Liquid crystal display apparatus

Disclosed herein is a liquid crystal display apparatus, including: a liquid crystal panel having a pixel region in which first and second electrodes apply an electric field to a liquid crystal layer to display an image; the liquid crystal panel including a photo-sensor element having a light receiving face at which the photo-sensor element receives incident light through the liquid crystal layer in the pixel region to produce received light data; at least one of the first and second electrodes being formed in a region of the pixel region other than a light receiving face corresponding region of the pixel region which corresponds to the light receiving face of the photo-sensor element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a liquid crystal display apparatus, and more particularly to a liquid crystal display apparatus wherein a photo-sensor element is provided in a pixel region of a liquid crystal panel and receives, at a light receiving face thereof, light incident thereto through a liquid crystal layer to produce received light data.

2. Description of the Related Art

A liquid crystal display apparatus includes, as a display panel, a liquid crystal panel wherein a liquid crystal layer is enclosed between a pair of substrates. The liquid crystal panel is formed, for example, as a transmission type liquid crystal panel which modulates and transmits therethrough illuminating light emitted from an illuminating apparatus such as a backlight provided on the rear face of the liquid crystal panel. An image is formed from the modulated illuminating light on the front face of the liquid crystal panel.

The liquid crystal panel is formed, for example, as an active matrix type liquid crystal panel which includes a TFT (thin film transistor) array substrate wherein a plurality of thin film transistors each functioning as a pixel switching element are formed in each pixel region. In the liquid crystal panel, an opposing substrate is disposed in an opposing relationship to the TFT array substrate, and a liquid crystal layer is provided between the TFT array substrate and the opposing substrate.

In the liquid crystal panel of the active matrix type, an electric field generated between a pixel electrode and a common electrode when each pixel switching element inputs a potential to the pixel electrode is applied to the liquid crystal layer to vary the orientation of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer. As a result, the transmittance of light transmitted through the pixel is controlled to modulate the light transmitted through the pixel to carry out display of an image.

As regards such a liquid crystal panel as described above, such display modes as a TN (Twisted Nematic) mode, an ECB (Electrically Controlled Birefringence) mode and a vertical orientation mode are known. In addition, as modes wherein a transverse electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer, various modes such as an IPS (In-Plane Switching) mode and an FFS (Fringe Field Switching) mode are known. Such modes as mentioned above are described, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-226200.

Meanwhile, as such a liquid crystal panel as described above, a liquid crystal panel has been proposed which includes, in addition to a semiconductor element such as a TFT which functions as a pixel switching element, a photo-sensor element built in a pixel region and capable of receiving light to produce received light data. A liquid crystal panel of the type just described is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-127212 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-128497.

The liquid crystal panel described can implement a function as a user interface by utilizing the built-in photo-sensor element as a position sensor element. Therefore, the liquid crystal panel is called I/O touch panel.

In a liquid crystal panel of the type described, it is not necessary to dispose a separate touch panel of the resistance film type or the electrostatic capacity type on the front face of the liquid crystal panel. Accordingly, reduction in size and thickness of an apparatus can be implemented readily. Further, where a touch panel of the resistance film type or the electrostatic capacity type is used, since the touch panel sometimes decreases the amount of light to be transmitted through the liquid crystal panel in a pixel region or gives rise to interference of light, the quality of the display image is sometimes deteriorated. However, where a photo-sensor element is built as a position sensor element in a liquid crystal panel, occurrence of such a fault as just described can be prevented.

In the liquid crystal panel, visible rays reflected from a detection object body such as a finger of a user or a touch pen which contacts with the front face of the liquid crystal panel are received by a photo-sensor element built in as the position sensor element. Thereafter, the position at which the detection object body contacts is specified based on received light data obtained by the photo-sensor element built in as the position sensor element. Then, an operation corresponding to the specified position is carried out by the liquid crystal display apparatus itself or an electronic apparatus which includes the liquid crystal display apparatus.

Where the position of the detection object body is detected using the photo-sensor element built in as the position sensor element in such a manner as described above, the received light data obtained by the photo-sensor element sometimes includes much noise from an influence of visible rays included in external light. Further, where black display is carried out in a pixel region, it is difficult for the photo-sensor element provided on the TFT array substrate to receive visible rays. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult to accurately detect the position of the detection object body.

A display apparatus has been proposed which uses invisible rays such as infrared rays in place of visible rays in order to eliminate such a fault as described above. The display apparatus of the type is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-318819 or Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-275644.

In the display apparatus mentioned, invisible rays such as infrared rays emitted from a detection object body are received by a photo-sensor element built in as a position sensor element to acquire received light data. Then, the position of the detection object body is specified based on the acquired data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, it is sometimes difficult to obtain data of a sufficiently high S/N (signal to noise) ratio because received light data obtained by the photo-sensor element includes noise. For example, where coupling occurs between electrodes which apply an electric field to the liquid crystal layer and the photo-sensor element, much noise is sometimes included in the received light data, resulting in a drop of the S/N ratio. Consequently, it is sometimes difficult to precisely detect the position of the detection object body.

Particularly where the FFS mode is employed as the display mode, both of the pixel electrode and the common electrode are provided on the TFT array substrate, and an insulating film is formed as a lower layer of the pixel electrode and the common electrode is formed in a lower layer of the insulating film. Therefore, since the common electrode is provided in the proximity of the photo-sensor element, coupling is likely to occur between the common electrode and the photo-sensor element, which gives rise to such a fault as described above.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a liquid crystal display apparatus which can improve the S/N ratio of received light data obtained from a photo-sensor element.

According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid crystal display apparatus, including: a liquid crystal panel having a pixel region in which first and second electrodes apply an electric field to a liquid crystal layer to display an image; the liquid crystal panel including a photo-sensor element having a light receiving face at which the photo-sensor element receives incident light through the liquid crystal layer in the pixel region to produce received light data; at least one of the first and second electrodes being formed in a region of the pixel region other than a light receiving face corresponding region of the pixel region which corresponds to the light receiving face of the photo-sensor element.

Preferably, at least one of the first and second electrodes includes the light receiving face corresponding region and is not formed in a first region greater than the light receiving face corresponding region but formed in any other region than the first region.

Preferably, the liquid crystal panel includes a filter layer provided in each of the pixel regions in such a manner as to transmit therethrough an amount of invisible rays greater than the amount of visible rays from within the light incident to the light receiving face of the photo-sensor element.

Preferably, the filter layer includes the first region and is disposed so as to cover a second region greater than the first region.

Preferably, the filter layer is formed so as to transmit therethrough infrared rays as the invisible rays.

Preferably, the filter layer is a color filter laminate wherein at least two of a red filter layer, a green filter layer, a blue filter layer, a yellowish green filter layer and an emerald green filter layer are laminated.

Preferably, the liquid crystal display apparatus further includes a position detection section configured to detect the position of a detection object body positioned adjacent one face of the liquid crystal panel; the pixel region including a plurality of photo-sensor elements disposed therein in such a manner as to receive light advancing from the one face side toward the other face side of the liquid crystal panel; the position detection section detecting the position of the detection object body based on the received light data produced by the plural photo-sensor elements.

Preferably, the liquid crystal display apparatus further includes: an illuminating section configured to emit illuminating light toward the other face side of the liquid crystal panel; the liquid crystal panel being configured such that the illuminating light emitted from the illuminating section is transmitted from the other face side to the one face side of the liquid crystal panel so that an image is displayed in the pixel region using the transmitted light; the photo-sensor element receiving reflected light when the illuminating light emitted from the illuminating section and transmitted through the liquid crystal panel is reflected by the detection object body positioned on the one face side of the liquid crystal panel.

Preferably, the illuminating section emits visible rays and invisible rays as the illuminating light.

Preferably, the liquid crystal panel includes: a first substrate positioned on the other face side of the liquid crystal panel; and a second substrate positioned on the one face side of the liquid crystal panel and disposed in a spaced relationship from and in an opposing relationship to the first substrate in such a manner as to cooperate with the first substrate to sandwich the liquid crystal layer therebetween; the filter layer being provided on the second substrate.

Preferably, the liquid crystal layer includes liquid crystal molecules oriented in a horizontal direction along a plane along which the first and second substrates are opposed to each other; the first and second electrodes being provided on the first substrate so as to apply a transverse electric field to the liquid crystal layer.

Preferably, the liquid crystal panel is configured such that the pixel region includes a plurality of pixels disposed therein and further includes a plurality of pixel switching elements disposed on the first substrate so as to correspond to the plural pixels in the pixel region for individually driving the plural pixels; the first electrode being a pixel electrode connected to each of the pixel switching elements and provided in the pixel region so as to correspond to each of the plural pixels; the second electrode being provided as a common electrode common to the plural first electrodes in the pixel region.

Preferably, the first substrate includes an insulating film interposed between the first and second electrodes; the second electrode being formed in such a manner as to cover a region of the pixel region other than the first region without being formed in the first region; the insulating film being formed adjacent the liquid crystal layer with respect to the second electrode; the first electrode being formed in a region of the pixel region other than the first region adjacent the liquid crystal layer with respect to the insulating film without being formed in the first region.

Preferably, the first electrode is provided on the first substrate while the second electrode is provided on the second substrate.

Preferably, the liquid crystal panel is configured such that the pixel region includes a plurality of pixels disposed therein and further includes a plurality of pixel switching elements disposed on the first substrate so as to correspond to the plural pixels in the pixel region for individually driving the plural pixels; the first electrode being a pixel electrode connected to each of the pixel switching elements and provided in the pixel region so as to correspond to each of the plural electrodes; the second electrode being provided as a common electrode common to the plural electrodes in the pixel region.

In the liquid crystal display apparatus, at least one of the first and second electrodes for applying an electric field to the liquid crystal layer are formed in a region of the pixel region other than the light receiving face corresponding region which corresponds to the light receiving face of the photo-sensor element but are not formed in the light receiving face corresponding region. Therefore, occurrence of electric coupling between at least one of the first and second electrodes and the photo-sensor element can be prevented.

With the liquid crystal display apparatus, the S/N ratio of received light data obtained by the photo-sensor element can be improved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Configuration of the Liquid Crystal Display Apparatus

FIG. 1is a sectional view showing a configuration of a liquid crystal display apparatus100according to an embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 1, the liquid crystal display apparatus100shown includes a liquid crystal panel200, a backlight300, and a data processing unit400. The components are described below successively.

The liquid crystal panel200is of the active matrix type and includes a TFT array substrate201, an opposing substrate202, and a liquid crystal layer203.

In the liquid crystal panel200, the TFT array substrate201and the opposing substrate202are opposed to each other in a spaced relationship from each other. The liquid crystal layer203is provided in a sandwiched state between the TFT array substrate201and the opposing substrate202.

The backlight300is disposed adjacent the TFT array substrate201of the liquid crystal panel200as seen inFIG. 1. The liquid crystal panel200receives, at a face thereof opposite to the face of the TFT array substrate201which opposes to the opposing substrate202, illuminating light emitted from the backlight300.

The liquid crystal panel200has a pixel region PA which has a plurality of pixels (not shown) disposed thereon for displaying an image. The liquid crystal panel200receives, at the rear face thereof, illuminating light R emitted from the backlight300disposed on the back face side thereof through a first polarizing plate206and modulates the received illuminating light R in the pixel region PA.

The TFT array substrate201has a plurality of image display elements (not shown) provided in a corresponding relationship to the pixels such that pixel switching elements (not shown) which individually compose the image pixel elements control switching of the pixels to modulate the illuminating light received at the rear face of the liquid crystal panel200. Then, the modulated illuminating light R is emitted to the front face side through a second polarizing plate207thereby to display an image in the pixel region PA. In short, the liquid crystal panel200is of the transmission type and displays a color image on the front face side thereof.

In the present embodiment, the components of the liquid crystal display apparatus100are formed so that the liquid crystal display apparatus100may be of the normally black type. In particular, the components of the liquid crystal panel200are configured so that, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer203, then the light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer203drops to cause the liquid crystal panel200to carry out black display, but when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer203, the light transmittance increases.

Although details are hereinafter described, when the liquid crystal panel200is in use, a detection object body F such as a finger of a user or a touch pen is brought into contact with or positioned in the proximity of the front face of the liquid crystal panel200remote from the rear face adjacent to the backlight300is disposed. The liquid crystal panel200includes a photo-sensor element (not shown) provided thereon for receiving reflected light H reflected from the detection object body F to produce received light data. The photo-sensor element is formed, for example, in such a manner as to include a photodiode (not shown). The photodiode receives the reflected light H reflected from the detection object body F such as a finger on the front face side of the liquid crystal panel200. In other words, the photodiode receives the reflected light H directed from the opposing substrate202side toward the TFT array substrate201side. The photo-sensor element thus photoelectrically converts the reflected light H to produce received light data.

The backlight300is opposed to the rear face of the liquid crystal panel200and emits illuminating light R to the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel200.

In particular, the backlight300is disposed such that it is positioned adjacent the TFT array substrate201from between the TFT array substrate201and the opposing substrate202which compose the liquid crystal panel200. The backlight300irradiates the illuminating light R toward the face of the TFT array substrate201remote from the face which is opposed to the opposing substrate202. In other words, the backlight300illuminates the illuminating light R in such a manner as to advance from the TFT array substrate201side toward the opposing substrate202side.

The data processing unit400includes a control section401and a position detection section402. The data processing unit400includes a computer which operates as various elements in accordance with a program.

The control section401of the data processing unit400controls operation of the liquid crystal panel200and the backlight300. The control section401supplies a control signal to the liquid crystal panel200based on a driving signal supplied thereto from the outside to control operation of the pixel switching elements (not shown) provided on the liquid crystal panel200. For example, the control section401causes the liquid crystal panel200to execute line-sequential driving. Further, the control section401supplies a control signal to the backlight300in response to a driving signal supplied thereto from the outside to control operation of the backlight300so that the backlight300illuminates the illuminating light R. The control section401controls operation of the liquid crystal panel200and the backlight300to display an image in the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel200.

Further, the control section401supplies a control signal to the liquid crystal panel200in response to a driving signal supplied thereto from the outside to control operation of the photo-sensor elements (not shown) provided as position sensor elements to collect received light data from the photo-sensor elements. For example, the control section401causes line-sequential driving to be executed to collect received light data.

The position detection section402of the data processing unit400detects the position in the pixel region PA on the front face of the liquid crystal panel200at which the detection object body F such as a finger of a user or a touch pen is brought into contact with or positioned in the proximity of the liquid crystal panel200. Here, the position detection section402detects the positioned based on received light data collected from the photo-sensor elements (not shown) provided on the liquid crystal panel200. For example, a coordinate position at which the signal intensity of the received light data is higher than a reference value is detected as a coordinate position at which the detection object body F contacts with the liquid crystal panel200in the pixel region PA.

Configuration of the Liquid Crystal Panel

A general configuration of the liquid crystal panel200is described.

FIG. 2is a plan view showing the liquid crystal panel200according to the embodiment 1 of the present invention. Meanwhile,FIGS. 3A and 3Bare circuit diagrams showing an image display element30aand a photo-sensor element30bof a pixel formed in the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel200, respectively.

Referring first toFIG. 2, the liquid crystal panel200has a pixel region PA and a peripheral region CA.

In the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel200, a plurality of pixels P are disposed in such a manner as seen inFIG. 2in the plane of the pixel region PA. In particular, in the pixel region PA, a plurality of pixels P are disposed in an x direction and a y direction perpendicular to the x direction, that is, in a matrix, to form an image. Each of the pixels P includes an image display element30aand a photo-sensor element30bas seenFIGS. 3A and 3B.

The peripheral region CA of the liquid crystal panel200is positioned in such a manner as to surround the pixel region PA as seen inFIG. 2. In the peripheral region CA, a displaying vertical driving circuit11, a displaying horizontal driving circuit12, a sensor vertical driving circuit13and a sensor horizontal driving circuit14are formed as seen inFIG. 2. Each of the circuits mentioned are composed of semiconductor elements formed similarly to the image display element30aand the photo-sensor element30bdescribed above.

The image display elements30aformed in the corresponding relationship to the pixels P in the pixel region PA are driven by the displaying vertical driving circuit11and the displaying horizontal driving circuit12to execute image display. Together with this, the photo-sensor elements30bformed in a corresponding relationship to the pixels P in the pixel region PA are driven by the sensor vertical driving circuit13and the sensor horizontal driving circuit14to collect received light data.

The displaying vertical driving circuit11is provided in the peripheral region CA as seen inFIG. 2. The displaying vertical driving circuit11is electrically connected to a gate line G1extending in the x direction as shown inFIG. 3A. Here, the displaying vertical driving circuit11is electrically connected to a plurality of gate lines G1juxtaposed with each other in the y direction. Then, the displaying vertical driving circuit11successively supplies a selection pulse to the gate lines G1juxtaposed in the y direction based on a control signal supplied thereto.

The displaying horizontal driving circuit12is provided in the peripheral region CA in such a manner as seen inFIG. 2. The displaying horizontal driving circuit12is electrically connected to a first data line S1extending in the y direction as seen inFIG. 3A. Here, the displaying horizontal driving circuit12is electrically connected to a plurality of first data lines S1juxtaposed with each other in the x direction. The displaying horizontal driving circuit12successively supplies an image signal to the first data lines S1juxtaposed in the x direction based on a control signal supplied thereto.

The sensor vertical driving circuit13is provided in the peripheral region CA as seen inFIG. 2. The sensor vertical driving circuit13is electrically connected to a read line Read extending in the x direction as shown inFIG. 3B. Here, the sensor vertical driving circuit13is electrically connected to a plurality of read lines Read juxtaposed with each other in the y direction. The sensor vertical driving circuit13successively supplies a selection pulse to the read lines Read juxtaposed in the y direction based on a control signal supplied thereto.

The sensor horizontal driving circuit14is provided in the peripheral region CA as seen inFIG. 2. The sensor horizontal driving circuit14is electrically connected to a second data line S2extending in the y direction as shown inFIG. 3B. Here, the sensor horizontal driving circuit14is electrically connected to a plurality of second data lines S2juxtaposed with each other in the x direction. The sensor horizontal driving circuit14successively reads out received light data outputted from the photo-sensor element30bthrough the second data lines S2juxtaposed in the x direction based on a control signal supplied thereto.

Referring toFIG. 3A, the image display element30aincludes a pixel switching element31and an auxiliary capacitance element Cs as seen inFIG. 3A.

In the image display element30a, the pixel switching element31and the auxiliary capacitance element Cs are provided in the proximity of an intersecting point between a first data line S1extending in the y direction and a gate line G1extending in the x direction as seen inFIG. 3A.

The pixel switching element31may be, for example, a thin film transistor and is connected at the gate thereof to the gate line G1, at the source electrode thereof to the first data line S1and at the drain electrode thereof to the auxiliary capacitance element Cs and the liquid crystal layer203.

The auxiliary capacitance element Cs is a capacitor having an electrode to which a common potential Vcom is applied and another electrode connected to the drain electrode of the pixel switching element31.

In the image display elements30a, the pixel switching elements31are line-sequentially driven by the displaying vertical driving circuit11and the displaying horizontal driving circuit12based on a control signal supplied thereto from the control section401to carry out image display.

In particular, referring toFIGS. 2 and 3A, a selection pulse is supplied from the displaying vertical driving circuit11to the gate of the pixel switching element31through the gate line G1to place the pixel switching element31into an on state. At this time, as an image signal is supplied from the displaying horizontal driving circuit12to the first data line S1, the pixel switching element31writes the image signal into the liquid crystal layer203. Consequently, a potential corresponding to the image signal is applied to a pixel electrode62a, and therefore, a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer203to execute image display.

Referring toFIG. 3B, the photo-sensor element30bincludes a light receiving element32, a reset transistor33, an amplifying transistor35and a selection transistor36as seen inFIG. 3B.

The light receiving element32is a photodiode and includes a control electrode43, an anode electrode51and a cathode electrode52. The control electrode43is connected to a power supply voltage line HD and receives a power supply voltage VDD supplied thereto. The anode electrode51is connected to a floating diffusion FD. The cathode electrode52is connected to the power supply voltage line HD and receives the power supply voltage VDD supplied thereto.

The reset transistor33is connected at one of terminals thereof to a reference voltage line HS and receives a reference voltage VSS supplied thereto. Further, the reset transistor33is connected at another terminal thereof to the floating diffusion FD. Meanwhile, the reset transistor33is connected at the gate electrode thereof to a reset signal line HR such that, when a reset signal is supplied through the reset signal line HR, the reset transistor33resets the potential of the floating diffusion FD.

The amplifying transistor35is connected at one of terminals thereof to the power supply voltage line HD and receives the power supply voltage VDD supplied thereto. Further, the amplifying transistor35is connected at the other terminal thereof to the selection transistor36. Meanwhile, the amplifying transistor35is connected at the gate electrode thereof to the floating diffusion FD.

The selection transistor36is connected at one of terminals thereof to the amplifying transistor35and at another one of the terminals thereof to the second data line S2. The selection transistor36is connected at the gate electrode thereof to a read line HRe and receives a read signal (Read) supplied thereto. If the read signal is supplied to the gate electrode of the selection transistor36, then the selection transistor36is placed into an on state, in which the selection transistor36outputs received light data amplified by the amplifying transistor35to the second data line S2.

Here, electrostatic capacitance34is produced between the floating diffusion FD and the reference voltage line HS to which the reference voltage VSS is supplied, and the voltage of the floating diffusion FD varies in response to the amount of charge accumulated in the electrostatic capacitance34.

The photo-sensor element30bis driven by the sensor vertical driving circuit13and the sensor horizontal driving circuit14to produce received light data, and the thus produced received light data is read out. Here, for example, the sensor vertical driving circuit13supplies a reset signal (Reset) through the reset signal line HR. Thereafter, the potential which fluctuates in the floating diffusion FD in response to charge produced when the light receiving element32receives and photoelectrically converts light is amplified by the amplifying transistor35. Then, the sensor horizontal driving circuit14supplies a read signal to the gate of the selection transistor36, and the sensor horizontal driving circuit14reads out the potential as received light data through the second data line S2. Then, the received light data is outputted to the position detection section402.

Configuration of the Pixel Region of the Liquid Crystal Panel

FIG. 4is a sectional view schematically showing part of a pixel P provided in the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel200in the embodiment 1 according to the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 4, the liquid crystal panel200includes a TFT array substrate201, an opposing substrate and a liquid crystal layer203.

In the present liquid crystal panel200, the TFT array substrate201and the opposing substrate202are adhered to each other in a spaced relationship from each other as seen inFIG. 4, and the liquid crystal layer203is provided in a gap between the TFT array substrate201and the opposing substrate202. For example, a spacer (not shown) is interposed between the TFT array substrate and the opposing substrate202to provide the gap such that the TFT array substrate201and the opposing substrate202are spaced from each other in an opposing relationship to each other. The TFT array substrate201and the opposing substrate202are adhered to each other using a seal member (not shown).

In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal panel is provided so as to be ready for a display mode of the FFS system.

In the liquid crystal panel200, the TFT array substrate201is a substrate of an insulating material which transmits light therethrough and is formed, for example, from glass. Further, on the face of the TFT array substrate201which opposes to the opposing substrate202, light receiving elements32, pixel electrodes62a, common electrodes62b, first data lines S1, second data lines S2, power supply voltage lines HD and reference voltage lines HS are formed as seen inFIG. 4. Further, though not shown inFIG. 4, pixel switching elements31, gate lines G1, reset transistors33, amplification transistors35, selection transistors36, reset signal lines HR and read lines HRe are provided on the members described above.

In the liquid crystal panel200, the opposing substrate202is a substrate of an insulating material which transmits light therethrough similarly to the TFT array substrate201and is formed, for example, from glass. The opposing substrate202is opposed in a spaced relationship to the TFT array substrate201as seen inFIG. 4. On the face of the opposing substrate202opposing to the TFT array substrate201, a color filter layer21and a visible ray cut filter layer21S are formed as seen inFIG. 4. The color filter layer21includes a red filter layer21R, a green filter layer21G and a blue filter layer21B for the three primary colors of red, green and blue.

In the liquid crystal panel200, the liquid crystal layer203is sandwiched between the TFT array substrate201and the opposing substrate202as seen inFIG. 4. The liquid crystal layer203is oriented by liquid crystal orientation films (not shown) formed on the opposing faces of the TFT array substrate201and the opposing substrate202. In the present embodiment, liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer203are oriented horizontally. In other words, the liquid crystal layer203is oriented such that the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal molecules extends in the direction of the xy plane in which the TFT array substrate201and the opposing substrate202are opposed to each other.

In the liquid crystal panel200, the pixel P is partitioned into a display region TA and a sensor region RA in a plane in which the TFT array substrate201and the opposing substrate202are opposed to each other.

In the display region TA of the liquid crystal panel200, a color filter layer21, a pixel switching element31(FIG. 5), pixel electrodes62a, a common electrode62band first data lines S1are formed as seen inFIG. 4.

FIG. 5is a plan view showing part of the display region TA in the embodiment 1 of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 5, as seen from a legend, different materials of individual members are indicated by different corresponding symbolic section linings, and the positions of contacts for electrically connecting the members are shown. It is to be noted that, inFIG. 5, although a dot region corresponding to the red filter layer21R in the pixel P shown inFIG. 4is shown, also in the dot regions corresponding to the green filter layer21G and the blue filter layer21B, the individual members are formed in a similar manner as in the dot region corresponding to the red filter layer21R.

As seen inFIG. 5, in the display region TA, a pixel switching element31and a gate lines G1are formed in addition to the color filter layer21, pixel electrode62a, common electrode62band first data line S1shown inFIG. 4.

In this display region TA, illuminating light R emitted from the backlight300is transmitted from the TFT array substrate201side to the opposing substrate202side to carry out image display.

Here, both of the first data line S1and the gate lines G1are formed from a metal material such as aluminum or molybdenum so that they intercept light. Therefore, in the display region TA, the illuminating light R is transmitted through a light transmission region HA defined by the lines to carry out image display as seen inFIG. 4.

In the present embodiment, since the display mode of the liquid crystal panel200is the FFS type as described hereinabove, a transverse electric field is applied from the pixel electrode62aand the common electrode62bto the liquid crystal layer203to display an image.

Meanwhile, in the sensor region RA of the liquid crystal panel200, a visible ray cut filter layer21S, a light receiving element32, a second data line S2, a power supply voltage line HD and a reference voltage line HS are formed as seen inFIG. 4.

FIG. 6is a plan view showing part of the sensor region RA in the embodiment 1 of the present embodiment. InFIG. 6, as seen from a legend, different materials of individual members are indicated by different corresponding symbolic section linings, and the positions of contacts for electrically connecting the members are shown. Further, the visible ray cut filter layer21S is indicated by an alternate long and short dash line.

As seen inFIG. 6, in the sensor region RA, a reset transistor33, an amplifying transistor35, a selection transistor36, a reset signal line HR and a read line HRe are formed in addition to the visible ray cut filter layer21S, light receiving element32, second data line S2, power supply voltage line HD and reference voltage line HS shown inFIG. 4.

In the sensor region RA, reflected light H reflected by the detection object body F on the front face side of the liquid crystal panel200is received by the light receiving element32to produce received light data as seen inFIG. 4.

Here, the lines of the second data line S2, power supply voltage line HD, reference voltage line HS, reset signal line HR and read line HRe are formed from a metal material in such a manner as to intercept light. Therefore, in the sensor region RA, the reflected light H is introduced to a light receiving face JSa of the light receiving element32in a light receiving region SA defined by the lines as seen inFIGS. 4 and 6. Therefore, in the light receiving region SA, the reflected light H coming in through the visible ray cut filter layer21S is received by the light receiving face JSa of the light receiving element32to produce received light data.

The components provided on the TFT array substrate201are described successively.

In the TFT array substrate201, the pixel switching element31is formed in the display region TA of the liquid crystal panel200as seen inFIG. 5. Although the pixel switching element31is not shown inFIG. 4, it is formed on the face of the TFT array substrate201opposing to the opposing substrate202similarly to the light receiving element32shown inFIG. 4.

The pixel switching elements31are provided corresponding to the red filter layer21R, green filter layer21G and blue filter layer21B which form the color filter layer21in the pixel P as seen inFIG. 4.

FIG. 7shows the pixel switching element31in the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 7, the pixel switching element31includes a gate electrode45, a gate insulating film46gand a semiconductor layer48and formed as a bottom gate type TFT of the LDD (Lightly Doped Drain) structure.

In particular, the gate electrode45of the pixel switching element31is formed using a metal material such as molybdenum. Here, as shown inFIG. 7, the gate electrode45is provided in an opposing relationship to a channel region48C of the semiconductor layer48through the gate insulating film46gon the face of the TFT array substrate201.

Meanwhile, the gate insulating film46gof the pixel switching element31is formed using an insulating material such as a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitride film. The gate insulating film46gis formed so as to cover over the gate electrode45as seen inFIG. 7.

Further, the semiconductor layer48of the pixel switching element31is formed, for example, from polycrystalline silicon. In the semiconductor layer48, the channel region48C is formed in a corresponding relationship to the gate electrode45as seen inFIG. 7, and a pair of source-drain regions48A and48B are formed in such a manner as to sandwich the channel region48C therebetween. A pair of low concentration impurity regions48AL and48BL are formed on the source-drain regions48A and48B in such a manner as to sandwich the channel region48C therebetween. Further, a pair of high concentration impurity regions48AH and48BH having a concentration higher than that of the low concentration impurity regions48AL and48BL are formed in such a manner as to sandwich the low concentration impurity regions48AL and48BL therebetween. As shown inFIG. 7, the semiconductor layer48is covered with an interlayer insulating film Sz. The interlayer insulating film Sz is formed, for example, from a silicon nitride film or a silicon oxide film.

The source electrode53and the drain electrode54of the pixel switching element31are formed using a conductive material such as aluminum. Here, each of the source electrode53and the drain electrode54is formed by forming a contact hole so as to extend through the interlayer insulating film Sz, embedding the conductive material into the contact hole and then carrying out patterning. In particular, the source electrode53is provided in an electrically connected state to a source-drain region48A while the drain electrode54is electrically connected to the other source-drain region48B.

In the TFT array substrate201, the light receiving element32is formed on the face of the TFT array substrate201which opposes to the opposing substrate202as seen inFIG. 4.

Here, the light receiving element32is provided in a corresponding relationship to the light receiving region SA in the sensor region RA as seen inFIG. 4such that it receives light emitted from the opposing substrate202side toward the TFT array substrate201side in the light receiving region SA through the liquid crystal layer203. Then, the light receiving element32receives and photoelectrically converts light incident from the light receiving region SA to form received light data, and the thus produced received light data is read out.

In the present embodiment, the light receiving element32receives reflected light H reflected toward the front face side to the rear face side of the liquid crystal panel200from the detection object body F when illuminating light R emitted from the backlight300is illuminated upon the detection object body F as seen inFIG. 4to produce received light data. For example, the light receiving element32receives, on the light receiving face JSa thereof, the reflected light H incident through the liquid crystal layer203to produce received light data.

FIG. 8is a sectional view showing the light receiving element32in the embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 8, the light receiving element32is a photodiode of the PIN (P-intrinsic-N) structure and includes a control electrode43, an insulating film46sprovided on the control electrode43, and a semiconductor layer47opposing to the control electrode43with the insulating film46sinterposed therebetween.

In particular, the control electrode43of the light receiving element32is formed using a metal material such as molybdenum. Here, the control electrode43is formed on the face of the TFT array substrate201in an opposing relationship to an i layer47iof the semiconductor layer47as seen inFIG. 8.

The insulating film46sof the light receiving element32is formed using an insulating material such as a silicon oxide film. Here, the insulating film46sis formed so as to cover over the control electrode43as seen inFIG. 8.

Further, the semiconductor layer47of the light receiving element32is formed, for example, from polycrystalline silicon and includes a p layer47p, an n layer47nand an i layer47ias seen inFIG. 8. The semiconductor layer47is provided such that the i layer47ihaving high resistance is interposed between the p layer47pand the n layer47n. The i layer47ihas a light receiving face JSa, which receives light and carries out photoelectric conversion. The semiconductor layer47is covered with an interlayer insulating film Sz as seen inFIG. 8.

The anode electrode51and the cathode electrode52of the light receiving element32are formed using aluminum. As shown inFIG. 8, the anode electrode51and the cathode electrode52are formed by forming contact holes so as to extend through the interlayer insulating film Sz, embedding the conductive material into the contact hole and carrying out patterning. In particular, the anode electrode51is provided in an electrically connected relationship to the p layer47p, and the cathode electrode52is electrically connected to the n layer47n.

On the TFT array substrate201, the reset transistor33, amplifying transistor35and selection transistor36are formed in the sensor region RA of the liquid crystal panel200as seen inFIG. 6. The reset transistor33, amplifying transistor35and selection transistor36are formed, for example, as a bottom gate type TFT similarly to the pixel switching element31.

Referring toFIG. 4, the pixel electrodes62aare formed on the side of the TFT array substrate201opposing to the opposing substrate202.

Here, the pixel electrodes62aare provided on an insulating film60cformed from an insulating material such that it covers the common electrode62bon the TFT array substrate201. For example, the pixel electrodes62aare formed on the insulating film60cformed as a silicon nitride film. The pixel electrodes62aare provided in an individually opposing relationship to the red filter layer21R, green filter layer21G and blue filter layer21B which form the color filter layer21as seen inFIG. 4. The pixel electrodes62aare transparent electrodes and is formed, for example, using ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). Each of the pixel electrodes62ais electrically connected to the drain electrode54of a pixel switching element31. The pixel electrode62acooperates with the common electrode62bto produce a transverse electric field therebetween with a potential supplied thereto as an image signal from the pixel switching element31thereby to apply a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203.

In the present embodiment, since the liquid crystal panel200is of the FFS type, the pixel electrode62ais formed in a comb-tooth shape in the direction of the xy face of the TFT array substrate201opposing to the opposing substrate202.

In particular, referring toFIG. 5, the pixel electrode62aincludes a trunk portion62akand a plurality of branch portions62ae.

The trunk portion62akextends in the x direction as seen inFIG. 5.

The branch portions62aeextend in the y direction as seen inFIG. 5. The branch portions62aeare disposed in a juxtaposed relationship with and in a spaced relationship from each other in the x direction. Each of the branch portions62aeis connected at one end portion thereof to the trunk portion62ak, and the branch portions62aeextend in parallel to each other in the y direction.

Referring toFIG. 4, the common electrode62bis formed on the face of the TFT array substrate201which opposes to the opposing substrate202. Here, the common electrode62bis provided on a flattening film60bformed on the TFT array substrate201in such a manner as to cover the lines. For example, the flattening film60bis formed from an organic compound such as an acrylic resin. The common electrode62bis a transparent electrode and is formed, for example, using ITO. The common electrode62bis opposed to the pixel electrodes62a, which are provided corresponding to the pixels P, with the insulating film60cinterposed therebetween.

In the present embodiment, since the liquid crystal panel200is of the FFS type, the common electrode62bis formed in a solid state such that it covers the overall face of the display region TA in the direction of the xy face of the TFT array substrate201opposing to the opposing substrate202as seen inFIG. 4.

FIG. 9is a plan view showing the common electrode62bin the embodiment 1 of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 9, a cross section taken along line X1-X2corresponds toFIG. 4.

As seen inFIG. 9, in the sensor region RA, the common electrode62bhas an opening formed in a first region A1including a light receiving face corresponding region JT, which corresponds to the light receiving face JSa of the light receiving element32, such that it is provided in a region other than the light receiving face corresponding region JT.

In particular, the first region A1is defined in a predetermined range from a periphery of the light receiving face corresponding region JT toward a periphery of the sensor region RA between the periphery of the light receiving face corresponding region JT and the periphery of the sensor region RA, and the opening is formed corresponding to the first region A1. In particular, as seen inFIG. 9, the common electrode62bis not formed in the first region A1but in any other region of the pixel region PA than the first region A1.

Referring toFIG. 4, the first data lines S1are formed on the face of the TFT array substrate201opposing to the opposing substrate202as seen inFIG. 4. Here, the first data lines S1are provided on an insulating film60aformed on the TFT array substrate201in such a manner as to cover the semiconductor elements such as the light receiving element32.

Referring toFIG. 5, each of the first data lines S1extends in the y direction and is formed using a metal material such as aluminum. The first data line S1is electrically connected to the source electrode of the pixel switching element31.

Referring toFIG. 4, the second data line S2, power supply voltage line HD and reference voltage line HS are formed on the face of the TFT array substrate201opposing to the opposing substrate202similarly to the first data lines S1. The second data line S2, power supply voltage line HD and reference voltage line HS are provided on the insulating film60aformed on the TFT array substrate201in such a manner as to cover the semiconductor elements such as the light receiving element32.

Further, referring toFIG. 6, the second data line S2, power supply voltage line HD and reference voltage line HS extend in the y direction and are formed using a metal material such as aluminum. The second data line S2is electrically connected to the selection transistor36as seen inFIG. 6. The power supply voltage line HD is electrically connected to the light receiving element32and the amplifying transistor35. The reference voltage line HS is connected to the reset transistor33through a lead line HH formed from molybdenum as seen inFIG. 6.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 6, the lines of the second data line S2, power supply voltage line HD and reference voltage line HS are provided in a region in the sensor region RA other than the light receiving face corresponding region JT which corresponds to the light receiving face JSa. In particular, the lines are provided in such a manner as to define the light receiving region SA in the sensor region RA.

On the TFT array substrate201, the gate line G1is formed in the display region TA of the liquid crystal panel200as shown inFIG. 5. The gate line G1extends in the x direction and is formed from a metal material such as molybdenum. Here, the gate line G1is electrically connected to the gate of the pixel switching element31as seen inFIG. 5and is formed on the face of the TFT array substrate201on the side opposing to the opposing substrate202similarly to the light receiving element32shown inFIG. 4.

On the TFT array substrate201, the reset signal line HR and the read line HRe are formed in the sensor region RA of the liquid crystal panel200as seen inFIG. 6. The reset signal line HR and the read line HRe extend in the x direction and are formed using a metal material such as molybdenum. The reset signal line HR is electrically connected to the gate of the reset transistor33as seen inFIG. 6. The read line HRe is electrically connected to the gate of the selection transistor36as seen inFIG. 6.

The components provided on the opposing substrate202are described below.

Referring toFIG. 4, the color filter layer21is formed on the face of the opposing substrate202opposing to the TFT array substrate201. The color filter layer21includes a set of color filter layers for the three primary colors of red, green and blue and particularly includes a red filter layer21R, a green filter layer21G and a blue filter layer21B. The color filter layer21is formed by applying coating liquid containing a coloring pigment corresponding to each color and a photo-resist material by a coating method such as spin coating to form a coating film and then patterning the coating film by a lithography technique. Here, for example, a polyimide resin is used as the photo-resistor material. The red filter layer21R, green filter layer21G and blue filter layer21B are configured such that illuminating light R emitted from the backlight300is colored thereby and transmitted from the TFT array substrate201side to the opposing substrate202side therethrough. In particular, the red filter layer21R colors the illuminating light R to red; the green filter layer21G colors the illuminating light R to green and the blue filter layer21B colors the illuminating light R to blue while they transmit the illuminating light R therethrough.

The visible ray cut filter layer21S is formed on the face of the opposing substrate202opposing to the TFT array substrate201as seen inFIG. 4. Here, the visible ray cut filter layer21S is disposed in a corresponding relationship to the sensor region RA as seen inFIG. 4and formed such that it transmits therethrough a greater amount of infrared light rays than that of visible rays from within light incident to the light receiving face JSa of the light receiving element32in the sensor region RA.

In the present embodiment, the visible ray cut filter layer21S is a color filter laminate including a red filter layer21Rs and a blue filter layer21Bs as seen inFIG. 4and is configured such that the red filter layer21Rs and the blue filter layer21Bs are successively laminated from the opposing substrate202side. Each of the red filter layer21Rs and the blue filter layer21Bs is formed using a polyimide resin which contains a coloring agent such as a pigment or dyestuff similarly to the color filter layer21.

FIG. 10illustrates a spectral characteristic of the visible ray cut filter layer21S in the embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 10, the axis of abscissa indicates the wavelength (nm) of the incident light and the axis of ordinate indicates the transmittance (%) of the incident light.

The visible ray cut filter layer21S is a color filter laminate including a red filter layer21Rs and a blue filter layer21Bs as described above. Here, the red filter layer21Rs transmits a greater amount of light in a wavelength region corresponding to the red color in the visible rays than that of light in the other wavelength regions. Meanwhile, the blue filter layer21Bs transmits a greater amount of light in a wavelength region corresponding to the blue color in the visible rays than that of light in the other wavelength regions. Therefore, as seen inFIG. 10, the visible ray cut filter layer21S is formed such that the transmittance of light in the wavelength region corresponding to infrared rays is higher than that in the wavelength region corresponding to visible rays. The visible ray cut filter layer21S is formed such that, as regards infrared rays whose center wavelength is 850 nm, the light transmittance is approximately 80%, and as regards visible rays, the light transmittance is equal to or lower than approximately 35%.

The visible ray cut filter layer21S is formed by a step same as the step at which the red filter layer21R and the blue filter layer21B which compose the color filter layer21are formed. For example, coating liquid containing a coloring pigment of red and a photo-resist material is applied by a coating method such as spin coating to form a coating film. Thereafter, the coating film is patterned by a lithography technique or the like to form the red filter layer21R of the color filter layer21and the red filter layer21Rs of the visible ray cut filter layer21S. Further, coating liquid containing a coloring pigment of blue and a photo-resist material is applied by a coating method such as spin coating to form a coating film. Thereafter, the coating film is patterned to form the blue filter layer21B of the color filter layer21and the blue filter layer21Bs of the visible ray cut filter layer21S. Here, the patterning is carried out such that the blue filter layer21Bs of the visible ray cut filter layer21S is laminated on the red filter layer21Rs of the visible ray cut filter layer21S.

FIG. 11is a plan view showing part of the opposing substrate202in the embodiment 1 of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 11, a cross section taken along line X1-X2corresponds toFIG. 4.

The red filter layer21R, green filter layer21G and blue filter layer21B which compose the color filter layer21are formed, for example, in a rectangular shape and juxtaposed in the x direction.

The visible ray cut filter layer21S has, for example, a rectangular shape similarly to the red filter layer21R, green filter layer21G and blue filter layer21B which compose the color filter layer21and is juxtaposed in the x direction with the red filter layer21R, green filter layer21G and blue filter layer21B as seen inFIG. 11.

The visible ray cut filter layer21S is formed in the sensor region RA such that it includes a light receiving face corresponding region JT corresponding to the light receiving face JSa of the light receiving element32as seen inFIG. 11.

Here, the visible ray cut filter layer21S includes a first region A1defined so as to be greater than the light receiving face corresponding region JT in the pixel region PA and covers a second region A2which is greater than the first region A1.

In particular, the second region A2is defined so as to have a predetermined range extending from a periphery of the first region A1to a periphery of the sensor region RA between the periphery of the first region A1and the periphery of the sensor region RA. The visible ray cut filter layer21S is formed so as to correspond to the second region A2.

In the present embodiment, the sensor region RA is provided so as to correspond to the second region A2in the pixel region PA, and the visible ray cut filter layer21S is provided so as to cover the entire sensor region RA.

It is to be noted that, in the liquid crystal panel200described above, although the auxiliary capacitance element Cs shown inFIG. 3Ais not indicated clearly, a portion of the insulating film60cwhich is sandwiched by the pixel electrode62aand the common electrode62bas seen inFIG. 4functions as the auxiliary capacitance element Cs.

Configuration of the Backlight

FIG. 12is a sectional view schematically showing the backlight300in the embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 13is a perspective view schematically showing part of the backlight300in the embodiment 1.

Referring toFIG. 12, the backlight300includes a light source301and a light guide plate302and emits the illuminating light R so as to illuminate the overall area of the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel200.

The light source301includes a light emitting face ES for irradiating light and is disposed such that the light emitting face ES opposes to an incidence face IS to which light is introduced. Here, the light emitting face ES of the light source301is opposed to the incidence face IS provided on a side face of the light guide plate302. The light source301receives a control signal supplied thereto from the control section401and carries out a light emitting operation based on the control signal.

In the present embodiment, the light source301includes a visible light source301aand an infrared light source301bas seen inFIG. 13.

The visible light source301ais, for example, a white light LED (light emitting diode) and irradiates white visible rays. The visible light source301ais disposed such that the light emitting face ES thereof is opposed to the incidence face IS of the light guide plate302as seen inFIG. 13, and visible rays are irradiated from the light emitting face ES upon the incidence face IS of the light guide plate302. Here, a plurality of such visible light sources301aare provided and disposed in a juxtaposed relationship along the incidence face IS of the light guide plate302.

The infrared light source301bis, for example, an infrared LED and irradiates infrared rays. The infrared light source301bis disposed such that the light emitting face ES thereof is opposed to the incidence face IS of the light guide plate302as seen inFIG. 13, and infrared ray is irradiated from the light emitting face ES upon the incidence face IS of the light guide plate302. In this instance, the infrared light source301birradiates infrared rays having a center frequency of 850 nm. Here, the single infrared light source301bis provided and disposed in a juxtaposed relationship with the visible light sources301aon the incidence face IS of the light guide plate302on which the visible light sources301aare provided. In the present embodiment, the infrared light source301bis disposed at a substantially central location of the incidence face IS of the light guide plate302on which the visible light sources301aare provided.

Referring toFIG. 12, the light guide plate302is provided such that the light emitting face ES of the light source301is opposed to the incidence face IS thereof, and light irradiated from the light emitting face ES is introduced into the light guide plate302. The light guide plate302guides the light incident to the incidence face IS thereof. Then, the thus guided light is emitted as illuminating light R from an emergence face PS1provided perpendicularly to the incidence face IS. The light guide plate302is disposed in an opposing relationship to the back face of the liquid crystal panel200and irradiates the illuminating light R from the emergence face PS1thereof toward the rear face of the liquid crystal panel200. The light guide plate302is formed by injection molding using a transparent material having a high light emitting property like an acrylic resin.

In the present embodiment, the light guide plate302receives, at the incidence face IS thereof, both of visible rays emitted from the visible light source301aand infrared rays emitted from the infrared light source301b, and guides the visible rays and the infrared rays received at the incidence face IS. Then, the guided visible rays and infrared rays are emitted as illuminating light R from the emergence face PS1. Thus, an image is displayed in the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel200of the transmission type as described above.

Referring toFIG. 12, the light guide plate302includes an optical film303and a reflecting film304.

The optical film303is provided in an opposing relationship to the emergence face PS1on the light guide plate302as seen inFIG. 12. The optical film303receives the illuminating light R emitted from the emergence face PS1of the light guide plate302and modulates the optical characteristic of the illuminating light R.

In the present embodiment, the optical film303includes a diffusion sheet303aand a prism sheet303bdisposed in order from the light guide plate302side. The diffusion sheet303adiffuses light emitted from the emergence face PS1of the light guide plate302, and the prism sheet303bcondenses the diffused light so as to be directed along the normal direction z to the emergence face PS1of the light guide plate302. Consequently, the optical film303emits the light emitted from the light guide plate302as the illuminating light R of plane light toward the rear face of the liquid crystal panel200.

The reflecting film304is provided in an opposing relationship to the face of the light guide plate302positioned remotely from the emergence face PS1. The reflecting film304receives light emitted from a face PS2of the light guide plate302positioned on the opposite side to the emergence face PS1and reflects the light toward the emergence face PS1side of the light guide plate302.

Operation

In the following, operation of the liquid crystal display apparatus100described above to detect, when a finger of the human body as the detection object body F is brought into contact with or positioned in the proximity of the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal display apparatus100, the position of the detection object body F based on received light data obtained from the detection object body F is described.

FIGS. 14A,14B,15A and15B schematically illustrate different manners wherein, when a finger of the human body as the detection object body F is brought into contact with or positioned in the proximity of the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal display apparatus100, the position of the detection object body F is detected based on received light data obtained from the detection object body F. In particular,FIGS. 14A and 14Billustrate the manner where the application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203is in an off state whileFIGS. 15A and 15Billustrate the manner where the application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203is in an on state. InFIGS. 14A,14B,15A and15B, part of the liquid crystal display apparatus100is shown while the other part is not shown, andFIGS. 14A and 15Aare sectional views andFIGS. 14B and 15Bare plan views.

First, operation when the application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203is in an off state is described.

In this instance, as seen fromFIGS. 14A and 14B, in the display region TA of the liquid crystal panel200, the longitudinal direction of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer203oriented horizontally extends, for example, along the y direction. In the present embodiment, the normally black display method is used as the display method. Therefore, in the display region TA of the liquid crystal panel200, visible rays VR of the illuminating light R irradiated from the backlight300are not transmitted through but are absorbed by the second polarizing plate207thereby to display the black.

Meanwhile, infrared rays IR of the illuminating light R irradiated from the backlight300are transmitted through the second polarizing plate207.

On the other hand, in the sensor region RA of the liquid crystal panel200, the visible rays VR of the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are absorbed by the visible ray cut filter layer21S and are not transmitted through the liquid crystal panel200similarly to the display region TA.

In the sensor region RA, a plurality of lines of the power supply voltage line HD, reference voltage line HS and second data line S2are provided in a region, other than the light receiving face corresponding region JT, of the first region A1in which the opening of the common electrode62bis provided as described hereinabove. A fixed potential is applied to each of the power supply voltage line HD and the reference voltage line HS. Therefore, the lines of the power supply voltage line HD, reference voltage line HS and so forth produce a transverse electric field between the lines and an end portion of the common electrode62b. Therefore, the longitudinal direction of liquid crystal molecules oriented horizontally in the liquid crystal layer203sometimes changes such that it extends along a direction different from the y direction as seen inFIGS. 14A and 14B. Consequently, the visible rays VR included in the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are sometimes transmitted through the portion of the liquid crystal layer203in which the longitudinal direction of liquid crystal molecules changes and are mixed into the black display to deteriorate the image quality.

However, in the present embodiment, since the visible ray cut filter layer21S is provided so as to correspond to the sensor region RA, the visible rays VR are blocked also in the portion of the liquid crystal layer203in which the longitudinal direction of liquid crystal molecules changes.

Accordingly, since the visible rays VR are not transmitted also through the portion of the liquid crystal layer203in which the longitudinal direction of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer203changes, deterioration of the image quality can be prevented.

Meanwhile, the infrared rays IR of the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are transmitted through the second polarizing plate207in the light receiving region SA as seen inFIG. 14A. Therefore, when the detection object body F such as a finger of the human body is brought into contact with or positioned in the proximity of the pixel region PA, the transmitted infrared rays IR are reflected by the detection object body F as seen inFIGS. 14A and 14B. Then, the reflected light H is received by the light receiving element32provided on the liquid crystal panel200.

Here, the reflected light H directed toward the light receiving face JSa is received at the light receiving face JSa of the light receiving element32and photoelectrically converted by the light receiving element32. Then, received light data by charge produced by the photoelectric conversion is read out by the peripheral circuits.

Then, the position detection section402uses the read out received light data in such a manner as described above to form an image of the detection object body F positioned in the pixel region PA on the front face side of the liquid crystal panel200. Then, the position detection section402detects the position of the detection object body F from the thus formed image.

Now, the operation when the application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203is in an on state is described.

In this instance, in the display region TA of the liquid crystal panel200, the longitudinal direction of horizontally orientated liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer203is inclined to a direction different from the y direction as seen inFIGS. 15A and 15B. Therefore, in the display region TA of the liquid crystal panel200, the visible rays VR of the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are transmitted through the second polarizing plate207to carry out white display. Further, also the infrared rays IR of the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are transmitted through the second polarizing plate207.

In contrast, in the sensor region RA of the liquid crystal panel200, the visible rays VR of the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are absorbed by the visible ray cut filter layer21S without being transmitted through the liquid crystal panel200.

In the sensor region RA, since the opening is provided in the common electrode62bin a corresponding relationship to the first region A1and the pixel electrode62ais not provided as described hereinabove, no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer203. Therefore, similarly as in the case wherein the application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203is in an off state, the visible rays VR included in the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are absorbed and hence blocked by the visible ray cut filter layer21S.

Further, the lines of the power supply voltage line HD, reference voltage line HS and so forth produce a horizontal electric field between the lines and the end portion of the common electrode62bsimilarly as described hereinabove. Therefore, as seen inFIGS. 15A and 15B, the longitudinal direction of horizontally oriented liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer203sometimes changes so as to extend in a direction different from the y direction, and therefore, the image quality is sometimes deteriorated. However, in the present embodiment, the visible ray cut filter layer21S is provided in a corresponding relationship to the sensor region RA. Therefore, even in the portion of the liquid crystal layer203in which the longitudinal direction of liquid crystal molecules changes, the visible rays VR are blocked, and consequently, deterioration of the image quality can be prevented.

Meanwhile, the infrared rays IR of the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are transmitted through the second polarizing plate207in the light receiving region SA as seen inFIG. 15A. Therefore, when the detection object body F such as a finger of the human body is brought into contact with or positioned in the proximity of the pixel region PA, the transmitted infrared rays IR are reflected by the detection object body F as seen inFIGS. 15A and 15B. Then, the reflected light H is received by the light receiving element32provided on the liquid crystal panel200. Then, the reflected light H directed toward the light receiving face JSa is received at the light receiving face JSa of the light receiving element32and photoelectrically converted by the light receiving element32. Then, received light data by charge produced by the photoelectric conversion is read out by the peripheral circuits.

Then, the position detection section402uses the received light data read out from the light receiving element32to form an image of the detection object body F positioned in the pixel region PA on the front face side of the liquid crystal panel200. Then, the position detection section402detects the position of the detection object body F from the thus formed image.

In this manner, in the present embodiment, the pixel electrode62aand the common electrode62bare formed in a region of the pixel region PA other than the light receiving face corresponding region JT which corresponds to the light receiving face JSa of the light receiving element32. Therefore, in the present embodiment, coupling of the pixel electrode62aand the common electrode62b, which applies an electric field to the liquid crystal layer203, to the light receiving element32can be prevented, and consequently, much noise can be prevented from being included in the received light data, and the S/N ratio can be improved. Therefore, precise detection of the position of a detection object body can be implemented readily.

Further, in the present embodiment, when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer203in the pixel region PA to carry out image display, no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer203in the light receiving face corresponding region JT corresponding to the light receiving face JSa of the light receiving element32. Therefore, the visible rays VR included in the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are blocked. Further, where the pixel electrode62aand the common electrode62bare formed in the light receiving face corresponding region JT using ITO, since the ITO has a high refraction factor and reflects much of light on an interface thereof, the amount of light to be introduced into the light receiving element32decreases. However, in the present embodiment, the pixel electrode62aand the common electrode62bare formed in the light receiving face corresponding region JT. Therefore, the amount of light to be introduced into the light receiving element32does not decrease.

Further, in the present embodiment, the visible ray cut filter layer21S is provided in the pixel region PA such that it transmits the infrared rays IR more than the visible rays VR therethrough. Here, in the sensor region RA, the visible ray cut filter layer21S is provided in such a manner as to cover the second region A2which is greater than the first region A1in which the pixel electrode62bis not formed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, leak light in the sensor region RA can be prevented, and therefore, the image quality can be improved.

In the following, an embodiment 2 of the present invention is described.

Configuration of the Pixel Region of the Liquid Crystal Panel

FIG. 16is a sectional view schematically showing part of a pixel P provided in a pixel region PA of a liquid crystal panel200according to the embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 16, the liquid crystal panel200in the present embodiment is similar in configuration to that in the embodiment 1 described hereinabove. However, the pixel P in the present embodiment is different from that in the embodiment 1 in the shape of the pixel electrode62aand the position of the common electrode62band in that it does not include the insulating film60c. Further, in the liquid crystal panel200shown inFIG. 16, the liquid crystal layer203is oriented such that the longitudinal direction of liquid crystal molecules thereof extends in a direction in which the TFT array substrate201and the opposing substrate202are opposed to each other. In other words, in the present embodiment, the components are formed such that the display mode corresponds to the vertical orientation mode. Further, the first polarizing plate206and the second polarizing plate207are disposed in cross Nicol arrangement so as to be ready for the normally black display mode.

The pixel electrode62ais formed on the face of the TFT array substrate201opposing to the opposing substrate202.

The pixel electrode62ahere is provided on the flattening film60bformed from an insulating material on the TFT array substrate201in such a manner as to cover the lines. The pixel electrode62ais provided in a corresponding relationship to each of the red filter layer21R, green filter layer21G and blue filter layer21B which compose the color filter layer21as seen inFIG. 16. The pixel electrode62ais a transparent electrode and is formed using, for example, ITO and electrically connected to the drain electrode54of the pixel switching element31. The pixel electrode62aapplies a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203interposed between the pixel electrode62aand the pixel electrode62busing a potential supplied as an image signal from the pixel switching element31.

FIG. 17is a plan view showing the common electrode62ain the embodiment 2 of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 17, a cross section taken along line X1-X2corresponds toFIG. 16.

In the present embodiment, the pixel electrode62ais formed in a rectangular shape in a direction of the xy plane of the TFT array substrate201opposing to the opposing substrate202as seen inFIG. 17.

In particular, the pixel electrode62ais defined by sides extending along the x direction and the y direction, and a plurality of such pixel electrodes62aare disposed in a juxtaposed relationship with each other and in a spaced relationship from each other in the x direction.

Referring back toFIG. 16, the common electrode62bis provided adjacent the face of the opposing substrate202opposing to the TFT array substrate201.

Here, the common electrode62bis provided on a flattening film22formed on the opposing substrate202in such a manner as to cover the color filter layer21and the visible ray cut filter layer21S. The common electrode62bis a transparent electrode and is formed, for example, using ITO. The common electrode62bis opposed through the liquid crystal layer203to the pixel electrodes62awhich are provided individually corresponding to the pixels P.

FIG. 18is a plan view showing the common electrode62bin the embodiment 2 of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 18, a cross section taken along line X1-X2corresponds toFIG. 16.

Referring toFIG. 18, in the present embodiment, the common electrode62bis formed in a solid state such that it covers the overall area of the display region TA in the direction of the xy plane of the opposing substrate202opposing to the TFT array substrate201.

Meanwhile, in the sensor region RA, an opening is provided in the first region A1including the light receiving face corresponding region JT of the common electrode62b, which corresponds to the light receiving face JSa of the light receiving element32, in such a manner that it is provided in the region other than the light receiving face corresponding region JT.

In particular, similarly as in the embodiment 1, the first region A1is defined in a predetermined range from peripheries of the light receiving face corresponding region JT toward peripheries of the sensor region RA between the peripheries of the light receiving face corresponding region JT and the peripheries of the sensor region RA. The opening is provided corresponding to the first region A1. In other words, the common electrode62bis not formed in the first region A1in the pixel region PA but is formed in the region of the pixel region PA other than the first region A1.

Operation

In the following, operation of the liquid crystal display apparatus100described hereinabove for detecting, when a finger of the human body as the detection object body F is brought into contact with or positioned in the proximity of the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel200, the position of the detection object body F based on received light data obtained regarding the detection object body F.

FIGS. 19 and 20are sectional views schematically showing different manners in the embodiment 2 of the present invention wherein, when a finger of the human body as the detection object body F is brought into contact with or positioned in the proximity of the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel200, the position of the detection object body F is detected based on received light data obtained regarding the detection object body F. In particular,FIG. 19illustrates the operation when the application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203is in an off state, andFIG. 20illustrates the operation when the application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203is in an on state.

First, the operation when the application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203is in off state is described.

In this instance, as seen inFIG. 19, in the display region TA of the liquid crystal panel200, the longitudinal direction of liquid crystal molecules oriented vertically in the liquid crystal layer203extend, for example, in the z direction. In the present embodiment, the components are configured such that the normally black display method is used as the display method. Therefore, in the display region TA, visible rays VR included in illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are not transmitted through but are absorbed by the second polarizing plate207to carry out black display.

On the other hand, infrared rays IR included in the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are transmitted through the second polarizing plate207.

In contrast, in the sensor region RA of the liquid crystal panel200, the visible rays VR included in the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are absorbed by the visible ray cut filter layer21S and are not transmitted through the liquid crystal panel200.

Meanwhile, the infrared rays IR of the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are transmitted through the second polarizing plate207in the light receiving region SA as seen inFIG. 19. Therefore, if the detection object body F such as a finger of the human body is brought into contact with or positioned in the proximity of the pixel region PA, then the transmitted infrared rays IR are reflected by the detection object body F as seen inFIG. 19. Then, the reflected light H is received by the light receiving element32provided on the liquid crystal panel200.

Here, the reflected light H directed toward the light receiving face JSa is received and photoelectrically converted by the light receiving face JSa of the light receiving element32to produce charge. Then, received light data is read out based on the produced charge by the peripheral circuits.

Then, the position detection section402uses the received light data read out from the light receiving element32to form an image of the detection object body F positioned in the pixel region PA on the front face side of the liquid crystal panel200and detects the position of the detection object body F from the thus formed image.

Now, the operation when the application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203is in an on state is described.

In this instance, as seen inFIG. 20, the longitudinal direction of liquid crystal molecules oriented vertically in the liquid crystal layer203in the display region TA of the liquid crystal panel200is inclined to a direction different from the z direction. Therefore, in the display region TA of the liquid crystal panel200, the visible rays VR included in the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are transmitted through the second polarizing plate207to carry out white display. Further, also the infrared rays IR of the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are transmitted through the second polarizing plate207.

On the other hand, in the sensor region RA, the visible rays VR included in the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are absorbed by the visible ray cut filter layer21S and are not transmitted through the liquid crystal panel200.

In particular, in the sensor region RA, the opening is provided in the common electrode62bin a corresponding relationship to the first region A1and the pixel electrode62ais not provided, and therefore, no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer203. Consequently, similarly as in the case wherein the application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203is in an off state, the visible rays VR included in the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are absorbed by the visible ray cut filter layer21S.

Meanwhile, the infrared rays IR of the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are transmitted through the second polarizing plate207in the light receiving region SA as seen inFIG. 20similarly as described hereinabove. Therefore, if the detection object body F such as a finger of the human body is brought into contact with or positioned in the proximity of the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel200, then the transmitted infrared rays IR are reflected by the detection object body F, and the reflected light H is received by the light receiving element32provided on the liquid crystal panel200. Then, the reflected light H directed toward the light receiving face JSa is received by the light receiving face JSa of and photoelectrically converted by the light receiving element32to produce received light data. Therefore, the received light data is read out by the peripheral circuits.

Then, the position detection section402uses the received light data read out from the light receiving element32to form an image of the detection object body F positioned in the pixel region PA on the front face side of the liquid crystal panel200and detects the position of the detection object body F from the thus formed image as described hereinabove.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the pixel electrode62aand the common electrode62bare formed in the region of the pixel region PA other than the light receiving face corresponding region JT which corresponds to the light receiving face JSa of the light receiving element32which composes the photo-sensor element30bsimilarly as in the embodiment 1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the received light data can be prevented from containing much noise therein similarly as in the embodiment 1, and therefore, the S/N ratio can be improved. Consequently, precise detection of the position of a detection object body can be implemented readily. Further, in the present embodiment, the image quality can be improved.

In the following, an embodiment 3 according to the present invention is described.

FIG. 21is a cross sectional view schematically showing part of a pixel P provided in a pixel region PA of a liquid crystal panel200of the present embodiment.

The liquid crystal panel200of the present embodiment is similar to but is different from the liquid crystal panel200of the embodiment 2 in that the pixel P has a transparent electrode62T as seen inFIG. 21.

Referring toFIG. 21, the transparent electrode62T is provided on the flattening film60bformed so as to cover the lines on the face of the TFT array substrate201opposing to the opposing substrate202similarly to the pixel electrode62a.

In the present embodiment, the transparent electrode62T is formed in the direction of the xy face of the TFT array substrate201opposing to the opposing substrate202. The transparent electrode62T is formed, for example, using ITO.

FIG. 22is a plan view showing the pixel electrode62aand the transparent electrode62T in the embodiment 3 of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 22, a cross section taken along line X1-X2corresponds toFIG. 21.

In the present embodiment, the transparent electrode62T is formed in a rectangular shape in the direction of the xy face of the TFT array substrate201opposing to the opposing substrate202as seen inFIG. 22similarly to the pixel electrode62a. Here, as seen inFIG. 22, the transparent electrode62T is juxtaposed in a spaced relationship from the pixel electrodes62ain the x direction. The transparent electrode62T is formed in the sensor region RA such that it covers the first region A1including the light receiving face corresponding region JT corresponding to the light receiving face JSa of the light receiving element32which forms the photo-sensor element30b.

The transparent electrode62T is preferably configured such that a fixed potential is applied or it is grounded different from the pixel electrode62a. By the configuration just described, the influence of coupling of the transparent electrode62T with opposing transparent electrodes of neighboring pixels can be eliminated. Therefore, also when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer203in the display region TA to carry out white display, since the liquid crystal layer203in the sensor region RA is not influenced by the applied voltage, black display is carried out, and the image quality can be improved.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the transparent electrode62T is provided in the sensor region RA, different from the embodiment 2. However, the common electrode62bis formed in the region of the pixel region PA other than the light receiving face corresponding region JT which corresponds to the light receiving region JSa of the light receiving element32similarly as in the embodiment 2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, occurrence of leak of light from the sensor region RA can be prevented similarly as in the embodiment 2, and consequently, the image quality can be improved. Further, in the present embodiment, the received light data can be prevented from including much noise, and the S/N ratio can be improved. Therefore, precise detection of the position of a detection object body can be implemented readily.

In the following, an embodiment 4 according to the present invention is described.

FIG. 23is a cross sectional view schematically showing part of a pixel P provided in a pixel region PA of a liquid crystal panel200.

In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal panel200is similar to but different from the liquid crystal panel200in the embodiment 3. In particular, the liquid crystal layer203is different in the orientation direction from that shown inFIG. 23. Here, the liquid crystal layer203is oriented such that liquid crystal molecules are twisted between the TFT array substrate201and the opposing substrate202. In particular, in the present embodiment, the components are formed such that the display mode is ready for the TN (Twisted Nematic) mode. Further, the first polarizing plate206and the second polarizing plate207are arranged, for example, in the cross Nicol arrangement so as to be ready for the normally white display.

Operation of the liquid crystal display apparatus100of the present embodiment for detecting, when a finger of the human body as the detection object body F is brought into contact with or positioned in the proximity of the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel200, the position of the detection object body F based on received light data obtained from the detection object body F.

FIGS. 24 and 25are sectional views schematically showing different manners in the embodiment 4 of the present invention wherein, when a finger of the human body as the detection object body F is brought into contact with or positioned in the proximity of the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel200, the position of the detection object body F is detected based on received light data obtained regarding the detection object body F. In particular,FIG. 24illustrates the operation when the application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203is in an off state, andFIG. 25illustrates the operation when the application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203is in an on state.

The operation when the application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203is in off state is described.

In the present embodiment, the components are formed such that a normally white display mode is used. Therefore, when the application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203is in an off state, in the display region TA, the visible rays VR included in the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are transmitted through the second polarizing plate207to carry out white display. Also the infrared rays IR included in the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are transmitted through the second polarizing plate207.

However, in the sensor region RA of the liquid crystal panel200, the visible rays VR in the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are blocked by the visible ray cut filter layer21S and are not transmitted through the liquid crystal panel200.

On the other hand, the infrared rays IR of the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are not blocked but are transmitted through the second polarizing plate207in the light receiving region SA as seen inFIG. 24similarly as described hereinabove. Therefore, if the detection object body F such as a finger of the human body is brought into contact with or positioned in the proximity of the pixel region PA, then the transmitted infrared rays IR are reflected by the detection object body F as seen inFIG. 24, and the reflected light H is received by the light receiving element32provided on the liquid crystal panel200. Then, the reflected light H directed toward the light receiving face JSa is received at the light receiving face JSa of and photoelectrically converted by the light receiving element32to produce charge, and received light data of a signal intensity corresponding to the charge is read out by the peripheral circuits.

Then, the position detection section402uses the received light data read out from the light receiving element32to form an image of the detection object body F positioned in the pixel region PA on the front face side of the liquid crystal panel200and detects the position of the detection object body F from the thus formed image as described hereinabove.

Now, the operation when the application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203is in an on state is described.

In the present embodiment, the components are formed such that a normally white display mode is used. Therefore, when the application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer203is in an on state, in the display region TA of the liquid crystal panel200, the visible rays VR included in the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are not transmitted through the second polarizing plate207to carry out black display. Meanwhile, the infrared rays IR included in the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are transmitted through the second polarizing plate207.

On the other hand, in the sensor region RA of the liquid crystal panel200, the visible rays VR in the illuminating light R illuminated from the backlight300are blocked by the visible ray cut filter layer21S and are not transmitted through the liquid crystal panel200.

On the other hand, the infrared rays IR of the illuminating light R illuminated from backlight300are transmitted through the second polarizing plate207in the light receiving region SA as seen inFIG. 25. Therefore, if the detection object body F such as a finger of the human body is brought into contact with or positioned in the proximity of the pixel region PA, then the transmitted infrared rays IR are reflected by the detection object body F as seen inFIG. 25. Then, the reflected light H is received and photoelectrically converted by the light receiving element32provided on the liquid crystal panel200to produce received light data of a signal intensity corresponding to the received light amount. Thereafter, the received light data is read out by the peripheral circuits. Then, the position detection section402uses the received light data read out from the light receiving element32to form an image of the detection object body F positioned in the pixel region PA on the front face side of the liquid crystal panel200and detects the position of the detection object body F from the thus formed image as described hereinabove.

As described above, while, in the present embodiment, the transparent electrode62T is provided in the sensor region RA similarly as in the embodiment 3, the common electrode62bis formed in the region of the pixel region PA other than the light receiving face corresponding region JT corresponding to the light receiving face JSa of the light receiving element32which composes the photo-sensor element30b. Therefore, in the present embodiment, since no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer203in the sensor region RA similarly as in the embodiment 3, leakage of light from the sensor region RA can be prevented, and consequently, the image quality can be improved. Further, in the present embodiment, the received light data can be prevented from including much noise, and the S/N ratio can be improved. Therefore, precise detection of the position of a detection object body can be implemented readily.

It is to be noted that, while, in the present embodiment, the TN mode is used, the advantages described above can be achieved also where the ECB (Electrically Controlled Birefringence) mode is applied.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific embodiments but can be applied in various forms and modifications.

For example, while the visible ray cut filter layer21S described above is formed from a laminate of the red filter layer21Rs and the blue filter layer21Bs, the configuration of the visible ray cut filter layer21S is not limited to this. The visible ray cut filter layer21S can favorably absorb visible rays and selectively transmit infrared rays if it is formed from a laminate of at least two of a red filter layer, a green filter layer, a blue filter layer, a yellowish green filter layer and an emerald green filter layer. It is to be noted that the emerald green filter layer is a color filter formed so as to exhibit a high light transmittance in a wavelength band of 470 to 560 nm. The yellowish green filter layer is a color filter formed so as to have a high light transmittance in another wavelength band of 480 to 560 nm. The red filter layer is a color filter formed so as to have a high light transmittance in a frequency band of 625 to 740 nm. The green filter layer is a color filter formed so as to have a high light transmittance of 500 to 565 nm. The blue filter layer is a color filter formed so as to have a high light transmittance in a wavelength band of 430 to 485 nm.

FIG. 26is a sectional view showing the visible ray cut filter layer21S which can be used in the embodiments described hereinabove.

Referring toFIG. 26, the visible ray cut filter layer21S may be formed from a laminate of filter layers for all of the three primary colors, that is, a red filter layer21Rs, a green filter layer21Gs and a blue filter layer21Bs. Here, the green filter layer21Gs, red filter layer21Rs and blue filter layer21Bs are laminated in order from the opposing substrate202side. Each of the green filter layer21Gs, red filter layer21Rs and blue filter layer21Bs is formed using a polyimide resin which contains a coloring agent such as pigment or dyestuff similarly to the color filter layer21.

FIG. 27illustrates a spectral characteristic of the visible ray cut filter layer21S configured in such a manner as described above with reference toFIG. 26. InFIG. 27, the axis of abscissa indicates the wavelength (nm) of incident light, and the axis of ordinate indicates the transmittance (%) of incident light.

The visible ray cut filter layer21S is a color film laminate including the green filter layer21Gs, red filter layer21Rs and blue filter layer21Bs as described hereinabove. Here, the visible ray cut filter layer21S is configured such that the green filter layer21Gs transmits therethrough a greater amount of light in a wavelength region corresponding to the green from among visible rays than that of light in the other wavelength regions. Meanwhile, the red filter layer21Rs transmits therethrough a greater amount of light in a wavelength region corresponding to the red from among visible rays than that of light in the other wavelength regions. Further, the blue filter layer21Bs transmits therethrough a greater amount of light in a wavelength region corresponding to the blue from among visible rays than that of light in the other wavelength regions. Therefore, the visible ray cut filter layer21S is formed such that the light transmittance in the wavelength region corresponding to infrared rays is higher than the light transmittance in the wavelength region corresponding to the visible rays. In particular, the visible ray cut filter layer21S is configured such that, for example, as regards infrared rays having a center frequency of 850 mm, the visible ray cut filter layer21S has a light transmittance of approximately 70% as seen inFIG. 27, and as regards the visible rays, the light transmittance is equal to or lower than approximately 30%.

The visible ray cut filter layer21S is formed at a step same as the step at which the red filter layer21R and the blue filter layer21B which compose the color filter layer21are formed. For example, coating liquid containing a coloring pigment of the green and a photo-resist material is coated by a coating method such as spin coating to form a coating film. Thereafter, a lithography technique is used to carry out patterning of the coating film to form the green filter layer21G of the color filter layer21and the green filter layer21Gs of the visible ray cut filter layer21S. Then, coating liquid containing a coloring pigment for the red and a photo-resist material is coated by a coating method such as spin coating to form a coating film as described hereinabove in connection with the embodiment 1. Thereafter, a lithography technique is used to carry out patterning of the coating film to form the red filter layer21R of the color filter layer21and the red filter layer21Rs of the visible ray cut filter layer21S. Then, coating liquid containing a coloring pigment for the blue and a photo-resist material is coated by a coating method such as spin coating to form a coating film. Thereafter, a lithography technique is used to carry out patterning of the coating film to form the blue filter layer21B of the color filter layer21and the blue filter layer21Bs of the visible ray cut filter layer21S.

Further, although, in the embodiments described hereinabove, the pixel switching element31is formed from a thin film transistor of the bottom gate type, the pixel switching element31is not limited to this.

FIG. 28is a sectional view of a modified form of the pixel switching element31which can be used in the embodiments described hereinabove.

Referring toFIG. 28, for example, a TFT of the top gate type may be formed as the pixel switching element31. Further, the light receiving element32may be formed so as to have a dual gate structure.

Further, while, in the embodiments described hereinabove, a plurality of light receiving elements32are provided in a corresponding relationship to a plurality of pixels P, the relationship between them is not limited to this. For example, one light receiving element32may be provided for a plurality of pixels P, or conversely a plurality of light receiving elements32may be provided for one pixel P.

Further, the liquid crystal display apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied as a part of various electronic apparatus.

FIGS. 29 to 33show several electronic apparatuses to which the liquid crystal display apparatus100according to any one of the embodiments of the present invention described above is applied.

Referring first toFIG. 29, a television set which receives and displays a television broadcast can incorporate the liquid crystal display apparatus100as a display apparatus which displays a received image on a display screen and to which an operation instruction of a user is inputted.

Referring toFIG. 30, a digital still camera can incorporate the liquid crystal display apparatus100as a display apparatus which displays an image such as an image picked up by the digital still camera on a display screen thereof and to which an operation instruction of an operator is inputted.

Referring toFIG. 31, a personal computer of the notebook type can incorporate the liquid crystal display apparatus100as a display apparatus which displays an operation image or the like on a display screen thereof and to which an operation instruction of an operator is inputted.

Referring toFIG. 32, a portable telephone set can incorporate the liquid crystal display apparatus100as a display apparatus which displays an image such as an operation image on a display screen thereof and to which an operation instruction of an operator is inputted.

Referring toFIG. 33, a video camera can incorporate the liquid crystal display apparatus100as a display apparatus which displays an image such as an operation image on a display screen thereof and to which an operation instruction of an operator is inputted.

Further, while, in the embodiments described hereinabove, the light receiving element32includes a photodiode of the PIN type, the light receiving element32is not limited to this. Similar advantages can be achieved also where a photodiode of the PDN structure wherein an impurity is doped in the i layer is formed as the light receiving element32. Further, a phototransistor may be provided as the light receiving element32.

Further, in the embodiments described above, the red filter layer21R, green filter layer21G and blue filter layer21B are formed in a stripe shape and juxtaposed in the x direction, and the light receiving region SA is formed in the neighborhood of the red filter layer21R so as to be juxtaposed with the red filter layer21R, green filter layer21G and blue filter layer21B. However, the arrangement of them is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of sets of a red filter layer21R, a green filter layer21G, a blue filter layer21B and a light receiving region SA may be disposed in a matrix of two rows x two columns.

Further, while, in the embodiments described above, illuminating light is illuminated so as to include infrared rays as invisible rays, the invisible rays are not limited to the infrared rays. For example, illuminating light may be illuminated so as to include ultraviolet rays as the invisible rays.

Further, the present invention can be applied to liquid crystal panels of various types such as the IPS (In-Plane-Switchable) type in addition to the display mode described hereinabove.

It is to be noted that, in the embodiments described hereinabove, the liquid crystal display apparatus100corresponds to the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; the liquid crystal panel200corresponds to the display panel of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the TFT array substrate201corresponds to the first substrate of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the opposing substrate202corresponds to the second substrate of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the liquid crystal layer203corresponds to the liquid crystal layer of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the backlight300corresponds to the illuminating section of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the position detection section402corresponds to the position detection section of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the visible ray cut filter layer21S corresponds to the filter layer of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the red filter layer21Rs corresponds to the red filter layer of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the green filter layer21Gs corresponds to the green filter layer of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the blue filter layer21Bs corresponds to the blue filter layer of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the photo-sensor element30bcorresponds to the photo-sensor element of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the insulating film60ccorresponds to the insulating film of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the pixel electrode62acorresponds to the first electrode of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the common electrode62bcorresponds to the common electrode or the second electrode of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the transparent electrode62T corresponds to the first electrode of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the first region A1corresponds to the first region of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the second region A2corresponds to the second region of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the light receiving face JSa corresponds to the light receiving face of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the light receiving face corresponding region JT corresponds to the light receiving face corresponding region of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; the pixel region PA corresponds to the display panel pixel region of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; and the pixel P corresponds to the pixel of the display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

The present application contains subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2008-117460 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Apr. 28, 2008, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.