Liquid crystal panel

Abstract

To provide a liquid crystal panel capable of more reliably forming a potential gradient due to a potential difference between an inner peripheral side and an outer peripheral side of an electrode.SOLUTION: The liquid crystal panel includes, on a first substrate that is one of two substrates sandwiching a liquid crystal, a first high resistance film 321 provided in a light-transmitting region and having a circular outer periphery, a first electrode 331a, a second electrode 331b, a third electrode 331c, and a fourth electrode 331d included in an electrode layer that is stacked with the first high resistance film 321 and has an electric resistance lower than that of the high resistance film, a first potential line 361 to which one of two different potentials is applied, a second potential line 362 to which the other of the two different potentials is applied, and third and fourth potential lines 363, 364 to which an intermediate potential between the two different potentials is applied. The first electrode 331a and the first potential line 361, the second electrode 331b and the second potential line 362, the third electrode 331c and the third potential line 363, and the fourth electrode 331d and the fourth potential line 364 are respectively coupled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid crystal panel. [Background technology]

[0002] A liquid crystal panel capable of controlling the orientation of liquid crystal molecules so as to produce an optical effect like that of a lens is known (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-167026 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To make a liquid crystal panel function as a lens, the refractive index of light in the light-transmitting region of the liquid crystal panel must correspond to the curvature of the lens. Conventionally, to achieve this refractive index, voltage control has been applied, in which different voltages are applied to the liquid crystal at the center and the outer edge of the light-transmitting region. However, from the perspective of achieving liquid crystal orientation control to reproduce the refractive index corresponding to the lens curvature with high precision, it has been difficult to achieve this with only two potential differences between the center and the outer edge of the light-transmitting region.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a liquid crystal panel that makes it easy to achieve liquid crystal orientation control in order to reproduce with higher accuracy the refractive index of light corresponding to the curvature of the lens. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A liquid crystal panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises two substrates and liquid crystal sandwiched between the two substrates, wherein a first substrate, one of the two substrates, has a resistive layer provided in a light-transmitting area and having a circular outer periphery, an electrode layer laminated with the resistive layer and having a lower electrical resistance than the resistive layer, a first transmission section to which one of two different potentials is applied, a second transmission section to which the other of the two different potentials is applied, and an intermediate transmission section to which a potential intermediate between the two different potentials is applied, wherein the electrode layer includes a first electrode disposed at the center of the resistive layer, a ring-shaped second electrode along the outer periphery of the resistive layer, and a ring-shaped intermediate electrode disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and concentric with the second electrode, wherein the first transmission section and the first electrode are connected, the second transmission section and the second electrode are connected, and the intermediate transmission section and the intermediate electrode are connected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an optical device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic structure within the light-transmitting region. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a virtual cross-sectional view in which the vicinity of the center of the light-transmitting region is defined as one end side and the outer peripheral end side of the light-transmitting region is defined as the other end side. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the shapes and positional relationships of the high-resistance film layer, electrode layer, and transmission layer in a plan view, as well as an example of the connection points between the electrode layer and the transmission layer. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the distance from the center of the light-transmitting region and the amount of phase change. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a graph showing an example of finer potential control within the range FP of FIG. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a schematic structure within a light-transmitting area AA of an optical device according to the first modification. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a schematic structure within a light-transmitting area AA of an optical device according to Modification 1. In FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive while maintaining the gist of the invention are naturally included within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, to clarify the explanation, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part schematically compared to the actual embodiment, but these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those described above with reference to the previous drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an optical device 1 according to an embodiment. The optical device 1 includes a liquid crystal panel 10 and a flexible substrate 11. The liquid crystal panel 10 is a liquid crystal panel in which liquid crystal 40 (see FIG. 3) is sealed. The flexible substrate 11 has a plurality of wires that connect the liquid crystal panel 10 to an external control device.

[0010] In the description of the embodiments, the term "first direction Dx" refers to a direction along the plate surface of the liquid crystal panel 10. The term "second direction Dy" refers to a direction along the plate surface of the liquid crystal panel 10 and perpendicular to the first direction Dx. The term "third direction Dz" refers to a direction perpendicular to the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal panel 10 includes a light-transmitting area AA and a peripheral area FA. The light-transmitting area AA is, for example, an area within a circular edge when viewed from a planar perspective. The peripheral area FA is an area surrounding the outside of the light-transmitting area AA when viewed from a planar perspective. The planar perspective is a perspective when the plate surface of the liquid crystal panel 10 is viewed from the front. The light-transmitting area AA is an area that is controlled to transmit light traveling from one side of the liquid crystal panel 10 to the other side when the optical device 1 is in operation. The peripheral area FA is configured not to transmit light.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic structure within the light-transmitting region AA. The light-transmitting region AA has multiple concentric regions formed around the center CE of the circle of the light-transmitting region AA. While FIG. 2 shows an example in which three concentric regions, a first region A1, a second region A2, and a third region A3, are provided, this is merely an example. The number of concentric regions may be two or four or more (see FIGS. 8 and 9). The multiple concentric regions include the first region A1, which is a circular region located at the center CE, and one or more annular regions (e.g., the second region A2, the third region A3, etc.) surrounding the circular region on the radial outside of the circle of the light-transmitting region AA. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the term "radial direction" simply refers to the radial direction of the circle of the light-transmitting region AA. Furthermore, the term "concentric region" simply refers to either the circular region or the annular region.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a virtual cross-sectional view with the vicinity of the center CE of the light-transmitting region AA as one end and the outer peripheral edge of the light-transmitting region AA as the other end. The virtual cross-sectional view is intended to show the relative arrangement between one end and the other end of the arrangement of components for achieving the electrical characteristics of the liquid crystal panel 10. In other words, even if an actual physical cross-sectional view is taken at any position on the liquid crystal panel 10 along the radial direction of the liquid crystal panel 10, with the center CE of the liquid crystal panel 10 as one end and the outer peripheral edge of the liquid crystal panel 10 as the other end, the cross-section will not be identical to that shown in FIG. 3 . FIG. 3 merely illustrates the relationship between the arrangement of the electrical components of the liquid crystal panel 10 and the radial direction of the liquid crystal panel 10.

[0014] The liquid crystal panel 10 has a first substrate 37 and a second substrate 43 that face each other in the third direction Dz with a liquid crystal 40 sandwiched between them. The first substrate 37 and the second substrate 43 are light-transmitting substrates such as glass substrates.

[0015] On the liquid crystal 40 side of the second substrate 43, an alignment film 41 and a common electrode 42 are laminated in this order from the liquid crystal 40 side toward the second substrate 43 side. The alignment film 41 is an insulating layer on the surface facing the liquid crystal 40, and grooves that determine the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal 40 are formed. The common electrode 42 is an electrode that covers the entire light-transmitting area AA.

[0016] On the liquid crystal 40 side of the first substrate 37, an alignment film 31, a high resistance film layer 32, an electrode layer 33, and a transmission layer 36 are laminated in this order from the liquid crystal 40 toward the first substrate 37. The alignment film 31 is an insulating layer on the surface facing the liquid crystal 40, on which grooves that determine the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal 40 are formed. The high resistance film layer 32 exhibits a relatively high electrical resistance compared to the common electrode 42 and the electrode layer 33, but is a film-like layer (high resistance film) that functions as a conductor. Specifically, the high resistance film layer 32 is made of ITO / SiO2. Specific examples of the electrical resistance value of the high resistance film layer 32 include 10 6 Ohm-meter (Ω / m 2 ) or more to 10 8 Ω / m 2 The electrical resistance values determined within the following ranges are included.

[0017] The high-resistance film layer 32 is individually provided in the multiple concentric regions described above. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 described later, the high-resistance film layer 32 includes a first high-resistance film 321 provided in the first region A1, a second high-resistance film 322 provided in the second region A2, and a third high-resistance film 323 provided in the third region A3. The first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3 share a common center CE of the arc of their outer peripheries. That is, the first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3 are multiple concentric regions that share the same center of the circle of their outer peripheries. As shown in FIG. 2, the first high-resistance film 321 has a circular shape in a plan view. The second high-resistance film 322 has an annular shape surrounding the first high-resistance film 321. The third high-resistance film 323 has an annular shape surrounding the second high-resistance film 322.

[0018] Among the multiple concentric regions, a gap is provided between adjacent concentric regions in the radial direction. In Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and Fig. 4 described later, a gap D1 between the first region A1 and the second region A2 and a gap D2 between the second region A2 and the third region A3 are illustrated. The number of such gaps is the number of concentric regions minus 1. Note that such gaps apply to the high-resistance film layer 32 and the electrode layer 33, but not to other components.

[0019] In the embodiment, the more outer the concentric regions are, the smaller the radial width of the concentric regions is. In accordance with the radial width of such concentric regions, the radial width of the high resistance film layer 32 provided in the more outer concentric regions is also smaller.

[0020] The electrode layer 33 is a film-like layer that functions as a conductor. Specifically, the electrode layer 33 and the common electrode 42 are formed of a thin, light-transmitting conductive film such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), but may also be formed of a non-light-transmitting material with extremely high conductivity, such as copper or aluminum.

[0021] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the shapes and positional relationship of the high-resistance film layer 32, the electrode layer 33, and the transmission layer 36 in a plan view, as well as an example of the connection points between the electrode layer 33 and the transmission layer 36. The electrode layer 33 includes a first electrode 331a, a second electrode 331b, a first electrode 332a, a second electrode 332b, a first electrode 333a, and a second electrode 333b. The first electrode 331a is provided so as to overlap the center CE (see FIG. 2) of the first high-resistance film 321. The shape of the first electrode 331a in a plan view is, for example, circular, but may also be dot-like or polygonal.

[0022] The second electrode 331b is provided along the outer periphery of the first high-resistance film 321 within a range overlapping with the first high-resistance film 321. The first electrode 332a is provided along the inner periphery of the second high-resistance film 322 within a range overlapping with the second high-resistance film 322. The second electrode 332b is provided along the outer periphery of the second high-resistance film 322 within a range overlapping with the second high-resistance film 322. The first electrode 333a is provided along the inner periphery of the third high-resistance film 323 within a range overlapping with the third high-resistance film 323. The second electrode 333b is provided along the outer periphery of the third high-resistance film 323 within a range overlapping with the third high-resistance film 323. The second electrode 331b, the first electrode 332a, the second electrode 332b, the first electrode 333a, and the second electrode 333b have a circular ring shape in a plan view.

[0023] 3 and 4, the first electrode 331a and the second electrode 331b are spaced apart in the radial direction. The first electrode 332a and the second electrode 332b are spaced apart in the radial direction. The first electrode 333a and the second electrode 333b are spaced apart in the radial direction.

[0024] The electrode layer 33 further includes a third electrode 331c and a fourth electrode 331d. As shown in FIG. 4, the third electrode 331c and the fourth electrode 331d have a circular ring shape in a plan view. The third electrode 331c and the fourth electrode 331d are concentric with the second electrode 331b. The fourth electrode 331d has a smaller diameter than the second electrode 331b. The third electrode 331c has a smaller diameter than the second electrode 331b and the fourth electrode 331d.

[0025] 3 and 4, the first electrode 331a and the third electrode 331c are spaced apart in the radial direction. The third electrode 331c and the fourth electrode 331d are spaced apart in the radial direction. The fourth electrode 331d and the second electrode 331b are spaced apart in the radial direction.

[0026] Here, the midpoint of the radial width of the first electrode 331a is defined as position P1. In the embodiment, position P1 overlaps with the radial center CE of the light-transmitting area AA. The midpoint of the radial width of the third electrode 331c is defined as position P2. The midpoint of the radial width of the fourth electrode 331d is defined as position P3. The midpoint of the radial width of the second electrode 331b is defined as position P4. The radial distance between positions P1 and P2 is defined as interval Q1. The radial distance between positions P2 and P3 is defined as interval Q2. The radial distance between positions P3 and P4 is defined as interval Q3. Interval Q1 is larger than interval Q2 and interval Q3. Interval Q2 is larger than interval Q3.

[0027] The high-resistance film layer 32 and the electrode layer 33 are connected via a contact formed at a position where the high-resistance film layer 32 and the electrode layer 33 overlap. FIG. 3 illustrates a contact 380 that connects the third high-resistance film 323 and the second electrode 333b. The contact 380 is formed in the connection portion layer 38. The connection portion layer 38 is a part of the high-resistance film layer 32, that is, the part of the high-resistance film layer 32 on the electrode layer 33 side.

[0028] In the embodiment, of the contacts formed at the position where the high-resistance film layer 32 and the electrode layer 33 overlap, only the contact connecting the first high-resistance film 321 and the first electrode 331a is point-shaped, and the other contacts are circular in shape all around.

[0029] The transmission layer 36 is a conductive layer that overlaps, in plan view, a portion of the electrode layer 33. The transmission layer 36 is made of a material with extremely high conductivity, such as copper or aluminum.

[0030] The transmission layer 36 includes a first potential line 361 and a second potential line 362. The first potential line 361 overlaps with a portion of the electrode layer 33 that is provided on the inner periphery of the plurality of concentric regions. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first potential line 361 overlaps with the first electrode 331a, the first electrode 332a, and the first electrode 333a. The second potential line 362 overlaps with a portion of the electrode layer 33 that is provided on the outer periphery of the plurality of concentric regions. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second potential line 362 overlaps with the second electrode 331b, the second electrode 332b, and the second electrode 333b.

[0031] The transmission layer 36 further includes a third potential line 363 and a fourth potential line 364. The third potential line 363 overlaps with the third electrode 331c of the electrode layer 33. The fourth potential line 364 overlaps with the fourth electrode 331d of the electrode layer 33.

[0032] The first potential line 361, the second potential line 362, the third potential line 363, and the fourth potential line 364 shown in Fig. 4 are each extended in the second direction Dy. One end of the first potential line 361 is positioned so as to overlap with the first electrode 331a. One end of the second potential line 362 is positioned so as to overlap with the second electrode 331b. One end of the third potential line 363 is positioned so as to overlap with the third electrode 331c. One end of the fourth potential line 364 is positioned so as to overlap with the fourth electrode 331d.

[0033] The other ends of the first potential wire 361, the second potential wire 362, the third potential wire 363, and the fourth potential wire 364 extend radially outward beyond the second electrode 333b. Although not shown, the other ends of the first potential wire 361, the second potential wire 362, the third potential wire 363, and the fourth potential wire 364 are connected to feeding points of different potentials, respectively.

[0034] The first potential line 361, the second potential line 362, the third potential line 363, and the fourth potential line 364 shown in FIG. 4 are arranged in the order of the first potential line 361, the third potential line 363, the fourth potential line 364, and the second potential line 362 from one side to the other side in the first direction Dx, but this arrangement order is merely an example and is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate.

[0035] The electrode layer 33 and the transmission layer 36 are connected via a contact formed at a position where the electrode layer 33 and the transmission layer 36 overlap. FIG. 3 illustrates a contact 35 that connects the second electrode 333b and the second potential line 362. The contact 35 is formed in the connection portion layer 39. The connection portion layer 39 is a part of the electrode layer 33, that is, the part of the electrode layer 33 on the transmission portion layer 36 side.

[0036] Among the connection combinations of the components included in the electrode layer 33 and the components included in the transmission layer 36, other than the combination of the second electrode 333b and the second potential line 362, the combinations are also connected via contacts. Specifically, the first potential line 361 is connected to the first electrode 331a, the first electrode 332a, and the first electrode 333a. The second potential line 362 is connected to the second electrode 331b, the second electrode 332b, and the second electrode 333b. The third potential line 363 is connected to the third electrode 331c. The fourth potential line 364 is connected to the fourth electrode 331d.

[0037] 4 connects the first potential line 361 and the first electrode 331a. Here, the first potential line 361 and the first electrode 331a overlap in a plan view at the position where the contact 351v is provided. Furthermore, the structure of the contact 351v in a cross-sectional view is similar to that of the contact 35 described with reference to FIG. 3. That is, at the position where a contact such as the contact 351v is formed in a plan view, a part of the electrode layer 33 connected by the contact and a part of the transmission layer 36 overlap.

[0038] Furthermore, contact 352v connects the first potential line 361 to the first electrode 332a. Furthermore, contact 353v connects the first potential line 361 to the first electrode 333a. Furthermore, contact 351w connects the second potential line 362 to the second electrode 331b. Furthermore, contact 352w connects the second potential line 362 to the second electrode 332b. Furthermore, contact 353w connects the second potential line 362 to the second electrode 333b. Furthermore, contact 351j connects the third potential line 363 to the third electrode 331c. Furthermore, contact 351k connects the fourth potential line 364 to the fourth electrode 331d. Contacts 352v, 353v, 351w, 352w, 353w, 351j, and 351k have a cross-sectional structure similar to that of contact 35 described with reference to Figure 3, and these contacts are formed integrally with electrode layer 33, as shown in Figure 3 as an example of contact 35.

[0039] Furthermore, even if the electrode layer 33 and the transmission layer 36 overlap in plan view, if no contact is provided at the overlapping position, there will be no connection at the overlapping position.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a VV cross-sectional view of FIG. 4. As described above, the first potential line 361, the third potential line 363, the fourth potential line 364, and the second potential line 362 shown in FIG. 4 are aligned in the first direction Dx. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first potential line 361, the third potential line 363, the fourth potential line 364, and the second potential line 362 are aligned in the first direction Dx even at the position in the second direction Dy where the contact 352w is provided. On the other hand, of the first potential line 361, the third potential line 363, the fourth potential line 364, and the second potential line 362, only the second potential line 362 is connected to the second electrode 332b via the contact 352w. In other words, the first potential line 361, the third potential line 363, and the fourth potential line 364 are not connected to the second electrode 332b. Therefore, the potential of the second electrode 332b corresponds to the potential of the second potential line 362.

[0041] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the first potential line 361, the third potential line 363, the fourth potential line 364, and the second potential line 362 are aligned in the first direction Dx even at the position in the second direction Dy where the contact 353v is provided. However, among the first potential line 361, the third potential line 363, the fourth potential line 364, and the second potential line 362, only the first potential line 361 is connected to the first electrode 333a via the contact 353v. In other words, the second potential line 362, the third potential line 363, and the fourth potential line 364 are not connected to the first electrode 333a. Therefore, the potential of the first electrode 333a corresponds to the potential of the first potential line 361.

[0042] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 4. As shown in Figs. 4 and 7, a plurality of components included in the electrode layer 33, such as the first electrode 333a and the second electrode 332b, are provided within the range in which the first potential line 361 extends in the second direction Dy. Meanwhile, as described above, the first electrode 331a, the first electrode 332a, and the first electrode 333a are connected to the first potential line 361. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7, the first potential line 361 is connected to the first electrode 333a via the contact 353v, but is not connected to the second electrode 332b.

[0043] 3, an insulating layer 390 is provided in a region of the transmission layer 36 where none of the first potential line 361, the second potential line 362, the third potential line 363, and the fourth potential line 364 is provided, and in a region of the connection portion layer 39 where no contact such as the contact 35 is provided. An insulating layer 385 is provided in a region of the electrode layer 33 where none of the first electrode 331a, the second electrode 331b, the first electrode 332a, the second electrode 332b, the first electrode 333a, the second electrode 333b, the third electrode 331c, and the fourth electrode 331d is provided, and in a region of the connection portion layer 38 where no contact such as the contact 380 is provided. The insulating layers 385 and 390 are formed of, for example, a light-transmitting material such as silicon oxide (SiO) or silicon nitride (SiN).

[0044] 3 to 7, a potential difference occurs between the radially inner and outer sides of the electrode layer 33 and the high-resistance film layer 32. Specifically, the potential difference between the potential applied to the first potential line 361 and the potential applied to the second potential line 362 generates a potential gradient between the radially inner and outer sides of the electrode layer 33 and the high-resistance film layer 32. As a result, the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal 40 are oriented in accordance with the potential gradients in the first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3, as shown in FIG. 3. More specifically, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is realized by the relationship between the potential gradient and the constant potential applied to the common electrode 42.

[0045] In the first region A1, not only the potential difference between the potential applied to the first potential line 361 and the potential applied to the second potential line 362, but also the potentials applied to each of the third potential line 363 and the fourth potential line 364 arranged between the first potential line 361 and the second potential line 362 affect the potential gradient between the radial inside and outside of the electrode layer 33 and the high resistance film layer 32 and the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules according to this potential gradient.

[0046] 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the distance from the center CE of the light-transmitting area AA and the amount of phase change. The amount of phase change corresponds to the potential applied to the high-resistance film layer 32 via the transmission layer 36 and the electrode layer 33.

[0047] As described above, the first potential line 361, the second potential line 362, the third potential line 363, and the fourth potential line 364 are connected at the other ends to feed points at different potentials. That is, different potentials are applied to the first potential line 361, the second potential line 362, the third potential line 363, and the fourth potential line 364. Conversely, the first electrode 331a, the first electrode 332a, and the first electrode 333a connected to the first potential line 361 are substantially at the same potential as the first potential line 361. Furthermore, the second electrode 331b, the second electrode 332b, and the second electrode 333b connected to the second potential line 362 are substantially at the same potential as the second potential line 362.

[0048] Therefore, the potential applied to the liquid crystal 40 at the radially inner circumferential edge of each of the first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3 becomes a potential corresponding to the first potential line 361. Furthermore, the potential applied to the liquid crystal 40 at the radially outer circumferential edge of each of the first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3 becomes a potential corresponding to the second potential line 362.

[0049] In the embodiment, of the potentials applied to the first potential wire 361, the second potential wire 362, the third potential wire 363, and the fourth potential wire 364, the potential applied to the first potential wire 361 is relatively the lowest. Also, in the embodiment, of the potentials applied to the first potential wire 361, the second potential wire 362, the third potential wire 363, and the fourth potential wire 364, the potential applied to the second potential wire 362 is relatively the highest. More specifically, the potential applied to the first potential wire 361 is, for example, 0 volts (V). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the potential at the inner circumferential ends in the radial direction of each of the first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3 is 0 volts (V). Also, the potential applied to the second potential wire 362 is, for example, 4.4 volts (V) (see FIG. 9). Therefore, as shown in Fig. 8, the potential at the radially outer peripheral end of each of the first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3 is 4 volts (V). This difference in potential is caused by the electrical resistance of the high-resistance film layer 32. Also, as shown in Fig. 8, in the second region A2 and the third region A3, the potential gradient from the radially inner peripheral end to the radially outer peripheral end shows a linear tendency to increase from 0 volts (V) to 4 volts (V).

[0050] 9 is a graph showing an example of more precise potential control within the range FP of FIG. 8. Furthermore, a third potential line 363 and a fourth potential line 364 are provided within the first region A1. The third electrode 331c connected to the third potential line 363 has substantially the same potential as the third potential line 363. The fourth electrode 331d connected to the fourth potential line 364 has substantially the same potential as the fourth potential line 364.

[0051] In the embodiment, the potential applied to the third potential line 363 is higher than that of the first potential line 361 and lower than that of the fourth potential line 364. Also, in the embodiment, the potential applied to the fourth potential line 364 is higher than that of the third potential line 363 and lower than that of the second potential line 362. More specifically, the potential applied to the third potential line 363 is, for example, 1.8 volts (V). Also, the potential applied to the fourth potential line 364 is, for example, 2.7 volts (V).

[0052] 9, in the first region A1, 0 volts (V) are applied from the first potential line 361 at position P1, 1.8 volts (V) are applied from the third potential line 363 at position P2, 2.7 volts (V) are applied from the fourth potential line 364 at position P1, and 4.4 volts (V) are applied from the second potential line 362 at position P1. As a result, as shown in Fig. 8, in the first region A1, the potential gradient showing a tendency for the potential to increase from the inner peripheral end to the outer peripheral end in the radial direction becomes a nonlinear potential gradient Lre in which the increase in potential is relatively gradual in the range closer to the inner peripheral side and the increase in potential is relatively more pronounced in the range closer to the outer peripheral side.

[0053] As described above, the interval Q1 is the radial distance between positions P1 and P2. Furthermore, the interval Q2 is the radial distance between positions P2 and P3. Furthermore, the interval Q3 is the radial distance between positions P3 and P4. Furthermore, FIG. 9 illustrates the relative positions of positions P2 and P3 in numerical terms, assuming that position P1 is the "0.00" position and position P4 is the "1000.00" position. Specifically, the numerical value "714.29" in the description "714.29, 1.80" added near the black dot overlapping with the dashed-dotted line indicating position P2 indicates the position of position P2. Furthermore, the numerical value "714.29" in the description "914.29, 2.70" added near the black dot overlapping with the dashed-dotted line indicating position P3 indicates the position of position P3. Therefore, if the distance between positions P1 and P4 is 100 percent (%), then the distance Q1 between positions P1 and P2 is 71.429 percent (%), the distance Q2 between positions P2 and P3 is 20 percent (%), and the distance Q3 between positions P3 and P4 is 8.571 percent (%).

[0054] The positions and potentials of positions P2 and P3 described with reference to FIG. 9 are set with the aim of approximating the potential gradient of the first region A1 to an ideal potential gradient. For example, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, it is desirable that the potential at the position "285.71" is 1.26 volts (V), the potential at the position "500.00" is 1.5 volts (V), and the potential at the position "800.00" is 2.14 volts (V). In the embodiment, the positions and potentials of positions P2 and P3 described above are determined assuming the relationship between these positions and potentials. The ratios of the intervals Q1, Q2, and Q3 to the diameter of the first region A1 shown in FIG. 9 are merely examples and are not limited thereto, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the specific design requirements.

[0055] 3 and 4, the first high-resistance film 321 is provided with a first electrode 331a, a second electrode 331b, a third electrode 331c, and a fourth electrode 331d stacked thereon. The first electrode 331a is electrically connected to a first potential line 361. The second electrode 331b is electrically connected to a second potential line 362. The third electrode 331c is electrically connected to a third potential line 363. The fourth electrode 331d is electrically connected to a fourth potential line 364. Since the potential of the first potential line 361 and the potential of the second potential line 362 are different, the first potential line 361 functions as a first transmission section to which one of the two different potentials is applied. The second potential line 362 functions as a second transmission section to which the other of the two different potentials is applied. In addition, due to the relationship between the respective potentials of the first potential line 361, the second potential line 362, the third potential line 363, and the fourth potential line 364 described above, the third potential line 363 and the fourth potential line 364 function as intermediate transmission sections to which an intermediate potential between the two different potentials is applied. The first electrode 331a included in the electrode layer 33 is configured to be disposed at the center CE of the first high-resistance film 321. The second electrode 331b included in the electrode layer 33 is configured to be annular along the outer periphery of the first high-resistance film 321. The third electrode 331c and the fourth electrode 331d included in the electrode layer 33 are disposed between the first electrode 331a and the second electrode 331b and have annular configurations that are concentric with the second electrode 331b, and therefore function as intermediate electrodes. Therefore, the first high-resistance film 321 in which the first electrode 331a, the second electrode 331b, the third electrode 331c, and the fourth electrode 331d are stacked corresponds to a resistance layer.

[0056] In the embodiment, the intermediate transmission section includes two components, a third potential line 363 and a fourth potential line 364, and the intermediate electrode includes two components, a third electrode 331c and a fourth electrode 331d. As shown in FIG. 4, one of the intermediate electrodes (the third electrode 331c) has a smaller ring diameter than the other (the fourth electrode 331d). The potentials applied to the two intermediate transmission sections are different, but the relationship between the potentials applied to the first electrode 331a and the second electrode 331b is the same as the relationship between the potentials applied to the third electrode 331c (one of the two intermediate electrodes) and the fourth electrode 331d (the other). That is, in the embodiment, the potential applied to the first electrode 331a is lower than the potential applied to the second electrode 331b. The potential applied to the third electrode 331c is lower than the potential applied to the fourth electrode 331d.

[0057] In the embodiment, the second high-resistance film 322 and the third high-resistance film 323 are included in the high-resistance film layer 32 as the same layer configuration as the first high-resistance film 321, which corresponds to the above-mentioned resistance layer. The second high-resistance film 322 and the third high-resistance film 323 are concentric with the first high-resistance film 321 and have an annular configuration surrounding the first high-resistance film 321. Therefore, the second high-resistance film 322 and the third high-resistance film 323 correspond to an annular resistance layer. The first electrodes 332a and 333a connected to the first potential line 361 function as first annular electrodes that extend along the inner periphery of the annular resistance layer. The second electrodes 322b and 323b connected to the second potential line 362 function as second annular electrodes that extend along the outer periphery of the annular resistance layer.

[0058] The orientation of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal 40 is controlled in accordance with the potential gradients of the first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3 described with reference to Figures 8 and 9, so that the liquid crystal panel 10 functions optically in the same way as a Fresnel lens.

[0059] 3, on the radially inner side of each of the first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3, the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal 40 is oriented substantially along the plate surfaces of the first substrate 37 and the second substrate 43. On the other hand, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is controlled so that the tilt angle of the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal molecules with respect to the plate surfaces of the first substrate 37 and the second substrate 43 increases toward the radially outer side of each of the first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3. Due to this orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, on the radially inner side of each of the first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3, light traveling from one side to the other side in the second direction Dy of the liquid crystal panel 10 tends to travel in a straight line. Furthermore, on the radially outer periphery of each of the first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3, the direction of travel of light traveling from one side to the other side of the liquid crystal panel 10 in the second direction Dy tends to be refracted toward the inner periphery of the liquid crystal panel 10. Therefore, when light from a point light source arranged to overlap the center of the diameter of the light-transmitting region AA of the liquid crystal panel 10, i.e., the center CE, passes through the liquid crystal panel 10 under predetermined conditions, almost all of the light becomes parallel light traveling in a straight line normal to the plate surface of the liquid crystal panel 10. The predetermined condition here is that an appropriate relationship exists between the distance between the point light source and the liquid crystal panel 10 and the degree of light refraction due to the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules.

[0060] In Figure 3, dashed lines L1, L2, and L3 are shown to schematically illustrate the optical action of the Fresnel lens. Dashed line L1 indicates the optical action that occurs by controlling the orientation of liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal 40 in the first region A1. Dashed line L2 indicates the optical action that occurs by controlling the orientation of liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal 40 in the second region A2. Dashed line L3 indicates the optical action that occurs by controlling the orientation of liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal 40 in the third region A3. Here, the optical action indicated by dashed line L1 is achieved by controlling the orientation of liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal 40 that overlaps the first region A1 when viewed from a planar perspective. It can be said that the liquid crystal 40 is controlled so that the refractive index of the light in the light-transmitting region for light entering the light-transmitting region along the opposing direction (third direction Dz) of the two substrates (first substrate 37, second substrate 43) is different between the first electrode (first electrode 331a) and the second electrode (second electrode 331b), depending on the potential gradient Lre (see Figure 8) generated in the resistance layer (first high-resistance film 321) by a combination of two different potentials (the potential of the first potential line 361 and the potential of the second potential line 362) and an intermediate potential (the potential of the third potential line 363 and the potential of the fourth potential line 364).

[0061] Here, consider a reference example in which the third potential line 363, the fourth potential line 364, the third electrode 331c, and the fourth electrode 331d are omitted from the liquid crystal panel 10. In the first region A1 of this reference example, the potential gradient from the inner circumferential edge to the outer circumferential edge in the radial direction tends to increase linearly from 0 volts (V) to 4 volts (V), resulting in the phase gradient Lif shown in FIG. 8. In this reference example, in the first region A1, which has a larger radial width than the other concentric regions (e.g., the second region A2 and the third region A3), it becomes difficult to achieve an alignment of liquid crystal molecules that more ideally approximates the function of the Fresnel lens described above. Specifically, in the intermediate region between the inner circumferential edge and the outer circumferential edge in the radial direction of the first region A1, the tilt angle (degree of rise) of the liquid crystal molecules in the longitudinal direction becomes larger than necessary. In contrast, in the embodiment, since the third potential line 363, the fourth potential line 364, and the third electrode 331c and the fourth electrode 331d are provided, the above-described potential gradient Lre can more easily realize the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules to more ideally approximate the function as the Fresnel lens described above. That is, according to the embodiment, a potential gradient corresponding to a desired lens curvature with high precision can be formed, and by controlling the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules using this potential gradient, an optical effect similar to that of the desired lens can be realized with high precision.

[0062] In the embodiment, the third potential wire 363 and the fourth potential wire 364 are two components that function as intermediate potential layers, and the third electrode 331c and the fourth electrode 331d are two components that function as intermediate electrodes. However, there may be one or more intermediate potential layers and intermediate electrodes. When there is one of each component, either the third potential wire 363 or the fourth potential wire 364 is provided, and the other is not provided. When there are three or more of each component, an intermediate potential and intermediate electrode may be additionally provided, with an arrangement and potential that satisfies one of the following: the potential at the position "285.71" is 1.26 volts (V), the potential at the position "500.00" is 1.5 volts (V), and the potential at the position "800.00" is 2.14 volts (V).

[0063] In the embodiment, the first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3 are provided as the multiple concentric regions, but the liquid crystal panel 10 functions as a lens as long as at least the first region A1 is present. Therefore, among the multiple concentric regions, the annular concentric region disposed radially outward of the first region A1 and surrounding the periphery of the first region A1 in a plan view may be omitted. Furthermore, the number of such annular concentric regions may be one, or three or more.

[0064] As described above, according to the embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 10 includes two substrates (a first substrate 37 and a second substrate 43) and a liquid crystal (a liquid crystal 40) sandwiched between the two substrates. The first substrate (the first substrate 37), which is one of the two substrates, includes a resistive layer (a first high-resistance film 321 of the high-resistance film layer 32) that is provided in a light-transmitting region (a light-transmitting region AA) and has a circular outer periphery, an electrode layer (an electrode layer 33) that is stacked with the resistive layer and has a lower electrical resistance than the resistive layer, a first transmission section (a first potential line 361) that is given one of two different potentials, a second transmission section (a second potential line 362) that is given the other of the two different potentials, and intermediate transmission sections (a third potential line 363 and a fourth potential line 364) that are given a potential intermediate between the two different potentials. The electrode layer includes a first electrode (first electrode 331a) arranged at the center (center CE) of the resistive layer, a ring-shaped second electrode (second electrode 331b) along the outer peripheral edge of the resistive layer, and ring-shaped intermediate electrodes (third electrode 331c, fourth electrode 331d) arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode and concentric with the second electrode, and the first transmission section and the first electrode are connected, the second transmission section and the second electrode are connected, and the intermediate transmission section and the intermediate electrodes are connected.

[0065] This allows the potential gradient from the inside to the outside in the radial direction of the resistance layer (the first high-resistance film 321 of the high-resistance film layer 32) to correspond more accurately to the potential gradient (e.g., the potential gradient Lre shown in FIG. 8 ) corresponding in the following order: the potential of the first transmission section (first potential line 361) applied to the first electrode (first electrode 331a), the potential of the intermediate transmission section (third potential line 363, fourth potential line 364) applied to the intermediate electrode (third electrode 331c, fourth electrode 331d), and the potential of the second transmission section (second potential line 362) applied to the second electrode (second electrode 331b). Therefore, compared to a configuration such as the reference example in which only the first electrode and the second electrode are provided, this potential gradient can be more easily approximated to a potential gradient that corresponds more accurately to the orientation of the liquid crystal (liquid crystal 40) corresponding to the desired lens curvature. Therefore, the liquid crystal panel 10 can be provided as a liquid crystal panel that easily realizes liquid crystal orientation control to more accurately reproduce the refractive index of light corresponding to the lens curvature.

[0066] In addition, two intermediate transmission sections (third potential line 363, fourth potential line 364) and two intermediate electrodes (third electrode 331c, fourth electrode 331d) are provided, one of the two intermediate electrodes (third electrode 331c) has a smaller ring diameter than the other (fourth electrode 331d). Different potentials are applied to the two intermediate transmission sections, and the relationship between the potentials applied to the first electrode (first electrode 331a) and the second electrode (second electrode 331b) is the same as the relationship between the potentials applied to one and the other of the two intermediate electrodes. This makes it easier to more precisely define the potential gradient from the inside to the outside in the radial direction of the resistance layer (first high-resistance film 321 of the high-resistance film layer 32) compared to a configuration with a single intermediate transmission section and intermediate electrode. Therefore, the refractive index of light corresponding to the lens curvature can be reproduced with higher accuracy.

[0067] The first substrate (first substrate 37) has an annular resistive layer (second high-resistivity film 322, third high-resistivity film 323) that is concentric with and surrounds the resistive layer (first high-resistivity film 321 of the high-resistivity film layer 32). The electrode layer (electrode layer 33) includes first annular electrodes (first electrodes 332a, 333a) along the inner periphery of the annular resistive layer and second annular electrodes (second electrodes 332b, 333b) along the outer periphery of the annular resistive layer. A first transmission section (first potential line 361) is connected to the first annular electrodes, and a second transmission section (second potential line 362) is connected to the second annular electrodes. This allows the optical effect of the liquid crystal panel 10 to be similar to that of a Fresnel lens. Therefore, a flat panel such as the liquid crystal panel 10 can achieve the same optical effect as that of a Fresnel lens.

[0068] Furthermore, the first transmission section (first potential line 361), the second transmission section (second potential line 362), and the intermediate transmission section (third potential line 363, fourth potential line 364) are connected to the electrode layer (electrode layer 33) via contacts (for example, contacts 351v, 351w, 352v, 352w, 353v, 353w, 351j, and 351k shown in FIG. 4) that are integrally formed with the electrode layer. This allows the configuration for connection to be formed at the same time as the electrode layer (electrode layer 33) is formed.

[0069] The second substrate (second substrate 43), which is the other of the two substrates (first substrate 37 and second substrate 43), includes a common electrode layer (common electrode 42) that is disposed to cover the light-transmitting region (light-transmitting region AA) and faces the electrode layer (electrode layer 33) across the liquid crystal (liquid crystal 40). The liquid crystal is controlled so that the refractive index of the light entering the light-transmitting region along the opposing direction of the two substrates is different between the first electrode (first electrode 331a) and the second electrode (second electrode 331b) in response to a potential gradient generated in the resistance layer (first high-resistance film 321) by a combination of two different potentials (the potential of the first potential line 361 and the potential of the second potential line 362) and an intermediate potential (the potential of the third potential line 363 and the potential of the fourth potential line 364). This allows the liquid crystal panel 10 to perform an optical function similar to that of a lens.

[0070] Modifications of the embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 10 and 11. In the description of the modifications, the same components as those in the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] (Variation 1) 10 is a plan view showing a schematic structure within a light-transmitting region AA of an optical device according to Modification 1. The optical device according to Modification 1 further includes first potential lines 361A, 361B, and 361C and second potential lines 362A, 362B, and 362C in addition to the configuration of the liquid crystal panel 10 of the embodiment described with reference to FIGS.

[0072] The first potential line 361A and the first potential line 361C are arranged to face each other with the first high-resistance film 321 sandwiched therebetween. The first potential line 361 and the first potential line 361B are arranged to face each other with the first high-resistance film 321 sandwiched therebetween. The second potential line 362A and the second potential line 362C are arranged to face each other with the first high-resistance film 321 sandwiched therebetween. The second potential line 362 and the second potential line 362B are arranged to face each other with the first high-resistance film 321 sandwiched therebetween.

[0073] In addition to the contact 351w in the embodiment, the second electrode 331b of Modification 1 is further provided with three contacts 3513. The three contacts 3513 are arranged such that the arc described by the second electrode 331b is divided into approximately four equal parts by the contact 351w and the three contacts 3513.

[0074] One end of each of the first potential lines 361A, 361B, and 361C in a plan view overlaps with the contact 3513. The other end of each of the first potential lines 361A, 361B, and 361C extends radially outward beyond the second electrode 333b.

[0075] The first electrode 332a of Modification 1 is provided with three contacts 3521 in addition to the contact 352v in the embodiment. The three contacts 3521 are arranged such that the arc described by the first electrode 332a is divided into approximately four equal parts by the contact 352v and the three contacts 3521. One of the three contacts 3521 is located at a position overlapping the first potential line 361A in a planar view and is connected to the first potential line 361A. Another of the three contacts 3521 is located at a position overlapping the first potential line 361B in a planar view and is connected to the first potential line 361B. The remaining one of the three contacts 3521 is located at a position overlapping the first potential line 361C in a planar view and is connected to the first potential line 361C.

[0076] In addition to the contact 352w in the embodiment, the second electrode 332b of Modification 1 is further provided with three contacts 3524. The three contacts 3524 are arranged such that the arc described by the second electrode 332b is divided into approximately four equal parts by the contact 351w and the three contacts 3524. One of the three contacts 3524 is located at a position overlapping the second potential line 362A in a plan view and is connected to the first potential line 361A. Another of the three contacts 3524 is located at a position overlapping the second potential line 362B in a plan view and is connected to the first potential line 361B. The remaining one of the three contacts 3524 is located at a position overlapping the second potential line 362C in a plan view and is connected to the first potential line 361C.

[0077] The first electrode 333a of Modification 1 is provided with three contacts 3532 in addition to the contact 353v of the embodiment. The three contacts 3532 are arranged such that the arc described by the first electrode 333a is divided into approximately four equal parts by the contact 353v and the three contacts 3532. One of the three contacts 3532 is located at a position overlapping the first potential line 361A in a plan view and is connected to the first potential line 361A. Another of the three contacts 3532 is located at a position overlapping the first potential line 361B in a plan view and is connected to the first potential line 361B. The remaining one of the three contacts 3532 is located at a position overlapping the first potential line 361C in a plan view and is connected to the first potential line 361C.

[0078] The second electrode 333b of Modification 1 is provided with three contacts 3535 in addition to the contact 353w of the embodiment. The three contacts 3535 are arranged such that the arc described by the second electrode 333b is divided into approximately four equal parts by the contact 353w and the three contacts 3535. One of the three contacts 3535 is located at a position overlapping the second potential line 362A in a plan view and is connected to the first potential line 361A. Another of the three contacts 3535 is located at a position overlapping the second potential line 362B in a plan view and is connected to the first potential line 361B. The remaining one of the three contacts 3535 is located at a position overlapping the second potential line 362C in a plan view and is connected to the first potential line 361C.

[0079] Contacts 3513, 3521, 3524, 3532, and 3535 are contacts similar to contact 35 (see FIG. 3). Thus, in Modification 1, four contacts are arranged so as to divide into four parts the components included in second electrode 331b and electrode layer 33 that are arranged outside second electrode 331b.

[0080] The other end of the first potential wires 361A, 361B, and 361C is connected to the same feeding point as the first potential wire 361. That is, the first potential wires 361A, 361B, and 361C are controlled to have the same potential as the first potential wire 361. The other end of the second potential wires 362A, 362B, and 362C is connected to the same feeding point as the second potential wire 362. That is, the second potential wires 362A, 362B, and 362C are controlled to have the same potential as the second potential wire 362.

[0081] Therefore, in Modification 1, the four potential lines, i.e., the second electrodes 331b, 332b, and 333b, which are included in the electrode layer 33 and are provided along the outer peripheries of the plurality of concentric regions, are connected to the four potential lines, i.e., the second potential lines 362, 362A, 362B, and 362C, via four contacts, and receive four-point power feeds from these four potential lines. Also, in Modification 1, except for the first electrode 331a in the first region A1, which is the innermost of the plurality of concentric regions, the four potential lines, i.e., the first electrodes 332a and 333a, which are included in the electrode layer 33 and are provided along the inner peripheries of the plurality of concentric regions, are connected to the four potential lines, i.e., the first potential lines 361, 361A, 361B, and 361C, via four contacts, and receive four-point power feeds from these four potential lines.

[0082] As described above, except for the points specifically mentioned, Modification 1 is the same as the embodiment.

[0083] (Variation 2) Next, with reference to FIG. 11, a specific description will be given of the first potential line 361 and the second potential line 362 in the configuration of the second modification.

[0084] Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a schematic structure within light-transmitting region AA of the optical device according to Modification 1. Note that contacts 351, 351a, 351b, 351c, 351d, 352a, 352b, 352c, 352d, 352e, 352f, 352g, 352h, 353a, 353b, 353c, 353d, 353e, 353f, 353g, 353h, 353i, 353j, 353k, 353m, 353n, 353p, 353q, and 353r shown in Fig. 11 are contacts similar to contact 35 described with reference to Fig. 3.

[0085] The first potential wire 361 of Modification 2 has a base that extends radially from the center CE of the multiple concentric regions to the outside of the multiple concentric regions. In FIG. 11, the radially outer end of the base is shown as an end 3611. Also in FIG. 11, the base extends along the second direction Dy. Hereinafter, the first potential wire 361 will be described based on the extension direction (second direction Dy) of the base. The first potential wire 361 is connected to the first electrode 331a in the light-transmitting region AA via a contact 351 at an end opposite to one end outside the light-transmitting region AA. Therefore, the first potential wire 361 is connected to the first electrode 331a via one point (the contact 351).

[0086] The first potential line 361 of the second modification includes an extension portion 361b, an extension portion 361c, an extension portion 361d, an arc-shaped extension portion 361e, an arc-shaped extension portion 361f, an arc-shaped extension portion 361g, and an arc-shaped extension portion 361h.

[0087] The first electrode 332a of Modification 2 is provided with contacts 352a, 352b, 352c, and 352d. Of these, the contact 352b corresponds to the contact 352v in the embodiment, and overlaps with the first potential line 361 in a plan view, connecting the first electrode 332a and the first potential line 361. The contacts 352a, 352b, 352c, and 352d are arranged to divide the arc of the first electrode 332a into approximately four equal parts. Specifically, the contacts 352a and 352c are arranged to face each other in the first direction Dx with the first electrode 331a in between in a plan view. The contacts 352b and 352d are arranged to face each other in the second direction Dy with the first electrode 331a in between in a plan view. One of the three contacts 3521 is located at a position overlapping with the first potential line 361A in a plan view and is connected to the first potential line 361A. Another of the three contacts 3521 is located at a position overlapping with the first potential line 361B in a plan view and is connected to the first potential line 361B. The remaining one of the three contacts 3521 is located at a position overlapping with the first potential line 361C in a plan view and is connected to the first potential line 361C. The contacts 352a, 352b, 352c, and 352d are contacts like the contact 35 described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0088] The extension portion 361b has one end at the position of the contact 352a in a plan view, and the other end extends along the first direction Dx to a position overlapping with the first electrode 333a. The extension portion 361c has one end at the position of the contact 352c in a plan view, and the other end extends along the first direction Dx to a position overlapping with the first electrode 333a. The extension portion 361d has one end at the position of the contact 352d in a plan view, and the other end extends along the second direction Dy to a position overlapping with the first electrode 333a.

[0089] The arc-shaped extending portion 361e extends from the other end of the extending portion 361b along the inner circumferential edge of the second electrode 333b in a clockwise direction, tracing an arc of approximately 1 / 8 of the circumference. The arc-shaped extending portion 361f extends from a position of the first potential line 361 overlapping with the first electrode 333a, along the inner circumferential edge of the second electrode 333b in a clockwise direction, tracing an arc of approximately 1 / 8 of the circumference. The arc-shaped extending portion 361g extends from the other end of the extending portion 361c along the inner circumferential edge of the second electrode 333b in a clockwise direction, tracing an arc of approximately 1 / 8 of the circumference. The arc-shaped extending portion 361h extends from the other end of the extending portion 361d along the inner circumferential edge of the second electrode 333b in a clockwise direction, tracing an arc of approximately 1 / 8 of the circumference.

[0090] The contact 353a connects the first potential wire 361 to the first electrode 333a at a position overlapping the other end of the extension portion 361b in a plan view. The contact 353b connects the first potential wire 361 to the first electrode 333a at a position overlapping the extension end of the arc-shaped extension portion 361e in a plan view. The contact 353c connects the first potential wire 361 to the first electrode 333a at a position overlapping the first electrode 333a of the first potential wire 361. The contact 353d connects the first potential wire 361 to the first electrode 333a at a position overlapping the extension end of the arc-shaped extension portion 361f in a plan view. The contact 353e connects the first potential wire 361 to the first electrode 333a at a position overlapping the extension end of the arc-shaped extension portion 361g in a plan view. The contact 353f connects the first potential line 361 and the first electrode 333a at a position overlapping the extending end of the arc-shaped extending portion 361g in a plan view. The contact 353g connects the first potential line 361 and the first electrode 333a at a position overlapping the other end of the arc-shaped extending portion 361h in a plan view. The contact 353h connects the first potential line 361 and the first electrode 333a at a position overlapping the extending end of the arc-shaped extending portion 361h in a plan view. Therefore, the first potential line 361 is connected to the first electrode 333a via eight points (contacts 353a, 353b, 353c, 353d, 353e, 353f, 353g, and 353h).

[0091] The second potential line 362 of Modification 2 has an octagonal base that surrounds the outside of the light-transmitting area AA. One side of the octagon is divided into two, and the first potential line 361 is interposed between the two. One of the two ends, an end 3621, is one of the two ends that extend in the first direction Dx. The end 3621 of the two ends is continuous with an extension portion 362b that extends in the second direction Dy. Note that the shape of the base of the second potential line 362 of Modification 2 may be any shape that can surround the light-transmitting area AA from the outside, and may be, for example, an arc shape. However, the following description will be given assuming that the second potential line 362 of Modification 2 has an octagonal shape.

[0092] The second potential line 362 shown in FIG. 11 has extending portions 362a, 362b, 362c, 362d, 362e, 362f, 362g, and 362h.

[0093] The extending portions 362a, 362b, 362c, and 362d each extend from one side of the octagonal shape of the second potential line 362 to a position where they overlap with the second electrode 331b, in a plan view. The extending portions 362a and 362c extend along the first direction Dx. The extending portions 362b and 362d extend along the second direction Dy. The side of the first potential line 361 from which the extending portion 362a extends faces the side of the first potential line 361 from which the extending portion 362c extends, with the transparent region AA sandwiched between them. The side of the first potential line 361 from which the extending portion 362b extends faces the side of the first potential line 361 from which the extending portion 362d extends, with the transparent region AA sandwiched between them.

[0094] The extending end of extending portion 362a is connected to second electrode 331b via contact 351a at a position where it overlaps with second electrode 331b. Also, extending portion 362a is connected to second electrode 332b via contact 352e at a position where it overlaps with second electrode 332b. Also, extending portion 362a is connected to second electrode 333b via contact 353i at a position where it overlaps with second electrode 333b.

[0095] The extending end of extending portion 362b is connected to second electrode 331b via contact 351b at a position where it overlaps with second electrode 331b. Also, extending portion 362b is connected to second electrode 332b via contact 352f at a position where it overlaps with second electrode 332b. Also, extending portion 362b is connected to second electrode 333b via contact 353k at a position where it overlaps with second electrode 333b.

[0096] The extending end of extending portion 362c is connected to second electrode 331b via contact 351c at a position where it overlaps with second electrode 331b. Also, extending portion 362c is connected to second electrode 332b via contact 352g at a position where it overlaps with second electrode 332b. Also, extending portion 362c is connected to second electrode 333b via contact 353n at a position where it overlaps with second electrode 333b.

[0097] The extending end of extending portion 362d is connected to second electrode 331b via contact 351d at a position where it overlaps with second electrode 331b. Also, extending portion 362d is connected to second electrode 332b via contact 352h at a position where it overlaps with second electrode 332b. Also, extending portion 362d is connected to second electrode 333b via contact 353q at a position where it overlaps with second electrode 333b.

[0098] Starting from contact 352a, contacts 352a, 352b, 352c, and 352d are arranged concentrically in a clockwise direction in this order. Starting from contact 353a, contacts 353a, 353b, 353c, 353d, 353e, 353f, 353g, and 353h are arranged concentrically in a clockwise direction in this order.

[0099] The extending portions 362e, 362f, 362g, and 362h each extend from one side of the octagonal shape of the second potential line 362 to a position where they overlap with the second electrode 333b in a plan view.

[0100] The side of the second potential wire 362 from which the extension portion 362a extends, the side of the second potential wire 362 from which the extension portion 362b extends, the side of the second potential wire 362 from which the extension portion 362c extends, the side of the second potential wire 362 from which the extension portion 362d extends, the side of the second potential wire 362 from which the extension portion 362e extends, the side of the second potential wire 362 from which the extension portion 362f extends, the side of the second potential wire 362 from which the extension portion 362g extends, and the side of the second potential wire 362 from which the extension portion 362h extends are all different.

[0101] Extension portion 362e is connected to second electrode 333b via contact 353j at a position overlapping with second electrode 333b. Extension portion 362f is connected to second electrode 333b via contact 353m at a position overlapping with second electrode 333b. Extension portion 362g is connected to second electrode 333b via contact 353p at a position overlapping with second electrode 333b. Extension portion 362h is connected to second electrode 333b via contact 353r at a position overlapping with second electrode 333b.

[0102] Starting from contact 351a, contacts 351a, 351b, 351c, and 351d are arranged concentrically in a clockwise direction in this order. Starting from contact 352e, contacts 352e, 352f, 352g, and 352h are arranged concentrically in a clockwise direction in this order. Starting from contact 353i, contacts 353i, 353j, 353k, 353m, 353n, 353p, 353q, and 353r are arranged concentrically in a clockwise direction in this order.

[0103] 11, the third potential wire 363 and the fourth potential wire 364 are not shown, but in Modification 2, as in the embodiment and Modification 1, the third potential wire 363 and the fourth potential wire 364 are arranged between the first potential wire 361 and the second potential wire 362 in a plan view. Specifically, the third potential wire 363 and the fourth potential wire 364 are arranged side by side in the first direction Dx and extend in the second direction Dy between the base of the first potential wire 361 and the extending portion 362b of the second potential wire 362.

[0104] As described above, except for the points specifically mentioned, Modification 2 is the same as the embodiment.

[0105] If the resistance ratio is the effective value of the difference in electrical resistance between the inner and outer peripheries of the circular or annular high-resistance film layer 32 in one concentric region, the resistance ratio is affected not only by the electrical resistance (first resistance) between the inner and outer peripheries of the high-resistance film layer 32 resulting from the radial width of the high-resistance film layer 32 (the width corresponding to width La shown in FIG. 11 ), but also by the electrical resistance (second resistance) of the electrode layer 33, which depends on the circumferential length of the concentric region in which the high-resistance film layer 32 is provided (the length corresponding to length Lb shown in FIG. 11 ). Specifically, the resistance ratio corresponds to the value obtained by dividing the first resistance by the second resistance. The resistance ratio must exceed 100, preferably approximately 1000. To achieve such a resistance ratio, it is generally desirable for the first resistance to be larger and the second resistance to be smaller. However, since the radial width of the high-resistance film layer 32 becomes smaller as the concentric region is located further out, it becomes more difficult to ensure the first resistance as the concentric region is located further out. Therefore, in this modification, the resistance ratio is ensured by dividing the circumferential length of the concentric region by providing a plurality of contacts for transmitting the potential from the first potential line 361 and the second potential line 362, thereby making the second resistance smaller. Note that if the resistance ratio significantly exceeds 1000, the voltage gradient will be dulled, making it difficult to generate the refractive index difference described with reference to Fig. 4, so a resistance ratio of around 1000 is desirable.

[0106] As described above, according to the modified examples, the second electrode (second electrode 331b), the first annular electrode (first electrode 332a, first electrode 333a), and the second annular electrode (second electrode 332b, second electrode 333b) are provided with a plurality of contacts (see FIGS. 10 and 11). The k contacts provided on the second electrode are arranged so as to divide the ring of the second electrode into k parts. The m contacts provided on the first annular electrode are arranged so as to divide the ring of the first annular electrode into k parts. The n contacts provided on the second annular electrode are arranged so as to divide the ring of the second annular electrode into n parts. In the modified example 1, k = m = n = 4. In the modified example 2, k = 4 and m = n = 8. k, m, and n are not limited to these exemplified values and may be other values. That is, some of the contacts exemplified in the modified examples 1 and 2 may be omitted or additional contacts may be added depending on the design. When they are added, transmission parts such as the first potential line 361 and the second potential line 362 are extended to the added position and connected via contacts at positions where they overlap with the components included in the electrode layer 33.

[0107] In the modified example, potentials are applied from multiple locations to the second electrode 331b and components arranged outside the second electrode 331b among components included in the electrode layer 33. This makes it easier to stabilize the potential of the annular electrodes arranged outside the second electrode 331b over the entire circumferential direction.

[0108] The liquid crystal panel 10 of the embodiment is an ECB (Electrically Controlled Birefringence) liquid crystal panel. Therefore, the direction of the initial alignment determined by the alignment film 41 and the direction of the initial alignment determined by the alignment film 31 are parallel in a plan view, that is, they are in an anti-parallel relationship. However, the specific aspects of the liquid crystal panel 10, such as the characteristics of the alignment films 31 and 41 mentioned here, are merely examples and do not limit the form of the liquid crystal panel according to the present disclosure. The specific form of the liquid crystal panel can be changed as appropriate within the scope of the claims.

[0109] Furthermore, other effects and advantages brought about by the aspects described in this embodiment that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be appropriately thought of by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 10 LCD panel 32 High resistance film layer 33 Electrode layer 35 Contacts 36 Transmission Layer 37 First board 42 Common electrode 43 Second board 321 1st high resistance film 322 2nd high resistance film 323 Third high resistance film 331a,332a,333a 1st electrode 331b,332b,333b 2nd electrode 331c 3rd electrode 331d 4th electrode 361 First potential line 362 Second potential line 363 Third potential line 364 Fourth potential line AA transparent area

Claims

1. Two substrates, a liquid crystal sandwiched between the two substrates; The first substrate, which is one of the two substrates, a resistive layer provided in the light-transmitting region and having a circular outer periphery; an electrode layer laminated on the resistance layer and having an electrical resistance lower than that of the resistance layer; a first transmission section to which one of two different potentials is applied; a second transmission section to which the other of the two different potentials is applied; an intermediate transmission section to which an intermediate potential between the two different potentials is applied, the electrode layer includes a first electrode disposed at the center of the resistance layer, a ring-shaped second electrode along the outer periphery of the resistance layer, and a ring-shaped intermediate electrode disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and concentric with the second electrode; the first transmission portion and the first electrode are connected, the second transmission portion and the second electrode are connected, The intermediate transmission section and the intermediate electrode are connected. LCD panel.

2. two intermediate transmission sections and two intermediate electrodes are provided; One of the two intermediate electrodes has a smaller ring diameter than the other, The potentials applied to the two intermediate transmission parts are different from each other, the relationship in level between the potentials applied to the first electrode and the second electrode is the same as the relationship in level between the potentials applied to one of the two intermediate electrodes and the other. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 1 .

3. The first substrate is an annular resistive layer that is in the same layer as the resistive layer and is concentric with the resistive layer and surrounds the resistive layer; the electrode layer includes a first annular electrode along an inner circumferential edge of the annular resistance layer and a second annular electrode along an outer circumferential edge of the annular resistance layer, the first transmission portion and the first annular electrode are connected, The second transmission portion and the second annular electrode are connected.

3. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 1.

4. the first transmission section, the second transmission section, and the intermediate transmission section are connected to the electrode layers via contacts that are integrally formed with the electrode layers. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 3 .

5. a plurality of the contacts are provided on the second electrode, the first annular electrode, and the second annular electrode; The liquid crystal panel according to claim 4 .

6. the k contacts provided on the second electrode are arranged to divide the ring of the second electrode into k parts; the m contacts provided on the first annular electrode are arranged to divide the ring of the first annular electrode into k parts; the n contacts provided on the second annular electrode are arranged to divide the ring of the second annular electrode into n parts; k, m, and n are natural numbers greater than or equal to 2. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 5 .

7. a second substrate, which is the other of the two substrates, including a common electrode layer that is provided to cover the light-transmitting region and faces the electrode layer with the liquid crystal sandwiched therebetween; the liquid crystal is controlled in accordance with a potential gradient generated in the resistance layer by a combination of the two different potentials and the intermediate potential, so that a refractive index of the light in the light-transmitting region with respect to light entering the light-transmitting region along the opposing direction of the two substrates becomes different between the first electrode and the second electrode.

3. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 1.

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