Abstract: A GPS terminal, comprises: a communication unit that receives assist data from a network, the assist data used for positioning via GPS (Global Positioning System); and a GPS positioning unit that receives a GPS signal using the assist data and outputs a positioning result. A communication session with the network is released without waiting for said GPS positioning unit to complete positioning.

Abstract: An element division liquid crystal display device with a liquid crystal inserted between first and second plates having alignment films, respectively. The alignment film of at least the first plate includes a single layer of alignment material having a plurality of first and second adjacent domains A and B and is continuously rubbed in one direction through first and second minute domains A and B. A further treatment, different from a rubbing treatment, is effected to the single alignment layer so that a pretilt angle of the liquid crystal contacting the alignment layer at one of the first and second domains is different from the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal contacting the alignment layer at the other domain. The further treatment includes one of the steps of irradiating with UV light, changing the chemical components of the material of the alignment layer, heating or changing the precuring process.

Abstract: The liquid crystal display panel comprising a twisted nematic liquid crystal inserted between a pair of substrates having alignment films, respectively. The liquid crystal twists from one substrate to the other substrate at a predetermined twist angle which is greater than zero degrees but smaller than 90 degrees. A polarizer and an analyzer are arranged crosswise. The alignment films are divided into minute regions so that the liquid crystal molecules in one of the regions align in one direction and the liquid crystal molecules in the other region align in another direction. The product (.DELTA.nd) of the anisotropy of the refractive index (.DELTA.n) and the layer thickness (d) of the liquid crystal is smaller than approximately 0.5 .mu.m and ensures a linearly polarized light incident onto the liquid crystal rotates approximately 90 degrees before the light emerges from the liquid crystal.

Abstract: The liquid crystal display panel which has improved viewing angle characteristics, is free from deterioration of a liquid crystal, enables the alignment division to be easily and ensurely carried out and has a simple structure. The liquid crystal display panel is constructed so that substrates sandwiching a liquid crystal therebetween each have an alignment film at their inner walls, at least one of the alignment films comprises a layer of a particular polyimide film material capable of inducing a change in surface energy upon the action of light or heat energy, the alignment film comprises an assembly of two adjacent minute domains and has been continuously rubbed in one direction along the minute domains and the two minute domains are different from each other in pretilt angle (defined as an angle at which liquid crystalline molecules rise from the surface of the substrate).

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device comprising different liquid crystal aligning domains in each of a plurality of unit regions for improving a characteristic of a viewing angle. In at least one of the liquid crystal aligning domains, molecules of the liquid crystal near the first alignment layer are aligned in a first pretilt direction and at a first pretilt angle and molecules of the liquid crystal near the second alignment layer are aligned in a second pretilt direction generally opposite the first pretilt direction and at a second pretilt angle. The first pretilt angle is larger than the second pretilt angle so that molecules of the liquid crystal located intermediately between the first and second plates rise in accordance with the first pretilt angle when voltage is applied. This feature can be widely used in combination with a suitably selected arrangement of the other liquid crystal aligning domain for reducing rubbing steps and photolithography steps.