer LC1 of the liquid crystal lens panel 200 as
shown in FIG. 3. In such an embodiment, the optical properties of
the liquid crystal lens panel 200 are substantially improved as
shown in FIGS. 6 to 8.
[0129] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing an exemplary
embodiment of a display device manufactured using the liquid
crystal lens panel according to the invention.
[0130] Referring to FIG. 9, a display device 500 includes the
display panel 300, a backlight unit 400 that supplies light to the
display panel 300, and the liquid crystal lens panel 100 disposed
on the display panel 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid
crystal lens panel 100 shown in FIG. 1 is disposed on the display
panel 300, but not being limited thereto or thereby. In an
alternative exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal lens panel 200
shown in FIG. 3 may be disposed on the display panel 300.
[0131] The display panel 300 includes the array substrate 310 on
which the pixels (not shown) are disposed, the opposite substrate
320 opposite to, e.g., facing, the array substrate 310 and
including the second common electrode (not shown), the second
liquid crystal layer LC2 interposed between the array substrate 310
and the opposite substrate 320, and a driving part 330.
[0132] The array substrate 310 includes pixel electrodes (not
shown) respectively corresponding to the pixels and thin film
transistors (not shown) respectively connected to the pixel
electrodes. The thin film transistors receive data voltages in
response to gate signals and apply the data voltages to the pixel
electrodes, respectively. When the data voltages are applied to the
pixel electrodes and the common voltage is applied to the second
common electrode, the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules
of the second liquid crystal layer is changed. The transmittance of
the light provided from the backlight unit 400 is controlled by the
changed arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules, thereby
displaying an image.
[0133] The driving part 300 includes a gate driver 331, a plurality
of source driving chips 332, a plurality of flexible printed
circuit boards 333 respectively connected to the source driving
chips 332, and a driving circuit board 334. The source driving
chips 332 collectively define a data driver.
[0134] The gate driver 331 is disposed, e.g., mounted, on the array
substrate 310 in amorphous silicon thin film transistor ("TFT")
gate driver circuit form. The gate driver 331 generates the gate
signals in response to a gate control signal provided from a timing
controller (not shown) mounted on the driving circuit board 334.
The gate signals are sequentially applied to the pixels in the unit
of row.
[0135] The source driving chips 332 are disposed, e.g., mounted, on
the flexible printed circuit boards 333 and connected between the
driving circuit board 334 and a lower portion of the array
substrate 310. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the source
driving chips 332 are mounted on the flexible printed circuit
boards 333 by a tape carrier package scheme. In an alternative
exemplary embodiment, the source driving chips 332 may be mounted
on the array substrate 310 by a chip-on-glass scheme.
[0136] The source driving chips 332 receive image signals and a
data control signal from the timing controller mounted on the
driving circuit board 334. The source driving chips 332 generate
analog data voltages corresponding to the image signals in response
to the data control signal, and the data voltages are applied to
the pixels.
[0137] The backlight unit 400 is disposed at a rear side of the
display panel 300 to supply the light to the display panel 300. As
described above, the image is displayed by the transmittance of the
light traveling to the display panel 300.
[0138] The liquid crystal lens panel 100 includes the driving ICs
D_IC. Each driving IC D_IC is connected to a corresponding data pad
of the data pads DPD. The driving ICs D_IC apply the lens driving
voltages to the first electrodes E1_1 to E1_n and the common
voltage to the first common electrode CE1 through the data pads
DPD. The other features of the liquid crystal lens panel 100 are
substantially the same as the liquid crystal lens panel 100 shown
in FIG. 1 except for the cutting area CA.
[0139] The liquid crystal lens panel 100 operates in the
two-dimensional mode or the three-dimensional mode. In one
exemplary embodiment, for example, when the display device 500
displays the two-dimensional image, the liquid crystal driving
voltages are not applied to the liquid crystal lens panel 100. The
liquid crystal lens panel 100 transmits the light provided from the
display panel 300 without refraction. Therefore, the viewer
perceives the two-dimensional image.
[0140] When the display device 500 displays the three-dimensional
image, the liquid crystal driving voltages are applied to the
liquid crystal lens panel 100. The liquid crystal lens panel 100
operates as the Fresnel lens to refract the light provided from the
display panel 300. Therefore, the viewer perceives the
three-dimensional image.
[0141] FIGS. 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views showing light
refracted by a liquid crystal lens of the liquid crystal lens panel
of the display device shown in FIG. 9.
[0142] FIG. 10 shows the refraction of the light passing through
the liquid crystal lens panel 100 of the display device 500
operated in the two-dimensional mode. FIG. 11 shows the refraction
of the light passing through the liquid crystal lens panel 100 of
the display device 500 operated in the three-dimensional mode.
[0143] In FIGS. 10 and 11, an exemplary embodiment of the display
device manufactured using the liquid crystal lens panel 100 shown
in FIG. 1 has been shown, but not being limited thereto or thereby.
In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the display device 500 may
be manufactured using the liquid crystal lens panel 200 shown in
FIG. 3 and may be operated in substantially the same way.
[0144] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the liquid crystal lens panel
100 is operated in the two-dimensional mode or the
three-dimensional mode. In one exemplary embodiment, for example,
when the display device 500 displays the two-dimensional image, the
liquid crystal driving voltages are not applied to the liquid
crystal lens panel 100, such that the liquid crystal lens panel 100
transmits the light provided from the display panel 300 without
refraction as shown in FIG. 10. Therefore, the viewer perceives the
two-dimensional image.
[0145] When the display device 500 is operated in the
three-dimensional mode, the liquid crystal lens voltages are
applied to the first electrodes E1_j to E1_(j+m) and the common
voltage is applied to the first common electrode CE1.
[0146] The first electrodes E1_j to E1_(j+m) are applied with the
voltages continuously varied as the liquid crystal driving voltages
and voltages, e.g., zero (0) volt, discontinuously varied between
the continuously-varied voltages.
[0147] The liquid crystal molecules of the first liquid crystal
layer LC1 are realigned by the electric field generated between the
first common electrode CE1 and the first electrodes E1_j to
E1_(j+m), and thus a light path distribution corresponding to the
Fresnel lens is formed as indicated by a dotted-line of FIG. 11,
such that the liquid crystal lens panel 100 is operated as the
Fresnel lens. A plurality of Fresnel lenses may be formed in the
lens area LA of the liquid crystal lens panel 100 operated in the
three-dimensional mode.
[0148] In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the areas
corresponding to the first electrodes E1_j to E1_(j+m) applied with
the continuously-varied voltages correspond to arcs C1, C2, C3, C4
and C5 of the Fresnel lenses. The areas corresponding to the first
electrodes E1_j to E_(j+m) applied with the discontinuously-varied
voltages correspond to boundary areas B1, B2, B3, and B4 between
the arcs C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5 of the Fresnel lenses.
[0149] The liquid crystal lens panel 100 operated as the Fresnel
lens refracts the light provided from the display panel 300 as a
Fresnel lens. Thus, the viewer perceives the three-dimensional
image.
[0150] Although the exemplary embodiments of the invention have
been described, it is understood that the invention should not be
limited to these exemplary embodiments but various changes and
modifications can be made by one ordinary skilled in the art within
the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
* * * * *