Liquid crystal apparatus

Claim 2

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal; and b) a driving means including a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal two or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 3

An apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein said first drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 4 or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning.

Claim 4

An apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein said first drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 5 - 20 scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning.

Claim 5

An apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein said first drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes N scanning electrodes apart (N is an integer of 2, 3, 4, ...) in one vertical scanning, and one picture scanning is effected in (N+1) times of vertical scanning.

Claim 6

An apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein said scanning selection signal is a signal having a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a scanning electrode to which the scanning selection signal is not being applied.

Claim 7

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal; and b) a driving means including a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal two or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning, and so that the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to each other in at least two consecutive times of vertical scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 8

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal; and b) a driving means including a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal two or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning, and so that the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to each other in at least two consecutive times of vertical scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 9

An apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein said first drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 4 or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning.

Claim 10

An apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein said first drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 5 - 20 scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning.

Claim 11

An apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein said first drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes N scanning electrodes apart (N is an integer of 2, 3, 4, ...) in one vertical scanning, and one picture scanning is effected in (N+1) times of vertical scanning.

Claim 12

An apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein said scanning selection signal is a signal having a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a scanning electrode to which the scanning selection signal is not being applied.

Claim 13

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal, at least one type of said scanning electrodes and data electrodes being formed in at least two different electrode widths; and b) a driving means including a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal two or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 14

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal, at least one type of said scanning electrodes and data electrodes being formed in at least two different electrode widths; and b) a driving means including a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal two or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 15

An apparatus according to Claim 11, wherein said first drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 4 or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning.

Claim 16

An apparatus according to Claim 11, wherein said at least two different electrode widths provide width ratios of 1:2:4: ... :2 n-1 wherein n is an integer equal to said at least two.

Claim 17

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal, at least one type of said scanning electrodes and data electrodes being formed in at least two different electrode widths; and b) a driving means including a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal two or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning, and so that the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to each other in at least two consecutive times of vertical scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 18

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal, at least one type of said scanning electrodes and data electrodes being formed in at least two different electrode widths; and b) a driving means including a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal two or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning, and so that the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to each other in at least two consecutive times of vertical scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 19

An apparatus according to Claim 14, wherein said first drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 4 or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning.

Claim 20

An apparatus according to Claim 14, wherein said first drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 5 - 20 scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning.

Claim 21

An apparatus according to Claim 14, wherein said first drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes N scanning electrodes apart (N is an integer of 2, 3, 4, ...) in one vertical scanning, and one picture scanning is effected in (N+1) times of vertical scanning.

Claim 22

An apparatus according to Claim 14, wherein said scanning selection signal is a signal having a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a scanning electrode to which the scanning selection signal is not being applied.

Claim 23

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal, and b) a driving means including a scanning drive means and a data drive means; said scanning drive means including: (i) means for applying to the scanning electrodes a first scanning selection signal and a second scanning selection signal having mutually different voltage waveforms in one vertical scanning period, and (ii) means for selecting scanning electrodes N scanning electrodes apart in a first vertical scanning period and selecting scanning electrodes not selected in the first vertical scanning period N scanning electrodes apart (N is an integer such as 1, 2, 3, ...) in a second vertical scanning period so that each scanning electrode is supplied with the first and second scanning selection signals in a frame period including at least the first and second vertical scanning periods; said data drive means being a means for applying data signals in synchronism with the scanning selection signals.

Claim 24

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal, and b) a driving means including a scanning drive means and a data drive means; said scanning drive means including: (i) means for applying to the scanning electrodes a first scanning selection signal and a second scanning selection signal having mutually different voltage waveforms in one vertical scanning period, and (ii) means for selecting scanning electrodes N scanning electrodes apart in a first vertical scanning period and selecting scanning electrodes not selected in the first vertical scanning period N scanning electrodes apart (N is an integer such as 1, 2, 3, ...) in a second vertical scanning period so that each scanning electrode is supplied with the first and second scanning selection signals in a frame period including at least the first and second vertical scanning periods; said data drive means being a means for applying data signals in synchronism with the scanning selection signals.

Claim 25

An apparatus according to Claim 19, wherein the scanning electrodes are selected N scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning period, and said frame period comprises (N+1) vertical scanning periods.

Claim 26

An apparatus according to Claim 19, wherein said fist and second scanning selection signals respectively comprise a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, and said first and second scanning selection signals are of mutually opposite polarity voltages in their corresponding phases.

Claim 27

An apparatus according to Claim 19, wherein said first and second scanning selection signals respectively comprise a voltage of one polarity, a voltage of the other polarity and a zero voltage respectively with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, and the polarity voltages of said first and second scanning selection signals are of mutually opposite polarities in their corresponding phases.

Claim 28

An apparatus according to Claim 19, wherein said first and second scanning selection signals respectively comprise a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity in a first phase and a second phase, respectively, with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, and the voltage in said first and second phases have mutually different pulse durations.

Claim 29

An apparatus according to Claim 23, wherein the pulse duration in the first phase is twice the pulse duration in the second phase.

Claim 30

An apparatus according to Claim 19, wherein a pixel is formed at each intersection of the scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and the ferroelectric liquid crystal is disposed between the scanning electrodes and data electrodes.

Claim 31

An apparatus according to Claim 25, wherein said ferroelectric liquid crystal is a chiral smectic liquid crystal.

Claim 32

An apparatus according to Claim 26, wherein said chiral smectic liquid crystal is disposed in a layer thin enough to release into own helical structure.

Claim 33

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal; and b) a driving means including a scanning drive means and a data drive means; said scanning drive means including (i) means for applying a first scanning selection signal to a (4n-3)th scanning electrode, a second scanning selection signal different from the first scanning selection signal to a (4n-1)th scanning electrode, and a scanning non-selection signal to (4n-2)th and (4n)th scanning electrodes in a (4M-3)th field period, (ii) means for applying the first scanning selection signal to the (4n-2)th scanning electrode, the second scanning selection signal to the (4n)th scanning electrode, and the scanning non-selection signal to the (4n-3)th and (4n-1)th scanning electrodes in a (4M-2)th field period, (iii) means for applying the second scanning selection signal to the (4n-3)th scanning electrode, the first scanning selection signal to the (4n-1)th scanning electrode, and the scanning non-selection signal to the (4n-2)th and (4n)th scanning electrodes in a (4M-1)th field period, and (iv) means for applying the second scanning selection signal to the (4n-3)th scanning electrode, the first scanning selection signal to the (4n-1)th scanning electrode, and the scanning non-selection signal to the (4n-2)th and (4n)th scanning electrodes in a (4M)th field period, wherein M and n are integers of 1, 2, 3, ...; said data drive means including means for applying data signals in synchronism with the scanning selection signals.

Claim 34

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal; and b) a driving means including a scanning drive means and a data drive means; said scanning drive means including (i) means for applying a first scanning selection signal to a (4n-3)th scanning electrode, a second scanning selection signal different from the first scanning selection signal to a (4n-1)th scanning electrode, and a scanning non-selection signal to (4n-2)th and (4n)th scanning electrodes in a (4M-3)th field period, (ii) means for applying the first scanning selection signal to the (4n-2)th scanning electrode, the second scanning selection signal to the (4n)th scanning electrode, and the scanning non-selection signal to the (4n-3)th and (4n-1)th scanning electrodes in a (4M-2)th field period, (iii) means for applying the second scanning selection signal to the (4n-3)th scanning electrode, the first scanning selection signal to the (4n-1)th scanning electrode, and the scanning non-selection signal to the (4n-2)th and (4n)th scanning electrodes in a (4M-1)th field period, and (iv) means for applying the second scanning selection signal to the (4n-3)th scanning electrode, the first scanning selection signal to the (4n-1)th scanning electrode, and the scanning non-selection signal to the (4n-2)th and (4n)th scanning electrodes in a (4M)th field period, wherein M and n are integers of 1, 2, 3, ...; said data drive means including means for applying data signals in synchronism with the scanning selection signals.

Claim 35

An apparatus according to Claim 28, wherein said first and second scanning selection signals respectively comprise a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, and said first and second scanning selection signals are of mutually opposite polarity voltages in their corresponding phases.

Claim 36

An apparatus according to Claim 28, wherein said first and second scanning selection signals respectively comprise a voltage of one polarity, a voltage of the other polarity and a zero voltage respectively with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, and the polarity voltages of said first and second scanning selection signals are of mutually opposite polarities in their corresponding phases.

Claim 37

An apparatus according to Claim 28, wherein said first and second scanning selection signals respectively comprise a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity in a first phase and a second phase, respectively, with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, and the voltages in said first and second phases have mutually different pulse durations.

Claim 38

An apparatus according to Claim 31, wherein the pulse duration in the first phase is twice the pulse duration in the second phase.

Claim 39

An apparatus according to Claim 28, wherein a pixel is formed at each intersection of the scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and the ferroelectric liquid crystal is disposed between the scanning electrodes and data electrodes.

Claim 40

An apparatus according to Claim 33, wherein said ferroelectric liquid crystal is a chiral smectic liquid crystal.

Claim 41

An apparatus according to Claim 34, wherein said chiral smectic liquid crystal is disposed in a layer thin enough to release its own helical structure.

Claim 42

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal; and b) a driving means including a scanning drive means and a data drive means; said scanning drive means including (i) means for applying a first scanning selection signal to a (4n-3)th scanning electrode, a second scanning selection signal different from the first scanning selection signal to a (4n-1)th scanning electrode, and a scanning non-selection signal to (4n-2)th and (4n)th scanning electrodes in a (4M-3)th field period, (ii) means for applying the second scanning selection signal to the (4n-2)th scanning electrode, the first scanning selection signal to the (4n)th scanning electrode, and the scanning non-selection signal to the (4n-3)th and (4n-1)th scanning electrodes in a (4M-2)th field period, (iii) means for applying the second scanning selection signal to the (4n-3)th scanning electrode, the first scanning selection signal to the (4n-1)th scanning electrode, and the scanning non selection signal to the (4n-2)th and (4n)th scanning electrodes in a (4M-1)th field period, and (iv) means for applying the first scanning selection signal to the (4n-3)th scanning electrode, the second scanning selection signal to the (4n-1)th scanning electrode, and the scanning non-selection signal to the (4n-2)th and (4n)th scanning electrodes in a (4M)th field period, wherein M and n are integers of 1, 2, 3, ...; said data drive means including means for applying data signals in synchronism with the scanning selection signals.

Claim 43

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal; and b) a driving means including a scanning drive means and a data drive means; said scanning drive means including (i) means for applying a first scanning selection signal to a (4n-3)th scanning electrode, a second scanning selection signal different from the first scanning selection signal to a (4n-1)th scanning electrode, and a scanning non-selection signal to (4n-2)th and (4n)th scanning electrodes in a (4M-3)th field period, (ii) means for applying the second scanning selection signal to the (4n-2)th scanning electrode, the first scanning selection signal to the (4n)th scanning electrode, and the scanning non-selection signal to the (4n-3)th and (4n-1)th scanning electrodes in a (4M-2)th field period, (iii) means for applying the second scanning selection signal to the (4n-3)th scanning electrode, the first scanning selection signal to the (4n-1)th scanning electrode, and the scanning non selection signal to the (4n-2)th and (4n)th scanning electrodes in a (4M-1)th field period, and (iv) means for applying the first scanning selection signal to the (4n-3)th scanning electrode, the second scanning selection signal to the (4n-1)th scanning electrode, and the scanning non-selection signal to the (4n-2)th and (4n)th scanning electrodes in a (4M)th field period, wherein M and n are integers of 1, 2, 3, ...; said data drive means including means for applying data signals in synchronism with the scanning selection signals.

Claim 44

An apparatus according to Claim 36, wherein said first and second scanning selection signals respectively comprise a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, and said first and second scanning selection signals are of mutually opposite polarity voltages in their corresponding phases.

Claim 45

An apparatus according to Claim 36, wherein said first and second scanning selection signals respectively comprise a voltage of one polarity, a voltage of the other polarity and a zero voltage respectively with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, and the polarity voltages of said first and second scanning selection signals are of mutually opposite polarities in their corresponding phases.

Claim 46

An apparatus according to Claim 38, wherein said first and second scanning selection signals respectively comprise a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity in a first phase and a second phase, respectively, with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, and the voltages in said first and second phases have mutually different pulse duration.

Claim 47

An apparatus according to Claim 39, wherein the pulse duration in the first phase is twice the pulse duration in the second phase.

Claim 48

An apparatus according to Claim 38, wherein a pixel is formed at each intersection of the scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and the ferroelectric liquid crystal is disposed between the scanning electrodes and data electrodes.

Claim 49

An apparatus according to Claim 36, wherein said ferroelectric liquid crystal is a chiral smectic liquid crystal.

Claim 50

An apparatus according to Claim 42, wherein said chiral smectic liquid crystal is disposed in a layer thin enough to release its own helical structure.

Claim 51

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes an data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal; and b) a driving means including: a first means for selecting at least one scanning electrode and applying to the selected at least one scanning electrode a scanning selection signal which comprises a pulse of one polarity and a pulse of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, said pulses of one and the other polarities having mutually different pulse durations, and a second means for applying data signals to the data electrode, each data signal comprising a pulse of one polarity and a pulse of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, the pulses of one and the other polarities having mutually different pulse durations, a pulse having the largest pulse duration of the pulses being synchronized with the pulse at the last phase of the scanning selection signal.

Claim 52

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes an data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal; and b) a driving means including: a first means for selecting at least one scanning electrode and applying to the selected at least one scanning electrode a scanning selection signal which comprises a pulse of one polarity and a pulse of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, said pulses of one and the other polarities having mutually different pulse durations, and a second means for applying data signals to the data electrode, each data signal comprising a pulse of one polarity and a pulse of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, the pulses of one and the other polarities having mutually different pulse durations, a pulse having the largest pulse duration of the pulses being synchronized with the pulse at the last phase of the scanning selection signal.

Claim 53

An apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein said data signals comprise a first data signal and a second data signal having a pulse of one polarity and a pulse of the other polarity, respectively, with respect to the voltage level of a non selected scanning electrode, the pulses of one and the other polarities being synchronized with the pulse at the last phase of the scanning selection signal.

Claim 54

An apparatus according to Claim 44, wherein said data signals have a pulse of a shorter duration than the pulse having the largest duration before or after the pulse having the largest duration.

Claim 55

An apparatus according to Claim 44, wherein said data signals have a pulse of a shorter duration than the pulse having the largest duration before and after the pulse having the largest duration.

Claim 56

An apparatus according to Claim 46 or 47, wherein the largest pulse duration is at least twice said shorter duration.

Claim 57

An apparatus according to Claim 46 or 47, wherein the largest pulse duration is twice said shorter duration.

Claim 58

An apparatus according to Claim 44, wherein during the application period of the scanning selection signal, the data signals have a period for applying a voltage at the same level as that of a non-selected scanning electrode.

Claim 59

An apparatus according to Claim 44, wherein said scanning selection signal is periodically and repeatedly applied to the scanning electrodes.

Claim 60

An apparatus according to Claim 44, wherein in the application period of the first pulse of the scanning selection signal applied to a selected scanning electrode, a voltage exceeding a threshold voltage of the ferroelectric liquid crystal is applied to the intersections of the selected scanning electrode and all or a prescribed part of the data electrodes.

Claim 61

An apparatus according to Claim 44, wherein said scanning selection signal has a period for applying a voltage at the same level as that of a non-­selected scanning electrode.

Claim 62

An apparatus according to Claim 52, wherein the first pulse of the scanning selection signal has a larger duration than the last pulse.

Claim 63

An apparatus according to Claim 52, wherein the first pulse of the scanning selection signal has a smaller duration than the last pulse.

Claim 64

An apparatus according to Claim 44, wherein the pixels on the selected scanning electrode are erased into a black state in synchronism with the first pulse of the scanning selection signal.

Claim 65

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal; and b) a driving means including: a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal two or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning, said scanning selection signal comprising a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-­selected scanning electrode; and a second drive means for applying to all or a prescribed part of the data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage for causing one orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with said former voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode among said all or a prescribed part of the data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage for causing the other orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal and to the other data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage not changing the previous state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal, respectively, in combination with the latter voltage of the other polarity.

Claim 66

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal; and b) a driving means including: a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal two or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning, said scanning selection signal comprising a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-­selected scanning electrode; and a second drive means for applying to all or a prescribed part of the data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage for causing one orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with said former voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode among said all or a prescribed part of the data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage for causing the other orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal and to the other data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage not changing the previous state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal, respectively, in combination with the latter voltage of the other polarity.

Claim 67

An apparatus according to Claim 57, wherein said first drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 4 or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning.

Claim 68

An apparatus according to Claim 57, wherein said first drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 5 - 20 scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning.

Claim 69

An apparatus according to Claim 57, wherein said first drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes N scanning electrodes apart (N is an integer of 2, 3, 4, ...) in one vertical scanning, and one picture scanning is effected in (N+1) times of vertical scanning.

Claim 70

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal; and b) a driving means including a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal two or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning, and so that the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to each other in at least two consecutive times of vertical scanning, said scanning selection signal comprising a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of he other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode; and a second drive means for applying to all or a prescribed part of the data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage for causing one orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with said former voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode among said all or a prescribed part of the data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage for causing the other orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal and to the other data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage not changing the previous state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal, respectively, in combination with the latter voltage of the other polarity.

Claim 71

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal; and b) a driving means including a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal two or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning, and so that the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to each other in at least two consecutive times of vertical scanning, said scanning selection signal comprising a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of he other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode; and a second drive means for applying to all or a prescribed part of the data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage for causing one orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with said former voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode among said all or a prescribed part of the data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage for causing the other orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal and to the other data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage not changing the previous state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal, respectively, in combination with the latter voltage of the other polarity.

Claim 72

An apparatus according to Claim 61, wherein said first drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 4 or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning.

Claim 73

An apparatus according to Claim 61, wherein said first drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 5 - 20 scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning.

Claim 74

An apparatus according to Claim 61, wherein said first drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes N scanning electrodes apart (N is an integer of 2, 3, 4, ...) in one vertical scanning, and one picture scanning is effected in (N+1) times of vertical scanning.

Claim 75

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal; b) a driving means including: a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal two or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning, said scanning selection signal comprising a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-­selected scanning electrode; and a second drive means for applying to all or a prescribed part of the data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage for causing one orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with said former voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode among said all or a prescribed part of the data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage for causing the other orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal and to the other data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage not changing the previous state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal, respectively, in combination with the latter voltage of the other polarity; and c) polarizing means having polarization axes crossing each other which are so disposed that a dark optical state is formed when the ferroelectric liquid crystal is oriented to said one orientation state thereof.

Claim 76

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal; b) a driving means including: a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal two or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning, said scanning selection signal comprising a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-­selected scanning electrode; and a second drive means for applying to all or a prescribed part of the data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage for causing one orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with said former voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode among said all or a prescribed part of the data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage for causing the other orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal and to the other data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage not changing the previous state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal, respectively, in combination with the latter voltage of the other polarity; and c) polarizing means having polarization axes crossing each other which are so disposed that a dark optical state is formed when the ferroelectric liquid crystal is oriented to said one orientation state thereof.

Claim 77

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal, b) a driving means including a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal two or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals in synchronism with the scanning selection signal, and so that the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrode which are not adjacent to each other in at least two consecutive times of vertical scanning, said scanning selection signal comprising a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode; and a second drive means for applying to all or a prescribed part of the data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage for causing one orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with said former voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode among said all or a prescribed part of the data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage for causing the other orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal and to the other data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage not changing the previous state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal, respectively, in combination with the latter voltage of the other polarity; and c) polarizing means having polarization axes crossing each other which are so disposed that a dark optical state is formed when the ferroelectric liquid crystal is oriented to said one orientation state thereof.

Claim 78

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal, b) a driving means including a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal two or more scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals in synchronism with the scanning selection signal, and so that the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrode which are not adjacent to each other in at least two consecutive times of vertical scanning, said scanning selection signal comprising a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode; and a second drive means for applying to all or a prescribed part of the data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage for causing one orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with said former voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode among said all or a prescribed part of the data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage for causing the other orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal and to the other data electrodes a voltage signal providing a voltage not changing the previous state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal, respectively, in combination with the latter voltage of the other polarity; and c) polarizing means having polarization axes crossing each other which are so disposed that a dark optical state is formed when the ferroelectric liquid crystal is oriented to said one orientation state thereof.

Claim 79

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal, and b) a driving means including a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to effect a picture scanning so that any pair of scanning electrodes which are consecutively supplied with the scanning selection signal are not adjacent to each other.

Claim 80

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal, and b) a driving means including a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to effect a picture scanning so that any pair of scanning electrodes which are consecutively supplied with the scanning selection signal are not adjacent to each other.

Claim 81

An apparatus according to Claim 67, wherein said scanning selection signal is a signal having a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a scanning electrode to which the scanning selection signal is not being applied.

Claim 82

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal, at least one type of said scanning electrodes and data electrodes being formed in at least two different electrode widths; and b) a driving means including a first drive means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to effect a picture scanning so that any pair of scanning electrodes which are consecutively supplied with the scanning selection signal are not adjacent to each other.

Claim 83

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal, at least one type of said scanning electrodes and data electrodes being formed in at least two different electrode widths; and b) a driving means including a first drive means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to effect a picture scanning so that any pair of scanning electrodes which are consecutively supplied with the scanning selection signal are not adjacent to each other.

Claim 84

An apparatus according to Claim 69, wherein said scanning selection signal is a signal having a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a scanning electrode to which the scanning selection signal is not being applied.