KR20090060633A - Stereoscopic display - Google Patents

Abstract

A three-dimension display apparatus is provided, which enables areal selective drive in the driving part giving a plurality of voltage authorization conditions. A three-dimension display apparatus comprises the display panel, the liquid crystal electrostatic lens(200), the driving part(231~234), and the controller. The display panel emits the video signal of two-dimension. The liquid crystal electrostatic lens is positioned in the upper part of the display panel. The liquid crystal electrostatic lens comprises the first and second substrates, electrodes, the liquid crystal layer. The electrode is located on the surface of the first and second substrates. The liquid crystal layer is positioned between the first and second substrates. The driving part delivers the generated voltage signal to the liquid crystal electrostatic lens.

Description

Stereoscopic Display Device

The present invention relates to a three-dimensional display device, and more particularly, to a three-dimensional display device capable of simultaneously implementing two-dimensional and three-dimensional by dividing a screen into a plurality of regions.

The services to be realized for the high speed of information to be built on the high-speed information communication network today are 'seeing and listening' multi-media centering on digital terminals that process text, voice, and video at high speed from simply 'listening and talking' service like the current telephone. It is expected to develop into a media-type service and ultimately develop into a hyper-spatial, realistic 3D stereoscopic information communication service that transcends time and space.

In general, the three-dimensional image representing the three-dimensional image is made by the principle of stereo vision through two eyes, because the parallax of two eyes, that is, the two eyes are about 65mm apart, the left and right side due to the difference between the positions of the two eyes The eyes see slightly different images. As such, the difference in the image due to the positional difference between the two eyes is called binocular disparity. In addition, the 3D stereoscopic image display device uses the binocular parallax so that the left eye can see only the image of the left eye and the right eye can see only the right eye image.

In other words, the left and right eyes see different two-dimensional images, and when these two images are delivered to the brain through the retina, the brain accurately fuses them to reproduce the depth and reality of the original three-dimensional image. Such a capability is commonly referred to as stereography, and a device in which it is applied as a display device is called a stereoscopic display device.

Meanwhile, the stereoscopic display device may be classified according to components that form a lens that implements 3D (3-dimension). For example, a method of configuring a lens using a liquid crystal layer is called a liquid crystal field lens method.

In general, a liquid crystal display device is composed of two opposite electrodes and a liquid crystal layer formed therebetween. The liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are driven by an electric field generated by applying a voltage to the two electrodes. Liquid crystal molecules have polarization properties and optical anisotropy. Here, the polarization property means that when liquid crystal molecules are placed in an electric field, charges in the liquid crystal molecules are attracted to both sides of the liquid crystal molecules so that the molecular arrangement direction is changed according to the electric field, and optical anisotropy is characterized by the elongated structure of the liquid crystal molecules and the aforementioned molecular arrangement direction. This means that the path of the outgoing light or the polarization state is changed differently according to the incident direction or the polarization state of the incident light.

Accordingly, the liquid crystal layer may exhibit a difference in transmittance due to voltages applied to two electrodes, and may display an image by changing the difference for each pixel.

Recently, a liquid crystal lens electrically driven, in which a liquid crystal layer functions as a lens using the characteristics of the liquid crystal molecules, has been proposed.

That is, the lens is to control the path of the incident light by position by using the difference in refractive index between the material constituting the lens and the air, by applying different voltage to each position of the electrode to the liquid crystal layer by the different electric field When driven, the incident light incident on the liquid crystal layer feels a different phase change for each position. As a result, the liquid crystal layer can control the path of the incident light like an actual lens.

Hereinafter, a conventional liquid crystal field lens will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional liquid crystal field lens, and FIG. 2 is a view showing a potential distribution after voltage application when forming the liquid crystal field lens of FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional liquid crystal field lens includes a first and second substrates 10 and 20 facing each other and a liquid crystal layer 30 formed between the first and second substrates 10 and 20.

Here, the first electrode 11 is formed on the first substrate 10 at a first separation distance from each other. In this case, the distance from the center of one side of the first electrode 11 to the center of the other side of the first electrode 11 between the adjacent first electrodes 11 is called a pitch, and the same pattern with the pitch as a cycle (First electrode) is formed repeatedly.

The front second electrode 21 is formed on the second substrate 20 facing the first substrate 20.

The first and second electrodes 11 and 21 are made of a transparent metal. The liquid crystal layer 30 is formed in the liquid crystal layer 30 in the spaced space between the first and second electrodes 11 and 21, and the liquid crystal molecules constituting the liquid crystal layer 30 react to characteristics of the electric field. As a result, a phase distribution similar to that of the liquid crystal field lens of FIG. 2 is obtained.

The liquid crystal field lens is formed under a condition of applying a high voltage to the first electrode 11 and grounding the second electrode 21. The liquid crystal field lens is the strongest at the center of the first electrode 11 under such a voltage condition. A vertical electric field is formed, and a weak vertical electric field is formed as it moves away from the first electrode 11. Accordingly, when the liquid crystal molecules constituting the liquid crystal layer 30 have positive dielectric anisotropy, the liquid crystal molecules are arranged in accordance with an electric field, and stand at the center of the first electrode 11, and the first electrode 11. The farther away from), the closer to horizontal the slanted array will be. Therefore, from the standpoint of light transmission, as shown in FIG. 2, the center of the first electrode 11 has a short optical path, and the farther away from the first electrode 11, the longer the optical path, and thus the phase When presented as a face, the surface has a light transmitting effect similar to a lens having a parabolic face.

Here, the second electrode 21 induces the behavior of the liquid crystal electric field, thereby inducing the refractive index of light as a whole to be a spatial parabolic function, and the first electrode 11 forms an edge portion (edge area) of the lens. Do it.

At this time, a voltage slightly higher than that of the second electrode 21 is applied to the first electrode 11, so that a potential difference occurs between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 21 as shown in FIG. 2. By doing so, in particular, the first electrode 11 is caused to cause a sudden side electric field. Accordingly, the liquid crystal does not form a smooth distribution, and forms a distorted form, so that the spatial refractive index distribution does not form a parabolic form or is very sensitive to voltage.

Such a liquid crystal field lens can be obtained by forming an electrode on both substrates with a liquid crystal interposed between the liquid crystal and the liquid crystal without applying a lens having a physically parabolic surface, and applying a voltage thereto.

However, the stereoscopic display device including the conventional liquid crystal field lens as described above has the following problems.

For example, when used as a display device, two-dimensional or three-dimensional selective driving is possible, but simultaneous implementation of two or three dimensions is impossible. For example, in a mobile application, a gaming application, or a personal digital application, a simultaneous implementation of two or three dimensions is required to display characters such as subtitles as well as three-dimensional display. It may be required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a stereoscopic display device capable of simultaneously implementing two-dimensional and three-dimensional screens by dividing a screen into a plurality of areas.

The three-dimensional display device of the present invention for achieving the above object is divided into a display panel for emitting a two-dimensional video signal, and the m (m is a natural number of two or more) in the plane located on the display panel And a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates facing each other and the first and second substrates, and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates, wherein each region is applied by applying a voltage to the electrodes. Control unit for controlling the application of the driving voltage and the driving unit for generating a plurality of voltage signals corresponding to each of the m areas and receiving the power source voltage, respectively, the power source voltage to be driven separately, and the transfer to the liquid crystal field lens Its features, including that made.

The controller controls the m drivers to generate voltage signals corresponding to one of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) modes. In this case, the controller includes a selection unit of two-dimensional mode / three-dimensional mode for each of the m driving units.

Here, the m regions are divided by dividing the first substrate or the second substrate constituting the liquid crystal field lens into m regions and arranging the electrodes. The liquid crystal field lens may include a plurality of lens regions for the m regions, and electrodes formed on the first and second substrates may be spaced apart from each other with respect to the plurality of lens regions on the first substrate. And a common electrode formed on the entire surface of the second substrate. In this case, the m driving parts are connected to the plurality of split electrodes on the first substrate. In this case, a voltage equal to a minimum voltage applied to the plurality of split electrodes is applied to the common electrode. The voltage application of the common electrode may be performed from any one of the m drivers or from the controller. In this case, the plurality of split electrodes may be formed in a rod shape in a first direction parallel to one side of the first substrate.

The liquid crystal field lens may include a plurality of lens regions, respectively, for the m regions, and the m regions may include l (l is a natural number of two or more) regions divided in a first direction on the first substrate, K (two or more natural numbers) regions divided in a second direction crossing the first direction on the second substrate are defined to correspond (m = l * k), and electrodes formed on the first and second substrates Each of the plurality of lens regions on the first substrate may include a first divided electrode spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of lens regions on the second substrate spaced apart from each other.

In addition, the driving parts may include l corresponding to l areas on the first substrate and k corresponding to k areas on the second substrate, and the l driving parts may be connected to the first split electrodes. k driving parts are connected to the second split electrode. In this case, the control unit may be configured to simultaneously control voltage signals of the first and second split electrodes.

The first split electrode may be formed in a long bar shape in the second direction, and the second split electrode may be formed in a long bar shape in the first direction.

The stereoscopic display device of the present invention as described above has the following effects.

By dividing a plurality of regions of the liquid crystal field lens and having a driving unit for driving each region, each region may be selectively implemented in two-dimensional or three-dimensional mode by controlling each driving unit. Therefore, two-dimensional display and three-dimensional three-dimensional display can be simultaneously implemented on one screen.

In addition, even in the same mode, driving can be selectively performed for each area, so that the screen can be divided and used for display.

Then, the area is divided into both the upper and lower plates constituting the liquid crystal field lens, and the regions divided on the upper and lower plates each have a direction in which they cross each other, so that the driving regions separated by the defined number of regions by crossing the upper and lower plates can be obtained. When the driving unit is required by the number of regions defined by the upper and lower plates, respectively, the display may be implemented by controlling the voltage less than the number of the crossed driving regions.

That is, selective driving for each region and two-dimensional / three-dimensional switching of these regions are possible with a driving unit that provides a plurality of voltage application conditions without greatly changing the shape of the liquid crystal field lens. It is possible.

Hereinafter, a stereoscopic display device and a liquid crystal field lens applied thereto will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

3 is a schematic view showing a stereoscopic display device of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the stereoscopic display device 100 of the present invention, the two-dimensional display area 110 and the three-dimensional display area 120 are divided. The two-dimensional display area 110 performs two-dimensional display, and the remaining three-dimensional display area 120 performs three-dimensional display. Here, the two-dimensional display area 110 is shown as the upper left corner, but the position can be changed according to the user's convenience, it may be provided with a plurality, it can be widened or reduced the area, the area The change of is possible in both horizontal or vertical direction.

Hereinafter, various embodiments for enabling the stereoscopic display device of the present invention described above will be described.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a liquid crystal field lens capable of driving by region in a stereoscopic display device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 5A and 5B are plan views illustrating wirings of the liquid crystal field lens of FIG. 4 in detail. to be.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the three-dimensional display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the liquid crystal field lens 200 includes an active region 210 in which a display is largely formed in the center thereof, and signal wirings around the outside thereof. Pad region 220. The active region 210 is divided into four first to fourth regions 211, 212, 213, and 214, and the first to fourth regions adjacent to each of the regions 211, 212, 213, and 214. In the pad regions 221, 222, 223, and 224, electrodes formed in the first to fourth regions 211, 212, 213, and 214 of the active region 210 (261, 262 of FIGS. 5A and 5B). , Signal lines 271, 272, 273, and 274 for applying signals to the signals 263 and 264 are formed. The first to fourth driving units 231, 232, 233, and 234, which transmit voltage signals to the first to fourth pad regions 221, 222, 223, and 224, are connected to each other.

Although not shown, the first to fourth driving units 231, 232, 233, and 234 are connected to a control unit, respectively, so that each driving unit corresponds to one of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) modes. Control to generate a signal. At this time, the controller is provided with a selection unit (not shown) of the two-dimensional mode / three-dimensional mode for each drive unit.

Here, the first driver 231 and the second driver 232 are above the liquid crystal field lens 200, and the third driver 233 and the fourth driver 234 are the liquid crystal field lens 200. The first to fourth driving units 231 to 234 and the liquid crystal field lens 200 are connected to adjacent pad regions 221, 222, 223, and 224, respectively. The connection between the first to fourth driving units 231 to 234 and the liquid crystal field lens 200 is at this position. That is, the signal lines (see 271 and 272 of FIGS. 5A and 5B) formed in the first driver 231 and the second driver 232 and the first pad region 221 and the second pad region 222 are contacted. The third driver 233 and the fourth driver 234 are connected to the signal wires formed in the third pad region 223 and the fourth pad region 224 (see 273 and 274 of FIGS. 5A and 5B). Contact is made.

In more detail, as shown in FIGS. 5A (shown in the first and second regions) and 5B (shown in the third and fourth regions), the first through fourth regions 211, 212, 213, and 214 are respectively shown in FIG. A plurality of lens regions are provided in the corresponding region, and a plurality of split electrodes 261, 262, 263, and 264 are repeatedly formed in each lens region. Here, the illustrated first to fourth regions 211, 212, 213, and 214 are briefly illustrated to include one lens region, but a plurality of lens regions are repeatedly formed in the same shape.

In addition, each of the first signal wire 271 and the second signal wire 272 formed in the adjacent first pad area 221 and the second pad area 222 may include a first area and a second area 211. 212 are formed separately from each other in the vicinity of each other, and each of the plurality of first signal wires 271 is individually contacted with one of the first split electrodes 261, and the second signal wires 272 are likewise. A contact is made with one of the second split electrodes 262. Where

Each of the plurality of first signal wires 271 receives a voltage signal from the first driver 231 through the first FPC 241, and similarly, the second to fourth signal wires 272 to 274 are respectively applied. Voltage signals are applied from the second to fourth corresponding drivers 232 to 234 through the second to fourth FPCs 242 to 244, respectively.

Similarly, the third signal line 273 and the fourth signal line 274 formed in the third pad region 223 and the fourth pad region 224 are respectively the third region 213 and the fourth region ( Separated from each other in the vicinity between the 214, each of the plurality of third signal wires 273 are individually contacted with one of the third split electrodes 263, and the fourth signal wire 274 likewise the fourth split electrode Contact with one of 264.

In addition, the first to fourth driving units 231 to 234 are connected to the pad regions 221 to 224 on which the corresponding signal wires 271 to 274 are formed through the first to fourth FPCs 241 to 244. The signal wires 271 to 274 of these regions are separated from each other and receive the corresponding voltage signals from each of the driving units 231 to 234.

For example, when a total of four first split electrodes 261 are formed in a lens region having a width P in the first region 211, a voltage signal symmetrically with respect to the center of the lens region should be applied. do. As shown in the drawing, the first signal wires 271 correspond to the first signal wires 271 in number, one by one, and each of the first signal wires corresponding to one of the first split electrodes 261. 271) may be formed to be in contact.

In some cases, a voltage signal symmetrically with respect to the center of the lens area should be applied, so that the number of signal wires is divided by half, and the maximum voltage Vmax at the edge of the lens area is the smallest minimum voltage at the center of the lens area. The signal line 271 and the first divided electrode 261 may be formed to contact the left and right symmetric signal lines 271 for each lens region so that Vmin is applied thereto. In this case, contacts with the first split electrodes 261 having different left and right symmetry are relatively made with respect to the respective signal wires 271.

As described above, the voltage may be applied to the remaining second region 212 to fourth region 214 in the same manner.

Here, the second signal wires 272 and the third signal wires 273 are relatively longer in length than the first signal wires 271 and the fourth signal wires 274, respectively, which are signals to them. This is because they are relatively far from the second driver 232 and the third driver 233 for applying.

The first to fourth regions 211 to 214 may have the same size or different sizes. In such an arrangement, the area may be determined by adjusting the width in the horizontal direction in which the areas are arranged in the horizontal direction.

In the stereoscopic display device according to the first embodiment described above, in the liquid crystal field lens, the first to fourth regions 211 to 214 are defined on the lower plate side on which the split electrodes 261 to 264 are formed. In this case, the upper plate that faces the liquid crystal layer in between is formed by forming a front common electrode without region division.

6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a stereoscopic display device of the present invention.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of one region in which the 2D and 3D can be switched in the three-dimensional display device of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the three-dimensional display device of the present invention is driven by applying voltage, and has a liquid crystal field lens 300 having a lens function, and a display panel 350 that emits two-dimensional image information under the liquid crystal field lens 300. And a light source 700 for transmitting light to the display panel 350 under the display panel 350.

In some cases, if the display panel 350 directly emits light, the light source 700 may be omitted.

The display panel 350 sequentially repeats the first and second image pixels P1 and P2 for displaying the first and second images IM1 and IM2, respectively. Flat display such as liquid crystal display device (LCD), organic light emitting display device (OLED), plasma display panel (PDP), and field emission display device (FED) The device can be used. The display panel 350 is positioned below the liquid crystal field lens 300 to transmit a two-dimensional image signal to the liquid crystal field lens 300.

The liquid crystal field lens 300 of the present invention has a function of emitting a 3D image signal according to a profile of a lens surface, and is positioned on an upper portion of the display panel 350 that implements the 2D image and whether voltage is applied. It selectively functions to output the 3D image signal or the 2D image signal as it is. That is, two-dimensional display is possible when voltage is not applied to the liquid crystal field lens 300 by using a property that light is transmitted when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal field lens 300, and a switching function such as three-dimensional display is used when voltage is applied to the liquid crystal field lens 300. can do.

In the liquid crystal field lens 300 of the present invention, a plurality of lens regions are defined to correspond to each other, and the first and second substrates 310 and 320 are disposed to face each other, and the first and second lens regions L may be formed in the liquid crystal field lens 300. A plurality of first electrodes 311 (corresponding to the divided electrodes of FIGS. 5A and 5B) spaced apart from each other on the substrate 310, a second electrode 321 formed on the entire surface of the second substrate 320, and Voltage sources Vmin, V1, V2, ..., Vmax for applying different voltages to the first electrodes 311 and the liquid crystal layer filled between the first substrate 310 and the second substrate 320. 330).

The first electrodes 311 and the second electrode 321 may be formed of a transparent metal such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO) to prevent loss of transmittance at each electrode location. do.

Hereinafter, the liquid crystal field lens 300 will be described in detail with reference to the voltage application side.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a liquid crystal field lens and a voltage applying unit thereof according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a graph showing an applied voltage applied to the liquid crystal field lens of FIG. 9 is a graph showing an applied voltage for each distance of each lens region of the stereoscopic display implementation region.

The first voltage Vmin corresponding to the threshold voltage Vth is applied at the center O of the lens region L, and the first electrode 311 positioned at the edge portion E of the lens regions L is applied. The largest nth voltage Vmax is applied to. In this case, the voltage applied to the first electrodes 311 positioned between the center O and the edge portion E of the lens region L is equal to the first voltage Vmin corresponding to the threshold voltage of the lens region. ) Is between n-th voltage (Vmax), the greater the voltage away from the center of the lens area (L) is applied. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied to the plurality of first electrodes 311, a ground voltage is applied to the second electrode 321, and thus, between the first electrode 311 and the second electrode 321. Create a vertical electric field.

The plurality of first electrodes 311 are formed in the lens region L in a symmetrical direction with respect to the edge portion E of the lens region. Each of the first electrodes 311 corresponds to the electrodes 261 to 264 of each region in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and corresponds to the corresponding voltage source in the pad regions 221 to 224 in each region. Vmin, V1, V2, V3, ..., Vmax are connected to the signal wires (271 to 274 of FIGS. 5A and 5B) and a corresponding voltage is applied.

(Δε는 액정 유전율 이방성, K1은 액정의 탄성 계수, ε₀은 자유공간 유전율)로 계산된다. 또한, 상기 렌즈 영역(L)의 에지(E)에 대응되어 제 1 전극(311)에 인가되는 전압 중 가장 큰 고전압은 약 2.5~10V를 피크값으로 하여 인가되는 교류 사각파이다. Here, the first voltage Vmin corresponding to the smallest threshold voltage applied to the first electrode 311 formed corresponding to the center O of the lens region L has a peak of about 1.4 to 2V. AC square wave to the value, and this threshold voltage (Vmin)

Δε is calculated by the liquid crystal dielectric anisotropy, K1 is the elastic modulus of the liquid crystal, ε ₀ is the free space dielectric constant. In addition, the largest high voltage among the voltages applied to the first electrode 311 corresponding to the edge E of the lens region L is an AC square wave applied with a peak value of about 2.5 to 10V.

On the other hand, a plurality of first electrodes 311 provided in the liquid crystal field lens 300 to the high voltage (2.5 ~ 10V as a peak value at the threshold voltage (AC square wave with a peak value of 1.4 ~ 2V) described above) When applied at a value between AC square wave) and a ground voltage applied to the second electrode 321, the liquid crystal field lens 300 acts as a lens similar to an optical lens on a parabolic surface. First and second images IM1 and IM2 emitted from the 350 are transferred to the first and second viewing zones V1 and V2 by the liquid crystal field lens 300, respectively. If the distance between the second viewing areas (V1, V2) is designed as the distance between two eyes of a human, the user may transmit the first and second images (IM1, IM2) to the first and second viewing areas (V1, V2), respectively. By synthesizing the 3D image by binocular parallax.

On the other hand, when no voltage is applied to the first electrode 311 and the second electrode 321, the liquid crystal field lens 300 is configured to control the first and second images IM1 and IM2 of the display panel 350. It serves as a simple transparent layer that is displayed as it is without refraction. Accordingly, the first and second images IM1 and IM2 are transmitted to the user without the visual field classification, and the user recognizes the 2D image.

In the drawing, one lens region L of the liquid crystal electric field 300 is formed to correspond to the width of two pixels P1 and P2 of the display panel 350 positioned under the liquid crystal field lens. In some cases, a plurality of pixels may be formed corresponding to the one lens area L. FIG. In addition, the lens regions L may be formed in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the pixels, and in some cases, a stepped shape with respect to the pixels (the lens arrangement is (n + 1) th with respect to the nth pixel horizontal line). The width may be shifted by a predetermined width on the pixel horizontal line side).

The lens region L is defined to have a width corresponding to one pitch, and the lens region L having the same pitch is periodically repeated in one direction (the horizontal direction in FIG. 6). At this time, one pitch (P: pitch) means the width of one lens area (L), the lens area does not have a physical lens shape, such as the convex lens shown, the liquid crystal is arranged according to the application of the electric field The area having one lens function formed is displayed. The distance E from the center O of the lens region L to the edge portion E of the lens region L has a considerable distance to P / 2, and each lens is formed at the edge portion E of the lens region L. A symmetrical voltage value is applied to the first electrodes 311 symmetrical to the center O of the region.

A first alignment layer 312 and a second alignment layer 322 are formed on the first substrate 310 including the first electrode 311 and the second electrode 321, respectively. In this case, the rubbing direction of the first alignment layer 312 is changed to the first and second alignment layers 312 and 322 to function the liquid crystal field lens 300 as a transmission layer in an initial state when no voltage is applied. The rubbing direction of the second alignment layer 312 is made the same as the direction of the first electrode 311, and the direction crossing the same. As a result, the liquid crystal field lens 300 transmitted from the lower portion through the display panel 350 is transmitted to the viewer as it is.

The lens region L described above is repeatedly formed in the horizontal direction at one pitch P.

In addition, the plurality of first electrodes 311 may be formed in a rod shape along a longitudinal direction (direction of transmitting the drawing) of the first substrate 310, and the width of the single first electrode 311 may be 2 to 10 degrees. It is set to a micrometer, and the space | interval between adjacent 1st electrodes 311 is 2-10 micrometers, and is arrange | positioned. For example, the pitch of the lens region may vary from about 90 μm to about 1000 μm, depending on the width and the spacing interval of the first electrode 311 described above, from about 10 to about 100 or more per lens region. Can be formed. In this case, the width and the separation interval of the first electrode 311 is to have a uniform interval. It is made to have the same value in the range of the above-mentioned numerical value 2-10 micrometers.

Although not shown, a seal pattern (not shown) is formed in the outer regions (non-display regions including the pad portion) of the first and second substrates 310 and 320, so that the first and second substrates 310 and 320 are not shown. Support). In addition, the liquid crystal layer 330 between the first and second substrates 310 and 320 is formed to have a sufficient thickness to correspond to a thickness of about 15 μm or more, in order to form a liquid crystal field lens of sufficient phase. A ball spacer or column spacer may be further formed to support the cell gap between the first and second substrates 310 and 320 to maintain the thickness of the 330. In this case, the included spacers are preferably formed at positions where the phases of the liquid crystal field lenses are not distorted.

4 to 5B, the liquid crystal field lens 300 according to the present invention includes an active region 210 having a large display in the center, and first electrodes 311, 5A, and FIG. 3 formed in the active region 210. In 5b, 261-264) and it are included.

 In addition, the pad region 220 includes a voltage source for applying a voltage signal from an external source, and the voltage source includes a divided voltage generation unit 160 generating voltages applied to the divided electrodes (the driving units 231 ˜ ˜ in FIGS. 5A and 5B). 234), and a link unit 161 (included in the FPCs 241 to 244 of FIGS. 5A and 5B) connecting the divided voltage generator and the pad region 220. Here, the voltage source applies different voltages to the plurality of first electrodes (261 to 264 in FIGS. 311, 5A, and 5B) and a ground voltage to the second electrode (321 of FIG. 6). In this case, in order to apply different voltages to the plurality of first electrodes 311, the voltage source includes a resistance between the maximum and minimum voltages and respective voltage output terminals therebetween, and buffers the voltage output terminals. Further provided to form a distribution voltage generation unit. At this time, the minimum voltage (Vmin) and the maximum voltage (Vmax), and the size of the resistors (R1, ..., Rn-1) output between the respective voltage output terminal is adjusted according to the voltage level to be distributed . As the voltage applied to each of the first electrodes 311 is gradually increased from the edge portion E of the lens region L to the center portion O, the adjustment of the voltage is adjusted according to the size of the resistors. Can be.

Here, signal wires to which a total of n voltage signals from an end of each of the first electrodes 311 and a first voltage Vmin to an nth voltage Vmax formed in the pad region are applied, respectively (FIGS. 5A and 5A). Contact 271-274 of FIG. 5B). The number n of the applied voltages is equal to the number of first electrodes 311 formed in one lens region L or half of the number of first electrodes 311 in the symmetrical contact between the signal wiring and the first electrode. 5A to 5B, for example, n may be 4 or 2 when four electrodes are formed.

5A and 5B, signal wirings 271 to 274 are shown in pad regions located above and below the active region 210, respectively, and 4 formed in one lens region of each of the above and below pad regions. The signal wirings 271 to 274 contacting the two electrodes 261 to 264 are formed.

Here, a total of n signal wires 271 to 274 start from the bottom, and a first voltage Vmin is applied between the edge portion of the lens region shown in the center of the figure and the central portion of the lens region on the left. The n th voltage Vmax is applied from the n th signal line. A total of n signal wires are located between the central portion O of the lens region on the right side and the edge portion E of the lens region shown in the center, and the first voltage Vmin to nth are sequentially located from the top. It is applied up to the voltage Vmax. In this case, the voltage is applied to the first electrode 311 corresponding to the edge portion E and the signal wires 271 to 274 contacting the edge portion E of the lens region L as a boundary. As a boundary, a voltage signal whose upper and lower signal wires 271 to 274 are gradually reduced from the nth voltage Vmax to the first voltage Vmin is applied, and each of the first electrodes 311 is connected to these signals. In contact with the wiring in sequence, a voltage value that gradually decreases from the edge portion E of the lens region toward the center portion O is applied. In this case, the contact between the first electrodes 311 and the signal lines 271 to 274 is formed by forming a contact hole through a protective film (not shown) therebetween.

Here, the plurality of first electrodes 311 are disposed to have the same width and spaced intervals in the lens area, and they are formed on the same layer on the first substrate 310. The state in which the first electrode 311 is formed directly on the surface of the first substrate 310 is shown.

8 is a block diagram showing a voltage application method of the present invention. 9 is a graph showing the phase difference according to the applied voltage of the liquid crystal transfer lens of the present invention and the lens shape according thereto, and FIG. 10 is a potential distribution for each position of the liquid crystal field lens of the present invention.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 8, the divided voltage generator 160, which functions as the voltage source, is positioned in the driver 231 in FIGS. 5A through 5B and is disposed between the maximum voltage Vmax and the minimum voltage Vmin. In order to distribute the voltage signal, the voltages Rmax, R2, ..., Rn-1 and the voltages between the maximum voltage Vmax and the minimum voltage applying terminal Vmin and the respective voltage signal output terminals 5A to 5B, the output terminal is applied to the signal wires 271 to 274 of the pad region 220 via the link portions 161 included in the first to fourth FPCs 241 to 244. A buffer B1, B2, ..., Bn is provided at the end of each voltage signal output terminal to stabilize and output the signal.

The voltages applied to the first electrodes are calculated in the relationship defined in FIGS. 8 and 9, in which case each voltage generation generates a division voltage between Vmax (maximum voltage) and Vmin (minimum voltage) of FIG. 7. A portion 160 is made. In this case, the divided voltage generator 160 may divide a plurality of resistors capable of distributing voltages applied to the electrodes 261 to 264 between respective power supply voltage sources of Vmax (maximum voltage) and Vmin (minimum voltage). R1, R2, ..., Rn-2, Rn-1), a node for setting a node between the plurality of resistors, and a buffer for stabilizing a voltage signal output from the nodes. do. At this time, the voltage signal is finally applied to the active region through a connection between the buffer line and the signal line of the pad region.

At this time, the current flowing through the divided voltage generator 160 is set to several mA. Here, if the current is too small, the driving voltage deviation becomes large and an unstable voltage level can be output to each node. If the current is too large, heat dissipation power may be generated in the resistors in the voltage divider, so that the driving in the voltage divider is unnecessary. Voltage deviation and heat dissipation power are added or subtracted to determine a predetermined current value.

Voltage signals Vmin, V1, ..., Vmax output from the divided voltage generator 160 are connected to signal wires 271 to 274 of the pad region 220 via a link unit 161. Contacts are formed at ends of the signal wires 271 to 274 and the electrodes 261 to 264. In this case, the number of voltage signals output from the divided voltage generator 160 corresponds to the number of electrodes 261 ˜ 264 positioned between the edge portion E and the center portion O of each lens region. . At this time, the voltage signals output from the divided voltage generator 160 are left-right positive quadratic functions, as shown in FIG. 9, between the center and the edge of each lens region, with respect to the center or edge. The voltage signals corresponding to the type correspond.

Then, the selection of the appropriate applied voltage is simulated according to the relationship between the voltage and the phase difference, taking an example of a table calculated according to the phase difference of the liquid crystal layer when the applied voltage is a predetermined value as shown in FIG. 8. When the liquid crystal field lens is similar to the shape of the simulation to be implemented, the corresponding table is selected, and a voltage value for each electrode position of the lens region is calculated from the table.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, in the liquid crystal field lens of the present invention, in order to form a lens having a parabolic lens surface as shown in FIG. This must be authorized. That is, in FIG. 8, the larger the phase difference (in the shape of the lens, the vertical axis) (the center of the lens region) is the voltage applied with the lower applied voltage, and the lower the phase difference (the edge portion of the lens region) is applied voltage. This high voltage must be applied. In other words, the applied voltage and the phase difference are inversely related to each other.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the applied voltage decreases from Vmax to Vmin toward the center from the edge portion in the lens region, and at this time, the left and right edge portions have a symmetrical relationship with each other in the one lens region. Have That is, assuming that the center is a zero point and the left and right sides of the center are in the (-) and (+) x-axis relations to the edges, respectively, a value proportional to the square of the distance (x) from the center is It is defined as the applied voltage (V) value.

The above voltage application method is performed through a divided voltage generation unit provided in a driving unit for driving each region in three-dimensional stereoscopic display, and if the predetermined region performs two-dimensional display, each divided voltage generation unit By applying the same voltage (Vx) to both the minimum and maximum voltage applied and the same Vx voltage to the common electrode (second electrode) 321 on the side of the second substrate 320, the liquid crystal field lens 300 The voltage difference does not occur between the first and second substrates 310 and 320 in the inside, such that the two-dimensional image of the lower display panel 350 is output as it is.

As described above, the three-dimensional display device of the present invention enables the two-dimensional and three-dimensional selective display of each region by providing the driver for each region.

10A and 10B are plan views illustrating a lower panel and an upper panel of a stereoscopic display device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is an angle view of the stereoscopic display device according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 10A and 10B. A plan view showing the driving for each region.

The stereoscopic display device according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B replaces the configuration of the liquid crystal field lens 300 in the stereoscopic display device of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 6. A first display panel (see 350 of FIG. 6) that emits a two-dimensional image signal, and a first panel disposed above the display panel 350 and divided into m regions (m is a natural number of two or more) on a plane, and are opposed to each other. And a liquid crystal layer between the electrodes and the first and second substrates on the second and second substrates 310 and 320 and the first and second substrates 310 and 320. M liquid crystal field lenses 600 driven for each region by application, and a power supply voltage is applied to generate m voltage signals corresponding to each of the m regions, and transmit the plurality of voltage signals to the liquid crystal field lens 600. Drivers 511, 512, 513, 561, 562, 563 and the m drivers 511, 512, 513, And a control unit (not shown) for controlling the application of power voltages to the 561, 562, and 563.

In the liquid crystal field lens 600, the upper plate 550 and the lower plate 500 respectively include first to third regions (upper plate SEC1, upper plate SEC2, upper plate SEC3) and fourth to sixth regions (lower plate SEC1, lower plate SEC2, The lower plate SEC3 is divided into a plurality of regions, and includes first to sixth driving units 511, 512, 513/561, 562, and 563 to apply voltages applied to the regions.

Compared to the first embodiment described above, the liquid crystal field lens 600 according to the second embodiment of the present invention according to FIGS. 10A to 11 has a distinction between an upper plate 550 or a lower plate 500. It is not limited to one substrate, but is formed by dividing the regions in directions crossing each other. In this case, when the upper and lower plates 550 and 500 are bonded to each other to form a liquid crystal field lens, as shown in FIG. It can be divided into a total of nine areas (S1 ~ S9) divided into three horizontal, three vertical.

Although not shown, the first to sixth driving units 511, 512, 513/561, 562, and 563 are respectively connected to the control unit, and each driving unit is in one of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) modes. Control to generate a voltage signal corresponding to At this time, the controller is provided with a selection unit (not shown) of the two-dimensional mode / three-dimensional mode for each drive unit.

In addition, the liquid crystal field lens 600 includes a plurality of lens regions for the m regions (nine regions according to FIGS. 10A to 11), and the m regions are the first on the lower plate 500. L (l is a natural number of 2 or more) divided in the direction (vertical direction in the drawing) and two regions (three in the drawing) and a second direction (the transverse direction in the drawing) that intersects the first direction of the top plate 550. K (two or more natural numbers) divided by) are defined by corresponding (m = l * k) regions, and electrodes (not shown) formed on the upper and lower plates 550 and 500 are defined as A first split electrode spaced apart from each other with respect to the plurality of lens areas on the lower plate 500, and a second split electrode spaced apart from each other among the plurality of lens areas on the top plate 550. It can be made, including).

In addition, the driving unit includes l pieces (three pieces in the drawing) corresponding to l areas on the lower plate 500 and k pieces (three pieces in the drawing) corresponding to k areas on the top plate 550. Each of the l driving units is connected to a first split electrode formed in each region (lower plate SEC1, lower plate SEC2, lower plate SEC3) on the lower plate 500, and the k driving units are respectively formed on the upper plate 550. SEC2, top SEC2, and top SEC3). In this case, the control unit may be configured to simultaneously control voltage signals of the first and second split electrodes.

The first split electrode may be formed in a long bar shape in the second direction, and the second split electrode may be formed in a long bar shape in the first direction.

Further, for example, the first split electrodes may be spaced apart in a rod shape in a direction (vertical direction) that intersects a direction (horizontal direction) in which regions are divided, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The electrode may be formed of a plurality of electrodes, and the second split electrode may be formed of an electrode that is long in a direction (horizontal direction) crossing the second division electrode. Also, in some cases, the first and second split electrodes may be formed in the form of fine split electrodes divided into a plurality of lenses in each lens region. In some cases, the lower plate side is a fine split electrode and one upper plate is formed in each region. Thus, it may be formed only by the defined number of regions of the top plate. The selection of the shape of each electrode depends on the shape of the liquid crystal field lens to be implemented (the liquid crystal field lens when the lens effect is visually obtained by the phase difference of the liquid crystal driven by voltage application rather than the physically implemented lens). (For example, depending on the height of the lens or the degree of curve).

For convenience, the second split electrodes on the upper side of FIG. 10B are divided into regions (top SEC1, top SEC2, top SEC3) formed on the top plate, respectively, to form one pattern for each area.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, as in the stereoscopic display device according to the second embodiment described above, the driving area is defined as three horizontal regions and three vertical regions, and nine regions defined by intersection thereof. Next, the form implemented when voltage is applied to these driving regions will be described.

12 is a diagram illustrating an applied voltage when driving each region of a stereoscopic display device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 13A to 13D are cross-sectional views illustrating alignment of liquid crystals in respective regions when a stereoscopic display device is implemented according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 14A to 14D are corresponding lens shapes of FIGS. 13A to 13D, respectively. This is a graph.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the three-dimensional display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, regions S1 to S9 are defined in order from the upper left side.

For example, when 3D is implemented only in the most central S5 region and 2D is implemented in the remaining regions, voltage application in each driver is as follows.

In addition, the liquid crystal constituting the liquid crystal layer used in the following description has positive dielectric anisotropy, and the first alignment film and the second alignment film formed on the lower plate and upper plate sides respectively have directions of the first split electrodes and anti-parallel thereto. paralle) Assume that it is rubbing in one direction.

That is, since a voltage signal according to three-dimensional driving should be applied to the S5 region, the upper and lower plates 500 and 500 are formed on the upper and lower plates 500 and 500 such that a vertical electric field is formed between the upper and lower plates 550 and 500. A 3D driving voltage is applied between the second split electrode (see 551 in Figs. 13A to 13D) and the first split electrode (see 501 in Figs. 13A to 13D). That is, since the first divided electrode is formed in the form of a fine divided electrode and the second divided electrode is formed in the form of one common electrode in the S region (the shape of FIG. 6 in the cross section for each region), the first division The second driver 512, which applies the corresponding voltage signal to the electrode, generates and applies the voltage divided by n voltage signals between the minimum voltage Vmin and the maximum voltage Vmax. At this time, 0 V is applied to the fifth driving unit 562 of the upper plate 550 corresponding to the second split electrode (common electrode).

In addition, since the remaining areas must be implemented in 2D, respectively, there is no voltage difference between the upper and lower plates, or the voltage difference is very severe. This is because when there is no voltage difference between the upper and lower plates or when the voltage difference is very severe, the liquid crystal is lying or standing, so that the phase difference does not occur in the lens area so that the liquid crystal field lens does not function. For example, when A is the minimum voltage at which the liquid crystals are arranged side by side with an electric field, 0V is applied to the first split electrodes on the lower plate side, and the second split electrode (common electrode) formed on the upper plate side is described above. When 'max voltage + A voltage' (Vmax + A) is applied, there is no phase difference for each distance of the lens region, and all liquid crystals stand by forming a vertical electric field under the same conditions.

As a result, the first and third driving units 511 and 513 respectively apply 0V to each of the first divided electrodes formed in the areas connected to the lower plate (lower plate SEC1 and lower plate SEC3) on the lower plate, respectively, and the fourth and sixth drive units. 561 and 563 apply (Vmax + A) V to the second split electrodes formed in the regions (top SEC1, top SEC3) connected to it on the top plate, respectively.

Accordingly, the driving conditions between the upper and lower plates are formed under the conditions shown in FIG. 12.

That is, in the first condition, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 14A, 0V and 0V are applied to all of the corresponding electrodes of the upper and lower plates, respectively. In the S4 and S6 regions of the first condition, the liquid crystal layer 530 of the liquid crystal field lens is applied. The silver liquid crystal molecules lie in the direction of the first split electrode 501 as in the initial state before voltage application, thereby implementing 2D. In FIG. 14A, it can be seen that the optical path difference does not occur regardless of the change in the distance (X axis) regardless of the ideal parabolic lens in the liquid crystal field lens.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 13B and 14B, the second condition is applied to the S 5 region, in which the 0D is applied to the second divided electrode of the upper plate and the 3D driving voltage is applied to the first divided electrodes of the lower plate, respectively, in the S5 region. As applied, it can be seen that a liquid crystal field lens is formed in which the ideal parabolic lens and the optical path difference substantially match.

In addition, in the third condition, as shown in FIGS. 13C and 14C, (Vmax + A) V is applied to the second divided electrodes of the upper plate and 3D driving voltage is applied to the first divided electrodes of the lower plate, respectively, as described above. Similarly, when the voltage difference between the upper and lower plates is equal to or greater than AV, a strong vertical electric field having no electric field difference for each distance is formed. That is, in the S2 and S8 regions of the third condition, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal field lens have the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal molecules at each distance, thereby implementing 2D. That is, according to FIG. 14C, it can be seen that the optical path difference does not occur regardless of the change in the distance (X-axis) regardless of the ideal parabolic lens in the liquid crystal field lens.

In addition, in the fourth condition, as shown in FIGS. 13D and 14D, (Vmax + A) V is applied to the second divided electrodes of the upper plate and 0 V is applied to the first divided electrodes of the lower plate, respectively, as described above. Similarly, when the voltage difference between the upper and lower plates is equal to or greater than AV, a strong vertical electric field having no electric field difference for each distance is formed. That is, in the areas S1, S3, S7, and S9 of the fourth condition, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal field lens 530 have all liquid crystal molecules standing at each distance, thereby implementing 2D. That is, according to FIG. 14D, it can be seen that the optical path difference does not occur regardless of the change in the distance (X axis) regardless of the parabolic lens whose phase difference is ideal in the liquid crystal field lens.

That is, by the above-described three-dimensional display device, selective driving for each region and two-dimensional / three-dimensional switching of these regions are possible with a driving unit that provides a plurality of voltage application conditions without greatly changing the shape of the liquid crystal field lens. Simultaneous two-dimensional / three-dimensional driving is possible on the screen, and this could be confirmed by the above-described simulation.

On the other hand, the present invention described above is not limited to the above-described embodiment and the accompanying drawings, it is possible that various substitutions, modifications and changes within the scope without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in Esau.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional liquid crystal field lens

FIG. 2 is a graph showing an optical path length (phase) according to the position of the liquid crystal field lens of FIG.

3 is a schematic view showing a three-dimensional display device of the present invention

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a liquid crystal field lens capable of driving by region in a stereoscopic display device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

5A and 5B are plan views illustrating wirings of the liquid crystal field lens of FIG. 4 in detail.

6 is a cross-sectional view showing a stereoscopic display device of the present invention.

7 is a schematic view showing a liquid crystal field lens and a voltage applying unit thereof according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a graph showing an applied voltage applied to the liquid crystal field lens of FIG. 7 and the resulting phase difference

9 is a graph illustrating an applied voltage for each lens region of a stereoscopic display implementation region for each distance;

10A and 10B are plan views illustrating a lower plate (first substrate) and an upper plate (second substrate) in the stereoscopic display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating driving of each region of the stereoscopic display device according to the second exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B.

12 is a diagram illustrating an applied voltage when driving each region of a stereoscopic display device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

13A to 13D are cross-sectional views illustrating alignment of liquid crystals in respective regions when a stereoscopic display device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is implemented.

14A to 14D are graphs showing corresponding lens shapes of FIGS. 13A to 13D, respectively.

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

100: stereoscopic display device 110: two-dimensional display area

120: three-dimensional display area 151: active area

152: pad portion 160: division electrode applied voltage generation unit

161: link portion 200, 300, 600: liquid crystal field lens

210: active area 220: pad area

231 to 234: driving unit 300: stereoscopic display device

310, 500: first substrate 311, 501: first electrode (fine split electrode)

312: first alignment layer 320, 550: second substrate

551: 2nd electrode 511-513: 1st board | substrate (lower board) drive part

561 to 563: second substrate (top plate) driver 330, 530: liquid crystal layer

700: light source

Claims (13)

A display panel for emitting a two-dimensional image signal; Located on the display panel and divided into m regions (m is a natural number of two or more) on a plane, the electrodes and the first and second substrates on the first and second substrates facing each other and the first and second substrates are opposite to each other. A liquid crystal field lens including a liquid crystal layer between the second substrates and driven for each region by applying a voltage to the electrodes; A driver configured to receive a power supply voltage, respectively, to generate a plurality of voltage signals corresponding to each of the m regions, and to transmit the plurality of voltage signals to the liquid crystal field lens; And And a controller configured to control the application of the power supply voltage to each of the m regions. The method of claim 1, M driving parts are provided, And the control unit controls the m drivers to generate a voltage signal corresponding to one of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) modes. The method of claim 2, The control unit includes a two-dimensional mode / three-dimensional mode selection unit for each of the m drive unit. The method of claim 1, The m region may be divided into m regions of the first substrate or the second substrate of the liquid crystal field lens, and the electrodes may be disposed. The method of claim 4, wherein The liquid crystal field lens includes a plurality of lens regions for the m regions, respectively. The electrodes formed on the first and second substrates may include a plurality of split electrodes spaced apart from each other with respect to the plurality of lens regions on the first substrate, and a common electrode formed on the front surface of the second substrate. Display device. The method of claim 5, And the m driving parts are connected to the plurality of split electrodes on the first substrate. The method of claim 6, And a voltage equal to a minimum voltage applied to the plurality of divided electrodes is applied to the common electrode. The method of claim 7, wherein The voltage application of the common electrode is performed by any one of the m driving units or the control unit. The method of claim 5, And the plurality of split electrodes are formed in a rod shape in a first direction parallel to one side of the first substrate. The method of claim 1, The liquid crystal field lens includes a plurality of lens regions for the m regions, respectively. The m regions are divided into l (l is a natural number of 2 or more) regions divided in a first direction on the first substrate, and k (2 or more divided into a second direction crossing the first direction on the second substrate). Natural areas) are defined by correspondence (m = l * k), The electrodes formed on the first and second substrates may include a first divided electrode spaced apart from each other with respect to the plurality of lens regions on the first substrate, and a second spaced apart from each other between the plurality of lens regions on the second substrate. A stereoscopic display device comprising two split electrodes. The method of claim 10, The driving unit includes l corresponding to l regions on the first substrate and k corresponding to k regions on the second substrate, The l driving parts are connected to the first split electrode, And the k driving units are connected to the second split electrodes. The method of claim 11, And the controller is configured to control voltage signals of the first and second split electrodes at the same time. The method of claim 11, And the first split electrode is formed in a long bar shape in the second direction, and the second split electrode is formed in a long bar shape in the first direction.

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