Display device

Abstract

There is provided a display device including: a display panel including pixels; a polarizing layer disposed on the display panel and configured to polarize light in a first polarization direction; a liquid crystal layer disposed on the polarizing layer and including liquid crystal molecules; a lens array disposed on the liquid crystal layer and including lenses; and a polarization pattern disposed between the lenses and polarizing the light in a second polarization direction crossing the first polarization direction.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0106656 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 16, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] One or more embodiments described herein relate to a display device and a method of manufacturing the display device. Background Art

[0003] The stereoscopic image display device stimulates the visual perception of the viewer in such a way that the object is perceived in three dimensions. This can be achieved by providing different images to the left and right eyes of the viewer so that the viewer views the stereoscopic image through binocular parallax between the left and right eyes.

[0004] Recently, research on autostereoscopic display devices has been conducted. The autostereoscopic display device allows viewers to perceive stereoscopic images without having to wear stereo glasses. The autostereoscopic type is classified into a lenticular lens type (in which a cylindrical lens array is used to separate the left eye image and the right eye image) and a barrier type (in which a barrier is used to separate the left eye image and the right eye image). Summary of the invention

[0005] One or more embodiments provide a display device including polarization patterns formed between lenses in a lens array to control formation of an image on the display device.

[0006] One or more embodiments may use polarization patterns to control the transmission of light emitted through a liquid crystal layer of a display panel.

[0007] One or more embodiments may use a polarization pattern to transmit light to form a two-dimensional image when the polarization of light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer matches the polarization of the polarization pattern, and block light to form a stereoscopic image when the polarization of light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer does not match the polarization of the polarization pattern.

[0008] One or more embodiments may block the aforementioned light to reduce crosstalk occurring between lenses.

[0009] One or more embodiments may also include a method of manufacturing a display device.

[0010] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a display panel including pixels; a polarization layer, which is arranged on the display panel and is configured to polarize light in a first polarization direction; a liquid crystal layer, which is arranged on the polarization layer and includes liquid crystal molecules; a lens array, which is arranged on the liquid crystal layer and includes lenses; and a polarization pattern, which is arranged between the lenses and is configured to polarize light in a second polarization direction that intersects with the first polarization direction.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first polarization direction may differ from the second polarization direction by an angle of 90°.

[0012] In one embodiment, the display device may further include a first substrate having a liquid crystal layer formed thereon and a second substrate having a lens array formed thereon, wherein the first substrate is rubbed in a first rubbing direction and the second substrate is rubbed in a second rubbing direction intersecting the first rubbing direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first rubbing direction may be substantially equal to the first polarization direction, and the second rubbing direction may be substantially equal to the second polarization direction.

[0014] In one embodiment, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules may be controlled according to an electric field applied to the liquid crystal molecules.

[0015] In one embodiment, in the first mode, the liquid crystal layer may rotate light incident from the polarization layer in the second polarization direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, in the second mode, the liquid crystal layer may transmit light incident from the polarization layer without any rotation change.

[0017] In one embodiment, one of a major-axis refractive index and a minor-axis refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules may be substantially equal to a refractive index of at least one of the lenses.

[0018] In one embodiment, in the second mode, the lens may generate a light field by refracting light incident on the lens.

[0019] In one embodiment, the polarization pattern may overlap with the boundary between lenses.

[0020] In one embodiment, the lenses may be spaced apart from each other.

[0021] In one embodiment, a height of at least one of the lenses may be 27 μm, and a height of the liquid crystal layer may be 3 μm.

[0022] A method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: rubbing a first substrate in a first rubbing direction; forming a liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate; forming a lens array including lenses on a second substrate; forming a polarization pattern between the lenses to polarize light in a second polarization direction that intersects the first polarization direction; rubbing the second substrate in a second rubbing direction; bonding the first substrate to the second substrate; attaching the first substrate to a polarization layer configured to polarize light in the first polarization direction; and attaching the polarization layer to a display panel.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first polarization direction may differ from the second polarization direction by an angle of 90°.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first rubbing direction may be substantially equal to the first polarization direction, and the second rubbing direction may be substantially equal to the second polarization direction.

[0025] In one embodiment, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules may be controlled according to an electric field applied to the liquid crystal molecules.

[0026] In one embodiment, the method may further include forming a lower electrode layer on the first substrate, and forming an upper electrode layer on the second substrate.

[0027] In one embodiment, the liquid crystal layer may rotate light incident from the polarization layer in the second polarization direction in the first mode, and may transmit light incident from the polarization layer without any change in the second mode.

[0028] In one embodiment, one of a major-axis refractive index and a minor-axis refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules may be substantially equal to a refractive index of at least one of the lenses.

[0029] A method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: rubbing a first substrate in a first rubbing direction; forming a lens array including lenses on a second substrate; forming a polarization pattern between the lenses that polarizes light in a second polarization direction that intersects the first polarization direction; rubbing the second substrate in a second rubbing direction; bonding the first substrate to the second substrate; forming a liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules between the first substrate and the second substrate; attaching the first substrate to a polarization layer configured to polarize light in the first polarization direction; and attaching the polarization layer to a display panel.

[0030] According to one or more additional embodiments, a display device includes: a lens array; a display panel including pixels; a polarization pattern between the lenses; and a liquid crystal layer between the lens array and the display panel, wherein the polarization pattern is configured to block light polarized in a first polarization direction transmitted through the liquid crystal layer and to allow light polarized in a second polarization direction transmitted through the liquid crystal layer to pass through.

[0031] Light polarized in the second polarization direction transmitted through the liquid crystal layer can form a two-dimensional image, and light polarized in the first polarization direction transmitted through the liquid crystal layer can form a three-dimensional image. When the polarization pattern blocks light polarized in the first polarization direction transmitted through the liquid crystal layer, crosstalk between adjacent lenses in the lens can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 It is a view for describing a lens array type display device.

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an example of a display device.

[0035] Figure 4 It shows that Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an example of a display device operating in a first mode.

[0036] Figure 5 It shows that Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an example of a display device operating in a second mode.

[0037] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It shows that Figure 3 An example view of the polarization pattern formed between the lenses.

[0038] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig.10 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig.11 It shows that Fig.10 A diagram of an example in which the electronic device is implemented as a television. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Throughout the specification, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another element, it can be directly coupled or connected to the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween.

[0043] Various embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings which schematically illustrate idealized embodiments. Therefore, it will be expected that the shapes may vary depending on, for example, tolerances and / or manufacturing techniques. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limited to the specific shapes shown herein, but should be interpreted as including shape deviations caused by, for example, manufacturing. Therefore, the shapes shown in the accompanying drawings may not depict the actual shape of a region of the device, and the embodiments presented are not limited thereto.

[0044] Figure 1 It is a view for describing a lens array type display device. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device 10 may include a display panel DP and a lens array LSA. For example, the display device 10 may be a stereoscopic image display device that displays a stereoscopic image (three-dimensional (3D) image).

[0046] The display panel DP may include pixels PX that emit light to display an image. In one embodiment, each of the pixels PX may output one of red light, green light, and blue light. However, this is merely an example, and the color of the light emitted from the pixel PX is not limited thereto. Light having various colors may be output for full-color implementation.

[0047] In one embodiment, the display panel DP may be connected to a driving circuit that drives the pixels PX. The driving circuit may perform at least one of a gate driver, a data driver, and a driving controller. For example, the driving circuit may be located on the back of the display panel DP.

[0048] In one embodiment, the pixel PX may be arranged on the front surface of the display panel DP to form an emission surface. An image may be displayed based on the light emitted from the pixel PX. The pixel PX may be arranged as a plurality of pixel rows and a plurality of pixel columns. Here, the pixel rows may correspond to the pixel groups respectively, and the pixels in each pixel group are connected to the same gate line. The pixel columns may correspond to the pixel groups respectively, and each pixel column is connected to the same data line. For example, the pixel rows may be arranged in the second direction DR2, and the pixel columns may be arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0049] In one embodiment, the display panel DP may include a pixel circuit layer and a display element layer disposed on a specific substrate to form a pixel PX. The display panel DP may also include an encapsulation structure that encapsulates the display element layer. In addition, the display panel DP may include a polarization layer that includes a phase retarder and / or a polarizer disposed on the encapsulation structure.

[0050] The pixel circuit layer may include a pixel circuit configured to drive a light emitting element of the pixel PX. For example, the pixel circuit layer may include a transistor and a signal line / power line connected to the transistor. The pixel circuit layer may have a stacked structure to form a transistor.

[0051] The display element layer may be disposed on the pixel circuit layer. The display element layer may include a light-emitting element. The light-emitting element may be electrically connected to the pixel circuit of the pixel circuit layer. In one embodiment, the light-emitting element may be a self-luminous element. The self-luminous element may include an organic light-emitting element, an inorganic light-emitting element, or a light-emitting element made of a combination of an inorganic material and an organic material. That is, the display panel DP may be a self-luminous display panel. However, this is merely an example. In one embodiment, the light-emitting element may include a light-emitting element (e.g., a quantum dot display element) that emits light by changing the wavelength of light emitted using quantum dots.

[0052] In addition, the display panel DP may be implemented as a liquid crystal display panel, a plasma display panel, or a display panel that displays an image using quantum dots.

[0053] The lens array LSA may be directly or indirectly disposed on the display panel DP and may include individual lenses LS that refract light incident from the pixels PX. For example, the lens array LSA may be implemented as a lenticular lens array, a micro lens array, or the like.

[0054] Light field display is a three-dimensional (3D) display that uses a flat panel display and optical elements (e.g., a lens array LSA) to generate a light field represented as a vector distribution (intensity, direction) of light in space, thereby realizing stereoscopic images. Light field display is a display technology that is expected to be used in various ways through integration with augmented reality (AR) technology. This display technology enables the depth and side surfaces of objects to be seen, which enables more natural viewing of stereoscopic images.

[0055] The light field can be realized by various methods. For example, the light field can be generated by a method of using multiple projectors to generate the light field in multiple directions. Another method uses a diffraction grating to control the direction of light. Another method controls the direction and intensity (brightness) of light according to the combination of each pixel using two or more panels. Another method uses a pinhole or a barrier to control the direction of light. And, another method controls the direction of refraction of light through a lens array.

[0056] In one embodiment, Figure 1 As shown in , a lenticular array type display device can generate a light field to display a stereoscopic image (3D image).

[0057] A series of pixels PX are assigned to each lens LS and overlapped with each lens LS, and light from each pixel PX is refracted by the lens LS to travel only in a specific predetermined direction. Through this structure, a light field is expressed according to the intensity and direction of light. When a viewer views the display device in the light field generated in this way, the viewer can perceive a three-dimensional effect of the corresponding image.

[0058] Depending on the viewer's point of view in the light field, image information can be defined and processed in stereo pixel units. A stereo pixel (3D pixel) can be understood as graphic information that defines a specific point (or pixel) in 3D space.

[0059] In one embodiment, the lens array LSA may include a lens having a predetermined curvature extending in one direction (e.g., a semi-cylindrical shape, see Figure 3 ) of the lens LS (e.g., a biconvex lens). In one embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown in , the lens LS may be arranged at a predetermined tilt angle (tilted arrangement) relative to the first direction DR1 and extend. For example, the lens LS may be arranged to be tilted at an angle of 15.95° relative to the pixel PX. However, this is merely an example, and in another embodiment, the extension direction (and arrangement direction) of the lens LS may be arranged at a different angle.

[0060] The size and arrangement of the lens LS may be determined according to at least one condition, such as but not limited to the size of the pixel area, the viewing distance, the pixel size, the resolution, and the pixel array structure.

[0061] In one embodiment, the lens LS may include a microlens instead of a lenticular lens. In a plan view, the microlens may have a predetermined shape, for example, a hexagonal shape, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape.

[0062] In one embodiment, the polarization pattern POP may be disposed between the lenses LS. A detailed description of the polarization pattern POP will be provided below.

[0063] Interference may occur at the boundaries between the lenses LS. The effect of this interference due to diffraction of the emitted light may be significant. This interference may produce crosstalk in the stereoscopic image, thereby reducing the display quality. In addition, additional components of crosstalk may occur due to other effects (e.g., lens aberrations, defective orientation, etc.) at certain parts (e.g., ends) of the lenses LS. Due to this crosstalk, the polarization pattern POP may be set between the lenses LS.

[0064] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an example of a display device. Figure 4 It shows that Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an example of a display device operating in a first mode. Figure 5 It shows that Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an example of a display device operating in a second mode.

[0065] Reference Figures 1 to 5 , the display device 10 may include a display panel DP, a polarization layer POL, a polarization control layer PCL, a lens array LSA, and a polarization pattern POP.

[0066] The polarization layer POL may be disposed between the display panel DP and the polarization control layer PCL. The polarization layer POL may polarize light in a first polarization direction. For example, the polarization layer POL may polarize light incident from the display panel DP in the first polarization direction.

[0067] The polarizing layer POL may be disposed directly or indirectly on the display panel DP. In one embodiment, the polarizing layer POL may be attached to the display panel DP by a first transparent adhesive material AD1. The first transparent adhesive material AD1 may include an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0068] The polarization control layer PCL may be disposed between the lens array LSA and the display panel DP. The polarization control layer PCL may control polarization of light incident from the polarization layer POL.

[0069] The polarization control layer PCL may include a first substrate SUB1, a lower electrode layer LE, a liquid crystal layer LCL, and an upper electrode layer UE. The first substrate SUB1 may be disposed on the polarization layer POL. In one embodiment, the first substrate SUB1 may be attached to the polarization layer POL by a second transparent adhesive material AD2. The second transparent adhesive material AD2 may include OCA or OCR.

[0070] The first substrate SUB1 may be made of a transparent insulating material. For example, the first substrate SUB1 may be made of an organic material selected from the group consisting of polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate, polyimide, polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (SAC), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP).

[0071] In one embodiment, the first substrate SUB1 may also be made of an inorganic material. For example, the first substrate SUB1 may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer.

[0072] The lower electrode layer LE may be disposed on the first substrate SUB1. The lower electrode layer LE may include a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO). A reference voltage may be supplied to the lower electrode layer LE. The reference voltage is used as a reference for turning on / off driving of the liquid crystal layer LCL.

[0073] The upper electrode layer UE may be arranged opposite to the lower electrode layer LE. The upper electrode layer UE may include a transparent conductive material such as ITO. A driving voltage may be supplied to the upper electrode layer UE. The driving voltage may control the driving of the liquid crystal layer LCL to be turned on / off. An electric field may be generated between the upper electrode layer UE and the lower electrode layer LE according to whether a driving voltage is applied, and the alignment direction (or orientation) of the liquid crystal molecules LC included in the liquid crystal layer LCL may be controlled by the electric field. However, this is merely an example. In other embodiments, a driving voltage may be supplied to the lower electrode layer LE, and a reference voltage may be supplied to the upper electrode layer UE.

[0074] The liquid crystal layer LCL may be disposed between the lower electrode layer LE and the upper electrode layer UE. The liquid crystal layer LCL may include liquid crystal molecules LC having an alignment direction controlled by the presence or absence of an electric field.

[0075] The liquid crystal layer LCL can be in a two-dimensional (2D) image mode (i.e., with Figure 4 In the first mode corresponding to the first mode, the light incident from the polarization layer POL is rotated in the second polarization direction. In this case, the second polarization direction matches (or is referred to as "consistent") with the polarization direction of the polarization pattern POP. As a result, the light incident from the polarization layer POL forms a two-dimensional image. The liquid crystal layer LCL can be in a 3D mode (i.e., in a 3D mode corresponding to the first mode). Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, the polarization pattern POP is used to transmit the light incident from the polarization layer POL without any change in the second mode corresponding to the polarization pattern POP. In this case, the light incident on the lens array LSA is polarized in a first polarization direction that does not match the second polarization direction of the polarization pattern POP. As a result, the light incident from the polarization layer POL generates a stereoscopic image. As will be discussed in more detail, when operating in the 3D mode, the polarization pattern POP can block the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer LCL, thereby generating a stereoscopic image with reduced crosstalk.

[0076] In one embodiment, the liquid crystal layer LCL may be driven in a twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal mode with a predetermined (e.g., λ / 2) phase difference. However, this is merely an example, and in another embodiment, the liquid crystal layer LCL may be driven in a vertical alignment (VA), optically compensated bend (OCB), or electrically controlled birefringence (ECB) liquid crystal mode.

[0077] For example, in a state in which an electric field is not applied to the liquid crystal molecules LC in the TN liquid crystal mode, the liquid crystal molecules LC may be arranged (oriented) to rotate the linear polarization of incident light from a first polarization direction (e.g., a vertical direction) to a linear polarization in a second polarization direction (e.g., a horizontal direction) that intersects the first polarization direction. Therefore, the liquid crystal layer LCL may linearly polarize the light incident from the display panel DP in the second polarization direction and transmit the light. Light linearly polarized in the second polarization direction may be provided to the lens array LSA and the polarization pattern POP, and an image may be displayed in a 2D image mode (e.g., a first mode). This is because the second polarization direction of the light provided to the lens array LSA matches the second polarization direction of the light polarized by the polarization pattern POP.

[0078] On the other hand, in a stereoscopic image mode (e.g., the second mode), a driving voltage may be applied to the upper electrode layer UE, and an electric field may be generated between the upper electrode layer UE and the lower electrode layer LE. In this case, the liquid crystal molecules LC may be arranged (oriented) so that light incident from the polarization layer POL is transmitted without any change (e.g., without any rotational change). For example, light incident from the polarization layer POL and polarized in a first polarization direction (e.g., a vertical direction) may be incident on the lens array LSA without any change. Because the first polarization direction of the light provided to the lens array LSA does not match the second polarization direction of the polarization pattern POP, the polarization pattern POP may block crosstalk between adjacent lenses in the lens LS in the second mode.

[0079] That is, when forming a stereoscopic image, the light refracted in the lens array LSA can be divided into a light beam having a path corresponding to the right eye image and a light beam having a path corresponding to the left eye image, and the light beams can converge to different focal points. As a result, a stereoscopic image can be realized. That is, the lens LS in the lens array LSA can refract the light incident on the lens LS in the second mode to generate a light field.

[0080] One of the major axis refractive index and the minor axis refractive index of the liquid crystal molecule LC may be substantially equal to the refractive index of at least one of the lenses LS. Hereinafter, for ease of description, it is assumed that the major axis refractive index of the liquid crystal molecule LC is substantially equal to the refractive index of the lens LS. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0081] When light incident from the polarization control layer PCL vibrates in an axial direction having a different refractive index from the lens LS, the light can be emitted by being refracted at the interface based on the refractive index difference between the lens LS and the liquid crystal layer LCL. In this case, a stereoscopic image can be displayed by refraction of the emitted light.

[0082] When light incident from the polarization control layer PCL vibrates in an axis direction having the same refractive index as the lens LS, the incident light may be emitted along the vibration of the incident light without any change.

[0083] In this manner, a stereoscopic (3D) image may be realized according to the relationship between the vibration direction of the incident light provided by the lens array LSA and the refractive index of the lens LS.

[0084] For example, in the first mode, light incident on the liquid crystal layer LCL may be affected by the long-axis refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules LC according to the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules LC. Therefore, light incident from the liquid crystal layer LCL may not be refracted when passing through the lens LS.

[0085] For example, in the second mode, light incident on the liquid crystal layer LCL may be affected by the short-axis refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules LC according to the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules LC. Therefore, light incident from the liquid crystal layer LCL may be refracted while passing through the lens LS.

[0086] An upper electrode layer UE covering the lens LS may be formed on the second substrate SUB2. For example, a material constituting the upper electrode layer UE may be deposited on one surface of the lens LS.

[0087] In one embodiment, the lens array LSA may include an array of lenses LS having a predetermined (e.g., semi-cylindrical convex) shape. For example, the lens LS may be a biconvex lens. However, this is merely an example, and in other embodiments, the lens LS may be formed as micro lenses, each of which has a micro-sized area.

[0088] In the present embodiment, the lens LS is shown to have a convex shape oriented in a direction toward the first substrate SUB1, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the lens LS may have a convex shape oriented in a direction toward the second substrate SUB2.

[0089] In one embodiment, the liquid crystal layer LCL may be formed on the first substrate SUB1, and the lens array LSA may be formed on the second substrate SUB2. In addition, the first substrate SUB1 on which the liquid crystal layer LCL is formed may be bonded to the second substrate SUB2 on which the lens array LSA is formed. In one embodiment, the first alignment layer AL1 covering the lower electrode layer LE may be disposed on the first substrate SUB1. In one embodiment, the second alignment layer AL2 covering the upper electrode layer UE may be disposed on the second substrate SUB2.

[0090] For example, the first alignment layer AL1 may be formed on the first substrate SUB1, the first substrate SUB1 may be rubbed in a first rubbing direction (i.e., the first alignment layer AL1 may be rubbed in the first rubbing direction), and the liquid crystal layer LCL may be formed on the first substrate SUB1. For example, the second alignment layer AL2 may be formed on the second substrate SUB2, and the second substrate SUB2 may be rubbed in a second rubbing direction intersecting the first rubbing direction (i.e., the second alignment layer AL2 may be rubbed in the second rubbing direction). For example, the first substrate SUB1 having the liquid crystal layer LCL formed thereon may be bonded to the second substrate SUB2 having the lens array LSA formed thereon.

[0091] In one embodiment, after the first substrate SUB1 is bonded to the second substrate SUB2 on which the lens array LSA is disposed, a liquid crystal layer LCL may be formed between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2.

[0092] For example, the first alignment layer AL1 may be formed on the first substrate SUB1, and the first substrate SUB1 may be rubbed in a first rubbing direction (i.e., the first alignment layer AL1 may be rubbed in the first rubbing direction). For example, the second alignment layer AL2 may be formed on the second substrate SUB2, and the second substrate SUB2 may be rubbed in a second rubbing direction (i.e., the second alignment layer AL2 may be rubbed in the second rubbing direction). For example, the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 may be combined, and the liquid crystal molecules LC may be injected through the hole between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2.

[0093] In one embodiment, the first rubbing direction may be a direction intersecting the lens LS (i.e., the third direction DR3). The second rubbing direction may be a direction parallel to the lens LS (i.e., the fourth direction DR4). In one embodiment, the first rubbing direction may be substantially the same as the first polarization direction, and the second rubbing direction may be substantially the same as the second polarization direction. For example, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules LC adjacent to the first substrate SUB1 may be arranged in the first rubbing direction, and the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules LC adjacent to the second substrate SUB2 may be arranged in the second rubbing direction.

[0094] The second substrate SUB2 may be used as a substrate (mother substrate) for forming / manufacturing the lens array LSA. In addition, the lens array LSA may be protected from external contamination, impact, scratches, and the like.

[0095] In one embodiment, the second substrate SUB2 may be made of a transparent insulating material. The second substrate SUB2 may include a transparent organic material or a transparent inorganic material that may constitute the first substrate SUB1 described above. For example, the second substrate SUB2 may include the same material as the first substrate SUB1.

[0096] The polarization pattern POP polarizes light in the second polarization direction and may be disposed between the lenses LS. For example, the polarization pattern POP may extend in an oblique direction (ie, a fourth direction DR4) along a boundary between the lenses LS arranged in an oblique orientation. For example, the polarization pattern POP may transmit linearly polarized light in the second polarization direction.

[0097] In one embodiment, the polarization pattern POP may be in contact with the second substrate SUB2. For example, the polarization pattern POP may be formed using a patterning method.

[0098] In one embodiment, the first polarization direction may differ from the second polarization direction by a predetermined angle, for example, 90°. For example, when the first polarization direction is a vertical direction, the second polarization direction may be a horizontal direction. For example, when the second polarization direction is a vertical direction, the first polarization direction may be a horizontal direction. In the following, for ease of description, it is assumed that the first polarization direction is a vertical direction and the second polarization direction is a horizontal direction. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to embodiments in which the difference angle between the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction is 90°.

[0099] For example, Figure 4 As shown in , light incident from the display panel DP may be polarized in a vertical direction while passing through the polarization layer POL. The light polarized in the vertical direction may be rotated in a horizontal direction while passing through the liquid crystal layer LCL. The light rotated in the horizontal direction may pass through the polarization pattern POP without any change (e.g., without being blocked by the polarization pattern POP), thereby generating a two-dimensional image.

[0100] For example, Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , light incident from the display panel DP may be polarized in a vertical direction while passing through the polarization layer POL. Light polarized in the vertical direction may pass through the liquid crystal layer LCL without any rotation change. Light passing through the liquid crystal layer LCL without any rotation change may be blocked by the polarization pattern POP, thereby generating a stereoscopic image with reduced crosstalk.

[0101] In one embodiment, the height of the lens LS may be greater than the height of the liquid crystal layer LCL. Figure 3 As shown in , the height of the lens LS may be 27 μm, and the height of the liquid crystal layer LCL may be 3 μm. In other embodiments, one or more of these heights may be different.

[0102] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown in , the height of the lens LS may correspond to the length of the most convex portion (eg, the thickest portion) of the lens LS in a cross-sectional view. The height of the liquid crystal layer LCL may be the height of the liquid crystal layer LCL at a position corresponding to the thickest portion of the lens LS in the cross-sectional view.

[0103] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It shows that Figure 3 An example view of the polarization pattern formed between the lenses.

[0104] Reference Figure 6 , the polarization pattern POP may overlap with the boundary between the lenses LS. In this case, adjacent lenses in the lenses LS may contact each other. The polarization pattern POP may be formed at the boundary where the lenses LS contact.

[0105] Reference Figure 7 , the lenses LS may be spaced apart from each other. In this case, the polarization pattern POP may be disposed between adjacent lenses in the lens LS. For example, when the lens LS is formed, an empty space may be formed between adjacent lenses in the lens LS. The polarization pattern POP may be formed to overlap with the empty space.

[0106] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 8 The manufacturing method of the display device includes: rubbing a first substrate in a first rubbing direction (S100); forming a liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate (S200); and forming a second substrate. The method also includes: forming a lens array including lenses on the second substrate (S300); forming a polarization pattern between the lenses to polarize light in a second polarization direction that crosses the first polarization direction (S400); and forming the second substrate to the second polarization direction. The method also includes: rubbing the second substrate in a second rubbing direction (S500); combining (or combining together) the first substrate and the second substrate (S600); attaching the first substrate and a polarization layer that polarizes light in the first polarization direction (S700); and attaching the polarization layer to the display panel (S800).

[0108] A liquid crystal layer may be formed on the first substrate, and a lens array may be formed on the second substrate. In addition, the first substrate on which the liquid crystal layer is formed and the second substrate on which the lens array is formed may be combined. In one embodiment, a first alignment layer covering the lower electrode layer may be provided on the first substrate. In one embodiment, a second alignment layer covering the upper electrode layer may be provided on the second substrate.

[0109] For example, a first alignment layer may be formed on a first substrate, the first substrate may be rubbed in a first rubbing direction (e.g., the first alignment layer may be rubbed in the first rubbing direction), and a liquid crystal layer may be formed on the first substrate. For example, a second alignment layer may be formed on a second substrate, and the second substrate may be rubbed in a second rubbing direction intersecting the first rubbing direction (e.g., the second alignment layer may be rubbed in the second rubbing direction). For example, a first substrate having a liquid crystal layer formed thereon may be bonded to a second substrate having a lens array formed thereon.

[0110] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Reference Fig. 9 ,exist Fig. 9 In the method for manufacturing a display device, a first substrate may be rubbed in a first rubbing direction (S100), a lens array including lenses may be formed on a second substrate (S300), a polarization pattern that polarizes light in a second polarization direction that crosses the first polarization direction may be formed between the lenses (S400), the second substrate may be rubbed in a second rubbing direction (S500), the first substrate may be bonded to the second substrate (S600), a liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules may be formed between the first substrate and the second substrate (S900), the first substrate may be attached to a polarization layer that polarizes light in the first polarization direction (S700), and the polarization layer may be attached to a display panel (S800).

[0112] After bonding the first substrate to the second substrate on which the lens array is formed, a liquid crystal layer may be formed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0113] For example, a first alignment layer may be formed on a first substrate, and the first substrate may be rubbed in a first rubbing direction (e.g., the first alignment layer may be rubbed in the first rubbing direction). For example, a second alignment layer may be formed on a second substrate, and the second substrate may be rubbed in a second rubbing direction (e.g., the second alignment layer may be rubbed in the second rubbing direction). For example, a first substrate may be bonded to a second substrate, and liquid crystal molecules may be injected through a hole between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0114] Fig.10 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.11 It shows that Fig.10 A diagram of an example in which the electronic device is implemented as a television.

[0115] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11, the electronic device 1000 may include a processor 1010, a memory device 1020, a storage device 1030, an input / output device 1040, a power supply device 1050, and a display device 1060. In this case, the display device 1060 may be Figure 1 In addition, the electronic device 1000 may also include various ports that can communicate with a video card, a sound card, a memory card, a universal serial bus (USB) device, etc. or can communicate with other systems. In one embodiment, as Fig.11 As shown in , the electronic device 1000 can be implemented as a TV. However, this is just an example, and the electronic device 1000 is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device 1000 can be implemented as a mobile phone, a video phone, a smart tablet, a smart watch, a tablet personal computer (PC), a vehicle navigation device, a computer monitor, a laptop computer, a head-mounted display device, etc.

[0116] The processor 1010 may perform a specific calculation or task. Depending on the embodiment, the processor 1010 may be a microprocessor, a central processing unit, an application processor, or another type of processing logic. The processor 1010 may be connected to other components via an address bus, a control bus, and a data bus. Depending on the embodiment, the processor 1010 may also be connected to an expansion bus such as a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0117] The memory device 1020 may store data used for the operation of the electronic device 1000. For example, the memory device 1020 may include a nonvolatile memory device (such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) device, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) device, a flash memory device, a phase change random access memory (PRAM) device, a resistive random access memory (RRAM) device, a nano floating gate memory (NFGM) device, a polymer random access memory (PoRAM) device, a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device, and a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) device), and / or a volatile memory device (such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device, a static random access memory (SRAM) device, and a mobile DRAM device).

[0118] The storage device 1030 may include a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), a CD-ROM, or the like.

[0119] The input / output device 1040 may include an input device such as a keyboard, a keypad, a touch pad, a touch screen, or a mouse, and an output device such as a speaker or a printer. According to an embodiment, the display device 1060 may be included in the input / output device 1040.

[0120] The power supply device 1050 may supply power for the operation of the electronic device 1000. For example, the power supply device 1050 may be a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0121] The display device 1060 may display an image corresponding to the visual information of the electronic device 1000. In this case, the display device 1060 may be an organic light emitting display device or a quantum dot light emitting display device, but is not limited thereto. The display device 1060 may be connected to other components via a bus or other communication links.

[0122] According to one or more of the aforementioned embodiments, since the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a polarization pattern located between lenses, crosstalk caused by, for example, lens aberrations, light diffraction and / or defective orientation at the ends of the lenses can be reduced or minimized.

[0123] However, the effects of the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and various extensions can be made within the scope not exceeding the concept and field of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0124] Examples of Industrial Applicability One or more embodiments described herein may be applied to a display device and an electronic device including the display device. For example, one or more embodiments may be applied to a digital TV, a 3D TV, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a VR device, a PC, a home electronic device, a laptop computer, a PDA, a PMP, a digital camera, a music player, a portable game console, a navigation device, etc.

[0125] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. The embodiments may be combined to form additional embodiments.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display panel, including pixels; a polarizing layer disposed on the display panel and configured to polarize light in a first polarization direction; a liquid crystal layer, disposed on the polarizing layer and comprising liquid crystal molecules; a lens array disposed on the liquid crystal layer and comprising lenses; and A polarization pattern is disposed between the lenses and is configured to polarize light in a second polarization direction crossing the first polarization direction.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first polarization direction differs from the second polarization direction by an angle of 90°.

3. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A first substrate and a second substrate, the liquid crystal layer is formed on the first substrate, and the lens array is formed on the second substrate, wherein: The first substrate is rubbed in a first rubbing direction, and The second substrate is rubbed in a second rubbing direction intersecting the first rubbing direction.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The first rubbing direction is equal to the first polarization direction, and The second rubbing direction is equal to the second polarization direction.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The alignment directions of the liquid crystal molecules are controlled according to an electric field applied to the liquid crystal molecules.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: In the first mode: The liquid crystal layer is configured to rotate light incident from the polarization layer in the second polarization direction.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: In the second mode: The liquid crystal layer is configured to transmit light incident from the polarization layer without any rotation change.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: One of a major axis refractive index and a minor axis refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules is equal to a refractive index of at least one of the lenses.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: In the second mode: The lens is configured to generate a light field by refracting light incident on the lens.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The polarization pattern overlaps a boundary between the lenses.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The lenses are spaced apart from each other.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The height of at least one of the lenses is 27 μm, and The height of the liquid crystal layer is 3 μm.

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