Patents by Inventor Masumi Kubo
Masumi Kubo has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20070195237Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first polarizer provided on a surface of the first substrate which is on the opposite side to the liquid crystal layer; a second polarizer provided on a surface of the second substrate which is on the opposite side to the liquid crystal layer; a first phase compensation element provided between the first polarizer and the liquid crystal layer; and a second phase compensation element provided between the second polarizer and the liquid crystal layer. A plurality of pixel areas are provided for display. The first substrate includes at least one transmissive electrode, and the second substrate includes a reflective electrode region and a transmissive electrode region in correspondence with each of the plurality of pixel areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2006Publication date: August 23, 2007Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masumi Kubo, Yozo Narutaki, Shogo Fujioka, Yuko Maruyama, Takayuki Shimada, Youji Yoshimura, Mikio Katayama, Yutaka Ishii, Shinya Yamakawa, Atsushi Ban
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Patent number: 7250998Abstract: A color filter layer includes a first region and a second region, wherein the number of times that light used for display is transmitted through the color filter layer is different between the first region and the second region.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yozo Narutaki, Masumi Kubo, Shogo Fujioka, Takayuki Shimada, Mikio Katayama, Youji Yoshimura, Yutaka Ishii
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Publication number: 20070139594Abstract: The liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a vertical alignment type liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, and includes a plurality of picture element regions each defined by a first electrode provided on one side of the first substrate that is closer to the liquid crystal layer and a second electrode provided on the second substrate so as to oppose the first electrode via the liquid crystal layer. The first substrate includes a first orientation-regulating structure in each of the plurality of picture element regions, the first orientation-regulating structure exerting an orientation-regulating force so as to form a plurality of liquid crystal domains in the liquid crystal layer, each of the liquid crystal domains taking a radially-inclined orientation in the presence of an applied voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2007Publication date: June 21, 2007Inventors: Masumi Kubo, Akihiro Yamamoto, Kiyoshi Ogishima, Takashi Ochi, Kazuhiro Maekawa
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Patent number: 7230664Abstract: The liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a vertical alignment type liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, and includes a plurality of picture element regions each defined by a first electrode provided on one side of the first substrate that is closer to the liquid crystal layer and a second electrode provided on the second substrate so as to oppose the first electrode via the liquid crystal layer. The first substrate includes a first orientation-regulating structure in each of the plurality of picture element regions, the first orientation-regulating structure exerting an orientation-regulating force so as to form a plurality of liquid crystal domains in the liquid crystal layer, each of the liquid crystal domains taking a radially-inclined orientation in the presence of an applied voltage.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2001Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masumi Kubo, Akihiro Yamamoto, Kiyoshi Ogishima, Takashi Ochi, Kazuhiro Maekawa
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Patent number: 7215395Abstract: The liquid crystal display device of this invention includes a plurality of picture element regions each defined by a first electrode provided on a face of a first substrate facing a liquid crystal layer and a second electrode provided on a second substrate so as to oppose the first electrode via the liquid crystal layer sandwiched therebetween. In each of the picture element regions, the first electrode has a plurality of openings and a solid portion, the liquid crystal layer is in a vertical orientation state when no voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, and when a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, a plurality of liquid crystal domains each in a radially-inclined orientation state are respectively formed in the plurality of openings and the solid portion by inclined electrode fields generated at respective edge portions of the openings of the first electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2001Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masumi Kubo, Akihiro Yamamoto, Takashi Ochi, Tetsuhiro Yamaguchi, Naoshi Yamada, Katsuhiko Morishita, Kiyoshi Ogishima, Kazuhiro Maekawa
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Publication number: 20070019138Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first polarizer provided on a surface of the first substrate which is on the opposite side to the liquid crystal layer; a second polarizer provided on a surface of the second substrate which is on the opposite side to the liquid crystal layer; a first phase compensation element provided between the first polarizer and the liquid crystal layer; and a second phase compensation element provided between the second polarizer and the liquid crystal layer. A plurality of pixel areas are provided for display. The first substrate includes at least one transmissive electrode, and the second substrate includes a reflective electrode region and a transmissive electrode region in correspondence with each of the plurality of pixel areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2006Publication date: January 25, 2007Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masumi Kubo, Yozo Narutaki, Shogo Fujioka, Yuko Maruyama, Takayuki Shimada, Youji Yoshimura, Mikio Katayama, Yutaka Ishii, Shinya Yamakawa, Atsushi Ban
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Publication number: 20070002227Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first polarizer provided on a surface of the first substrate which is on the opposite side to the liquid crystal layer; a second polarizer provided on a surface of the second substrate which is on the opposite side to the liquid crystal layer; a first phase compensation element provided between the first polarizer and the liquid crystal layer; and a second phase compensation element provided between the second polarizer and the liquid crystal layer. A plurality of pixel areas are provided for display. The first substrate includes at least one transmissive electrode, and the second substrate includes a reflective electrode region and a transmissive electrode region in correspondence with each of the plurality of pixel areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masumi Kubo, Yozo Narutaki, Shogo Fujioka, Yuko Maruyama, Takayuki Shimada, Youji Yoshimura, Mikio Katayama, Yutaka Ishii, Shinya Yamakawa, Atsushi Ban
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Patent number: 7151581Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first polarizer provided on a surface of the first substrate which is on the opposite side to the liquid crystal layer; a second polarizer provided on a surface of the second substrate which is on the opposite side to the liquid crystal layer; a first phase compensation element provided between the first polarizer and the liquid crystal layer; and a second phase compensation element provided between the second polarizer and the liquid crystal layer. A plurality of pixel areas are provided for display. The first substrate includes at least one transmissive electrode, and the second substrate includes a reflective electrode region and a transmissive electrode region in correspondence with each of the plurality of pixel areas.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2005Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masumi Kubo, Yozo Narutaki, Shogo Fujioka, Yuko Maruyama, Takayuki Shimada, Youji Yoshimura, Mikio Katayama, Yutaka Ishii, Shinya Yamakawa, Atsushi Ban
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Publication number: 20060278874Abstract: The liquid crystal display device of this invention includes a plurality of picture element regions each defined by a first electrode provided on a face of a first substrate facing a liquid crystal layer and a second electrode provided on a second substrate so as to oppose the first electrode via the liquid crystal layer sandwiched therebetween. In each of the picture element regions, the first electrode has a plurality of openings and a solid portion, the liquid crystal layer is in a vertical orientation state when no voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, and when a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, a plurality of liquid crystal domains each in a radially-inclined orientation state are respectively formed in the plurality of openings and the solid portion by inclined electrode fields generated at respective edge portions of the openings of the first electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2006Publication date: December 14, 2006Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masumi Kubo, Akihiro Yamamoto, Takashi Ochi, Tetsuhiro Yamaguchi, Naoshi Yamada, Katsuhiko Morishita, Kiyoshi Ogishima, Kazuhiro Maekawa
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Patent number: 7145624Abstract: The liquid crystal display device of this invention includes a plurality of picture element regions each defined by a first electrode provided on a face of a first substrate facing a liquid crystal layer and a second electrode provided on a second substrate so as to oppose the first electrode via the liquid crystal layer sandwiched therebetween. In each of the picture element regions, the first electrode has a plurality of openings and a solid portion, the liquid crystal layer is in a vertical orientation state when no voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, and when a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, a plurality of liquid crystal domains each in a radially-inclined orientation state are respectively formed in the plurality of openings and the solid portion by inclined electrode fields generated at respective edge portions of the openings of the first electrode.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masumi Kubo, Akihiro Yamamoto, Takashi Ochi, Tetsuhiro Yamaguchi, Naoshi Yamada, Katsuhiko Morishita, Kiyoshi Ogishima, Kazuhiro Maekawa
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Patent number: 7139055Abstract: The liquid crystal display device of this invention includes a vertical alignment type liquid crystal layer between a first substrate and a second substrate. A picture element region is defined by a first electrode provided on the surface of the first substrate facing the liquid crystal layer and a second electrode provided on the surface of the second substrate facing the liquid crystal layer. The first substrate has at least one first protrusion with an inclined side face on the surface thereof facing the liquid crystal layer in each of the plurality of picture element regions. A portion of the liquid crystal layer included in each of the plurality of picture element regions is in a substantially vertical orientation state under application of no voltage, and includes at least a part of a first liquid crystal domain placed in a radially-inclined orientation state about the first protrusion under voltage application.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kiyoshi Ogishima, Masumi Kubo
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Patent number: 7084943Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device having a high display quality. The liquid crystal display device displays an image by applying a voltage by a first electrode and a second electrode across a liquid crystal layer which takes a vertical alignment in the absence of an applied voltage. The first electrode includes a lower conductive layer, a dielectric layer covering at least a portion of the lower conductive layer, and an upper conductive layer provided on one side of the dielectric layer which is closer to the liquid crystal layer. The upper conductive layer includes a first opening, and the lower conductive layer is provided so as to oppose at least a portion of the first opening via the dielectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masumi Kubo, Akihiro Yamamoto, Takashi Ochi, Kazuhiro Maekawa, Shohgo Fujioka
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Publication number: 20060158574Abstract: A liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes a picture element electrode in a first substrate on the liquid crystal layer side in each picture element region, and a counter electrode in a second substrate opposing the picture element electrode via the liquid crystal layer. In each picture element region, the picture element electrode includes a solid portion including multiple unit solid portions; and the liquid crystal layer is in a vertical orientation state with no voltage, and upon voltage application, forms a liquid crystal domain taking a radially-inclined orientation in positional correspondence with each unit solid portion by an oblique electric field produced near the unit solid portion. The liquid crystal display device further includes a storage capacitor connected electrically in parallel to a liquid crystal capacitor, and the storage capacitor is at least partially located in an area with no solid portion of the first substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2004Publication date: July 20, 2006Inventors: Masumi Kubo, Akihiro Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7064801Abstract: An alignment-divided vertical alignment liquid crystal display device permitting improvement in response characteristic while suppressing reduction in contrast ratio is provided. The device has a plurality of pixels each having a first electrode, a second electrode facing the first electrode, and a vertical alignment liquid crystal layer placed between the first and second electrodes. Ribs are placed in a surface portion of the liquid crystal layer close to the first electrode and/or a surface portion thereof close to the second electrode. The ribs have slope side faces put in contact with the liquid crystal layer, and satisfy the relationships RL/PS?0.05 (?m?1) and RS/PS?0.05 where RS is the product (RLĀ·RH) of the total length RL of the side faces in a pixel as viewed from the normal to the liquid crystal layer and the height RH of the ribs, and PS is the pixel area.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masumi Kubo, Akihiro Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Ohgami, Takashi Ochi
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Publication number: 20060119776Abstract: A liquid crystal display device of the present invention comprises picture element regions each defined by a first electrode on a first substrate on the liquid crystal layer side and a second electrode provided on a second substrate and opposing the first electrode via the liquid crystal layer. In each picture element region, the first electrode includes openings and a solid portion; and the liquid crystal layer is in a vertical alignment with no voltage, and upon voltage application, forms liquid crystal domains each taking a radially-inclined orientation above the openings and the solid portion by an oblique electric field produced in edge portions of the openings. The solid portion of the first electrode includes unit solid portions and connecting portions each for connecting at least three unit solid portions to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2004Publication date: June 8, 2006Inventors: Masumi Kubo, Akihiro Yamamoto, Takashi Ochi
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Patent number: 6995826Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of picture element regions each including a first electrode provided on one side of a first substrate that is closer to a liquid crystal layer and a second electrode provided on a second substrate so as to oppose the first electrode via the liquid crystal layer therebetween. The first electrode includes, in each picture element region, a solid portion including a plurality of unit solid portions, whereby the liquid crystal layer takes a substantially vertical alignment in the absence of an applied voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, and forms a liquid crystal domain taking a radially-inclined orientation in a region corresponding to each unit solid portion of the first electrode by an inclined electric field produced around the unit solid portion in response to a voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masumi Kubo, Akihiro Yamamoto, Takashi Ochi
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Publication number: 20050270455Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first polarizer provided on a surface of the first substrate which is on the opposite side to the liquid crystal layer; a second polarizer provided on a surface of the second substrate which is on the opposite side to the liquid crystal layer; a first phase compensation element provided between the first polarizer and the liquid crystal layer; and a second phase compensation element provided between the second polarizer and the liquid crystal layer. A plurality of pixel areas are provided for display. The first substrate includes at least one transmissive electrode, and the second substrate includes a reflective electrode region and a transmissive electrode region in correspondence with each of the plurality of pixel areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2005Publication date: December 8, 2005Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masumi Kubo, Yozo Narutaki, Shogo Fujioka, Yuko Maruyama, Takayuki Shimada, Youji Yoshimura, Mikio Katayama, Yutaka Ishii, Shinya Yamakawa, Atsushi Ban
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Patent number: 6965422Abstract: A first substrate includes, on one side thereof that is closer to a liquid crystal layer, a picture element electrode provided for each picture element region, a switching element, and a bus line. A second substrate includes a counter electrode opposing the picture element electrode. The picture element electrode includes a plurality of openings and a solid portion that includes a plurality of unit solid portions. In each picture element region, the liquid crystal layer takes a vertical alignment in the absence of an applied voltage, and forms a plurality of liquid crystal domains, each of which takes a radially-inclined orientation, in the plurality of openings and the solid portion by inclined electric fields produced at respective edge portions of the plurality of openings of the picture element electrode in response to an applied voltage.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2002Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masumi Kubo, Kiyoshi Ogishima, Takashi Ochi, Keizoh Watanabe
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Publication number: 20050237463Abstract: The LCD of the present invention includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a vertical alignment type liquid crystal layer provided therebetween. In each picture element region, a first electrode provided on the first substrate on the side of the liquid crystal layer has a solid portion formed of a conductive film and a non-solid portion with no conductive film provided. The liquid crystal layer has an orientation regulated by an inclined electric field produced above the non-solid portion of the first electrode when a voltage is applied. A portion of the liquid crystal layer above the solid portion includes a first region having a first thickness d1 and a second region having a second thickness d2 smaller than the first thickness d1 and located near the non-solid portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2005Publication date: October 27, 2005Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Masumi Kubo
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Publication number: 20050219453Abstract: The liquid crystal display device of the invention includes a plurality of pixels each having a first electrode, a second electrode facing the first electrode, and a vertically aligned liquid crystal layer placed between the first and second electrodes. The device further includes stripe-shaped first alignment regulating means having a first width placed in the first electrode side of the liquid crystal layer; stripe-shaped second alignment regulating means having a second width placed in the second electrode side of the liquid crystal layer; and a stripe-shaped liquid crystal region having a third width defined between the first and second regulating means. The third width is in a range between 2 ?m and 15 ?m.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2005Publication date: October 6, 2005Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masumi Kubo, Hisakazu Nakamura, Hiroyuki Ohgami, Akihiro Yamamoto, Tadashi Kawamura, Takashi Ochi, Yohichi Naruse