JP2008003640A - Liquid crystal display device, electro-optical device and method for producing the same, and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid crystal display device which makes it possible to increase functionality by mounting a function element without having to externally mount the function element onto an area near and outside of a liquid crystal display panel. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of pixels disposed in a matrix and a drive element (12) to drive the pixels. A function element (18) having a function that is different from the function of the drive element (12) is disposed in an area including the plurality of pixels and used to display. Thereby, it is possible to increase functionality because function elements (18) having various functions can be incorporated inside a panel. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device, an electro-optical device, a manufacturing method thereof, and an electronic apparatus.

  In a liquid crystal display device, a pixel electrode and a switching element such as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) for controlling the pixel electrode are arranged between a plurality of data lines and scanning lines that intersect with each other in a matrix. A liquid crystal display panel (display unit) is configured which includes an element substrate configured as described above, a counter substrate on which a counter electrode facing the pixel electrode is formed, and liquid crystal filled between the two substrates. The switching element is electrically connected to the data line for supplying an image signal and the scanning line to which a scanning signal is sequentially applied. Further, a scanning line driving circuit and a data line driving circuit for controlling opening / closing of the switching element and liquid crystal display are provided in an outer region around the liquid crystal display panel.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device, not only the scanning line driving circuit and the data line driving circuit but also various elements such as various sensors and various circuits (IC) are provided in the outer region around the liquid crystal display panel. Attachment of the functional element by external attachment has been performed exclusively (for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-80314 (page 6, FIG. 1)

  However, if various members are attached externally to the liquid crystal display panel, the peripheral mounting area that does not contribute to the display when viewed as a substrate becomes large, and a specific limited board interior. However, it has been difficult to integrate the liquid crystal display device because it is externally attached.

  In addition, the functional elements can be mounted only on the kind of members that can be mounted on the outer area around the liquid crystal display panel. For example, it is better to arrange the functional elements in a matrix and uniformly arrange the same functions in two dimensions. In the case of a member or an area-type member having a large occupation area, the functional element cannot be mounted, and there is a limit to the functions that can be mounted.

  Further, when the functional element is attached to the liquid crystal display panel in an external form, the liquid crystal display panel and the functional element are separate members. Therefore, a process for manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel and a process for manufacturing the functional element Therefore, the number of processes increased, the process lengthened, and the cost was increased.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to prevent the functional element from being externally attached to the outer area around the liquid crystal display panel and not to be mounted on the outer area. A liquid crystal display device, an electro-optical device, a manufacturing method thereof, and an electronic device that can be mounted with functional elements including various types of members to achieve high integration and high functionality, and can reduce cost increase Is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first liquid crystal display device according to the present invention is a liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and a drive element for driving the pixels. A functional element having a function different from the function of the driving element is arranged in a region (so-called image display region) provided for display composed of the pixels.

  According to the first liquid crystal display device of the present invention, since the functional element can be incorporated in the region provided for display composed of a plurality of pixels constituting the liquid crystal display device, the inside of the region provided for display is provided. Various functions can be built in, and higher functionality and higher integration can be achieved.

  In order to achieve the above object, a second liquid crystal display device according to the present invention includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, drive elements for driving the pixels, and signals for driving the pixels. In a liquid crystal display device having a display area composed of a wiring layer, the function of the drive element is different from the function of the drive element at a position overlapping the drive element or the wiring layer in the display area. It is characterized by the arrangement of functional elements having functions.

  According to the second liquid crystal display device of the present invention, the position overlapping the wiring layer and the driving element affects the display quality when displaying in both the transmission mode display and the reflection mode display. Since this position is used, a functional element is formed in a region provided for display by using this position, so that the display quality is not lowered while the functional element is built in and the function is enhanced. .

  In order to achieve the above object, a third liquid crystal display device of the present invention is a liquid crystal having a plurality of pixels in which each pixel is arranged in a matrix at predetermined intervals, and a driving element for driving the pixels. In the display device, a plurality of functional elements having a function different from the function of the driving element are provided in the same plane as the plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and the interval between the plurality of functional elements is It is characterized in that it is different from the interval between pixels arranged in a matrix.

  According to the third liquid crystal display device of the present invention, a plurality of pixels and a plurality of functional elements are formed in the same plane, and the intervals between the plurality of functional elements are different from the intervals between the plurality of pixels. Thus, the functional element can be incorporated while preventing light transmission by a plurality of functional elements as much as possible, and the manufacturing process for forming the pixel and the manufacturing process for manufacturing the functional element are performed within the same manufacturing process, and However, the display quality is not lowered while achieving high functionality.

In the liquid crystal display device having the above-described configuration, it is desirable to widen the interval between the functional elements.
According to this configuration, the number of functional elements disposed in the image display area is reduced, the area occupied by the functional elements can be reduced, and a wide area contributing to display through which light is transmitted can be formed. The deterioration of display quality can be minimized and the deterioration of display quality can be prevented.

  As for the arrangement of the functional elements, the functional elements are arranged on the other substrate facing the one substrate on which the driving element and the wiring layer are formed, out of the pair of substrates between which the liquid crystal is sandwiched. Also good. In that case, the other substrate is provided with a light shielding layer disposed at a position facing the driving element, and the functional element is provided so as to be interposed between the light shielding layer and the other substrate. it can. Alternatively, the functional element can be formed on the side of the light shielding layer facing the liquid crystal. Alternatively, the functional element can be formed on the surface of the other substrate opposite to the side facing the liquid crystal. The functional element may be disposed on one of the pair of substrates on which the liquid crystal is sandwiched, on which the driving element and the wiring layer are formed.

  In order to achieve the above object, a fourth liquid crystal display device according to the present invention includes a plurality of pixels in which pixels are arranged in a matrix at predetermined intervals, and a driving element that drives the pixels. A display device, wherein a plurality of functional elements having a function different from the function of the driving element are provided in the same plane as the plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and a plurality of functional elements having a first function And a plurality of functions having different functions from the first function at positions that do not overlap with the plurality of functional elements having the first function. The interval between the functional elements is different from the interval between the pixels arranged in the matrix.

  According to the fourth liquid crystal display device of the present invention, it is possible to mount at least two kinds of functional elements having different functions, and at the same time, by disposing the arrangement interval of these functional elements from the pixel interval, a plurality of functional elements are provided. It is possible to incorporate the functional element while reducing the hindrance to light transmission due to the provision of as much as possible.

  In order to achieve the above object, a fifth liquid crystal display device of the present invention is a liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and driving elements for driving the pixels, A plurality of functional elements having functions different from the functions of the driving elements are provided in the same plane as the plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and the area of the pixels and the area of the functional elements are different. In this case, for example, the area of the pixel can be increased.

  According to the fifth liquid crystal display device of the present invention, since the area can be set independently of the area occupied by the pixel according to the function and performance of the functional element, the degree of freedom in design is improved. In addition, when the area of the pixel is increased, it is possible to suppress deterioration in display quality due to the provision of the functional element.

  In the second liquid crystal display device of the present invention, the wiring layer forms a plurality of data lines and a plurality of scanning lines intersecting each other, and is provided in each of the regions surrounded by the data lines and the scanning lines. In addition, the functional element has a pair of electrodes, and the pair of electrodes are provided on each of the pair of substrates on which the liquid crystal is sandwiched so as to intersect each other in a plane. It is good also as a composition. This configuration is an example in which an active matrix liquid crystal display device and a passive matrix functional element are combined.

Alternatively, the liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, a plurality of scanning electrodes for driving liquid crystal, and a plurality of data electrodes that intersect the plurality of scanning electrodes in a plane, and are used for display. A functional element having functional element electrodes electrically connected to a plurality of data lines and a plurality of scanning lines that intersect with each other may be arranged in the region. This configuration is an example in which a passive matrix liquid crystal display device and an active matrix functional element are combined. Alternatively, a functional element having a functional element electrode may be arranged in a region used for display, and the liquid crystal driving electrode may also serve as the functional element electrode.
The functional element may include a plurality of types of functional members.

A first electro-optical device according to the present invention is an electro-optical device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and a driving element for driving the pixels, and is used for a display including the plurality of pixels. A functional element having a function different from the function of the driving element is arranged in the region.
Although the present invention has been described above as a liquid crystal display device, the present invention is not limited to a liquid crystal display device provided with this type of functional element, and the present invention can be applied to other electro-optical devices having pixel driving elements. Is also possible. In this case, the same effect as that of the liquid crystal display device can be obtained.

  The second electro-optical device of the present invention is a region provided for display, which includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, a driving element for driving the pixels, and a wiring layer for signals for driving the pixels. An electro-optical device having a function element having a function different from the function of the drive element in a position overlapping the drive element or the wiring layer in an area provided for the display It is characterized by that.

  A third electro-optical device of the present invention is an electro-optical device having a plurality of pixels in which pixels are arranged in a matrix at a predetermined interval, and a driving element for driving the pixels. A plurality of functional elements having a function different from the function of the driving element are provided in the same plane as the plurality of arranged pixels, and an interval between the plurality of functional elements is defined as an interval between the pixels arranged in the matrix. It is characterized by being different.

  The fourth electro-optical device of the present invention is an electro-optical device having a plurality of pixels in which each pixel is arranged in a matrix at a predetermined interval, and a driving element for driving the pixels. A plurality of functional elements having functions different from the functions of the driving elements are provided in the same plane as the plurality of arranged pixels, and the intervals between the plurality of functional elements having the first function are arranged in the matrix form. The matrix is defined as an interval between a plurality of functional elements having a function different from the first function at a position that does not overlap with the plurality of functional elements having the first function, which is different from an interval between arranged pixels. It is characterized in that it is different from the interval of the pixels arranged in a shape.

  A fifth electro-optical device of the present invention is an electro-optical device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and a driving element for driving the pixels, and the plurality of pixels arranged in the matrix. A plurality of functional elements having functions different from the functions of the driving elements are provided in the same plane, and the area of the pixels and the area of the functional elements are different.

  A first method for manufacturing an electro-optical device according to the present invention is a method for manufacturing an electro-optical device including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and a driving element that drives the pixels, and includes a plurality of pixels. A functional element having a function different from the function of the driving element is formed in a region for display.

  The second electro-optical device manufacturing method of the present invention is used for display including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, a driving element for driving the pixels, and a wiring layer for signals for driving the pixels. A method for manufacturing an electro-optical device having a region to be displayed, the device having a function different from the function of the drive element in a region provided for the display and overlapping the drive element or the wiring layer The functional element is formed.

  A third method for manufacturing an electro-optical device according to the present invention is a method for manufacturing an electro-optical device having a plurality of pixels in which pixels are arranged in a matrix at predetermined intervals, and a drive element for driving the pixels. Then, a plurality of functional elements having functions different from the functions of the driving elements are formed in the same plane as the plurality of pixels arranged in the matrix, and the intervals between the functional elements are arranged in the matrix. It is characterized in that it is different from the interval of the arranged pixels.

  A fourth method for manufacturing an electro-optical device according to the present invention is a method for manufacturing an electro-optical device having a plurality of pixels in which each pixel is arranged in a matrix at predetermined intervals and a drive element for driving the pixels. And forming a plurality of functional elements having functions different from the functions of the driving elements in the same plane as the plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and between the plurality of functional elements having the first function. Of the plurality of functional elements having a function different from the first function at a position not overlapping with the plurality of functional elements having the first function. The interval between them is different from the interval between the pixels arranged in the matrix.

  A fifth electro-optical device manufacturing method according to the present invention is a method for manufacturing an electro-optical device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and a driving element for driving the pixels, and is arranged in the matrix. A plurality of functional elements having functions different from the functions of the drive elements are provided in the same plane as the plurality of pixels formed, and the area of the pixels and the area of the functional elements are different.

An electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes the electro-optical device according to the present invention.
According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an electronic device that has excellent display quality and has various functions such as a touch key and a display correction function based on temperature.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a function having a function different from that of a drive element is provided in a region provided for display composed of a plurality of pixels constituting a liquid crystal display device, without being externally attached as in the past. Since the element can be incorporated, various functions can be incorporated, and higher functionality and higher integration can be achieved.

  Further, it is not necessary to separately perform the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device and the manufacturing process of the functional element as in the prior art, and the process of manufacturing the functional element is included in the process of manufacturing the liquid crystal display device. You can go down.

  Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
(Overall configuration of liquid crystal display device)
First, an overall schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the overall schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display device 1 of the present embodiment is, for example, an active matrix type liquid crystal display panel, and includes switching elements (drive elements) formed in a matrix on one surface (not shown in FIG. 1). However, details will be described later) and the element substrate 20 on which the pixel electrode 11 is formed, a counter substrate 30 disposed opposite to the element substrate 20, and liquid crystal is sealed between the element substrate 20 and the counter substrate 30. The liquid crystal layer 40 is formed. A sealing material (not shown) is formed on the element substrate 20 along the peripheral edge of the four sides of the counter substrate 30 and along the peripheral edge of the counter substrate 30, and the liquid crystal can be sealed by the four side seal material. It becomes possible.

  In the liquid crystal display device 1 of FIG. 1, an image can be displayed with substantially the same contour in the counter substrate 30 in the outer region A around the counter substrate 30 and a region made up of a plurality of pixels 10 for display. A simple image display area B. In the outer region A around the counter substrate 30, a data line driving circuit 3 and a scanning line driving circuit 4 for opening / closing and display control of the switching elements are provided on the element substrate 20. Is provided along one side of the element substrate 20, and the scanning line driving circuit 4 is provided along one side adjacent to the one side.

  Here, out of the plurality of pixels 10 formed in a matrix that forms the image display region B, one pixel 10 includes all the components for operating one pixel. A switching element for selecting an electrode, an image electrode, a storage capacitor, a scanning line and a data line for applying a potential to the pixel electrode (both not shown in FIG. 1 but will be described in detail later), a liquid crystal layer 40, etc. It is spatial including. One pixel refers to a rectangular area partitioned by scanning lines and data lines in a plan view. However, in the case of a liquid crystal display device having a color filter including dye layers of different colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue), which will be described later, the pixel referred to above becomes one dot, and R, One pixel is composed of three dots of G and B.

  In the present embodiment, an arbitrary number of functional elements 18 having functions different from the switching elements are provided in an arbitrary space in the image display region B. In other words, members or the like that have been conventionally arranged in the outer area A are arranged in the space of the image display area B. Hereinafter, the arrangement positions of the functional elements in the planar structure of the liquid crystal display device and the arrangement positions of the functional elements in the cross-sectional structure of the liquid crystal display device will be described in more detail.

(Plane structure of liquid crystal display device)
First, the planar structure of the liquid crystal display device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows an element substrate together with each component formed thereon in a part of an image display area composed of a plurality of pixels formed in a matrix in the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view (in the C2 region portion in FIG. 1) seen from the direction C1 in FIG. 1 and shows various elements, wiring layers, pixel electrodes, and the like of a plurality of pixel groups adjacent to each other on the element substrate.

  On the element substrate 20 of the liquid crystal display device 1, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of pixel electrodes 11 arranged in a matrix and the pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix so as to correspond to the pixel electrodes 11. 11 and a wiring layer for selecting the plurality of switching elements 12 arranged in a matrix form. A plurality of scanning lines 13a, a plurality of data lines 14a as a wiring layer for energizing the pixel electrode 11 through the switching element 12 turned on by a scanning signal of the scanning line 13a, and a liquid crystal Capacitor line 13b, which is a wiring layer for forming a storage capacitor for preventing leakage of a predetermined voltage held in layer 40, and a region where pixel electrode 11 is to be disposed At disposed in place of the pixel electrode 11, configured to include a, a function element 18 having a function different from the function of the switching element 12.

  Here, like the pixel electrode 11, the functional element 18 is disposed in a region surrounded by the scanning line 13a, the capacitor line 13b, and the data lines 14a and 14b. That is, the functional element 18 is disposed by replacing the pixel electrode 11 with the functional element 18 in a region where the pixel electrode 11 is conventionally formed. In addition, it is arbitrary whether the functional element 18 is disposed in place of any of the plurality of pixel electrodes 11.

  In the present embodiment, the scanning line 13a for selecting the switching element 12 is used as the wiring for operating the functional element 18, and the “scanning line for functional element” for selecting the functional element 18 is used. On the other hand, a data line 14b for functional elements is provided separately from the data line 14a for selecting the switching element 12. The scanning line 13a is connected to the scanning line driving circuit 4 shown in FIG. 1, and the data lines 14a and 14b are connected to the data line driving circuit 3 shown in FIG.

  The pixel electrode 11 is formed of a transparent conductive thin film such as an ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) film, for example, and is electrically connected to a semiconductor layer 12a serving as a channel region of a transistor constituting the switching element 12 through a contact hole 12c. .

  In the present embodiment, the pixel electrode 11 is arranged so that the pixel electrode 11 and the wiring layers such as the scanning line 13a, the data line 14a, the data line 14b, and the capacitor line 13b do not overlap in plan view. For this reason, the region P contributing to display and the contour of the pixel electrode 11 are configured to be substantially equal. It does not matter whether the wiring layer and the pixel electrode are formed in the same layer or in different layers.

  The switching element 12 is formed of, for example, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) or the like, and is configured on a part of the semiconductor layer 12a that is a channel region of the transistor. It is electrically connected to the scanning line 13a via the gate film, and is also electrically connected to the data line 14a via the contact hole 12b.

  Further, the semiconductor layer 12a constituting the switching element 12 is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 11 via the contact hole 12c, whereby the switching element 12 and the pixel electrode 11 can be electrically connected.

  The scanning line 13a is a wiring layer for sequentially applying the scanning signals G1, G2,..., For example, in a line-sequential manner in a pulsed manner, and is electrically connected to the switching element 12 and the functional element 18 Also electrically connected.

  The data line 14a is a wiring layer for supplying the image signals S1, S2,..., For example, line-sequentially, and is electrically connected to the switching element 12. Thus, the image signals S1, S2,... Supplied from the data line 14 are written at a predetermined timing by opening the switching element 12 for a certain period by the scanning signals G1, G2,.

  The data line 14b supplies or reads out the signals S1 ′,... And is electrically connected to the functional element 18. Thus, the information of the functional element 18 is read from or written to the data line 14 by opening the switch of the functional element 18 for a certain period by the scanning signals G1, G2,. In the present embodiment, the pixel electrode data line 14a and the functional element data line 14b are configured and supplied and read out as signals S1, S1 ', S2,.

  Here, when the functional element 18 is provided in place of the pixel electrode 11, the “functional element scanning line” and the “functional element data line” may be wired in accordance with the scanning line 13 a of the pixel electrode 11 and the pixel. The data line 14a of the electrode 11 may be arranged three-dimensionally so as to overlap with the data line 14a of the electrode 11, but only the data line 14b of the functional element 18 has data of the pixel electrode 11 in order not to lengthen the process. It is preferable to use the same scanning line 13 a that is provided independently of the line 14 b and that is the same as the scanning line 13 a that selects the switching element 12 of the pixel electrode 11.

  The capacitance line 13b is a wiring for forming a capacitance with the semiconductor layer 12a, and the image signals S1, S2,... Of a predetermined level written in the liquid crystal layer 40 through the pixel electrode 11 are held for a certain period. In order to prevent the stored image signal from leaking, the storage capacitor is configured.

  The functional element 18 may be any kind of element as long as it is various elements, various members, and various semiconductor circuits having functions different from those of the switching element 12. For example, a sensor (two-dimensional arrangement) such as a touch panel that detects a change in potential held using a display electrode, a photodiode, a pixel feedback circuit, a temperature correction circuit capable of correcting the temperature of each pixel, Examples include various arithmetic circuits, various memory elements, and various imaging elements.

  The planar occupied area of the functional element 18 varies depending on the type of the functional element 18. For example, for a member that increases the occupied area, the planar occupied area is minimized by increasing the thickness of the member. It may be configured to be limited.

  The functional element 18 of the present embodiment is formed of, for example, a sensor, and includes a sensor electrode 18a and a semiconductor layer 19a that is a channel region of the sensor switching element for selecting the sensor electrode 18a. Consists of. In addition, in the region where the sensor electrode 18a is formed, the capacitor line 13b extends.

  The sensor electrode 18a is electrically connected to a semiconductor layer 19a for constituting a sensor switching element through a contact hole 19c. The semiconductor layer 19a for constituting the sensor switching element is electrically connected to the data line 14b through the contact hole 19b. As a result, the data line 14b and the sensor electrode 18a can be conducted through the semiconductor layer 19a for constituting a sensor switching element.

  In the liquid crystal display device 1 having the above-described configuration, the scanning line driving circuit 4 applies the scanning signals G1, G2,... To the switching element 12 via the scanning line 13a, thereby bringing the switching element 12 into a conductive state. By applying the image signals S1, S2,... Having a voltage corresponding to the gradation to the pixel electrode 11 through the data line 14a, an electric field corresponding to the voltage of the image signal is applied to the liquid crystal layer 40. Display is performed.

  On the other hand, the functional element 18 operates by the scanning line 13a and the data line 14b by the drive control of the scanning line driving circuit 4 and the data line driving circuit 3. For example, if the functional element 18 is a sensor, it can be detected.

  Thus, in the planar structure of the liquid crystal display device, as shown in FIG. 2, wiring layers such as the data lines 14, the scanning lines 13a, and the capacitance lines 13b are formed in a grid pattern, and the grids formed by these wiring layers are formed. By disposing the pixel electrode 11 or the functional element 18 in the gap, it is possible to dispose the functional element 18 inside the image display area.

  FIG. 11 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment. The switching element 12 and the pixel electrode 11 are provided in three areas P that contribute to display among the four areas, and the functional element 18 including the sensor electrode 18a is provided in the area O that does not contribute to display. . The scanning line 13 a is connected to the scanning line driving circuit 4, while the data line 14 a is connected to the data line driving circuit 3. Further, the data line 14b electrically connected to the functional element 18 is connected to the detection circuit 51, and a change such as a charge generated in the functional element 18 is read through the data line 14b. Furthermore, a controller 52 connected to the scanning line driving circuit 4, the data line driving circuit 3, and the detection circuit 51 is provided, so that the functional element 18 can not only read data but also write data by the action of the controller 52. It has become.

(Cross-sectional structure of liquid crystal display device)
Next, a cross-sectional structure of the liquid crystal display device will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A is a cross-sectional view along the line DD in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view along the line EE in FIG.

  In the cross-sectional structure of the region where the switching element 12 of the liquid crystal display device is formed, as shown in FIG. 4A, the pixel electrode 11, the switching element 12, the scanning line 12a, the data line 14, and the like are configured. An element substrate 20 which is a TFT array substrate, a counter substrate 30 on which a counter electrode 32 facing the pixel electrode 11 is formed, and a liquid crystal layer 40 filled between the element substrate 20 and the counter substrate 30 are included. It is configured.

  At least one of the pair of substrates is a transparent substrate, and the element substrate 20 is formed of, for example, a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, an Si substrate, or the like, and the other counter substrate 30 is, for example, a glass substrate or a quartz substrate. It is formed of a transparent member such as a substrate. On the element substrate 20, the semiconductor layer 12 a disposed on the element substrate 20, the insulating film 16 including a gate insulating film that insulates the scanning line 13 a and the semiconductor layer 12 a, and the insulating film 16 are spaced apart from each other. The scanning line 13a and the capacitance line 13b formed in this manner, the first interlayer insulating layer 21 formed so as to cover the scanning line 13a, the capacitance line 13b, the insulating film 16, and the element substrate 20, and the first A data line 14 a disposed in a region where the semiconductor layer 12 a is formed on the interlayer insulating layer 21, and a second interlayer formed over a region covering the data line 14 a and the first interlayer insulating layer 21. The insulating layer 22 and the pixel electrode 11 formed on the second interlayer insulating layer 22 are configured.

  In addition, a contact hole 12b penetrating the first interlayer insulating layer 21 and the insulating film 16 is formed to allow electrical connection between the data line 14a and the semiconductor layer 12a. In addition, a contact hole 12c penetrating the second interlayer insulating layer 22, the first interlayer insulating layer 21, and the insulating film 16 is formed to enable electrical connection between the pixel electrode 11 and the semiconductor layer 12a.

  The counter electrode 32 is formed of a transparent conductive thin film such as an ITO film, similar to the pixel electrode 11 of the element substrate 20, and the counter substrate 30 is on the surface of the counter substrate 30 on the liquid crystal layer 40 side and has an element. A region facing the formation region of the data line 14, the scanning line 13 a, and the switching element 12 on the substrate 20, that is, the light shielding layer 33 formed in the non-display region O of each pixel, and the entire surface so as to cover the light shielding layer 33. A counter electrode 32 (common electrode) formed over the entire surface is formed.

  The light shielding layer 33 has functions such as improvement of contrast and prevention of color mixture of color materials, ie, a function as a so-called black matrix. Further, the light shielding layer 33 shields incident light from the counter substrate 30 side, and prevents malfunction due to light intrusion into the channel region, the low concentration source region, and the low concentration drain region of the semiconductor layer 12a of the element substrate 20. Is.

  In the liquid crystal display device 1, an alignment film (not shown) is provided over the entire surface of the element substrate 20 and the counter substrate 30.

  The element substrate 20 and the counter substrate 30 are arranged so that the pixel electrode 11 and the counter electrode 32 face each other, and liquid crystal is sealed in a space surrounded by these substrates, whereby a liquid crystal layer 40 is formed.

  4A is a sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4B is a sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG. 2. In FIG. A pixel electrode is formed. In FIG. 4B, a functional element is formed in a cross section. That is, the cross-sectional structure of the portion where the pixel electrode is formed is different from the cross-sectional structure of the portion where the functional element is formed.

  The functional element 18 is formed by a sensor or the like, for example, and is disposed on the element substrate 20 as shown in FIG. In the region where the functional element 18 is disposed, on the element substrate 20, a semiconductor layer 19a which is a channel region of a transistor for forming a sensor switching element disposed on the element substrate 20, An insulating film 19d including a gate insulating film, a capacitor line 13b formed on the insulating film 19d, and a first interlayer insulating layer formed so as to cover the capacitor line 13b, the insulating film 16, and the element substrate 20 21, a second interlayer insulating layer 22 formed over a region covering the first interlayer insulating layer 21, and a sensor electrode 18 a formed on the second interlayer insulating layer 22. ing.

  Further, a contact hole 19c penetrating through the second interlayer insulating layer 22, the first interlayer insulating layer 21, and the insulating film 19d is formed to allow electrical connection between the sensor electrode 18a and the semiconductor layer 19a. . Thus, by using the semiconductor layer 19a that is a channel region for forming a transistor that constitutes a switching element for a functional element, information can be detected by selecting the sensor electrode 18a of the functional element 18. it can.

  4A, the light shielding layer 32 is formed in the region O where the switching element 12 and the wiring layer are formed, and the light shielding layer 32 is not formed in the region P contributing to the display of the pixel electrode 11. Although the configuration is basic, as shown in FIG. 4B, a light shielding layer 32 may be formed as necessary in a region P ′ where the functional element 18 is disposed.

  In the liquid crystal display device 1 having the planar structure and the cross-sectional structure as described above, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4A, the region P contributing to the display of the pixel electrode 11, the scanning line 13a, and the data line 14a. A wiring layer such as the data line 14b and the capacitor line 13b and a non-display area O that does not contribute to display by the transistor element 12 are formed, and any one of the pixel electrodes 11 constituting the area P that contributes to display is sacrificed. A functional element 18 is provided instead of the pixel electrode 11.

  That is, in the planar structure, the region P contributing to display by the pixel electrode 11 and the region O not contributing to display are formed as shown in FIG. 3, and the region P ′ included in the region O not contributing to display is defined as The functional element 18 is disposed by using it.

  At this time, for example, light incident from the counter substrate 32 is transmitted in the region P and is not transmitted in the regions O and P ′.

  The area P ′ in which the functional element 18 is disposed is also an area that does not contribute to display, but it is assumed that the influence on the display by the functional element 18 can be ignored when viewed in the entire image display area. In such a case, the functional element 18 can be arbitrarily configured regardless of the regions P and O or not limited to those having regularity.

  In this manner, functional elements such as members that have been or have not been able to be disposed in the outer area around the conventional area (for example, functional elements having various functions such as circuits and sensors other than the display function) are displayed as images. Functions other than display can be added using a large area called the area, the image display area and display space can be used effectively, various new functions can be added, and multi-functionality can be achieved. This is advantageous for integration in a liquid crystal display device.

(About manufacturing process)
Next, a manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 (A) and 4 (B).

  First, an element substrate 20 such as a quartz substrate, a hard glass substrate, or a silicon substrate is prepared. Here, preferably, annealing is performed at a high temperature in an inert gas atmosphere, and pretreatment (heat treatment) is performed so that distortion generated in the substrate in a high-temperature process to be performed later is reduced.

  Next, an amorphous silicon film is formed on the element substrate 20 by low pressure CVD in a relatively low temperature environment, and then the amorphous silicon film is annealed in a nitrogen atmosphere to thereby form a polysilicon film. Grow solid until a specific thickness is reached. Thereby, the semiconductor layer 12a of the switching element 12 and the semiconductor layer 19a of the functional element 18 are configured.

  Then, the semiconductor layer 12a constituting the switching element 12 is thermally oxidized at a predetermined temperature to form a thin silicon oxide film, and the high-temperature silicon oxide film or silicon nitride film is relatively thin by a low pressure CVD method or the like. An insulating film 16 having a multilayer structure is formed to a thickness. Here, as a formation method of the semiconductor layer 12a, a polysilicon formation method by laser annealing may be used, or single crystal silicon may be bonded to a substrate. Further, the insulating film 16 may be formed by a method that can be formed at a low temperature by a PECVD method or the like.

  Next, after depositing a polysilicon film by a low pressure CVD method or the like, phosphorus or the like is thermally diffused to make the polysilicon film conductive. Then, the polysilicon film is patterned to form scanning lines 13a and capacitance lines 13b having a predetermined pattern as shown in FIG. Here, instead of the polysilicon film, a metal gate may be used by forming Al, Mo, Ti, Ta, Cr, W, and an alloy thereof by a sputtering method or the like.

  Next, when the switching element 12 is an n-channel TFT having an LDD structure, a gate electrode which becomes a part of the scanning line 13a in order to form a low concentration source region and a low concentration drain region in the semiconductor layer 12a. As a diffusion mask, impurity ions are doped at a low concentration. Thereby, the semiconductor layer 12a under the scanning line 13a becomes a channel region.

  Subsequently, in order to form the high concentration source region and the high concentration drain region constituting the switching element 12, a resist layer is formed on the scanning line 13a with a mask wider than the scanning line 13a, and then the impurity ions are increased. Dope with concentration.

  If the semiconductor layer 12a constituting the switching element 12 is formed of a polysilicon film by repeating these steps, the functional element and other data line driving are performed in substantially the same process when the switching element 12 is formed. Circuits and scanning line driving circuits can be formed, which is advantageous in manufacturing.

  Next, the first interlayer insulating layer 21 made of a silicon oxide film or the like is formed by, for example, normal pressure or low pressure CVD so as to cover the scanning line 13a and the capacitance line 13b in the switching element 12.

  Then, after performing an annealing process to activate the high concentration source region and the high concentration drain region, a contact hole of the data line 14 to the semiconductor layer 12a is formed by etching.

  In addition, contact holes for connecting the scanning lines 13 a and the capacitor lines 13 b to a wiring layer (not shown) are also formed in the first interlayer insulating layer 21. Note that contact holes necessary for wiring to the functional elements 18 are formed in the same manner.

  Next, a metal film is deposited on the first interlayer insulating layer 21 by sputtering or the like with a light-shielding low-resistance metal such as Al, metal silicide, or the like, and further, a metal film is formed by a photolithography process, an etching process, or the like. The data line 14 is formed by patterning the film. Subsequently, a second interlayer insulating layer 22 made of a silicon oxide film or the like is formed by, for example, PECVD so as to cover the data line 14.

  Next, in the switching element 12, a contact hole 12c for electrically connecting the pixel electrode 11 and the high concentration drain region is formed by etching. Further, a transparent conductive thin film such as an ITO film is deposited on the second interlayer insulating layer 22 by sputtering or the like, and this is patterned to form the pixel electrode 11.

  On the other hand, for the counter substrate 30, a glass substrate or the like is first prepared, and the light shielding layer 33 is formed through a photolithography process and an etching process after sputtering metal chromium, for example.

  After that, a counter electrode 32 is formed by depositing a transparent conductive thin film such as ITO on the entire surface of the counter substrate 32 by sputtering or the like. The above manufacturing method is only an example, and it goes without saying that a known low-temperature polysilicon TFT manufacturing process, high-temperature polysilicon TFT manufacturing process, bulk silicon manufacturing process, SOI manufacturing process, and the like can be applied.

  Finally, the element substrate 20 on which the respective layers are formed as described above and the counter substrate 32 are arranged so as to intersect with a predetermined rubbing direction, and are bonded so as to have a predetermined cell thickness, thereby manufacturing an empty panel. Liquid crystal is sealed in a panel to manufacture the liquid crystal display device of this embodiment.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the semiconductor layer 12a of the switching element 12 and the semiconductor layer 19a of the functional element 18 are formed in the same layer. Since it is formed in the same process step, it is not necessary to separately manufacture a functional element and a liquid crystal display device as in the prior art, so that the cost for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device with a built-in functional element is reduced. Can do.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the function different from the switching element is provided inside the image display region provided for display composed of a plurality of pixels constituting the liquid crystal display device, without using external attachment as in the prior art. Therefore, various functions can be built in, and higher functionality and higher integration can be achieved.

  In addition, it is not necessary to separately perform the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device and the manufacturing process of various functional elements as in the prior art, and the process of manufacturing the functional element is included in the process of manufacturing the liquid crystal display device. Since various functional elements can be manufactured in the same process as the process, the manufacturing process can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

2 shows an example of a configuration in which the functional element 18 is arranged using one of the four regions P that contribute to display. In order to realize a liquid crystal display device capable of color display, it is desirable to adopt the configuration shown in FIG. 12 instead of this configuration.
That is, the region P that contributes to display is formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and different color layers of R, G, and B of the color filter are assigned to three adjacent dots. These three dots constitute one pixel capable of color display. Then, a region O that does not contribute to display of an area smaller than the region P that contributes to display is provided below each dot in FIG. 12, and the functional element 18 is disposed in each region O. In this case, a plurality of functional elements having different functions may be arranged.

  As described above, when the functional element 18 such as an image sensor is two-dimensionally arranged in the image display region B, it is desirable to design by changing the area ratio between the region P contributing to display and the region O not contributing to display. . This is because a decrease in aperture ratio can be suppressed, and a decrease in display quality due to the provision of the functional element 18 can be suppressed.

  Alternatively, instead of providing one functional element 18 corresponding to each dot as shown in FIG. 12, one functional element 18 is provided for three dots R, G, and B as shown in FIG. It is good also as a structure which provides.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, the description of the substantially similar configuration of the first embodiment will be simplified, and matters relating to different parts will be mainly described. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment.

  In the above-described first embodiment, the functional element is disposed at the sacrifice of the region where the pixel electrode is formed. However, in this embodiment, the wiring layer or switching is performed without sacrificing the pixel electrode. The case where it arrange | positions so that it may overlap with the said area | region planarly using the area | region where an element is arrange | positioned is disclosed.

  Specifically, in the planar structure of the liquid crystal display device 100, as shown in FIG. 5, wiring layers such as scanning lines 113a, capacitance lines 113b, and data lines 114 are formed in a matrix, and these scanning lines 113a,. By disposing the pixel electrodes 111 at each intersection of the data lines 114, the pixel electrodes 111 are each configured in a matrix.

  Further, a semiconductor layer 112a for forming a transistor constituting the switching element 112 for selecting the pixel electrode 111 so as to overlap with the data line 114 and the scanning line 113a when viewed from above is formed. The functional element 118 is disposed at a position substantially overlapping the wiring layer such as the line 114 and the scanning line 113a or the switching element 112 when viewed from the plane.

  Note that the switching element 112 is electrically connected to the data line 114 and electrically connected to the pixel electrode 111 by using the semiconductor layer 112a.

  In the liquid crystal display device 100 having the above-described configuration, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the region P contributing to display by the pixel electrode 111, the scanning line 113a, the data line 114, and the capacitance line 113b. A non-display area O that does not contribute to display is formed, and functional elements are arranged using the area O that does not contribute to display shown in FIG. Since the region O that does not contribute to the display is a region that does not transmit light originally, the display quality does not deteriorate even if a functional element is provided.

  Further, in the cross-sectional structure of the liquid crystal display device 100, as shown in FIG. 7, the element substrate 120 on which the pixel electrode 111, the switching element 112, the scanning line 113a, the data line 114, and the like are configured, and the functional element 118 are insulated. The counter substrate 130 on which the layer 131, the light shielding layer 133, and the counter electrode 132 are formed, and the liquid crystal layer 140 filled in the element substrate 120 and the counter substrate 130 are configured.

  That is, in the planar configuration of FIG. 5, the functional element 118 is arranged at a position overlapping the wiring layer such as the data line 114 and the scanning line 113a or the switching element 112 when viewed from the plane, but the sectional configuration shown in FIG. In this case, it is formed in a region corresponding to the switching element 112 on the surface of the counter substrate 130 on the liquid crystal layer 140 side.

  The insulating layer 131 is formed so as to cover the functional element 118 and the counter substrate 130, the light shielding layer 133 is formed below the insulating layer 131 in the region corresponding to the switching element 112, and the counter electrode 132 is It is formed so as to cover the light shielding layer 133 and the insulating layer 131. Further, the light shielding layer 133 may be on the counter substrate 130 side, on the counter substrate 130 side and the element substrate 120 side, or on the element substrate 120 side. At this time, incident light may be incident from either the element substrate 120 or the counter substrate 130, but when the light from the counter substrate 130 side is blocked by the light blocking layer 133, the light blocking layer 133 is used as the counter substrate. It is preferable to be disposed on the 130 side. Further, although a wiring layer related to the functional element 118 is omitted, it is preferable to provide the wiring layer on the counter substrate 130 side. Note that the functional element 118 may be formed at a position corresponding to between the light shielding layer 133 and the liquid crystal layer 140.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the region P in which the pixel electrode 111 is formed and contributes to the display includes the wiring width of the data line 114, the scanning line 113a, the capacitor line 113b and the like on the element substrate 120 and the switching element. Although it is restricted by the size of 112, an opening region through which light can pass is formed. That is, the region O between the image electrodes 111 other than the pixel electrode 111 is a non-display region that does not contribute to display.

  And the functional member 118 of this Embodiment is arrange | positioned in any position of the area | region O which does not contribute to such a display. Note that the position where the functional element overlaps may be a configuration in which the functional element overlaps at least one of the scanning line, the capacitor line, the data line, and the switching element in whole or in part.

  Here, in the first embodiment, since the functional elements are arranged in an arbitrary space in the image display area, there may be a problem such as a decrease in the aperture ratio, and the area may become dark as the aperture ratio decreases. is expected.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the functional element is disposed at a position overlapping the wiring layer or the switching element in a plan view that is a region that does not contribute to display, the display quality is deteriorated due to the decrease in the aperture ratio. Cannot occur. This is advantageous when viewing the display in an environment where the transmission window is small, such as a liquid crystal display device used as a display of a portable information terminal such as a PDA or a cellular phone.

  Further, since the functional element is provided in a region overlapping the light shielding layer on the counter substrate side, it can be configured in a region that does not transmit light. Furthermore, since the functional element is provided on the counter substrate side, the element density is low and the yield is improved as compared with the case where the functional element is provided on the element substrate side.

  Furthermore, when the functional element 18 is configured by a temperature correction circuit, for example, the temperature in the actual image display area B can be corrected by providing several temperature correction circuits in the image display area B. it can.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the functional element can be built in the form overlapping the wiring or switching element constituting the liquid crystal display device without using external attachment as in the prior art, so that high integration is achieved. In this case, since the functional element is formed at a position overlapping with the wiring and the switching element, the area contributing to the display of the pixel electrode (opening area) is not hindered. There is no.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 (A) and 8 (B) are plan views showing a third embodiment according to the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the number of functional elements formed in the image display area is configured to be smaller than the number of pixel electrodes is disclosed.

  Specifically, in the planar structure of the liquid crystal display device 200 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, a scanning line 213a, a capacitor line 213b, a pixel electrode data line 214a, and a functional element use line. Wiring layers such as the data lines 214 are formed in a matrix, and the pixel electrodes 211 are arranged at the intersections of the scanning lines 213a and the data lines 214a and 214b, so that the pixel electrodes 211 are configured in a matrix. The

  Further, a semiconductor layer 212a for forming a transistor constituting the switching element 212 for selecting the pixel electrode 211 so as to overlap with the data line 214a, 214b, the scanning line 213a, and the capacitor line 213b when viewed from above is provided. It is formed.

  Further, a functional element 218 is provided between four pixel electrodes 211 adjacent to each other in a region where the data line 214b intersects with the scanning line 213a and the capacitor line 213b.

  In this embodiment mode, the functional element 218 is disposed in the same layer (same plane) as the pixel electrode 211 of the element substrate; therefore, a corresponding portion of the pixel electrode 211 is formed so as to correspond to the shape of the functional element 218. Notched configuration. In the present embodiment, the functional element 218 is arranged using a non-display area that does not contribute to display, in which the functional element data line 214b and the scanning line 213a intersect.

  By configuring in this way, as shown in FIG. 8B, the interval d1 between the functional elements 218 is configured to be wider than the interval d2 between the pixel electrodes 211, so that the density difference, that is, The density of the functional element 218 with respect to the image display area is reduced.

  In this manner, by reducing the number of functional elements 218 provided, the planar occupied area of the functional element 218 is reduced, the hindrance of the area contributing to display in the pixel electrode 211 is reduced, and light is transmitted. A region contributing to display can be formed widely, minimizing the decrease in aperture ratio, and preventing the degradation in display quality.

  In addition, since the functional element and the pixel electrode are formed in substantially the same layer, it can be performed in the same manufacturing process, and the throughput in manufacturing and cost reduction can be achieved. Further, since the number of functional elements is small, the yield is also improved.

In the present embodiment, the case where one functional element is provided for four pixel electrodes has been described as an example, but this distribution is not limited. For example, the configuration may be such that nine functional electrodes are provided for nine image electrodes. This embodiment is suitable when a plurality of functional elements having different functions are provided. In other words, a multi-functional and high-performance liquid crystal display device can be provided by disposing a plurality of functional elements having different functions in the same manner.
Further, the case where the number of functional elements is made smaller than the number of pixel electrodes has been described. However, the number of pixel electrodes may be smaller than the number of functional elements. It is sufficient if the interval is different.

  As a modification, in the case where a region in which the wiring layer and the pixel electrode partially overlap is formed, the aperture ratio is further improved by forming a capacitor line above the scanning line. You can also

  Although the apparatus and method according to the present invention have been described in accordance with some specific embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will recognize the embodiments described in the text of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Various modifications are possible.

  For example, in the second embodiment, the functional element is interposed between the light shielding layer and the counter substrate. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. The protective layer 134 may be formed on the surface M opposite to the side facing 140, and the functional element 136 may be disposed in the protective layer 134 at a position overlapping the light shielding layer 133 and the light shielding layer 135. As the protective layer 134, for example, a nitride film or an oxide film is used.

  Further, the functional element and the wiring layer of the functional element may be provided so as to be laminated on the switching element and the wiring layer on the element substrate.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, in the cross-sectional structure of the liquid crystal display device 400, an element substrate 420 including a switching element 412, a scanning line 413 a, a data line 414, a pixel electrode 411, and the like, and a counter electrode 432. And a liquid crystal layer 440 filled in the element substrate 420 and the counter substrate 430.

  On the element substrate 420, the semiconductor layer 412a for forming a transistor of the switching element 412 for selecting the pixel electrode 411 disposed on the element substrate 420 is insulated from the semiconductor layer 412a and the scanning line 413a. An insulating film 416 including a gate insulating film, a scanning line 413a and a capacitor line 413b formed on the insulating film 416, and the scanning line 413a, the capacitor line 413b, the insulating film 416, and the element substrate 420. The first interlayer insulating layer 421 formed so as to cover the first interlayer insulating layer 421, the second interlayer insulating layer 422 formed over the region covering the first interlayer insulating layer 421, and the semiconductor layer 412a are formed. A data line 414 disposed so as to penetrate the first interlayer insulating layer 421 and the second interlayer insulating layer 422 in the region, and the second interlayer insulating layer A on layer 422, and include a functional element 452 which is formed in contact with the data line 414 in the semiconductor layer 412a is formed in the region O.

  Here, in the functional element 452, a semiconductor layer 452a for forming a transistor constituting a switching element for the functional element formed on the second interlayer insulating layer 422 and the data line 414, and the semiconductor layer 452a. And an insulating film 452b including a gate insulating film for insulating the functional element scanning line 453, and an electrode 455 electrically connected to the functional element semiconductor layer 452a.

  In the element substrate 420, the functional element scanning lines 453 formed on the insulating film 452 b and the scanning lines 453, the insulating film 452 b, and the second interlayer insulating layer 422 are formed to cover the functional lines. The third interlayer insulating layer 423, the functional element data line 454 disposed in the region where the semiconductor layer 452a is formed on the third interlayer insulating layer 423, the data line 454, and the third interlayer insulating layer. A fourth interlayer insulating layer 424 formed so as to open in the formation region of the electrode 455 and a region O in which the semiconductor layer 412a is formed is avoided while being formed over the region covering the layer 423. A pixel electrode 411 formed on the fourth interlayer insulating layer 424 is formed.

  In addition, contact holes that penetrate the second interlayer insulating layer 422, the first interlayer insulating layer 421, and the insulating film 416 are formed, and the electrical connection between the data line 414 and the semiconductor layer 412a and between the data line 414 and the semiconductor layer 452a is formed. Connection is possible. Further, a contact hole penetrating the fourth interlayer insulating layer 424, the third interlayer insulating layer 423, the second interlayer insulating layer 422, the first interlayer insulating layer 421, and the insulating film 412b is formed, and the pixel electrode is formed. 411 and the semiconductor layer 412a can be electrically connected.

  Further, a contact hole penetrating through the third interlayer insulating layer 423 and the insulating film 452b is formed to enable electrical connection between the functional element data line 454 and the functional element semiconductor layer 452a. Furthermore, a contact hole penetrating the third interlayer insulating layer 423 and the insulating film 452b is formed to allow electrical connection between the electrode 455 and the semiconductor layer 452a. That is, the pixel electrode data line 414 for selecting the pixel electrode and the functional element data line 454 are electrically connected, and the input / output terminals are shared. Here, by forming the data line 414 and the semiconductor layer 452a so as not to be electrically connected, a switching element and a functional element for selecting a pixel electrode can be input / output independently.

  Similar to the pixel electrode 411 of the element substrate 420, the counter substrate 430 is formed of a transparent conductive thin film such as an ITO film and constitutes a counter electrode 432 (common electrode) formed over the entire surface.

  In the liquid crystal display device 400 having such a configuration, the scanning line 413a and the data line 414 of the switching element 412 and the scanning line 453 and the data line 454 of the functional element 452 are obtained while exhibiting the same effects as the above-described embodiments. A configuration in which and are arranged in an independent manner can be employed.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case of mainly configuring the case where one type of functional element is provided has been described as an example, but a case where a plurality of different types of functional members are provided as the functional element may be used.

  In each of the above embodiments, the active matrix type liquid crystal is used. However, the active matrix type liquid crystal may not be used. That is, in the case where the pixel electrode crosses the upper and lower substrates like a stripe, as in the passive matrix type in which the column line is on one substrate and the row line is on the other substrate, the column line and the row A configuration may be employed in which the liquid crystal moves during the application period by selecting a line and applying a voltage to each line, and the selection period is reached. In this case, in the image display area B, a functional element having sensor electrodes (functional element electrodes) electrically connected to a plurality of data lines and a plurality of scanning lines intersecting with each other may be arranged. it can. This is a combination of a passive matrix liquid crystal display device and an active matrix functional element.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the liquid crystal driving side is provided in each of the regions surrounded by the plurality of data lines 14a and the plurality of scanning lines 13a and the data lines 14a and the scanning lines 13a intersecting each other. The pixel electrode 11 for driving the liquid crystal is used. On the other hand, the functional element 18 side has a pair of electrodes including a sensor electrode 18a on the element substrate 20 side and an electrode (not shown) on the counter substrate 30 side. Then, the sensor substrate 18 side is selected by the column selection circuit 53 shown in FIG. 14 on the element substrate 20 side, and the row line connected to the row selection circuit 54 in the direction orthogonal to the column side shown in FIG. It is also possible to select an electrode on the counter substrate side at 55 and read out data by the detection circuit 51 in a pixel corresponding to the electrode selected by both.
With this configuration, a combination of an active matrix liquid crystal display device and a passive matrix functional element can be realized. In any combination, if one of them is a passive matrix type, the configuration becomes simple and the cost can be reduced.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16, functional elements are arranged in a region P that contributes to display, the electrode 56 serves as a liquid crystal driving electrode and a functional element electrode, and the switching element 57 applies a voltage to the liquid crystal driving electrode. The switching element for applying and the functional element may also serve as a switching element for writing and reading data. In this case, a detection circuit 51 and a controller 52 for controlling the detection circuit 51 are required for the data line driving circuit 3.

  Further, on the element substrate of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 1, instead of providing the quality, defects and scanning line driving circuit of the liquid crystal display device on the element substrate in the course of manufacturing or shipping, for example, TAB (Tape Automated Bonding) is used. It may be electrically and mechanically connected to the driving LSI mounted on the substrate via an anisotropic conductive film provided on the periphery of the element substrate.

  In addition, on the side on which the projection light of the counter substrate is incident and the side on which the emission light of the element substrate is emitted, for example, an operation mode such as a TN (Twisted Nematic) mode or a normally white mode / normally black mode According to another, a polarizing film, a retardation film, a polarizing means, etc. may be arranged in a predetermined direction.

  Further, the liquid crystal display device is not limited to a transmissive liquid crystal display device, and may be a reflective liquid crystal display device or a hybrid liquid crystal display device having both. At this time, the liquid crystal display device in the embodiment is preferably applied to an electronic device such as a portable information terminal. In that case, an electronic device having excellent display quality and various functions such as a touch key can be realized.

  Further, a microlens may be formed on the counter substrate so as to correspond to one pixel. In this way, a bright liquid crystal display device can be realized by improving the collection efficiency of incident light. Furthermore, a dichroic filter that creates RGB colors by using interference of light may be formed by depositing several layers of interference layers having different refractive indexes on the counter substrate. According to this counter substrate with a dichroic filter, a brighter color liquid crystal display device can be realized.

  In addition, as a switching element provided in each pixel, a positive stagger type or coplanar type polysilicon TFT, a reverse stagger type TFT, an amorphous silicon TFT, an SOI-MOSFET, or other types of TFT, a bulk silicon MOSFET, a bipolar, etc. The embodiments are also effective for transistors and the like.

  Furthermore, the above embodiment includes various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. That is, it goes without saying that examples include combinations of the above-described embodiments or any one of them and any of the respective modifications. Moreover, the structure by which some structural requirements were deleted from all the structural requirements shown by embodiment may be sufficient. For example, in the above description, the electro-optical device has been described as a liquid crystal device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and electroluminescence (EL), a digital micromirror device (DMD), or plasma emission. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to an electro-optical device using various electro-optical elements using fluorescence or the like caused by electron emission, and an electronic apparatus including the electro-optical device.

  The above description discloses only one example of the embodiment of the present invention, and can be appropriately modified and / or changed within a predetermined range. However, each embodiment is illustrative. , Not limiting.

It is a schematic perspective view which shows an example of the schematic structure of the whole liquid crystal display device which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the one part area | region of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the area | region which contributes to a display, and the non-display area | region which does not contribute to a display among the planar structures of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 2A is a sectional view showing a DD section of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 2, and FIG. 2B is a sectional view showing a section EE of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. It is a top view which shows an example of a structure of the liquid crystal display device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a region contributing to display and a non-display region not contributing to display in the planar structure of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an FF cross section of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. 5. FIGS. 4A and 4B are plan views showing an example of the configuration of a liquid crystal display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure of the liquid crystal display device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure of the liquid crystal display device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. 1 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a liquid crystal display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a modification of arrangement | positioning of the functional element of the liquid crystal display device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. This is another modification. It is an equivalent circuit diagram which shows an example of the liquid crystal display device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid crystal display device. It is an equivalent circuit diagram which shows an example of the liquid crystal display device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Liquid crystal display device, 10 ... Pixel, 12 ... Switching element (drive element), 18 ... Functional element

Claims (27)

A liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and a drive element for driving the pixels,
A liquid crystal display device, wherein a functional element having a function different from the function of the driving element is arranged in a region provided for display composed of the plurality of pixels. A liquid crystal display device having a region for display comprising a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, a driving element for driving the pixels, and a wiring layer for signals for driving the pixels,
A liquid crystal display device, wherein a functional element having a function different from the function of the driving element is disposed in a region provided for the display and overlapping the driving element or the wiring layer.   The said functional element is arrange | positioned on the other board | substrate facing the one board | substrate with which the said drive element and the said wiring layer are formed among a pair of board | substrates with which a liquid crystal is pinched | interposed. Liquid crystal display device. The other substrate has a light shielding layer disposed at a position facing the driving element,
The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3, wherein the functional element is interposed between the light shielding layer and the other substrate. The other substrate has a light shielding layer disposed at a position facing the driving element,
The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3, wherein the functional element is formed on a side of the light shielding layer facing the liquid crystal.   The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3, wherein the functional element is formed on a surface of the other substrate opposite to a side facing the liquid crystal.   The liquid crystal display device according to claim 2, wherein the functional element is disposed on one substrate on which the driving element and the wiring layer are formed, out of a pair of substrates on which liquid crystal is sandwiched. A liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixels in which each pixel is arranged in a matrix at predetermined intervals, and a driving element for driving the pixels,
While providing a plurality of functional elements having a function different from the function of the drive element in the same plane as the plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix,
A liquid crystal display device characterized in that an interval between the plurality of functional elements is different from an interval between pixels arranged in a matrix.   The liquid crystal display device according to claim 8, wherein the interval between the functional elements is widened. A liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixels in which each pixel is arranged in a matrix at predetermined intervals, and a driving element for driving the pixels,
While providing a plurality of functional elements having a function different from the function of the drive element in the same plane as the plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix,
The interval between the plurality of functional elements having the first function is made different from the interval between the pixels arranged in the matrix, and the first functional element is not overlapped with the plurality of functional elements having the first function. 2. A liquid crystal display device, wherein a distance between a plurality of functional elements having a function different from the function of one is different from a distance between pixels arranged in a matrix. A liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and a drive element for driving the pixels,
While providing a plurality of functional elements having a function different from the function of the drive element in the same plane as the plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix,
A liquid crystal display device, wherein the area of the pixel and the area of the functional element are different.   The liquid crystal display device according to claim 11, wherein an area of the pixel is increased. The wiring layer includes a plurality of data lines and a plurality of scanning lines that intersect with each other, and includes pixel electrodes for driving liquid crystal provided in regions surrounded by the data lines and the scanning lines, respectively.
3. The functional element according to claim 2, wherein the functional element has a pair of electrodes, and the pair of electrodes are provided on each of the pair of substrates between which the liquid crystal is sandwiched so as to cross each other in a plane. The liquid crystal display device described. A liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, a plurality of scan electrodes for driving liquid crystal, and a plurality of data electrodes intersecting the plurality of scan electrodes in a plane,
A liquid crystal display device comprising a functional element having functional element electrodes electrically connected to a plurality of data lines and a plurality of scanning lines intersecting each other in a region provided for display. A liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix,
A liquid crystal display device, wherein a functional element having a functional element electrode is disposed in a region for display comprising the plurality of pixels, and the liquid crystal driving electrode also serves as the functional element electrode.   The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the functional element includes a plurality of types of functional members. An electro-optical device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and a driving element for driving the pixels,
An electro-optical device, wherein a functional element having a function different from the function of the driving element is arranged in an area provided for display composed of the plurality of pixels. An electro-optical device having a region for display comprising a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, a driving element for driving the pixels, and a wiring layer for signals for driving the pixels,
An electro-optical device, wherein a functional element having a function different from the function of the driving element is arranged in a region provided for the display and overlapping with the driving element or the wiring layer. An electro-optical device having a plurality of pixels in which each pixel is arranged in a matrix at predetermined intervals, and a drive element that drives the pixels,
While providing a plurality of functional elements having a function different from the function of the drive element in the same plane as the plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix,
An electro-optical device characterized in that an interval between the plurality of functional elements is different from an interval between the pixels arranged in the matrix. An electro-optical device having a plurality of pixels in which each pixel is arranged in a matrix at predetermined intervals, and a drive element that drives the pixels,
While providing a plurality of functional elements having a function different from the function of the drive element in the same plane as the plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix,
The interval between the plurality of functional elements having the first function is made different from the interval between the pixels arranged in the matrix, and the first functional element is not overlapped with the plurality of functional elements having the first function. 2. An electro-optical device, wherein an interval between a plurality of functional elements having a function different from one function is different from an interval between pixels arranged in a matrix. An electro-optical device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and a driving element for driving the pixels,
While providing a plurality of functional elements having a function different from the function of the drive element in the same plane as the plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix,
An electro-optical device, wherein an area of the pixel is different from an area of the functional element. A method of manufacturing an electro-optical device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and a driving element for driving the pixels,
A method of manufacturing an electro-optical device, wherein a functional element having a function different from the function of the driving element is formed in an area provided for display composed of the plurality of pixels. A method for manufacturing an electro-optical device having a region for display comprising a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, a driving element for driving the pixels, and a wiring layer for signals for driving the pixels. ,
An electro-optical device comprising: a functional element having a function different from the function of the drive element in a position overlapping the drive element or the wiring layer in an area provided for the display. Production method. A method of manufacturing an electro-optical device having a plurality of pixels in which each pixel is arranged in a matrix at predetermined intervals, and a drive element for driving the pixels,
While forming a plurality of functional elements having a function different from the function of the drive element in the same plane as the plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix,
A method for manufacturing an electro-optical device, characterized in that an interval between the plurality of functional elements is different from an interval between pixels arranged in a matrix. A method of manufacturing an electro-optical device having a plurality of pixels in which each pixel is arranged in a matrix at predetermined intervals, and a drive element for driving the pixels,
While forming a plurality of functional elements having a function different from the function of the drive element in the same plane as the plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix,
The interval between the plurality of functional elements having the first function is made different from the interval between the pixels arranged in the matrix, and the first functional element is not overlapped with the plurality of functional elements having the first function. An electro-optical device manufacturing method, wherein an interval between a plurality of functional elements having a function different from one function is different from an interval between pixels arranged in a matrix. A method of manufacturing an electro-optical device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and a driving element for driving the pixels,
While providing a plurality of functional elements having a function different from the function of the drive element in the same plane as the plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix,
An electro-optical device manufacturing method, wherein an area of the pixel is different from an area of the functional element.   An electronic apparatus comprising the electro-optical device according to any one of claims 17 to 21.

Images