U.S. patent application number 15/465535 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-06 for display device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Display Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Byoungho Cheong, Hyundeok IM, TaeWoo Kim, Moongyu Lee, Oleg Prudnikov.
Application Number | 20170192301 15/465535 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50338504 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170192301 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
IM; Hyundeok ; et
al. |
July 6, 2017 |
DISPLAY DEVICE
Abstract
A display device includes a display panel and a backlight unit.
The display panel is configured to display an image. The backlight
unit is configured to provide light to the display panel. The
display panel includes an array substrate including a plurality of
pixel areas, an opposite substrate facing the array substrate, a
liquid crystal layer disposed between the array substrate and the
opposite substrate, and a wavelength-selective transflective member
disposed on the array substrate or the opposite substrate.
Inventors: |
IM; Hyundeok; (Seoul,
KR) ; Prudnikov; Oleg; (Suwon-si, KR) ; Kim;
TaeWoo; (Seoul, KR) ; Lee; Moongyu; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; Cheong; Byoungho; (Yongin-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Display Co., Ltd. |
Yongin-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
50338504 |
Appl. No.: |
15/465535 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13771665 |
Feb 20, 2013 |
9612473 |
|
|
15465535 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02F 2201/52 20130101;
G02F 2001/136222 20130101; G02F 1/133555 20130101; G02F 2001/133521
20130101; G02F 1/133514 20130101; G02F 2203/05 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02F 1/1335 20060101
G02F001/1335 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 27, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0108085 |
Claims
1. A display panel, comprising: a wavelength-selective
transflective member configured to transmit light of at least one
first range of wavelengths and reflect light of at least one second
range of wavelengths; and a plurality of color filters disposed on
the wavelength-selective transflective member, wherein the
wavelength-selective transflective member comprises an opening
overlapping, in a plan view, at least one of the plurality of color
filters, and overlaps, in the plan view, at least two of the
plurality of color filters.
2. The display panel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of color
filters comprise: at least one red color filter; at least one green
color filter; and at least one blue color filter.
3. The display panel of claim 1, wherein the color of the one color
filter disposed in association with the opening corresponds to the
color of light associated with the second range of wavelengths.
4. The display panel of claim 1, wherein light reflected by the
wavelength-selective transflective member is caused, at least in
part, to be redirected through the opening.
5. The display panel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of color
filters is sequentially arranged with respect to one another.
6. The display panel of claim 1, wherein the wavelength-selective
transflective member comprises a plurality of sub-wavelength
selective transflective members, and wherein: a first one of the
plurality of sub-wavelength selective transflective members is
disposed in association with a first one of the plurality of color
filters and is configured to transmit light of a range of
wavelengths corresponding to the color of the first one of the
plurality of color filters; a second one of the plurality of
sub-wavelength selective transflective members is disposed in
association with a second one of the plurality of color filters and
is configured to transmit light of a range of wavelengths
corresponding to the color of the second one of the plurality of
color filters; and a third one of the plurality of sub-wavelength
selective transflective member is disposed in association with a
third one of the plurality of color filters and is configured to
transmit light of a range of wavelengths corresponding to the color
of the third one of the plurality of color filters.
7. The display panel of claim 6, wherein the plurality of
sub-wavelength selective transflective members are disposed on the
same layer.
8. The display panel of claim 6, wherein the plurality of
sub-wavelength selective transflective members are disposed on
different layers.
9. The display panel of claim 8, wherein the wavelength-selective
transflective member further comprises: a first protective layer
covering the first sub-wavelength selective transflective member; a
second protective layer disposed on the first protective layer, the
second protective layer covering the second sub-wavelength
selective transflective member; and a third protective layer
disposed on the second protective layer, the third protective layer
covering the third sub-wavelength selective transflective
member.
10. The display panel of claim 1, further comprising: a liquid
crystal layer, wherein the wavelength-selective transflective
member is disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the
plurality of color filters.
11. The display panel of claim 1, further comprising: a liquid
crystal layer, wherein the liquid crystal layer is disposed between
the plurality of color filters and the wavelength-selective
transflective member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/771,665, filed Feb. 20, 2013, and claims
priority from and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No.
10-2012-0108085, filed Sep. 27, 2012, each of which is hereby
incorporated by reference for all purposes as if set forth
herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to a display device
configured to improve light efficiency and display quality.
[0004] Discussion
[0005] In general, various display devices, e.g., a liquid crystal
display device, an electrophoretic display device, an
electrowetting display device, etc., utilize a separate light
source, e.g., a backlight unit, and, as such, are typically
referred to as non-self-emissive display devices. Non-self-emissive
display devices are configured to display images using light
radiating from the backlight unit, the light propagating through
one or more color filters. In this manner, the color filters
transmit light of a specific wavelength (or range of wavelengths)
and absorb light of other wavelength(s). Accordingly, such display
devices do not use light absorbed by the color filters to display
images, and thus, light efficiency of such display devices is
decreased.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an approach that provides
cost-effective techniques to efficiently utilize light radiating
from a backlight unit and, thereby, increase display quality.
[0007] The above information disclosed in this Background section
is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the
invention and, therefore, it may contain information that does not
form any part of the prior art nor what the prior art may suggest
to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
SUMMARY
[0008] Exemplary embodiments provide display devices configured to
improve light efficiency and display quality.
[0009] Additional aspects will be set forth in the detailed
description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the
disclosure, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
[0010] According to exemplary embodiments, a display device
includes: a display panel configured to display an image; and a
backlight unit configured to provide light to the display panel.
The display panel includes an array substrate including a plurality
of pixel areas, an opposite substrate facing the array substrate, a
liquid crystal layer disposed between the array substrate and the
opposite substrate, and a wavelength-selective transflective member
disposed on the array substrate or the opposite substrate.
[0011] According to exemplary embodiments, a display device
includes: a display panel configured to display an image; and a
backlight unit configured to provide light to the display panel.
The display panel includes an array substrate including a plurality
of pixel areas, an opposite substrate facing the array substrate, a
liquid crystal layer disposed between the array substrate and the
opposite substrate, and a wavelength-selective transflective member
including a plurality of sub-wavelength selective transflective
members, the wavelength-selective transflective member being
disposed on the array substrate or the opposite substrate and being
configured to transmit light of different wavelengths.
[0012] According to exemplary embodiments, a display panel
includes: a wavelength-selective transflective member configured to
transmit light of at least one first range of wavelengths and
reflect light of at least one second range of wavelengths; and a
plurality of color filters disposed on the wavelength-selective
transflective member, wherein the wavelength-selective
transflective member includes an aperture disposed in association
with one of the plurality of color filters.
[0013] According to exemplary embodiments, the display device
and/or display panel includes the wavelength-selective
transflective member to increase the amount of light made incident
on the color filters. Thus, a light efficiency and a display
quality of the display device and/or display panel may be
improved.
[0014] The foregoing general description and the following detailed
description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to
provide further explanation of the invention as is claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary
embodiments of the invention, and together with the description
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of display device,
according to exemplary embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel and a
backlight unit of the display device of FIG. 1, according to
exemplary embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an array substrate
including a wavelength-selective transflective member of FIG. 2,
according to exemplary embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a graph showing a spectrum of light propagating
through the wavelength-selective transflective member, according to
exemplary embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an arrangement of color filters and
a shape of the wavelength-selective transflective member of the
display panel of FIG. 1, according to exemplary embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the display
device of FIG. 1 illustrating operation of the display device,
according to exemplary embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a plan view of an arrangement of color filters and
a shape of the wavelength-selective transflective member, according
to exemplary embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the display
device of FIG. 7 illustrating operation of the display device,
according to exemplary embodiments.
[0024] FIGS. 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of the
wavelength-selective transflective member of FIGS. 7 and 8,
according to exemplary embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel and a
backlight unit, according to exemplary embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] In the following description, for the purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments.
It is apparent, however, that various exemplary embodiments may be
practiced without these specific details or with one or more
equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures
and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid
unnecessarily obscuring various exemplary embodiments.
[0027] In the accompanying figures, the size and relative sizes of
layers and/or regions may be exaggerated for clarity and
descriptive purposes. Also, like reference numerals denote like
elements.
[0028] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on,"
"connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be
directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the
other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be
present. When, however, 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. For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one
of X, Y, and Z" may be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, or any
combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for instance,
XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes
any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed
items.
[0029] 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 the use of these terms. These
terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,
layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer,
or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or
section that is discussed below could be termed a second, third,
etc., element, component, region, layer, or section without
departing from the teachings of the present invention.
[0030] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below,"
"lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for
descriptive purposes and, thereby, to describe one element or
feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as
illustrated in the drawings. It will be understood that the
spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different
orientations of an apparatus in use and/or operation in addition to
the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the
apparatus in the drawings 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. Furthermore, the apparatus may be otherwise oriented
(e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and, as such,
the spatially relative descriptors used herein are to be
interpreted accordingly.
[0031] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. 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. Moreover, the terms "comprises" and/or
"comprising," 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.
[0032] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with
reference to sectional illustrations that are schematic
illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments and/or
intermediate structures. 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, exemplary embodiments
disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the
particular illustrated shapes of regions, but are to include
deviations in shapes that result from, for instance, manufacturing.
For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will,
typically, have rounded or curved features and/or a gradient of
implant concentration at its edges rather than a binary change from
implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried region formed
by implantation may result in some implantation in the region
between the buried region and the surface through which the
implantation takes place. Thus, the regions illustrated in the
drawings are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended
to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not
intended to be limiting.
[0033] 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
disclosure is a part. 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.
[0034] Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0035] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a display device,
according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional
view of a display panel and a backlight unit of the display device
of FIG. 1.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a display device (or apparatus)
400 includes a display panel 100, a backlight unit 200, an upper
cover 310, and a lower cover 320. While specific reference will be
made to this particular implementation, it is also contemplated
that display device 400 may embody many forms and include multiple
and/or alternative components. For example, it is contemplated that
the components of display device 400 may be combined, located in
separate structures, and/or separate locations.
[0037] The display panel 100 may include (or otherwise implement)
various display panel technologies, such as various self-emissive
and/or non-self-emissive display panel technologies. For instance,
self-emissive display panels may include organic light emitting
display (OLED) panels, plasma display panels (PDP), etc., whereas
non-self-emissive display panels may constitute liquid crystal
display (LCD) panels, electrophoretic display (EPD) panels,
electrowetting display (EWD) panels, and/or the like. According to
the illustrated exemplary embodiment, display panel 100 is an LCD
panel 100.
[0038] The display panel 100 may be geometrically configured to
include, for example, a rectangular display surface with first
(e.g., long) sides and second (e.g., short) sides. The display
panel 100 may be configured to display an image through a display
area 160. In addition, the display panel 100 includes an array
substrate 110, an opposite substrate 120 facing the array substrate
110, and a liquid crystal layer 130 disposed between the array
substrate 110 and the opposite substrate 120.
[0039] Although not shown in figures, the display panel 100 may
further include one or more polarizing plates respectively disposed
on either of its outer surfaces, e.g., an outer surface of the
array substrate 110, and an outer surface of the opposite substrate
120.
[0040] According to exemplary embodiments, the array substrate 110
includes a plurality of pixels (not shown) arranged in, for
example, a matrix form (or configuration). For instance, the
plurality of pixels may be uniformly positioned and, thereby,
spaced in one or more row and column formations. It is
contemplated, however, that the spatial positioning and/or spacing
between pixels may be varied or randomly disposed.
[0041] While not depicted, individual pixels may include a
plurality of sub-pixels having different colors from each other.
For instance, each sub-pixel may have a red, green, blue color, or
other color. Thus, light exiting from each sub-pixel may exhibit
one of the red, green, blue, or other colors. In addition, each
pixel may include (or be electrically connected to) a gate line
(not shown), a data line (not shown) insulated from the gate line
and configured to cross the gate line, and a pixel electrode (not
shown). Further, each pixel may include a thin film transistor (not
shown) electrically connected to the gate line, the data line, and
the pixel electrode. The thin film transistor is configured to
switch a driving signal applied to the pixel electrode.
[0042] The array substrate 110 may also include a driver integrated
circuit (IC) disposed (e.g., mounted, formed, etc.) thereon. The
driver IC is supplied various control signals from a source (e.g.,
an external source (not shown)) and, thereby, configured to apply a
driving signal to the thin film transistor of the display panel 100
in response to the various control signals.
[0043] The opposite substrate 120 includes a color filter layer 125
that realizes a predetermined color using light radiating from the
backlight unit 200, and a common electrode (not shown) disposed on
the color filter layer 125 to face the pixel electrode (not
illustrate). Accordingly to exemplary embodiments, the color filter
layer 125 includes a plurality of color filters each having one
color of red, green, or blue and being formed via any suitable
manufacturing processes, e.g., via one or more deposition and/or
coating processes. It is contemplated, however, that ones of the
plurality of color filters may be of any suitable color and, as
such, are not limited to red, green, and blue colors. While, in the
illustrated exemplary embodiment, the color filter layer 125 is
disposed on the opposite substrate 120, it should not be limited
thereto or thereby. That is, the color filter layer 125 may be
disposed on the array substrate 110.
[0044] The liquid crystal layer 130 includes liquid crystal
molecules arranged in a specific direction in response to an
electric field generated by voltages respectively applied to the
pixel electrode and the common electrode, and thus, the liquid
crystal layer 130 may be configured to control a transmittance of
light propagating through the liquid crystal layer 130, and
thereby, facilitating the display of desired images.
[0045] In exemplary embodiments, a wavelength-selective
transflective member 140 is disposed on an inner surface of the
array substrate 110 or the opposite substrate 120, i.e., one of
surfaces facing each other of the array substrate 110 and the
opposite substrate 120. For instance, the wavelength-selective
transflective member 140 is disposed on the surface of the array
substrate 110 that faces (e.g., is the closest to) the opposite
substrate 120.
[0046] The wavelength-selective transflective member 140 is
configured to reflect light of one or more specific wavelengths and
transmit light of other wavelengths. For instance, the
wavelength-selective transflective member 140 may be configured to
reflect light of the wavelength(s) corresponding to blue light
(e.g., about 450 nm to about 495 nm) and transmit is light of other
wavelengths.
[0047] The backlight unit 200 is disposed at an opposite direction
to a direction in which light radiating from the display panel 100
is configured to travel. The backlight unit 200 includes a light
guide plate 210, a light source unit 220 including a plurality of
light sources 221, an optical member 230, and a reflective sheet
240.
[0048] The light guide plate 210 is disposed under the display
panel 100 and is configured to guide light radiating from the light
source unit 220 towards the display panel 100. Particularly, the
light guide plate 210 is overlapped with at least the display area
160 of the display panel 100. The light guide plate 210 includes an
exit surface from which light radiates, a lower surface facing the
exit surface, and a plurality of side surfaces connecting the exit
surface and the lower surface. At least one of the side surfaces
faces the light source unit 220, and thereby, is configured to
serve as a light incident surface into which light emitted from the
light source unit 220 is incident. A side surface facing the light
incident surface is configured to serve as a light reflective
surface to reflect light.
[0049] The light source unit 220 includes a printed circuit board
222 and the light sources 221, e.g., light emitting diodes,
disposed on the printed circuit board 222. In addition, the light
sources 221 are configured to emit the same color of light or
different colors of light. For example, all the light sources 221
may emit light of the same color, e.g., yellow light.
[0050] In addition, the light source unit 220 is disposed (e.g.,
spatially positioned) to emit light while facing at least one side
surface of the side surfaces of the light guide plate 210. In this
manner, the light source unit 220 is configured to radiate light
towards the display panel 100 via the light guide plate 210.
[0051] The optical member 230 is disposed between the light guide
plate 210 and the display panel 100. The optical member 230 is
configured to control light radiating from the light guide plate
210, which is transmitted to the optical member 230 from the light
source unit 220. In addition, the optical member 230 includes a
diffusion sheet 236, a prism sheet 234, and a protective sheet 232,
which are sequentially stacked one on another.
[0052] The diffusion sheet 236 is configured to diffuse light
radiating from the light guide plate 210. The prism sheet 234 is
configured to condense the light diffused by the diffusion sheet
236 to enable the light to travel in a direction substantially
vertical (or perpendicular) to the display panel 100. The light
radiating from the prism sheet 234 is vertically (or substantially
vertically) incident on the display panel 100. The protective sheet
232 is disposed on the prism sheet 234 and is configured to protect
the prism sheet 234 from external impacts and/or environmental
contaminants.
[0053] According to exemplary embodiments, the optical member 230
includes one diffusion sheet 236, one prism sheet 234, and one
protective sheet 232, but it is contemplated that any suitable
number of diffusion sheets 236, prism sheets 234, and protective
sheets 232 may be utilized. That is, at least one of the diffusion
sheet 236, the prism sheet 234, and the protective sheet 232 of the
optical member 230 may be provided in plural number, or one of the
diffusion sheet 236, the prism sheet 234, and the protective sheet
232 may be omitted from the optical member 230.
[0054] The reflective sheet 240 is disposed under the light guide
plate 210 and is configured to reflect light leaked from the light
guide plate 210 that is not initially directed towards the display
panel 100, and thereby, configured to change a path of such light
leaked from the light guide plate 210 to be directed towards the
display panel 100. The reflective sheet 240 includes one or more
light reflective materials configured to reflect light. The
reflective sheet 240 is disposed on the lower cover 320 and is
configured to reflect light radiating from the light source unit
220 in at least one direction directed away (or substantially away)
from the display panel 100. As a result, the reflective sheet 240
is configured to increase an amount of light provided to the
display panel 100.
[0055] According to exemplary embodiments, the light source unit
220 is disposed (e.g., spatially positioned) to radiate light
toward the side surface of the light guide plate 210, but it is
contemplated that light source unit 220 may radiate light in one or
more other directions and/or surfaces of the light guide plate 210.
That is, the light source unit 220 may be disposed to radiate light
toward a lower surface of the light guide plate 210. If the light
guide plate 210 is to be omitted from the backlight unit 200, the
light source unit 220 may be disposed under the display panel 100,
and thus, light radiating from the light source unit 220 may be
directly provided to the display panel 100.
[0056] The upper cover 310 is disposed on the display panel 100 and
may be geometrically configured in correspondence with the
geometric configuration of the display panel 100. The upper cover
310 includes an upper surface 312 provided with a display window
311 formed through the upper cover 310, and thereby, configured to
expose the display area 160 of the display panel 100. The upper
cover 310 is configured to support a front edge of the display
panel 100. It is also noted that the upper cover 310 includes an
upper cover side surface 314 bent downward from the upper surface
312. As seen in FIG. 1, since the display panel 100 has the
rectangular plate shape, the upper cover side surface 314 is
configured to include four side surfaces; however, it is
contemplated that the number of side surfaces may be in
correspondence with the geometric configuration of the upper cover
310. The upper cover 310 is coupled to the lower cover 320 to
support the front edge of the display panel 100.
[0057] Accordingly, the lower cover 320 is disposed under the
backlight unit 200. The lower cover 320 includes a bottom surface
322 geometrically configured in correspondence with the geometric
configured of the display panel 100 and the backlight unit 200, as
well as includes a lower cover side surface 324 bent upward from
the bottom surface 322. As seen in FIG. 1, since the display panel
100 and the backlight unit 200 have the rectangular shape, the
lower cover side surface 324 is configured to include four side
surfaces; however, it is contemplated that the number of side
surfaces may be in correspondence with the geometric configuration
of the upper cover 310. The lower cover 320 is configured to
provide a "space" to accommodate the display panel 100 and the
backlight unit 200 therein. This space or cavity region may be
defined by the bottom surface 322 and the lower cover side surfaces
324. In addition, the lower cover 320 is coupled to the upper cover
310 to accommodate and hold the display panel 100 and the backlight
unit 200 therein.
[0058] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an array substrate
including the wavelength-selective transflective member of FIG. 2,
according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4 is a graph showing a
spectrum of light propagating through the wavelength-selective
transflective member, according to exemplary embodiments.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the wavelength-selective
transflective member 140 includes a plurality of layers having
different refractive indices from each other or from at least one
other of the plurality of layers. For instance, the
wavelength-selective transflective member 140 includes first layers
140A configured to transmit light therethrough and second layers
140B having a different refractive index from that of the first
layers 140A. In exemplary embodiments, the first layers 140A are
alternately arranged with the second layers 140B.
[0060] The first layers 140A and the second layers 140B have
refractive indices from about 1.3 to about 2.4, e.g., about 1.7 to
about 2.0. A difference in the refractive indices of the first
layers 140A and the second layers 140B is equal to or greater than
about 0.1. For instance, the first layers 140A may include metal
oxide having the refractive index of about 2.35, e.g., TiO.sub.2,
whereas the second layers 140B may include silicon oxide having the
refractive index of about 1.45, e.g., SiO.sub.2. According to
exemplary embodiments, the first layers 140A may have the same
thickness, and the second layers 140B may have different
thicknesses from each other.
[0061] The wavelength-selective transflective member 140 is
configured to reflect light having one or more predetermined
wavelengths and transmit light having other wavelengths. For
instance, when the wavelength-selective transflective member 140
has a configuration shown in Table 1, the wavelength-selective
transflective member 140 may be configured to reflect light having
the wavelength from about 420 nm to about 470 nm.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Order Material Refractive Index Thickness
(nm) 1 TiO.sub.2 2.35 44.6 2 SiO.sub.2 1.45 54.2 3 TiO.sub.2 2.35
44.6 4 SiO.sub.2 1.45 88.5 5 TiO.sub.2 2.35 44.6 6 SiO.sub.2 1.45
63.9 7 TiO.sub.2 2.35 44.6 8 SiO.sub.2 1.45 88.5 9 TiO.sub.2 2.35
44.6 10 SiO.sub.2 1.45 54.2 11 TiO.sub.2 2.35 44.6
[0062] In Table 1, the order indicates the stack order of the
layers of the wavelength-selective transflective member 140 on the
array substrate 110. In this manner, the layer corresponding to
Order 1 may be disposed closest to the array substrate 110. That
is, if the wavelength-selective transflective member 140 includes
eleven layers configured to include the first layers 140A and the
second layers 140B, the wavelength-selective transflective member
140 may be configured to reflect light having the blue wavelength
and transmit light having other wavelengths.
[0063] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an arrangement of color filters and
a shape of the wavelength-selective transflective member of the
display panel of FIG. 1, according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 6
is a partial cross-sectional view of the display device of FIG. 1
illustrating operation of the display device.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, among the color filters R, G,
and B disposed on the opposite substrate 120 of the display panel
100, the color filters having the same color may be arranged in the
same column. That is, the color filters R, G, and B are
sequentially arranged in a first direction substantially in
parallel to the long side of the display panel 100, and the color
filters having the same color are arranged in a second direction
substantially in parallel to the short side of the display panel
100.
[0065] The wavelength-selective transflective member 140 includes
an opening (or aperture) 145 formed therethrough. The opening 145
corresponds to any one of the color filters R, G, and B that is
configured to transmit light reflected by the wavelength-selective
transflective member 140. In addition, the wavelength-selective
transflective member 140 is configured to reflect the light having
the same color as the color of the color filter corresponding to
the opening 145. For instance, the wavelength-selective
transflective member 140 is configured to reflect the blue light
and the opening 145 corresponds to the blue color filter B of the
wavelength-selective transflective member 140. Accordingly, the
opening 145 may have a stripe shape corresponding to the
arrangement of the blue color filter B.
[0066] An operation of the display device employing the
wavelength-selective transflective member 140 will be described in
more detail in accordance with FIG. 6.
[0067] According to exemplary embodiments, light is radiated toward
the display panel 100 from backlight unit 200 via the light guide
plate 210.
[0068] The wavelength-selective transflective member 140 is
configured to reflect the blue light, and as such, other
wavelengths of light incident on the wavelength-selective
transflective member 140 may be transmitted through the
wavelength-selective transflective member 140 except for the blue
light. The light propagating through the wavelength-selective
transflective member 140 may be transmitted through the red color
filter R and the green color filter G, and thereby, perceived by an
observer as red and green lights, respectively.
[0069] The blue light reflected by the wavelength-selective
transflective member 140 may propagate through the opening 145. For
instance, the blue light is reflected by the wavelength-selective
transflective member 140 in the areas respectively corresponding to
the red color filter R and the green color filter G. The reflected
blue light is incident on the reflective sheet 240 and reflected by
the reflective sheet 240. In this manner, the blue light is
propagated through the blue color filter B to be incident on the
blue color filter B.
[0070] In addition, the light traveling to the opening 145 among
the light provided to the wavelength-selective transflective member
140 from the backlight unit 200 is provided to the blue color
filter B after propagating through the opening 145.
[0071] Accordingly, the amount of blue light provided to the blue
color filter B is larger than that of the blue light provided to
the blue color filter B when the wavelength-selective transflective
member 140 does not exist.
[0072] Therefore, the amount of the blue light provided to the blue
color filter B is increased in the display device 100 employing the
wavelength-selective transflective member 140. As such, an observer
may perceive the image in which the brightness of the blue light
and the display quality thereof are improved.
[0073] Hereinafter, a display device will be described with
reference to FIGS. 7-11. In FIGS. 7-11, the same reference numerals
denote the same elements as in FIGS. 1-6, and thus, detailed
descriptions of the same elements will be omitted to avoid
obscuring exemplary embodiments described herein.
[0074] FIG. 7 is a plan view of an arrangement of color filters and
a shape of the wavelength-selective transflective member, according
to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view
of the display device of FIG. 7 illustrating operation of the
display device, according to exemplary embodiments. FIGS. 9 and 10
are cross-sectional views of the wavelength-selective transflective
member of FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0075] Referring to FIGS. 7-10, the display device 100 includes a
wavelength-selective transflective member 140'.
[0076] The wavelength-selective transflective member 140' includes
a plurality of sub-wavelength-selective transflective members 141,
142, and 143, which are disposed on the array substrate 110 and
configured to transmit light having different wavelengths. For
instance, the wavelength-selective transflective member 140'
includes a first sub-wavelength-selective transflective member 141
corresponding to the red color filter R and configured to transmit
the red light, a second sub-wavelength-selective transflective
member 142 corresponding to the green color filter G and configured
to transmit the green light, and a third sub-wavelength-selective
transflective member 143 corresponding to the blue color filter B
and configured to transmit the blue light.
[0077] The first sub-wavelength-selective transflective member 141
is configured to transmit the red light and reflect other light
except for the red light. The second sub-wavelength-selective
transflective member 142 is configured to transmit the green light
and reflect other light except for the green light. The third
sub-wavelength-selective transflective member 143 is configured to
transmit the blue light and reflect other light except for the blue
light.
[0078] According to exemplary embodiments, the wavelength-selective
transflective member 140' may have the configuration that the
first, second, and third sub-wavelength selective transflective
members 141, 142, and 143 are disposed on the same layer as shown
in FIG. 9.
[0079] In addition, the wavelength selective transflective member
140' may have the configuration that the first, second, and third
sub-wavelength-selective transflective members 141, 142, and 143
are disposed on one or more different layers. For instance, the
second sub-wavelength selective transflective member 142 is
disposed to correspond to the green color filter G and a first
protective layer 144A is configured to cover the second
sub-wavelength selective transflective member 142. The third
sub-wavelength selective transflective member 143 is disposed on
the first protective layer 144A to correspond to the blue color
filter B and a second protective layer 144B is configured to cover
the third sub-wavelength selective transflective member 143. The
first sub-wavelength selective transflective member 141 is disposed
on the second protective layer 144B to correspond to the red color
filter R and a third protective layer 144C is configured to cover
the first sub-wavelength selective transflective member 141. It is
noted that the protective layers 144A, 144B, and 144C may be or
include one or more organic and/or inorganic materials that are
configured to transmit light.
[0080] An operation of the display device including the
wavelength-selective transflective member 140' will be described in
more detail in association with FIG. 8.
[0081] According to exemplary embodiments, light is radiated toward
the display panel 100 from the backlight unit 200 via the light
guide plate 210.
[0082] The first sub-wavelength selective transflective member 141
is configured to transmit the red light and reflect the other light
except for the red light. As such, the red light propagates through
the red color filter R and is emitted toward an observer after
propagating through the first sub-wavelength selective
transflective member 141. The lights reflected by the first
sub-wavelength selective transflective member 141 are made incident
upon the reflective sheet 240 and reflected by the reflective sheet
240 of the backlight unit 200 toward the wavelength-selective
transflective member 140'. The lights reflected by the reflective
sheet 240 propagate through the second and third sub-wavelength
selective transflective members 142 and 143 and are made incident
upon the green and blue color filters G and B. The lights
respectively provided to the green and blue color filter G and B
transmit through the green and blue color filters G and B, and
thus, the green light and the blue light are radiated toward the
observer.
[0083] The second sub-wavelength selective transflective member 142
is configured to transmit the green light and reflect the other
light except for the green light. The green light propagates
through the green color filter G and is radiated toward the
observer after propagating through the second sub-wavelength
selective transflective member 142. In addition, the lights
reflected by the second sub-wavelength selective transflective
member 142 are made incident on the reflective sheet 240 and
reflected by the reflective sheet 240 of the backlight unit 200
toward the wavelength-selective transflective member 140'. The
lights reflected by the reflective sheet 240 propagate through the
first and third sub-wavelength selective transflective members 141
and 143 and are made incident on the red and blue color filters R
and B. The lights respectively made incident on the red and blue
color filter R and B are transmitted through the red and blue color
filters R and B, and thus, the red light and the blue light are
radiated toward the observer.
[0084] The third sub-wavelength selective transflective member 143
is configured to transmit the blue light and reflect the other
lights except for the blue light. The blue light propagates through
the blue color filter B and is radiated toward the observer after
propagating through the third sub-wavelength selective
transflective member 143. In addition, the lights reflected by the
third sub-wavelength selective transflective member 143 are made
incident upon the reflective sheet 240 and reflected by the
reflective sheet 240 of the backlight unit 200 toward the
wavelength-selective transflective member 140'. The lights
reflected by the reflective sheet 240 propagate through the first
and second sub-wavelength selective transflective members 141 and
142 and are made incident on the red and green color filters R and
G. The lights respectively provided to the red and green color
filter R and G transmit through the red and green color filters R
and G, and thus, the red light and the green light are radiated
toward the observer.
[0085] Accordingly, the amount of the red, green, and blue lights
provided to the red, green, and blue color filters R, G, and B is
larger than that of the red, green, and blue lights provided to the
red, green, and blue color filters R, G, and B when the
wavelength-selective transflective member 140' does not exist.
Therefore, the amount of the red, green, and blue lights provided
to the red, green, and blue color filters R, G, and B is increased
in the display device employing the wavelength-selective
transflective member 140', and the observer may perceive the image
in which the brightness of the red, green, and blue lights and the
display quality thereof are improved.
[0086] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel and a
backlight unit, according to exemplary embodiments.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 11, a display device includes a display
panel 100 and a backlight unit 200.
[0088] The display panel 100 includes an array substrate 110, an
opposite substrate 120 facing the array substrate 110, and a liquid
crystal layer 130 interposed between the array substrate 110 and
the opposite substrate 120.
[0089] The array substrate 110 includes a plurality of pixels (not
shown) arranged in, for example, a matrix form (or configuration).
For instance, the plurality of pixels may be uniformly positioned
and, thereby, spaced in one or more row and column formations. It
is contemplated, however, that the spatial positioning and/or
spacing between pixels may be varied or randomly disposed. While
not illustrated, each pixel includes a plurality of sub-pixels
having different colors from each other. In addition, each pixel
includes (or is electrically connected to) a gate line (not shown),
a data line (not shown) insulated from the gate line and crossing
the gate line, and a pixel electrode (not shown). Further, each
pixel includes a thin film transistor (not shown) electrically
connected to the gate line, the data line, and the pixel electrode.
The thin film transistor is configured to switch a driving signal
applied to the pixel electrode.
[0090] The opposite substrate 120 includes a color filter layer 125
that realizes a predetermined color using the light provided from
the backlight unit 200.
[0091] A wavelength-selective transflective member 140'' is
disposed on a surface of the color filter layer 125, which faces
the array substrate 110. The wavelength-selective transflective
member 140'' is configured to reflect light of one or more specific
wavelengths, which are incident thereon from the backlight unit
200, and transmit light of other wavelengths. In this manner, it is
to be appreciated that the wavelength-selective transflective
member 140'' may be disposed on the opposite substrate above the
liquid crystal layer 130 versus the configuration described in
association with FIG. 2.
[0092] While certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have
been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be
apparent from this description. Accordingly, the invention is not
limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the
presented claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent
arrangements.
* * * * *