EP0588568A2 — A liquid crystal display device

Claim 1

Independent Claim 242 words

Aliquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixel elements and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said plurality of pixel elements for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said liquid crystal display device including: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and a plurality of first and second electrodes (1,2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals is arranged to apply said electrical signals such that electric fields (7) between said first and second electrodes (1,2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50) for each pixel element; characterised in that: said first electrodes are pixel electrodes which, togetherwith signal wiring electrodes (12) and scanning wiring electrodes (10) form a plurality of thin film transistor devices corresponding to the plurality of pixel elements, said pixel electrodes (1) extending in a common direction within each pixel element and said signal wiring electrodes (12) extending in said common direction over more than one of said plurality of pixel elements; and said second electrodes (2) are common electrodes spaced from said plurality of thin film transistor devices, said common electrodes (2) extending in said common direction over said more than one of said plurality of pixel electrodes;

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 242 words

Aliquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixel elements and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said plurality of pixel elements for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said liquid crystal display device including: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and a plurality of first and second electrodes (1,2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals is arranged to apply said electrical signals such that electric fields (7) between said first and second electrodes (1,2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50) for each pixel element; characterised in that: said first electrodes are pixel electrodes which, togetherwith signal wiring electrodes (12) and scanning wiring electrodes (10) form a plurality of thin film transistor devices corresponding to the plurality of pixel elements, said pixel electrodes (1) extending in a common direction within each pixel element and said signal wiring electrodes (12) extending in said common direction over more than one of said plurality of pixel elements; and said second electrodes (2) are common electrodes spaced from said plurality of thin film transistor devices, said common electrodes (2) extending in said common direction over said more than one of said plurality of pixel electrodes;

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 56 words

A device according to claim 1, wherein there are a pair of pixel electrodes (1) for each pixel element, with said signal wiring electrodes (12) extending between said pair of pixel electrodes (1) at each pixel element, and said pair of pixel electrodes (1) being between a paid of common electrodes (2) at each pixel element.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 40 words

A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said pixel electrodes (1), said signal wiring electrodes (12), said scanning wiring electrodes (10) and said common electrodes (2) are on the same side of said liquid crystal layer (50).

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 24 words

A device according to claim 1, wherein said common electrodes are on an opposite side of said liquid crystal layer from said pixel electrodes.

Claim 6

Independent Claim 31 words

A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is an insulating film (13) between said pixel electrodes (1) and the common electrodes (2) at each pixel element.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 16 words

A device according to claim 5, wherein said insulating film (13) is of an organic polymer.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 64 words

A device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said means for applying signals is arranged to apply a driving signal to said scanning wiring electrodes (10), said driving signal having a scanning period which is shorter than the time constant formed by the product of the specific resistance of said insulating film (13) and the dielectric constant of said insulating film (13).

Claim 9

Independent Claim 31 words

A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said common electrodes (2) is common to two adjacent ones of said plurality of pixel element.

Claim 10

Independent Claim 60 words

A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plurality of thin film transistor devices are on one side of said liquid crystal layer (50) and there are a plurality of colourfilters (17) on the opposite side of said liquid crystal layer (50), and said plurality of color filters (17) includes filters for at least two colors.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 44 words

A device according to claim 9, wherein said plurality of color filters (17) have boundaries which are aligned with at least one of said plurality of pixel electrodes (1), said plurality of signal wiring electrodes (12) and said plurality of scanning wiring electrodes (10).

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 49 words

Adevice according to claim 9 orclaim 10, wherein said plurality of color filters (17) have a surface flattening film (14) thereon, said surface flattening film (14) being of a transparent organic polymer and having rubbing such a that it forms an orientation film for said liquid crystal layer (50).

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 216 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and said at least one first electrode (1,12) and at least one second electrode (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said at least one first electrode and said at least one second electrode have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1,12) is an elongate electrode of an elongate transistor element extending in a first direction; at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode (2) extending in said first direction; and there is an insulating film (13) separating said at least one elongate electrode (1,12) of said elongate transistor element and said at least one common electrode (2);

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 216 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and said at least one first electrode (1,12) and at least one second electrode (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said at least one first electrode and said at least one second electrode have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1,12) is an elongate electrode of an elongate transistor element extending in a first direction; at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode (2) extending in said first direction; and there is an insulating film (13) separating said at least one elongate electrode (1,12) of said elongate transistor element and said at least one common electrode (2);

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 22 words

A device according to claim 12, wherein said at least one elongate electrode of said transistor element is a pixel electrode (1).

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 31 words

A device according to claim 13, wherein said pixel electrode (1) has a shape being a closed loop, a cross, a letter T, a letter II, a letter or a ladder.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 23 words

A device according to claim 12, wherein said at least one elongate electrode of said elongate transistor is a signal wiring electrode (12).

Claim 18

Independent Claim 36 words

A device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein said at least one elongate electrode of said elongate transistor element overlaps said at least one electrode, thereby to form a load capacitance therebetween.

Claim 19

Independent Claim 21 words

A device according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein said insulating film (13) is of an organic polymer.

Claim 20

Independent Claim 46 words

A device according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein said at least one common electrode has a shape selected from the group of shapes consisting of a closed loop, a cross, a letter T, a letter II, a letter I, and a ladder.

Claim 21

Independent Claim 32 words

A device according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein said at least one common electrode (2) is of metal with a self oxidized film or self nitrized film thereon.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 229 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and at least one first electrode (1,12) and at least one second electrode (2), wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said at least one first electrode (1,12) and said at least one second electrode (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1,12) is an elongate electrode of an elongate transistor element extending in a first direction; said at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode extending in said first direction; and there is an insulating film (15) extending over and being in direct contact with said at least one elongate electrode (1,12) of said transistor element, said insulating film also being in direct contact with said liquid crystal layer (50);

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 229 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and at least one first electrode (1,12) and at least one second electrode (2), wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said at least one first electrode (1,12) and said at least one second electrode (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1,12) is an elongate electrode of an elongate transistor element extending in a first direction; said at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode extending in said first direction; and there is an insulating film (15) extending over and being in direct contact with said at least one elongate electrode (1,12) of said transistor element, said insulating film also being in direct contact with said liquid crystal layer (50);

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 18 words

A liquid crystal display device according to claim 20, wherein said insulating film (15) is an organic polymer.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 20 words

A device according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein said insulating film (15) also contacts said common electrode (2).

Claim 26

Independent Claim 32 words

A device according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein said insulating film (15) has rubbing such that it forms an orientation control film for said liquid crystal layer (50).

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 208 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); characterised in that: said at least one pixel element further includes a transistor element having a pair of first electrodes (1), a second electrode (12) between said pair of first electrodes (1) and a gate electrode (12), said pair of first electrodes and said second electrode extending in a common direction; and a pair of common electrodes (2) extending in said common direction, said transistor element being (in plan) between said pair of common electrodes (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals is arranged to apply said electrical signals such that electric fields between said pair of first electrodes (1) and said pair of common electrodes (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50).

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 208 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); characterised in that: said at least one pixel element further includes a transistor element having a pair of first electrodes (1), a second electrode (12) between said pair of first electrodes (1) and a gate electrode (12), said pair of first electrodes and said second electrode extending in a common direction; and a pair of common electrodes (2) extending in said common direction, said transistor element being (in plan) between said pair of common electrodes (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals is arranged to apply said electrical signals such that electric fields between said pair of first electrodes (1) and said pair of common electrodes (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50).

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 29 words

A liquid crystal display device according to claim 24, wherein said transistor element and said common electrodes (2) are on the same side of said liquid crystal layer (50).

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 28 words

A liquid crystal display device according to claim 25, wherein said transistor element and said common electrodes (2) are on opposite sides of said liquid crystal layer (50).

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 46 words

A liquid crystal display device according to any one of claims 24 to 26, having an insulating film (15) extending over and in direct contact with said pair of first electrodes (1), said insulating film (15) also being in contact with said liquid crystal layer (50).

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 18 words

A liquid crystal display device according to claim 27 wherein said insulating film (15) is an organic polymer.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 25 words

A liquid crystal display device according to any one-of the preceding claims, wherein the dielectric constant anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer (50) is positive.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 59 words

A device according to claim 29, wherein the absolute value of the angle (φ LC ) between components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at the surface of the liquid crystal layer (50) is less than 90° but not less than 45°.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 93 words

Adevice according to claim 29 or claim 30, wherein the value of the difference between: i) the angle (<!>Lc) between components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at the surface of the liquid crystal layer (50); and ii) the angle (<!>p) of the polarization axis of said at least one polarizing means (6) and said components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), is 3° to 15°.

Claim 36

Independent Claim 24 words

A device according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the dielectric constant anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer (50) is negative.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 59 words

A device according to claim 32, wherein the absolute value of the angle (φ LC ) between components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at the surface of the liquid crystal layer (50) is greater than 0° but not greater than 45°.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 97 words

A device according to claim 32 or claim 33, wherein the value of the difference between i) the angle (φ P ) of the polarization axis of said at least one polarizing means and said components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), and ii) the angle (φ LC ) between components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at the surface of the liquid crystal layer (50) is 3° to 15°.

Claim 39

Independent Claim 84 words

A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angles (φ LC1 , φ LC2 ) between components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at opposite surfaces of the liquid crystal layer (50) are the same, and the product of the thickness of the liquid crystal layer (50) and the refractive index anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer (50) is between 0.21µm and 0.36wm.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 18 words

Adevice according to claim 35, wherein the thickness of the liquid crystal layer (50) is at least 0.5µm.

Claim 41

Independent Claim 132 words

A device according to any one of the preceding claims, having an optical isotropic medium (28) with a phase difference less than the product of the thickness of the liquid crystal layer and the refractive index anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer (50), the difference between the absolute value of the phase product of the thickness of the liquid crystal layer (50) and the refractive index anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer (50) and the absolute value of the phase difference of the isotropic medium (28) being between 0.21µm and 0.36wm, and wherein the angles between components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at opposite surfaces of the liquid crystal layer (50) are the same.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 82 words

A liquid crystal display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absolute value of the difference between the angles between components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at opposite surfaces of the liquid crystal layer (50) is not less than 80° and not greater than 100°, and the refractive anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer (50) is between 0.4wm and 0.6µm.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 22 words

A liquid crystal display device according to claim 38, wherein the thickness of the liquid crystal layer (50) is at least 0.5µm.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 37 words

A liquid crystal display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plurality of pixel elements are rectangular, and said common direction is parallel to the major axis of said plurality of pixel elements.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 29 words

A liquid crystal display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the width of each of said common electrodes (2) is less than the spacing therebetween.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 52 words

A liquid crystal display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one polarizing means (6) comprises a first polarizing plate (6) on one side of said liquid crystal layer (50) and a second polarizing plate (6) on the opposite side of said liquid crystal layer (50).

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 72 words

A device according to claim 42, wherein said first and second polarizing plates (6) are arranged such that such plurality of pixel elements are bright when low voltages are applied by said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals and dark when high voltages are applied by said means for applying electrical signals, and there is a transparent medium (28) between said first and second polarizing plates (6) for compensating residual phase differences.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 52 words

A liquid crystal display device according to any one of claims 1 to 43, wherein said at least one polarizing means comprises a first polarizing plate (6) on one side of said liquid crystal layer (50) and there is a reflector (30) on the opposite side of said liquid crystal layer (50).

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 53 words

A liquid crystal display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the direction of orientation of molecules of said liquid crystal layer (50) at a surface of said liquid crystal layer (50) parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and said surface is not more than 4°.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 259 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); at least one first electrode (1) and at least one second electrode (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals (21,22) is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said at least one first electrode (1) and said at least one second electrode (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1) is an elongate electrode of a transistor element extending in a first direction; said at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode extending in said first direction; and the angles (φ LC1 , φ LC2 ) between components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at opposite surfaces of the liquid crystal layer are the same, and the product of the thickness of the liquid crystal layer and the refractive index anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer is between 0.21µm and 0.36wm.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 259 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); at least one first electrode (1) and at least one second electrode (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals (21,22) is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said at least one first electrode (1) and said at least one second electrode (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1) is an elongate electrode of a transistor element extending in a first direction; said at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode extending in said first direction; and the angles (φ LC1 , φ LC2 ) between components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at opposite surfaces of the liquid crystal layer are the same, and the product of the thickness of the liquid crystal layer and the refractive index anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer is between 0.21µm and 0.36wm.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 276 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and at least one first electrode (1) and at least one second electrode (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals (21,22) is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said at least one first electrode (1) and said at least one second electrode (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50): characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1) is an elongate electrode of a transistor element extending in a first direction; said at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode extending in said first direction; and the absolute value of the difference between the angles (P LC1 , P LC2 ) between components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at opposite surfaces of the liquid crystal layer being not less than 80° and not greater than 100°, and the product of the thickness of the liquid crystal layer (50) and the refractive index anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer (50) being between 0.4wm and 0.6µm.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 276 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and at least one first electrode (1) and at least one second electrode (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals (21,22) is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said at least one first electrode (1) and said at least one second electrode (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50): characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1) is an elongate electrode of a transistor element extending in a first direction; said at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode extending in said first direction; and the absolute value of the difference between the angles (P LC1 , P LC2 ) between components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at opposite surfaces of the liquid crystal layer being not less than 80° and not greater than 100°, and the product of the thickness of the liquid crystal layer (50) and the refractive index anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer (50) being between 0.4wm and 0.6µm.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 256 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and at least one first electrode (1) and at least one second electrode (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals (21,22) is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said at least one first electrode (1) and said at least one second electrode (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1) is an elongate electrode of a transistor element extending in a first direction; said at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode (2) extending in said first direction; and the dielectric constant anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer (50) being positive, and the absolute value of the angle (φ LC ) between components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at the surface of the liquid crystal layer (50) being less than 90° but not less than 45°.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 256 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and at least one first electrode (1) and at least one second electrode (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals (21,22) is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said at least one first electrode (1) and said at least one second electrode (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1) is an elongate electrode of a transistor element extending in a first direction; said at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode (2) extending in said first direction; and the dielectric constant anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer (50) being positive, and the absolute value of the angle (φ LC ) between components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at the surface of the liquid crystal layer (50) being less than 90° but not less than 45°.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 254 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and at least one first electrode (1) and at least one second electrode (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals (21,22) is arranged to apply said signals such that electrode fields (7) between said at least one first electrode (1) and said at least one second electrode (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1) is an elongate electrode of a transistor element extending in a first direction; said at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode (2) extending in said first direction; and wherein the dielectric constant anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer is negative, and the absolute value of the angle (<!>Lc) between components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at the surface of the liquid crystal layer (50) is greater than 0° but not greater than 45°.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 254 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and at least one first electrode (1) and at least one second electrode (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals (21,22) is arranged to apply said signals such that electrode fields (7) between said at least one first electrode (1) and said at least one second electrode (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1) is an elongate electrode of a transistor element extending in a first direction; said at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode (2) extending in said first direction; and wherein the dielectric constant anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer is negative, and the absolute value of the angle (<!>Lc) between components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at the surface of the liquid crystal layer (50) is greater than 0° but not greater than 45°.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 291 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and at least one first electrode (1) and at least one second electrode (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals (21,22) is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said at least one first electrode (1) and said at least one second electrode (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1) is an elongate electrode of a transistor element extending in a first direction; said at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode (2) extending in said first direction; and wherein the dielectric constant anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer (50) is positive, and the value of the difference between: i) the angle (φ LC ) between the components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at the surface of the liquid crystal (50); and ii) the angle of the polarization axis (<!>p) of said at least one polarizing means (6) and said components of electrode fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) is 3° to 15°.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 291 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and at least one first electrode (1) and at least one second electrode (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals (21,22) is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said at least one first electrode (1) and said at least one second electrode (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1) is an elongate electrode of a transistor element extending in a first direction; said at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode (2) extending in said first direction; and wherein the dielectric constant anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer (50) is positive, and the value of the difference between: i) the angle (φ LC ) between the components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at the surface of the liquid crystal (50); and ii) the angle of the polarization axis (<!>p) of said at least one polarizing means (6) and said components of electrode fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) is 3° to 15°.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 293 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and at least one first electrode (1) and at least one second electrode (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals (21,22) is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said at least one first electrode (1) and said at least one second electrode (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1) is an elongate electrode of a transistor element extending in a first direction; said at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode (2) extending in said first direction; and wherein the dielectric constant anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer (50) is negative and the value of the difference between i) the angle (<!>p) of the polarization axis of said at least one polarizing means (6) and said components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), and ii) the angle (φ LC ) between components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at the surface of the liquid crystal layer (50) is at least 3° to 15°.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 293 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and at least one first electrode (1) and at least one second electrode (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals (21,22) is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said at least one first electrode (1) and said at least one second electrode (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1) is an elongate electrode of a transistor element extending in a first direction; said at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode (2) extending in said first direction; and wherein the dielectric constant anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer (50) is negative and the value of the difference between i) the angle (<!>p) of the polarization axis of said at least one polarizing means (6) and said components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), and ii) the angle (φ LC ) between components of electric fields in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and the direction of orientation of molecules at the surface of the liquid crystal layer (50) is at least 3° to 15°.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 232 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and at least one first electrode (1) and at least one second electrode (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals (21,22) is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said at least one first electrode (1) and said at least one second electrode (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1) is an elongate electrode of a transistor element extending in a first direction; said at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode (2) extending in a said first direction; and wherein the direction of orientation of molecules of said liquid crystal layer (50) at a surface of said liquid crystal layer (50) parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and said surface is not more than 4°.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 232 words

A liquid crystal display device having at least one pixel element and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to said at least one pixel element for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, said at least one pixel element comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); and at least one first electrode (1) and at least one second electrode (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals (21,22) is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said at least one first electrode (1) and said at least one second electrode (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); characterised in that: said at least one first electrode (1) is an elongate electrode of a transistor element extending in a first direction; said at least one second electrode (2) is an elongate common electrode (2) extending in a said first direction; and wherein the direction of orientation of molecules of said liquid crystal layer (50) at a surface of said liquid crystal layer (50) parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50) and said surface is not more than 4°.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 26 words

A liquid crystal display device according to any one of claims 46 to 52, wherein the thickness of the liquid crystal layer is at least 0.5µm.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 244 words

A liquid crystal device having a plurality of pixel elements in an array and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to each of said plurality of pixel elements for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, each of said plurality of pixel elements comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); characterised in that: each pixel element further includes a tran- sistorelement having a pair of first electrodes (1), a second electrode (12) between said pair of first electrodes and a gate electrode, said pair of first electrodes (1) and said second electrode (12) extending in a common direction; and a pair of common electrodes (2) extending in said common direction, said transistor element being between said pair of common electrodes (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said pair of first electrodes and said pair of common electrodes (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); and wherein, for any one pixel element, each one of said pairs of common electrodes (2) thereof forms a corresponding one of said pair of common electrodes (2) of pixel elements adjacent to said any one pixel element.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 244 words

A liquid crystal device having a plurality of pixel elements in an array and means (21,22) for applying electrical signals to each of said plurality of pixel elements for varying the optical transmissivity thereof, each of said plurality of pixel elements comprising: at least one polarizing means (6); a liquid crystal layer (50) extending in a plane parallel to said at least one polarizing means (6); characterised in that: each pixel element further includes a tran- sistorelement having a pair of first electrodes (1), a second electrode (12) between said pair of first electrodes and a gate electrode, said pair of first electrodes (1) and said second electrode (12) extending in a common direction; and a pair of common electrodes (2) extending in said common direction, said transistor element being between said pair of common electrodes (2); wherein said means (21,22) for applying electrical signals is arranged to apply said signals such that electric fields (7) between said pair of first electrodes and said pair of common electrodes (2) have components in a direction parallel to the plane of said liquid crystal layer (50), thereby to vary the optical transmissivity of light through said at least one polarizing means (6) and said liquid crystal layer (50); and wherein, for any one pixel element, each one of said pairs of common electrodes (2) thereof forms a corresponding one of said pair of common electrodes (2) of pixel elements adjacent to said any one pixel element.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 55 words

A liquid crystal display device according to claim 54, wherein each of said pixel elements has a color filter (17) associated therewith, said color filters (17) of adjacent ones of said plurality of pixel elements overlapping at a location aligned with the common electrode (2) of said adjacent ones of said plurality of pixel elements.

A liquid crystal display device

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