Patent Abstract:
A liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer. The first substrate includes a plurality of pixels and a plurality of sensing parts. Each of the sensing parts generates an output signal containing location information in response to an input signal. The location information indicates a location where the input signal is inputted. The second substrate is connected to the first substrate. The second substrate faces the first substrate. The liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal display device needs no additional touch panel, so that no air space exists between the liquid crystal display panel and the touch panel. Therefore, a display quality is enhanced.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
         [0001]    This application relies for priority upon Korean Patent Application No.2003-12768 filed on Feb. 28, 2003, and Korean Patent Application No. 2003-24380 filed on Apr. 17, 2003, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display panel, a liquid crystal display device having the liquid crystal display panel and a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display device, and more particularly to a liquid crystal display panel having reduced thickness and enhanced display quality, a liquid crystal display device having the liquid crystal display panel, and a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display device.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    A touch panel is disposed on a display panel, so that a user may touch the touch panel with a hand or other objects so as to select an article displayed via the display panel. A selected position is perceived via the touch panel. The display device drives the display panel according to the article corresponding to the position.  
           [0006]    The display device including the touch panel needs no input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. Therefore, the display device including the touch panel becomes widely used.  
           [0007]    In recent, a liquid crystal display device employs the touch panel. The touch panel is disposed on a liquid crystal display panel that displays an image, so that a user may input instructions into the liquid crystal display device via the touch panel.  
           [0008]    The touch panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode. The first substrate is spaced apart from the second substrate. The first transparent electrode is formed on the first substrate. The second transparent electrode is formed on the second substrate. The first transparent electrode faces the second transparent substrate.  
           [0009]    An adhesive layer is interposed between the liquid crystal display panel and the touch panel so as to attach the touch panel on the liquid crystal display panel. A refractive index of the adhesive layer is different from a refractive index of the liquid crystal display panel, so that a light that exits from the liquid crystal display panel is distorted. Therefore, a display quality of the liquid crystal display device is deteriorated.  
           [0010]    Further, the touch panel includes the first transparent electrode, the second transparent electrode, the first substrate and the second substrate. Therefore, both manufacturing cost and thickness of the liquid crystal display device are increased.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0011]    Accordingly, the present invention is provided for substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.  
           [0012]    It is a feature of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal display panel having a reduced thickness and an enhanced display quality.  
           [0013]    In one aspect of the present invention, a liquid crystal display devices having the liquid crystal display panel is provided.  
           [0014]    In another aspect of the present invention, a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel is provided.  
           [0015]    The liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer. The first substrate includes a plurality of pixels and a plurality of sensing parts. Each of the sensing parts generates an output signal containing location information in response to an input signal. The location information indicates a location where the input signal is inputted. The second substrate is connected to the first substrate. The second substrate faces the first substrate. The liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.  
           [0016]    In another aspect, the liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel and a control part. The liquid crystal display panel includes a plurality of pixels and a plurality of sensing parts. Each of the sensing parts generates an analog signal containing location information in response to an incident light. The location information indicates a location where the light enters. An image is displayed through the pixels. The control part receives the analog signal and transforms the analog signal into a digital signal. The liquid crystal display device is controlled in response to the digital signal.  
           [0017]    In still another aspect, the liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display device and a control part as well. The liquid crystal display panel includes a plurality of pixels and a plurality of sensing parts. Each of the sensing parts generates an analog signal containing location information in response to a compression of the liquid crystal display panel. The location information indicates a location on which the liquid crystal display device is compressed. An image is displayed through the pixels. The control part receives the analog signal first and then the control part transforms the analog signal into a digital signal. The liquid crystal display device is controlled in response to the digital signal.  
           [0018]    In order to manufacture a liquid crystal display device, a first substrate including a plurality of pixels and a plurality of sensing parts is formed. Each of the sensing parts generates an output signal containing location information in response to an input signal. The location information indicates a location where the input signal is inputted. A second substrate is formed. Then, the first substrate is combined with the second substrate. A liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.  
           [0019]    The liquid crystal display panel includes a light sensing part (or compression sensing part) for generating an analog signal containing location information of position where the light enters (or where the liquid crystal display panel is compressed).  
           [0020]    Therefore, the liquid crystal display device needs no additional touch panel, so that no air space is formed between the liquid crystal display panel and the touch panel. Therefore, a display quality is enhanced. Further, a thickness of the liquid crystal display device is reduced.  
           [0021]    The light sensing part (or the compression sensing part) is formed via the process of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel, so that an additional process is not necessary. Thus, a manufacturing cost is reduced and productivity is enhanced on the other hand.  
           [0022]    Further, a count (or number) of switching devices connected to a first data line is equal to a count of switching devices connected to a second data line, so that electrical load of the data lines are equal to each other. Therefore, electrical load is reduced, and a cross talk and a flicker are reduced to enhance the display quality of the liquid crystal display device. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]    The above and other features and advantage points of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detailed exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a liquid crystal display device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display panel of FIG. 1;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a liquid crystal display panel of FIG. 2;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 4 is a layout showing an array substrate of FIG. 3;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 5 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel of an array substrate and a light sensing part of FIG. 4;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIGS. 6A to  6 D are plan views showing a process of manufacturing an array substrate of FIG. 3;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display panel according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 8 is a layout showing an array substrate of FIG. 7;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 9 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel of an array substrate and a light sensing part of FIG. 8;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display panel according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 11 is a layout showing an array substrate of FIG. 10;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a reflective electrode formed on an array substrate of FIG. 11;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 13 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel of an array substrate and a light sensing part of FIG. 11;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a liquid crystal display device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display panel of FIG. 14;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 16 is an enlarged view showing a liquid crystal display panel of FIG. 15;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 17 is a layout showing an array substrate of FIG. 16;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 18 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel of an array substrate and a light sensing part of FIG. 17;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display panel according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 20 is a layout showing an array substrate of FIG. 19;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 21 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel of an array substrate and a light sensing part of FIG. 20;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 22 is a plan view showing a liquid crystal display device according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a liquid crystal display device according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0047]    Hereinafter the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a liquid crystal display device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0049]    Referring to FIG. 1, a liquid crystal display device  700  according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid crystal display panel  400 , a light sensing part LSP, a connecting part  500  and a driving part  600 .  
         [0050]    The liquid crystal display panel  400  has a display surface. An image is displayed on the display surface. The liquid crystal display panel  400  receives an incident light provided from a user through the display surface.  
         [0051]    The liquid crystal display panel has the light sensing part LSP therein. The light sensing part LSP perceives the incident light through the display surface. The light sensing part LSP provides the connecting part with an analog signal. The analog signal contains location information indicating a location where the incident light entered into the liquid crystal display panel.  
         [0052]    The connecting part  500  controls the light sensing part LSP in response to a control signal generated from the driving part  600 , so that the light sensing part LSP perceives the incident light provided from the user.  
         [0053]    The connecting part  500  transforms the analog signal generated from the light sensing part LSP into a digital signal. The digital signal is transferred to the driving part  600 .  
         [0054]    The driving part  600  supplies the connecting part  500  with a control signal so as to control the connecting part  500 . The driving part  600  outputs a driving signal for driving the liquid crystal display device  700  in response to the digital signal outputted from the connecting part  500 . Therefore, the liquid crystal display device  700  displays an image in response to the driving signal outputted from the driving part  600 . That is, the liquid crystal display device  700  displays an image in response to instructions corresponding to the position where the incident light enters into the liquid crystal display panel  400 .  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display panel of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a liquid crystal display panel of FIG. 2.  
         [0056]    Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a liquid crystal display panel  400  includes an array substrate  100 , a color filter substrate  200  and a liquid crystal layer  300 .  
         [0057]    The color filter substrate  200  faces the array substrate  100 . The liquid crystal layer  300  is interposed between the array substrate  100  and the color filter substrate  200 .  
         [0058]    The array substrate  100  includes a plurality of pixels PP arranged in a matrix shape. The array substrate  100  also includes a plurality of the light sensing part LSP arranged in a matrix shape. The light sensing part LSP perceives a light generated from a light pen  800 . The light generated from the light pen  800  enters at a display face  410  of the color filter substrate  200 . The light sensing parts LSP occupies smaller region of the array substrate  100  than the pixels PP, so that an aperture ratio of the liquid crystal display panel  400  is satisfactory.  
         [0059]    A user uses the light pen  800  so as to generate the light. The light pen  800  includes a light emitting diode (LED). The light generated from the light emitting diode of the light pen  800  enters into the light crystal display panel  400  via the display surface  410 .  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 4 is a layout showing an array substrate of FIG. 3.  
         [0061]    Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the pixels PP includes a gate line GL, a data line DL, a first thin film transistor T 1 , a transparent electrode TE and a reflective electrode RE. The gate line GL is extended in a first direction D 1 . The data line DL is extended in a second direction D 2 . The second direction D 2  is substantially perpendicular to the first direction D 1 . The first thin film transistor T 1  is electrically connected to the gate line GL and with the data line DL respectively. The reflective electrode and the transparent electrode are electrically connected to the first thin film transistor T 1 .  
         [0062]    The first thin film transistor T 1  includes a first gate electrode, a first source electrode and a first drain electrode. The first gate electrode diverges from the gate line GL. The first source electrode diverges from the data line DL. The first drain electrode is electrically connected to the transparent electrode TE and the reflective electrode RE.  
         [0063]    Each of the light sensing part LSP includes a second thin film transistor T 2 , a third thin film transistor T 3 , a first sensor line SL 1  and a second sensor line SL 2 . The second thin film transistor T 2  is turned on by an external light. The third thin film transistor T 3  is electrically connected to the second thin film transistor T 2 . The first sensor line SL 1  is electrically connected to the third thin film transistor T 3 . The first sensor line SL 1  is extended in the second direction D 2 .  
         [0064]    The light sensing part LSP is extended in the first direction D 1 . The light sensing part LSP includes a second sensor line SL 2  for receiving a signal outputted from the connecting part  500  of FIG. 1.  
         [0065]    The second thin film transistor T 2  includes a second gate electrode, a second source electrode and a second drain electrode. The second gate electrode diverges from the second sensor line SL 2 . The second source electrode diverges from the data line DL. The second drain electrode is electrically connected to the third thin film transistor T 3 . The second sensor line SL 2  is formed on a plane on which the gate line GL is formed. The second sensor line SL 2  and the gate line GL are spaced apart from each other, such that the second sensor line SL 2  is electrically insulated from the gate line GL.  
         [0066]    The third thin film transistor T 3  includes a third gate electrode, a third source electrode and a third drain electrode. The third gate electrode diverges from the gate line GL. The third source electrode is electrically connected to the second drain electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2 . The third drain electrode diverges from the first sensor line SL 1 . The first sensor line SL 1  is formed on a plane on which the data line DL is formed. The first sensor line SL 1  and the data line DL are spaced apart from each other, such that the first sensor line SL 1  is electrically insulated from the data line DL.  
         [0067]    The transparent electrode TE is electrically connected to the drain electrode of the first thin film transistor T 1  via a contact hole CON. The contact hole CON exposes the first drain electrode of the first thin film transistor T 1 . The transparent electrode comprises an indium tin oxide (ITO) or an indium zinc oxide (IZO).  
         [0068]    The reflective electrode RE is disposed over the transparent electrode TE. The reflective electrode RE has a transmission window W 1  and an opening window W 2 . The transparent electrode TE is exposed through the transmission window W 1 . The second thin film transistor T 2  is exposed through the opening window W 2 .  
         [0069]    The reflective electrode RE may include one layer comprising an aluminum-neodymium (AlNd). The reflective electrode RE may include two layers comprising the aluminum-neodymium (AlNd) layer, and a molybdenum-tungsten (MoW) layer.  
         [0070]    The first transmission window W 1  forms a transmission portion of the liquid crystal display panel  400 . A first light generated from a back light assembly passes through the liquid crystal display panel  400 .  
         [0071]    The opening window W 2  exposes the second thin film transistor T 2 , so that the second thin film transistor T 2  may perceive (or recognize) the light generated from the light pen.  
         [0072]    The reflective electrode RE covers the first thin film transistor T 1  and the third thin film transistor T 3  so as to prevent the first thin film transistor T 1  and the third thin film transistor T 3  from being exposed to the light.  
         [0073]    The second thin film transistor T 2  is turned on only when the second thin film transistor T 2  perceives the light generated from the light pen. That is, the second thin film transistor T 2  is not turned on when the second thin film transistor T 2  perceives a first light generated from the back light assembly or a second light such as sunlight. A brightness of the light generated from the light pen is higher than the brightness of the first light generated from the back light assembly and the brightness of the second light such as the sunlight. Therefore, the second thin film transistor T 2  operates in response to the light generated from the light pen.  
         [0074]    In FIGS. 3 and 4, a transmissive and reflective type liquid crystal display device is disclosed for example. However, the present invention may be applied to a transmissive type liquid crystal display device and to a reflective type liquid crystal display device.  
         [0075]    When the present invention is applied to the transmissive type liquid crystal display device, the transmissive type liquid crystal display device includes a covering member for covering the first thin film transistor T 1  and the third thin film transistor T 3 , so that the light may not reach the first thin film transistor T 1  and the third thin film transistor T 3 .  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 5 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel of an array substrate and a light sensing part of FIG. 4.  
         [0077]    Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and  5 , each of the pixels PP includes a gate line GL, a data line DL, a first thin film transistor T 1  and a liquid crystal capacitor Clc. The liquid crystal capacitor Clc is referred to as a capacitor formed by a pixel electrode, a common electrode  201  of the color filter substrate  200  and liquid crystal layer interposed between the pixel electrode and a common electrode  201 . The liquid crystal capacitor Clc is electrically connected to a first drain electrode of the first thin film transistor T 1 .  
         [0078]    The light sensing part LSP includes a second thin film transistor T 2 , a third thin film transistor T 3 , a first sensor line SL 1  and a second sensor line SL 2 .  
         [0079]    When a user supplies the light sensing part LSP with a light by using a light pen, the second thin film transistor T 2  is turned on in response to the light. Then a first signal (or an image signal) applied to the data line DL is transferred to a second drain electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2  via the source electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2 . The first signal contains image information. The first signal is supplied to a pixel electrode via the first thin film transistor T 1 .  
         [0080]    When the third thin film transistor T 3  is turned on in response to a second signal (or gate driving signal) supplied to the gate line GL, the first signal outputted from the drain electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2  is supplied to the first sensor line SL 1  via the third thin film transistor T 3 . The second signal corresponds to a gate driving signal outputted from the driving part  600 . The second signal is supplied to a gate electrode of the first thin film transistor T 1 .  
         [0081]    The first signal is transferred to the connecting part  500  via the first sensor line SL 1 . Next operations are explained in the above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, so that an explanation of the next operations is omitted.  
         [0082]    [0082]FIGS. 6A to  6 D are plan views showing a process of manufacturing an array substrate of FIG. 3.  
         [0083]    Referring to FIG. 6A, a first conductive material is deposited on an array substrate, and patterned, so that a first conductive pattern is formed. The first conductive pattern includes a gate line GL and a second sensor line SL 2 . The gate line GL and the second sensor line SL 2  are extended in a first direction D 1 .  
         [0084]    The first pattern further includes a first gate electrode GE 1  of a first thin film transistor T 1  and a third gate electrode GE 3  of a third thin film transistor T 3 . The first gate electrode GE 1  and the third gate electrode GE 3  diverge from the gate line GL.  
         [0085]    Referring to FIG. 6B, a semiconductor layer such as an amorphous-silicon layer is deposited and patterned, so that a first semiconductor pattern SP 1 , a second semiconductor pattern SP 2  and a third semiconductor pattern SP 3  are formed on the first gate electrode GE 1 , a second sensor line SL 2  and on the third gate electrode line GE 3  respectively.  
         [0086]    Referring to FIG. 6C, a second conductive material is deposited and patterned, so that a second conductive pattern is formed. The second conductive pattern includes a data line DL and a first sensor line SL 1 . The data line DL and the first sensor line SL 1  are extended in a second direction D 2 . The second direction D 2  is substantially perpendicular to the first direction D 1 .  
         [0087]    The second conductive pattern further includes a first source electrode SE 1  of a first thin film transistor T 1 , a first drain electrode DE 1  of a first thin film transistor T 1 , a second source electrode SE 2  of a second thin film transistor T 2 , a second drain electrode DE 2  of a second thin film transistor T 2 , a third source electrode SE 3  of a third thin film transistor T 3 , and a third drain electrode DE 3  of a third thin film transistor T 3 . The first drain electrode DE 1  is spaced apart from the first source electrode SE 1 . The third drain electrode DE 3  diverges from the first sensor line SL 1 . The third source electrode SE 3  is spaced apart from the third drain electrode D 3 .  
         [0088]    Referring again to FIG. 4, a transparent electrode TE is formed on an array substrate. The transparent electrode TE is electrically connected to the first thin film transistor T 1 . The transparent electrode TE comprises the indium tin oxide or the indium zinc oxide.  
         [0089]    Referring to FIG. 6D, a reflective electrode RE is formed, such that the reflective electrode RE is disposed over the transparent electrode TE. The reflective electrode RE includes a transmission window W 1  for exposing a portion of the transparent electrode TE, and an opening window W 2  for exposing the second thin film transistor T 2 .  
         [0090]    The transmission window W 1  forms a transmission part. The reflective electrode forms a reflection part. The opening window W 2  exposes the second thin film transistor T 2 , so that a light generated from a light pen arrives at the second thin film transistor T 2 . The reflective electrode RE covers the first thin film transistor T 1  and the third thin film transistor T 3 , so that the light generated from the light pen does not arrive at the first thin film transistor T 1  and the third thin film transistor T 3 .  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display panel according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a layout showing an array substrate of FIG. 7.  
         [0092]    Referring to FIGS. 1, 7 and  8 , a liquid crystal display panel according to a second exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of pixels PP and a plurality of light sensing parts LSP.  
         [0093]    Each of the pixels PP includes a gate line GL, a first data line DL 1 , a first thin film transistor T 1 , a transparent electrode and a reflective electrode RE. The gate line is extended in a first direction D 1 . The first data line DL 1  is extended in a second direction D 2 . The second direction D 2  is substantially perpendicular to the first direction D 1 . The first thin film transistor T 1  is electrically connected to the gate line GL and the first data line DL 1 . The transparent electrode TE and the reflective electrode RE are electrically connected to the first thin film transistor T 1 .  
         [0094]    An image signal applied to the first data line DL 1  is supplied to a source electrode of the first thin film transistor T 1 . The image signal is transferred to a drain electrode of the first thin film transistor T 1  in response to a gate driving signal applied to a gate electrode of the first thin film transistor  1  via the gate line GL.  
         [0095]    Each of the light sensing parts LSP includes a second thin film transistor T 2 , a third thin film transistor T 3 , a first sensor line SL 1  and a second sensor line SL 2 . The third thin film transistor T 3  is electrically connected to the second thin film transistor T 2 . The first sensor line SL 1  is extended in the second direction D 2 . The first sensor line SL 1  is electrically connected to the third thin film transistor T 3 . The second sensor line SL 2  is extended in the first direction D 1 . The second sensor line SL 2  receives the first signal from the connecting part  500  of FIG. 1.  
         [0096]    The second thin film transistor T 2  includes a second gate electrode, a second source electrode and a second drain electrode. A portion of the second sensor line SL 2  corresponds to the second gate electrode. The second gate electrode is electrically connected to the second source electrode, so that the first signal supplied to the second gate electrode is transferred to the second source electrode. The second drain electrode is electrically connected to the third thin film transistor T 3 . The first signal outputted from the connecting part  500  is supplied to the second gate electrode via the second sensor line SL 2 . Then, the first signal is transferred to the source electrode. Therefore, when the second thin film transistor T 2  is turned on in response to the light, the first signal is transferred to the second drain electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2 .  
         [0097]    The third thin film transistor T 3  includes a third gate electrode, a third source electrode and a third drain electrode. The third gate electrode diverges from the gate line GL. The third source electrode is electrically connected to the second source electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2 . The third drain electrode diverges from the first sensor line SL 1 .  
         [0098]    The first signal outputted from the second drain electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2  is applied to third source electrode of the third thin film transistor T 3 .  
         [0099]    The third thin film transistor T 3  is turned on in response to the second signal (or gate driving signal) that is applied to the gate line GL. When the third thin film transistor T 3  is turned on, the first signal of the third source electrode is transferred to the third drain electrode. Then the first signal is transferred to the connecting part  500  via the first sensor line SL 1  that is electrically connected to the third drain electrode.  
         [0100]    In the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 4, the second source electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2  diverges from the data line DL.  
         [0101]    However, in the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 8, the second source electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2  is electrically connected to the second gate electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2  via contact. Therefore, an electrical load of the first data line DL 1  is reduced to prevent a delay of the first signal (or image signal).  
         [0102]    Further, when the second source electrode diverges from the first data line DL 1 , a first electrical load of the first data line DL 1  that is electrically connected to the light sensing part LSP is different from a second electrical load of the second data line DL 2  that is not electrically connected to the light sensing part LSP. Therefore, the liquid crystal display device  400  has demerits such as a cross talk and a flicker.  
         [0103]    When the second source electrode is electrically connected to the second gate electrode via the contact, the first electrical load of the first data line DL 1  becomes substantially equal to the second electrical load of the second data line DL 2 , so that display quality of the liquid crystal display device  400  is enhanced.  
         [0104]    [0104]FIG. 9 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel of an array substrate and a light sensing part of FIG. 8.  
         [0105]    Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, a first signal is outputted from the connecting part  500  is applied to the second sensor line SL 2 . When a light arrives at a second thin film transistor T 2 , the second thin film transistor T 2  is turned on, so that a first signal applied to the second gate electrode is transferred to the second drain electrode via the second source electrode.  
         [0106]    The first signal is transferred from the second drain electrode of the second thin film transistor to the third source electrode of the third thin film transistor T 3 . When the third thin film transistor T 3  is turned on in response to the second signal applied to the gate line GL, the first signal is outputted from the third drain electrode of the third thin film transistor T 3 .  
         [0107]    [0107]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display panel according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a layout showing an array substrate of FIG. 10.  
         [0108]    Referring to FIGS. 1, 10 and  11 , a liquid crystal display panel  430  according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an array substrate  100 . The array substrate  100  includes a plurality of pixels PP and a plurality of an infrared light sensing part ISP.  
         [0109]    Each of the pixels PP includes a gate line GL, a data line DL, a first thin film transistor T 1 , a transparent electrode TE and a reflective electrode RE.  
         [0110]    Each of the infrared light sensing part ISP includes a capacitor C 1 , a second thin film transistor T 2  and a sensor line SL. The infrared light sensing part ISP perceives an infrared light and outputs an analog signal containing of location information.  
         [0111]    The capacitor C 1  includes a first electrode line EL 1  and a pyroelectric thin film PE 1 . The capacitor C 1  is electrically insulated from the gate line GL. The first electrode line EL 1  is extended in the first direction D 1 . An insulation layer is disposed between the first electrode line EL 1  and the pyroelectric thin film PE 1 . The pyroelectric thin film PE 1  is disposed over the first electrode line EL 1 . The pyroelectric thin film PE 1  comprises a pyroelectric material that has a conductance, when the infrared light is irradiated onto the pyroelectric material. When the infrared light is irradiated onto the pyroelectric material, a carrier is generated.  
         [0112]    The first electrode line EL 1  is electrically connected to the connecting part  500  to receive a signal from the connecting part  500 . The first electrode line EL 1  is formed on a plane where the gate line GL is formed. The first electrode line EL  1  is spaced apart from the gate line GL 1 , so that the first electrode line EL 1  is electrically insulated from the gate line GL 1 . The first electrode line is extended in the first direction D 1 .  
         [0113]    The sensor line SL is formed on a plane where the data line DL is formed. The sensor line SL is spaced apart from the data line DL, so that the sensor line SL is electrically insulated from the date line DL. The sensor line SL is extended in the second direction D 2  that is perpendicular to the first direction D 1 .  
         [0114]    The second thin film transistor T 2  includes a second gate electrode, a second source electrode and a third drain electrode. The second gate electrode diverges from the gate line GL. The second source electrode is electrically connected to the first pyroelectric thin film PE 1 . The drain electrode diverges from the sensor line SL.  
         [0115]    The second source electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2  covers the first pyroelectric thin film PE 1 , so that the second source electrode is electrically connected to the first pyroelectric thin film PE 1 . The second source electrode comprises the indium tin oxide (ITO) or the indium zinc oxide (IZO). The indium tin oxide and the indium zinc oxide are transparent and electrically conductive, so that the infrared light arrives at the first pyroelectric thin film PE 1  via the second source electrode. The indium tin oxide or the indium zinc oxide may be deposited and patterned, so that the second drain electrode and the second source electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2 , the sensor line SL, the data line DL, and the first source electrode and the first drain electrode of the first thin film transistor T 1  are formed simultaneously.  
         [0116]    [0116]FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a reflective electrode formed on an array substrate of FIG. 11.  
         [0117]    Referring to FIGS. 10 and 12, the transparent electrode is formed on an insulation layer. The transparent electrode TE is electrically connected to the first thin film transistor T 1  via a contact hole CON. The contact hole CON penetrates an insulation layer so as to expose the first drain electrode of the first thin film transistor T 1 .  
         [0118]    The reflective electrode RE is formed on the insulation layer. A portion of the reflective electrode RE overlaps with the transparent electrode TE. The reflection layer RE includes a transmission window W 1  and an opening window W 2 . The transparent electrode is exposed through the transmission window W 1 . The first pyroelectric thin film PE 1  is exposed through the opening window W 2 , so that the infrared light generated by a user arrives at the first pyroelectric thin film PE 1 .  
         [0119]    In FIGS.  10  to  12 , a transmissive and reflective type liquid crystal display device having the transparent electrode TE and the reflective electrode RE is disclosed for an example. However, the present invention may be applied to both of a transmissive type liquid crystal display device and a reflective type liquid crystal display device.  
         [0120]    When the present invention is applied to the transmissive type liquid crystal display device, the transmissive type liquid crystal display device includes a covering member for covering the first thin film transistor T 1 , so that a light may not arrive at the first thin film transistor T 1 .  
         [0121]    [0121]FIG. 13 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel of an array substrate and a light sensing part of FIG. 11.  
         [0122]    Referring to FIG. 13, each of the pixels PP includes a gate line GL, a data line DL, a first thin film transistor T 1  and a liquid crystal capacitor Clc. The liquid crystal capacitor is electrically connected to a first drain electrode of the first thin film transistor T 1 .  
         [0123]    Each of the infrared light sensing part ISP includes a first electrode line EL 1 , a first capacitor C 1 , a second thin film transistor T 2  and a sensor line SL.  
         [0124]    When the infrared light sensing part ISP perceives the infrared light, the first capacitor C 1  stores charges that correspond to a first signal. When the second thin film transistor T 2  is turned on in response to the second signal applied to the gate line GL, the first signal is transferred to the second drain electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2  via the second source electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2 . The second signal is outputted from the connecting part  600 , and it is applied to the first gate electrode of the first thin film transistor T 1 .  
         [0125]    The first signal applied to the second drain electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2  is transferred to the connecting part  500  via the sensor line SL. Therefore, the connecting part  500  may receive location information of a position where the light enters.  
         [0126]    [0126]FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a liquid crystal display device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0127]    Referring to FIG. 14, a liquid crystal display device  900  according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid crystal display panel  450 , a compression sensing part CSP 1 , a connecting part  500  and a driving part  600 .  
         [0128]    The liquid crystal display panel  450  includes a display surface. The display surface displays an image. A compression signal of a user is received through the display surface.  
         [0129]    The liquid crystal display panel  450  has the compression sensing part CSP 1  therein. The compression sensing part CSP 1  perceives the compression signal and outputs an analog signal containing location information that is a position where the user compresses. Then, the analog signal is transferred to the connecting part  500 .  
         [0130]    The connecting part  500  controls the compression sensing part CSP 1  in response to a control signal outputted from the driving part  600 , so that the compression sensing part CSP 1  perceives the compression signal. The connecting part  500  transforms the analog signal containing the location information into a digital signal. The digital signal is then transferred to the driving part  600 .  
         [0131]    The driving part  600  supplies the connecting part with the control signal. The driving part  600  outputs a driving signal for driving the liquid crystal display panel  450  in response to the digital signal of the connecting part  500 . Therefore, an image is displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display panel  450  in response to the driving signal. The image corresponds to instructions of the user.  
         [0132]    [0132]FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display panel of FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 is an enlarged view showing a liquid crystal display panel of FIG. 15.  
         [0133]    Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a liquid crystal display panel includes an array substrate  100 , a color filter substrate  200 , a liquid crystal layer  300  and a cell gap retaining member  350 . The color filter substrate  200  faces the array substrate  100 . The liquid crystal layer  300  is interposed between the array substrate  100  and the color filter substrate  200 . The cell gap retaining member  350  maintains the distance of the gap formed between the array substrate  100  and the color filter substrate  200 .  
         [0134]    The array substrate  100  includes a plurality of pixels PP and a plurality of compression sensing parts CSP 1 . The pixels PP are arranged in a matrix shape. The compression sensing part CSP 1  perceives a compression signal.  
         [0135]    The cell gap retaining member  350  is disposed on the compression sensing parts CSP 1 . Therefore, when a display face  410  is pressed by a finger  950  or pen, the compression is then transferred to the compression sensing part CSP 1  via the cell gap retaining member  350 .  
         [0136]    The color filter substrate  200  may comprise a plastic material that is flexible so as to transfer the compression to the compression sensing part CSP 1 . However, the array substrate  100  may comprise a glass that is not flexible, because the array substrate  100  is not related to the compression.  
         [0137]    [0137]FIG. 17 is a layout showing an array substrate of FIG. 16.  
         [0138]    Referring to FIGS. 15, 16 and  17 , each of the pixels includes a gate line GL, a data line DL, a first thin film transistor T 1  and a transparent electrode TE.  
         [0139]    Each of the compression sensing part CSP 1  includes a second capacitor C 2 , a second thin film transistor T 2  and a sensor line SL. The compression sensing part CSP 1  perceives a location where the display face of the liquid crystal display panel is compressed. The compression sensing part CSP 1  outputs an analog signal containing location information.  
         [0140]    The second capacitor C 2  is electrically insulated from the gate line GL. The second capacitor C 2  includes a second electrode line EL 2  and a piezoelectric thin film PE 2 . The second electrode line EL 2  is extended in a first direction D 1 . An insulation layer is disposed between the second electrode line EL 2  and the piezoelectric thin film PE 2 . The piezoelectric thin film PE 2  is disposed over the second electrode line EL 2 . The piezoelectric thin film PE 2  comprises a piezoelectric material such as a polyvinylidene fluoride (PTDF) and a polyvinyl fluoride (PVF).  
         [0141]    When the piezoelectric material is compressed, carriers are generated.  
         [0142]    The second electrode line EL 2  is electrically connected to the connecting part  500  so as to receive signals.  
         [0143]    The second thin film transistor T 2  includes a second gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode. The second gate electrode diverges from the gate line GL. The second source electrode is electrically connected to the piezoelectric thin film PE 2 . The second drain electrode diverges from the sensor line SL.  
         [0144]    [0144]FIG. 18 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel of an array substrate and a light sensing part of FIG. 17.  
         [0145]    Referring to FIGS. 14 and 18, each of the pixels includes a gate line GL, a data line DL, a first thin film transistor T 1  and a liquid crystal capacitor Clc. The liquid crystal capacitor Clc is electrically connected to a first drain electrode of the first thin film transistor T 1 . Each of the compression sensing part CSP 1  includes a second electrode line EL 2 , a second capacitor C 2 , a second thin film transistor T 2  and a sensor line SL.  
         [0146]    When the compression sensing part CSP 1  is compressed, the second capacitor C 2  stores charges that corresponds to a first signal. When the second thin film transistor T 2  is turned on in response to a second signal applied to the gate line GL, the first signal is then transferred to the second drain electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2  via the second source electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2 . The second signal corresponds to a gate driving signal outputted from the driving part  600 .  
         [0147]    The first signal outputted from the second drain electrode is applied to the sensor line SL to be transferred to the connecting part  500  via the sensor line SL. Therefore, the connecting part  500  receives the location information generated from the compression sensing part CSP 1  via the sensor line SL.  
         [0148]    [0148]FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display panel according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a layout showing an array substrate of FIG. 19.  
         [0149]    Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, an array substrate  100  according to a fifth exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of pixels PP and a plurality of compression sensing part CSP 2  where the compression sensing part CSP 2  perceives compression.  
         [0150]    The array substrate  100  includes an n-number of gate lines and an m-number of data lines, where ‘m’ and ‘n’ are natural numbers that are greater than 1. Each of the pixels includes an i-th gate line GLi of the n-number of gate lines, a j-th data line DLj, a first thin film transistor T 1  and transparent electrode TE, where ‘i’ is one of numbers from 1 to n and ‘j’ is one of numbers from 1 to m. The first thin film transistor T 1  is electrically connected to the i-th gate line GLi and the j-th data line DLj. The transparent electrode TE is electrically connected to the first thin film transistor T 1 .  
         [0151]    Each of the compression sensing parts CSP 2  includes a second thin film transistor T 2 , a third thin film transistor T 3 , a third capacitor C 3  and a sensor line SL. The second thin film transistor T 2  is electrically connected to the i-th gate line GLi. The third thin film transistor T 3  is electrically connected to the (i+1)-th gate line GLi+1. The third capacitor C 3  is electrically connected to the second thin film transistor T 2  and the third thin film transistor T 3 .  
         [0152]    The third thin film transistor T 3  includes a third gate electrode, a third source electrode and a third drain electrode. The third gate electrode diverges from the (i+1)-th gate line GLi+1. The third source electrode is electrically connected to the third capacitor C 3  and the second thin film transistor T 2 . The third drain electrode diverges from the sensor line SL.  
         [0153]    The second thin film transistor T 2  includes a second gate electrode, a second source electrode and a second drain electrode. The second gate electrode diverges from the i-th gate line GLi. The second source electrode is electrically connected to the second gate electrode. The second drain electrode is electrically connected to the third source electrode of the third thin film transistor T 3  and the third capacitor C 3 .  
         [0154]    The third capacitor C 3  includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode faces the second electrode. An insulation layer is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode is electrically connected to the second drain electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2  and the third source electrode of the third thin film transistor T 3 . The second electrode of the third capacitor C 3  is electrically connected to the third gate electrode of the third thin film transistor T 3 . The first electrode and the second electrode of the third capacitor are disposed below the cell gap retaining member  350 .  
         [0155]    [0155]FIG. 21 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel of an array substrate and a light sensing part of FIG. 20.  
         [0156]    Referring to FIG. 21, each of the pixels includes an i-th gate electrode line GLi, a j-th data line DLj, a first thin film transistor T 1  and a liquid crystal capacitor Clc. The liquid crystal capacitor Clc is electrically connected to a first drain electrode of the first thin film transistor T 1 .  
         [0157]    Each of the compression sensing part CSP  2  includes a second thin film transistor T 2 , a third capacitor C 3 , a third thin film transistor T 3  and a sensor line SL.  
         [0158]    The second thin film transistor T 2  is turned on in response to a first signal applied to the i-th gate line GLi. Then, a first signal applied from the second source electrode is transferred to the second drain electrode. The first signal is a gate driving signal that is outputted from the driving part and applied to the i-th gate line GLi.  
         [0159]    When the compression sensing part is compressed, the third capacitor stores charges corresponding to a second signal. The third thin film transistor T 3  is turned on in response to the second signal stored in the third capacitor C 3 , so that the first signal supplied from the second thin film transistor T 2  is transferred to the sensor line SL.  
         [0160]    The first signal is supplied to the connecting part  500  via the sensor line. Therefore, the connecting part  500  receives the location information from the compression sensing part CSP 2  via the first signal.  
         [0161]    [0161]FIG. 22 is a plan view showing a liquid crystal display device according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For example, a liquid crystal display panel according to a first exemplary example of FIGS.  1  to  5  is used as a liquid crystal display panel of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 22, so that the same reference numerals denote the same elements in FIGS.  1  to  5 , and thus the detailed descriptions of the same elements will be omitted.  
         [0162]    Referring to FIG. 22, a liquid crystal display device  1000  according to a sixth exemplary embodiment includes a liquid crystal display panel  400 , a gate driving part  610  and a data driving part  620 . The liquid crystal display panel  400  includes a light sensing part LSP 1 . The gate driving part  610  and the data driving part drive the liquid crystal display panel  400 . The liquid crystal display device  1000  further includes a first connecting part  510  and a second connecting part  520 . The data driving part  620  has the first connecting part  510  therein. The first connecting part  510  transforms an analog signal outputted from a second sensor line SL 2  into a digital signal. The gate driving part  610  has the second connecting part  520  therein. The second connecting part  520  controls the light sensing part LSP.  
         [0163]    A timing controller  650  controls the gate driving part  610 , the data driving part  620 , the first connecting part  510  and the second connecting part  520 . The timing controller  650  outputs a control signal for controlling the first connecting part  510  and the second connecting part  520 . The timing controller  650  receives the digital signal from the second connecting part  520 . Then the timing controller  650  controls the gate driving part  610  and the data driving part  620  in response to the digital signal so as to drive the liquid crystal display panel  400 .  
         [0164]    The liquid crystal display panel  400  includes a display region DA and a first peripheral region PA 1  and a second peripheral region PA 2 . The display region DA displays an image. The first peripheral region PA 1  and the second peripheral region PA 2  are disposed adjacent to the display region DA. The display region DA of the liquid crystal display panel  400  includes light sensing parts LSP and pixels PP.  
         [0165]    The gate driving part  610  is formed in the first peripheral region Pa 1  via a process of manufacturing the pixels PP. The data driving part  620  is formed in the second peripheral region PA 2  via the process of manufacturing the pixels PP. The data driving part  620  has the first connecting part  510  therein. The driving part  620  is mounted on the second peripheral region PA 2 . The gate driving part  610  has the second connecting part  520  therein. The gate driving part  610  is formed on the first peripheral region PA 1 .  
         [0166]    As described above, the first connecting part  510  is mounted on the second peripheral region PA 2  and the second connecting part  520  is formed on the first peripheral region PA 1 , so that an additional space for disposing the first connecting part  510  and the second connecting part  520  is not necessary. Therefore, a size of the liquid crystal display device  1000  is reduced.  
         [0167]    [0167]FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a liquid crystal display device according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0168]    Referring to FIG. 23, a liquid crystal display device  1000  includes a liquid crystal display panel  400  having a light sensing part LSP, a gate driving part  660  and a data driving part  670 . A timing controller  650  controls the gate driving part  660  and the data driving part  670 .  
         [0169]    The gate driving part  660  is electrically connected to the light sensing part LSP via a first sensor line SL 1 . The data driving part  670  is electrically connected to the light sensing part LSP via a second sensor line SL 2 .  
         [0170]    The gate driving part  660  controls the light sensing part LSP in response to a first control signal outputted from the timing controller  650 . The data driving part  670  receives an analog signal outputted from the light sensing part LSP in response to the second signal outputted from the timing controller  650 . The analog signal is then transformed into a digital signal.  
         [0171]    The timing controller  650  receives the digital signal from the data driving part  670 . Then, the timing controller  650  drives the liquid crystal display panel  400  so as to display an image via the gate driving part  660  and the data driving part  670  in response to the digital signal.  
         [0172]    In FIGS. 22 and 23, the gate driving parts  610  and  660  are formed on the liquid crystal display panel  400 . However, the gate driving parts  610  and  660  may be formed in a chip that may be mounted on the liquid crystal display panel  400 .  
         [0173]    According to a liquid crystal display panel, a liquid crystal display device and a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display device, the liquid crystal display panel includes a light sensing part (or compression sensing part) for generating an analog signal containing location information of position where the light enters (or where the liquid crystal display panel is compressed).  
         [0174]    Therefore, the liquid crystal display device does not need an additional touch panel, so that an air space formed between the liquid crystal display panel and the touch panel does not exist. Thus a display quality is enhanced on one hand, a thickness of the liquid crystal display device is reduced on the other hand.  
         [0175]    The light sensing part (or the compression sensing part) is formed via the process of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel, so that an additional process is not necessary. As a result , a manufacturing cost is reduced and productivity is enhanced.  
         [0176]    Further, a count (or number) of switching devices connected to a first data line is equal to a count of switching devices connected to a second data line, so that electrical load of the data lines are equal with each other. Therefore, electrical load is reduced, and a cross talk and a flicker are reduced to enhance the display quality of the liquid crystal display device.  
         [0177]    Having described the exemplary embodiments of the present invention and its advantages, it is noted that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6