US5576867A
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Liquid crystal switching elements having a parallel electric field and βo which is not 0° or 90°
Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
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Filing: 1995-06-06
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Granted: 1996-11-19
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Expires: 2015-06-06
Abstract
Abstract An electro-optical display device comprising a liquid crystal layer achieves switching using an electric field component which is predominantly parallel to the surface of the liquid crystal layer. Low dependence of image contrast on viewing angle is achieved by selection of parameters including orientation angle β o and pretilt angle α o of the liquid crystal molecules in the layer. For example, good results are achieved when 0°<β o ≦20° for liquid crystal molecules having negative dielectric anisotropy and 70°≦β o <90° for molecules having positive dielectric anisotropy. Preferably, 0°≦α o <30°.
Inventors
- 👤 Gunter Baur
- 👤 Waltraud Fehrenbach
- 👤 Barbara Weber nee Staudacher
- 👤 Friedrich Windscheid
- 👤 Rudolf Kiefer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 02:11
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/133; G02F1/1333; G02F1/1343; G02F1/134309; G02F1/134363; G02F1/137; G02F1/139; G02F1/1396; G02F2201/00; G02F2201/12; G02F2201/124
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 139
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer, comprising liquid crystal molecules and having a surface for display of an image; and (b) an electrode structure for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said surface; wherein said liquid crystal molecules have an orientation angle β o which is larger than zero degrees but not larger than 20 degrees in the case of negative dielectric anisotropy or an orientation angle β o which is not smaller than 70 degrees but less than 90 degrees in the case of positive dielectric anisotropy.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer, comprising liquid crystal molecules and having a surface for display of an image; and (b) an electrode structure for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said surface; wherein said liquid crystal molecules have an orientation angle β o which is larger than zero degrees but not larger than 20 degrees in the case of negative dielectric anisotropy or an orientation angle β o which is not smaller than 70 degrees but less than 90 degrees in the case of positive dielectric anisotropy.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 1, wherein said switching elements further comprise: (c) a substrate; (d) a polarizer in optical relation with said liquid crystal layer; and (e) a voltage source connected to said electrode structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 2, wherein said electrode structure is formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer and comprises at least a pair of electrodes having a space therebetween.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 3, wherein said switching elements further comprise: (f) an orientation layer, formed between said electrode structure and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface which aligns said liquid crystal molecules in a direction whereby they have said orientation angle β o .
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 2, wherein said switching elements further comprise: (f) an orientation layer, formed between said electrode structure and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface which aligns said liquid crystal molecules in a direction whereby they have said orientation angle β o .
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 4, wherein said liquid crystal molecules have a pretilt angle α o , wherein 0°≦α o <30°.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 6 wherein 0°≦α o ≦25°.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 6, wherein 0°≦α o ≦20°.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
55 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 8, wherein the liquid crystal molecules have positive dielectric anisotropy and Δ nd/λ of said liquid crystal layer is larger than zero but smaller than four, and a twist angle β of said liquid crystal layer is within 15 degree of 0° or within 15 degrees of 90°.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
54 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 8, wherein the liquid crystal molecules have negative dielectric anisotropy and Δnd/λ of said liquid crystal layer is larger than zero but smaller than four, and a twist angle β of said liquid crystal layer is within 15 degrees of 0° or within 15 degrees of 90°.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 6, wherein 0°≦α o ≦10°.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
11 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 6, wherein 0°≦α o ≦5°.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
11 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 1, wherein 0°≦α o ≦3°.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
11 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 6, wherein 0°≦α o ≦2°.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
11 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 6, wherein 0°≦α o ≦1°.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
51 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 6, wherein said electric field changes the twisting degree of said liquid crystal molecules continuously or stepwise to provide different degrees of light transmission by said liquid crystal switching elements in the range between substantially maximum and minimum light transmission of said electro-optical display device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 8, which further comprises driver means for direct driving in accordance with a time multiplex method.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 2, wherein said liquid crystal molecules have a pretilt angle α 0 , wherein 0°≦α 0 <30°.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
11 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 18, wherein 0°≦α 0 ≦20°.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
11 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 18, wherein 0°≦α 0 ≦5°.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 2, wherein said electrode structure is arranged alternately in different planes in parallel with said substrate.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
74 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 21, wherein said electrode structure is formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer and comprises at least a pair of electrodes having a space therebetween, and said switching elements further comprise: (f) an orientation layer, formed between said electrode structure and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface which aligns said liquid crystal molecules in a direction whereby they have said orientation angle β o .
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 22, wherein said liquid crystal molecules have a pretilt angle α o , wherein 0°≦α o <30°.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 22, wherein said liquid crystal molecules have a pretilt angle α o , wherein 0°≦α o ≦20°.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 22, wherein said liquid crystal molecules have a pretilt angle α o , wherein 0°≦α o ≦5°.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electrooptical display device of claim 21, wherein said liquid crystal molecules have a pretilt angle α 0 , wherein 0°<α 0 <30°.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 2, 6, 8, 12 or 21, wherein said liquid crystal molecules are nematic.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 2, 6, 8, 12 or 21, wherein said liquid crystal molecules are twistable.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 2, 6, 8, 12, or 21, further comprising an analyzer in optical relation with said polarizer.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
66 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 29, wherein the angle between the orientation direction of said liquid crystal molecules at the surface of said liquid crystal layer on the side of said polarizer and the transmitting direction of said polarizer is approximately zero degrees, and the angle between the transmitting directions of said polarizer and said analyzer is approximately zero degrees or approximately 90 degrees.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
66 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 29, wherein the angle between the orientation direction of said liquid crystal molecules at a surface of said liquid crystal layer on the side of said polarizer and the transmitting direction of said polarizer is approximately 90 degrees, and the angle between the transmitting directions of said polarizer and said analyzer is approximately zero degrees or approximately 90 degrees.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 2, 6, 8, 12 or 21, wherein Δn·d/λ of said liquid crystal layer is larger than zero but smaller than four.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
71 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 32, wherein the liquid crystal molecules of said liquid crystal have positive dielectric anisotropy, and, for reflection mode, Δnd/λ is larger than zero but smaller than two and a twist angle β is within 15 degrees of 0° or within 5 degrees of 60°, or, for direct mode, a twist angle β is within 15 degrees of 0° or within 15 degrees of 90°.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
66 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 32, wherein the liquid crystal molecules have negative dielectric anisotropy, and, for reflection mode, Δnd/λ is larger than zero but smaller than two and a twist angle β within 15 degrees of 0° or within 5 degrees of 60°, or, for direct mode, a twist angle β is within 15 degrees of 0° or within 15 degrees of 90°.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
16 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 6, 8, 12, 24 or 25 wherein α o >0°.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
31 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 2, 6, 8, 12 or 21, wherein the axes of twisting of said liquid crystal molecules are substantially perpendicular to the plane of said substrate.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
34 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 2, 6, 8, 12 or 22, which comprises a pair of electrodes comprising strip or line-type electrodes which extend to make a space between said pair of electrodes.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 37 wherein said space between said pair of electrodes in 2 μm to 50 μm.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 37 wherein the applied voltage between said pair of electrodes in case of maximum contrast is one volt to 80 volts.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
26 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 2, 6, 8, 12 or 22, wherein the thickness of said liquid crystal layer is 1 μm to 10 μm.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
35 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 2, 6, 8, 12 or 22, which comprises switching elements having image spots wherein the area of each image spot is 10 μm 2 to 1 mm 2 .
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 2, 6, 8, 12, or 22 wherein said switching elements further comprise a birefringent optical compensator.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
29 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 42, wherein said switching elements further comprise a birefringent optical compensator in optical relation to the liquid crystal layer and said polarizer.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 2, 6, 8, 12 or 22, wherein said liquid crystal layer contains a dichroic dye.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 2, 6, 8, 12 or 22, wherein the liquid crystal layer thereof comprises a liquid crystal polymer.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 2, 6, 8, 12, or 12, further comprising an active matrix for controlling the liquid crystal switching elements thereof.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
30 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 46, wherein the matrix is a transistor matrix, the transistors being located between the substrate and said liquid crystal layer of said switching elements.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electrooptical display device of claim 2, wherein said liquid crystal molecules have a pretilt angle α 0 , wherein 0°<α 0 <30°.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
128 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer comprising liquid crystal molecules; (b) a substrate; (c) a polarizer in optical relation with said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said substrate; (e) an orientation layer, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules an orientation angle β 0 , whereby said display device has an image contrast which-is less dependent on viewing angle than identical display devices which have β 0 =0° and β 0 =90°.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
128 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer comprising liquid crystal molecules; (b) a substrate; (c) a polarizer in optical relation with said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said substrate; (e) an orientation layer, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules an orientation angle β 0 , whereby said display device has an image contrast which-is less dependent on viewing angle than identical display devices which have β 0 =0° and β 0 =90°.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
65 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 49 wherein said liquid crystal switching elements further comprise a reflector and a driver for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements wherein said polarizer is a polarizer/analyzer, said polarizer/analyzer and said reflector sandwich said liquid crystal layer, and wherein pretilt angle α o and said orientation angle β o are such that 0°<β o <90°, and 0°≦α o <30°.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
11 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 50, wherein 0°≦α o ≦5°.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
14 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 50, wherein said liquid crystal molecules are nematic.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
51 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 50, wherein said electric field changes the twisting degree of said liquid crystal molecules continuously or stepwise to provide different degrees of light transmission by said liquid crystal switching elements in the range between substantially maximum and minimum light transmission of said electro-optical display device.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
140 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer comprising liquid crystal molecules: (b) a substrate; (c) a polarizer in optical relation with said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said substrate; (e) an orientation layer, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules an orientation angle β o and a pretilt angle α o , wherein 0°≦α o <30°, whereby said display device has an image contrast which is less dependent on viewing angle than identical display devices which have β 0 =0° and β 0 =90°, respectively.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
140 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer comprising liquid crystal molecules: (b) a substrate; (c) a polarizer in optical relation with said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said substrate; (e) an orientation layer, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules an orientation angle β o and a pretilt angle α o , wherein 0°≦α o <30°, whereby said display device has an image contrast which is less dependent on viewing angle than identical display devices which have β 0 =0° and β 0 =90°, respectively.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
82 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 54 comprising a plurality of image spots formed by said liquid crystal switching elements, which further comprise a driver for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements and a reflector, wherein said polarizer is a polarizer/analyzer, said polarizer/analyzer and said reflector sandwich said liquid crystal layer, and wherein a pretilt angle α o and said orientation angle β o sufficient to prevent domain formation in the portions of said liquid crystal layer which form said image spots.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
83 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 54 comprising a plurality of image spots formed by said liquid crystal switching elements, which further comprise a driver for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements and a reflector wherein said polarizer is a polarizer/analyzer, said polarizer/analyzer and said reflector sandwich said liquid crystal layer, and wherein said pretilt angle α o and said orientation angle β o are sufficient to suppress domain formation in the portions of said liquid crystal layer which form said image spots.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
88 words
In an electro-optical display device comprising a layer of liquid crystal molecules having a surface which provides an image which is switched under control of an electric field predominantly parallel to said surface, the improvement wherein said molecules have an orientation angle β 0 which is larger than zero degrees but not larger than 20 degrees in the case of negative dielectric anisotropy or an orientation angle β 0 which is not smaller than 70 degrees but less than 90 degrees in the case of positive dielectric anisotropy.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
88 words
In an electro-optical display device comprising a layer of liquid crystal molecules having a surface which provides an image which is switched under control of an electric field predominantly parallel to said surface, the improvement wherein said molecules have an orientation angle β 0 which is larger than zero degrees but not larger than 20 degrees in the case of negative dielectric anisotropy or an orientation angle β 0 which is not smaller than 70 degrees but less than 90 degrees in the case of positive dielectric anisotropy.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 57, wherein said molecules have a pretilt angle α o , wherein 0°≦α o <30°.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 57, wherein said molecules have a pretilt angle α o , wherein 0°≦α o ≦20°.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 57, wherein said molecules have a pretilt angle α o , wherein 0°≦α o ≦5°.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 57, wherein said molecules have a pretilt angle α 0 wherein 0°≦α o ≦1°.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
73 words
In an electro-optical display device comprising a layer of liquid crystal molecules having a surface which provides an image which is switched under control of an electric field predominantly parallel to said surface, the improvement wherein said molecules have an orientation angle β o whereby said display device has an image contrast which is less dependent on viewing angle than identical display devices which have β 0 =0° and β 0 =90°, respectively.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
73 words
In an electro-optical display device comprising a layer of liquid crystal molecules having a surface which provides an image which is switched under control of an electric field predominantly parallel to said surface, the improvement wherein said molecules have an orientation angle β o whereby said display device has an image contrast which is less dependent on viewing angle than identical display devices which have β 0 =0° and β 0 =90°, respectively.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
140 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 57 or 62 comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) said liquid crystal layer comprising said liquid crystal molecules; (b) a substrate parallel to said surface of said layer; (c) a polarizer in optical relation with said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating said electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said surface and said substrate; (e) an orientation layer, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules an orientation angle β o , wherein 0°<β o <90°, and a pretilt angle α o , wherein 0°≦α≦30°; and (f) a voltage source connected to said electrode structure.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
148 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 57 or 62 comprising a plurality of image spots formed by liquid crystal switching elements, which comprise: (a) said liquid crystal layer comprising said liquid crystal molecules; (b) a substrate parallel to said surface of said layer; (c) a polarizer in optical relation with said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating said electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said surface and said substrate; (e) an orientation layer, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules an orientation angle β o sufficient to prevent domain formation in the portions of said liquid crystal layer which form said image spots; and (f) a voltage source connected to said electrode structure.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
154 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 57 or 62 comprising a plurality of image spots formed by liquid crystal switching elements, which comprise: (a) said liquid crystal layer comprising said liquid crystal molecules; (b) a substrate parallel to said surface of said layer; (c) a polarizer in optical relation with said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating said electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said surface and said substrate; (c) an orientation layer, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α o and an orientation angle β o sufficient to prevent domain formation in the portions of said liquid crystal layer which form said image spots; and (f) a voltage source connected to said electrode structure.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 65, wherein the pretilt angle α 0 is larger than zero degrees but smaller than 30 degrees.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
158 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 57 or 62 comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) said liquid crystal layer comprising said liquid crystal molecules; (b) a substrate parallel to said surface of said layer; (c) a polarizer in optical relation with said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating said electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said surface and said substrate; (e) an orientation layer, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules an orientation angle β o , wherein 0°<β o <90°; (f) a voltage source connected to said electrode structure; and (g) a transistor matrix for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements, the transistors being located between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer of said switching elements.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
40 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 67 wherein said liquid crystal molecules are nematic and said electric field component predominantly in parallel with said substrate surface is for continuously or stepwise changing the twisting degree of said liquid crystal molecules.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 67, wherein said pair of electrodes are arranged alternately in different planes in parallel with said substrate.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
26 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 67, wherein an axis of twist of said liquid crystal molecules is substantially perpendicular to the plane of said substrate.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 67, wherein said pair of electrodes comprise strip or line-type electrodes which extend to make said space therebetween.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 67, wherein the thickness of said liquid crystal layer is 1 μm to 10 μm.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
32 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 67, wherein said switching elements have image spots and the area of each of said image spots is 10 μm 2 to 1 mm 2 .
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 67, wherein said space between said pair of electrodes in 2 μm to 50 μm.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
28 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 67, wherein an applied voltage between said pair of electrodes in a case of maximum contrast is one volt to 80 volts.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
29 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 67, wherein said switching elements further comprise a birefringent optical compensator between said liquid crystal layer and said polarizer or an analyzer.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
17 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 67, wherein said liquid crystal layer contains a dichroic dye.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 67, wherein said liquid crystal layer comprises a liquid crystal polymer.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
166 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 57 or 62 comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements, which comprise: (a) said liquid crystal layer comprising said liquid crystal molecules; (b) a substrate parallel to said surface of said layer; (c) a polarizer and an analyzer sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having at least a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating said electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said surface and said substrate; (e) an orientation layer, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α o larger than zero degrees but smaller than 30 degrees and an orientation angle β o , wherein 0°<β o <90°; and (f) a transistor matrix for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements, the transistors being located between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer of said switching elements.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
20 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 79 wherein said molecules have a pretilt angle α 0 wherein 0°≦α 0 ≦5°.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
66 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 79, wherein the angle between the orientation direction of said liquid crystal molecules at the surface of said liquid crystal layer on the side of said polarizer and the transmitting direction of said polarizer is approximately zero degrees, and the angle between the transmitting direction of said polarizer and said analyzer is approximately zero degrees or approximately 90 degrees.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
66 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 79, wherein the angle between the orientation direction of said liquid crystal molecules at a surface of said liquid crystal layer on the side of said polarizer and the transmitting direction of said polarizer is approximately 90 degrees, and the angle between the transmitting direction of said polarizer and said analyzer is approximately zero degrees or approximately 90 degrees.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
236 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 57, or 62 comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) said liquid crystal layer comprising said liquid crystal molecules wherein the latter are twistable; (b) a substrate parallel to said surface of said layer; (c) a polarizer on one side of said liquid crystal layer and an analyzer on the other side of said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, formed in each of said liquid crystal switching elements between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having at least a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating said electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said surface and said substrate, wherein said electric field is for continuously or stepwise changing the twisting degree of said liquid crystal molecules to correspondingly change the degree of light transmission of said liquid crystal switching elements in the range between substantially maximum and minimum light transmission of said electro-optical display device; (e) an orientation layer, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules an orientation angle β o wherein 0°<β 0 <90°and a pretilt angle α o larger than zero degrees but smaller than 30 degrees; and (f) a transistor matrix for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements, the transistors being located between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer of said switching elements.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
193 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 57 or 62 comprising a plurality of image spots formed by liquid crystal switching elements, which comprise: (a) said liquid crystal layer comprising said liquid crystal molecules wherein the latter are twistable; (b) a substrate parallel to said surface of said layer; (c) a polarizer and an analyzer sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having at least a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating said electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said surface and said substrate for changing continuously or stepwise the twisting degree of said liquid crystal molecules; (e) an orientation layer, formed between said electrode structure and said liquid crystal layer having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α o and an orientation angle β o sufficient to prevent domain formation in the portions of said liquid crystal layer which form said image spots; and (f) a transistor matrix for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements, the transistors being located between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer of said switching elements.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
226 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 57 or 62 comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) said liquid crystal layer comprising said liquid crystal molecules wherein the latter are twistable and wherein Δnd/λ of said liquid crystal layer is larger than zero but smaller than four, and a twist angle β of said liquid crystal layer is within 15 degrees of 0° or within 15 degrees of 90°; (b) a substrate parallel to said surface of said layer: (c) a polarizer and an analyzer sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, all of which is formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating said electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said surface and said substrate for changing the twisting degree of said liquid crystal molecules; (e) an orientation layer formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α 0 which is larger than zero degrees but smaller than 30 degrees and an orientation angle β 0 larger than zero but smaller than 90 degrees: and (f) a transistor matrix for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements, the transistors being located between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer of said switching elements.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
132 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 57 or 62 comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) said liquid crystal layer comprising said liquid crystal molecules; (b) a substrate parallel to said surface of said layer; (c) a polarizer in optical relation with said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating said electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said surface and said substrate; (e) an orientation layer, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α o which is about zero degrees; and (f) a driver for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
14 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 86, wherein said liquid crystal molecules are nematic.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
51 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 86, wherein said electric field changes the twisting degree of said liquid crystal molecules continuously or stepwise to provide different degrees of light transmission by said liquid crystal switching elements in the range between substantially maximum and minimum light transmission of said electro-optical display device.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 86, wherein said driver is a transistor matrix.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 86, wherein saiddriver operates in accordance with the time multiplex method.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 86, wherein said pair of electrodes are arranged alternately in different planes in parallel with said substrate.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
26 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 86, wherein the axes of twist of said liquid crystal molecules are substantially perpendicular to the plane of said substrate.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
66 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 86, wherein the angle between the orientation direction of said liquid crystal molecules at a surface of said liquid crystal layer on the side of said polarizer and the transmitting direction of said polarizer is approximately zero degrees, and the angle between the transmitting directions of said polarizer and said analyzer is approximately zero degrees or approximately 90 degrees.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
66 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 86, wherein the angle between the orientation direction of said liquid crystal molecules at a surface of said liquid crystal layer on the side of said polarizer and the transmitting direction of said polarizer is approximately 90 degrees, and the angle between the transmitting directions of said polarizer and said analyzer is approximately zero degrees or approximately 90 degrees.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
150 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 57 or 62 comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements, which comprise: (a) said liquid crystal layer comprising said liquid crystal molecules; (b) a substrate parallel to said surface of said layer; (c) a polarizer and an analyzer sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having at least a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating said electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said surface and said substrate; (e) an orientation layer, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α o larger than zero degrees but smaller than 30 degrees and an orientation angle β o , wherein 0°<β o <90°; and (f) an active matrix for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
148 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 57 or 62 comprising a plurality of image spots formed by liquid crystal switching elements, which comprise: (a) said liquid crystal layer comprising said liquid crystal molecules; (b) a substrate parallel to said surface of said layer; (c) a polarizer in optical relation with said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating said electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said surface and said substrate; (e) an orientation layer, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules an orientation angle β o sufficient to suppress domain formation in the portions of said liquid crystal layer which form said image spots; and (f) a voltage source connected to said electrode structure.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
154 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 57 or 62 comprising a plurality of image spots formed by liquid crystal switching elements, which comprise: (a) said liquid crystal layer comprising said liquid crystal molecules; (b) a substrate parallel to said surface of said layer; (c) a polarizer in optical relation with said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating said electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said surface and said substrate; (e) an orientation layer, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α o and an orientation angle β o sufficient to suppress domain formation in the portions of said liquid crystal layer which form said image spots; and (f) a voltage source connected to said electrode structure.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 97 wherein the pretilt angle is larger than zero degree but smaller than 30 degrees.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
193 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 57 or 62 comprising a plurality of image spots formed by liquid crystal switching elements, which comprise: (a) said liquid crystal layer comprising said liquid crystal molecules wherein the latter are twistable; (b) a substrate parallel to said surface of said layer; (c) a polarizer and an analyzer sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having at least a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating said electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said surface and said substrate for changing continuously or stepwise the twisting degree of said liquid crystal molecules; (e) an orientation layer, formed between said electrode structure and said liquid crystal layer having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α 0 and said orientation angle β 0 sufficient to suppress domain formation in the portions of said liquid crystal layer which form said image spots; and (f) a transistor matrix for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements, the transistors being located between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer of said switching elements.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
183 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer comprising liquid crystal molecules; (b) a substrate; (c) a polarizer and an analyzer sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure all of which is formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with the surface of said substrate; (e) an orientation layer formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α 0 larger than zero degrees but smaller than 30 degrees and an orientation angle β 0 larger than zero degree but not larger than 20 degrees in case of negative dielectric anisotropy or not smaller than 70 degrees but less than 90 degrees in case of positive dielectric anisotropy; and (f) a transistor matrix for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements, the transistors being located between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer of said switching elements.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
183 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer comprising liquid crystal molecules; (b) a substrate; (c) a polarizer and an analyzer sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure all of which is formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with the surface of said substrate; (e) an orientation layer formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α 0 larger than zero degrees but smaller than 30 degrees and an orientation angle β 0 larger than zero degree but not larger than 20 degrees in case of negative dielectric anisotropy or not smaller than 70 degrees but less than 90 degrees in case of positive dielectric anisotropy; and (f) a transistor matrix for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements, the transistors being located between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer of said switching elements.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 100 wherein Δnd/λ of said liquid crystal layer is larger than zero but smaller than four.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
30 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 100, wherein a twist angle β of said liquid crystal layer is within 15 degrees of 0° or within 15 degrees of 90°.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
201 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer comprising twistable liquid crystal molecules having positive dielectric anisotropy and wherein Δnd/λ of said liquid crystal layer is larger than zero but smaller than four and a twist angle β of said liquid crystal layer is within 15 degrees of 0° or within 15 degrees of 90°; (b) a substrate: (c) a polarizer and an analyzer sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, all of which is formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said substrate; (e) an orientation layer, formed between said electrode structure and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α 0 larger than zero degrees but smaller than 30 degrees and an orientation angle β 0 not smaller than 70 degrees but less than 90 degrees; and (f) a transistor matrix for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements, the transistors being located between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer of said switching elements.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
201 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer comprising twistable liquid crystal molecules having positive dielectric anisotropy and wherein Δnd/λ of said liquid crystal layer is larger than zero but smaller than four and a twist angle β of said liquid crystal layer is within 15 degrees of 0° or within 15 degrees of 90°; (b) a substrate: (c) a polarizer and an analyzer sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, all of which is formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said substrate; (e) an orientation layer, formed between said electrode structure and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α 0 larger than zero degrees but smaller than 30 degrees and an orientation angle β 0 not smaller than 70 degrees but less than 90 degrees; and (f) a transistor matrix for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements, the transistors being located between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer of said switching elements.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
204 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer comprising twistable liquid crystal molecules having negative dielectric anisotropy and wherein Δnd/λ of said liquid crystal layer is larger than zero but smaller than four and a twist angle β of said liquid crystal layer is within 15 degrees of 0° or within 15 degrees of 90°; (b) a substrate; (c) a polarizer and an analyzer sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure all of which is formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with the surface of said substrate: (e) an orientation layer formed between said electrode structure and said liquid crystal layer having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α 0 larger than zero degrees but smaller than 30 degrees and an orientation angle β 0 larger than zero degree but not larger than 20 degrees; and (f) a transistor matrix for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements, the transistors being located between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer of said switching elements.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
204 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer comprising twistable liquid crystal molecules having negative dielectric anisotropy and wherein Δnd/λ of said liquid crystal layer is larger than zero but smaller than four and a twist angle β of said liquid crystal layer is within 15 degrees of 0° or within 15 degrees of 90°; (b) a substrate; (c) a polarizer and an analyzer sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure all of which is formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with the surface of said substrate: (e) an orientation layer formed between said electrode structure and said liquid crystal layer having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α 0 larger than zero degrees but smaller than 30 degrees and an orientation angle β 0 larger than zero degree but not larger than 20 degrees; and (f) a transistor matrix for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements, the transistors being located between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer of said switching elements.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
194 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer comprising liquid crystal molecules; (b) a substrate: (c) a polarizer and an analyzer sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, all of which is formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with the surface of said substrate; (e) an orientation layer formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α 0 larger than zero degrees but smaller than 30 degrees and an orientation angle β 0 larger than zero degrees but not larger than 20 degrees in case of negative dielectric anisotropy or not smaller than 70 degrees but less than 90 degrees in case of positive dielectric anisotropy; and (f) a direct triggering device for triggering of said switching elements, or a transistor matrix for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements, the transistors being located between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer of said switching elements.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
194 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer comprising liquid crystal molecules; (b) a substrate: (c) a polarizer and an analyzer sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure, all of which is formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer, having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with the surface of said substrate; (e) an orientation layer formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α 0 larger than zero degrees but smaller than 30 degrees and an orientation angle β 0 larger than zero degrees but not larger than 20 degrees in case of negative dielectric anisotropy or not smaller than 70 degrees but less than 90 degrees in case of positive dielectric anisotropy; and (f) a direct triggering device for triggering of said switching elements, or a transistor matrix for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements, the transistors being located between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer of said switching elements.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
164 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer comprising liquid crystal molecules; (b) a substrate; (c) a polarizer, an analyzer and a reflector sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with a surface of said substrate; (e) an orientation layer formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α 0 larger than zero degrees but smaller than 30 degrees and an orientation angle β 0 larger than zero degrees but not larger than 20 degrees in case of negative dielectric anisotropy or not smaller than 70 degrees but less than 90 degrees in case of positive dielectric anisotropy: and (f) a driver for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
164 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer comprising liquid crystal molecules; (b) a substrate; (c) a polarizer, an analyzer and a reflector sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with a surface of said substrate; (e) an orientation layer formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α 0 larger than zero degrees but smaller than 30 degrees and an orientation angle β 0 larger than zero degrees but not larger than 20 degrees in case of negative dielectric anisotropy or not smaller than 70 degrees but less than 90 degrees in case of positive dielectric anisotropy: and (f) a driver for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
54 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 106, wherein Δnd/λ of said liquid crystal layer is larger than zero but smaller than two and a twist angle β of said liquid crystal layer is within 15 degrees of 0° or within 5 degrees of 60° and the liquid crystal molecules have positive dielectric anisotropy.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
54 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 106, wherein Δnd/λ of said liquid crystal layer is larger than zero but smaller than two, and a twist angle β of said liquid crystal layer is within 15 degrees of 0° or within 5 degrees of 60° and the liquid crystal molecules have negative dielectric anisotropy.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 106, wherein said pair of electrodes are arranged alternately in different planes in parallel with said substrate.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
26 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 106 wherein an axis of twist of said liquid crystal molecules is substantially perpendicular to the plane of said substrate.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 106, wherein said pair of electrodes comprise strip or line-type electrodes which extend to make said space therebetween.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 106, wherein the thickness of said liquid crystal layer is 1 μm to 10 μm.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 106, wherein said space between said pair of electrodes in 2 μm to 50 μm.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
28 words
The electro-optical display device of claim 106, wherein an applied voltage between said pair of electrodes in a case of maximum contrast is one volt to 80 volts.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 106, wherein Δnd/λ of said liquid crystal layer is larger than zero but smaller than two.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
30 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 106 wherein a twist angle β of said liquid crystal layer is within 15 degrees of 0° or within 5 degrees of 60°.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
65 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 106, wherein the angle between the orientation direction of said liquid crystal molecules at surface of said liquid crystal layer on the side of said polarizer and the transmitting direction of said polarizer is approximately zero degrees, and the angle between the transmitting directions of said polarizer and said analyzer is approximately zero degrees of approximately 90 degrees.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
66 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 106, wherein the angle between the orientation direction of said liquid crystal molecules at a surface of said liquid crystal layer on the side of said polarizer and the transmitting direction of said polarizer is approximately 90 degrees, and the angle between the transmitting directions of said polarizer and said analyzer is approximately zero degrees of approximately 90 degrees.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electro-optical display device according to claim 106 wherein said reflector is a dielectric mirror.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
164 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer comprising liquid crystal molecules: (b) a substrate: (c) a polarizer and an analyzer sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure is formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with the surface of said substrate: (e) an orientation layer formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α 0 larger than zero degrees but smaller than 30 degrees and an orientation angle β 0 larger than zero degrees but not larger than 20 degrees in case of negative dielectric anisotropy or not smaller than 70 degrees but less than 90 degrees in case of positive dielectric anisotropy; and (f) an active matrix for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
164 words
An electro-optical display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal switching elements which comprise: (a) a liquid crystal layer comprising liquid crystal molecules: (b) a substrate: (c) a polarizer and an analyzer sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; (d) an electrode structure is formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer having a pair of electrodes with a space therebetween for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with the surface of said substrate: (e) an orientation layer formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer having a surface that gives said liquid crystal molecules a pretilt angle α 0 larger than zero degrees but smaller than 30 degrees and an orientation angle β 0 larger than zero degrees but not larger than 20 degrees in case of negative dielectric anisotropy or not smaller than 70 degrees but less than 90 degrees in case of positive dielectric anisotropy; and (f) an active matrix for controlling said liquid crystal switching elements.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
101 words
An electro-optical liquid crystal switching element which comprises: (a) a liquid crystal layer, comprising liquid crystal molecules and having a surface suitable for display of an image; and (b) an electrode structure for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said surface: wherein said liquid crystal molecules have an orientation angle β o which is larger than zero degrees but not larger than 20 degrees in the case of negative dielectric anisotropy or an orientation angle β o which is not smaller than 70 degrees but less than 90 degrees in the case of positive dielectric anisotropy.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
101 words
An electro-optical liquid crystal switching element which comprises: (a) a liquid crystal layer, comprising liquid crystal molecules and having a surface suitable for display of an image; and (b) an electrode structure for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with said surface: wherein said liquid crystal molecules have an orientation angle β o which is larger than zero degrees but not larger than 20 degrees in the case of negative dielectric anisotropy or an orientation angle β o which is not smaller than 70 degrees but less than 90 degrees in the case of positive dielectric anisotropy.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
32 words
The electro-optical switching element of claim further comprising: (c) a substrate; (d) a polarizer in optical relation with said liquid crystal layer; and (e) a voltage source connected to said electrode structure.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
33 words
The electro-optical switching element of claim 122, wherein said electrode structure is formed between said substrate and said liquid crystal layer and comprises at least a pair of electrodes having a space therebetween.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
46 words
The electro-optical switching element of claim 123 further comprising: (f) an orientation layer formed between said electrode structure and said liquid crystal layer, having a surface which aligns said liquid crystal molecules in a direction whereby said liquid-crystal molecules have said orientation angle β o .
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electro-optical switching element of claim 124 wherein said liquid crystal molecules have a pretilt angle α o , wherein 0°≦α o ≦30°.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
11 words
The electro-optical switching element of claim 125, wherein 0°≦α o ≦20°.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
11 words
The electro-optical switching element of claim 126, wherein 0°≦α o ≦5°.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-11-19 | 2000-05-20 | 2000-11-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-11-19 | 2004-05-20 | 2004-11-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-11-19 | 2008-05-20 | 2008-11-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |