Liquid crystal apparatus and display system

Claim 2

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first drive means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes two or more scanning electrodes apart between successively selected scanning electrodes in one vertical scanning and for effecting one picture scanning by scanning said scanning electrodes in at least two vertical scannings, wherein during a latter one of two consecutive vertical scannings of the at least two vertical scannings in one picture scanning, the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to scanning electrodes to which the scanning selection signal is applied in a former one of the two consecutive vertical scannings, said scanning selection signal having a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode, and a second drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to another data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of the other polarity of 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

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrode 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 having a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode, and a second drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to another data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of the other polarity of the scanning selection signal.

Claim 7

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrode 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 having a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode, and a second drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to another data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of the other polarity of 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 disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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 the scanning electrodes two or more scanning electrodes apart between successively selected scanning electrodes in one vertical scanning and for effecting one picture scanning by scanning said scanning electrodes in at least two vertical scannings, wherein during a latter one of two consecutive vertical scannings of the at least two vertical scannings in one picture scanning, the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to scanning electrodes to which the scanning selection signal is applied in a former one of the two consecutive vertical scannings, said scanning selection signal having a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode, and a second drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to another data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of the other polarity of the scanning selection signal.

Claim 9

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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 the scanning electrodes two or more scanning electrodes apart between successively selected scanning electrodes in one vertical scanning and for effecting one picture scanning by scanning said scanning electrodes in at least two vertical scannings, wherein during a latter one of two consecutive vertical scannings of the at least two vertical scannings in one picture scanning, the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to scanning electrodes to which the scanning selection signal is applied in a former one of the two consecutive vertical scannings, said scanning selection signal having a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode, and a second drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to another data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of the other polarity of the scanning selection signal.

Claim 10

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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 to the scanning electrodes 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 to adjacent to each other in at least two consecutive times of vertical scanning, said scanning selection signal having a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode, and a second drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to another data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of the other polarity of the scanning selection signal.

Claim 11

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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 to the scanning electrodes 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 to adjacent to each other in at least two consecutive times of vertical scanning, said scanning selection signal having a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of the other polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode, and a second drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to another data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of the other polarity of the scanning selection signal.

Claim 12

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes intersecting with the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first drive means for, prior to application of a scanning selection signal, applying a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal to the intersections of plural scanning electrodes and the data electrodes by applying a voltage of one polarity to the plural scanning electrodes, a second drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes two or more scanning electrodes apart between successively selected scanning electrodes in one vertical scanning and for effecting one picture scanning by scanning said scanning electrodes in at least two vertical scannings, wherein during a latter one of two consecutive vertical scannings of the at least two vertical scannings in one picture scanning, the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to scanning electrodes to which the scanning selection signal is applied in a former one of the two consecutive vertical scannings, said scanning selection signal having a voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the voltage of one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode; and a third drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 13

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes intersecting with the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first drive means for, prior to application of a scanning selection signal, applying a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal to the intersections of plural scanning electrodes and the data electrodes by applying a voltage of one polarity to the plural scanning electrodes, a second drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes two or more scanning electrodes apart between successively selected scanning electrodes in one vertical scanning and for effecting one picture scanning by scanning said scanning electrodes in at least two vertical scannings, wherein during a latter one of two consecutive vertical scannings of the at least two vertical scannings in one picture scanning, the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to scanning electrodes to which the scanning selection signal is applied in a former one of the two consecutive vertical scannings, said scanning selection signal having a voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the voltage of one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode; and a third drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 14

An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said second 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 15

An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said second drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 5-20 scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning.

Claim 16

An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said second 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 17

An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said scanning selection signal has said voltage of the opposite polarity to and a voltage of the same polarity as the voltage of one polarity applied to the plural scanning electrodes by the first drive means, with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode.

Claim 18

An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said first drive means is a means for applying said voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal to the intersections of all the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes.

Claim 19

An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said first drive means is a means for applying said voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal to the intersections of a prescribed number of the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes.

Claim 20

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means for: (1) dividing the scanning electrodes into plural blocks each comprising a prescribed number of scanning electrodes, and; (2) in each block, prior to application of a scanning selection signal, applying a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal to the intersections of the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes in the block by application of a voltage of one polarity to the scanning electrodes, sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to said scanning electrodes two or more scanning electrodes apart between successively selected scanning electrodes in one vertical scanning and for effecting one block-picture scanning in plural times of vertical scannings, wherein during a latter one of two consecutive vertical scannings of the at least two vertical scannings in one picture scanning, the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to scanning electrodes to which the scanning selection signal is applied in a former one of the two consecutive vertical scannings, said scanning selection signal having a voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the voltage of one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode; and applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 21

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means for: (1) dividing the scanning electrodes into plural blocks each comprising a prescribed number of scanning electrodes, and; (2) in each block, prior to application of a scanning selection signal, applying a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal to the intersections of the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes in the block by application of a voltage of one polarity to the scanning electrodes, sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to said scanning electrodes two or more scanning electrodes apart between successively selected scanning electrodes in one vertical scanning and for effecting one block-picture scanning in plural times of vertical scannings, wherein during a latter one of two consecutive vertical scannings of the at least two vertical scannings in one picture scanning, the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to scanning electrodes to which the scanning selection signal is applied in a former one of the two consecutive vertical scannings, said scanning selection signal having a voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the voltage of one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode; and applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 22

An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said scanning selection signal has said voltage of the opposite polarity to and a voltage of the same polarity as the voltage of one polarity applied to the scanning electrodes prior to application of the scanning selection signal, with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode.

Claim 23

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes intersecting with the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first drive means for, prior to application of a scanning selection signal, applying a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal to the intersections of plural scanning electrodes and the data electrodes by applying a voltage of one polarity to the plural scanning electrodes, a second drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 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 having a voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the voltage of one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode; and a third drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 24

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes intersecting with the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first drive means for, prior to application of a scanning selection signal, applying a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal to the intersections of plural scanning electrodes and the data electrodes by applying a voltage of one polarity to the plural scanning electrodes, a second drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 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 having a voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the voltage of one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode; and a third drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 25

An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said scanning selection signal has said voltage of the opposite polarity to and a voltage of the same polarity as the voltage of one polarity applied to the plural scanning electrodes by the first drive means, with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode.

Claim 26

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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, prior to application of a scanning selection signal, applying a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal to the intersections of plural scanning electrodes and the data electrodes by applying a voltage of one polarity to the plural scanning electrodes, a second drive means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes two or more scanning electrodes apart between successively selected scanning electrodes in one vertical scanning and for effecting one picture scanning by scanning said scanning electrodes in at least two in vertical scannings, wherein during a latter one of two consecutive vertical scannings of the at least two vertical scannings in one picture scanning, the scannings election signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to scanning electrodes to which the scanning selection signal is applied in a former one of the two consecutive vertical scannings, said scanning selection signal having a voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the voltage of one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode; and a third drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 27

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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, prior to application of a scanning selection signal, applying a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal to the intersections of plural scanning electrodes and the data electrodes by applying a voltage of one polarity to the plural scanning electrodes, a second drive means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes two or more scanning electrodes apart between successively selected scanning electrodes in one vertical scanning and for effecting one picture scanning by scanning said scanning electrodes in at least two in vertical scannings, wherein during a latter one of two consecutive vertical scannings of the at least two vertical scannings in one picture scanning, the scannings election signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to scanning electrodes to which the scanning selection signal is applied in a former one of the two consecutive vertical scannings, said scanning selection signal having a voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the voltage of one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode; and a third drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 28

An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said scanning selection signal has said voltage of the opposite polarity to and a voltage of the same polarity as the voltage of one polarity applied to the plural scanning electrodes by the first drive means, with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode.

Claim 29

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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, prior to application of a scanning selection signal, applying a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal to the intersections of plural scanning electrodes and the data electrodes by applying a voltage of one polarity to the plural scanning electrodes, a second drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 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 having a voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the voltage of one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode; and a third drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 30

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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, prior to application of a scanning selection signal, applying a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal to the intersections of plural scanning electrodes and the data electrodes by applying a voltage of one polarity to the plural scanning electrodes, a second drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 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 having a voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the voltage of one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode; and a third drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 31

An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said scanning selection signal has said voltage of the opposite polarity to and a voltage of the same polarity as the voltage of one polarity applied to the plural scanning electrodes by the first drive means, with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode.

Claim 32

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first drive means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to said scanning electrodes two or more scanning electrodes apart between successively selected scanning electrodes in one vertical scanning and for effecting one picture scanning by scanning said scanning electrodes in at least two vertical scannings, wherein during a latter one of two consecutive vertical scannings of the at least two vertical scannings in one picture scanning, the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to scanning electrodes to which the scanning selection signal is applied in a former one of the two consecutive vertical scannings, said scanning selection signal having a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of an opposite polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode, two successive scanning selection signals including a former and a latter scanning selection signal being applied to the scanning electrodes in such a time relationship that the former voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is commenced to be applied before the completion of a data signal associated with the former scanning selection signal and after the application of the voltage of one polarity of the former scanning selection signal, and a second means for applying to all or a prescribed number of the data electrodes a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal.

Claim 33

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first drive means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to said scanning electrodes two or more scanning electrodes apart between successively selected scanning electrodes in one vertical scanning and for effecting one picture scanning by scanning said scanning electrodes in at least two vertical scannings, wherein during a latter one of two consecutive vertical scannings of the at least two vertical scannings in one picture scanning, the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to scanning electrodes to which the scanning selection signal is applied in a former one of the two consecutive vertical scannings, said scanning selection signal having a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of an opposite polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode, two successive scanning selection signals including a former and a latter scanning selection signal being applied to the scanning electrodes in such a time relationship that the former voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is commenced to be applied before the completion of a data signal associated with the former scanning selection signal and after the application of the voltage of one polarity of the former scanning selection signal, and a second means for applying to all or a prescribed number of the data electrodes a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal.

Claim 34

An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is applied simultaneously with the voltage of the opposite polarity of the former scanning selection signal.

Claim 35

An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is applied immediately after the completion of the voltage of the opposite polarity of the former scanning selection signal.

Claim 36

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first drive means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes two or more scanning electrodes apart between successively selected scanning electrodes in one vertical scanning and for effecting one picture scanning by scanning said scanning electrodes in at least two vertical scannings, wherein during a latter one of two consecutive vertical scannings of the at least two vertical scannings in one picture scanning, the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to scanning electrodes to which the scanning selection signal is applied in a former one of the two consecutive vertical scannings, said scanning selection signal having a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of an opposite polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, two successive scanning selection signals including a former and a latter scanning selection signal being applied to the scanning electrodes in such a time relationship that the former voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is commenced to be applied before the completion of a data signal associated with the former scanning selection signal and after the application of the voltage of one polarity of the former scanning selection signal, and a second means for applying to all or a prescribed number of the data electrodes a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal.

Claim 37

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first drive means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes two or more scanning electrodes apart between successively selected scanning electrodes in one vertical scanning and for effecting one picture scanning by scanning said scanning electrodes in at least two vertical scannings, wherein during a latter one of two consecutive vertical scannings of the at least two vertical scannings in one picture scanning, the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to scanning electrodes to which the scanning selection signal is applied in a former one of the two consecutive vertical scannings, said scanning selection signal having a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of an opposite polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, two successive scanning selection signals including a former and a latter scanning selection signal being applied to the scanning electrodes in such a time relationship that the former voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is commenced to be applied before the completion of a data signal associated with the former scanning selection signal and after the application of the voltage of one polarity of the former scanning selection signal, and a second means for applying to all or a prescribed number of the data electrodes a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal.

Claim 38

An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is applied simultaneously with the voltage of the opposite polarity of the former scanning selection signal.

Claim 39

An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is applied immediately after the completion of the voltage of the opposite polarity of the former scanning selection signal.

Claim 40

An apparatus according to claim 26, 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 41

An apparatus according to claim 26, 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 42

An apparatus according to claim 26, 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 43

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 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 having a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of an opposite polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, two successive scanning selection signals including a former and a latter scanning selection signal being applied to the scanning electrodes in such a time relationship that the former voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is commenced to be applied before the completion of a data signal associated with the former scanning selection signal and after the application of the voltage of one polarity of the former scanning selection signal, and a second means for applying to all or a prescribed number of the data electrodes a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal.

Claim 44

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 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 having a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of an opposite polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, two successive scanning selection signals including a former and a latter scanning selection signal being applied to the scanning electrodes in such a time relationship that the former voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is commenced to be applied before the completion of a data signal associated with the former scanning selection signal and after the application of the voltage of one polarity of the former scanning selection signal, and a second means for applying to all or a prescribed number of the data electrodes a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal.

Claim 45

An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is applied simultaneously with the voltage of the opposite polarity of the former scanning selection signal.

Claim 46

An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is applied immediately after the completion of the voltage of the opposite polarity of the former scanning selection signal.

Claim 47

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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 means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes two or more scanning electrodes apart between successively selected scanning electrodes in one vertical scanning and for effecting one picture scanning by scanning said scanning electrodes in at least two vertical scannings, wherein during a latter one of two consecutive vertical scannings of the at least two vertical scannings in one picture scanning, the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to scanning electrodes to which the scanning selection signal is applied in a former one of the two consecutive vertical scannings, said scanning selection signal having a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of an opposite polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode, two successive scanning selection signals including a former and a latter scanning selection signal being applied to the scanning electrodes in such a time relationship that the former voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is commenced to be applied before the completion of a data signal associated with the former scanning selection signal and after the application of the voltage of one polarity of the former scanning selection signal, and a second means for applying to all or a prescribed number of the data electrodes a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal.

Claim 48

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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 means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes two or more scanning electrodes apart between successively selected scanning electrodes in one vertical scanning and for effecting one picture scanning by scanning said scanning electrodes in at least two vertical scannings, wherein during a latter one of two consecutive vertical scannings of the at least two vertical scannings in one picture scanning, the scanning selection signal is applied to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to scanning electrodes to which the scanning selection signal is applied in a former one of the two consecutive vertical scannings, said scanning selection signal having a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of an opposite polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode, two successive scanning selection signals including a former and a latter scanning selection signal being applied to the scanning electrodes in such a time relationship that the former voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is commenced to be applied before the completion of a data signal associated with the former scanning selection signal and after the application of the voltage of one polarity of the former scanning selection signal, and a second means for applying to all or a prescribed number of the data electrodes a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal.

Claim 49

An apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is applied simultaneously with the voltage of the opposite polarity of the former scanning selection signal.

Claim 50

An apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is applied immediately after the completion of the voltage of the opposite polarity of the former scanning selection signal.

Claim 51

An apparatus according to claim 35, 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 52

An apparatus according to claim 35, 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 53

An apparatus according to claim 35, 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, ad one picture scanning is effected in (N+1) times of vertical scanning.

Claim 54

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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 means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 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 having a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of an opposite polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode, two successive scanning selection signals including a former and a latter scanning selection signal being applied to the scanning electrodes in such a time relationship that the former voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is commenced to be applied before the completion of a data signal associated with the former scanning selection signal and after the application of the voltage of one polarity of the former scanning selection signal, and a second means for applying to all or a prescribed number of the data electrodes a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal.

Claim 55

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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 means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 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 having a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of an opposite polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode, two successive scanning selection signals including a former and a latter scanning selection signal being applied to the scanning electrodes in such a time relationship that the former voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is commenced to be applied before the completion of a data signal associated with the former scanning selection signal and after the application of the voltage of one polarity of the former scanning selection signal, and a second means for applying to all or a prescribed number of the data electrodes a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal.

Claim 56

An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is applied simultaneously with the voltage of the opposite polarity of the former scanning selection signal.

Claim 57

An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is applied immediately after the completion of the voltage of the opposite polarity of the former scanning selection signal.

Claim 58

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first drive means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to each other in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning and effect one gradational picture scanning in plural times of one picture scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals to the data electrodes in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 59

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first drive means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to each other in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning and effect one gradational picture scanning in plural times of one picture scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals to the data electrodes in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 60

An apparatus according to claim 44, wherein said scanning selection signal has a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of a polarity opposite to said one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode.

Claim 61

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first drive mean for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrode 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 so as to effect one gradational picture scanning in plural times of one picture scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals to the data electrodes in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 62

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first drive mean for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrode 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 so as to effect one gradational picture scanning in plural times of one picture scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals to the data electrodes in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 63

An apparatus according to claim 46, wherein said scanning selection signal has a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of a polarity opposite to said one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode.

Claim 64

An apparatus according to claim 46, 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 65

An apparatus according to claim 46, 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 66

An apparatus according to claim 46, 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 67

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrode 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 so as to effect one gradational picture scanning in plural times of one picture scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals to the data electrodes in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 68

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; and b) a driving means including: a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrode 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 so as to effect one gradational picture scanning in plural times of one picture scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals to the data electrodes in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 69

An apparatus according to claim 51, wherein said scanning selection signal has a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of a polarity opposite to said one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode.

Claim 70

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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 scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to each other in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning and effect one gradational picture scanning in plural times of one picture scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals to the data electrodes in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 71

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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 scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to each other in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning and effect one gradational picture scanning in plural times of one picture scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals to the data electrodes in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 72

An apparatus according to claim 53, wherein said scanning selection signal has a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of a polarity opposite to said one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode.

Claim 73

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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 to the scanning electrodes 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 so as to effect one gradational picture scanning in plural times of one picture scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals to the data electrodes in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 74

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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 to the scanning electrodes 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 so as to effect one gradational picture scanning in plural times of one picture scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals to the data electrodes in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 75

An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said scanning selection signal has a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of a polarity opposite to said one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode.

Claim 76

An apparatus according to claim 55, 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 77

An apparatus according to claim 55, 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 78

An apparatus according to claim 55, 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 79

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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 to the scanning electrodes 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 so as to effect one gradational picture scanning in plural times of one picture scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals to the data electrodes in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 80

A liquid crystal apparatus, comprising: a) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes, 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 to the scanning electrodes 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 so as to effect one gradational picture scanning in plural times of one picture scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals to the data electrodes in synchronism with the scanning selection signal.

Claim 81

An apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said scanning selection has a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of a polarity opposite to said one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode.

Claim 82

A display system, comprising: a) an image memory for storing image data, b) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; c) a driving means including: a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrode 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 having a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of an opposite polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, and a second drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to another data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of the other polarity of the scanning selection signal, and d) a control means for controlling the drive means c) so as to effect a display corresponding to data signals outputted from the image memory.

Claim 83

A display system, comprising: a) an image memory for storing image data, b) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; c) a driving means including: a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrode 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 having a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of an opposite polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, and a second drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to another data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of the other polarity of the scanning selection signal, and d) a control means for controlling the drive means c) so as to effect a display corresponding to data signals outputted from the image memory.

Claim 84

A system according to claim 62, 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 85

A system according to claim 62, 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 86

A system according to claim 62, 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 87

A display system, comprising: a) an image memory for storing image data, b) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect with the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; c) a driving means including: a first drive means for, prior to application of a scanning selection signal, applying a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal to the intersections of plural scanning electrodes and the data electrodes by applying a voltage of one polarity to the plural scanning electrodes, a second drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 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 in plural times of vertical scanning, said scanning selection signal having a voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the voltage of one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode; and a third drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the scanning selection signal, and d) a control means for controlling the drive means c) so as to effect a display corresponding to data signals outputted from the image memory.

Claim 88

A display system, comprising: a) an image memory for storing image data, b) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect with the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; c) a driving means including: a first drive means for, prior to application of a scanning selection signal, applying a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal to the intersections of plural scanning electrodes and the data electrodes by applying a voltage of one polarity to the plural scanning electrodes, a second drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 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 in plural times of vertical scanning, said scanning selection signal having a voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the voltage of one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode; and a third drive means for applying to a selected data electrode a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the scanning selection signal, and d) a control means for controlling the drive means c) so as to effect a display corresponding to data signals outputted from the image memory.

Claim 89

A system according to claim 66, wherein said second 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 90

A system according to claim 66, wherein said second drive means comprises means for applying the scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 5-20 scanning electrodes apart in one vertical scanning.

Claim 91

A system according to claim 66, wherein said second 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 92

A system according to claim 66, wherein said scanning selection signal has the voltage of the opposite polarity to and a voltage of the same polarity as the voltage of one polarity applied to the plural scanning electrodes by the first drive means, with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode.

Claim 93

A system according to claim 66, wherein said first drive means is a means for applying the voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal to the intersections of all the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes.

Claim 94

A system according to claim 66, wherein said first drive means is a means for applying the voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal to the intersections of a prescribed number of the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes.

Claim 95

A display system, comprising: a) an image memory for storing image data, b) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; c) a driving means including: a first means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to each other in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning, said scanning selection signal having a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of an opposite polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, two successive scanning selection signals including a former and a latter scanning selection signal being applied to the scanning electrodes in such a time relationship that the former voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is commenced to be applied before the completion of a data signal associated with the former scanning selection signal and after the application of the voltage of the polarity of the former scanning selection signal, and a second means for applying to all or a prescribed number of the data electrodes a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal, and d) a control means for controlling the drive means c) so as to effect a display corresponding to data signals outputted from the image memory.

Claim 96

A display system, comprising: a) an image memory for storing image data, b) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; c) a driving means including: a first means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to each other in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning, said scanning selection signal having a former voltage of one polarity and a latter voltage of an opposite polarity with respect to the voltage level of a non-selected scanning electrode, two successive scanning selection signals including a former and a latter scanning selection signal being applied to the scanning electrodes in such a time relationship that the former voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is commenced to be applied before the completion of a data signal associated with the former scanning selection signal and after the application of the voltage of the polarity of the former scanning selection signal, and a second means for applying to all or a prescribed number of the data electrodes a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the first orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with the voltage of one polarity of the scanning selection signal, and applying to a selected data electrode a voltage signal which provides a voltage causing the second orientation state of the ferroelectric liquid crystal, and d) a control means for controlling the drive means c) so as to effect a display corresponding to data signals outputted from the image memory.

Claim 97

A system according to claim 73, wherein the voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is applied simultaneously with the voltage of the opposite polarity of the former scanning selection signal.

Claim 98

A system according to claim 73, wherein the voltage of one polarity of the latter scanning selection signal is applied immediately after the completion of the voltage of the opposite polarity of the former selection signal.

Claim 99

A display signal, comprising: a) an image memory for storing image data, b) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; c) a driving means including: a first drive means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to each other in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning and effect one gradational picture scanning in plural times of one picture scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals to the data electrodes in synchronism with the scanning selection signal, and d) a control means for controlling the drive means c) so as to effect a display corresponding to data signals outputted from the image memory.

Claim 100

A display signal, comprising: a) an image memory for storing image data, b) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; c) a driving means including: a first drive means for sequentially applying a scanning selection signal to scanning electrodes which are not adjacent to each other in one vertical scanning so as to effect one picture scanning in plural times of vertical scanning and effect one gradational picture scanning in plural times of one picture scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals to the data electrodes in synchronism with the scanning selection signal, and d) a control means for controlling the drive means c) so as to effect a display corresponding to data signals outputted from the image memory.

Claim 101

A system according to claim 76, wherein said scanning selection signal has a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of a polarity opposite to said one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode.

Claim 102

A display system, comprising: a) an image memory for storing image data, b) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; c) a driving means including: a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 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, so as to effect one gradational picture scanning in plural times of one picture scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals to the data electrodes in synchronism with the scanning selection signal, and d) a control means for controlling the drive means c) so as to effect a display corresponding to data signals outputted from the image memory.

Claim 103

A display system, comprising: a) an image memory for storing image data, b) a liquid crystal device comprising an electrode matrix composed of scanning electrodes and data electrodes disposed to intersect the scanning electrodes, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal showing a first and a second orientation state disposed between the scanning electrodes and the data electrodes; c) a driving means including: a first drive means for applying a scanning selection signal to the scanning electrodes 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, so as to effect one gradational picture scanning in plural times of one picture scanning, and a second drive means for applying data signals to the data electrodes in synchronism with the scanning selection signal, and d) a control means for controlling the drive means c) so as to effect a display corresponding to data signals outputted from the image memory.

Claim 104

A system according to claim 78, wherein said scanning selection signal has a voltage of one polarity and a voltage of a polarity opposite to said one polarity with respect to the voltage level of a nonselected scanning electrode.

Claim 105

A system according to claim 78, 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 106

A system according to claim 78, 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.