Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging device comprising: an image pickup device which picks up an object, an image acquisition device which continuously acquires image signals indicating the object via the image pickup device, a face recognition device which continuously recognizes the face of the object at predetermined time intervals from the continuously acquired image signals, a tracking indication device which indicates to keep track of the face of the object, a prediction device which predicts the position of the face of the object after a predetermined time elapsed since the tracking indication device indicated tracking based on a plurality of pieces of information about the position of the continuously recognized face of the object and the time intervals of recognizing the face, and a notification device which notifies a user of the predicted position of the face of the object.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image capturing unit for capturing a first image by using an image capturing device, a detection unit for detecting applied vibration and outputting a vibration value representing a magnitude of the vibration, a calculation unit for calculating a first correcting value and a second correcting value from the vibration value, an alteration unit for altering, when a difference between the first and second correcting values is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, a region of the second image so as to reduce a distance between the center of an image obtained by correcting the second image on the basis of the first correcting value and the center of another image obtained by correcting the third image on the basis of the second correcting value, and a correction unit for correcting the second image on the basis of the first correcting value.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which is capable of identifying a criminal e.g. when the image pickup apparatus has been broken, without additionally providing a dedicated sensor for detecting an abnormality. A panhead unit supports a camera unit and rotates the same. A rotary encoder detects a rotating state of the panhead unit. A motor control circuit controls the rotating state of the panhead unit based on the rotating state detected by the rotary encoder. A system control circuit stores an image periodically picked up by the camera unit in the controlled rotating state of the panhead unit in a buffer memory. When the rotating state of the panhead unit is not being controlled based on the rotating state detected by the rotary encoder, a memory control circuit reads out images picked up, respectively, before and after a detection time at which the rotary encoder detected the rotating state, and stores the images in an auxiliary memory.

Abstract: A moving image generating apparatus is provided, that efficiently generates a moving image representing transition of still images. The moving image generating apparatus that generates a moving image in which a plurality of still images are transferred includes: a transition data acquiring section that acquires transition data indicating how are the plurality of still images transferred in the moving image; and a moving image generating section that generates a plurality of moving image components compressed into each partial region from the plurality of still images based on the transition data acquired by the transition data acquiring section and that generates a compressed moving image including the plurality of generated moving image components.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus capturing and recording a moving image and a static image at the same time includes a converter converting an optical image of a subject into a pixel signal, performing decimation on the pixel signal and outputting the pixel signal that has been subjected to decimation when recording of the moving image is performed but recording of the static image is not performed, and outputting the pixel signal that has not been subjected to decimation when recording of the moving image and the static image is performed; an eliminating section performing decimation on the pixel signal output from the converter only when recording of the moving image and the static image is performed; a moving image data generator generating moving image data; a static image data generator generating static image data; and a recorder recording the moving image data and the static image data.

Abstract: In a photographing apparatus, image data obtained when an instruction for capturing a still image is issued during capturing of a moving picture is saved in a first recording medium, and a still image is generated based on the image data saved in the first recording medium and is recorded on a second recording medium different from the first recording medium when the capturing of the moving picture has been completed. The photographing apparatus includes a display control unit configured to display, during the capturing of the moving picture, a first icon indicating the second recording medium as a still-image recording destination and an indicator indicating the number of still images for which image data can be saved in the first recording medium, and to display an indicator indicating that the still image is recorded on the second recording medium when the capturing of the moving picture has been completed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tone-conversion device for converting a tone of an image having an achromatic signal and a chromatic signal, and it includes the following components: a signal extracting unit defining an achromatic signal of a first pixel or a second pixel from plural pixels as an achromatic signal value, the second pixel being in an immediate neighborhood; a neighborhood processing unit generating a local signal of the first pixel according to the achromatic signal and the chromatic signal of a third pixel contained in the neighborhood area which is larger than the second pixel; a gain determining unit determining a conversion gain for the first pixel according to the achromatic signal value and the local signal; and a tone conversion unit performing tone conversion by multiplying the signal component of the first pixel by the conversion gain.

Abstract: The present invention includes a coordinate rotating circuit which executes a coordinate rotating conversion based on a predetermined rotation matrix, on each of two color difference signals to obtain two color difference rotated signals, a normalizing circuit which divides the color difference rotated signal by a luminance signal to obtain a color difference normalized signal, a subtractor and an absolute value calculating circuit which calculate a color saturation degree-of-deviation signal from a difference between the color difference normalized signal and a coefficient, and a tangent circuit and an absolute value calculating circuit which divide the color difference rotated signal by the color difference rotated signal to calculate a hue degree-of-deviation signal from a resulting quotient.

Abstract: The image processing method and apparatus perform image processing on acquired image data. The method and apparatus detect a face from an image represented by the acquired image data and/or executing scene identification of the image, modify processing conditions for special processing to be performed in accordance with results of face detection and/or the scene identification, perform automatically predetermined common image processing on the image data and perform the special processing on the image data based on the modified processing conditions for the special processing. The special processing is different from the predetermined common image processing and image processing to be executed in accordance with designation from an external. The image processing program executes the above image processing method on a computer.

Abstract: An automatic exposure control method and compensation apparatus are disclosed. It includes a coordinate system having sub-ranges with different corresponding exposure compensation values. It includes the setting of bright and dark regions threshold values and the calculation of the ratios of the pixel count in an image where the luminance of each pixel is higher than the bright area threshold value for obtaining a bright area ratio, and also includes the calculation of the ratio of the pixel count in an image where the luminance of each pixel is lower than the dark area threshold value for obtaining a dark area ratio. Afterwards, the image position in the coordinate system is determined. When the image position in the coordinate system is fallen inside one of the sub-ranges, the corresponding exposure compensation value of the sub-range where the image is located is given to compensate the exposure value of the image.

Abstract: In methods and systems for classifying capture records, such as images. A collection of capture records is provided. Each capture record has metadata defining a map location. This metadata can be earlier determined from a stream of data transmissions, even if there are gaps in transmission. The provided capture records are clustered into groups based on capture locations. A map, inclusive of the capture locations, is segmented into a plurality of regions based on relative positions of the capture locations associated with each group. The regions are associated with the capture records of respective groups.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus having an image capturing unit capturing an image, a first recording unit temporarily recording an original image signal output from the image capturing unit, a processing unit performing predetermined signal processing upon the original image signal output from the image capturing unit, and an instructing unit instructing the processing unit to capture a still image. When the processing unit is instructed to capture a still image by the instructing unit while performing moving image signal processing upon the original image signal output from the image capturing unit, the processing unit may cause the first recording unit to record the original image signal output from the image capturing unit. In addition, the processing unit may read out the recorded original image signal from the first recording unit and perform still image signal processing upon the read out original image signal while suspending the moving image signal processing.

Abstract: A digital camera module (100) includes a first sleeve (10), a first motor (20), a first barrel (30), a second sleeve (40), a second motor (50) and a second barrel (60). The first sleeve has at least one lens element (142) received therein. The first motor is received in the first sleeve. The first barrel has at least one lens element (32) received therein. The first motor engages with the first barrel and drives the first barrel to axially slide relative to the first sleeve. The second sleeve is located proximate to the first sleeve. The second motor is received in the second sleeve. The second barrel has at least one lens element (62). The second motor engages with the second barrel and drives the second barrel to axially slide relative to the second sleeve.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus having two image sensors includes two solid state image pickup devices and a prism group that includes a color separation coating that reflects green light. Red and blue transmitting “on chip” color filters are supported on one of the two solid state image pickup devices. The image pickup apparatus has a spectral design to control color shading in changing environments, and is also designed for easy assembly. The spectral design requires that the spectral transmission characteristics of the color separation coating, the red and blue transmitting color filters, and the spectral sensitivity characteristics of pixels of the solid state image pickup devices satisfy certain conditions that pertain to boundaries between the red, blue, and green light. Image readout is provided by combining two adjacent pixels of the image field. A method of manufacturing such an image pickup apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a solid-state image pickup device comprising a plurality of pixel units, each of which includes a photoelectric conversion element, a signal line which reads out signals from said plurality of pixel units, a first capacitor element which has a first electrode connected to the signal line, an amplifier which has an input terminal connected to a second electrode of the first capacitor element, and a second capacitor element connected between the input terminal and an output terminal of the amplifier, wherein the first capacitor element has a capacitance value which is smaller at the time of execution of an adding mode than at the time of execution of a non-adding mode, and thereby making an amplification factor of the amplifier smaller at the time of execution of the adding mode than at the time of execution of the non-adding mode.

Abstract: A capsule camera includes a pixel cell array of pixel cells exposed to light from a field of view, an illuminating system that illuminates the field of view, a signal processor receiving and processing data from the pixel cell array, and a control module that causes the pixel cell array to be read out using an improved scanning method. The scanning method includes pre-charging the pixel cells in the pixel cell array, illuminating a field of view of the pixel cells for a predetermined exposure time, and reading out data from the pixel cells only after the illuminating of the field of view is completed. The pre-charging of the pixel cells is carried out over a predetermined time period prior to the field of view being illuminated. The rows of the pixel may be precharged at different times. The time interval between the precharging and the reading out of the pixel cells in each row may be substantially the same.

Abstract: In order to provide a photoelectric conversion apparatus, which is an apparatus excellent in reading speed, high S/N, high tone level, and low cost, the photoelectric conversion apparatus has a photoelectric conversion circuit section comprising a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, switching elements, matrix signal wires, and gate drive wires arranged on a same substrate in order to output parallel signals, a driving circuit section for applying a driving signal to the gate drive wire, and a reading circuit section for converting the parallel signals transferred through the matrix signal wires to serial signals to output them, wherein the reading circuit section comprises at least one analog operational amplifier connected with each of the matrix signal wires, transfer switches for transferring output signals from the respective matrix signal wires, output through each amplifier, reading capacitors, and reading switches for successively reading the signals out of the reading capacitors in the for

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device is provided which causes no image degradation in the high-speed driving of the horizontal shift register. A charge transfer path (1) of a horizontal shift register is branched into two at a certain angle (?) on the adjacent electrode parts of the final stage of the horizontal shift register. Next to the electrode (H1) which forms the branching of the charge transfer path (1), a pair of transfer electrodes in which an electrode (2) of a first layer and an electrode (3) of a second layer are connected are disposed on the charge transfer paths 1 like the horizontal shift register before branching, so that transfer electrodes (HLa and HLb) of the horizontal shift register of the charge transfer path (1) are formed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid-state imaging element which includes a plurality of drive signal inputs, a plurality of bus lines, and a plurality of vertical transfer register electrodes. In the solid-state imaging element, a charge accumulated in light-receiving elements in a pixel region is vertically transferred by the drive signals input to the electrodes. Each of the electrodes has a contact part connected to the second contact and having a width smaller than a width of the electrodes in the pixel region, and a blank region is formed between predetermined adjacent two of the contact parts so that a width of the blank region is larger than a distance between respective two of the contact parts other than the predetermined adjacent two of the contact parts. The first contact is disposed on the blank region.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes a camera body having an image-capturing lens for receiving light to form an image of a subject and a display unit having a display screen for displaying the image. The display unit is slidably supported by the camera body. A surface of the display unit opposite a surface having the display screen disposed thereon faces a surface of the camera body opposite a surface having the image-capturing lens disposed thereon. An image capture button is disposed on the surface of the camera body opposite the surface having the image-capturing lens disposed thereon. The image capture button is exposed when the display unit is slid over the camera body in a first direction and the image capture button is covered by the display unit when the display unit is slid over the camera body in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: In order to display help information at the time when each of a self-timer button, an illumination button, AE lock button and the like is operated, an image pickup apparatus displays help information with understandable wording in use of simple terms in consideration of a possibility that a user is not proficient in camera operations in case of a full-automatic mode or a photographing mode of an image zone, and displays help information with concise and easily recognizable wording inclusive of technical terms in accordance with necessity in consideration of a possibility that a user is proficient in camera operations to a certain extent in case of a photographing mode of a creative zone.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a distortion correcting part for correcting pixels of image data having distortion due to distortion aberration characteristics of an optical system, and outputting corrected image data; a filtering part for applying a predetermined filtering process based on filter coefficients to the image data to be input into the distortion correcting part; and a filter coefficient setting part for setting, based on input distance data or relative coordinate data measured from a position corresponding to an optical center of the optical system to a target pixel for the filtering process on the image data, the filter coefficient which is used in the filtering part and is assigned to a position of the target pixel in accordance with the distortion aberration characteristics.

Abstract: A plurality of distance measuring points in a picture can be correctly and rapidly focused on. Images at a plurality of distance measuring points in the picture can be detected through a photographing lens by means of an image pickup element. These detected distance measuring points can be displayed on a monitor screen. Finally, a photographing lens can be controlled with respect to the displayed distance measuring points so as to cause the output from the image pickup element to reach its highest contrast.

Abstract: If an electronic camera is set in an image-capturing, sensitivity automatic control mode, a program autoexposure calculation is executed based upon the subject brightness and the image-capturing sensitivity setting to determine a control aperture value and a control shutter speed. If the correct exposure is not achieved, a control exposure sensitivity is calculated based upon the exposure deviation and the image-capturing sensitivity setting is adjusted accordingly. If an internal flash unit or an external flash unit is utilized, an autoexposure calculation is executed by using the flash unit synchronizing speed, the subject brightness and the image-capturing sensitivity setting to determine the control aperture value.

Abstract: There is disclosed a snug, form fitting skin for a camera to protect against trauma like dust, dirt, scratches and water. There is additionally disclosed a rigid housing for such skin-encased camera.

Abstract: Methods are provided for transmitting video data from a first user device to a second user device. The video data are received as a sequence of frames from the first user device at a video-transmission system. A portion of a first frame in the sequence of frames is identified as having information redundant with a portion of a second frame in the sequence of frames. The redundant information is stripped from one of the first and second frames. The stripped frame is substituted into a modified sequence of frames, which is transmitted with the video-transmission system to the second user device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of delivering notifications. The method can include receiving a communication at a server within an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) network, where the communication is directed to a destination device outside of the IPTV network. The method can also include identifying the destination device and associating the destination device with a set-top box device. The method can also include transmitting a notification of the communication to the set-top box device via a private data network within the IPTV network.

Abstract: Disclosed is an interphone system that uses a home-use television broadcast receiving apparatus capable of receiving instructions for dealing with a visitor. According to the invention, a television includes a sending/receiving section for sending and receiving signals to and from a door phone apparatus, a storage section in which response information is stored as text data, and an audio synthesis processor which converts text data into an audio signal. An audio signal based on response information (e.g., “Please come in”) selected with the television is sent to the door phone apparatus and outputted from a door phone slave unit installed at the entrance of a house. Thus, it becomes possible to deal with a visitor by operating the television.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatically launching a picture-in-picture (PIP) display on a television screen in response to detecting a commercial break. PIP launch scheme information is stored in a memory and retrieved upon the detection of a commercial break during a television broadcast. The PIP launch scheme information specifies the size and position of the PIP display, and a television signal source and channel for the PIP and the main television display to be shown during the commercial break.

Abstract: A video processing apparatus includes a detector which detects whether pattern portions such as wallpaper portions having a pattern or the like or no-picture area portions having a single color are contained besides contents in a video signal input thereto, and a corrector which corrects the video signal. If the pattern portions are contained in the input video signal, the corrector is controlled so as not to correct the video signal.

Abstract: A video capture system includes an input for receiving a plurality of analogue video signals; switching mechanisms for selecting any one of the analogue video signals; memory for storing signals output from the switching mechanism; and a system control for extracting signals from the memory at a predetermined rate and transferring the signals to a video Codec mechanism.

Abstract: A wireless reception apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a scan unit for periodically scanning favorite channels which are selectable as a playing channel, and recording broadcasting signal properties of each favorite channel; an evaluation value calculating module for calculating an evaluation value of each favorite channel according to the broadcasting signal properties thereof; a channel selection module for selecting one of the favorite channels as a playing channel according to the evaluation values; and a signal receiving unit for receiving radio signals in the playing channel. A wireless reception method is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are a laser video projector having a multi-channel acousto-optic modulator, and a method and circuit for driving the laser video projector. The laser video projector includes a light generating portion, an optic modulator, an optic combining portion, and an optic scanning portion. The light generating portion emits light to be used to project a video image. The optic modulator modulates the light incident from the light generating portion by using the video signal. The optic combining portion combines modulated light beams emitted from the optic modulator. The optic scanning portion scans light incident from the optic combining portion on a screen. The optic modulator has six or more optic modulation channels so that a plurality of red light beams, a plurality of green light beams, and a plurality of blue light beams incident in a state suitable for optic modulation are simultaneously modulated. Accordingly, limitations in the performance of an optic modulator and an optic scanner can be overcome.

Abstract: To provide a projection-type image display system, a projector, a program, an information storage medium, and an image projection method that enable simple changing of a projection position, a liquid-crystal projector is provided with: a sensor which senses a projection target area and outputs sensing information; an edge detection section which outputs detection information, based on the sensing information; a projectable area determination section which determines a projectable area which has no obstructions within the projection target area, based on the detection information; a projection area selection section which selects a projection area within the projectable area, based on a user selection or a predetermined reference; a projection-area/pixel-area associating section and a lens adjustment section which performs predetermined adjustments in such a manner that an image is displayed on the projection area; and an image projection section which projects an image towards the projection area, based on th

Abstract: A projection display including a calibration bezel which forms a visual fiducial at the edge of a display screen. The calibration bezel may form a complete or partial border around the display screen and may be oriented at an angle to the display screen. Thus, a comparatively larger angle exists between light rays emanating from the bezel to the camera than in a conventional setup that has a surface planar with respect to the display screen. This makes it easier for electronics to locate the edge of the display in images captured by the camera, facilitating a more efficient camera setup process and an improved picture alignment process. The calibration bezel further allows electronics to quickly locate and see images at the perimeter that defines the edge of a large screen rear projection monitor screen.

Abstract: An optical address type spatial light modulator has a plurality of optical address type light modulation layers stacked on each other, each having a liquid crystal layer for reflecting visible light in a specific wavelength band or a liquid crystal layer for absorbing visible light in a specific wavelength band and coloring and a photoconductive layer for absorbing the visible light in the specific wavelength band and changing the resistance value in response to the light intensity of the visible light absorbed, the liquid crystal layer and the photoconductive layer being stacked on each other between electrodes.

Abstract: Displays with integrated photovoltaic cells, as well as related systems, components, and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) includes a first substrate having an array of wiring lines and pixel regions. The pixel regions have pixel electrodes, thin film transistors with drain electrodes, and storage capacitors. The LCD also includes a second substrate having color filters, black matrices, opened regions to receive external light positioned in regions in which the black matrices are not positioned, and transparent common electrodes. Liquid crystal is between the first and second substrates. The opened regions correspond to first regions in which the drain electrodes and the pixel electrodes are connected and second regions in which the storage capacitors are positioned. In one embodiment, the liquid is driven in a normally white mode when the LCD is driven in a transmissive mode, and is driven in a normally black mode when the LCD is driven in a reflective mode.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to facilitate attachment of a spacer to a support member in an assembling process of a liquid crystal display device. A display device includes: a display panel, a support member that supports the display panel and a spacer that is interposed between a cut end surface of the display panel and a first surface of the support member, the first surface facing the cut end surface of the display panel. The support member has a recess that opens through the first surface and a second surface, which is connected to the first surface and extends away from the display panel. The spacer includes a spacer position securing portion inserted in the space of the recess of the support member and a buffer portion that is integral with the spacer position securing portion and protrudes from the open end at the first surface of the support member toward the cut end surface of the display panel.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a bracket, an LCD panel, and a mounting member. The bracket includes a bezel, and a cover mounted to the bezel. One of the bezel and the cover includes a first side, and a second side opposite to the first side. A side of the LCD panel is mounted to the first side of the one of the bezel and the cover. The mounting member secures to an opposite side of the LCD panel. The mounting member includes a mounting tab being capable of mounting to the positioning portion at different positions relative to the positioning portion.

Abstract: A backlight module including a frame, a reflective adhesive tape, a fixing adhesive tape, a reflective plate, a light-guiding plate and at least one of light source, is provided. The frame has a groove at one side. The reflective adhesive tape is disposed in the groove. The fixing adhesive tape is disposed at the side of the frame, and is disposed on the reflective adhesive tape. The reflective plate is disposed in the frame, wherein a gap is formed between the reflective plate and the fixing adhesive tape, and the gap is above the reflective adhesive tape. The light-guiding plate is disposed in the frame, and is disposed on the reflective plate and the fixing adhesive tape. The light-guiding plate has at least one light-incident surface. The light source is disposed beside the light-incident surface of the light-guiding plate. The backlight module is adapted for providing uniform surface light source.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device includes a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer between the pair of substrates. In addition, the device includes a scattering reflective plate disposed between the liquid crystal layer and one of the pair of substrates, the scattering reflective plate having a light scattering surface, the scattering reflective plate reflecting 80% or more of impinging light into a 30° cone.

Abstract: A color filter substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes sub-pixel regions of three primary colors of R, G, and B formed by colored layers of the three primary colors, and sub-pixel regions of complementary colors of the three primary colors, namely, C, M, and Y, each formed by arranging two of the colored layers of the three primary colors such that the two colored layers are adjacent to each other. The colored layer thickness in each complementary-color sub-pixel region is larger than the colored layer thickness in each primary-color sub-pixel region. To compensate for the thickness difference, a transparent resin layer having no influence on the transmittance of light is formed such that the surfaces of the colored layers contacting a liquid crystal layer are leveled.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display array board includes a plurality of gate wiring lines formed on a substrate, a plurality of data wiring lines crossing the plurality of gate wiring lines at crossed regions, thin film transistors formed in the crossed regions and having drain electrodes, and storage capacitor first electrodes aligned in parallel to the plurality of gate wiring lines. The liquid crystal display array board also includes pixel electrodes electrically connected to the drain electrodes of the thin film transistors and includes storage capacitor second electrodes formed on regions overlapping the first electrodes, and black matrices formed on the substrate to correspond to predetermined regions of the gate wiring lines and regions in which the data wiring lines and thin film transistors are formed.

Abstract: A light management unit is described for attachment to a display module, especially suited for an LCD TV or LCD monitor. The light management unit includes a directionally recycling layer including a structured side and a planar side where the structured side includes prism structures. The light management unit also includes a reflective polarizer positioned on the planar side of the directionally recycling layer. The light management unit also includes a diffusion structure incorporated into either the directionally recycling layer or between the directional recycling layer and the reflective polarizer. The diffusion structure causes a level of diffusion that is sufficient to prevent the appearance of colored bands when a viewer positioned along a line of sight that is perpendicular to the direction of the prism structures views the light management unit, illuminated from below, at an oblique angle from a vertical axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reflective type liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal display device includes: an upper substrate provided with a polarizing plate on one surface of the upper substrate; a lower substrate spaced away from the other surface of the upper substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the upper and lower substrates; a color filter layer formed at a portion on the other surface of the upper substrate; a self-luminous body coated side by side with the color filter layer in a region besides a pixel region on the other surface of the upper substrate, so as to radiate light by itself depending on the electric current; and a transparent ITO layer covered on the color filter layer and the self-luminous body. It is possible to operate the liquid crystal display device without degradation of reflection efficiency in a dark state wherein light introduced from outside is weak.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display having a plurality of pixels includes liquid crystal layer disposed between first and second substrates, first and second polarization plates disposed on the said opposite to the side where the liquid crystal layer is disposed with respect to the first and second substrates. The second substrate includes a pixel electrode on the side of the liquid crystal layer. Each of the plurality of pixels including a reflection area and a transmission area is different from a ratio of the common electrode occupying an aperture in the reflection area in a place of the pixel and the ratio of the common electrode occupying the aperture in the reflection area is equal to or larger than 0% and smaller than 100%.

Abstract: The present invention provides for improved contrast in the transmissive mode of a transflective liquid crystal display having a rear stack polarizing means (302) which is transmissive for light having a desired polarization and reflective for light having an opposite, undesired polarization. The contrast is improved due to enhancements of the black state provided by the inclusion of a reflection preventing means (306). The reflection preventing means is arranged between the transflector (301) and the rear stack polarizer (302), and serves to stop light transmitted through the rear stack polarizer (302) towards the transflector (301) from being reflected by the transflector (301) back to the rear polarizer (302). Thereby undesired reflections having wrong polarization are stopped from being transmitted through the transflector (301) and thus from affecting the transmissive mode black state of the display.

Abstract: An upper polarizing plate is provided on the outer surface of an upper substrate, and a lower polarizing plate is provided on the outer surface of a lower substrate. Also, a retardation layer having a phase shift of a quarter wavelength, and a protective layer are provided in turn only on reflective display regions of the inner surface of the lower substrate so that with no voltage applied, the phase shifts of a liquid crystal layer in transmissive display regions and the reflective display regions are set to a half wavelength and a quarter wavelength, respectively. Therefore, the present invention provides a transflective liquid crystal display device having enhanced display brightness in a transmission mode and excellent visibility.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device to which retardation of a desired value is imparted. In the liquid crystal display device of the invention, orientation films which are oriented by the light radiation possess a retardation value of 1.0 nm or more and an anchoring strength of 1.0×10?3 Jm?2 or more.