Display device with switchable viewing angle

Abstract

A display device (100) with a switchable viewing angle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a display panel (110) with a display area (AA) and a non-display area (NA) around the display area (AA), wherein the display area (AA) has a viewing angle control area (PA) in which the display device is operated in such a way that it is switchable between a viewing angle control mode and an enable mode, an enable area (SA) in which the display device (100) is operated in an enable mode, and a boundary area (MA) arranged between the viewing angle control area (PA) and the enable area (SA) in which the display device (100) is operated in such a way that it is switchable between the viewing angle control mode and the enable mode, and a viewing angle control panel (120, 220) arranged below the display panel (110).to selectively control the operating mode of the display device (100) by controlling the polarized light transmitted into the display area (AA), wherein in an area of ​​the viewing angle control panel (120, 220) corresponding to the boundary area (MA), the viewing angle control panel (120, 220) is configured such that the amount of polarized light from a light source of the display device (100) that is blocked by the viewing angle control panel (120, 220) gradually decreases in a direction from the viewing angle control area (PA) to the release area (SA), thereby reducing the visual inconsistency caused by a difference in viewing angle between the viewing angle control area (PA) and the release area (SA).

Description

BACKGROUND Subject area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device with a switchable viewing angle. Description of the related technique

[0002] In general, display devices are commonly used for screens of various products such as televisions, laptops, monitors and ATMs in banks, as well as for portable electronic devices such as mobile terminals, electronic notebooks, e-books, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation systems, ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs), mobile phones, smartphones and tablet computers (PCs).

[0003] The viewing angle characteristics of the display device are very important.

[0004] The display device must be able to achieve clear and undistorted image quality even within a wide viewing angle. Therefore, continuous work is underway to develop a technology for wide viewing angles.

[0005] However, in the event that the information displayed by the display device must not be seen by other people nearby, in addition to a wide viewing angle mode (normal mode), a narrow viewing angle mode (privacy mode) is also required, which is necessary to allow only the person sitting in front of the screen to see the images on the screen when confidential documents are being processed or tasks requiring security are being carried out.

[0006] However, there has recently been an increasing demand for display devices that combine wide-angle and narrow-angle viewing modes. These devices differentiate between partial information or areas, displaying certain areas or information in narrow-angle mode and other areas or information in wide-angle mode. In this case, a problem can arise: the display quality can be affected by heterogeneity in a borderline area where the information or areas are displayed in two different modes. BRIEF EXPLANATION

[0007] One objective to be fulfilled by the present disclosure is to provide a display device with a switchable viewing angle, wherein the display device can switch between a privacy mode and a normal mode (or a release mode) and, in particular, improves the luminance without increasing the power consumption in the release mode.

[0008] Another task to be fulfilled by the present disclosure is to provide a display device with a switchable viewing angle, wherein the display device is able to improve the image quality by reducing the visual inconsistency caused by a difference between the modes displayed in an area between a privacy mode and a sharing mode.

[0009] A further task to be fulfilled by the present disclosure is to provide a display device with a switchable viewing angle, wherein the display device is able to improve efficiency and process performance.

[0010] The tasks of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned above can be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the following descriptions. Various embodiments of this disclosure provide display devices according to the independent claims. Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0011] A display device with a switchable viewing angle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a display panel having a display area and a non-display area around the display area, wherein the display area has a viewing angle control area in which the display device is operated in such a way that it is switchable between a viewing angle control mode and an enable mode, an enable area in which the display device is operated in enable mode, and a boundary area arranged between the viewing angle control area and the enable area in which the display device is operated in such a way that it is switchable between the viewing angle control mode and the enable mode, a viewing angle control panel,which is arranged below the display panel for selectively controlling the operating mode of the display device by controlling the polarized light transmitted into the display area, wherein in an area of ​​the viewing angle control panel corresponding to the boundary area, the viewing angle control panel is configured such that the amount of polarized light from a light source of the display device, which is blocked by the viewing angle control panel, gradually decreases in the direction from the viewing angle control area to the release area.

[0012] A display device with a switchable viewing angle according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a display panel having a display area and a non-display area around the display area, wherein the display area has a viewing angle control area in which the display device is operated in such a way that it is switchable between a viewing angle control mode and an enable mode, an enable area in which the display device is operated in enable mode, and a boundary area arranged between the viewing angle control area and the enable area in which the display device is operated in such a way that it is switchable between the viewing angle control mode and the enable mode, and a viewing angle control panel arranged below the display panel for selectively controlling the operating mode of the display device.wherein the viewing angle control panel comprises: a first polarization plate; a viewing angle control layer arranged on the first polarization plate; and a second polarization plate arranged on the viewing angle control layer having a transmission axis perpendicular to a transmission axis of the first polarization plate, wherein the viewing angle control layer comprises a plurality of upper electrodes, at least one lower electrode, and a liquid crystal layer arranged between the upper electrodes and the lower electrode, wherein in a region of the viewing angle control panel corresponding to the boundary region, the width of each of the plurality of upper electrodes gradually decreases in the direction from the viewing angle control region to the release region.

[0013] A display device with a switchable viewing angle according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a display panel having a display area and a non-display area around the display area, wherein the display area has a viewing angle control area in which the display device is operated in such a way that it is switchable between a viewing angle control mode and an enable mode, an enable area in which the display device is operated in enable mode, and a boundary area arranged between the viewing angle control area and the enable area in which the display device is operated in such a way that it is switchable between the viewing angle control mode and the enable mode, and a viewing angle control panel arranged below the display panel for selectively controlling the operating mode of the display device.wherein the viewing angle control panel comprises: a first polarization plate; a viewing angle control layer arranged on the first polarization plate; and a second polarization plate arranged on the viewing angle control layer, the second polarization plate having a transmission axis perpendicular to a transmission axis of the first polarization plate, wherein the viewing angle control layer comprises a plurality of upper electrodes, at least one lower electrode, and a liquid crystal layer arranged between the upper electrodes and the lower electrode, wherein in a region of the viewing angle control panel corresponding to the boundary region, a voltage applied to the plurality of upper electrodes in viewing angle control mode is applied such that the voltage gradually decreases in one direction from the viewing angle control region to the enable region.

[0014] Further details of the exemplary embodiments are contained in the detailed description of the invention and the drawings.

[0015] The present disclosure can provide a display device with a switchable viewing angle that can be switched between privacy mode and release mode by controlling the polarization state and beam path of the light source, and can improve the luminance without increasing power consumption, especially in release mode.

[0016] The present disclosure can provide a display device with a switchable viewing angle that can increase the speed of switching between privacy mode and release mode by using a twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal with a high response rate in controlling the beam path.

[0017] The present disclosure can provide a display device with a switchable viewing angle, which can collect light using a pixel lens and improve efficiency and process performance using glass for the base substrate.

[0018] The effects according to the present disclosure are not limited to the contents mentioned above as examples, and the present description includes various other effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a configuration view which schematically shows a display device with a switchable viewing angle according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a view which shows by way of example the display device with a switchable viewing angle according to the embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B Cross-sectional views are shown by way of example of a part of a display device with a switchable viewing angle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B Top views are shown by way of example of a part of the display device with a switchable viewing angle according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing by way of example a part of a display device with a switchable viewing angle according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 6A is a view showing a state in which the display device has a switchable viewing angle according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure in Fig. 5 is in a release mode; Fig. 6B is a view showing a state in which the display device has a switchable viewing angle according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure in Fig. 5 is in a privacy mode; Fig. 7 is a top view showing a viewing angle control area, a release area and a boundary area between the two areas of the display device; Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B Schematic cross-sectional views of a viewing angle control panel along line A to A' in Fig. 7 are; and Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B Schematic cross-sectional views to illustrate a further configuration of the viewing angle control panel along line A to A' in Fig. There are 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORM

[0020] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and a method for achieving these advantages and features will become clear with reference to the exemplary embodiments described in detail below, together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but can be implemented in various forms. The exemplary embodiments serve only as examples to enable the person skilled in the art to fully understand the disclosures and the scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, and the like shown in the accompanying drawings to describe exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to them. The same reference numerals generally denote the same elements throughout the description. Furthermore, a detailed explanation of known related technologies may be omitted from the following description of the present disclosure in order not to obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure unnecessarily. The terms used herein, such as "have," "with," and "consisting of," are generally intended to permit the addition of other components unless the terms are used with the term "only." All references to the singular may include the plural unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0022] Components are interpreted as having a normal error range, even if this is not explicitly stated.

[0023] When the positional relationship between two parts is described using terms such as "on", "above", "below" and "next to", one or more parts may be positioned between the two parts unless the terms are used together with the term "immediately" or "directly".

[0024] When an element or layer is placed "on" another element or layer, the element or layer may be located directly on top of the other element or layer, or there may be another layer (or layers) or another element (or elements) in between.

[0025] Although the terms "first...", "second...", and the like are used to describe various components, these components are not limited to these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from the others. Therefore, a first component mentioned below may be a second component in a technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0026] Identical reference symbols generally denote identical elements throughout the entire description.

[0027] A size and thickness of each component shown in the drawing are shown for the convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not limited to the size and thickness of the component shown.

[0028] The features of different embodiments of the present disclosure may be partially or completely related or combined with one another and may be linked and operated in technically different ways, and the embodiments may be carried out independently of one another or in combination with one another.

[0029] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 is a configuration view that schematically shows a display device with a switchable viewing angle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 is a view that shows by way of example the display device with a switchable viewing angle according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] To simplify the description, Fig. 1 only a display panel 110, a gate driver GD, a data driver DD and a time control device TC among numerous components of a display device 100 with a switchable viewing angle.

[0033] With reference to Fig. 1. The display device 100 with a switchable viewing angle according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can have the display panel 110 with a plurality of subpixels SP and the gate driver GD, the data driver DD and the timing device TC, which are configured to provide different types of display to the display panel 110.

[0034] The gate driver GD can provide a plurality of sampling signals to a plurality of sampling lines SL in response to a plurality of gate control signals provided by the timing device TC. Fig. Figure 1 shows that the single gate driver GD is positioned such that it is spaced away from one side of the display panel 110. However, the number and arrangement of the gate drivers GD are not limited to this.

[0035] The data driver DD can convert image data input by the timing device TC into a data voltage using a reference gamma voltage in response to multiple data control signals provided by the timing device TC. The data driver DD can then supply the converted data voltage to multiple data lines DL.

[0036] The timing unit (TC) can align externally inputted image data and provide the image data to the data driver (DD). The timing unit (TC) can generate gate control signals and data control signals using externally input synchronization signals, i.e., dot clock signals, data release signals, and horizontal / vertical synchronization signals. Furthermore, the timing unit (TC) can control the gate driver (GD) and the data driver (DD) by providing the generated gate control signals and data control signals to the gate driver (GD) and the data driver (DD), respectively.

[0037] The display panel 110 can be configured to display images to the user and has a plurality of subpixels SP. In the display panel 110, the plurality of scanning lines SL and the plurality of data lines DL can intersect, and each of the plurality of subpixels SP can be connected to the scanning line SL and the data line DL. Furthermore, each of the subpixels SP can be connected to a high-potential voltage line, a low-potential voltage line, a reference line, or the like. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0038] The display panel 110 can have a display area AA and a non-display area NA, which is configured to surround the display area AA.

[0039] The AA display area is an area of ​​the 110 display panel where images are displayed.

[0040] The display area AA can comprise a plurality of subpixels SP, which form a plurality of pixels, and a circuit configured to operate the plurality of subpixels SP. The plurality of subpixels SP are minimal units that form the display area AA. The n subpixels SP can form a single pixel. All types of display panels, such as liquid crystal display panels, organic electroluminescent display panels, quantum dot display panels, and electroluminescent display panels, can be used as the display panel 110 used in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] A plurality of lines for transmitting different types of signals to the plurality of subpixels SP can be arranged in the display area AA. For example, the plurality of lines can include the plurality of data lines DL for providing data voltages to the plurality of subpixels SP and the plurality of sample lines SL for providing sample signals to the plurality of subpixels SP. The plurality of sample lines SL can extend in one direction in the display area AA and be connected to the plurality of subpixels SP. The plurality of data lines DL can extend in a direction different from the direction in the display area AA and be connected to the plurality of subpixels SP. Additionally, a low-potential voltage line, a high-potential voltage line, and the like can be further arranged in the display area AA. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0042] The non-display area (NA) is an area where no image is displayed. The non-display area (NA) can be defined as an area extending from the display area (AA). The non-display area (NA) may contain interconnects and pad electrodes for transmitting signals to the subpixels (SP) in the display area (AA). Alternatively, the non-display area (NA) may contain driver ICs such as gate driver ICs and data driver ICs.

[0043] However, the non-display area NA can be positioned on the back side of the display panel 110, i.e., an area where the subpixel SP is not present. Alternatively, the non-display area NA can be omitted. The present description is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings.

[0044] Meanwhile, the drivers, such as the gate driver GD, the data driver DD, and the timing device TC, can be connected to the display panel 110 in various ways. For example, the gate driver GD can be mounted in a gate-in-panel (GIP) arrangement in the non-display area NA. Furthermore, the data driver DD and the timing device TC can be formed on a separate flexible film and the printed circuit board. The data driver DD and the timing device TC can be electrically connected to the display panel 110 by connecting the flexible film and the printed circuit board to the pad electrode formed in the non-display area NA of the display panel 110.

[0045] However, with reference to Fig. 2. The display device 100 with a switchable viewing angle of the present disclosure in the broadest sense may comprise the display panel 110 configured to display an image, a viewing angle control panel 120 arranged above or below the display panel 110 and configured to selectively control a viewing angle range in which the image implemented by the display panel 110 is displayed, and a backlight unit 130 positioned below the viewing angle control panel 120.

[0046] Fig. Figure 2 shows an example where the viewing angle control panel 120 is arranged below the display panel 110. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The viewing angle control panel 120 can also be arranged above the display panel 110.

[0047] However, if the display panel 110 is configured, for example, as a liquid crystal display panel, the display panel 110 can have a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0048] Although not shown, the first substrate, which is a TFT array substrate, may include a gate line and a data line configured to define a pixel area while intersecting each other, as well as a thin-film transistor formed in an intersection section where the gate line and the data line intersect.

[0049] Furthermore, for example, a plurality of common electrodes and a plurality of pixel electrodes can be arranged alternately in pixel areas of the first substrate to create images.

[0050] Furthermore, a black matrix with aperture sections corresponding to the pixel areas can be arranged on the second substrate, which is a color filter substrate. A color filter layer, comprising red, green, and blue color filters arranged sequentially and repeatedly to correspond to the aperture sections, can also be placed on the second substrate.

[0051] In addition, a coating layer can be arranged over the black matrix and the color filter layer.

[0052] Additionally, a lower polarizing plate and an upper polarizing plate can each be attached to an outer surface of the first substrate and an outer surface of the second substrate, respectively, and configured to selectively transmit specific light. For the sake of simplicity, the lower polarizing plate and the upper polarizing plate can be referred to as the third and fourth polarizing plates, respectively.

[0053] In this case, the polarization axes of the third and fourth polarization plates can be orthogonal to each other.

[0054] Meanwhile, the viewing angle control panel 120 can be arranged above or below the display panel 110. For example, the viewing angle control panel 120 of the present disclosure can, in the broadest sense, comprise a viewing angle control layer and polarization plates arranged above and below the viewing angle control layer. The viewing angle control panel 120 can selectively provide light suitable for privacy mode or release mode by controlling the polarization state of the light for each area according to whether a voltage is applied to an electrode provided in the viewing angle control layer.

[0055] Furthermore, the backlight unit 130 can be arranged below the viewing angle control panel 120. For example, the backlight unit 130 of the present disclosure can provide polarized light (e.g., P-waves or S-waves).

[0056] The backlight unit 130 can incorporate a light source such as an incandescent lamp, a fluorescent lamp, or a light-emitting diode (LED). The light emitted by the light source is directed via the viewing angle control panel 120 to the display panel 110, enabling the display of images.

[0057] The viewing angle control panel 120 and the backlight unit 130 are described below with reference to the Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B described in detail.

[0058] Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B are cross-sectional views showing, by way of example, a part of a display device with a switchable viewing angle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Fig. 4A and Fig. Figure 4B are top views showing, by way of example, a part of the display device with a switchable viewing angle according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B shows exemplary structures of the viewing angle control panel 120 and the backlight unit 130 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] To simplify the description, the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B a part of the display device with a switchable viewing angle, from which the display panel is excluded. The display panel can be arranged on an upper or lower part of the viewing angle control panel 120 or attached to the upper or lower part of the viewing angle control panel 120 in the manner of an attachment.

[0062] Fig. Figure 3A shows the display device with a switchable viewing angle in a state in which no voltage is applied to a pair of electrodes 125a and 125b. Fig. Figure 3B shows the display device with a switchable viewing angle in a state in which a voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes 125a and 125b.

[0063] The Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B shows a change in the polarization states of the light depending on whether a voltage is applied.

[0064] Furthermore, the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B the arrangement of the pair of electrodes 125a and 125b.

[0065] With reference to the Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, the backlight unit 130 can be located below the viewing angle control unit 120.

[0066] For example, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the backlight unit 130 can provide light that is polarized to the P-wave or to the S-wave by applying a polarizing light source.

[0067] In the related technique, unpolarized light emitted from the light source is primarily polarized using the lower polarizing plate. The direction of the polarized light is controlled using the liquid crystal layer, and the light is secondarily polarized again using the upper polarizing plate to create an image. In the related technique described above, the light primarily polarized by the lower polarizing plate is used, meaning that a large portion (approximately 50%) of the light emitted by the light source is blocked and thus lost by the lower polarizing plate. Because the light passes through many layers and different types of film, including the polarizing plate, the amount of light that ultimately creates an image is less than 10% of the total amount of light.

[0068] Meanwhile, a reflective polarized dual brightness enhancer (DBEF) (Vikuiti™ DBEF) was developed and deployed to reduce overall power consumption by minimizing light loss. The reflective polarized DBEF transmits polarized waves (e.g., P-waves) polarized in one direction of the incoming light and reflects polarized waves (e.g., S-waves) polarized in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the light reflected by the reflective polarized DBEF is reflected by a reflective film. The DBEF transmits the waves polarized in one direction of the reflected light and reflects the waves polarized in the other direction. This means the reflective polarized DBEF can increase light utilization through the use of reflection and polarization.However, since light loss occurs during reflection, the DBEF has a limitation in terms of reducing this loss. Furthermore, the reflective polarized DBEF has the disadvantage of high manufacturing costs.

[0069] Therefore, the first embodiment of the present disclosure uses the backlight unit 130, which uses the polarization light source, so that it is possible to reduce the overall power consumption of the display device with a switchable viewing angle by reducing light loss and to realize an image without the use of a bottom polarization film and / or the reflective polarized DBEF, thereby reducing costs.

[0070] For example, the backlight unit 130 can include a non-polarized LED as a light source. Furthermore, the backlight unit 130 can also include a diffusion plate for mixing the light emitted by the light source and a brightness enhancement film (BEF). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0071] For example, the LEDs can form an array by being aligned on the upper section of a substrate, such as a printed circuit board, and can include red, green, and blue LEDs, or a white LED. The LEDs form an LED module by being regularly arranged on the upper section of the circuit board. Furthermore, multiple LED modules can be used to provide light to the viewing angle control panel. For example, a reflective film can be positioned below a light-emitting surface of the LED and reflect the light emitted by the LED upwards. Additionally, the LED can be provided in the form of a package containing a non-polarized LED chip.

[0072] The light emitted by the LED, which is polarized into the P-wave or the S-wave as it passes through the diffusion plate and the BEF, enters the viewing angle control panel 120. Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B shows an example where P-wave polarized light enters the viewing angle control panel 120. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. S-wave polarized light can also enter the viewing angle control panel 120.

[0073] In general, the polarization plate used for the liquid crystal display panel requires a polarization degree of 98 to 100%, so that the transmittance cannot exceed approximately 40 to 50%. However, in the present disclosure, for example, a polarization plate having a polarization degree of 70 to 90% and a transmittance of 60 to 80% can be used as the lower polarization plate of the viewing angle control panel 120.

[0074] Next, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in the broadest sense, the viewing angle control panel 120 can comprise a viewing angle control layer 129 and a first and a second polarization plate 122a and 122b, respectively arranged below and above the viewing angle control layer 129.

[0075] For example, the first polarizing plate 122a can have a transmission axis that coincides with a polarization direction of the background light. If, for example, the background light has a horizontal polarization of the P-wave, the first polarizing plate 122a can have a transmission axis of 0° and an absorption axis of 90°.

[0076] For example, the second polarizing plate 122b can have a transmission axis perpendicular to the polarization direction of the background light. If, for example, the background light has a horizontal polarization of the P-wave, the second polarizing plate 122b can have a transmission axis of 90° and an absorption axis of 0°. That is, the transmission axis of the second polarizing plate 122b can be perpendicular to the transmission axis of the first polarizing plate 122a.

[0077] For reference: The polarizing plate has a polarizing film with a polarizing function. The polarizing film can be formed by adsorbing iodine or a dichroic dye onto a layer of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) that is stretched in a specific direction. In this case, the transmission axis can be formed in a direction orthogonal to the stretching direction.

[0078] For example, a first TAC (triacetate cellulose) layer 121a and a second TAC layer 121b can be arranged outside the first polarization plate 122a and the second polarization plate 122b, respectively. Additionally, an adhesion layer can be arranged outside the second TAC layer 121b. The adhesion layer is a layer of adhesive that allows the viewing angle control panel 120 to be attached to the display panel. For example, the adhesion layer can contain a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0079] For example, a first phase-delay compensation film 123a of 0 RT can be arranged between the first polarization plate 122a and the viewing angle control layer 129. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The first phase-delay compensation film 123a can be omitted in some cases.

[0080] Furthermore, for example, a first protective layer 124a can be arranged between the first phase-delay compensation film 123a and the viewing angle control layer 129. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The first protective layer 124a can be omitted in some cases. For example, the first protective layer 124a can be made of silicon nitride with a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 10 -3 -10 2 g / m 2It must be manufactured on the day to protect the lower electrode 125a from moisture. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0081] For example, a second phase-delay compensation film 123b of 0 RT can be arranged between the second polarization plate 122b and the viewing angle control layer 129. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The second phase-delay compensation film 123b can be omitted in some cases.

[0082] Furthermore, for example, a second protective layer 124b can be arranged between the second phase-delay compensation film 123b and the viewing angle control layer 129. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The second protective layer 124b can be omitted in some cases. For example, the second protective layer 124b can be made of silicon nitride with a WVTR of 10 -3 -10-2 g / m 2 It must be manufactured on the day to protect the upper electrode 125b from moisture. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0083] Furthermore, the viewing angle control layer 129 can comprise the lower electrode 125a, the upper electrode 125b and a liquid crystal layer 126 arranged between the lower electrode 125a and the upper electrode 125b.

[0084] In this case, for example, the lower electrode 125a can be configured as a continuous electrode over the display area AA. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the lower electrode 125a can extend to the non-display area NA and overlap with part of the non-display area NA.

[0085] In contrast, for example, the upper electrode 125b can be configured in a plurality of bar shapes parallel to each other in one direction above the display area AA. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Fig. Figure 4A shows an example where the upper electrode 125b is arranged in a direction parallel to the data line, and shows Fig. Figure 4B is an example where the upper electrode 125b is arranged in a direction parallel to the gate line. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. In this case, the parallel direction can not only be the same direction, but also substantially the same direction, i.e., the same direction determined taking into account a process error. If the upper electrode 125b is arranged in a direction parallel to the data line, as in Figure 4B, the following applies: Fig. As shown in Figure 4A, the privacy mode can be implemented in the left / right direction. If the upper electrode 125b is arranged in a direction parallel to the gate line, as shown in Figure 4A, the privacy mode can be implemented in the left / right direction. Fig. As shown in 4B, the privacy mode can be implemented in the up / down direction.

[0086] Furthermore, for example, the upper electrode 125b can be configured in a plurality of beam shapes parallel to each other at predetermined intervals.

[0087] The upper electrode 125b and the lower electrode 125a can each be made of a transparent conductive material with excellent transmittance, e.g. at least one of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), carbon nanotubes, metal nanowires and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT).

[0088] However, the liquid crystal layer 126 can be made from a twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal with a high response speed.

[0089] The twisted nematic liquid crystals have molecules arranged in a helical pattern. The orientation of the molecules is rotated for each layer, resulting in a helical structure that is twisted as a whole.

[0090] When a voltage is applied to the twisted nematic liquid crystals, the rotation of the liquid crystal molecules can be altered, and this rotation can be used to control the light transmittance. For example, when no voltage is applied, the light can be rotated through the helical structure, and the direction of propagation of the transmitted light can be reversed.

[0091] Therefore, as in Fig. 3A shows that in the case where no electric field is applied between the upper electrode 125b and the lower electrode 125a, the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 is constant throughout the viewing angle control layer 129.

[0092] In contrast, as in Fig. 3B shows that when an electric field is applied between the upper electrode 125b and the lower electrode 125a, the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 in the area where the upper electrode 125b is located and the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 in the area where the upper electrode 125b is not located are different.

[0093] First, for example, with reference to Fig. 3A describes that in the case where no electric field is applied between the upper electrode 125b and the lower electrode 125a, the background light enters the viewing angle control panel 120 with the horizontal polarization of the P-wave.

[0094] Since in this case the first polarization plate 122a has a transmission axis that coincides with the polarization direction of the background light, the background light of the P-wave can pass through the first polarization plate 122a without loss.

[0095] Furthermore, in this case, the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 can be constant across the entire area of ​​the viewing angle control layer 129. This means that, since the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 126 are twisted in the helical structure, the direction of propagation of the light passing through the first polarization plate 122a is rotated, so that the polarization direction of the light changes from the P-wave to the S-wave.

[0096] Furthermore, in this case, the light whose polarization direction has been changed to the S-wave passes without loss through the second polarization plate 122b, whose transmission axis is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the background light.

[0097] Therefore, both in the area where the upper electrode 125b is located and in the area where the upper electrode 125b is not located, the light whose polarization direction has been changed to the S-wave can pass through the viewing angle control panel 120 and be provided to the display panel so that the release mode can be implemented.

[0098] Next, with reference to Fig. 3B described that in the case that an electric field is applied between the upper electrode 125b and the lower electrode 125a, the background light with the horizontal polarization of the P-wave enters the viewing angle control panel 120 as described above.

[0099] Since in this case the first polarization plate 122a has a transmission axis that coincides with the polarization direction of the background light, the background light of the P-wave can pass through the first polarization plate 122a without loss.

[0100] In contrast, in this case, the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 in the region where the upper electrode 125b is located and the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 in the region where the upper electrode 125b is not located can differ. That is, in the region where the upper electrode 125b is not located, the state in which the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 126 are twisted in the helical structure is maintained, and the direction of propagation of the light passing through the first polarization plate 122a is rotated, so that the polarization direction of the light changes from the P-wave to the S-wave. In contrast, in the region where the upper electrode 125b is located, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 126 are rearranged by the electric field such that the helical shapes are dissolved and align in a row.Therefore, the light of the P-wave passes through the TN liquid crystal layer 126 without changing the polarization state.

[0101] Furthermore, in this case, the light of the P-wave cannot pass through the second polarization plate 122b, whose transmission axis is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the background light.

[0102] Therefore, in the area where the upper electrode 125b is not located, the light whose polarization direction has been changed to the S-wave penetrates the viewing angle control panel 120 and is supplied to the display panel. In contrast, in the area where the upper electrode 125b is located, the P-wave light is blocked by the second polarization plate 122b, thus enabling the privacy mode.

[0103] For example, the background light of the P-wave can pass through the first polarizing plate 122a to about 90%, while being partially absorbed; and can pass through the viewing angle control layer 129 to about 80%, while being partially absorbed; and finally, the light whose polarization direction has been changed to the S-wave can pass through the second polarizing plate 122b to about 70%, while being partially absorbed. In contrast, the light of the P-wave can pass through the second polarizing plate 122b to about 1%, while being almost completely blocked.

[0104] In contrast, in the case of a thin-film shutter (TFS) using a light source with unpolarized background light and electrochromic (EC) technology in the related technology, the background light can only pass through the electrochromic layers to about 35%, while it is absorbed to a considerable extent. Therefore, in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, an improvement in the field-of-view brightness of about 3.6 times compared to the prior art can be expected.

[0105] As described above, in the first embodiment of the present disclosure it is possible to provide a display device with a switchable viewing angle that can be switched between privacy mode and release mode by controlling the polarization state and beam path of the backlight source, and to improve the luminance without increasing power consumption, particularly in release mode.

[0106] Furthermore, it is possible to provide the display device with a switchable viewing angle, which can increase the speed of switching between the release mode and the privacy mode by using a TN liquid crystal with a high response speed to control the beam path.

[0107] However, according to the present disclosure, a pixel lens can be added to an upper layer of the viewing angle control panel to collect light, thereby improving efficiency. This configuration is described in detail with reference to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing, by way of example, a part of a display device with a switchable viewing angle according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] Fig. 6A is a view showing a state in which the display device has a switchable viewing angle according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure in Fig. 5 is in release mode.

[0110] Fig. 6B is a view showing a state in which the display device has a switchable viewing angle according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure in Fig. 5 is in privacy mode.

[0111] Fig. Figure 5 shows exemplary structures of a viewing angle control panel 220 and the backlight unit 130 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B by way of example the display device with a switchable viewing angle according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, i.e. the structures of the viewing angle control panel 220, the backlight unit 130 and a display panel 210.

[0112] Fig. Figure 6A shows the display device with a switchable viewing angle in a state in which no voltage is applied to the electrode pair 125a and 125b. Fig. Figure 6B shows the display device with a switchable viewing angle in a state in which a voltage is applied to the electrode pair 125a and 125b.

[0113] The Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B shows the propagation state of light at a predetermined point depending on whether a voltage is applied. That is, the propagation state of light is displayed on the front side of the display panel 210.

[0114] The configurations in the Fig. 5, Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B are essentially identical to the configurations of the first embodiment of the present disclosure in the Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, except that a pixel lens 228 is added to the upper layer of the viewing angle control panel 220, and the display panel 210 is positioned above the viewing angle control panel 220. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and a description of them is omitted.

[0115] The following describes an example in which the display panel 210 is configured as a liquid crystal display panel. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0116] With reference to the Fig. 5, Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B the display panel 210 can be arranged above the viewing angle control panel 120 and the backlight unit 130 can be arranged below the viewing angle control panel 120.

[0117] For example, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the backlight unit 130 can provide light polarized to the P-wave or the S-wave by applying a polarization light source.

[0118] Since the backlight unit 130 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is identical to the backlight unit 130 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a description of the same is omitted.

[0119] In the display panel 210 of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, an array substrate 212a and a color filter substrate 212b can be arranged at a distance from each other and facing each other, and a liquid crystal layer 213 can be arranged between the array substrate 212a and the color filter substrate 212b. In this case, for the sake of simplicity, the array substrate 212a and the color filter substrate 212b can be referred to as the first substrate and the second substrate, respectively.

[0120] A first substrate 212a can include a gate line and a data line configured to define a pixel area as they intersect, as well as a thin-film transistor of a switching element formed in an intersection section where the gate line and the data line intersect.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, a plurality of common electrodes and a plurality of pixel electrodes can be arranged alternately in pixel areas of the first substrate 212a and generate images.

[0122] Furthermore, a black matrix with aperture sections corresponding to the pixel areas can be arranged on a second substrate 212b. A color filter layer 214 with red, green, and blue color filters arranged sequentially and repeatedly to correspond to the aperture sections can be arranged on the second substrate 212b.

[0123] Furthermore, a coating layer (not shown) can be arranged over the black matrix and the color filter layer 214.

[0124] Additionally, a lower polarization plate 211a and an upper polarization plate 211b can each be attached to the outer surface of the first substrate 212a and the outer surface of the second substrate 212b, respectively. For the sake of simplicity, the lower polarization plate 211a and the upper polarization plate 211b can each be referred to as a third polarization plate and a fourth polarization plate.

[0125] In this case, the polarization axes of the third and fourth polarization plates 211a and 211b can be orthogonal to each other.

[0126] As described above, the P-wave or S-wave backlight emitted by the backlight unit 130 enters the viewing angle control panel 220. Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B shows an example where the background light polarized to P-waves enters the viewing angle control panel 220. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The background light polarized to S-waves can also enter the viewing angle control panel 220.

[0127] Next, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the viewing angle control panel 220 can, in the broadest sense, comprise the viewing angle control layer 129 and the first and second polarization plates 122a and 122b, respectively, arranged below and above the viewing angle control layer 129. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the viewing angle control panel 220 can comprise the pixel lens 228, which is arranged above the second polarization plate 122b.

[0128] For example, the first polarizing plate 122a can have a transmission axis that coincides with a polarization direction of the background light. If, for example, the background light has a horizontal polarization of the P-wave, the first polarizing plate 122a can have a transmission axis of 0° and an absorption axis of 90°.

[0129] For example, the second polarizing plate 122b can have a transmission axis that is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the background light. If, for example, the background light has a horizontal polarization of the P-wave, the second polarizing plate 122b can have a transmission axis of 90° and an absorption axis of 0°. That is, the transmission axis of the second polarizing plate 122b can be perpendicular to the transmission axis of the first polarizing plate 122a.

[0130] For example, the first TAC layer 121a and the second TAC layer 121b can each be arranged outside the first polarization plate 122a and the second polarization plate 122b, respectively. Additionally, an adhesion layer can be arranged outside the second TAC layer 121b. For example, the adhesion layer can contain an adhesive.

[0131] For example, the first phase-delay compensation film 123a of 0 RT can be arranged between the first polarization plate 122a and the viewing angle control layer 129. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. In some cases, the first phase-delay compensation film 123a can be omitted.

[0132] Furthermore, the first protective layer 124a can, for example, be arranged between the first phase-delay compensation film 123a and the viewing angle control layer 129. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The first protective layer 124a can be omitted in some cases.

[0133] For example, the second phase-delay compensation film 123b of 0 RT can be arranged between the second polarization plate 122b and the viewing angle control layer 129. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The second phase-delay compensation film 123b can be omitted in some cases.

[0134] Furthermore, the second protective layer 124b can, for example, be arranged between the second phase-delay compensation film 123b and the viewing angle control layer 129. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The second protective layer 124b can be omitted in some cases.

[0135] Furthermore, the viewing angle control layer 129 can include the lower electrode 125a, the upper electrode 125b and the liquid crystal layer 126 arranged between the lower electrode 125a and the upper electrode 125b.

[0136] In this case, for example, the lower electrode 125a can be configured as a continuous electrode over the display area AA. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the lower electrode 125a can extend to the non-display area NA and overlap a portion of the non-display area NA.

[0137] In contrast, for example, the upper electrode 125b can be configured in a plurality of bar shapes parallel to each other in one direction above the display area AA. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0138] Furthermore, for example, the upper electrode 125b can be configured in a plurality of parallel beam shapes at predetermined intervals.

[0139] The upper electrode 125b and the lower electrode 125a can each be made of a transparent conductive material with excellent transmission, e.g. at least one of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), carbon nanotubes, metal nanowires and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT).

[0140] However, the liquid crystal layer 126 can be made from a twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal with a high response speed.

[0141] Furthermore, as in Fig. 6A shows that in the case where no electric field is applied between the upper electrode 125b and the lower electrode 125a, the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 is constant throughout the viewing angle control layer 129.

[0142] In contrast, as in Fig. Figure 6B shows that, in the case where an electric field is applied between the upper electrode 125b and the lower electrode 125a, the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 in the area where the upper electrode 125b is located and the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 in the area where the upper electrode 125b is not located are different from each other.

[0143] First, for example, with reference to Fig. Section 6A describes that if no electric field is applied between the upper electrode 125b and the lower electrode 125a, the background light with the horizontal polarization of the P-wave enters the viewing angle control panel 220. For the sake of simplicity, the following describes, as an example, the movement of the background light of the P-wave entering the viewing angle control panel 220 at a point of the backlight unit 130.

[0144] Since in this case the first polarizing plate 122a has a transmission axis that coincides with the polarization direction of the background light, the P-wave background light can pass through the first polarizing plate 122a without loss. For example, the P-wave background light entering the viewing angle control panel 220 from a point on the backlight unit 130 can pass through the first polarizing plate 122a both in the direction towards the center and in the left / right direction.

[0145] Furthermore, in this case, the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 can be constant across the entire area of ​​the viewing angle control layer 129. That is, since the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 126 are twisted in the helical structure, the direction of propagation of the light passing through the first polarization plate 122a is rotated, so that the polarization direction of the light changes from the P-wave to the S-wave both towards the center and in the left / right direction. In this case, the light, whose polarization direction has been changed to the S-wave, can pass through the viewing angle control panel 120 both in the area where the upper electrode 125b is located and in the area where the upper electrode 125b is not located.

[0146] Furthermore, in this case, the light whose polarization direction has been changed to the S-wave passes through the second polarization plate 122b without loss, the transmission axis of which is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the background light. For example, the background light propagating from the viewing angle control panel 220 to the second polarization plate 122b can pass through the second polarization plate 122b both towards the center and in the left / right direction.

[0147] Furthermore, in this case, the backlight passing through the second polarizing plate 122b towards the center and in the left / right direction is supplied to the display panel 210, thus enabling the release mode. This means that not only the backlight directed towards the center, but also the backlight propagating obliquely to the left / right, is supplied to the display panel 210, enabling a clear, undistorted image quality across a wide viewing angle.

[0148] Next, with reference to Fig. 6B described that in the case that an electric field is applied between the upper electrode 125b and the lower electrode 125a, the background light with the horizontal polarization of the P-wave enters the viewing angle control panel 120 as described above.

[0149] Since in this case the first polarizing plate 122a has a transmission axis that coincides with the polarization direction of the background light, the P-wave background light can pass through the first polarizing plate 122a without loss. For example, the P-wave background light entering the viewing angle control panel 220 at a point on the backlight unit 130 can pass through the first polarizing plate 122a in both the center direction and the left / right direction.

[0150] In contrast, in this case, the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 in the region where the upper electrode 125b is located and the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 in the region where the upper electrode 125b is not located can differ. That is, in the region where the upper electrode 125b is not located, the state in which the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 126 are twisted in the helical structure is maintained, and the direction of propagation of the light passing through the first polarizing plate 122a is rotated, so that the polarization direction of the light changes from the P-wave to the S-wave. In this case, the light, whose polarization direction has been changed to the S-wave, passes without loss through the second polarizing plate 122b, whose transmission axis is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the background light.For example, the background light, which spreads from the viewing angle control panel 220 towards the second polarization plate 122b in the direction towards the center, can pass through the second polarization plate 122b without loss.

[0151] In contrast, in the area where the upper electrode 125b is located, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 126 are rearranged by the electric field such that the helical structures are dissolved and align in a row. Therefore, the P-wave light passes through the TN liquid crystal layer 126 without changing its polarization state. In this case, the P-wave light cannot pass through the second polarization plate 122b, whose transmission axis is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the background light. For example, the background light propagating from the viewing angle control panel 220 towards the second polarization plate 122b in a left / right direction, i.e., obliquely, is blocked by the second polarization plate 122b, thus enabling the implementation of privacy mode.This means that work on confidential documents can be carried out, or tasks requiring security can be performed, with only the person sitting in front of the screen able to see the images on the screen.

[0152] As described above, in the second embodiment of the present disclosure it is possible to provide a display device with a switchable viewing angle that can be switched between privacy mode and release mode by controlling the polarization state and the beam path of the backlight source, and to improve the luminance without increasing power consumption, particularly in release mode.

[0153] Furthermore, it is possible to provide the display device with a switchable viewing angle, which can increase the speed of switching between the release mode and the privacy mode by using a TN liquid crystal with a high response rate to control the beam path.

[0154] However, the display device with a switchable viewing angle according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure can further comprise the pixel lens 228, which is arranged on the upper layer of the viewing angle control panel 220.

[0155] For example, a lens arrangement can be arranged above the second polarizing plate 122b. For example, the lens arrangement can have a plurality of pixel lenses 228 arranged on a substrate 227. The lens arrangement can be positioned on a path for the light emitted by the backlight unit 130.

[0156] A lower surface of each of the pixel lenses 228, facing the second polarizing plate 122b, can be a flat surface. A surface of each of the pixel lenses 228, facing the display panel 210, can be semicircular. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these possibilities. The plurality of pixel lenses 228 can be arranged side by side. For example, the lens arrangement can include a lenticular lens.

[0157] For example, the pixel area of ​​the display panel 210 can overlap one of the pixel lenses 228. Therefore, in the display device with a switchable viewing angle according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the backlight can pass through one of the pixel lenses 228, be emitted into the pixel area, and be made available to the user. Therefore, in the display device with a switchable viewing angle according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the center luminance of the pixel area can be improved.

[0158] Although not shown, the lens assembly may also include a cover layer configured to cover the pixel lens 228. The cover layer can prevent damage to the pixel lens 228 from external influences. For example, a semicircular area of ​​each of the pixel lenses 228 may be completely covered by the cover layer. The cover layer can eliminate any height difference caused by the pixel lenses 228. For example, the cover layer may be made of an insulating material.

[0159] For example, the majority of pixel lenses 228 can be arranged at predetermined intervals in the direction parallel to the data line, and the pixel lenses 228 can each be configured in several bar shapes. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0160] For example, the pixel lenses 228 can each be arranged such that they correspond to a region, i.e. a non-pattern region between the upper electrodes 125b.

[0161] Furthermore, the pixel lenses 228 can, for example, be arranged according to the red, green and blue color filters of the color filter layer 214.

[0162] Fig. Figure 7 is a top view showing a viewing angle control area, a release area and a boundary area between the two areas of the display device.

[0163] Under various environmental conditions in which the user uses the display device, it is sometimes necessary for a portion of the display device to control and display the viewing angle, while the remaining portion does not control the viewing angle.

[0164] For example, in the case of a display device installed at the front of the vehicle, the driver's seat screen can be seen by both the driver and a passenger. In the case of an entertainment screen, such as one displaying images, viewed by the passenger, the viewing angle can be adjusted so that the driver cannot see the entertainment screen, as it could obstruct the driver's view while driving.

[0165] This is because, when driving a vehicle, any images that capture the driver's attention can impair safe driving.

[0166] In another application example, the user may be using a monitor, laptop or tablet and certain content should not be visible to others for privacy reasons.

[0167] In addition to the situations described above, there may be various usage environments. In different usage environments, the viewing angle control area PA of the display device, which limits the viewing angle, may be flexible, and there may be cases where a viewing angle restriction is required in selected areas.

[0168] As described above, if the area is divided into the viewing angle control area PA to limit the viewing angle and a release area SA in the display area, the heterogeneity of a boundary area between the viewing angle control area PA and the release area SA can be increased, which can reduce the user immersion and the display quality of the display device.

[0169] Fig. Figure 7 shows the viewing angle control area PA and the release area SA of the display area AA of the display device, as well as a boundary area MA between the two areas. The viewing angle control area PA can have various shapes, for example, a circle or a rectangle within the display area AA. The position of the viewing angle control area PA can also be any position within the display area AA.

[0170] Fig. Figure 7 briefly shows the three areas described above. It should be noted that there may be various modified versions.

[0171] When images in the viewing angle control area PA and the release area SA are displayed at different viewing angles as described above, the boundary area becomes more noticeable due to the difference in viewing angles between the areas with different viewing angles, depending on the viewer's position. Various configurations to minimize this difference are described below.

[0172] Fig. 8A and Fig. Figure 8B shows schematic cross-sectional views of the viewing angle control panel along line A to A' in Fig. 7.

[0173] A method for minimizing a visibility difference between the viewing angle control area PA and the release area SA in the boundary area MA is described with reference to the Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B described. A description of the components that are essentially identical to those described previously is omitted.

[0174] The Fig. 8A and Fig. Figure 8B shows a portion of the display device with a switchable viewing angle, excluding the display panel. The display panel can be arranged on the upper or lower part of the viewing angle control panel 120 or attached to the upper or lower part of the viewing angle control panel 120 as an attachment. The display panel can be a liquid crystal display panel or an organic light-emitting phosphor (OCP) display panel. If the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel, it can further include a light source, such as a backlight unit, arranged below the viewing angle control panel 120. The embodiment in which a liquid crystal display panel is used as the display panel is described below.

[0175] With reference to the Fig. 8A and Fig. In 8B, the viewing angle control panel 120 includes the viewing angle control layer 129, which has the second polarization plate 122b parallel to the first polarization plate 122a and with a transmission axis perpendicular to the first polarization plate 122a, wherein the viewing angle control layer 129 is provided between the first polarization plate 122a and the second polarization plate 122b. The viewing angle control layer 129 includes the liquid crystal layer 126, which is provided between at least one lower electrode 125a and a plurality of upper electrodes 125b.

[0176] Furthermore, an alignment film may be provided on the lower electrode 125a. However, a detailed description of the alignment film is omitted in this description.

[0177] The first TAC layer (triacetate cellulose) 121a and the second TAC layer 121b can each be arranged outside the first polarization plate 122a and the second polarization plate 122b, respectively. Additionally, an adhesion layer can be arranged outside the second TAC layer 121b.

[0178] Although in the Fig. 8A and Fig. Not shown in Figure 8B, a lens arrangement can be arranged above the second polarizing plate 122b. For example, the lens arrangement can comprise the plurality of pixel lenses 228 arranged on the substrate 227, as shown in Figure 8B. Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B shown.

[0179] The one in the Fig. 8A and Fig. The area shown in 8B is a cross-section corresponding to the boundary area MA, with a boundary A adjacent to the viewing angle control area PA and a boundary A' adjacent to the release area SA.

[0180] In the boundary area MA, the width of the upper electrode 125b increases when the upper electrode 125b is closer to the viewing angle control area PA, and the width of the electrode decreases relatively when the electrode is closer to the release area SA.

[0181] However, although this is in the Fig. 8A and Fig. Since Figure 8B is not shown, the release area SA may not include the upper electrode 125b. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. If necessary, an electrode made of the same material as the upper electrode 125b may be arranged as a dummy electrode to which no voltage is applied in order to minimize the visual difference between the viewing angle control area PA, the limit area MA, and the release area SA.

[0182] If the release area SA has the upper electrode 125b, the upper electrode 125b can be a dummy electrode. The dummy electrode can minimize a visual difference corresponding to the reflection of external light and a visual difference corresponding to the transmittance of the light emitted by the backlight unit 130.

[0183] In various modified embodiments, the dummy electrode can maintain a predetermined voltage independently of the viewing angle control mode or the release mode. Furthermore, the dummy electrode can extend to an outer edge of the viewing angle control panel. The dummy electrode can be connected to the ground electrode or configured to maintain a predetermined voltage across the dummy electrode to reduce erroneous actuation of the viewing angle control panel due to static electricity or similar causes.

[0184] The majority of the upper electrodes 125b of the enable area SA can be configured in multiple bar shapes parallel to one direction, and the lower electrode 125a can be configured as a continuous electrode across the indicator area AA. The majority of the upper electrodes 125b can be arranged parallel to the gate line and, if required, parallel to the data line.

[0185] The upper electrode 125b, located in the boundary region MA, is an electrode for implementing the privacy mode and is arranged in a direction parallel to the gate line. The upper electrode 125b and the lower electrode 125a can each be made of a transparent conductive material with excellent transmittance, e.g., at least one of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), carbon nanotubes, metal nanowires, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT).

[0186] However, the liquid crystal layer 126 can be made from a twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal with a high response speed.

[0187] The twisted nematic liquid crystals have molecules arranged in a helical pattern. The orientation of the molecules is rotated for each layer, resulting in a helical structure that is twisted as a whole.

[0188] Furthermore, when a voltage is applied to the twisted nematic liquid crystals, the rotation of the liquid crystal molecules can be altered, and this rotation can be used to control the light transmittance. For example, when no voltage is applied, the light can be rotated through the helical structure, thus changing the direction of propagation of the transmitted light.

[0189] Therefore, as in Fig. 8A shows that in the case where no electric field is applied between the upper electrode 125b and the lower electrode 125a, the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 is constant throughout the viewing angle control layer 129.

[0190] In contrast, as in Fig. 8B shows that when an electric field is applied between the upper electrode 125b and the lower electrode 125a, the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 in the area where the upper electrode 125b is located and the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 in the area where the upper electrode 125b is not located are different from each other.

[0191] A configuration of the light path is described. First, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8A, in the case that no electric field is applied between the upper electrode 125b and the lower electrode 125a, the background light with the horizontal polarization of the P-wave enters the viewing angle control panel 120 from the backlight unit 130.

[0192] Since in this case the first polarization plate 122a has a transmission axis that coincides with the polarization direction of the background light, the background light of the P-wave can pass through the first polarization plate 122a without loss.

[0193] Furthermore, in this case, the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 can be constant across the entire area of ​​the viewing angle control layer 129. The molecules of the twisted nematic liquid crystals are arranged in a helical structure. Because the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 126 are twisted in the helical structure, the direction of propagation of the light passing through the first polarization plate 122a is rotated, so that the polarization direction of the light changes from the P-wave to the S-wave.

[0194] Furthermore, in this case the light whose polarization direction has been changed to the S-wave passes without loss to the second polarization plate 122b, whose transmission axis is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the background light.

[0195] Therefore, both in the area where the upper electrode 125b is located and in the area where the upper electrode 125b is not located, the light with the polarization direction changed to the S-wave can pass through the viewing angle control panel 120 and be provided to the display panel so that the release mode can be implemented.

[0196] Next, with reference to Fig. 8B described that in the case that an electric field is applied between the upper electrode 125b and the lower electrode 125a, the background light with the horizontal polarization of the P-wave enters the viewing angle control panel 120 as described above.

[0197] Since in this case the first polarization plate 122a has a transmission axis that coincides with the polarization direction of the background light, the background light of the P-wave can pass through the first polarization plate 122a without loss.

[0198] In contrast, in this case, the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 in the region where the upper electrode 125b is located and the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 in the region where the upper electrode 125b is not located can differ from each other. That is, in the region of the liquid crystal layer 126 where the upper electrode 125b is not located, the state in which the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 126 are twisted in the helical structure is maintained, and the direction of propagation of the light passing through the first polarization plate 122a is rotated, so that the polarization direction of the light changes from the P-wave to the S-wave.In contrast, in the region where the upper electrode 125b is located, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 126 are rearranged by the electric field such that the helical shapes are dissolved and aligned in a row. Therefore, the P-wave light passes through the TN liquid crystal layer 126 without changing its polarization state.

[0199] Furthermore, in this case the light of the P-wave cannot pass through the second polarization plate 122b, whose transmission axis is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the background light.

[0200] Therefore, in the area where the upper electrode 125b is not located, the light with the polarization direction changed to the S-wave passes through the viewing angle control panel 120 and is supplied to the display panel. In contrast, in the area where the upper electrode 125b is located, the P-wave light is blocked by the second polarization plate 122b, thus enabling the privacy mode.

[0201] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8B, the upper electrodes 125b can be arranged as electrodes with different widths (or areas) in the boundary region MA. The area of ​​the electrode can be wider if the electrode is closer to the viewing angle control region PA, and the area of ​​the electrode can be narrower if the electrode is closer to the enabling region SA.

[0202] As described above, the upper electrodes 125b can be arranged such that they have different areas in the boundary region MA. For example, a first width W1 can be larger than a second width W2, a second width W2 can be larger than a third width W3, and a third width W3 can be larger than a fourth width W4.

[0203] In the configuration mentioned above, since the width of the upper electrode 125b of the boundary area MA increases in the direction of the viewing angle control area PA and decreases in the direction of the release area SA, the viewing angle of the light passing through the viewing angle control panel 120 and being provided to the display panel in viewing angle control mode decreases in the direction of the viewing angle control area PA and increases in the direction of the release area SA.

[0204] As described above, in the case of a viewing angle restriction mode, in the state where the upper electrodes 125b are arranged with different widths, the effect of controlling the viewing angle is improved when the electrode is further adjacent to the viewing angle control area PA, and the effect of controlling the viewing angle is worsened when the electrode is further adjacent to the release area SA.

[0205] As described above, the width of the upper electrode 125b, which corresponds to the limit area MA, gradually decreases towards the release area SA, so that visual inconsistencies caused by a difference in the viewing angle restriction between the viewing angle control area PA and the release area SA can be reduced.

[0206] According to the effect achieved by the above-mentioned configuration, if the display device 100 is operated with a switchable viewing angle in viewing angle control mode, the visual inconsistency of the boundary area caused by the difference in viewing angle between the viewing angle control area PA and the release area SA can be minimized in the boundary area MA.

[0207] The following describes another configuration that differs from the configuration of the embodiment mentioned above and may reduce the visual difference.

[0208] Fig. 9A and Fig. Figure 9B shows schematic cross-sectional views to illustrate a further configuration of the viewing angle control panel along line A to A' in Fig. 7.

[0209] Another method for minimizing a visibility difference between the viewing angle control area PA and the release area SA in the boundary area MA is described with reference to the Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B described. A description of the components that are essentially identical to those described previously is omitted.

[0210] The Fig. 9A and Fig. Figure 9B shows a portion of the display device with a switchable viewing angle, from which the display panel is excluded. The display panel can be arranged on the upper or lower part of the viewing angle control panel 120 or attached to the upper or lower part of the viewing angle control panel 120 as an attachment. If the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel, it can further include a light source, for example, a backlight unit, arranged below the viewing angle control panel 120. The embodiment is described below with reference to the example in which a liquid crystal display panel is used as the display panel.

[0211] With reference to the Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, the viewing angle control panel 120 has the viewing angle control layer 129, which has the second polarization plate 122b parallel to the first polarization plate 122a and with a transmission axis perpendicular to the first polarization plate 122a, wherein the viewing angle control layer 129 is provided between the first polarization plate 122a and the second polarization plate 122b. The viewing angle control layer 129 has the liquid crystal layer 126, which is provided between at least one lower electrode 125a and a plurality of upper electrodes 125b.

[0212] Furthermore, an alignment film may be provided on the lower electrode 125a. However, a detailed description of the alignment film is omitted in this description.

[0213] The first TAC layer (triacetate cellulose) 121a and the second TAC layer 121b can each be arranged outside the first polarization plate 122a and the second polarization plate 122b, respectively. Additionally, an adhesion layer can be arranged outside the second TAC layer 121b.

[0214] Although in the Fig. 9A and Fig. Not shown in Figure 9B, a lens arrangement can be arranged above the second polarizing plate 122b. The lens arrangement can, for example, comprise a plurality of pixel lenses 228 arranged on the substrate 227.

[0215] The one in the Fig. 9A and Fig. The area shown in 9B corresponds to the boundary area MA, where a boundary line A borders the viewing angle control area PA and a boundary line A' borders the release area SA.

[0216] In the with reference to the Fig. 9A and Fig. In the embodiment described in 9B, the viewing angle control area PA and the release area SA in the display area AA can be flexibly changed. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the viewing angle control area PA and the release area SA can be arranged on the left and right sides, respectively, with the boundary area MA lying between them. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The viewing angle control area PA can have a rectangular, circular, or polygonal shape within the display area AA. In this case, the boundary area MA can be positioned at a boundary between the viewing angle control area PA and the release area SA.

[0217] Since the viewing angle control area PA and the enable area SA are flexible, the majority of upper electrodes 125b in the present embodiment can be structured such that they are connected to the data electrode and the gate electrode. The majority of upper electrodes 125b can be active matrix pixel electrodes to which a voltage is actively applied according to the data signals and signals of the gate electrode.

[0218] The case in Fig. 9A, in which no electric field is applied between the upper electrode 125b and the lower electrode 125a, is described with reference to Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B described. The background light with the horizontal polarization of the P-wave enters the viewing angle control panel 120.

[0219] Since in this case the first polarization plate 122a has a transmission axis that coincides with the polarization direction of the background light, the background light of the P-wave can pass through the first polarization plate 122a without loss.

[0220] Furthermore, in this case, the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 can be constant across the entire area of ​​the viewing angle control layer 129. That is, since the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 126 are twisted in the helical structure, the propagation direction of the light passing through the first polarization plate 122a is rotated, so that the polarization direction of the light changes from the P-wave to the S-wave.

[0221] Furthermore, in this case the light whose polarization direction has been changed to the S-wave passes without loss through the second polarization plate 122b, whose transmission axis is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the background light.

[0222] Therefore, both in the area where the upper electrode 125b is located and in the area where the upper electrode 125b is not located, the light with the polarization direction changed to the S-wave can pass through the viewing angle control panel 120 and be provided to the display panel so that the release mode can be implemented.

[0223] Next, the viewing angle control mode is described with reference to the case in which an electric field is applied between the upper electrode 125b and the lower electrode 125a, as in Fig. 9B is shown.

[0224] The background light with the horizontal polarization of the P-wave enters the viewing angle control panel 120. Since the first polarization plate 122a has a transmission axis that coincides with the polarization direction of the background light, the background light of the P-wave can pass through the first polarization plate 122a without loss.

[0225] In the case that an electric field is applied to the upper electrode 125b, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9B, the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 in the region where the upper electrode 125b is located can differ from the state of the liquid crystal layer 126 in the region where the upper electrode 125b is not located. That is, in the region where the upper electrode 125b is not located, the state in which the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 126 are twisted in the helical structure is maintained, and the direction of propagation of the light passing through the first polarization plate 122a is rotated, so that the polarization direction of the light changes from the P-wave to the S-wave. In contrast, in the region where the upper electrode 125b is located, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 126 are rearranged by the electric field such that the helical structures are broken up and rearranged.Therefore, the light of the P-wave passes through the TN liquid crystal layer 126 without changing the polarization state.

[0226] Furthermore, in this case the light of the P-wave cannot pass through the second polarization plate 122b, whose transmission axis is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the background light.

[0227] Therefore, in the area where the upper electrode 125b is not located, the light with the polarization direction changed to the S-wave passes through the viewing angle control panel 120 and is provided to the display panel. In contrast, in the area where the upper electrode 125b is located, the P-wave light is blocked by the second polarization plate 122b, thus enabling the privacy mode.

[0228] In this case, a voltage of 0 V (volts) to 5 V (volts) of an electric current can be applied to the upper electrode 125b, corresponding to the limit range MA, and a voltage of 5 V or more can be applied according to the type of liquid crystal used for the liquid crystal layer 126 and the structures of the upper and lower electrodes 125b and 125a.

[0229] In the embodiment described above, different voltages can be applied to the upper electrode 125b in the boundary region MA. The voltage can be applied such that it increases when the electrode is closer to the viewing angle control region PA, and decreases when the electrode is closer to the enabling region SA.

[0230] As described above, in the case where the voltage, which gradually decreases in the direction from the viewing angle control area PA to the release area SA, is applied to the upper electrode 125b, the effect of controlling the viewing angle is improved when the electrode is further adjacent to the viewing angle control area PA, and the effect of controlling the viewing angle is worsened when the electrode is further adjacent to the release area SA.

[0231] The liquid crystal layer 126 can exhibit the twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal. When a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 126, the rotations of the liquid crystal molecules change, and these rotations vary depending on the voltage difference. The transmittance of light can be controlled according to the rotations of the molecules.

[0232] For example, when a low voltage is applied, the helical structure changes less, so the amount of light entering as a P-wave and being converted into an S-wave increases relatively. Therefore, the transmittance increases at the position where the upper electrode 125b is located, thus worsening the viewing angle control effect. Conversely, when a gradually increasing voltage is applied, the change in the helical structure increases, so the amount of light entering as a P-wave and being converted into an S-wave decreases relatively. Therefore, the transmittance decreases at the position where the upper electrode 125b is located, thus improving the viewing angle control effect.

[0233] Fig.9B utilizes this property. To reduce the visibility difference in the boundary region MA between the viewing angle control region PA and the release region SA, a relatively high voltage is applied to the upper electrode 125b that is adjacent to the viewing angle control region PA among the majority of upper electrodes 125b, and a relatively low voltage is applied to the upper electrode 125b that is adjacent to the release region SA. As described above, it is possible to minimize the visibility difference by gradually changing the effect of the viewing angle restriction by gradually increasing or decreasing the voltage applied to the upper electrode 125b.

[0234] When different voltages are applied as described above, the voltage applied to the upper electrode 125b in the limit region MA increases when the electrode is in viewing angle control mode and is closer to the viewing angle control region PA, and decreases when the electrode is closer to the enable region SA. The voltage applied to the upper electrode 125b in the limit region MA cannot be higher than the voltage applied to the upper electrode 125b corresponding to the viewing angle control region PA, and cannot be lower than the voltage applied to the upper electrode 125b corresponding to the enable region SA.

[0235] As described above, the method of applying different voltages to the upper electrode 125b, which corresponds to the limit range MA, can minimize a visibility difference corresponding to a difference in the effect of controlling the viewing angle.

Claims

[1] A display device (100) with a switchable viewing angle, wherein the display device (100) has: a display panel (110) having a display area (AA) and a non-display area (NA) around the display area (AA), wherein the display area (AA) has a viewing angle control area (PA) in which the display device (100) is operated in such a way that it is switchable between a viewing angle control mode and an enable mode, an enable area (SA) in which the display device (100) is operated in enable mode, and a boundary area (MA) located between the viewing angle control area (PA) and the enable area (SA) in which the display device (100) is operated in such a way that it is switchable between the viewing angle control mode and the enable mode, a viewing angle control panel (120, 220) arranged below the display panel (110) for selectively controlling the operating mode of the display device (100) by controlling the polarized light transmitted into the display area (AA), wherein in an area of ​​the viewing angle control panel (120, 220) corresponding to the limit area (MA), the viewing angle control panel (120, 220) is configured such that the amount of polarized light from a light source of the display device (100) that is blocked by the viewing angle control panel (120, 220) gradually decreases in the direction from the viewing angle control area (PA) to the release area (SA). [2] A display device (100) with a switchable viewing angle, wherein the display device (100) has: a display panel (110) having a display area (AA) and a non-display area (NA) around the display area (AA), wherein the display area (AA) has a viewing angle control area (PA) in which the display device (100) is operated in such a way that it is switchable between a viewing angle control mode and an enable mode, an enable area (SA) in which the display device (100) is operated in enable mode, and a boundary area (MA) located between the viewing angle control area (PA) and the enable area (SA) in which the display device (100) is operated in such a way that it is switchable between the viewing angle control mode and the enable mode, a viewing angle control panel (120, 220) arranged below the display panel (110) for selectively controlling the operating mode of the display device (100), the viewing angle control panel has (120, 220): a first polarization plate (122a); a viewing angle control layer (129) arranged on the first polarization plate (122a); and a second polarization plate (122b) which is arranged on the viewing angle control layer (129) and has a transmission axis that is perpendicular to a transmission axis of the first polarization plate (122a), wherein the viewing angle control layer (129) comprises a plurality of upper electrodes (125b), at least one lower electrode (125a) and a liquid crystal layer (126) arranged between the upper electrodes (125b) and the at least one lower electrode (125a), wherein in a region of the viewing angle control panel (120, 220) corresponding to the boundary area (MA), the width of each of the plurality of upper electrodes (125b) gradually decreases in the direction from the viewing angle control area (PA) to the release area (SA). [3] The display device (100) according to claim 2, wherein in a region of the viewing angle control layer (129) corresponding to the release area (SA), the viewing angle control layer (129) is provided only by the at least one lower electrode (125a) and the liquid crystal layer (126). [4] The display device (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein in a region of the viewing angle control layer (129) corresponding to the enable area (SA) the upper electrode (125b) is a dummy electrode to which no voltage is applied. [5] The display device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the dummy electrode is a ground electrode. [6] The display device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the plurality of upper electrodes (125b) are configured in a plurality of parallel bar shapes which are parallel to each other in one direction, and the at least one lower electrode (125a) is configured in the form of a continuous electrode over the display area (AA). [7] The display device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the upper electrodes (125b) are arranged in a direction parallel to a data line (DL) or a gate line (GL) of the display device (100). [8] The display device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein a state of the liquid crystal layer (126) in an entire area of ​​the viewing angle control layer (129) is constant when no electric field is applied between the upper electrode (125b) and the at least one lower electrode (125a), and wherein a state of the liquid crystal layer (126) in an area where the upper electrode (125b) is located and a state of the liquid crystal layer (126) in an area where the upper electrode (125b) is not located differ from each other when an electric field is applied between the upper electrode (125b) and the at least one lower electrode (125a). [9] The display device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the at least one lower electrode (125a) extends into the non-display area (NA) and overlaps with a section of the non-display area (NA). [10] The display device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, further comprising: a plurality of pixel lenses (228) arranged above the second polarization plate (122b). [11] The display device (100) according to claim 10, wherein a lower surface of each of the pixel lenses (228) has a flat surface and an upper surface of each of the pixel lenses (228) has a semicircular shape. [12] A display device (100) with a switchable viewing angle, wherein the display device (100) has: a display panel (110) having a display area (AA) and a non-display area (NA) around the display area (AA), wherein the display area (AA) has a viewing angle control area (PA) in which the display device (100) is operated in such a way that it is switchable between a viewing angle control mode and an enable mode, an enable area (SA) in which the display device (100) is operated in enable mode, and a boundary area (MA) located between the viewing angle control area (PA) and the enable area (SA) in which the display device (100) is operated in such a way that it is switchable between the viewing angle control mode and the enable mode, a viewing angle control panel (120, 220) arranged below the display panel (110) for selectively controlling the operating mode of the display device (100), the viewing angle control panel has (120, 220): a first polarization plate (122a); a viewing angle control layer (129) arranged on the first polarization plate (122a); and a second polarization plate (122b) which is arranged on the viewing angle control layer (129) and has a transmission axis that is perpendicular to a transmission axis of the first polarization plate (122a), wherein the viewing angle control layer (129) comprises a plurality of upper electrodes (125b), at least one lower electrode (125a) and a liquid crystal layer (126) arranged between the upper electrodes (125b) and the at least one lower electrode (125a), wherein in an area of ​​the viewing angle control panel (120, 220) corresponding to the limit area (MA), a voltage which is applied to the majority of upper electrodes (125b) in viewing angle control mode is applied such that the voltage gradually decreases in the direction from the viewing angle control area (PA) to the enable area (SA). [13] The display device (100) according to claim 12, wherein in a region of the viewing angle control layer (129) corresponding to the release area (SA), the upper electrode (125b) maintains a predetermined voltage regardless of the operating mode. [14] The display device (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein in a region of the viewing angle control layer (129) corresponding to the release area (SA) the upper electrode (125b) is a dummy electrode. [15] The display device (100) according to claim 14, wherein the dummy electrode is a ground electrode. [16] The display device (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the plurality of upper electrodes (125b) of the display device (100) is configured in a plurality of parallel bar shapes which are parallel to each other in one direction and the at least one lower electrode (125a) is configured in the form of a continuous electrode over the display area (AA). [17] The display device (100) according to claim 16, wherein the upper electrodes (125b) are arranged in a direction parallel to a data line (DL) or a gate line (GL) of the display device (100). [18] The display device (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein a state of the liquid crystal layer (126) in an entire area of ​​the viewing angle control layer (129) is constant when no electric field is applied between the upper electrode (125b) and the at least one lower electrode (125a), and wherein a state of the liquid crystal layer (126) in an area where the upper electrode (125b) is located and a state of the liquid crystal layer (126) in an area where the upper electrode (125b) is not located differ from each other when an electric field is applied between the upper electrode (125b) and the at least one lower electrode (125a). [19] The display device (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 18, further comprising: a plurality of pixel lenses (228) arranged above the second polarization plate (122b), wherein a lower surface of each of the pixel lenses (228) has a flat surface and an upper surface of each of the pixel lenses (228) has a semicircular shape. [20] A vehicle comprising a display device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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