Transflective LCD device with enhanced light transmittance
First Claim
1. An LCD substrate assembly, comprising:
- a generally planar array panel having a pixel area, wherein the pixel area is divided by a boundary line into a transmissive area and a reflective area having a reflective film disposed therein; and
, a generally planar optical path modifier disposed below the array panel and comprising a first lens portion corresponding in size and planar position to the pixel reflective area, wherein the first lens portion has an optical axis that extends vertically through the midpoint of the boundary line between the pixel transmissive and reflective areas above, and a refractive index that decreases with increasing radial distance from the optical axis thereof.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A substrate assembly for a transflective LCD device includes an array panel and an optical path modifier disposed below the array panel. The array panel includes pixel areas that are each divided into reflective and transmissive areas by a reflective film formed therein. The optical path modifier includes first lens portions that correspond to the pixel reflective areas. Each first lens portion has a refractive index that decreases with increasing radial distance from an optical axis extending vertically through the midpoint of a boundary line between the corresponding pixel reflective and transmissive areas above it. Accordingly, light passing through the first lens portions is refracted through the corresponding pixel transmissive areas above. The display device also includes a backlight assembly for providing light to the display panel. The optical path modifier increases the light transmittance of the display device and the brightness of the images that it produces.
18 Citations
21 Claims
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1. An LCD substrate assembly, comprising:
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a generally planar array panel having a pixel area, wherein the pixel area is divided by a boundary line into a transmissive area and a reflective area having a reflective film disposed therein; and
,a generally planar optical path modifier disposed below the array panel and comprising a first lens portion corresponding in size and planar position to the pixel reflective area, wherein the first lens portion has an optical axis that extends vertically through the midpoint of the boundary line between the pixel transmissive and reflective areas above, and a refractive index that decreases with increasing radial distance from the optical axis thereof. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An LCD substrate assembly, comprising:
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a substrate having a plurality of pixel areas;
a thin film transistor formed in each of the pixel areas;
a transparent electrode located in each of the pixel areas and arranged to receive a data signal from an associated one of the thin film transistors;
a reflective film formed on a portion of an associated one of the transparent electrodes and having an opening exposing a portion of the associated transparent electrode; and
,a generally planar optical path modifier disposed below the substrate and having adjacent first and second lens portions associated with each of the pixel areas, wherein each of the first lens portions has a respective refractive index that decreases with increasing distance from a boundary line between the first and the adjacent second lens portion. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. A display device, comprising:
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a display panel including multiple pairs of adjacent reflective and transmissive areas and configured to display images;
a generally planar backlight assembly disposed below the display panel and configured to transmit light through the display panel; and
,a generally planar optical path modifier interposed between the display panel and the backlight assembly and including first lens portions, each associated with a respective pair of the adjacent reflective and transmissive areas of the display panel and corresponding in size and planar position to the reflective area thereof, wherein each of the first lens portions has an optical axis extending vertically through the midpoint of a boundary line between the reflective and transmissive areas of the associated pair thereof and a refractive index that decreases with increasing radial distance from the optical axis. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification