DISPLAY DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS

There is provided a display device including a pixel unit (10) including a first substrate (11); a touch sensor unit (30 including a second substrate 23); and a liquid crystal layer (18) formed between the pixel unit (10) and the touch sensor unit (30). The touch sensor unit (30 includes a detection electrode (22) capacitively coupled with a driving electrode (19), both the detection electrode (22) and the driving electrode (19) being formed on a side of the touch sensor unit (30 facing the liquid crystal layer (18).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a display device having a touch sensor function and an electronic apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, the number of display devices and electronic apparatuses in which a touch sensor function, a 3D display function, and the like are built increases. Generally, in a display device to which such functions are added, substrates (modules) having respective functions are built on a display device, and accordingly, a total substrate thickness of the display device becomes thick. In addition, such a display device is disadvantageous in terms of cost.

Thus, a method for configuring a 3D display substrate and a touch panel substrate to be common by configuring a parallax barrier used for 3D display under a substrate and configuring a transparent electrode used as a touch panel on the substrate has been proposed. According to this method, the total substrate thickness can be configured to be thinner than that of a display device according to a system in the related art (see Patent Document 1).

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY

Technical Problem

However, in the display device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the touch panel is a surface type, and accordingly, there is a problem in that it is difficult to respond to a multi-touch. In addition, in a display device having a 3D display function, it is desirable to include a display switching function between a 3D display function and an ordinary 2D display function. However, in the display device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a unit that realizes the 3D display function is a fixed parallax barrier or a lenticular lens, and accordingly, there is a problem in that an image is displayed in a 3D display all the time.

The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such problems, and it is desirable to provide a display device and an electronic apparatus enabling a user to input information while displaying a 3D image and a 2D image in a switchable manner.

Solution to Problem

In an embodiment, there is provided a display device including a pixel unit including a first substrate; a touch sensor unit including a second substrate; and a liquid crystal layer formed between the pixel unit and the touch sensor unit. The touch sensor unit includes a detection electrode capacitively coupled with a driving electrode, both the detection electrode and the driving electrode being formed on a side of the touch sensor unit facing the liquid crystal layer.

In another embodiment, there is provided an electronic apparatus including a control unit; display device operable to receive control signals from the control unit, the display device including: a pixel unit including a first substrate, a touch sensor unit including a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer formed between the pixel unit and the touch sensor unit, wherein the touch sensor unit includes a detection electrode capacitively coupled with a driving electrode, both the detection electrode and the driving electrode being formed on a side of the touch sensor unit facing the liquid crystal layer.

In order to solve the above problem, an embodiment of the present disclosure is a display device including:a pixel unit;a display switching functioning unit; anda sensor unit,wherein the pixel unit includes a plurality of pixels,wherein the display switching functioning unit is capable of performing switching between a 3D display and a 2D display of an image that is based on light emitted from the pixel unit,wherein the sensor unit detects being in contact with or in proximity to an object,wherein the display switching functioning unit is disposed on the pixel unit in a stacked manner, andwherein the display switching functioning unit includes the sensor unit in the inside.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is an electronic apparatus including at least one display device,wherein the display device includes a pixel unit, a display switching functioning unit, and a sensor unit,wherein the pixel unit includes a plurality of pixels,wherein the display switching functioning unit is capable of performing switching between a 3D display and a 2D display of an image that is based on light emitted from the pixel unit,wherein the sensor unit detects being in contact with or in proximity to an object,wherein the display switching functioning unit is disposed on the pixel unit in a stacked manner, andwherein the display switching functioning unit includes the sensor unit in the inside.

While the pixel unit is not particularly limited as long as it has a function of a display pixel, as the pixel unit, for example, there is an organic field light emitting device, a liquid crystal display device, an inorganic EL device, an LED device, an SED device, or an FED device. In a case where the liquid crystal display device is used, it is preferable to perform an image display by additionally disposing a backlight.

While the display switching functioning unit is not particularly limited as long as it has a function for switching between a 2D display and a 3D display of a displayed image, for example, as the display switching functioning unit, there is a unit displaying an image that is based on incident light and being capable of performing switching between a 3D display and a 2D display of the image by changing an optical path of the incident light. As a specific configuration of the display switching functioning unit, for example, there is a configuration in which an optical path changing functioning unit is disposed between the driving electrode and the opposing electrode. As the display switching functioning unit, for example, there is a liquid crystal lens, a liquid lens, or a liquid crystal barrier parallax, and, as the optical path changing functioning unit, for example, there is a liquid crystal layer or a staked body of a polar liquid layer and a non-polar liquid layer, but the optical path changing functioning unit is not limited thereto.

While the sensor unit is not particularly limited as long as it has a function for detecting the position, the sensor unit is preferably a touch sensor detecting a contact position by being in contact with an object. As the type of the touch sensor, there is a resistive film type, a capacitive type, a sound type, an infrared-ray type, a strain gage type, an image processing type, a pressure-sensitive resistor type, or the like, and, among them, a capacitive-type touch sensor is preferable. As the configuration of the capacitive-type touch sensor, more specifically, for example, there is a configuration in which a dielectric is disposed between the driving electrode and the opposing electrode. In addition, as the type of the capacitive touch sensor, there is a projection type, a surface type, or the like, and the projection type is preferable.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display switching functioning unit capable of performing switching between a 3D display and a 2D display of an image and a sensor unit detecting being in contact with or in proximity to an object can be integrally configured. From this, a user can input information while a 3D image or a 2D image is displayed in a switchable manner. By using this superior display device, an electronic apparatus having high performance can be realized.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present disclosers and the others have reviewed a display device that has a display switching function between a 3D display function and an ordinary 2D display function and a touch sensor function together.

FIG. 31is a functional block diagram that schematically illustrates the whole configuration of a display device100reviewed by the present disclosers and the others. The display device100includes a pixel unit110, a liquid crystal lens unit120, and a touch sensor unit130.

As illustrated inFIG. 31, in addition to the above-described configuration, the display device100includes a control unit170, a pixel driving unit171that is used for driving the pixel unit110and the like, a driving circuit172of the liquid crystal lens unit120and the touch sensor unit130, and a detection circuit173.

The control unit170is a circuit that supplies control signals to the pixel driving unit171, the driving circuit172of the liquid crystal lens unit120and the touch sensor unit130, and the detection circuit173based on a video signal Vdispsupplied from the outside and performs control of the units to operate at predetermined timing. More specifically, the control unit170supplies a video signal S, which is based on the video signal Vdisp, to the pixel driving unit171and supplies a predetermined drive signal to the liquid crystal lens unit120by controlling the driving circuit of the liquid crystal lens unit120and the touch sensor unit130.

The pixel driving unit171drives the pixel unit110based on the video signal S supplied from the control unit170. This pixel driving unit171is configured to include a video signal processing circuit, for example, performing a predetermined correction process for the video signal S, a timing generating circuit (any one thereof is not illustrated in the figure) used for controlling timings for display driving and sensor driving, and various drivers.

FIG. 32illustrates an example of the configuration of a peripheral circuit (driver) of the pixel unit110.

As illustrated inFIG. 32, within an effective display area200, a plurality of pixels PXL are two-dimensionally arranged, for example, in a matrix pattern, and, on the periphery of the effective display area200, a scanning line-power source line driving circuit175and a signal line driving circuit176are arranged. Each pixel PXL is connected to a scanning line WSL, a power source line DSL, and a signal line DTL.

The scanning line-power source line driving circuit175includes a scanning line driving circuit and a power source line driving circuit not illustrated in the figure. The scanning line driving circuit sequentially selects each pixel by sequentially applying a selection pulse to a plurality of scanning lines WSL at predetermined timing. More specifically, the scanning line driving circuit outputs a voltage Von1used for setting a write transistor Tr1, to be described later, to be in the On state and a voltage Voff1used for setting the write transistor Tr1to be in the Off state in a time-divisional manner. The power source line driving circuit controls a light emission operation and a light quenching operation of each pixel by sequentially applying control pulses to a plurality of power source lines DSL at predetermined timing. More specifically, the power source line driving circuit outputs a voltage VH1used for causing a current Idsto flow through a driving transistor Tr2to be described later and a voltage VL1used for causing the current Idsnot to flow through the driving transistor Tr2in a time-divisional manner.

The signal line driving circuit176generates an analog video signal corresponding to the video signal S input from the outside and applies the generated video signal to each signal line DTL at predetermined timing. From this, the video signal is written into a pixel that is selected by the scanning line driving circuit.

FIG. 33is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the configuration of the vertical cross-section of the pixel PXL of the display device100.

As illustrated inFIG. 33, in the PXL unit of this display device100, the liquid crystal lens unit120and the touch sensor unit130are sequentially stacked on the pixel unit110. The pixel unit110includes a plurality of organic EL devices as display pixels. The liquid crystal lens unit120displays an image by passing light emitted from the pixel unit110and has a display switching function. The display switching function is a function for displaying an image as a 3D image or a 2D image in a switchable manner, for example, by changing a guided wave optical path of light incident to the liquid crystal lens unit120from the pixel unit110and outputting the light. The touch sensor unit130has a capacitive-type touch sensor function. All the pixel unit110, the liquid crystal lens unit120, and the touch sensor unit130are configured to be driven through a pair of electrodes.

In the pixel unit110, a pixel electrode layer111a,an organic EL layer112, a pixel common electrode113a,and a second substrate113are sequentially stacked on a first substrate111. The pixel electrode layer111ais configured by a plurality of pixel electrodes, and each pixel electrode serves as an anode used for injecting holes into the organic EL layer112. The organic EL layer112, for example, is common to pixels and is a white light emitting layer emitting white light by recombination of holes and electrons. In addition, the pixel common electrode113ais an electrode that is common to the pixels and, for example, serves as a cathode injecting electrons into the organic EL layer112.

The liquid crystal lens unit120has a configuration in which a liquid crystal layer118is disposed between an opposing electrode116disposed on a third substrate115and a driving electrode119disposed on a fourth substrate121. The liquid crystal lens unit120is a focus-variable lens of which the focal position moves as the refractive index thereof changes in accordance with a voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer118. In accordance with the change in the refractive index according to the applied voltage, switching between a 3D display and a 2D display is performed. On faces of the opposing electrode116and the driving electrode119, which are located on the side of the liquid crystal layer118, alignment films117aand117bare formed.

The pixel unit110and the liquid crystal lens unit120are bonded together through an adhesive layer114. More specifically, the second substrate113of the pixel unit110and the third substrate115of the liquid crystal lens unit120are bonded together.

The touch sensor unit130has a configuration in which a fourth substrate121is disposed between the driving electrode119and the detection electrode122. From this, a capacitive device is formed between the driving electrode119and the detection electrode122. In other words, the liquid crystal lens unit120and the touch sensor unit130are driven by the common driving electrode119.

FIG. 34illustrates an example of the circuit configuration of the pixel PXL.

As illustrated inFIG. 34, each pixel unit110includes an organic EL device (OLED), the write (for sampling) transistor Tr1, the driving transistor Tr2, and a holding capacitor Cs. The write transistor Tr1and the driving transistor Tr2, for example are n-channel MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type TFTs. The type of the TFTs is not particularly limited and, for example, may have an inversely staggering structure (so-called a bottom gate type) or a staggering structure (so-called a top gate type).

In each pixel, the gate of the write transistor Tr1is connected to the scanning line WSL, the drain is connected to the signal line DTL, and the source is connected to the gate of the driving transistor Tr2and one end of the holding capacitor Cs. The drain of the driving transistor Tr2is connected to the power source line DSL, and the source thereof is connected to the other end of the holding capacitor Cs and the anode of the organic EL device (OLED). The cathode of the organic EL device (OLED) is set to fixed electric potential and, here, is set to the ground (ground potential).

As above, the driving electrode of the liquid crystal lens unit120and the driving electrode of the touch sensor unit130are configured to be common and are formed on the substrate of the liquid crystal lens unit120, whereby the liquid crystal lens unit120and the touch sensor unit130are integrated. From this, a display switching between the 3D display function and the 2D display function can be performed, and accordingly, a display device having a touch panel function can be formed thinner than a display device in the related art. In addition, by configuring the second and third substrates113and115to be common substrates, a display device of a further thinner type can be acquired.

However, in the display device employing such a configuration, the detection electrode122is formed with the fourth substrate121, which is a display-side substrate of the liquid crystal lens unit120, interposed therebetween, and thus, when the fourth substrate121, for example, is a glass substrate, it is necessary to form patterns on both faces of the glass. Since a manufacturing process for forming patterns on both faces of the glass is very complicated, there is a problem in that the productivity is lowered. In addition, there is a problem in that there is an obstacle for grinding glass in accordance with a decrease in the thickness of the display device.

For the above-described problems, the present disclosers have eagerly advanced a research. Thus, the present disclosers has found that the above-described problems are solved by including the whole configuration of the touch sensor unit in the liquid crystal lens unit and reached the proposal of the present technology.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The description will be presented in the following order.

1. First Embodiment (Display Device and Manufacturing Method Thereof)

2. Second Embodiment (Display Device and Manufacturing Method Thereof)

3. Third Embodiment (Display Device and Manufacturing Method Thereof)

4. Fourth Embodiment (Display Device and Manufacturing Method Thereof)

5. Fifth Embodiment (Display Device and Manufacturing Method Thereof)

6. Sixth Embodiment (Display Device and Manufacturing Method Thereof)

7. Seventh Embodiment (Display Device and Manufacturing Method Thereof)

8. Eighth Embodiment (Display Device and Manufacturing Method Thereof)

9. Ninth Embodiment (Display Device and Manufacturing Method Thereof)

10. Tenth Embodiment (Display Device and Manufacturing Method Thereof)

11. Eleventh Embodiment (Display Device and Manufacturing Method Thereof)

12. Twelfth Embodiment (Display Device and Manufacturing Method Thereof)

13. Thirteenth Embodiment (Display Device and Manufacturing Method Thereof)

FIG. 1is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the configuration of the vertical cross-section of a pixel (PXL) of a display device1according to a first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, in addition to the above-described configuration, the display device1according to the first embodiment includes a pixel unit10, a liquid crystal lens unit20, and a touch sensor unit30. In addition, the display device1includes a control unit70, a pixel driving unit71that is used for driving the pixel unit10and the like, a driving circuit72of the liquid crystal lens unit and the touch sensor unit, and a detection circuit73(any thereof is not illustrated in the figure).

The control unit70, the pixel driving unit71, the driving circuit72of the liquid crystal lens unit and the touch sensor unit, and the detection circuit73are included in the display device1so as to have configurations, connections, and arrangements that are similar to corresponding parts (the control unit170to the detection circuit173) included in the display device100illustrated inFIG. 31.

In addition, in the display device1, the liquid crystal lens unit20and the touch sensor unit30are stacked in the mentioned order on the pixel unit10. The pixel unit10and the liquid crystal lens unit are bonded together through an adhesive layer14. The liquid crystal lens unit20and the touch sensor unit30are bonded together by using a driving electrode19to be common. The common use of the driving electrode19will be described later in detail. The pixel unit10includes a plurality of organic EL devices as display pixels. The liquid crystal lens unit20is a display switching function unit, and displays an image by passing light emitted from the pixel unit10and displays the image at that time as a 3D image or a 2D image in a switchable manner. The touch sensor unit30has the function of a capacitive-type touch sensor.

The pixel unit10, for example, includes a plurality of organic EL devices configuring pixels of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) of the display device1.

More specifically, in the pixel unit10, for example, at least one pixel electrode layer11aand at least one organic EL layer12are stacked on a first substrate11, and a pixel common electrode13a,which is a common electrode, is further stacked on the organic EL layer12. In other words, in a case where there is a plurality of stacked bodies of the pixel electrode layer11aand the organic EL layer12, the pixel common electrode13ais disposed in each stacked body as a common opposing electrode. In addition, the pixel common electrode13ais sealed by disposing a second substrate13thereon.

The first substrate11is a circuit board that is used for driving the pixel unit10, and a pixel driving unit71(not illustrated in the figure) driving a pixel is disposed on the first substrate11. The pixel driving unit71is configured by a pixel transistor and a peripheral circuit. As the pixel transistor, for example, there is a thin film transistor or the like.

While the pixel electrode layer11ais not particularly limited as long as it has a function of an anode injecting holes into the organic EL layer12, it is preferable that the pixel electrode layer11ahave a function of a light reflecting layer reflecting the organic EL layer12. The pixel electrode layer11a,for example, is configured by a plurality of pixel electrodes disposed for each pixel transistor described above. While a material forming the pixel electrode layer11ais not particularly limited as long as it is a material having high conductivity, in a case where the pixel electrode layer11aserves as the light reflecting layer, it is preferable that the pixel electrode layer11aformed by using a material having high light reflectivity, and more particularly, high reflectance of visible light be used. As a material forming the pixel electrode layer11a, for example, there is a metal material, a conductive oxide, or the like. As metal, for example, there is a material containing at least one type of metal selected from a group composed of gold (Au), platinum (Pt), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), ruthenium (Ru), molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), tungsten (W), and nickel (Ni), or the like. As the material containing the above-described metal, there is a simple substance, a compound, an alloy, or the like, and, as the alloy, for example, an alloy having Al as its principal component such as an AlNd alloy or an AlCe alloy is preferable. As the conductive oxide, for example, there is a material having zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), tin oxide (SnO2), gallium oxide (Ga2O3), tellurium oxide (TeO2), germanium oxide (GeO2), cadmium oxide (CdO), tungsten oxide (WO3), molybdenum oxide (MoO3), CuAlO2, LaCuOS, LaCuOSe, SrCu2O2, NiO, or the like as its base material. As Ga2O3, beta-Ga2O3having the most stable structure is preferable. As a material having ZnO as its base material, for example, there is AZO, GZO, IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), FZO, or the like. In addition, as a material having In2O3as its base material, for example, there is ITO, FTO, or the like. In addition, as a material having SiO2as its base material, there is ATO or the like. Furthermore, the pixel electrode layer11a,for example, may be configured by a single film of a magnesium-silver (Mg—Ag) codeposition film or a stacked film thereof. On the pixel electrode layer11a,for example, a pixel separating film (not illustrated in the figure) having openings corresponding to each pixel electrode is disposed, and a light emitting area is partitioned for each pixel.

While the organic EL layer12is not particularly limited as long as it is an organic electric field light emitting layer that emits light based on recombination of holes and electrons, for example, there is a white light emitting layer emitting white light that is disposed to be common to pixels, a light emitting layer of each color (red, green, and blue) disposed for each pixel, or the like.

In a case where the organic EL layer12is configured using the white light emitting layer, by arranging a color filter for each pixel, light of red, green, and blue can be drawn.

The pixel common electrode13ais an electrode that is common to the pixels and is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of a cathode injecting electrons into the organic EL layer12, and it is preferable that the pixel common electrode13ahave light permeability, and more particularly, visible light permeability. In addition, it is preferable that the pixel common electrode13abe disposed in at least a part of the organic EL layer12. While a material forming the pixel common electrode13ais not particularly limited as long as it has a high conductivity, it is preferable that the material be a transparent conductive material having high light permeability, particularly, visible light permeability. As the transparent conductive material, for example, there is a transparent conductive oxide or the like. As the conductive oxide, for example, there is a material having zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), tin oxide (SnO2), gallium oxide (Ga2O3), tellurium oxide (TeO2), germanium oxide (GeO2), cadmium oxide (CdO), tungsten oxide (WO3), molybdenum oxide (MoO3), CuAlO2, LaCuOS, LaCuOSe, SrCu2O2, NiO, or the like as its base material. As Ga2O3, beta-Ga2O3having the most stable structure is preferable. As a material having ZnO as its base material, for example, there is AZO, GZO, IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), FZO, or the like. In addition, as a material having In2O3as its base material, for example, there is ITO, FTO, or the like. In addition, as a material having SiO2as its base material, there is ATO or the like. In addition, the pixel common electrode13a,for example, may be configured by a single film of a magnesium-silver (Mg—Ag) codeposition film or a stacked film thereof.

Between the pixel electrode layer11aand the organic EL layer12, for example, a hole injecting layer (not illustrated in the figure), a hole transport layer (not illustrated in the figure), and the like may be disposed. In addition, between the pixel common electrode13aand the organic EL layer12, for example, an electron injecting layer (not illustrated in the figure), an electron transport layer (not illustrated in the figure), and the like may be disposed. Furthermore, on the pixel common electrode13a,for example, a color filter layer, a black matrix layer, and the like may be disposed.

While the second substrate13is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of sealing the pixel unit10, it is preferable that the second substrate13be a transparent substrate formed using a transparent material having light permeability, particularly, visible light permeability. As a transparent material forming the transparent substrate, for example, there is a transparent inorganic material, a transparent resin material, or the like. As the transparent inorganic material, for example, there is quartz glass, borosilicate glass, phosphate glass, soda glass, or the like. As the transparent resin material, for example, there is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acetylcellulose, tetra-acetylcellulose, polyphenylene sulfide, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polyprophylene (PP), polyvinylidene fluoride, phenoxy bromide, amides, polyimides such as polyether imide, polystyrenes, polyarylates, polysulphones such as polyesther sulphone, or polyolefins, or the like. In addition, the substrate13may be formed by using at least one type of material or two or more types of material selected from a group composed of the above-described materials. As a specific material formed by two or more types of material, there is a stacked body.

The liquid crystal lens unit20displays an image by passing light emitted from the pixel unit10and has a display switching function for displaying an image as a 3D image or a 2D image in a switchable manner.

More specifically, the liquid crystal lens unit20has a configuration in which a liquid crystal layer18is sealed between an opposing electrode16disposed on the face of a third substrate15and the driving electrode19disposed on the face of a protection layer21. The liquid crystal lens unit20is a focus-variable lens of which the focal position moves as the refractive index thereof changes in accordance with a voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer18. In accordance with the change in the refractive index according to the applied voltage, switching between a 3D display and a 2D display is performed. On an opposing electrode16-side face out of faces facing each other, a first alignment film17ais formed, and, on a driving electrode19-side face thereof, an alignment film17bis formed. The alignment film17bmay be formed as a film having a face along concavity and convexity formed by the driving electrode19or may be formed as a flat film so as to embed the concavity and convexity formed by the driving electrode19.

An adhesive layer14is not particularly limited as long as it has a configuration in which the second substrate13and the third substrate15can be bonded together, and it is preferable that the adhesive layer14be a transparent adhesive formed using a transparent material having light permeability, and more particularly, visible light permeability or the like. As the transparent adhesive, for example, one can be selected from among the above-described transparent resin materials, and more particularly, there is an acrylic adhesive, an epoxy adhesive, a urethane adhesive, or the like.

The third substrate15is not particularly limited as long as it is a substrate for forming the liquid crystal lens unit20, and it is preferable that the third substrate15be a transparent substrate formed using a transparent material having light permeability, and more particularly, visible light permeability and may be configured by appropriately selecting a transparent material described above.

An opposing electrode16is not particularly limited as long as it is an electrode having a function for applying a driving voltage to the liquid crystal lens unit20and/or the touch sensor unit30by being combined with a driving electrode19, and it is preferable that the opposing electrode16be a transparent electrode having light permeability, and more particularly, visible light permeability. More specifically, for example, it is preferable that the opposing electrode16be disposed in at least a part of a face opposite to a face with which the adhesive layer14of the third substrate15is brought into contact and is preferably disposed on the whole face. A material forming the opposing electrode16is not particularly limited as long as it is a material having conductivity, and it is preferable that the material have light permeability, and more particularly, visible light permeability. A material forming the opposing electrode16, for example, may be appropriately selected from among the above-described materials as transparent conductive materials. In addition, the opposing electrode16, for example, may be connected to a common electric potential line or the like maintained at fixed electric potential (common electric potential) or may be grounded.

As the liquid crystal of the liquid crystal layer18, a liquid crystal that is generally known can be appropriately selected, and, for example, a liquid crystal formed by nematic liquid crystal or the like and having homogeneous alignment is preferable. In addition, the alignment films17aand17bare not particularly limited, as long as they control the alignment state of the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer18and, for example, are formed by polyimide or the like.

The driving electrode19is not particularly limited, as long as it is an electrode having a function for applying a drive voltage to the liquid crystal layer18by being combined with the opposing electrode16and is preferably a transparent electrode having light permeability, and more particularly, visible light permeability. A material forming the driving electrode19is not particularly limited, as long as it is a material having conductivity, and it is preferable that the material be a material having high light transmissivity. As a material forming the driving electrode19, for example, a material described above as a transparent conductive material can be appropriately selected.

The shape of the driving electrode19is not particularly limited and, for example, is preferably an elongated shape extending to be parallel to one side of the display device1. More specifically, as the elongated shape, for example, there is a pillar shape. The pillar shape is not particularly limited, and it is preferable that at least one face of the side faces of the pillar shape have a flat shape. More specifically, as the pillar shape, for example, there is n-angle pillar (here, n is equal to or greater than 3), a semi-cylinder, a rectangular parallelepiped, or a cube. Among such shapes, a right cylinder shape such as a rectangular parallelepiped is preferable.

While the installation form of the driving electrode19is not particularly limited as long as the driving electrode19is disposed in at least a part of the liquid crystal layer18through the alignment film17b,it is preferable that the driving electrode19be disposed in at least a part of the face of the protection layer21. Toward the upper side of the protection layer21, for example, it is preferable that the driving electrode19have a face parallel to the principal face of the fourth substrate23and is disposed so as to extend to be parallel to one side of the fourth substrate23. In addition, on the face of the protection layer21, it is preferable that a plurality of the driving electrodes19be arranged in parallel with a constant space. At this time, as the shape of the driving electrode19, the above-described pillar shape can be appropriately selected, and it is preferable that a face parallel to the principal face of the fourth substrate23be a strip shape. The alignment film17bis disposed on the face of the protection layer21so as to cover the plurality of the driving electrodes19.

The touch sensor unit30is not particularly limited as long as it has a function for detecting whether an object is in contact or in proximity thereto and is preferably a capacitive-type touch sensor. In such a case, the object, for example, is a finger, a stylus, or the like. The capacitive-type touch sensor, for example, is configured by a capacitor between the driving electrode and the detection electrode.

In the touch sensor unit30, for example, the driving electrode19of the liquid crystal lens unit20may be used as the driving electrode of the touch sensor unit30. At this time, the touch sensor unit30is configured such that the protection layer21, which is a dielectric, is disposed between the driving electrode19and the detection electrode22so as to be in contact therewith and is sealed by the fourth substrate23disposed on the detection electrode22. From this, the driving electrode19has two constituent elements including a constituent element as the driving electrode of the liquid crystal lens unit20and a constituent element also as the driving electrode of the touch sensor unit30.

The detection electrode22is not particularly limited as long as it is an electrode that can form a capacitor with the driving electrode19and the protection layer21, and it is preferable that the detection electrode22be a transparent electrode having light permeability, and more particularly, visible light permeability. For example, the detection electrode22can be configured by appropriately selecting the material described above as a transparent conductive material.

The shape of the detection electrode22is not particularly limited and, for example, is preferably an elongated shape extending to be parallel to one side of the display device1. More specifically, as the elongated shape, for example, there is a pillar shape. As the pillar shape, a shape described above as the shape of the driving electrode may be appropriately selected.

The detection electrode22is not particularly limited as long as it is disposed in at least a part of the driving electrode19through the protection layer21, and it is preferable that the detection electrode22be disposed in at least a part of the face of the fourth substrate23. In addition, it is preferable that the detection electrode22be disposed in a form intersecting the driving electrode19, and it is more preferable that the detection electrode22be disposed in a form perpendicular to the driving electrode19. In a case where the detection electrode22is disposed on the fourth substrate23, for example, it is preferable that the detection electrode22have a face parallel to the principal face of the fourth substrate23and is disposed so as to extend to be parallel to one side, which is perpendicular to the driving electrode19, out of sides of the principal face of the fourth substrate23. At this time, while the pillar shape described above may be appropriately selected as the shape of the detection electrode22, it is preferable that a face parallel to the principal face of the fourth substrate23have a strip shape.

The protection layer21is not particularly limited as long as it is disposed in at least a part of a space between the driving electrode19and the detection electrode22, and it is preferable that the protection layer21be disposed in all the space between the driving electrode19and the detection electrode22. A material configuring the protection layer21is not particularly limited as long as it is one of dielectric materials that are generally known or contains at least one thereof, it is preferable that the protection layer21be made of a transparent material having high visible light transmissivity. More specifically, the transparent material, for example, may be appropriately selected from among the materials described above as transparent materials and is preferably a transparent resin material from them. Among the transparent resin materials, a material is preferable, which is a liquid or a viscous body at room temperature and is cured to be solidified at room temperature. In addition, the protection layer21may be a thin film formed from an inorganic material. As the inorganic material, for example, there is SiN, SiON, SiO2, or the like.

The fourth substrate23is not particularly limited as long as it has a function for sealing the touch sensor unit30, and it is preferable that the fourth substrate23be a transparent substrate formed using a transparent material having light permeability, and more particularly, visible light permeability. The transparent substrate can be configured by appropriately selecting the above-described material as the transparent material. As the fourth substrate23seals the touch sensor unit30, the liquid crystal lens unit20is sealed as well. From this, the touch sensor unit30configures a part of the liquid crystal lens unit20.

In addition, a polarizing plate24is bonded to the upper side of the fourth substrate23. The polarizing plate24may be a circular polarizing plate. Here, in light emitted from the pixel unit10, two types of polarized light are included, polarized light of one type is influenced by the birefringence effect of the liquid crystal lens unit20, and polarized light of the other type is output without being influenced by the effect thereof. Accordingly, the polarized light that is not influenced by the birefringence effect in the liquid crystal lens unit20is eliminated by the polarizing plate24. In addition, the reflection of external light can be eliminated by the polarizing plate24.

Next, the connection form of the control unit70, the pixel driving unit71, the driving circuit72of the liquid crystal lens unit and the touch sensor unit, and the detection circuit73will be described. The connection form to the display device1is basically the same as the connection form to a portion (the control unit170to the detection circuit173) corresponding to the above-described display device100. Here, especially, the connection form of the display device1and the driving circuit72of the liquid crystal lens unit and the touch sensor unit, and the detection circuit73will be described in detail.

The driving circuit72of the liquid crystal lens unit and the touch sensor unit applies predetermined drive signals to the liquid crystal lens unit20and the touch sensor unit30based on a control signal supplied from the control unit70. The drive signals are applied to the driving electrode19. In this embodiment, as described above, although the driving electrode19is commonly used by the liquid crystal lens unit20and the touch sensor unit30, a drive signal for the liquid crystal lens unit20and a drive signal for the touch sensor unit30are separately set. For example, the driving circuit72of the liquid crystal lens unit and the touch sensor unit applies mutually-different AC signals having rectangular waveforms to the driving electrode19at mutually-different timings.

FIG. 2schematically illustrates an example of the driving circuit72of the liquid crystal lens unit and the touch sensor unit and the detection circuit73together with the layout of the driving electrode19and the detection electrode22. The layout of the driving electrode19and the detection electrode22is seen from the detection electrode22side.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the driving electrode19is configured by a plurality of driving electrodes19(1) to19(n) having an elongated shape extending in one direction. The detection electrode22is configured by a plurality of detection electrodes22(1) and22(p) having an elongated shape extending in parallel in a direction intersecting the plurality of driving electrodes19(1) to19(n). In this case, the plurality of detection electrodes22(1) to22(p) have an elongated shape extending in parallel in a direction perpendicular to the plurality of driving electrodes19(1) to19(n).

Regarding the plurality of driving electrodes19(1) to19(n), for example, the plurality of driving electrodes19(1) to19(n) are disposed to be electrically separated from each other. The plurality of driving electrodes19(1) to19(n), for example, are preferably disposed in parallel at intervals and are more preferably disposed at a constant interval. In addition, at least two driving electrodes out of the plurality of driving electrodes19(1) to19(n) may be electrically connected to each other, and, in such a case, a plurality of driving electrodes connected together may have a shape (comb-teeth shape) in which end portions thereof are connected. A drive signal may be applied to the plurality of driving electrodes connected together as one set of unit driving lines. In addition, in a case where the plurality of driving electrodes19(1) to19(n) are disposed to be electrically separated, a drive signal can be applied to each driving electrode.

Regarding the plurality of detection electrodes22(1) to22(p), for example, the plurality of detection electrodes22(1) to22(p) are disposed to be electrically separated from each other. The plurality of detection electrodes22(1) to22(p), for example, are preferably disposed in parallel at intervals and are more preferably disposed at a constant interval. In addition, at least two detection electrodes out of the plurality of detection electrodes22(1) to22(p) may be electrically connected to each other, and, in such a case, a plurality of detection electrodes22(1) and22(p) connected together may have a shape (comb-teeth shape) in which end portions thereof are connected. A detection signal may be applied to the plurality of detection electrodes22(1) to22(p) connected together as one set of unit detection lines. In addition, in a case where the plurality of detection electrodes22(1) to22(p) are disposed to be electrically separated, a detection signal can be acquired from each detection electrode configuring the plurality of detection electrodes22(1) to22(p).

As described above, by disposing the detection electrode22and the driving electrode19to intersect each other, in an intersection thereof, a structure is formed in which the protection layer21is vertically sandwiched between the detection electrode22and the driving electrode19. From this, a capacitor is formed in the intersection between the detection electrode22and the driving electrode19. In addition, a plurality of intersections between the detection electrode22and the driving electrode19are disposed. From this, the intersections are formed in a matrix pattern, and the location of an object can be detected as 2D coordinates. Furthermore, it can be detected whether there is a touch made by a plurality of persons and a plurality of fingers, that is, a so-called multi-touch or the like.

The driving circuit72of the liquid crystal lens unit and the touch sensor unit applies a drive signal Vs to the plurality of driving electrodes19(1) to19(n) as described above, for example, in a line-sequential manner. At this time, the drive signal Vs may be applied to one driving electrode or may be applied to the above-described one set of unit driving lines. The driving circuit72of the liquid crystal lens unit and the touch sensor unit, for example, includes a shift register721, a selection unit722, a level shifter723, and a buffer724.

The shift register721is a logical circuit that is used for sequentially transferring input pulses. The selection unit722is a logical circuit that controls whether or not drive signals (Vd and Vs) are output to each display pixel disposed within the effective display area200and controls the output of the drive signals (Vd and Vs) in accordance with the position within the effective display area200or the like. The level shifter723is a circuit that is used for shifting a control signal supplied from the selection unit722to an electric potential level that is sufficient for controlling the drive signals (Vd and Vs). The buffer724is a final output logical circuit used for sequentially applying the drive signal Vs to each line and, for example, includes an output buffer circuit, a switch circuit, or the like.

The drive signal Vs is applied from the driving circuit72of the liquid lens unit and the touch sensor unit to the driving electrode19. From this, a detection signal Vdet that is based on the capacitance can be acquired from the detection electrode22. The detection signal acquired in this way is sent to the detection circuit73.

FIG. 3illustrates a functional block configuration of the detection circuit73performing an object detecting operation and a timing control unit74as a timing generator. Here, capacitors Cn1to Cnp correspond to capacitors formed at the intersections between the plurality of driving electrodes19(1) to19(n) and the plurality of detection electrodes22(1) to22(p). Such capacitors Cn1to Cnp are connected to drive signal sources S used for supplying the drive signal Vs.

The detection circuit73is not particularly limited, and, as the detection circuit73, for example, there is a voltage detector, a current detector, or the like. The detection circuit73, for example, includes an amplifier unit81, an AD conversion unit83, a signal processing unit84, a frame memory86, a coordinate extracting unit85, and a resistor R. An input terminal Tin of the detection circuit73is commonly connected to the other side of the capacitors Cn1to Cnp, in other words, the detection electrode22side.

The amplifier unit81amplifies the detection signal Vdet input from the input terminal Tin and, for example, includes an operational amplifier used for signal amplification, a capacitor, and the like. The resistor R is arranged between the amplifier unit81and the ground. This resistor R is used for maintaining a stable state by avoiding a floating state of the detection electrode22. From this, in the detection circuit73, it is avoided that the signal value of the detection signal Vdet unsteadily changes, and there is an advantage that the static electricity can be grounded through the resistor R.

The AD conversion unit83is a part converting the analog detection signal Vdet amplified by the amplifier unit81into a digital detection signal and is configured to include a comparator not illustrated in the figure. This comparator compares the electric potential of an input detection signal and the electric potential of a predetermined threshold voltage Vth with each other. The sampling timing at the time of AD conversion in the AD conversion unit83is controlled in accordance with a timing control signal CTL2supplied from the timing control unit74.

The signal processing unit84performs predetermined signal processing for the digital detection signal output from the AD conversion unit83. As this signal processing, for example, there is signal processing such as a noise eliminating process using a digital technique or a process of converting frequency information into position information.

The coordinate extracting unit85determines whether there is an object based on a detection signal output from the signal processing unit84. In a case where there is an object, the coordinate extracting unit85acquires the coordinates of the object and outputs the coordinates from an output terminal Tout as a detection signal Dout that is a detection result.

A place at which the detection circuit73is formed is not particularly limited, and the detection circuit73may be formed on the periphery of the display area such as a position on the protection layer21, the fourth substrate23, or the first substrate11. Particularly, in a case where the detection circuit73is formed on the first substrate11, integration with a pixel driving driver formed on the first substrate11in advance or the like is achieved, which is desirable from the aspect of simplification through integration.

<Method of Manufacturing Display Device>

First, a pixel unit10, which is an organic EL light emitting device, is formed by using a method that is generally known. The method of forming the pixel unit10is not particularly limited, and, for example, the pixel unit10can be manufactured as follows. First, a pixel electrode layer11athat is an anode is formed on a first substrate11, and, on the pixel electrode layer11a,an organic EL layer that is a light emitting layer and a pixel common electrode13athat is a cathode are formed in a stacked manner. Finally, the pixel unit10is sealed by using a second substrate that is a sealing substrate. In this way, the pixel unit10is formed.

Next, a liquid crystal lens unit20and a touch sensor unit30that commonly use a driving electrode19are formed. The method of forming the liquid crystal lens unit20and the touch sensor unit30that commonly use the driving electrode19is not particularly limited, and, for example, the liquid crystal lens unit20and the touch sensor unit30can be formed as follows.

First, by performing etching or the like of a fourth substrate23having a transparent conductive layer on the principal face, the fourth substrate23including a plurality of detection electrodes22disposed on the principal face at a constant interval is formed. Next, the upper side of the detection electrode22is coated with a liquid transparent resin having hardenability so as to cover the detection electrode22and form a flat film in which the whole coated face is flat, whereby a protection layer21is formed. After the transparent resin is cured, driving electrodes19are formed on the face of the transparent resin film that is a protection layer21so as to be arranged at a constant interval in a direction perpendicular to the detection electrode22. The driving electrodes19, for example, are formed by forming a transparent conductive layer on the whole principal face of the protection layer21and performing etching or the like. At this time, the protection layer21is formed by using a vacuum vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, a CVD method, or the like. After the driving electrodes19are formed on the protection layer21, an alignment film17bis formed on the surface of the driving electrodes19. The alignment film17bis formed also on the protection layer21as is necessary. Next, a polarizing plate24is formed on a face located on a side opposite to the face on which the detection electrodes22of the fourth substrate23are disposed. In this way, the touch sensor unit30is formed.

Next, an opposing electrode16and an alignment film17aare formed by being sequentially stacked on a third substrate15that is an opposing electrode substrate. Next, on the third substrate15having the opposing electrode16and the alignment film17aon the surface thereof, for example, spacers or the like are disposed, and liquid crystal is dropped, whereby a liquid crystal layer18is formed. Next, by bonding the upper side of the liquid crystal layer18and a face of the touch sensor unit30, which is on the driving electrode19side, the liquid crystal layer18is sealed. In this way, a liquid crystal lens unit20including the touch sensor unit30is formed.

Next, the pixel unit10and the liquid crystal lens unit20including the touch sensor unit30are integrally formed by bonding the second substrate13and the third substrate15through an adhesive layer14. To each electrode of the stacked body including the pixel unit10and the liquid crystal lens unit20including the touch sensor unit30, the pixel driving unit71, the driving circuit72of the liquid crystal lens unit and the touch sensor unit, and the detection circuit73are connected. In addition, a control unit70is connected to such a circuit. In this way, a target display device1is completed.

<Operation of Display Device>

Next, a pixel driving operation in the display device1will be described. The operation of this display device1is basically similar to the operation of the display device100. More specifically, in this display device1, when a video signal S is input from the control unit70to the pixel driving unit71, a scanning line-power source line driving circuit75and a signal line driving circuit76drive pixels within an effective display area for a display. The scanning line-power source line driving circuit75and the signal line driving circuit76have configurations similar to those of the scanning line-power source line driving circuit175and the signal line driving circuit176of the display device100. From this, a drive current flows through an organic EL device within each pixel, and, for example, holes and electrons are recombined in the organic EL layer12so as to emit white light. Light emitted from the pixel unit10is sequentially transmitted through the second substrate13, the adhesive layer14, and the third substrate15and then is incident to the liquid crystal lens unit20.

Next, a display switching operation, a 3D image displaying operation, and a 2D image displaying will be described. As described above, light incident from the pixel unit10to the liquid crystal lens unit20is displayed as an image by passing through the liquid crystal lens unit20. At this time, in the liquid crystal lens unit20, a drive signal Vd is applied to the driving electrode19. A voltage corresponding to the drive signal Vd is applied to the liquid crystal layer18disposed at a position sandwiched between the driving electrode19and the opposing electrode16. From this, the liquid crystal lens unit20is driven. More specifically, for example, the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules dispersing inside the liquid crystal layer18changes, and an image that is based on light incident from the pixel unit10is displayed as a 3D image or a 2D image in a switchable manner.

Next, an image displaying operation in the liquid crystal lens unit20and an object detecting operation in the touch sensor unit30will be described.

FIG. 4Aillustrates an example of the waveform of a drive signal used for a 3D display that is applied to the driving electrode19at the time of a 3D display, andFIG. 7Billustrates an example of the waveform of a drive signal used for a 2D display that is applied to the driving electrode19at the time of a 2D display.

As illustrated inFIG. 4A, at the time of a 3D display, a drive signal applied to the driving electrode19, for example, is a composite signal in which a drive signal used for driving the touch sensor unit30overlaps a drive signal used for driving the liquid crystal lens unit20. This drive signal is applied from driving circuit72of the liquid crystal lens unit and the touch sensor unit to the driving electrode19based on a control instruction supplied from the control unit70.

In a case where a 3D image display is performed, a drive signal used for driving the liquid crystal lens unit20, for example, is an AC rectangular wave signal or the like. More specifically, this AC rectangular wave signal is a drive signal Vd1of which the polarity is inverted at the cycle of one frame period. When a case is considered in which this drive signal Vd1is applied to the driving electrode19, the same drive signal Vd1is applied to all the plurality of driving electrodes19(1) to19(n) configuring the driving electrode19at the same timing. In addition, the drive signal Vs used for driving the touch sensor unit30is applied to the drive signal Vd1in an overlapping manner. The drive signal Vs used for driving the touch sensor unit30will be described later in detail.

As illustrated inFIG. 4B, at the time of a 2D display, a drive signal applied to the driving electrode19is a composite signal similar to the drive signal at the time of a 3D display. This drive signal, similarly to the time of a 3D display, is applied to the driving electrode19. In addition, the drive signal Vs used for driving the touch sensor unit30is applied also to the drive signal Vd2in an overlapping manner.

In a case where a 2D image display is performed, a drive signal used for driving the liquid crystal lens unit20, for example, is an AC rectangular wave similar to the drive signal at the time of a 3D display or the like. More specifically, for example, this AC rectangular wave signal is a drive signal Vd2other than the above-described drive signal Vd1of which the polarity is inverted at the cycle of one frame period. Here, Vd1>Vd2. When a case is considered in which this drive signal Vd2is applied to the driving electrode19, similarly to the case of the 3D display, the same drive signal Vd2is applied to all the plurality of driving electrodes19(1) to19(n) at the same timing.

The frequencies of the drive signals Vd1and Vd2are not particularly limited and, for example, the AC rectangular waveforms of the drive signals Vd1and Vd2and the magnitude relation thereof can be appropriately set in accordance with the characteristics of the liquid crystal used in the liquid crystal layer18, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer18, and the scale of inter-electrode slits in the driving electrode19, and the like.

FIG. 5Aillustrates a guided wave optical path of light that is incident from the pixel unit10to the liquid crystal lens unit20at the time of a 3D display and is emitted from the polarizing plate24to the outside.FIG. 5Billustrates a guided wave optical path of light that is incident from the pixel unit10to the liquid crystal lens unit20at the time of a 2D display and is emitted from the polarizing plate24to the outside.

As illustrated inFIG. 5A, for example, when the drive signal Vd1is applied to the driving electrode19, the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is inclined with respect to incident light as illustrated in the figure. Accordingly, the light incident from the pixel unit10side to the liquid crystal lens unit20is refracted in the process of passing the liquid crystal layer18and is output in a plurality of mutually-different angular directions. From this, an image that is based on the light emitted from the pixel unit10is split and projected to the left and right eyes by the liquid crystal lens unit20. At this time, in a case where an image that is based on the light emitted from the pixel unit10is a composite image of left and right parallax images, the image is displayed as a 3D image and is visually perceived as a 3D image by a person seeing the image.

On the other hand, as illustrated inFIG. 5B, for example, when the drive signal Vd2is applied to the driving electrode19, the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is parallel to the incident light as illustrated in the figure. Accordingly, the light emitted from the pixel unit10side is output to the liquid crystal lens unit20without refracting in the liquid crystal layer18.

Accordingly, an image that is based on the light emitted from the pixel unit10is displayed as a 2D image on the polarizing plate24and is visually perceived as a 2D image by a person seeing the image.

In the drive signal applied to the driving electrode19, the drive signal Vs used for driving the touch sensor unit30is included. Accordingly, in the display device1, together with the image displaying operation described above, by driving the touch sensor unit30, it can be detected whether an object is in contact with or in proximity to the polarizing plate24.

In the driving of the touch sensor unit30, for example, the drive signal Vs of the touch sensor unit30is applied together with the drive signal of the liquid crystal lens unit20from the driving circuit72of the liquid crystal lens unit and the touch sensor unit to the driving electrode19in an overlapping manner. As the drive signal Vs, for example, a rectangular wave having a constant period may be used. When a case is considered in which the drive signal Vs is applied to the driving electrode19, the same drive signal Vs is sequentially applied to all the plurality of driving electrodes19(1) to19(n) configuring the driving electrode19with being shifted by a constant time in the time axis direction.

In addition, it is preferable that the application time of the drive signal Vs of the touch sensor unit30be much shorter than the application time of the drive signals Vd1and/or Vd2of the liquid crystal lens.

The drive signal Vs of the touch sensor unit30may be applied in the blanking periods of the drive signals Vd1and/or Vd2. Accordingly, an object can be detected with hardly influencing on the image displaying operation in the liquid crystal lens unit20. The reason for this is that the application time of the drive signal of the touch sensor unit30is much shorter than the application time of the drive signal of the liquid crystal lens unit20, and accordingly, the drive signal of the touch sensor unit30does not cause the liquid crystal layer18to respond thereto to a level at which the drive signal of the touch sensor unit30has influence on the display.

Next, the principle of the object detecting operation will be described in detail.

FIGS. 6 to 9are schematic diagrams that illustrate the principle of the object detecting operation.

FIG. 6Ais a diagram that illustrates the touch sensor unit30in a simplified manner.

FIG. 6Bis an equivalent circuit diagram of the configuration illustrated inFIG. 6A.

FIG. 7is an outlines line drawing that illustrates an example of a detection signal

Vdet appearing in the detection electrode22in a case where a predetermined drive signal Sg is applied to the driving electrode19.FIG. 7Billustrates an example of the waveform of the drive signal Sg applied to the driving electrode19, andFIG. 7Aillustrates an example of the waveform of the detection signal Vdet appearing in the detection electrode22.

As illustrated inFIG. 6A, by disposing a protection layer21, which is a dielectric, between the driving electrode19and the detection electrode22arranged to face each other, a capacitor C1is formed. The drive signal Sg is applied to the driving electrode19from the outside. As illustrated inFIG. 6B, one end P of the capacitor C1is connected to an AC signal source S that is a drive signal source. In addition, the other end Q of the capacitor C1is grounded through the resistor R and is connected to a voltage detector DET that is a detection circuit73. The drive signal Sg is applied from the AC signal source S to the one end P of the capacitor C1. In such a case, the one end P of the capacitor C1serves as the driving electrode19, and the other end Q serves as the detection electrode22.

For example, when the AC rectangular wave Sg having a frequency of several kHz to several tens of kHz, as illustrated inFIG. 7B, is applied from the AC signal source S to the driving electrode19, as illustrated inFIG. 6B, a current I0according to the capacitance of the capacitor C1flows in accordance with charging or discharging of the capacitor C1. In this embodiment, this AC rectangular wave Sg corresponds to the drive signal Vs. In that case, for example, the output waveform V0of the detection signal Vdet as illustrated inFIG. 7Aappears in the detection electrode22, and this is detected by the voltage detector DET that is the detection circuit73.

FIG. 8Ais a diagram that illustrates a finger is in contact with or in proximity to the upper side of the detection electrode22of the touch sensor unit30illustrated inFIG. 7A.FIG. 8Bis an equivalent circuit of the configuration illustrated inFIG. 8A.FIG. 9is an outlines line diagram that illustrates an example of the detection signal Vdet appearing in the detection electrode22in a case where the drive signal Sg is applied to the driving electrode19, and a finger or the like is in contact with or in proximity to the detection electrode22.FIG. 9Billustrates an example of the waveform of the drive signal Sg applied to the driving electrode19, andFIG. 9Aillustrates an example of the waveform of the detection signal Vdet appearing in the detection electrode22.

As illustrated inFIG. 8A, when a finger is in contact with or in proximity to the detection electrode22, a capacitor C2is formed in accordance with the contact with or the proximity to the finger. As illustrated inFIG. 8B, this is equivalent to the addition of this capacitor C2in series to the GND side of the capacitor C1. In this state, currents I1and12flow in accordance with the charging and discharging of the capacitors C1and C2.

The waveform of the electric potential of the other end Q of the capacitor C1at this time, for example, is a waveform V1as illustrated inFIG. 9A, and this is detected by the voltage detector DET that is the detection circuit73. At this time, the electric potential of a point Q is the electric potential of a divided voltage that is determined based on the currents I1and I2flowing through the capacitors C1and C2. Accordingly, the waveform V1has a value that is smaller than a waveform V0in a non-contact state. By detecting this change in the waveform, an object such as a finger that is in contact therewith or in proximity thereto can be detected. As a method of detecting an object, for example, there is a method in which a change in the voltage value according to a change in the waveform is detected with a threshold voltage Vth being set or the like.

Here, a case will be described in which the above-described principle of the object detecting operation is applied to the driving electrode19according to this embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 2Aan2B. First, a protection layer21that is a dielectric D is disposed between a plurality of driving electrodes19(1) to19(n), of which the number is n, and a plurality of detection electrodes22(1) to22(p), of which the number is p. In that case, as the plurality of driving electrodes19(1) to19(n), of which the number is n, and the plurality of detection electrodes22(1) to22(p), of which the number is p, intersect, a capacitor C1is formed at each intersection. Next, a drive signal Vs is applied to the plurality of driving electrodes19(1) to19(n), for example, in a line sequential manner, detection signals Vdet having magnitudes corresponding to capacitance values of the capacitors C1are output from the plurality of detection electrodes22(1) to22(p). These output operations are performed, for example, by charging and discharging p capacitors Cn1to Cnp formed at the intersections between one driving electrode19to which the drive signal Vs is applied at specific timing and the plurality of detection electrodes22(1) to22(p). In addition, the output operations are repeated by applying a drive signal Vs to the driving electrode19and scanning the drive signal Vs.

In a state in which the drive signal Vs is scanned in the driving electrode19, when there is no user's finger or the like on the light outgoing face side of the polarizing plate24, the magnitude of the detection signal Vdet is almost constant. On the other hand, when a user's finger or the like is in contact with or in proximity to the light outgoing face of the polarizing plate24, a capacitor C2according to the finger is added to the capacitor C1formed at the contact position in advance in series on the GND side. As a result, the value of the detection signal Vdet when the drive signal Vs is applied to a driving electrode19corresponding to a contact position out of the plurality of driving electrodes19(1) to19(n) is less than that of the detection signal Vdet at another position. The detection signals Vdet acquired through the detection electrode22as above are output to the detection circuit73.

The detection circuit73performs the object detecting operation based on the detection signals Vdet acquired as described above. For example, the detection circuit73performs the object detecting operation by comparing input detection signals Vdet with a predetermined threshold voltage Vth. At this time, when the value of the detection signal Vdet is the threshold voltage Vth or more, a non-contact state or a non-proximity state of the light emitting face of the polarizing plate24is determined. On the other hand, when the value of the detection signal Vdet is less than the threshold voltage Vth, a contact state or a proximity state of the light emitting face of the polarizing plate24is determined. A method of acquiring the position coordinates of the contact position of the object is not particularly limited, and, for example, a method in which the position coordinates are calculated based on a time when the drive signal Vs is applied and a time when a detection signal Vdet having a value less than the threshold voltage Vth is detected or the like may be used.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the liquid crystal lens unit20is disposed on the pixel unit10, and accordingly, an image that is based on light emitted from the pixel unit10can be freely displayed on a screen as a 3D image or a 2D image. In addition, since the touch sensor unit30is disposed on the liquid crystal layer18of the liquid crystal lens unit20, it can be detected whether an object is in contact therewith or in proximity thereto together with the image display or the image switching. From this, the display device1enabling a user to input information while displaying a 3D image and a 2D image in a switchable manner can be acquired.

In addition, since the driving electrode of the liquid crystal lens unit20and the driving electrode of the touch sensor unit are configured as the common driving electrode19, the configuration of the touch sensor unit30can be the configuration of the liquid crystal lens unit20. Furthermore, the liquid crystal lens unit20and the touch sensor unit30can be driven using a drive signal acquired by composing the drive signal of the liquid crystal lens unit20and the drive signal of the touch sensor unit30, and accordingly, the liquid crystal lens unit20and the touch sensor unit30can be driven by using one driving circuit. Accordingly, the display device1can be formed to be thinner than that of a case where the liquid crystal lens unit20and the touch sensor unit30are independently configured to be separate.

Furthermore, since the dielectric forming the touch sensor unit30is configured as the protection layer21that is formed using a transparent resin material, the productivity is improved more than a case where the dielectric is formed by a glass plate. Particularly, in a case where the protection film is formed by curing a plastic resin, the formation of patterns on both faces is not necessary, unlike a case where the glass substrate is formed by a dielectric, and accordingly, the productivity is further improved. In addition, since the dielectric can be formed to be thin, the display device1can be formed as a further thinner type without passing through complicated processes such as grinding performed when the glass substrate is used as the dielectric.

FIG. 10is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the configuration of the vertical cross-section of a pixel (PXL) of a display device1according to a second embodiment. In the following embodiments, the same reference numeral is assigned to a configuration that is the same as that of the display device1according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, this display device1has a stacked structure in which the adhesive layer14and the third substrate15of the display device1of the first embodiment are omitted. Accordingly, a second substrate13has two constituent elements including a constituent element as a sealing substrate of a pixel unit10and a constituent element as an opposing electrode substrate of a liquid crystal lens unit20. The other configuration of this display device is similar to the configuration of the display device1of the first embodiment.

<Method of Manufacturing Display Device>

In a method of manufacturing this display device, the liquid crystal lens unit20is formed as below.

On the second substrate13sealing the pixel unit10, an opposing electrode16and an alignment film17aare formed. Next, a liquid crystal layer18is formed by dropping liquid crystal onto the alignment film17a.Next, the liquid crystal layer18is sealed by bonding the driving electrode19side face of the touch sensor unit30on the liquid crystal layer18. The method of manufacturing this display device is similar to that of the method of manufacturing the display device according to the first embodiment other than the description presented above.

<Operation of Display Device>

The operation of this display device is the same as that of the display device according to the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the same advantages as those of the first embodiment, the number of components is decreased, whereby the display device can be realized to be further thinned.

FIG. 11is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the configuration of the vertical cross-section of a pixel (PXL) of a display device1according to a third embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, this display device1has a stacked structure in which the adhesive layer14and the third substrate15of the display device1of the first embodiment are omitted, and the second substrate13is further omitted. Accordingly, the number of substrates of the display device1is two of a first substrate11and a fourth substrate23. Between a pixel unit10and a liquid crystal lens unit20, a protection layer25is disposed. More specifically, the protection layer25, for example, is disposed between a pixel common electrode13aconfiguring the pixel unit10and an opposing electrode16configuring the liquid crystal lens unit20. The protection layer25is not particularly limited as long as it is for sealing and protecting the pixel unit10, and it is preferable that the protection layer25be thin as possibly as can. A material forming the protection layer25is not particularly limited as long as it is a material having electric insulation, and it is preferable that the material be a transparent material having good light permeability. As a material forming the protection layer25, for example, the above-described material described above as the material of the protection layer21may be appropriately selected.

<Method of Manufacturing Display Device>

In a method of manufacturing this display device, the pixel unit10and the liquid crystal lens unit20are formed as below.

By forming a protection layer25on the pixel common electrode13a,the pixel unit10is sealed. A method of forming the protection layer25is not particularly limited, and, for example, a coating method, a vapor deposition method, an MOCVD method, a sputtering method, or the like may be used. In a case where the protection layer25is formed by using a liquid transparent resin having hardenability, the upper side of the face of the pixel common electrode13ais coated with the liquid transparent resin.

Next, on the protection layer25, an opposing electrode16and an alignment film17aare formed to be sequentially stacked. Next, liquid crystal is dropped onto the alignment film17a,whereby a liquid crystal layer18is formed. Next, the liquid crystal layer18is sealed by bonding the driving electrode19side face of the touch sensor unit30on the liquid crystal layer18. The method is similar to that of the method of manufacturing the display device according to the first embodiment other than the above-described description of the method of manufacturing the display device.

<Operation of Display Device>

The operation of this display device is the same as that of the display device according to the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the same advantages as those of the first embodiment, the number of components is decreased, whereby the display device can be realized to be further thinned.

FIG. 12is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the configuration of the vertical cross-section of a pixel (PXL) of a display device1according to a fourth embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, this display device1has a stacked structure in which the second substrate13, the adhesive layer14, the third substrate15, and the opposing electrode16of the display device1of the first embodiment are omitted. From this, the pixel common electrode13ahas three constituent elements of a constituent element as an opposing electrode of the pixel unit10, a constituent element as an opposing electrode of the liquid crystal lens unit20, and a constituent element as an opposing electrode of the touch sensor unit30. In addition, a protection layer may be disposed between the alignment film17aand the pixel common electrode13a.The protection layer, for example, may have a configuration described above as that of the protection layer21.

The configuration of the display device other than the above-described configuration is the same as the configuration of the display device according to the first embodiment. In addition, as another embodiment, the driving electrode of the liquid crystal lens unit20and the driving electrode of the touch sensor unit30may be separated configured, and the pixel common electrode13amay have the above-described configuration. The configuration of the display device other than the above-described configuration is similar to that of the display device according to the first embodiment.

<Method of Manufacturing Display Device>

In a method of manufacturing this display device, the pixel unit10and the liquid crystal lens unit20are formed as below.

On the pixel common electrode13aconfiguring the pixel unit10, an alignment film17ais formed. The alignment film17amay be formed after a protection layer is formed on the pixel common electrode13a,and the pixel unit10is sealed.

Next, a liquid crystal layer18is formed by dropping liquid crystal onto the alignment film17a.Next, the liquid crystal layer18is sealed by bonding the driving electrode19side face of the touch sensor unit30on the liquid crystal layer18. The method is similar to that of the method of manufacturing the display device according to the first embodiment other than the above-described description of the method of manufacturing the display device.

<Operation of Display Device>

The operation of this display device is the same as that of the display device according to the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the same advantages as those of the first embodiment, by commonly using the pixel common electrode13ain the pixel unit10and the liquid crystal lens unit20, the number of substrates and the number of electrode layers and wirings can be decreased. From this, a simple configuration can be realized as a thin type.

FIG. 13is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the configuration of the vertical cross-section of a pixel (PXL) of a display device1according to a fifth embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, according to this display device1, in the touch sensor unit30of any one of the first to fourth embodiments, driving electrodes19and detection electrodes22are alternately disposed through a protection layer27. The side face of the driving electrode19and the side face of the detection electrode22face each other. The protection layer27is disposed between a fourth substrate23and an alignment film17b.In addition, detection electrodes22disposed to face each other through the driving electrode19are connected using a jumper wire26.

While the shape of the driving electrode19is not particularly limited, as the shape of the driving electrode19, the above-described shape can be appropriately selected, and it is preferable that the shape be an elongated shape extending in parallel to one side of the display device1. In addition, while the installation form of the driving electrode19is not particularly limited as long as a plurality of driving electrodes19are disposed at a constant interval, for example, in a case where the driving electrodes19have an elongated shape, it is preferable that the driving electrodes19be disposed such that longer sides thereof face each other. From this, between the driving electrodes19disposed to face each other, a gap portion is disposed.

While the disposition of the detection electrodes22is not particularly limited as long as the detection electrodes22are disposed at a constant interval so as not to be in contact with the driving electrodes19inside the gap portion, it is preferable that a gap between the side faces of the driving electrodes19facing each other and the side face of the detection electrode22be small. In addition, it is preferable that the side faces of the driving electrodes19facing each other and the side face of the detection electrode22be disposed to be parallel to each other.

In addition, it is preferable that a plurality of the detection electrodes22be disposed at a constant interval inside the gap portion in a direction in which the gap portion extends.

While the shape of the detection electrode22is not particularly limited as long as it can be disposed inside the gap portion, a shape is preferable in which side faces of the detection electrodes22facing the side faces of the driving electrode19be parallel to each other in a case where the detection electrodes are disposed inside the gap portion. More specifically, as the shape of the detection electrode22, for example, there is a rectangular shape or the like. In addition, the size of the detection electrode22is not particularly limited and is preferably a size for which the detection electrodes22can be disposed at a constant interval in a direction in which the gap portion extends inside the gap portion.

While the disposition of the driving electrodes19and the detection electrodes22is not particularly limited as long as the driving electrodes19and the detection electrodes22are disposed such that the side faces thereof face each other without being brought into contact with each other, it is preferable that the driving electrodes19and the detection electrodes22be arranged on the same plane. In addition, it is preferable that all the driving electrodes19and the detection electrodes22be disposed on the fourth substrate23.

While the jumper wire26is not particularly limited as long as it can electrically connect the detection electrodes22disposed to be separate from each other, it is preferable that the jumper wire26be disposed so as not to be in contact with the driving electrode19. The jumper wire26, for example, is formed around the driving electrode19not to be in contact therewith so as to form a bridge structure, and accordingly a structure is formed in which the driving electrodes19and the detection electrodes22are electrically independent. It is preferable that the jumper wire26be disposed to be in an elongated shape in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the driving electrode19extends by being integrated with the detection electrode22. In addition, as a material forming the protection layer27, for example, the above-described material of the protection layer21may be appropriately selected.

In this embodiment, the bridge structure formed by the jumper wires26is formed on a face located on a side opposite to the fourth substrate23with respect to the detection electrodes22. In this case, the plurality of detection electrodes22disposed to be separate from each other are connected by using the jumper wires26. On the other hand, a bridge structure may be formed by connecting a plurality of driving electrodes19disposed to be separate from each other using the jumper wires26, and, in such a case, the detection electrode22has a strip shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the driving electrodes19are aligned. In addition, a bridge structure may be formed by disposing the driving electrodes19and the detection electrodes22to be separate from each other and connecting them by using the jumper wires.

As above, by disposing the side faces of the driving electrodes19and the side faces of the detection electrodes22to face each other, horizontal fringe capacitance is generated between the side faces facing each other. In that case, a capacitor is formed near the detection electrode22, and an object can be detected. In order to increase the fringe capacitance, it is preferable that a gap between the side faces facing each other be small as possible as can. In addition, it is preferable that the area of the side faces facing each other be large. Furthermore, between the jumper wires26connecting the detection electrodes22and the driving electrodes19, capacitors are formed, and accordingly, an object can be detected also in this area.

FIG. 14is a top view that illustrates an example of the configuration of the driving electrode19and the detection electrodes22in this embodiment. In this case, a cross-section taken along line A-A in the figure is the vertical cross-section illustrated inFIG. 13.

As illustrated inFIG. 14, the driving electrode19has an elongated shape extending to be parallel to one side of the display device1and includes driving units19athat are the driving electrodes of the liquid crystal lens unit20and the touch sensor unit30, and a connection portion19bthat connects the driving units19a.The width of the connection portion19bis smaller than the width of the driving unit19a,and the driving unit19aand the connection portion19bare alternately disposed in a direction in which the driving electrodes19extend. It is preferable that the driving unit19aand the connection portion19bbe integrally formed. From this, in a longer side portion of the driving electrode19, concave portions are formed at a constant interval in the longer side portion of the driving electrode19. It is preferable that the concave portions be disposed on both longer sides of the driving electrode19so as to face each other. In addition, while it is preferable that the driving electrode have line symmetry with respect to a center line in the direction in which the driving electrodes19extend, the arrangement of the driving electrode19not limited thereto. By disposing the plurality of driving electrodes19at a constant interval such that the longer side portions thereof face each other, a gap portion38is formed between the driving electrodes19adjacent to each other.

While the gap portion38is not particularly limited as long as it is formed by the longer sides of the driving electrodes19adjacent to each other, it is preferable that the concave portions of the driving electrodes19adjacent to each other be disposed to face each other. In addition, it is preferable that the gap of the driving electrodes19adjacent to each other be small. In a case where the gap portion38is formed by the concave portions facing each other, for example, when the concave portions are rectangular concave portions, a rectangular space portion39is formed, and, for example, when the concave portions are semi-circle shaped concave portions, an approximately circular space portion39is formed.

While the disposition of the detection electrodes22is not particularly limited as long as the detection electrodes22are disposed at a constant interval so as not to be in contact with the driving electrodes19inside the gap portion38, it is preferable that a gap between the side faces of the driving electrodes19facing each other and the side face of the detection electrode22inside the gap portion38be small. In addition, it is preferable that the side faces of the driving electrodes19facing each other and the side face of the detection electrode22be disposed to be parallel to each other. Furthermore, it is preferable that a plurality of the detection electrodes22be disposed inside a plurality of the gap portions38formed by the driving electrodes19adjacent to each other.

While the shape of the detection electrode22is not particularly limited as long as it can be disposed inside the gap portion38, a shape is preferable in which the side faces of the detection electrode22facing the side faces of the driving electrode19be parallel to each other in a case where the detection electrode22is disposed inside the gap portion38. As this shape, for example, there is a shape that is similar to the shape of the gap portion38. For example, in a case where the shape of the gap portion38is a rectangular shape formed by the space portions39facing each other, the shape of the detection electrode22is also a rectangular shape, and the size of the detection electrode22, for example is slightly smaller than that of the gap portion38.

As above, by disposing the driving electrode19and the detection electrodes22such that the side faces thereof face each other, similarly, horizontal fringe capacitance is generated between the side faces facing each other. In addition, by forming the gap portion38, the driving electrodes19can be disposed to face almost the entire face of the side faces of the detection electrode22. From this, the area of the side faces of both electrodes facing each other is much larger than that of a case where the gap portion38is not formed, and accordingly, the capacitance of the formed capacitor increase to a large extent.

The configuration of this display device other than the above-described configuration is similar to the configuration of any one of the display devices according to the first to fourth embodiments.

<Method of Manufacturing Display Device>

In a method of manufacturing this display device, the liquid crystal lens unit20and the touch sensor unit30are formed as below.

First, the driving electrode19and the detection electrodes22are formed by preparing a fourth substrate23having a transparent conductive layer on the whole face of the principal face and patterning this transparent conductive layer through etching or the like. For the patterning, for example, a method in which an elongated transparent electrode formed in parallel at a constant interval is formed, and island-shaped transparent electrodes are formed at a constant interval interposed therebetween in the gap portion area or the like is used. At this time, the elongated transparent electrode and the island-shaped transparent electrodes are formed to be separate from each other. This elongated transparent electrode configures the driving electrode19, and the island-shaped transparent electrodes configure the detection electrodes22.

It is preferable that the elongated transparent electrode be patterned so as to have a plurality of concave portions facing each other at a constant interval on two sides in a direction in which the elongated shape extents. In addition, it is more preferable that the concave portions be formed to face each other, and the island-shaped transparent electrodes be patterned to be formed inside an area formed by the concave portions facing each other.

While the disposition of the island-shaped transparent electrodes is not particularly limited as long as they are disposed not to be in contact with the elongated transparent electrode in the gap portion of the elongated transparent electrode, it is preferable that the island-shaped transparent electrodes have a square shape or a rectangular shape. In addition, it is preferable that a plurality of the island-shaped transparent electrodes be formed in parallel in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the elongated transparent electrode extends.

Next, a face of the fourth substrate on which the driving electrode19and the detection electrodes22are disposed is coated with a liquid transparent resin having hardenability to cover both electrodes so as to be a flat film, whereby a protection film is formed. Next, at least two through holes reaching up to the detection electrode22are formed for each detection electrode22at a place, which is located on the face of the protection film, having the detection electrode22formed on the lower side thereof. It is preferable that the through holes be formed at both ends of the area on the detection electrode22in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the driving electrode19extends.

Next, on the face of the protection film in which the through holes are disposed, a transparent conductive layer is further formed. The transparent conductive layer is formed to connect the detection electrodes22that are adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the driving electrode19extends. This transparent conductive layer configures the jumper wires26. While there are, for example, two detection electrodes22adjacent to one detection electrode22, in this case, the jumper wires26are formed such that the two detection electrodes22are not in contact with each other, and the detection electrodes22are respectively connected. It is preferable that the shape of the jumper wire26be a rectangle having the same width as that of the detection electrode22. By connecting a plurality of detection electrodes22using the jumper wires26, the shape seen from the top of the detection electrodes22is a strip shape extending in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the driving electrode19extends.

Next, the upper side of the face of the protection film on a side on which the jumper wires26are disposed is further coated with a liquid transparent resin having hard-enability. At this time, the liquid transparent resin having hardenability is coated so as to cover the jumper wires26, and the whole coated surface is flattened so as to form the protection layer27. Next, an alignment film17bis formed on the protection layer27. Subsequently, a fourth substrate23is prepared on a face configured by the driving electrode19, the detection electrodes22, and the protection layer27, the touch sensor unit30is sealed, and a polarizing plate24is further disposed on the fourth substrate23. In this way, the touch sensor unit30is formed. Other than the description presented above, the method of manufacturing a display device is the same as any one of the methods of manufacturing a display device according to the first to fourth embodiments.

<Operation of Display Device>

The operation of this display device is similar to that of the display device according to the first embodiment.

As above, according to the fifth embodiment, in addition to the same advantages as those of the first to fourth embodiments, the driving electrode19and the detection electrodes22are formed in the same layer, whereby the display device can be realized to be further thinned.

FIG. 15is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the configuration of the vertical cross-section of a pixel (PXL) of a display device1according to a sixth embodiment.FIG. 16is a top view that illustrates an example of the configuration of driving electrodes19and detection electrodes22of a pixel (PXL) of a display device1according to the sixth embodiment.FIG. 15is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the configuration of a vertical cross-section taken along line B-B illustrated inFIG. 16.

As illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16, while the display device1according to this another example has the same configuration as that of the display device1according to the fifth embodiment, jumper wires26connecting detection electrodes22disposed to be separate from each other are formed on a face on a side opposite to an alignment film17bwith respect to the detection electrodes22. The configuration of this display device other than the description presented above is the same as that of the display device according to the fifth embodiment.

<Method of Manufacturing Display Device>

In a method of manufacturing the display device according to the sixth embodiment, the liquid crystal lens unit20and the touch sensor unit30are formed as below.

First, jumper wires26are formed by preparing a fourth substrate23having a transparent conductive layer on the whole face of the principal face and patterning the transparent conductive layer through etching or the like. The form of the jumper wires26is formed similarly to that of the fifth embodiment. Next, a face of the fourth substrate23on which the jumper wires26are disposed is coated with a liquid transparent resin having hardenability to cover the jumper wires26so as to be a flat film, whereby a protection film is formed. Next, at least two through holes reaching up to the jumper wires26are formed for each jumper wire26at a place, which is located on the face of the protection film, having the jumper wires26formed on the lower side thereof. It is preferable that the through holes be formed at both ends of the area located on the jumper wires26in a direction in which the jumper wires26extend.

Next, a transparent conductive layer is formed on the face of the protection film. From this, the transparent conductive layer is formed also inside the through hole and can be electrically connected to the jumper wire26. Next, this transparent conductive layer is patterned through etching or the like, whereby driving electrodes19and detection electrodes22are formed. The driving electrodes19and the detection electrodes22are formed similarly to that of the fifth embodiment. At this time, it is preferable that the detection electrodes22be formed so as to electrically connect the jumper wires26adjacent to each other. More specifically, similarly to the fifth embodiment, the detection electrodes22and the jumper wires26are connected together.

Next, the upper side of the face of the protection film on which the driving electrodes19and the detection electrodes22are disposed is further coated with a liquid transparent resin having hardenability to embed the unevenness due to the driving electrodes19and the detection electrodes22so as to be formed as a flat film, whereby a protection layer27is formed. Next, an alignment film17bis formed on the principal face of the protection layer27. The method of manufacturing this display device is similar to that of the method of manufacturing the display device according to the fifth embodiment other than the description presented above.

<Operation of Display Device>

The operation of this display device is the same as that of the display device according to the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the same advantages as those of the fifth embodiment can be acquired.

FIG. 17is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the configuration of the vertical cross-section of a pixel (PXL) of a display device1according to a seventh embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 17, according to this display device1, in the touch sensor unit30of the display device1according to the fifth embodiment, the driving electrodes19and the detection electrodes22are formed in the same layer without using the jumper wires26.

In the touch sensor unit30, for example, on a face of the fourth substrate23that is located on a side opposite to the light emitting face, driving electrodes19and detection electrodes22are disposed. The driving electrodes19and the detection electrodes22are separate from each other and are disposed as a predetermined pattern on the same face in an electrically insulated state. In addition, a protection layer21is disposed to cover the whole surface of the driving electrodes19and the detection electrodes22, and accordingly, capacitors are formed between the driving electrodes19and the detection electrodes22.

The configuration of this display device other than the description presented above is the same as that of the display device according to the fifth embodiment.

<Method of Manufacturing Display Device>

The method of manufacturing this display device is the same as the method of manufacturing the display device according to the fifth embodiment except for no formation of the jumper wires26.

<Operation of Display Device>

The operation of this display device is the same as that of the display device according to the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, the same advantages as those of the fifth embodiment can be acquired.

FIG. 18is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the configuration of the cross-section of a pixel (PXL) of a display device1according to an eighth embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 18, in this display device1, as the display switching functioning unit of the display device1according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, the liquid crystal lens unit20is replaced by a liquid lens unit20A.

The liquid lens unit20A displays an image by passing light emitted from the pixel unit10and has a display switching function for displaying an image as a 3D image or a 2D image in a switchable manner. More specifically, the liquid lens unit20A, for example, includes a polar liquid layer32and a non-polar liquid layer29, which are two liquid layers having mutually-different polarities, between an opposing electrode16disposed on the third substrate15and a driving electrode19cdisposed on the protection layer21. The liquid lens unit20A controls an interface of these two liquid layers having mutually-different polarities using a voltage generated between the driving electrodes19cdisposed to be separate from each other and the opposing electrode16so as to be a variable focus lens, thereby realizing the display switching function. In addition, the opposing electrode16may be replaced by the pixel common electrode13a.Accordingly, the liquid lens unit20A may be replaced by the liquid crystal lens unit20of the display device1according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments.

A detailed configuration of the liquid lens unit20A will be described with reference to the drawings. The driving electrode19cdisposed on the protection layer21is divided into a plurality of strip patterns. In addition, an insulation layer28is disposed to cover the surface of the driving electrodes19c.The surface of the insulation layer28is formed to be flat in parallel with the principal face of the protection layer21. The surface of the insulation layer28is partitioned by a plurality of partition walls31. As the shape of the partition wall31, for example, a shape of a face parallel to the principal face of the fourth substrate23may be a lattice shape, a strip shape, or the like. The partition walls31, for example, are disposed at a constant interval in a direction perpendicular to one side of the fourth substrate23so as to extend in parallel with one side of the fourth substrate23, thereby partitioning the surface of the insulation layer28. In each spatial area partitioned by the partition walls31, a non-polar liquid layer29is maintained. In the spatial area formed by the insulation layer28and the opposing electrode16, a polar liquid layer32is maintained in all the area of the spatial area in which the non-polar liquid layer29is not maintained. In addition, the area of the insulation layer28may be formed by the protection layer21. At this time, the protection layer21is disposed to cover all the driving electrodes19c.

The shape, the installation form, and the forming material of the driving electrodes19care not particularly limited, and those described above as those of the driving electrodes19may be appropriately selected. Among them, it is preferable that, as the shape of the driving electrodes19c,a face parallel to the principal face of the fourth substrate23cover at least one partition formed by the partition walls31. In addition, as the installation form of the driving electrodes19c,it is preferable that the driving electrodes19cbe disposed at positions covering at least one partition described above on the fourth substrate23.

The configuration of this display device other than the description presented above is the same as the configuration of any one of the display devices according to the first to seventh embodiments.

<Method of Manufacturing Display Device>

In a method of manufacturing this display device, the formation of the liquid lens unit20A may be performed using a method in the related art.

The method of manufacturing this display device is similar to that of the method of manufacturing the display device according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments other than the description presented above.

<Operation of Display Device>

In the operation of this display device, a display switching operation will be described.

When light emitted from the pixel unit10is incident to the liquid lens unit20A, in a case where a 3D image is displayed, for example, the polar liquid layer32of the liquid lens unit20A is controlled by applying a 3D display drive signal Vd3from the control unit70or the like illustrated as above to the driving electrodes19c.From this, the interface between the polar liquid layer32and the non-polar liquid layer29changes. A 3D image can be displayed by appropriately controlling the liquid interface so as to be a variable lens.

On the other hand, in a case where a 2D image is displayed, for example, the polar liquid layer32of the liquid lens unit20A is controlled by applying a 2D display drive signal Vd4from the control unit70illustrated as above or the like to the driving electrodes19c.For example, the 2D display drive signal Vd4is smaller than the 3D display drive signal Vd3. From this, the interface between the polar liquid layer32and the non-polar liquid layer29changes. A 2D image can be displayed by appropriately controlling the liquid interface so as to be a variable lens.

FIG. 19Aillustrates a guided light optical path of light that is incident from the pixel unit10to the liquid lens unit20A and is output from the polarizing plate24to the outside at the time of the 3D display.FIG. 19Billustrates a guided light optical path of light that is incident from the pixel unit10to the liquid lens unit20A and is output from the polarizing plate24to the outside at the time of the 2D display.

As illustrated inFIG. 19A, for example, when the drive signal Vd3is applied to the driving electrode19c,in the liquid lens unit20A, the interface Si between the polar liquid layer32and the non-polar liquid layer29is in the shape of a convex lens for the incident light. Accordingly, light incident from the pixel unit10side to the liquid lens unit20A is refracted in the process of passing through the interface S1and is output in a plurality of mutually-different angular directions. From this, an image that is based on light emitted from the pixel unit10is split and is projected into left and right eyes by the liquid lens unit20A. At this time, in a case where an image that is based on the light emitted from the pixel unit10is a composite image of left and right parallax images, the image is displayed as a 3D image and is visually perceived as a 3D image by a person seeing the image.

On the other hand, as illustrated inFIG. 19B, for example, when the drive signal Vd2is applied to the driving electrode19a,in the liquid lens unit20A, a form is formed in which the interface S2between the polar liquid layer32and the non-polar liquid layer29is perpendicular to the incident light. Accordingly, the light incident from the pixel unit10side to the liquid lens unit20A is output without being refracted in the interface S2. Accordingly, an image that is based on the light emitted from the pixel unit10is displayed as a 2D image on the polarizing plate24and is visually perceived as a 2D image by a person seeing this image.

The operation of this display device other than the description presented above is the same as that of the display device according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments.

As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, the same advantages as those of the first to seventh embodiments can be acquired.

FIG. 20is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the configuration of the cross-section of a pixel (PXL) of a display device1according to a ninth embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 20, according to this display device1, the driving electrodes19dof the liquid lens unit20A of the display device1according to the eighth embodiment are formed to cover the surface of the partition walls31. At this time, since the partition walls31are directly disposed on the surface of the protection layer21, the insulation layer28may not be provided.

The surface of the protection layer21is partitioned by a plurality of the partition walls31. The shape and the installation form of the partition walls31may be appropriately selected from among those described above. On the surfaces of the partition walls31, driving electrodes19dare disposed to cover the whole surfaces. A material forming the driving electrodes19dand the like may be appropriately selected from among those of the driving electrode19as above. In each spatial area partitioned by the partition walls31in which the driving electrodes19dare disposed, a non-polar liquid layer29is maintained. In the spatial area formed by the protection layer21and the opposing electrode16, in all the spatial areas in which the non-polar liquid layer29is not maintained, a polar liquid layer32is present.

The configuration of the display device other than the above-described configuration is the same as the configuration of the display device according to the eighth embodiment.

<Method of Manufacturing Display Device>

A method of manufacturing this display device is the same as the method of manufacturing the display device according to the eighth embodiment.

<Operation of Display Device>

In the operation of the display device according to the ninth embodiment, a display switching operation will be described.

When light emitted from the pixel unit10is incident to the liquid lens unit20A, in a case where a 3D image is displayed, for example, a 3D display drive signal Vd3is applied to the driving electrode19d.When the drive signal Vd3is applied to the driving electrode19d,in the liquid lens unit20A, the interface S1between the polar liquid layer32and the non-polar liquid layer29has the shape of a concave lens with respect to the incident light.

The operation of this display device is the same as that of the display device according to the eighth embodiment other than the above-described operation.

As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, the same advantages as those of the eighth embodiment can be acquired.

FIG. 21is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the configuration of the cross-section of a pixel (PXL) of a display device1according to a tenth embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 21, according to this display device1, in the liquid lens unit20A of the display device1according to the eighth embodiment, instead of the partition walls31disposed on the surface of the protection layer21, driving electrodes19eare disposed. While it is preferable that an insulation film33be disposed in a part of the surface that is configured by the protection layer21and the driving electrodes19e,a configuration may be employed in which the insulation film33is not disposed on the surface configured by the protection layer21and the driving electrodes19e.

The surface of the protection layer21is partitioned by a plurality of the driving electrodes19e.The shape, the installation form, the constituent material, and the like of the driving electrode19emay be appropriately selected from among those of the driving electrode19described above. In each spatial area partitioned by the driving electrodes19ehaving the insulation film33on the surface thereof, a non-polar liquid layer29is maintained. In the spatial area formed by the insulation film33and the opposing electrode16, in all the spatial areas in which the non-polar liquid layer29is not maintained, a polar liquid layer32is present.

The configuration of this display device other than the description presented above is the same as the configuration of the display device according to the eighth embodiment.

<Method of Manufacturing Display Device>

A method of manufacturing this display device is the same as the method of manufacturing the display device according to the eighth embodiment.

<Operation of Display Device>

The operation of this display device is the same as that of the display device according to the eighth embodiment. In a case where a configuration is employed in which the insulation film33is not disposed on the surface configured by the protection layer21and the driving electrodes19e,the operation of the display device is the same as the operation of the display device according to the ninth embodiment.

As described above, according to the tenth embodiment, the same advantages as those of the eighth embodiment can be acquired.

FIG. 22is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the configuration of the cross-section of a pixel (PXL) of a display device1according to an eleventh embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 22, in this display device1, as the display switching functioning unit of the display device1according to any one of the first to third, fifth, and sixth embodiments, the liquid crystal lens unit20is replaced by a liquid crystal barrier unit20B.

The liquid crystal barrier unit20B displays an image by passing light emitted from the pixel unit10only in a selective area and has a display switching function for displaying the image as a 3D image or a 2D image in a switchable manner. The liquid crystal barrier unit20B, for example, has a configuration similar to that of the liquid crystal lens unit20illustrated as above. More specifically, the liquid crystal barrier unit20B, for example, has a configuration in which a liquid crystal layer18ais sealed between opposing electrodes16disposed to face each other and driving electrodes19f, and alignment films17aand17bare disposed on the faces facing each other. The pixel unit10and the liquid crystal barrier unit20B are bonded through the polarizing plate34and the adhesive layer14. It is preferable that the pixel unit10and the liquid crystal barrier unit20B be bonded by stacking a second substrate13, an adhesive layer14, a polarizing plate34, and a third substrate15in the mentioned order, and the order of the adhesive layer14and the polarizing plate34in the bonding may be reversed.

While the polarizing plate34is not particularly limited, as long as it is used for causing selective polarized light to incident to the liquid crystal layer18a,it is preferable that the polarizing plate34be formed to be thin as possibly as can. For example, as the polarizing plate34, a polarizing plate that transmits only linearly propagated light may be used.

The driving electrodes19fdisposed on the protection layer21, for example, extend in parallel with one side of the fourth substrate23and are disposed at a constant interval in a direction perpendicular to the one side. The shape, the installation form, the constituent material, and the like of the driving electrodes19fmay be appropriately selected from among those of the driving electrode19described above. At this time, an inter-electrode area D1that is an area between the driving electrodes19fadjacent to each other constantly transmits light, for example, in the light emitting direction. On the other hand, in an electrode area D2that is an area in which the driving electrode19fis disposed, the light transmissivity, for example, in the light emitting direction is configured to be changeable. In other words, in the electrode area D2, by changing the alignment of the liquid crystal in the light emitting direction, switching between light transmission and light blocking is performed. To the liquid crystal layer18a,selective polarized light is incident in accordance with the polarizing plate34.

The configuration of this display device other than the description presented above is the same as the configuration of any one of the display devices according to the first to third, fifth, and sixth embodiments.

<Method of Manufacturing Display Device>

A method of manufacturing this display device is the same as the method of manufacturing any one of the display devices according to the first to third, fifth, and sixth embodiments except that the liquid crystal barrier unit20B is manufactured in the same manner as that of the liquid crystal lens unit20, and the pixel unit10and the liquid crystal barrier unit20B are bonded through the polarizing plate34.

<Operation of Display Device>

In the operation of this display device, a display switching operation will be described.

When light emitted from the pixel unit10is incident to the liquid crystal barrier unit20B, in a case where a 3D image is displayed, for example, the liquid crystal layer18aof the liquid crystal barrier unit20B is controlled by applying a 3D display drive signal Vd5from the control unit70or the like illustrated as above to the driving electrodes19f.In this control, a 3D image can be displayed by selectively blocking light emitted from the pixel unit10.

On the other hand, in a case where a 2D image is displayed, for example, the liquid crystal layer18aof the liquid crystal barrier unit20B is controlled by applying a 2D display drive signal Vd6from the control unit70illustrated as above or the like to the driving electrodes19d.For example, the 2D display drive signal Vd6is smaller than the 3D display drive signal Vd5. In this control, a 2D image can be displayed by transmitting the light emitted from the pixel unit10.

FIG. 23Aillustrates a guided light optical path of light that is incident from the pixel unit10to the liquid crystal barrier unit20B and is output from the polarizing plate34to the outside at the time of the 3D display.FIG. 23Billustrates a guided light optical path of light that is incident from the pixel unit10to the liquid crystal barrier unit20B and is output from the polarizing plate34to the outside at the time of the 2D display.

As illustrated inFIG. 23A, for example, by forming a state in which light emitted from the electrode area D2is blocked by applying the drive signal Vd5to the driving electrode19f,the emission direction of light emitted from the pixel unit10is limited by the inter-electrode area D1in the liquid crystal barrier unit20B. From this, similarly to the case of the above-described liquid crystal lens unit20, in a case where an image that is based on the light emitted from the pixel unit10is a composite image of left and right parallax images, the image is split, is projected into left and right eyes, and is visually perceived as a 3D image.

On the other hand, as illustrated inFIG. 23B, for example, by forming a state in which light emitted from the electrode area D2is transmitted by applying the drive signal Vd6to the driving electrode19f,light incident from the pixel unit10is emitted from the liquid crystal barrier unit20B without limiting the emission direction. From this, similarly to the case of the above-described liquid crystal lens unit20, an image that is based on the light emitted from the pixel unit10is visually perceived as a 2D image.

As described above, according to the eleventh embodiment, the same advantages as those of the first to third, fifth, and sixth embodiments can be acquired.

FIG. 24is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the configuration of the cross-section of a pixel (PXL) of a display device1according to a twelfth embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 24, in this display device1, the touch sensor unit30of any one of the display devices according to the first to eleventh embodiments is configured by a touch sensor unit30A in which touch sensor driving electrodes35independently driving only the touch sensor unit30are disposed.

In the touch sensor unit30A, for example, in the light emitting face of the protection layer21, the touch sensor driving electrodes35are disposed. The touch sensor driving electrodes35are disposed to be separate from each other in a predetermined pattern. The touch sensor driving electrodes35, for example, are disposed to face the driving electrodes19through the protection layer21. The driving electrodes19are disposed to be electrically independent from the touch sensor driving electrodes35and, for example, drive only the liquid crystal lens unit. Between the touch sensor driving electrodes35, an insulation layer36is disposed. In addition, the detection electrode22is disposed on the upper side of the touch sensor driving electrodes35through the insulation layer36. The configuration other than that, for example, may be configured similarly to the seventh embodiment.

While the shape of the touch sensor driving electrode35is not particularly limited as long as the touch sensor driving electrode35can drive a touch sensor, the same shape as that of the driving electrode19may be employed, and a shape may be selected from among the shapes of the driving electrode19described above. In addition, while a material forming the touch sensor driving electrode35is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity, a material having high light permeability is preferably used. As the material forming the touch sensor driving electrode35, the same material as that of the driving electrode19may be used, and a material may be appropriately selected from among the materials forming the driving electrode19described above.

While the installation form of the touch sensor driving electrodes35is not particularly limited as long as it is disposed to be electrically independent from the driving electrodes19, for example, it is preferable that the touch sensor driving electrodes35be disposed on the protection film located on a side opposite to the driving electrodes19with respect to the protection layer21. At this time, the touch sensor driving electrodes35may be disposed on the protection layer21with the same installation form as that of the driving electrodes19employed. In addition, at this time, it is preferable that the touch sensor driving electrodes35be disposed at positions symmetrical to the driving electrodes19with respect to the protection layer21.

The configuration of this display device other than the above-described configuration is similar to the configuration of any one of the display devices according to the first to eleventh embodiments.

<Method of Manufacturing Display Device>

The method of manufacturing this display device is the same as the method of manufacturing any one of the display devices according to the first to tenth embodiments except that a touch sensor unit30A is manufactured by forming a plurality of touch sensor driving electrodes35on the protection layer21at a constant interval.

<Operation of Display Device>

The operation of this display device is the same as that of the display device according to the first embodiment except that a display switching drive signal Vdand a touch sensor drive signal Vsare independently applied to the driving electrode19and the touch sensor driving electrode35.

As described above, according to the twelfth embodiment, the same advantages as those of the first to eleventh embodiments can be acquired.

FIG. 25is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the configuration of the cross-section of a pixel (PXL) of a display device1according to a thirteenth embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 25, in this display device1, the touch sensor unit30of any one of the display devices1according to the first to eleventh embodiments is configured as a touch sensor unit30B in which touch sensor driving electrodes35and detection electrodes22aare formed in the same layer.

In the touch sensor unit30B, a plurality of the touch sensor driving electrodes35and a plurality of detection electrodes22aare disposed on the protection layer21at a constant interval, and an insulation layer37is disposed to cover the plurality of the touch sensor driving electrodes35and the plurality of the detection electrodes22a.On the insulation layer37, a polarizing plate24is disposed through a fourth substrate23. At this time, the insulation layer37may be configured by the protection layer21, and, in such a case, the entire surface of the touch sensor driving electrodes35and the detection electrodes22aare covered with the protection layer21.

While the shape of the detection electrode22ais not particularly limited as long as the detection electrode22acan detect a touch sensor, the same shape as that of the driving electrode19may be employed, and a shape may be selected from among the shapes of the driving electrode19described above. In addition, while a material forming the detection electrode22ais not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity, a material having high light permeability is preferably used. As the material forming the detection electrode22a,the same material as that of the driving electrode19may be used, and a material may be appropriately selected from among the materials forming the driving electrode19described above.

While the installation form of the detection electrodes22ais not particularly limited as long as the detection electrodes22aare disposed on the protection film on a side opposite to the driving electrodes19with respect to the protection layer21, for example, similarly to the installation form of the driving electrodes19, the detection electrodes22amay be disposed on the protection layer21. In such a case, it is preferable that the detection electrodes22abe disposed at positions symmetrical to the driving electrodes19with respect to the protection layer21. In addition, while the detection electrodes22aand the touch sensor driving electrodes35may be arbitrarily disposed, for example, it is preferable that the detection electrode22aand the touch sensor driving electrode35be alternately arranged.

The configuration of this display device other than the description presented above is the same as the configuration of any one of the display devices according to the first to eleventh embodiments.

<Method of Manufacturing Display Device>

A method of manufacturing this display device is the same as the method of manufacturing the display device according to the twelfth embodiment except that a touch sensor unit30B is manufactured by forming a plurality of the touch sensor driving electrodes35and a plurality of the detection electrodes22aon the protection layer21at a constant interval.

<Operation of Display Device>

The operation of this display device is the same as that of the display device according to the twelfth embodiment.

As described above, according to the thirteenth embodiment, the same advantages as those of the first to eleventh embodiments can be acquired.

Next, as a fourteenth embodiments, first to fifth examples in which the display device1described in the above-described embodiments is applied to electronic apparatuses will be described with reference toFIGS. 26 to 30. For example, the display device can be applied to electronic apparatuses of all the fields such as a television apparatus, a digital camera, a notebook personal computer, a mobile terminal device of a cellular phone, or a video camera. In other words, the display device1can be applied to electronic apparatuses of all the fields that display a video signal input from the outside or a video signal generated internally as an image or a video.

FIG. 26illustrates the outer appearance of a television apparatus that illustrates a first example applied to an electronic apparatus.

As illustrated inFIG. 26, this television apparatus, for example, includes a video display screen unit300that includes a front panel310and a filter glass320, and this video display screen unit510corresponds to the display device according to the above-described embodiments and the like.

FIG. 27illustrates the outer appearance of a digital camera that illustrates a second example applied to an electronic apparatus.

As illustrated inFIG. 27, this digital camera, for example, includes a flash light emitting unit410, a display unit420, a menu switch430, and a shutter button440. The display unit420corresponds to the display devices according to the above-described embodiments.

FIG. 28is a diagram that illustrates the outer appearance of a notebook personal computer illustrating a third example applied to an electronic apparatus. As illustrated inFIG. 28, this notebook personal computer, for example, includes a main frame510, a keyboard520used for an input operation of texts and the like, and a display unit530displaying an image, and the display unit530corresponds to a display device according to the above-described embodiment or the like.

FIG. 29illustrates the outer appearance of a video camera illustrating a fourth example applied to an electronic apparatus.

As illustrated inFIG. 29, this video camera, for example, includes a main body unit610, a lens620, which is disposed on the front side face of the main body unit610, used for photographing an object, a start-stop switch543used at the time of photographing, and a display unit630. The display unit640corresponds to a display device according to the above-described embodiment or the like.

FIG. 30illustrates the outer appearance of a cellular phone illustrating a fifth example applied to an electronic apparatus.

As illustrated inFIG. 30, this cellular phone, for example, is acquired by connecting an upper casing710and a lower casing720using a connection portion (hinge portion)730and includes a display740, a sub-display750, a picture light760and a camera770. The display740or the sub-display750corresponds to a display device according to the above-described embodiment or the like.

As above, while the embodiments and the examples have been specifically described, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and the examples described above, and various changes can be made therein based on the technical idea of the present disclosure.

For example, the numeric values, the structures, the configurations, the shapes, the materials, and the like represented in the embodiments and the examples described above are merely examples, and another numeric value, structure, configuration, shape, material, or the like different therefrom may be used as is necessary.

In the above-described embodiments and the like, for example, while the structure is employed in which the display switching functioning unit and the touch sensor unit are disposed on the pixel unit in the mentioned order, the stacking order is not limited thereto, and, for example, it may be configured such that the display switching functioning unit is disposed on the pixel unit through the touch sensor unit. However, it is preferable that the touch sensor unit be stacked on the outermost surface from the viewpoint of the sensor sensitivity.

In addition, in the above-described embodiments and the like, for example, while a stacked structure has been described as an example in which the driving electrode is used to be common to the display switching functioning unit and the touch sensor unit, the structure is not limited thereto, and the driving electrode of each unit may be separately disposed. However, from the viewpoint of a decrease in the thickness and the simplification of the device configuration, it is preferable that the driving electrode be commonly used as in the above-described embodiments and the like.

Furthermore, the present disclosure may take configurations as described below.

(1) There is provided a display device including: a pixel unit; a display switching functioning unit; and a sensor unit, wherein the pixel unit includes a plurality of pixels, the display switching functioning unit is capable of performing switching between a 3D display and a 2D display of an image that is based on light emitted from the pixel unit, the sensor unit detects being in contact with or in proximity to an object, the display switching functioning unit is disposed on the pixel unit in a stacked manner, and the display switching functioning unit includes the sensor unit in the inside.

(2) The display device described in (1) described above, wherein the display switching functioning unit includes a driving electrode, an opposing electrode, and an optical path changing functioning unit, the optical path changing functioning unit is disposed between the driving electrode and the opposing electrode, and the optical path changing functioning unit changes an emission angle and/or an emission area of beams of light in accordance with an applied voltage.

(3) The display device described in (1) or (2) described above, wherein the sensor unit is a capacitive-type touch sensor.

(4) The display device described in any one of (1) to (3) described above, wherein the sensor unit has the driving electrode, a detection electrode, and a protection layer, and the protection layer is disposed between the driving electrode and the detection electrode.

(5) The display device described in any one of (1) to (4) described above, wherein the protection layer is a dielectric.

(6) The display device described in any one of (1) to (5) described above, wherein the driving electrode and the detection electrode are disposed to intersect each other.

(7) The display device described in any one of (1) to (6) described above, wherein the driving electrode is configured by a plurality of driving electrodes having an elongated shape extending in one direction, and the plurality of driving electrodes is disposed in parallel at a constant interval.

(8) The display device described in any one of (1) to (7) described above, wherein the detection electrode is configured by a plurality of detection electrodes having an elongated shape extending in one direction, and the plurality of detection electrodes is disposed in parallel at a constant interval.

(9) The display device described in any one of (1) to (8) described above, wherein the plurality of driving electrodes and the plurality of detection electrodes are disposed to be perpendicular to each other.

(10) The display device described in any one of (1) to (9) described above, wherein the optical path changing functioning unit is a liquid crystal layer or a staked body of a polar liquid layer and a non-polar liquid layer.

(11) The display device described in any one of (1) to (10) described above, wherein the display switching functioning unit is one of a liquid crystal lens, a liquid lens, and a barrier parallax.

(12) The display device described in any one of (1) to (11) described above, wherein the pixel unit includes organic field light emitting devices as the pixels.

(13) The display device described in any one of (1) to (12) described above, wherein the pixel unit includes at least one pixel electrode, at least one organic field light emitting layer, and a pixel common electrode, the organic field light emitting layer is disposed on the pixel electrode, and the pixel common electrode is further stacked on the organic field light emitting layer.

(14) The display device described in any one of (1) to (13) described above, wherein the opposing electrode of the display switching functioning unit is configured as the pixel common electrode.

(15) The display device described in any one of (1) to (14) described above, further including a driving circuit that drives the display switching functioning unit and the sensor unit,wherein a drive signal is applied from the driving circuit to the driving electrode.

(16) The display device described in any one of (1) to (15) described above, wherein the drive signal is a composite signal in which a drive signal of the sensor unit is superimposed in a drive signal of the display switching functioning unit.

(17) The display device described in any one of (1) to (16) described above, wherein the drive signal of the display switching functioning unit is a 3D display drive signal or a 2D drive signal.

(18) The display device described in any one of (1) to (17) described above, wherein an application time of the sensor unit drive signal is much shorter than an application time of the display switching functioning unit drive signal.

(19) There is provided an electronic apparatus including at least one display device, wherein the display device includes a pixel unit, a display switching functioning unit, and a sensor unit, the pixel unit includes a plurality of pixels, the display switching functioning unit is capable of performing switching between a 3D display and a 2D display of an image that is based on light emitted from the pixel unit, the sensor unit detects being in contact with or in proximity to an object, the display switching functioning unit is disposed on the pixel unit in a stacked manner, and the display switching functioning unit includes the sensor unit in the inside.

Furthermore, the present disclosure may take configurations as described below.

A display device comprising:a pixel unit including a first substrate;a touch sensor unit including a second substrate; anda liquid crystal layer formed between the pixel unit and the touch sensor unit,wherein the touch sensor unit includes a detection electrode capacitively coupled with a driving electrode, both the detection electrode and the driving electrode being formed on a side of the touch sensor unit facing the liquid crystal layer.

The display device according to (1), wherein the detection electrode is formed on a side of the second substrate away from the liquid crystal layer, and the driving electrode is formed on a side of the second substrate toward the liquid crystal layer.

The display device according to (1), wherein the detection electrode and the driving electrode are both formed on a side of the second substrate toward the liquid crystal layer.

The display device according to (1), wherein the pixel unit further includes a plurality of organic EL devices that are display pixels.

The display device according to (1), wherein the pixel unit further includes at least one pixel electrode layer and at least one organic EL layer stacked on the first substrate, and a pixel common electrode is further stacked on the organic EL layer.

The display device according to (1), wherein the pixel unit further includes an opposing electrode disposed on a side of the second substrate facing the liquid crystal layer.

The display device according to (6), wherein the pixel unit further includes a third substrate, and the opposing electrode is formed on a face of the third substrate.

The display device according to (6), wherein the opposing electrode is configured to apply a driving voltage to the liquid crystal layer and/or the touch sensor unit in combination with the driving electrode.

The display device according to (1), wherein the driving electrode and the detection electrode are separated by the second substrate or a protection layer formed therebetween.

The display device according to (1), wherein the detection electrode includes portions extending in a first direction, and the driving electrode includes portions extending in a second direction that intersects with the first direction.

The display device according to (1), further comprising a driving circuit, wherein the driving circuit is configured to apply a drive signal from the driving circuit for the touch sensor unit together with a drive signal from the driving circuit for the liquid crystal lens unit in an overlapping manner.

The display device according to (1), wherein the pixel unit further includes an opposing electrode and a pixel common electrode, and the first substrate is formed directly between the opposing electrode and the pixel common electrode.

An electronic apparatus comprising:a control unit;display device operable to receive control signals from the control unit, the display device including:a pixel unit including a first substrate,a touch sensor unit including a second substrate, anda liquid crystal layer formed between the pixel unit and the touch sensor unit,wherein the touch sensor unit includes a detection electrode capacitively coupled with a driving electrode, both the detection electrode and the driving electrode being formed on a side of the touch sensor unit facing the liquid crystal layer.

The electronic apparatus according to (13), wherein the detection electrode is formed on a side of the second substrate away from the liquid crystal layer, and the driving electrode is formed on a side of the second substrate toward the liquid crystal layer.

The electronic apparatus according to (13), wherein the detection electrode and the driving electrode are both formed on a side of the second substrate toward the liquid crystal layer.

The electronic apparatus according to (13), wherein the pixel unit further includes a plurality of organic EL devices that are display pixels.

The electronic apparatus according to (13), wherein the pixel unit further includes at least one pixel electrode layer and at least one organic EL layer stacked on the first substrate, and a pixel common electrode is further stacked on the organic EL layer.

The electronic apparatus according to (13), wherein the pixel unit further includes an opposing electrode disposed on a side of the second substrate facing the liquid crystal layer.

The electronic apparatus according to (18), wherein the pixel unit further includes a third substrate, and the opposing electrode is formed on a face of the third substrate.

The electronic apparatus according to (18), wherein the opposing electrode is configured to apply a driving voltage to the liquid crystal layer and/or the touch sensor unit in combination with the driving electrode.

The electronic apparatus according to (13), wherein the driving electrode and the detection electrode are separated by the second substrate or a protection layer formed therebetween.

The electronic apparatus according to (13), wherein the detection electrode includes portions extending in a first direction, and the driving electrode includes portions extending in a second direction that intersects with the first direction.

The electronic apparatus according to (13), further comprising a driving circuit, wherein the driving circuit is configured to apply a drive signal from the driving circuit for the touch sensor unit together with a drive signal from the driving circuit for the liquid crystal lens unit in an overlapping manner.

The electronic apparatus according to (13), wherein the pixel unit further includes an opposing electrode and a pixel common electrode, and the first substrate is formed directly between the opposing electrode and the pixel common electrode.

The present disclosure contains subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese

Priority Patent Application JP 2012-193708 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Sep. 4, 2012, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST