JP2009134066A - Liquid crystal device and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately detect an indicating means such as the finger in a liquid crystal device having a touch panel function, for example. <P>SOLUTION: When a photodetector element (191) receives incident light, a photocurrent is generated in the photodetector element (191) and a signal corresponding to a voltage V between a power source line (352) electrically connected to the photodetector element (191) and a node (a) is read out to a read-out signal line (6a2) according to operations of a TFT (163) for reset, a TFT (154) for amplifying voltage and a TFT (155) for output control. The signal read out to the read-out signal line (6a2), that is the signal specifying the indicating means based on incident light, is compensated by a compensation signal output from the photodetector element (192) whose operation is controlled under control of an image processing circuit. When the signal is processed in the image processing circuit, signal corresponding to light intensity of incident light is also compensated based on data read out from a storage device such as a memory. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides, for example, a liquid crystal device having a touch panel function that allows various information to be input through the display surface when an instruction unit such as a finger indicates the display surface, and an electronic device including such a liquid crystal device. It relates to the technical field of equipment.

  In this type of liquid crystal device, an optical sensor is arranged for each of a plurality of pixel units or for a group of an arbitrary number of pixel units as a group, image display using transmitted light that passes through the pixel units, and instructions such as a finger A liquid crystal device having a so-called touch panel function that enables input of information to the liquid crystal device through means has been proposed. In such a liquid crystal device, it is detected by an optical sensor that an instruction means such as a finger or an indicator member has touched the display surface of the liquid crystal device or moved on the display surface, and information is input to the liquid crystal device. It is possible.

  An optical sensor mounted on such a liquid crystal device includes, for example, a circuit structure in which a photodiode and a capacitor are electrically connected to each other. Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a liquid crystal display device provided with an optical sensor. Patent Document 2 discloses a display device in which light source light can be blocked by a gate electrode so that the light source light emitted from the backlight is not irradiated onto the optical sensor.

JP 7-325319 A JP 2004-140338 A

  However, it is difficult to completely block the light emitted from the backlight by the light shielding film, and the light source light emitted from the backlight is more or less irradiated to the light sensor, and noise when detecting the indicating means become. More specifically, for example, the light source light reflected inside the liquid crystal device may be irradiated from an oblique direction to the optical sensor indirectly or three-dimensionally.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems and the like. For example, it is possible to reliably detect the instruction means via the optical sensor without being affected by the light source light emitted from the backlight. It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal device and an electronic device such as a direct-view display including the liquid crystal device.

  In order to solve the above problems, a liquid crystal device according to the present invention is sandwiched between a first substrate, a second substrate arranged to face the first substrate, and the first substrate and the second substrate. Liquid crystal layer, light source means for irradiating light source light from the back side of the first substrate toward the liquid crystal layer, and a display surface that is a surface of the second substrate that does not face the liquid crystal layer. A first light detecting element for detecting incident light; a light shielding film overlapping the first light detecting element on a lower layer side of the first light detecting element; a light shielding film overlapping the light shielding film on a lower layer side of the light shielding film; A second light detecting element for detecting light, and compensation means for compensating the light intensity of the incident light detected by the first light detecting element based on the light intensity of the light source light detected by the second light detecting element. With.

  According to the liquid crystal device of the present invention, the light source means such as the backlight irradiates the light source light from the back side of the first substrate toward the liquid crystal layer. The light source light is modulated by a liquid crystal layer interposed between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode, and a desired image is displayed on the display surface.

  The first light detection element is, for example, a photodiode such as a PIN diode, and detects incident light incident on a display surface that is a surface of the second substrate that does not face the liquid crystal layer. The light intensity of the incident light detected by the first photodetecting element is compensated by a compensating unit described later, and the indicating unit is accurately detected.

  The light-shielding film overlaps the first light detection element on the lower layer side of the first light detection element. For example, the light source light emitted from the light source means toward the liquid crystal layer is not directly applied to the first light detection element. Thus, the light source light is shielded.

  Similarly to the first light detection element, the second light detection element is a photodiode such as a PIN diode, and overlaps the light shielding film on the lower layer side of the light shielding film and detects the light source light. The first photodetecting element and the second photodetecting element may have the same element structure, and are different from each other such that one is a vertical PIN diode and the other is a horizontal PIN diode. It may have an element structure.

  According to each of the first light detection element and the second light detection element, since the light shielding film is formed between these elements, the incident light and the light source light are respectively generated by the first light detection element and the second light detection element. Can be detected separately.

  Here, if the light-shielding film is formed so as to be able to completely shield the light emitted from the light source light to the first photodetecting element, it may not be necessary to compensate the light intensity of the incident light by the compensating means described later. It is. However, not only the light directly radiated to the first light detection element from the light source means such as the backlight, but also the light source light is refracted and reflected inside the liquid crystal device, and the light shielding film is viewed indirectly or three-dimensionally. In addition, stray light incident obliquely into the gap between the first light detection elements is also irradiated on the first light detection elements. In addition, after such stray light is repeatedly reflected between the light shielding film and the first photodetecting element, there is a possibility that the light receiving layer of the first photodetecting element is irradiated.

  Therefore, even if the light shielding film is formed on the lower layer side of the first light detection element, that is, the side where the light source means is disposed as viewed from the first light detection element, the light that can be shielded by the light shielding film is included in the light source light. It is only light that is directly emitted from the light source means toward the first light detection element, and it is technically difficult to reliably shield the stray light described above. When the first light detection element detects incident light incident from the display surface, that is, the light incident on the display surface by reflecting the external light by the instruction means for indicating the display surface and the stray light described above at the same time. The stray light or the like becomes noise, and it becomes difficult to accurately detect the indication unit based on the light intensity of the incident light detected by the first light detection element.

  Therefore, according to the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, the compensation means uses the light intensity of the incident light detected by the first light detection element based on the light intensity of the light source light detected by the second light detection element. To compensate. Such compensation means is electrically connected to, for example, a circuit unit including the first light detection element and the second light detection element, and compensates for the light intensity of the incident light detected by the first light detection element. In addition, a control signal for controlling the operation of each of the first photodetecting element and the second photodetecting element is supplied to the above-described circuit unit.

  Therefore, according to the compensation means, it is possible to remove the noise portion detected due to the light source light from the light intensity of the incident light detected by the first light detection element, such as a finger indicating the display surface. It is possible to accurately specify the instruction means. Thereby, the influence of the light source light used for the display light for displaying the image on the display surface on the detection of the instruction means is reduced, and the performance of the touch panel function is improved without deteriorating the display performance of the liquid crystal device displaying the image. It is possible.

  In one aspect of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, the compensation unit is configured to perform the first calculation based on a compensation coefficient that compensates the light intensity of the incident light so as to detect the instruction unit that instructs the display surface. You may compensate the light intensity of the said incident light detected by the photon detection element.

  According to this aspect, based on the compensation coefficient for compensating the light intensity of the incident light, the light intensity of the incident light detected by the first light detection element is compensated, for example, detected by the first light detection element. The noise portion occupied by the light intensity of the light source light is corrected from the light intensity of the incident light. Thereby, it is possible to detect only the light intensity of the original incident light.

  In another aspect of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, external light detection means for detecting the light intensity of external light, and a light source for setting the light intensity of the light source light to different values according to the light intensity of the external light Light setting means and storage means for storing a plurality of light intensities of the light source light detected by the second light detection element for each of the different values, and the compensation coefficient is for each of the plurality of light intensities. And a plurality of difference values calculated on the basis of the light intensity of the incident light, and the compensation means detects the incident light based on each of the plurality of difference values so that the instruction means can be detected. The light intensity may be compensated.

  According to this aspect, the brightness around the liquid crystal device, that is, the light intensity of the external light is detected by the external light detection means such as an optical sensor that detects the light intensity of the external light. The light source light setting means is electrically connected to the light source means so that the driving of the light source means such as a backlight can be controlled, and the light intensity of the light source light is set to different values according to the light intensity of the external light. Set. By setting the light intensity of the light source light to different values, for example, when the light intensity of the external light is low, that is, when the periphery of the liquid crystal device is dark, the image is obtained by setting the light intensity of the light source light low. The power consumption consumed by the liquid crystal device can be reduced without degrading the display performance. When the light intensity of the external light is high, that is, when the periphery of the liquid crystal device is bright, the brightness of the image displayed on the display surface can be increased by increasing the light intensity of the light source light. It is possible to improve the quality. In particular, when the liquid crystal device according to the present invention is used as a display unit of a portable electronic device, it is a great advantage that power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to extend the continuous use time of the device without reducing the display quality of the image.

  The storage means is, for example, a storage device such as a memory, and stores a plurality of light intensities of the light source light detected by the second light detection element for each value with different light intensity of the light source light. Such different values of the light intensity of the light source light may be stored in advance in the storage means, or may be stored each time the light intensity of the light source light is changed during operation of the liquid crystal device.

  The compensation coefficient is a plurality of difference values calculated based on each of the plurality of light intensities and the light intensity of the incident light, and the compensation means can detect the instruction means, for example, A plurality of difference values stored in a storage unit such as a memory may be read out in a timely manner, and the light intensity of the incident light may be compensated based on each of the plurality of read out difference values. Therefore, according to this aspect, even if the light intensity of the light source light is set to each of a plurality of different light intensities according to the light intensity of the external light, the light source light out of the light intensity of the incident light The noise portion occupied by the light intensity can be canceled out, a high-quality image can be displayed while the power consumption is reduced according to the light intensity of the external light, and the indication means can be detected reliably.

  In another aspect of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, the light shielding film may be larger in plan view than the first photodetecting element.

  According to this aspect, the first light detection element can be reduced from being irradiated with the light source light and the stray light in which the light source light is reflected inside the liquid crystal device.

  In another aspect of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, the light shielding film may be larger in plan view than the second photodetecting element.

  According to this aspect, the incident light can be blocked on the upper layer side of the second light detection element so that the second light detection element is not irradiated with the incident light. Therefore, when the second light detection element detects the light source light, it can be reduced that the second light detection element simultaneously detects the incident light. Therefore, it is possible to detect incident light and light source light separately by the first light detection element and the second light detection element.

In another aspect of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, the liquid crystal device includes a pixel switching element that is formed on the first substrate and drives a pixel portion so that an image is displayed on the display area of the display surface.
The pixel switching element and the second photodetecting element may be formed in one layer on the first substrate.

  According to this aspect, the configuration of the liquid crystal device can be simplified compared to the case where the pixel switching element and the second photodetecting element are formed in different layers on the first substrate. The pixel switching element and the second photodetecting element can be formed by a common process.

  In this aspect, the terminal portion electrically connected to the pixel switching element and the light shielding film may be formed on another layer different from the one layer on the first substrate.

  According to this aspect, the terminal portion electrically connected to the pixel switching element and the light shielding film are formed on another layer different from the one layer, that is, the same layer on the first substrate. It will be. Therefore, according to this aspect, the configuration of the liquid crystal device can be simplified as compared with the case where the terminal portion electrically connected to the pixel switching element and the light shielding film are separately formed in different layers. it can. In addition, the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal device can be simplified.

  In another aspect of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, the light shielding film may be a conductive film that is also used as an electrode of the first photodetecting element.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce stray light emitted from the light source means such as the backlight to the first light detection element.

  In order to solve the above problems, an electronic device according to the present invention includes the above-described liquid crystal device of the present invention.

  According to the electronic apparatus according to the present invention, since the liquid crystal device according to the present invention described above is provided, a display device applicable to a direct-view display device, a mobile phone, and a car navigation system capable of high-quality display. It is possible to realize various electronic devices such as electronic notebooks, word processors, small size information devices such as viewfinder type or monitor direct view type video tape recorders, workstations, videophones, POS terminals and touch panels.

  Such an operation and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a liquid crystal device and an electronic apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment is a liquid crystal device having a touch panel function and adopting an active matrix driving method.

<1: Liquid crystal device>
<1-1: Overall Configuration of Liquid Crystal Device>
First, the overall configuration of the liquid crystal device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the liquid crystal device 1 as seen from the counter substrate side together with the components formed on the TFT array substrate, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II ′ of FIG.

  1 and 2, in the liquid crystal device 1, a TFT array substrate 10 that is an example of the “first substrate” of the present invention and a counter substrate 20 that is an example of the “second substrate” of the present invention are arranged to face each other. ing. A liquid crystal layer 50 is sealed between the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20, and the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 are surrounded by an image display region 10a that is a display region provided with a plurality of pixel portions. They are bonded to each other by a sealing material 52 provided in a sealing region located in the area.

  The sealing material 52 is made of, for example, an ultraviolet curable resin, a thermosetting resin, or the like for bonding the two substrates, and is applied on the TFT array substrate 10 in the manufacturing process and then cured by ultraviolet irradiation, heating, or the like. It is. In the sealing material 52, a gap material such as glass fiber or glass beads for dispersing the distance (inter-substrate gap) between the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 to a predetermined value is dispersed.

  A light-shielding frame light-shielding film 53 that defines the frame area of the image display area 10a is provided on the counter substrate 20 side in parallel with the inside of the seal area where the sealing material 52 is disposed. However, part or all of the frame light shielding film 53 may be provided as a built-in light shielding film on the TFT array substrate 10 side. In the present embodiment, when viewed from the center of the TFT array substrate 10, the distance from the frame light shielding film 53 is defined as the peripheral region.

  The liquid crystal device 1 includes a display signal supply circuit unit 101, a scanning line driving circuit 104, and a sensor scanning circuit 204. In the peripheral region, the display signal supply circuit 101 and the external circuit connection terminal 102 are provided along one side of the TFT array substrate 10 in a region located outside the seal region where the sealing material 52 is disposed. The scanning line driving circuit 104 is provided along one of the two sides adjacent to the one side so as to be covered by the frame light shielding film 53. The sensor scanning circuit 204 is provided so as to face the scanning line driving circuit 104 through the image display region 10a. The scanning line driving circuit 104 and the sensor scanning circuit 204 are electrically connected to each other by a plurality of wirings 105 formed so as to be covered by the frame light shielding film 53.

  In the peripheral region on the TFT array substrate 10, a control circuit unit 201 including a circuit unit for processing an output signal output from an optical sensor unit (to be described later) and controlling a diaphragm amount of the light amount by the light amount adjusting unit is formed. Yes. The control circuit unit 201 or the received light signal processing circuit unit 215 which is a part of the function described later is preferably formed integrally with the display signal supply circuit 101 in order to simplify the connection with the image display region 10a.

  The external circuit connection terminal 102 is connected to a connection terminal provided on a flexible (FPC) substrate 200 which is an example of a connection means for electrically connecting the external circuit and the liquid crystal device 1. The backlight included in the liquid crystal device 1 is controlled by a backlight control circuit 202 which is an example of the “light source light setting unit” of the present invention, which includes an IC circuit or the like mounted on the FPC 200.

  Vertical conductive members 106 functioning as vertical conductive terminals between the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20 are disposed at the four corners of the counter substrate 20. On the other hand, the TFT array substrate 10 is provided with vertical conduction terminals in a region facing these corner portions. Thus, electrical conduction can be established between the TFT array substrate 10 and the counter substrate 20.

  In FIG. 2, on the TFT array substrate 10, an alignment film is formed on the pixel electrode 9a after the pixel switching TFT, the scanning line, the data line and the like are formed. On the other hand, on the counter substrate 20, in addition to the counter electrode 21, a lattice-shaped or striped light-shielding film 23 and an alignment film are formed on the uppermost layer portion. The liquid crystal layer 50 is made of, for example, a liquid crystal in which one or several types of nematic liquid crystals are mixed, and takes a predetermined alignment state between the pair of alignment films.

  The liquid crystal device 1 includes a first polarizing plate 301, a second polarizing plate 302, and a backlight 206 that is a typical example of the “light source means” of the present invention. The first polarizing plate 301 is disposed on the counter substrate 20. The second polarizing plate 302 is disposed between the backlight 206 and the TFT array substrate 10 on the lower side of the TFT array substrate 10 in the drawing. During the operation, the liquid crystal device 1 displays an image on the display surface 301 s located on the side of the first polarizing plate 301 that does not face the counter substrate 20.

  1 and FIG. 2, on the TFT array substrate 10, in addition to the circuit portions such as the data line driving circuit 101 and the scanning line driving circuit 104, an external light sensor 222, a memory 223, and a sensor described later are provided. A sensitivity adjustment circuit 205, a received light signal processing circuit unit 215, and an image signal processing circuit unit 216 are provided. In addition, on the TFT array substrate 10, a sampling circuit that samples the image signal on the image signal line and supplies it to the data line, and a precharge signal at a predetermined voltage level is supplied to the plurality of data lines in advance of the image signal. An inspection circuit for inspecting the quality, defects, etc. of the pre-charge circuit, the quality of the electro-optical device during manufacture or at the time of shipment, and the like may be formed.

<1-2: Circuit Configuration of Liquid Crystal Device>
Next, the circuit configuration of the liquid crystal device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the liquid crystal device 1.

  In FIG. 3, the liquid crystal device 1 includes a display signal supply circuit unit 101, a scanning line driving circuit unit 104, a sensor sensitivity adjustment circuit unit 205, a sensor scanning circuit 204, a received light signal processing circuit 215, and a “compensation unit” of the present invention. An image processing circuit unit 216 that is an example, an external light sensor 222 that is an example of the “external light detection unit” of the present invention, a memory 223 that is an example of the “storage unit” of the present invention, a backlight 206, and a display unit 110 I have. The control circuit unit 201 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a sensor sensitivity adjustment circuit unit 205, a received light signal processing circuit unit 215, an image processing circuit unit 216, a backlight control circuit 202, and a memory 223.

  The display unit 110 includes a plurality of pixel units 72 arranged in a matrix as will be described later. The display signal supply circuit unit 101 and the scanning line driving circuit unit 104 supply the scanning signal and the image signal to the display unit 110 at a predetermined timing, and drive each pixel unit.

  The sensor scanning circuit unit 204 supplies a signal for operating a photodetection circuit unit, which will be described later, to each photosensor unit during operation of the liquid crystal device 1. The light reception signal processing circuit unit 215 processes the light reception signal output from the light detection circuit unit provided in the image display region 10 a on the TFT array substrate 10.

  The image processing circuit unit 216 processes image data configured based on the processed signal supplied from the received light signal processing circuit unit 215. When the image processing circuit unit 216 can identify an instruction unit such as a finger indicating the display surface 301 s from an image specified based on each light reception signal of the plurality of light detection circuit units included in the display unit 110, In the image display area 10a, the position of the instruction means for indicating the display surface 301s is specified, and the specified position of the instruction means is output to the external circuit unit as touch position information. On the other hand, as will be described in detail later, the image processing circuit unit 216 can accurately detect the instruction means based on signals output from each of the two light detection elements included in the light detection circuit unit. is there. When the position of the instruction means cannot be specified, a correction signal for correcting the sensitivity of the optical sensor unit is supplied to the display signal supply circuit 101. Based on this correction signal, a light amount adjustment unit (to be described later) It is also possible to adjust the aperture amount for reducing the amount of light for each light amount adjustment unit.

<1-3: Specific Configuration and Operation of Liquid Crystal Device>
Next, a specific configuration and operation of the liquid crystal device 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11. FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit of various elements and wirings in the image display area 10a of the liquid crystal device 1. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing in detail the electrical configuration of the photodetection circuit unit shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of the pixel portion. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII ′ of FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII ′ of FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX ′ of FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing in detail the cross section shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a planar shape of the main part around the photodetecting element. In FIG. 4, the photodetection circuit unit is shown together with the circuit configuration of a portion that substantially contributes to image display among a plurality of pixel units arranged in a matrix on the TFT array substrate 10. In FIGS. 7 to 10, the scales of the layers and members are different from each other in order to make the layers and members recognizable on the drawings.

  The circuit configuration of the pixel unit 72 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, each of a plurality of pixel portions 72 formed in a matrix that forms the image display region 10a of the liquid crystal device 1 includes a sub-pixel portion 72R that displays red, a sub-pixel portion 72G that displays green, and blue Is included, and is electrically connected to each of the plurality of photodetection circuit units 250 formed in the image display region 10a. Therefore, the liquid crystal device 1 is a display device that can display a color image.

  Each of the sub-pixel portions 72R, 72G and 72B includes a pixel electrode 9a, a TFT 30 which is an example of the “pixel switching element” of the present invention, and a liquid crystal element 50a.

  The TFT 30 is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 9a, and performs switching control of the pixel electrode 9a when the liquid crystal device 1 operates. The data line 6a to which the image signal is supplied is electrically connected to the source of the TFT 30. The image signals S1, S2,..., Sn to be written to the data lines 6a may be supplied line-sequentially in this order, or may be supplied for each group to a plurality of adjacent data lines 6a. May be.

  The scanning line 3a is electrically connected to the gate of the TFT 30, and the liquid crystal device 1 sequentially applies the scanning signals G1, G2,..., Gm to the scanning line 3a in a pulse sequence in this order at a predetermined timing. It is comprised so that it may apply. The pixel electrode 9a is electrically connected to the drain of the TFT 30, and the image signal S1, S2,... Supplied from the data line 6a is closed by closing the switch of the TFT 30 serving as a switching element for a certain period. Sn is written at a predetermined timing. Image signals S1, S2,..., Sn written to the liquid crystal via the pixel electrode 9a are held for a certain period with the counter electrode formed on the counter substrate.

  The liquid crystal contained in the liquid crystal layer 50 modulates light and enables gradation display by changing the orientation and order of the molecular assembly depending on the applied voltage level. In the normally white mode, the transmittance for incident light decreases according to the voltage applied in units of each sub-pixel unit. In the normally black mode, the voltage applied in units of each sub-pixel unit. Accordingly, the transmittance for incident light is increased, and light having a contrast corresponding to an image signal is emitted from the liquid crystal device 1 as a whole. The storage capacitor 70 is added in parallel with the liquid crystal element 50a formed between the pixel electrode 9a and the counter electrode in order to prevent the image signal from leaking. The capacitor electrode line 300 is a fixed potential side electrode of the pair of electrodes of the storage capacitor 70.

  Next, a detailed circuit configuration of the photodetection circuit unit 250 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 5, the light detection circuit unit 250 includes a light amount adjustment unit 82 and an optical sensor unit 150.

  The light amount adjustment unit 82 includes a liquid crystal element 50b, an adjustment control TFT 130, and a storage capacitor 170. The light amount adjustment unit 82 is included in each of the plurality of light detection circuit units 250, and its operation is controlled independently of each other in the image display region 10 a under the control of the control circuit unit 201.

  The liquid crystal element 50 b is electrically connected to each of the adjustment control TFT 130 and the storage capacitor 170, and the incident light incident on the optical sensor unit 150 is controlled by the adjustment control TFT 130 in the alignment state of the liquid crystal portion of the liquid crystal element 50 b. Adjust the amount of light. One of the pair of capacitor electrodes included in the storage capacitor 170 is electrically connected to the fixed potential line 300.

  The gate and source of the adjustment control TFT 130 are electrically connected to the scanning line 3a and the signal line 6a1, respectively. The adjustment control TFT 130 is configured to be able to be turned on and off by being supplied with a selection signal supplied via the scanning line 3a. The adjustment control TFT 130 supplies the adjustment signal supplied via the signal line 6a1 to the liquid crystal element 50b according to the on / off state. The liquid crystal element 50b adjusts the amount of incident light incident on the optical sensor unit 150 by controlling the alignment state of the liquid crystal portion according to the adjustment signal.

  The photosensor unit 150 includes photodetection elements 191 and 192 that are examples of the “first photodetection element” and the “second photodetection element” of the present invention, element control TFTs 161 and 162 that control the operation of these elements, A storage capacitor 152, a reset TFT 163, a signal amplification TFT 154, and an output control TFT 155 are provided.

  The light detection element 191 uses incident light L2 ′ (see FIGS. 7 to 9) whose light amount is adjusted by the light adjustment unit 82 among incident light L2 incident from the display surface 301s of the liquid crystal device 1 in the image display region 10a. Receive light. The light detection element 192 receives the display light L <b> 1 irradiated toward the liquid crystal layer 50 from the backlight 206 disposed on the back surface side of the TFT array substrate 10.

  Each of the element control TFTs 161 and 162 is electrically connected to the output side of each of the light detection elements 191 and 192, and the output signal output from these light detection elements under the control of the image processing circuit unit 216. Controls output to node a. More specifically, the element control TFTs 161 and 162 are controlled by the control signals supplied from the control signal supply lines 361 and 362 via the control lines 171 and 172 electrically connected to the TFTs, respectively. The on / off operation is switched, and the supply of the output signal from each photodetecting element to the node a is controlled. The supply of such control signals is controlled under the control of the image processing circuit unit 216.

  The source, gate, and drain of the reset TFT 163 are electrically connected to the photodetecting elements 191 and 192, the reset signal line 350, and the signal amplification TFT 154, respectively. The source, gate, and drain of the signal amplification TFT 154 are electrically connected to the power supply line 351, the light detection elements 191 and 192, and the output control TFT 155, respectively. The source, gate, and drain of the output control TFT 155 are electrically connected to the signal amplification TFT 154, the selection signal line 353, and the readout signal line 6a2, respectively.

  When the light detecting element 191 receives the incident light L2 or L2 ′, a photocurrent is generated in the light receiving element 191, and light is emitted depending on the operations of the reset TFT 163, the voltage amplification TFT 154, and the output control TFT 155. A signal corresponding to the voltage V between the power supply line 352 electrically connected to the detection element 191 and the node a is read out to the read signal line 6a2. Note that a signal read out to the readout line 6a2, that is, a signal for specifying the instruction means based on the incident light L2 or L2 ′ is output from the light detection element 192 whose operation is controlled under the control of the image processing circuit 216. Compensated by the compensation signal. As will be described later, when a signal is processed in the image processing circuit 216, compensation may be made based on data read from the memory 223.

  Next, a specific configuration of the liquid crystal device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 6, the pixel unit 72 includes three sub-pixel units 72R, 72G, and 72B arranged along the X direction, and a light detection circuit unit 250.

  Each of the sub-pixel portions 72R, 72G, and 72B has a opening 73R, 73G, and 73B. When the liquid crystal device 1 is in operation, the liquid crystal device 1 can display a color image by emitting red light, green light, and blue light from the openings 73R, 73G, and 73B, respectively. In addition, each of the sub-pixel portions 72R, 72G, and 72B has a TFT 30 that switches each sub-pixel portion.

  The light detection circuit unit 250 includes an adjustment control TFT 130, an opening 83, and a TFT circuit unit 80. The TFT circuit unit 80 includes a reset TFT 163, a voltage amplification TFT 154, and an output control TFT 155, and controls the operations of the light detection elements 191 and 192 facing the opening 83 under the control of the image processing circuit. At the same time, the photocurrent generated in the photodetection element 191 or the photocurrent generated in the photodetection element 192 is amplified and output to the readout line 6a2.

  7 to 9, the liquid crystal device 1 includes a light shielding film 153, three types of color filters 154R, 154G, and 154B embedded in the planarizing film 20a, a liquid crystal element 50b, light detection elements 191 and 192, a backlight 206, In addition, a first polarizing plate 301, a second polarizing plate 302, and a light shielding film 199 which is an example of the “light shielding film” of the present invention are provided.

  The backlight 206 includes a light guide plate 206a and a display light source 206b, and is disposed below the TFT array substrate 10 in the drawing.

  The display light source 206b generates display light L1 that is a typical example of the “light source light” of the present invention for displaying an image in the image display region 10a. The display light L1 is visible light, and is modulated by the liquid crystal layer 50 in accordance with driving of each sub-pixel unit.

  The light guide plate 206a is made of, for example, an acrylic resin that can transmit the display light L1, and guides the display light L1 to the image display region 10a. The liquid crystal device 1 uses the display light L1 to display an image, and uses the display light L1 and external light to detect an instruction means such as a finger that touches or indicates the display surface 301s.

  The first polarizing layer 301 and the polarizing layer (not shown) arranged on the other side of the liquid crystal element 50b are arranged in a crossed Nicols manner so that their optical axes intersect each other. The liquid crystal element 50b includes a liquid crystal portion that overlaps the light receiving elements 191 and 192 in the liquid crystal layer 50, and a first electrode 159a and a second electrode 21a that sandwich the liquid crystal portion.

  The light amount adjusting unit 82 functions as a diaphragm mechanism that adjusts the amount of incident light L2 incident on the opening 83 from the display surface 301s. In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 5, since the alignment state of the liquid crystal portion of the liquid crystal element 50 b can be controlled, the amount of incident light L <b> 2 can be adjusted independently for each light amount adjustment unit 82. . Therefore, similarly to the case where the light intensity of the display light is controlled by controlling the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer in each pixel unit, the amount of incident light L2 ′ incident on the light detection element 191 of each photosensor unit 150 is determined. Can be adjusted independently.

  Therefore, according to the plurality of light amount adjustment units 82, the light amount of the incident light L2 incident from the display surface 301s in each of the plurality of regions constituting the image display region 10a can be detected by each light sensor unit 150. Even if it is outside the detectable range, the incident light L2 ′ that is incident on each optical sensor unit 150 for each optical sensor unit 150 or for each group that includes an arbitrary number of optical sensor units 150 as a group. The amount of light is adjusted so that the amount of light falls within the detectable range.

  In particular, in each of a plurality of areas constituting the image display area 10a, when the instruction unit cannot be distinguished from its surroundings due to an environmental change such as external light shielded by the instruction unit such as a finger, more specifically, For example, when the amount of external light is too strong, the amount of incident light L2 incident on the display surface 301s in the region where the shadow of the pointing unit is projected and the region around the region is determined by the light receiving elements 191 and 191. When the light amount is outside the detectable range of the light amount by 192, the light amount of the incident light L2 incident on each of the region where the shadow of the instruction unit is projected and the surrounding region is shifted to the detectable range. As described above, each light amount adjusting unit 82 adjusts the light amount of the incident light L2. That is, each of the plurality of light amount adjusting units 82 functions as a diaphragm mechanism that can adjust the light amounts of the incident light L2 incident on the respective optical sensor units 150 independently of each other.

  Thus, according to the liquid crystal device 1, even when the light amount of the incident light L2 incident on the optical sensor unit 150 is out of the detectable range by the optical sensor unit, the incident light amount is included in the detectable range. The light amount of the light L2 is adjusted, and the light sensor unit 150 is irradiated with the incident light L2 ′ whose light amount is adjusted within the detectable range. Therefore, according to the liquid crystal device 1, the indication means that could not be identified when the incident light L2 is incident on the optical sensor unit 150 without being adjusted by the light amount adjustment unit 82 can be identified, and the display surface 301s. The position of the instruction means in the upper image display area 10a can be specified.

  In addition, since each of the plurality of light amount adjustment units 82 can adjust the light amount independently of each other, even when the light intensity of the incident light L2 including external light is different in each region in the image display region 10a. The light amount can be selectively adjusted in a region where the light amount is out of the detectable range by the optical sensor unit 150, and the detection accuracy for detecting the instruction means can be increased.

  As described above, the liquid crystal device 1 is different from an imaging device such as a camera in which a mechanical diaphragm mechanism is provided in the middle of the optical system, so that incident light is utilized by using a part of the liquid crystal layer that is originally used for displaying an image. Since the light quantity of L2 can be adjusted, the light quantity of the incident light L2 can be adjusted without securing a space for providing a diaphragm mechanism in the liquid crystal device 1, and the accuracy of detecting the pointing means can be improved.

  The first electrode 159a is formed in the same layer as the plurality of pixel electrodes 9a provided in each of the plurality of pixel portions 72 constituting the image display region 10a on the TFT array substrate 10. Therefore, the first electrode 159a can be formed by a process common to the process of forming the pixel electrode 9a made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO, and the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal device 1 can be simplified. The second electrode 21 a is an electrode portion where the counter electrode 21 overlaps the light detection elements 191 and 192.

  The liquid crystal device 1 includes a second polarizing layer 302 extending so as to overlap the pixel electrode 9a. The second polarizing layer 302 has an optical axis extending along the direction in which the optical axis of the polarizing layer (not shown) extends. Therefore, according to the second polarizing layer 302, the display light L1 incident on each pixel can be linearly polarized.

  The first polarizing layer 301 and the second polarizing layer 302 are formed by sandwiching a stretched PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) film with a protective film made of TAC (triacetyl cellulose).

  7 to 9, the sub-pixel unit 73R displays the red light L1R through the color filter 154R that can transmit red light among the modulated light obtained by modulating the display light L1 by the liquid crystal layer 50. Each of the sub pixel portions 73G and 73B displays the green light L1G and the blue light L1B via the color filters 154G and 154B, respectively, similarly to the sub pixel portion 73R.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the light shielding film 153 is a so-called black matrix that defines at least a part of the edge of the opening region. Therefore, according to the light shielding film 153, it is possible to reduce the incidence of the incident light L2 from the display surface 301s side to the semiconductor elements such as the pixel switching TFT 30 formed in the non-opening region and the TFT circuit unit 80. The light leakage current generated in the semiconductor element included in the TFT circuit unit 80 can be reduced.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the optical sensor unit 82 is formed on the TFT array substrate 10 in a non-opening region that separates the opening regions of the pixel unit 72 from each other. Further, in the liquid crystal device 1, display lights L1R, L1G, and L1B are emitted from the openings 73R, 73G, and 73B, respectively. Therefore, according to the liquid crystal device 1, the display light L1R, L1G, and L1B is not blocked by the optical sensor unit 82.

  Next, detailed configurations of the light detection elements 191 and 192 and the light shielding film 199 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, and then the operation of the liquid crystal device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be described in detail.

  In FIG. 10, the photodetecting element 191 includes a light receiving layer 191a ′ and a P-type conductive region 191b ′ that overlaps the light receiving layer 191a ′ on both surfaces of the light receiving layer 191a ′ and is electrically connected to the light receiving layer 191a ′. And a vertical PIN diode having an N-type conductive region 191c ′. Therefore, when the liquid crystal device 1 is manufactured, the photodetecting element 191 can be easily formed on the photodetecting element 192 by sequentially forming the P-type conductive region 191b ′, the light receiving layer 192a ′, and the N-type conductive region 192c ′. .

  The light detection element 192 has a light receiving layer 192a ′. The light detection element 192 includes a part of the semiconductor layer 192a, and a P-type conductive region 192b ′ and an N-type conductive region 192c ′ electrically connected to the light-receiving layer 192a ′ are light-receiving surfaces of the light-receiving layer 192a ′. This is a lateral PIN diode that does not overlap.

  The layer on the surface of the insulating film 41 is an example of the “single layer” in the present invention, and the TFT 30 and the light detection element 192 are formed on the surface layer of the insulating film 41, that is, in the same layer. Therefore, the configuration of the liquid crystal device 1 can be simplified as compared with the case where the TFT 30 and the light detection element 192 are formed in different layers on the TFT array substrate 10, and the TFT 30 and the light detection are performed by a common process. An element 192 can be formed.

  More specifically, the semiconductor layers 1a and 192a are formed in a plane corresponding to the layout of the TFT 30 and the light receiving layer 192a ′ after a semiconductor layer such as a polysilicon layer is formed on the insulating film 41, for example. By patterning simultaneously or in parallel so as to form a pattern, they are formed simultaneously or in parallel. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal device 1 can be simplified as compared with the case where the step of forming the semiconductor layer 192a is provided separately from the step of forming the semiconductor layer 1a. The light detecting element 191 has a light receiving layer 191 a ′ formed on the insulating film 43 b and is formed after the light detecting element 192 is formed on the insulating film 41.

  The semiconductor layer 1a included in the TFT 30 is, for example, a low-temperature polysilicon layer, and includes a channel region 1a ′, a source region 1b ′, and a drain region 1c ′ that overlap the gate electrode 3a1. In the channel region 1 a ′, a channel is formed by an electric field from the gate electrode 3 a 1 electrically connected to the scanning line 3 a during the operation of the liquid crystal device 1. A portion extending between the gate electrode 3 a 1 and the semiconductor layer 1 a in the insulating film 42 a constituting a part of the insulating film 42 constitutes a gate insulating film of the TFT 30. Each of the source region 1b ′ and the drain region 1c ′ is formed in mirror symmetry on both sides of the channel region 1a ′.

  The gate electrode 3a1 is made of a conductive metal such as a polysilicon film, or a simple metal, an alloy, a metal silicide, a poly, including at least one of metals such as Ti, Cr, W, Ta, Mo, Pd, and Al. It is formed of silicide, a laminate of these, and the like, and is provided on the channel region 1a ′ via the insulating film 42a so as not to overlap the source region 1b ′ and the drain region 1c ′. The TFT 30 may have an LDD (Lightly Doped Drain) structure in which a low-concentration source region and a low-concentration drain region are respectively formed in the source region 1b ′ and the drain region 1c ′.

  The photodetecting element 191 overlaps the N-type conductive region 191c ′ formed on the light-receiving layer 191a ′ among the P-type conductive region 191b ′ and the N-type conductive region 191c ′, and is N-type on the N-type conductive region 191c ′. The transparent upper electrode 159a is electrically connected to the conductive region 191c ′.

  The element control TFT 161 has a semiconductor layer 161 a formed on the insulating film 41. The semiconductor layer 161a includes a source region 161b ′, a channel region 161a ′, and a drain region 161c ′. The gate electrode 163a overlaps the channel region 161a ′ through the gate insulating film 42a. The source region 161b ′ and the drain region 161c ′ are electrically connected to the terminal portions 164 and 165 through the contact holes 166 and 162, respectively. The terminal portion 164 is electrically connected to the upper electrode 159a through a contact hole.

  The upper electrode 159a is made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO, and is formed on the insulating film 43c simultaneously with or in parallel with the pixel electrode 9a. According to the upper electrode 159a, when the incident light L2 ′ is incident on the light detecting element 191 from the upper layer side of the light detecting element 191, the incident light L2 ′ is not blocked by the upper electrode 159a, and the incident light L2 ′ is It can be detected.

  The photodetecting element 191 overlaps with the P-type conductive region 191b ′ formed under the light-receiving layer 191a ′ among the P-type conductive region 191b ′ and the N-type conductive region 191c ′, and the light-shielding film under the P-type conductive region 191b ′. 199 is electrically connected. The light shielding film 199 has conductivity and constitutes an electrode of the light detection element 191. Therefore, it can be reduced that the display light L1 irradiated from the backlight 206 toward the light detection element 191 is directly irradiated on the light detection element 191.

  The light shielding film 199 is formed on the surface layer of the insulating film 42b, which is an example of “another layer” of the present invention, together with the terminal portions 91 and 92 electrically connected to the TFT 30. Therefore, the light shielding film 199 is formed in the same layer as the terminal portions 91 and 92. Therefore, according to the light shielding film 199, the configuration of the liquid crystal device 1 can be simplified as compared with the case where the terminal portions 91 and 92 and the light shielding film 199 are separately formed in different layers. This manufacturing process can be simplified.

  The photodetecting elements 191 and 192 are electrically connected to each other in parallel via a light shielding film 199 on the input side of these elements. Therefore, the output signals of the respective light detection elements output from the terminal portion 93 and the upper electrode 159a can be read out to the readout signal line 6a2.

  Next, the planar shapes of the light detection elements 191 and 192 and the light shielding film 199 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 11, the light shielding film 199 and the light detection elements 191 and 192 overlap each other, and the size of the light shielding film 199 is larger in plan view than the light detection element 191. Therefore, it is reduced that the light detection element 191 is irradiated with the display light L1 emitted from the backlight 206 and stray light generated by the display light L1 being reflected or the like inside the liquid crystal device 1. .

  In addition, the size of the light shielding film 199 is larger than that of the light detection element 192 when viewed in a plan view. Accordingly, the incident light L2 or L2 ′ can be shielded on the upper layer side of the light detection element 192 so that the light detection element 192 is not irradiated with the incident light L2 or L2 ′. Therefore, when the light detection element 192 detects the display light L1, it is possible to reduce the simultaneous detection of the incident light L2 or L2 ′ by the light detection element 192, and the light detection elements 191 and 192 respectively have the incident light L2 or L2 ′ and display light L1 can be detected separately.

  Next, the operation of the liquid crystal device 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 10.

  3 and 10, the backlight 206 irradiates the display light L <b> 1 from the back side of the TFT array substrate 10 toward the liquid crystal layer 50 during the operation of the liquid crystal device 1. The display light L1 is modulated by the liquid crystal layer 50 interposed between the pixel electrode 9a and the counter electrode 21, and a desired image is displayed on the display surface 301s.

  The light detection element 191 detects the incident light L2 that is incident on the display surface 301s that is the surface that does not face the liquid crystal layer 50 of both surfaces of the counter substrate 20, or detects the incident light L2 ′ in which the light amount of the incident light L2 is adjusted. To do. The light shielding film 199 overlaps the light detection element 191 on the lower layer side of the light detection element 191 so that the display light L1 emitted from the backlight 206 toward the liquid crystal layer 50 is not directly irradiated to the light detection element 191. The display light L1 is shielded. The light detection element 192 overlaps the light shielding film 199 on the lower layer side of the light shielding film 199 and detects the display light L1 when the liquid crystal device 1 is in operation.

  Since each of the light detection elements 191 and 192 has the light shielding film 199 formed between these elements, the incident light L2 ′ and the display light L1 can be detected separately.

  Here, if the light-shielding film 199 is formed so as to be able to completely shield the light irradiated to the light detection element 191 out of the display light L1, the light detection element 191 can detect only the incident light L2 ′, and display It seems that the instruction means can be specified without being affected by the light L1.

  However, not only the light directly irradiating the light detection element 191 from the backlight 206 but also the display light L1 is refracted and reflected inside the liquid crystal device 1, and the light shielding film 199 and the light detection element 191 are viewed in three dimensions. There is also stray light incident obliquely in the gap, and the stray light is irradiated to the light detection element 191 separately from the incident light L2 ′. In addition, after such stray light is repeatedly reflected between the light shielding film 199 and the light detection element 191, there is a possibility that the light receiving layer of the light detection element 191 is irradiated.

  Therefore, even if the light shielding film 199 is formed on the lower layer side of the light detection element 191, that is, the side where the backlight 206 is disposed when viewed from the light detection element, the light that can be blocked by the light shielding film 199 is the display light L 1. Of these, only the light directly irradiated from the backlight 206 toward the light detection element 191 is used, and it is technically difficult to reliably block the stray light described above. Under such circumstances, the light detection element 191 reflects the incident light L2 or L2 ′ incident from the display surface 301s, that is, the instruction means for indicating the display surface 301s reflects the external light or the light emitted from the display surface 301s. If the light generated by the detection and the stray light described above are detected at the same time, the stray light or the like becomes noise, and the indicating means is based on the light intensity of the incident light L2 or L2 ′ detected by the light detection element 191. It becomes difficult to detect accurately.

  Therefore, next, a specific operation of the liquid crystal device 1 that can eliminate the influence of the noise described above and can accurately detect the instruction unit will be described.

  3 and 10, the image processing circuit unit 216 compensates for the light intensity of the incident light L2 or L2 ′ detected by the light detection element 191 based on the light intensity of the display light L1 detected by the light detection element 192. To do. More specifically, the image processing circuit unit 216 includes, for example, the light detection elements 191 and 192 electrically connected to the light sensor unit 150, and the incident light L2 or L2 ′ detected by the light detection element 191. The respective operations of the light detecting elements 191 and 192 so as to compensate the intensity, that is, to remove noise such as the light intensity of the display light L1 detected by the light detecting element 191 together with the incident light L2 or L2 ′. Is supplied to the control TFTs 161 and 162 via the control lines 171 and 172. Accordingly, the on / off operations of the light detection elements 191 and 192 are switched, and the light intensity of the incident light L2 or L2 ′ detected by the light detection element 191 is compensated.

  Therefore, according to the liquid crystal device 1, it is possible to remove a noise portion detected due to the display light L1 from the light intensity of the incident light L2 or L2 ′ detected by the light detection element 191. An instruction means such as a finger indicating the surface 301s can be accurately specified. Thereby, the influence of the backlight 206 used for the display light L1 for displaying an image on the display surface 301s can be reduced, and the performance of the touch panel function can be improved without impairing the display performance for the liquid crystal device 1 to display an image. Is possible.

  The image processing circuit unit 216 can also read out the compensation coefficient stored in the memory 223 during the operation of the liquid crystal device 1 and compensate the light intensity of the incident light L2 or L2 ′ detected by the light detection element 191. It is. Such a compensation coefficient is a coefficient that defines a correction amount for correcting the light intensity of the incident light L2 or L2 ′ detected by the light detection element 191 in accordance with the light intensity of the display light L1. It may be stored in advance in the memory 223 before the operation, or may be sequentially stored when the liquid crystal device 1 is operated. According to the compensation of the light intensity of the incident light L2 or L2 ′ based on such a compensation coefficient, not only the compensation by the on / off operation of the light detection elements 191 and 192 but also the incident light L2 output from the light detection element 191 or It is also possible to compensate the output signal itself corresponding to L2 ′, and the indication means can be detected reliably.

  The image processing circuit unit 216 sets the display light L1 emitted from the backlight 206 to different values for the purpose of reducing the power consumption of the liquid crystal device 1 without degrading the display quality of the image. Even in this case, it is possible to control the operation of the light detection elements 191 and 192 so that the instruction means can be detected reliably.

  The backlight control circuit 202 can set the light intensity of the display light L1 to different values according to the light intensity of the external light detected by the external light sensor 222. More specifically, the external light sensor 222 detects the brightness around the liquid crystal device 1, that is, the light intensity of external light when the liquid crystal device 1 is in operation. The backlight control circuit 202 is electrically connected to the backlight 206 so that the drive of the backlight 206 can be controlled. For example, when the light intensity of outside light is low, that is, when the periphery of the liquid crystal device 1 is dark In other words, the power consumption of the liquid crystal device 1 is reduced without lowering the display performance of displaying an image by setting the light intensity of the display light L1 low.

  Further, when the light intensity of the external light is high, that is, when the periphery of the liquid crystal device 1 is bright, the backlight control circuit 202 increases the light intensity of the display light L1 and displays an image displayed on the display surface 301s. The brightness of the image can be increased, and the display quality of the image can be improved. In particular, when the liquid crystal device 1 is used as a display unit of a portable electronic device, it is possible to reduce power consumption without degrading the display quality of an image from the viewpoint of extending the continuous use time of the device. It will be a big advantage.

  The memory 223 stores a plurality of light intensities of the display light L1 detected by the light detection element 192 for each different light intensity value of the display light L1 under the control of the backlight control circuit 202. The memory 223 may store in advance different values of the light intensity of the display light L1 prior to driving the liquid crystal device 1, and each time the light intensity of the display light L1 is changed during the operation of the liquid crystal device 1. Can also be stored.

  The compensation coefficient stored in the memory 223 is a plurality of difference values calculated based on each of the different light intensity values of the display light L1 and the light intensity of the incident light L2 or L2 ′. Based on such a difference value, the image processing circuit 216 can compensate the light intensity of the incident light L2 or L2 ′ so that the instruction means can be detected.

  Therefore, according to the liquid crystal device 1, even when the light intensity of the display light L1 is set to each of a plurality of different light intensities according to the light intensity of external light, the incident light L2 or L2 ′ The noise portion occupied by the light intensity of the display light L1 can be offset, and high-quality images can be displayed while reducing the power consumption according to the light intensity of the external light, and The indicating means can be detected reliably.

<2: Electronic equipment>
Next, an embodiment of an electronic apparatus including the above-described liquid crystal device will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a mobile personal computer to which the above-described liquid crystal device is applied. In FIG. 12, a computer 1200 includes a main body 1204 having a keyboard 1202 and a liquid crystal display unit 1206 including the above-described liquid crystal device. The liquid crystal display unit 1206 is configured by adding a backlight to the back surface of the liquid crystal panel 1005, and has a touch panel function capable of inputting various information accurately.

  Next, an example in which the above-described liquid crystal device is applied to a mobile phone will be described. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a mobile phone that is an example of the electronic apparatus of the present embodiment. In FIG. 13, a cellular phone 1300 includes a liquid crystal device 1005 having a configuration similar to that of the above-described liquid crystal device, along with a plurality of operation buttons 1302. According to the mobile phone 1300, high-quality image display is possible, and information can be accurately input via the display surface by an instruction unit such as a finger. In addition, power consumption can be reduced, and the mobile phone can be used for a long time.

It is a top view of the liquid crystal device concerning this embodiment. It is II-II 'sectional drawing of FIG. It is the block diagram which showed the main circuit structures of the liquid crystal device which concerns on this embodiment. 3 is an equivalent circuit in an image display region of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment. It is the circuit diagram which showed the electrical structure of the photon detection circuit part in detail. 2 is a schematic plan view of the periphery of a pixel unit included in the liquid crystal device according to the embodiment. FIG. It is VII-VII 'sectional drawing of FIG. It is VIII-VIII 'sectional drawing of FIG. It is IX-IX 'sectional drawing of FIG. It is sectional drawing which showed the cross section shown in FIG. 8 in detail. It is the top view which showed the planar shape of the principal part of the periphery of a photon detection element. It is the perspective view which showed an example of the electronic device which concerns on this embodiment. It is the perspective view which showed the other example of the electronic device which concerns on this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Liquid crystal device, 10 ... TFT array substrate, 20 ... Counter substrate, 50 ... Liquid crystal layer, 50a, 50b ... Liquid crystal element, 72 ... Pixel part, 82 ... Light quantity Adjustment unit, 150... Optical sensor unit, 191, 192... Light detection element, 216... Image processing circuit unit, 202. Outside light sensor, 223... Memory

Claims (9)

A first substrate;
A second substrate disposed to face the first substrate;
A liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate;
Light source means for irradiating light source light from the back side of the first substrate toward the liquid crystal layer;
A first light detecting element for detecting incident light incident on a display surface which is a surface not facing the liquid crystal layer among both surfaces of the second substrate;
A light-shielding film overlapping the first photodetecting element on the lower layer side of the first photodetecting element;
A second photodetecting element that overlaps the light shielding film on the lower layer side of the light shielding film and detects the light source light;
Compensation means for compensating for the light intensity of the incident light detected by the first light detection element based on the light intensity of the light source light detected by the second light detection element. . The compensation means detects the light of the incident light detected by the first light detection element based on a compensation coefficient for compensating the light intensity of the incident light so that the instruction means for indicating the display surface can be detected. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the strength is compensated. Outside light detecting means for detecting the light intensity of outside light;
Light source light setting means for setting the light intensity of the light source light to different values according to the light intensity of the external light;
Storage means for storing a plurality of light intensities of the light source light detected by the second light detection element for each of the different values;
The compensation coefficient is a plurality of difference values calculated based on each of the plurality of light intensities and the light intensity of the incident light,
The liquid crystal device according to claim 2, wherein the compensation unit compensates the light intensity of the incident light based on each of the plurality of difference values so that the instruction unit can be detected. 4. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding film is larger than the first light detection element in a plan view. 5. 4. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding film is larger than the second photodetecting element in a plan view. A pixel switching element that is formed on the first substrate and drives a pixel portion so that an image is displayed in a display area of the display surface;
The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the pixel switching element and the second photodetecting element are formed in one layer on the first substrate. The terminal part electrically connected to the pixel switching element and the light shielding film are formed on another layer different from the one layer on the first substrate. LCD device. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding film is a conductive film that is also used as an electrode of the first light detection element. An electronic apparatus comprising the liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images