Abstract: This invention can more accurately correct a region in the screen, which suffers a red-eye effect. An image processing apparatus including a processing circuit which executes correction processing for correcting a region in a target image, which satisfies a condition that defines a correction target, comprises a determination circuit which determines whether the target image has already undergone the correction processing, and a correction suppression circuit which suppresses execution of the correction processing for the target image when said determination circuit determines that the target image has already undergone the correction processing.

Abstract: A method for encoding information that is encoded in spatial variations of the intensity of light characterized by a first wavelength in light characterized by a second wavelength, the method comprising: transmitting the first wavelength light through a photo-conducting material in which electron-hole pairs are generated by absorbing photons from the first wavelength light to generate a first density distribution of electrons homologous with the spatial variations in intensity of the first wavelength light; trapping electrons from the first electron density distributions in a trapping region to generate an electric field homologous with the density distribution in a material that modulates a characteristic of light that passes therethrough responsive to an electric field therein; transmitting a pulse of light having sufficient energy to generate electron-hole pairs in the photo-conducting material through the modulating material and thereafter through the photo-conducting layer to generate a second additional

Abstract: An electronic camera having a continuous shooting function includes a resolution conversion unit capable of performing resolution conversion at least at a high resolution and at a low resolution that is lower than the high resolution, an image compression unit capable of performing image compression at least at a low compression factor and at a high compression factor that is higher than the low compression factor, and when a continuous shooting unit executes continuous shooting, the image compression unit performs image compression at a high compression factor if the resolution at the resolution conversion unit is set to a low resolution.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a plurality of pixel portions, each including a photoelectric conversion section and a holding section. The holding section is configured to hold a mixed saturation signal containing a saturation signal overflowing a photoelectric conversion section of the same pixel portion and a saturation signal overflowing a photoelectric conversion section of another pixel portion which functions as a color mixture component. A color mixture correcting section is configured to correct a color mixture component contained in the mixed saturation signal read out of the holding section. A combining section is configured to combine a photoelectric conversion signal read out of the photoelectric conversion section and a corrected saturation signal corrected by the color mixture correcting section.

Abstract: An electronic camera of the present invention includes an image pickup part performing “still image pickup generating a still image signal” and “control image pickup successively generating control image signals having higher frame rate” in time division; a still image processing part applying predetermined still image signal processing to the still image signal; a control image processing part applying predetermined control signal processing to the control image signals to extract control data; and a control part performing at least one control operation out of exposure control, focus control, and white balance control, based on the control data output from the control image processing part. Particularly, in the present invention, the control image processing part and the still image processing part are configured to operate independently.

Abstract: A method of tracking digital images includes inputting data identifying a subject of an image into a camera, acquiring an image with the camera, and storing the image and the inputted data, as metadata, in an image file when the image is acquired. The method can be implemented using a scanner, a digital camera, and a data processor. The scanner obtains the identifying data and transmits the data to the camera. The camera obtains digital images and embeds the data into digital image files encoding the digital images. The identifying data has a format different from any of the formats processable by the digital camera. The data processor converts the format of the identifying data to one of the plurality of formats processable by the digital camera loads the converted information into the digital camera as metadata.

Abstract: A semiconductor image sensor is provided that includes an on-chip temperature-sensitive element. The signal output of the temperature-sensitive element is used to determine a black level value for the image sensor and to calculate a color correction value to be applied to the signal output of the semiconductor image sensor. The signal output of the temperature-sensitive element may be determined by time-averaging a series of signal outputs from the temperature-sensitive element. The temperature-sensitive element signal output may also be determined by combining, e.g., averaging, the signal outputs of a plurality of on-chip temperature-sensitive elements.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method of gamma correction, and more particularly, an apparatus and method for varying a gamma curve according to a brightness level of a detected image signal to adaptively perform gamma correction, in a digital image processor. The gamma correction apparatus in the digital image processor includes a brightness level detector detecting a brightness level from an image signal generated by capturing an image, a gamma curve calculator moving a start point and/or an end point of an existing gamma curve for correcting an input brightness level to a predetermined output brightness level, according to the detected brightness level, and calculating a new gamma curve, and a gamma corrector correcting an input brightness level of the image signal using the new gamma curve, and outputting the corrected brightness level.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device comprises: photoelectric conversion elements including color-detecting photoelectric conversion elements and luminance-detecting photoelectric conversion elements; color filters each provided above each of the color-detecting photoelectric conversion elements; and luminance filters each provided above each of the luminance-detecting photoelectric conversion elements. Each of the luminance-detecting photoelectric conversion elements is provided adjacent to each of the color-detecting photoelectric conversion elements.

Abstract: A photo sensing display apparatus includes a display panel and a photo sensing controller. The display panel includes an active area, an inactive area, a number of sub-pixels and at least a dummy sub-pixel. The inactive area disposed around the active area. The sub-pixels are disposed in the active area for displaying a frame. The dummy sub-pixel is disposed in the active area and has a photo sensing device. The photo sensing controller is coupled to the photo sensing device.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device is provided. The solid-state imaging device includes an imaging area that includes arrayed pixels having photoelectric converting units and transistor elements; and a peripheral circuit, in which a wiring line in the imaging area that is shifted based on pupil correction amount and a wiring line in the peripheral circuit that is not shifted are connected through a connection expanded portion integrally formed with one or both of the wiring lines.

Abstract: An image sensor comprising a matrix of solid-state light sensor elements each representing a unit pixel, which is capable of reading out sensor signals from respective pixels in a time series by sequentially selecting pixels on a line-by-line basis and sequentially selecting pixels in a selected line, wherein each pixel line is divided into a plurality of blocks with each block composed of the same specified number of pixels and a first scanning means sequentially reads pixel sensor signals on the block-by-block basis starting from the first block and a second scanning means reads pixel sensor signals of the readout block. The image sensor thus constructed can achieve high speed scanning of respective pixels with a minimal increase in power consumption.

Abstract: An image capturing device and method, with the image capturing device including a lens, a filter unit, and an image sensor unit. The filter unit has a first filter region which limits incident light, having passed through the lens, to primary color light, a second filter region which passes the incident light in all wavelength ranges, and a third filter region which limits light in an infrared wavelength range. The image sensor unit senses an image using light passing through the filter unit. Thereby, the ability to sense an image can be improved.

Abstract: Provided is an image pickup optical system capable of performing focusing in a wide region without a large increase in tilt angle in the case where an image of an object is picked up from a low angle. The image pickup optical system includes a first optical system and a second optical system, for enlarging an image formed by the first optical system and forming the enlarged image. A principal plane of the first optical system is tilted relative to an image plane of the second optical system.

Abstract: The present invention allows for increasing an autofocus-response characteristic. An image-pickup sensor makes exposures ex 11 and ex12 (FIG. 7C) in synchronization with a video-vertical-synchronization signal VP1 (FIG. 7A). A camera-signal processing unit reads video signals obtained through the exposures ex11 and ex12 at timings VR12 and VR 21, respectively (FIG. 7D). An AF-detection unit captures a high-frequency component of a video signal corresponding to an AF-detection-reduction gate frame (hereinafter simply referred to as a gate frame) at the timing of the gate frame, rectifies and detects the high-frequency component, and generates a focus-evaluation value immediately after the gate-frame timing. An AF module captures a plurality of the focus-evaluation values at the timing of an AF module AF 2 (FIG. 7F), generates an autofocus-control signal LD3 which brings a focus position near to a focusing position (FIG. 7G), and moves a focus lens on the basis of the autofocus-control signal LD3.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprising: A spatial light modulator (30) operable to receive incident light (34) representing an incident light image and to intensity modulate said incident light to form spatially modulated (38) light; and an image capture device (42) operable to receive said spatially modulated light and to detect an intensity value for different portions of said spatially modulated light to form a modulated light image therefrom; wherein said spatial light modulator attenuates different parts of said incident light by different proportions such that intensity values of said incident light image are given by a combination of intensity values of said modulated light image captured by said image capture device and data representing proportions of attenuation applied to corresponding parts of said incident light image by said spatial light modulator.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] suppress deterioration in picture qualities while achieving expansion in a dynamic range. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] An image sensor readout method that reads out, from an area sensor where a plurality of image pickup elements are arranged in matrix, signal charges that are accumulated in the image pickup elements is constituted as follows. First, plural kinds of exposure time different in length from each other are set, and the exposure time is then individually allocated to each line of the area sensor. Next, the signal charges accumulated in the image pickup elements in the allocated exposure time are read out through a line unit of the area sensor. Then, the read out signal charges are synthesized through a screen unit of the area sensor.

Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided, including a first body, which has a display screen, a second body, which is slidably connected to the first body, and a door unit, which opens and closes a battery compartment disposed between the first and second bodies, in which the door unit is concealed and made externally visible according to the position of the second body relative to the first body, and in which the door unit can be opened and closed when it is externally visible.

Abstract: A technique for flexibly converting the number of frames of a displayed image on the basis of a motion in the image or information of an image signal such as a program genre is provided. An image processing apparatus includes an input unit to which an image signal having a predetermined frame rate is input, an information acquirer for acquiring information concerning the input image signal, and a frame rate converter for converting the frame rate of the input image signal and outputting a resultant signal. The frame rate converter conducts the frame rate conversion of the input image signal on the basis of the information (such as the motion in the image or the program genre) of the input image signal acquired by the information acquirer.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes an active-period interlaced-to-progressive (IP) converter configured to convert active periods (video periods) included in interlaced signals into progressive signals; a blanking-period IP converter configured to convert blanking periods included in the interlaced signals into progressive signals; a multiplexer configured to generate and output display data including both the progressive signals associated with the active periods and the progressive signals associated with the blanking periods; and a display unit configured to display the data output from the multiplexer. The blanking-period IP converter is configured to generate the progressive signals associated with the blanking periods by executing IP conversion in which values copied from data included in the interlaced signals or values corresponding to black pixels are set as pixel values of an interpolated field not included in field data of the interlaced signals.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pull-down signal detecting apparatus judges whether an input video signal is a pull-down signal or not based on a first unit moving area number obtained in a small area unit for a first high correlation field having a high inter-field correlation between a current field signal and a one-field delay signal, or a second unit moving area number obtained in a small area unit for a second high correlation field having a high inter-frame correlation between the current field signal and a two-field delay signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a television apparatus including: a thin display device; a mount section to be placed in a site; a support mechanism projecting upwardly from the mount section and supporting the display device in an upper portion spaced from the mount section in a manner to allow the display device to change an attitude thereof; a first speaker mounted on the display device; a second speaker mounted on the mount section; a signal supply section configured to supply a first audio signal to the first speaker and to supply a second audio signal to the second speaker; and a signal processor configured to adjust the time difference between the timing of the first audio signal output from the signal supply section and the timing of the second audio signal output from the signal supply section.

Abstract: A video display device including a display screen (30, 40) having a first aspect ratio displays a video image (32, 47) having a second aspect ratio, together with framing images (34/36, 48/49, 54/56, 68/69), either above and below or at both sides of the video image (32, 47). The pattern and/or color of the framing images (34/36, 48/49, 54/56, 68/69) may be pre-selected to match a color of a cabinet housing the display screen (30, 40), or selected by a user based on whatever the user finds to be least distracting. Alternatively, a selection circuit may select a pattern and/or color for the framing image (34/36, 48/49, 54/56, 68/69) based on color content of the video image (32,47). Moreover, the program material containing the video image (32, 47) may include a code/codes that identifies a pattern and/or color to be used for the framing images (34/36, 48/49, 54/56, 68/69).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a converter and a procedure for converting digital signals received in modulated and multiplexed form. The converter comprises in a single unit, means for downconverting received signals, means for selecting at least one part of the signals by adjustment at at least one determined frequency, and means for demodulating these parts, producing at least one demodulated subsignal, means for demultiplexing these subsignals, extracting portions, means for remultiplexing these extracted portions in at least one remultiplexed flow, and transformation means for modifying these remultiplexed flows in accordance with at least one communication protocol.

Abstract: An image correction circuit capable of easily achieving adaptive color correction on the basis of a luminance correction amount is provided. An image correction circuit includes: a luminance correction means for performing luminance correction on input image data; and a color correction means for performing adaptive color correction on input image data on the basis of the following formula (1): Cout?Cin×[1+M×(? Y/L)] ??(1) where Cout represents a chrominance signal after color correction, Cin represents a chrominance signal before color correction, M represents an adaptive color correction magnitude which is a fixed positive value, ? Y represents the total amount of luminance correction by the luminance correction means, L represents a fixed positive value satisfying L<(Ymax/2), and Ymax represents maximum luminance of input image data.

Abstract: An integrated photonics module includes at least one light source and a MEMS scanner coupled to and held in alignment by an optical frame configured for mounting to a host system. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module may include a plurality of light sources and a beam combiner coupled to the optical frame. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module includes a selective fold mirror configured to direct at least a portion of emitted light toward the MEMS scanner in a normal direction and pass scanned light through to a field of view. The selective fold mirror may use beam polarization to select beam passing and reflection. The integrated photonics module may include a beam rotator such as a quarter-wave plate to convert the polarization of the emitted light to a different polarization adapted for passage through the fold mirror. The integrated photonics module may include one or more light detectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to projection systems where one or more projectors are utilized to project a video, a still image, or combinations thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of calibrating and operating such systems. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating an image display system is provided. According to the method, one or more image sensors acquire respective overlapping portions I1, I2 of a projected image. Screen position coordinates for image fiducials in the first and second portions I1, I2 of the projected image are identified and used to establish first and second sets of distance metrics D1, D2 for the first and second portions of the projected image. A global point set is constructed from the first and second sets of distance metrics D1, D2. Global points within a region where the first and second portions I1, I2 of the projected image overlap are derived from only one of the first and second sets of distance metrics D1, D2.

Abstract: A digital cinema projection apparatus having an illumination source with a first etendue value for providing polarized polychromatic light. A first lens element lies in the path of the polarized polychromatic light for forming a substantially telecentric polarized polychromatic light beam. A color separator separates the telecentric polarized polychromatic light beam into at least two telecentric color light beams. At least two transmissive spatial light modulators modulate the two telecentric color light beams. There is an etendue value associated with each spatial light modulator. The etendue value is within 15% or greater than the first etendue value corresponding to the illumination source. A color combiner combines the modulated color beams along a common optical axis, forming a multicolor modulated beam thereby; and a projection lens directs the multicolor modulated beam toward a display surface.

Abstract: A digital cinema projection apparatus having an illumination source with a first etendue value for providing polarized polychromatic light. A first lens element lies in the path of the polarized polychromatic light for forming a substantially telecentric polarized polychromatic light beam. A color separator separates the telecentric polarized polychromatic light beam into at least two telecentric color light beams. At least two transmissive spatial light modulators modulate the two telecentric color light beams. There is an etendue value associated with each spatial light modulator. The etendue value is within 15% or greater than the first etendue value corresponding to the illumination source. A color combiner combines the modulated color beams along a common optical axis, forming a multicolor modulated beam thereby; and a projection lens directs the multicolor modulated beam toward a display surface.

Abstract: A digital cinema projection apparatus having an illumination source with a first etendue value for providing polarized polychromatic light. A first lens element lies in the path of the polarized polychromatic light for forming a substantially telecentric polarized polychromatic light beam. A color separator separates the telecentric polarized polychromatic light beam into at least two telecentric color light beams. At least two transmissive spatial light modulators modulate the two telecentric color light beams. There is an etendue value associated with each spatial light modulator. The etendue value is within 15% or greater than the first etendue value corresponding to the illumination source. A color combiner combines the modulated color beams along a common optical axis, forming a multicolor modulated beam thereby; and a projection lens directs the multicolor modulated beam toward a display surface.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a first substrate; a second substrate provided so as to face the first substrate; a vertical alignment type liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate; a plurality of pixel areas each including a first electrode provided on the first substrate, a second electrode provided on the second substrate, and the liquid crystal layer provided between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a wall structure regularly arranged on a surface of the first electrode closer to the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal layer, when being provided with at least a prescribed voltage, forms at least one liquid crystal domain exhibiting a radially inclined orientation in an area substantially surrounded by the wall structure.

Abstract: An auxiliary capacitance line and a terminal portion of a liquid crystal display device are made of an Al or Al alloy layer and an Mo layer. The edge portions of a lower auxiliary capacitance electrode and the terminal portion are sequentially coated with a first insulating film, a second insulating film that is thinner than the first insulating film, and a third insulating film. The lower auxiliary capacitance electrode is coated with the second insulating film, and an upper auxiliary capacitance electrode is laid on the surface of the second insulating film on the lower auxiliary capacitance electrode.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device and its fabricating method are discussed. According to an embodiment, the liquid crystal display at least one signal line disposed in a display area and extending to a non-display area located outside the display area, a common line crossing the signal line in the non-display area, at least one static electricity preventing element connected between the common line and the signal line in the non-display area, and at least one static electricity preventing auxiliary electrode projected towards the signal line from the static electricity preventing element in the non-display area.

Abstract: A display device includes a substrate having a display area and a non-display area. A plurality of pixel electrodes are arrayed in a matrix within the display area on the substrate. A plurality of display elements are arranged corresponding in position to the pixel electrodes. A plurality of switching thin-film transistors are connected respectively to the pixel electrodes. A plurality of scanning lines are provided to supply a scanning signal to the switching thin-film transistors. A plurality of data lines are provided to supply a data signal to the switching thin-film transistors. The non-display area of the substrate includes a driver forming area in which a driver for driving at least one of the scanning line and the data line is to be mounted, and a static-electricity protecting circuit is provided in the driver forming area.

Abstract: A fabricating method of an active component array substrate is provided. A substrate is provided and scan lines, data lines, active components, common lines, a first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer are formed. Each of the active components is controlled by the scan line and the data line. The first dielectric layer extends from each active component to above pixel regions and the second dielectric layer covers the substrate. A half tone mask is used to remove a part of the second dielectric layer, such that contact windows are formed and a recess is formed above the common line on a part of each pixel region. A pixel electrode is formed above each of the pixel regions and coupled to the common lines to form a storage capacitor.

Abstract: A thin film transistor array substrate includes a gate line provided on a substrate, a data line crossing the gate line to define a pixel area, a gate insulating film between the gate line and the data line at the crossing of the gate line and data line, a thin film transistor adjacent to the crossing of the gate line and the data line, a protective film covering the thin film transistor, a pixel electrode on the pixel area and electrically connected to a drain electrode of the thin film transistor, a gate pad connected to the gate line, a data pad connected to the data line, a lower data link electrode connected to the data line, an upper data link electrode connected to the data line and overlapping one end of the lower data link electrode, and a link electrode connecting the lower data link electrode via a first contact hole passing through the protective film and the gate insulating film at a first area of the substrate in which the protective film is directly provided on the gate insulating film.

Abstract: An array substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes: a substrate; a gate electrode and a gate line on the substrate; a gate insulating layer on the gate electrode and the gate line; an active layer on the gate insulating layer; an ohmic contact layer on the active layer; source and drain electrodes and a data line on the ohmic contact layer, the source and drain electrodes and the data line having a multiple metal layer; a passivation layer on the source and drain electrodes and the data line; and a pixel electrode on the passivation layer.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) including a planar light source module, a main frame, an LCD panel and a front frame is provided. The planar light source module includes a positioning module and a flat light source disposed in thereof. The main frame is assembled with the planar light source module, the LCD panel is disposed in the main frame, and the front frame is assembled with the main frame for fixing the LCD panel. Since the planar light source module is able to be independently disassembled from the main frame, therefore, the LCD has better maintenance and assembly efficiency. Besides, an assembly method of the LCD is provided as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printed circuit board (“PCB”) for a flat panel display, which is formed with a coupling member made of a conductive material to be grounded with a container of the flat panel display, a flat panel display having the PCB, and a method of coupling the PCB within the flat panel display. The PCB includes a base plate with a circuit pattern printed thereon to mount a plurality of circuit parts driving the flat panel display, and a coupling member formed on the base plate in the form of a protrusion and made of a conductive material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a housing structure for a display module. The structure comprises: a frame having a cavity for receiving a display module therein; and a bezel having a front-surface portion and a plurality of side portions connecting the front-surface portion thereto. When the bezel is assembled with the frame, the bezel enfolds part of the frame, and the front-surface portion of the bezel covers part of the surface of the display module. Besides, at least one of the side portions has at least one fastening hole and at least one protruding portion formed on a far end side of the fastening hole away from the front-surface portion. Therefore, when the housing structure is fixed to an electronic device, the front-surface portion of the housing structure of the present invention will not press upon the surface of the display module.

Abstract: A separation type chassis for a flat panel display includes at least two chassis members, and a plurality of fastening members for coupling the chassis members, and coupling holes having a predetermined shape are formed at both ends of each of the chassis members. Each of the fastening members is coupled with the coupling holes.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display panel, and a backlight unit to supply light to the display panel. The backlight unit includes a light source, a light deflecting unit to deflectively scan light irradiated from the light source, and a light reflecting unit to reflect the light scanned by the light deflecting unit toward the display panel. According to the display apparatus, the number of parts in the backlight unit is reduced, thereby allowing a structure of the backlight unit to be simplified and allowing a thickness of the display apparatus to be reduced.

Abstract: A new concept of the normally open LCD light switching element is proposed, which allows for the superior attenuation by using a single simple negative bireffingent c-plate compensation layer. The concept is based on the simultaneous use of highly angularly symmetric S LC-configuration (preferably 180° twist) and maximal use of the single (preferably ordinary ray) light propagation mode. The solution is best suitable for various light switching applications like LCD automatic protective welding light filters, as well as for multi-segment large display panels, where it provides for excellent uniformity of the light-attenuation in the “dark” state.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a liquid crystal alignment layer between the substrate and the liquid crystal layer, a barrier layer between the liquid crystal alignment layer and the liquid crystal layer, and a gasket formed around the perimeter of the liquid crystal layer and abutting the barrier layer. The gasket has a width less than or equal to 400 micrometers. A second substrate also includes a liquid crystal alignment layer and a barrier layer formed over the liquid crystal alignment layer. The gasket also abuts the barrier layer of the second substrate. In a particular embodiment, the substrate is a reflective display backplane, and the second substrate is a transparent substrate having a transparent electrode layer. The gasket of the present invention is much narrower than gaskets of the prior art, which enables LCD devices to be made smaller and cheaper because more LCD devices can be produced per wafer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transflective liquid crystal display capable of display in both of transmissive and reflective modes and a method of manufacturing the same and provides a transflective liquid crystal display which can achieve high display characteristics in both of the transmissive and reflective modes.

Abstract: A display apparatus has a plurality of pixel portions. Each of the pixel portions includes a thin-film transistor (TFT), an insulating layer formed on the TFT, a reflective electrode formed on the insulating layer, and a pixel electrode formed on the reflective electrode. The thickness of the insulating layer in a first portion on which only the pixel electrode is formed is different from that of the insulating layer in a second portion on which the reflective electrode is formed. For example, the thickness of the insulating layer in the first portion on which the pixel electrode is formed may be thinner than that of the insulating layer in the second portion that the reflective electrode is formed on.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film has Re(590) and Rth(590) satisfying formulae (I) and (II); and a beam transmittance of 88% or more at a wavelength of 590 nm, wherein the number of foreign matters that have a long axis of 50 to 200 ?m is 20 pieces/m2 or less: 0?Re(590)?10: ??Formula (I) ?25?Rth(590)?25: ??Formula (II) wherein Re(590) represents an in-plane retardation value (unit: nm) at a wavelength of 590 nm at 25° C. under 60% RH and Rth(590) represents a retardation value (unit: nm) in a thickness direction at a wavelength of 590 nm at 25° C. under 60% RH.

Abstract: To provide a liquid crystal panel suitable for a liquid crystal display apparatus and capable of providing colorless neutral displays in all directions, and a liquid crystal display apparatus using the liquid crystal panel, the liquid crystal panel of the present invention includes: a liquid crystal cell; a first polarizer arranged on one side of the liquid crystal cell; a first birefringent layer arranged between the liquid crystal cell and the first polarizer; a second polarizer arranged on another side of the liquid crystal cell; and a second birefringent layer arranged between the liquid crystal cell and the second polarizer; in which: the first birefringent layer has a relationship of 1<Nz?2 where an Nz coefficient is defined by Nz=(nx-nz)/(nx-ny); and the second birefringent layer has a refractive index profile of nx=ny>nz.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compensator film having multilayer structure including both negative optical retardation in thickness direction and optical retardation in in-plane direction at the same time to improve wide view angle, in which a polymer base layer provides optical retardation in in-plane direction, organic or organic/inorganic hybrid protective layer formed on the base layer contributes to the improvement of mechanical properties such as curl prevention and polymer orientation of coating layer, and the out-most layer, a polymer coating layer, endows optical retardation in thickness direction. The multilayer, in which each layer is individually functioning, enables the preparation of a compensator film having proper optical retardation.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device including a pair of substrates in a spaced relationship with one another. A pair of alignment films are provided, one alignment film being formed on each substrate such that the alignment films face one another. A liquid crystal layer; including plural liquid crystals, is inserted between the pair of alignment films, wherein the alignment films impart a given pre-tilt angle to the liquid crystals. The alignment films are composed of a material containing at least two types of polymers having a prescribed initial alignment and different alignment variation rates in response to ultraviolet ray irradiation. The pre-tilt angle being adjusted, without rubbing the alignment films, through ultraviolet exposure of the alignment films.